The Nation April 27, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2106 FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Suicide bombers kill eight in attacks on media houses

•SCENE OF HORROR: The ThisDay press hall which the SUV rammed into...yesterday

SEE ALSO PAGES 5,6, 8,9, 10, 60,63 & 64

ThisDay, The Sun offices in Abuja, Kaduna hit by bombers Jonathan, U.S., NPAN, NGE, NLC, others condemn bombings We did it, says Boko Haram

•One of the victims, a 12-year-old boy at the National Hospital…yesterday PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

CHARLES TAYLOR GUILTY OF WAR CRIMES, SAYS ICC •P54

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NEWS SUICIDE ATTACKS ON MEDIA HOUSES

Suicide bombers kill eight in attacks on media houses

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HE media yesterday got a taste of the violence in some parts of Nigeria. Eight people died and 14 others were injured in a suicide bomb explosion at THISDAY office in Abuja and Kaduna where a building housing the newspaper as well as The Sun and Moments was attacked.

In the accident, three people died and two were injured. A suspect was arrested.

The bomber was among the casualties of the Kaduna incident.

The bombing also destroyed 10 vehicles and left the Press Hall badly damaged.

The once beautiful edifice became a shadow of itself shattered windows, broken walls and shredded copies of part of today’s edition.

The imposing gate leading to the devastated Press Hall that houses the company’s Goss Community printing machine was destroyed.

The staff gate was severely damaged and partly burnt.

The generator beside the gate was burnt. A part of the fence by the gate collapsed, felling a tree.

The wreckage of the suicide bomb vehicle was buried inside the devastated Press Hall. Policemen and aid workers were battling to retrieve it.

The newsroom was in tatters – upturned tables,

ThisDay: we won’t be deterred

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How our office was bombed, by The Sun

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HISDAY issued a statement last night on the attacks. The statement, signed by Managing Director Eniola Bello, entitled: “Simultaneous attack on ThisDay Abuja, Kaduna offices…an attck on journalism and free speech”, reads: “At about 11:05 am today, a suicide bomber drove an SUV into the premises of our Abuja office, rammed his vehicle into the building housing our printing presses, igniting a massive explosion and fuelling speculations it was a suicide bomber. About the same time, our Abuja office was under siege, the building housing our office, along with two other newspapers’ in Kaduna, came under another bomb attack.

“In Abuja, we can confirm the death of our security man, by name Christopher Sadiq.

Three passers-by and the suicide bomber also died.

Eight of our staff, who

sustained injuries, are receiving treatment at the National Hospital. The roof of the building was blown off, the power generator burnt, the printing plant damaged.

“We regard the coordinated bombings as an attack on journalism and free speech.

However, we want to assure our readers and advertisers that we remain committed to the fundamental principles on which the newspaper is founded: democracy, free enterprise and social justice.

We will not be deterred in our pursuit of truth and reason.

No amount of threat or intimidation will weaken our resolve.

“While thanking all the government agencies, particularly Fire Service, VIO and FRSC, that rallied to put the situation under control and restore normalcy, we urge the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the obviously co-ordinated attacks and fish out the masterminds.”

HE Sun, in a statement last night by its Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Tony Onyima, said: “At about 11.30 am today, Thursday, April 26, 2012, an explosion occurred at the premises of our North West Zonal headquarters in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

“The property located along Kontagora Road equally houses the state offices of two other media organisations, namely THISDAY newspaper and The Moment newspaper.

“The explosion occurred when a suspected suicide bomber, driving a gold colour Honda Academy, with registration number AL 306 MKA rammed into the building.

“However, the bomb-laden vehicle failed to explode on impact with the building. But when the driver of the car jumped out and began to shout that there were bombs inside the vehicle and that they would explode any moment, angry residents and onlookers seized him and forced him to begin to dispose of the bombs. In the process, one of them exploded, killing three people and injuring several others.

“The angry youths then turned on the driver, and would have lynched him, but for the timely intervention of the policemen who had by then been invited to the scene by our North West Bureau Chief.

“Although there were casualties, no staff of The Sun died or suffered any physical injury.

“The police and other security agencies have since moved in to investigate the matter. The security operatives have also taken custody of the driver and suspected suicide bomber.

“Despite this seeming set back, The Sun Publishing Limited, remains undeterred and refuses to be intimidated in its quest for a better and safer Nigeria. We will continue to report without fear or favour and with utmost sense of responsibility and patriotism.”

From Yusuf Alli, Sanni Onogu and Gbenga Adanikin, Abuja

the bomb laden vehicle and broken glasses.

A crater, which must have resulted from the impact of the blast, was seen about two meters from where the SUV was lodged. Parts of the wall of the building from where the car entered the premises caved in.

The huge loss drew tears

from many workers and sympathisers. For about six hours, business was brought to a halt at Jabi Motor Park , the bustling transit station opposite the THISDAY office.

Islamist sect Boko Haram last night claimed respionsibility for the bombings. It threatened to target other journalists.

smashed seats and crushed computers.

All the glasses in the building, including doors, were shattered. Parts of the roof were blown off with no ceiling left hanging.

The premises was strewn with pieces of shrapnel from

In a statement published by the Premium Times website, a spokesman for Boko Haram said the sect would attack media again over what the group felt was inaccurate coverage.

The sect is blamed for killing more than 440 people this year alone in its growing sectarian fight against the gov-

ernment.

“This is a war between us and the government of Nigeria,” the website quoted a sect spokesman as saying. “Unfortunately the media have not been objective and fair in their report of the ongoing war. They chose to take sides.”

A journalist with longstanding ties to the sect told the AP that the statement came from the group. The journalist spoke on condition of anonymity over concerns about his safety.

The sect’s spokesman particularly blamed ThisDay for publishing stories the group found inaccurate.

A probe of the incident has started, with two foreign bomb experts visiting the scene in an unmarked Ford Expedition Sport Utility Vehicle.

Some samples of the wreckage were retrieved for forensic analysis.

A source spoke of how the Continued on page 60

OUR ERROR Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey advert published in The Nation newspaper of Thursday 26th April, 2012, page 53, with Advertisement No. 12 of 2011 was published in Error. It was to read Advertisement No. 5 of 2012.

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

NEWS SNG: police siege on Fawehinmi Park panicky

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• BIR THD AY BO Y: Prof Jide Osuntokun (middle) with members of his family (from left): Little Finn Olusoji Lyons, Owen BIRTHD THDA BOY Lyons, Tosin, Seyi, Fola, Yewande Wayo, Bisi, James Williams and other guests at Prof Osuntokun’s 70th birthday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Senate probes failure of poverty reduction programmes T HE Senate yesterday mandated its committee on National Planning and Economic Development to investigate the effectiveness of poverty reduction interventions in the country.

This followed a motion by Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) and 36 others, entitled: Economic Growth and Worsening Inequality in Nigeria: A Call for New Approaches to Poverty Reduction.

Adetunmbi noted that the 2011 Human Development report, released by United Nations Development Programme in November, last year, has become globally accepted as a broader definition of well-being and provided a composite measure of three basic dimension

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

of human development namely health, education and income.

The lawmaker decried the country’s 0.459 HDI, which puts Nigeria at 156 of 187 countries.

He said the average HDI of sub-Sahara Africa region increased from 0.365 in 1980 to 0.463 currently, placing Nigeria below the African regional average.

Nigeria, he said, was displaced by 14 other countries from its 142nd position in 2010.

According to him, the

country’s HDI is the lowest among oil producing countries and occupies the unenviable status of low human development category.

He said Angola is slightly ahead of Nigeria in Gross Domestic Product (GDP)/ capita, adult literacy, primary school enrolment and health adjusted life expectancy.

He listed Haiti (0.454); Zimbabwe (0.376); Sudan (0.408); Eritrea (0.349); Sierra Leone (0.336) and Liberia (0.329) as some other countries in the low category.

Nigeria’s impressive annual real GDP growth rate, he noted, averaged 9.2 per

cent between 2009 and 2010.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker said over the same period, absolute poverty incidence remained high, rising from 42.7 per cent in 1992 to 65.6 per cent in 1996.

He added: “Although it declined and averaged 54.7 per cent in 2004, it recently shot up to 60.9 per cent in 2010 according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).”

The lawmaker noted that “this is indicative of a jobless growth” that has not impacted the socio-economic conditions of majority of Nigerians.

Subsidy probe not thorough, says NUPENG

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HE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has said the probe of the petrol subsidy was not thoroughly done.

NUPENG General Secretary, Comrade Elijah Okougbo, accused the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe of doing a shoddy job.

He said the committee did not involve important stakeholders in the oil industry and those in government.

According to him, the committee should have worked with chartered accountants, chartered auditors and should have visited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), major banks and the refineries for their findings.

Okougbo said: “They did not do a thorough investigation. Otherwise, they would have involved the forces in the industry and government in their investigation.

They are not chartered ac-

‘Let’s fight corruption’

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KURE lawyer, Mr Morakinyo Ogele, yesterday said the petrol subsidy probe has made it expedient for Nigerians to fight corruption, which the probe has exposed.

In a statement, Ogele said: “The fallout of the investigation by the House of Representatives on subsidy has affected some people, who are now threatening court actions against members of the House. We are joining Mr Femi Falana to offer free legal services to all the members, as declared by Falana. It is now a total declaration of war against any form of corruption.

“The nation has become an ocean of corruption in which politicians are swimming. The probe is a warning that our political class should stop looting the treasury.

“Equally, we are going to organise another

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

countants; they are not chartered auditors; they did not look thoroughly into the books. They did not visit the CBN. They did not visit other banks. They did not visit refineries in Nigeria and refin-

“Occupied Nigeria” to express our dissatisfaction against corrupt officials. The National Assembly should carry on with what it is doing by exposing all corrupt public officers.

“We are calling on all Nigerians to rise up against the looting of the treasury. Nigerians will never move forward unless there is a war against looting. Nigeria is rich, to the level that can make education free from primary school to university level. Nigeria can equally afford to offer free health services to its citizen.

“We urge the National Assembly to make corruption a capital offence. So, anybody caught in the act should be treated as an armed robber.

The same offence that armed robbers are committing is similar to those who are looting the treasury of this country. They shall not be spared.”

eries from which people imported petroleum products before they arrived at their findings of N1.7trillion subsidy fraud.”

The NUPENG chief said some of the oil allocations for import were imported.

He said the Petroleum

Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) allocated fuel to “briefcase businessmen”, who had no facilities for oil importation but sold their allocation papers to marketers, who imported the allocations.

UI students’ protest ploy to shift exams, says VC

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said the students’ two-day protest over irregular power supply was an attempt to postpone their examinations which will begin in three weeks.

The Vice-chancellor told reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, that the students’ antics were not about poor power supply – which he said is a national problem – but to compel the school authorities to reschedule the examinations after the Senate’s approval.

He said the institution spends N20 million monthly on electricity, adding that over N912 million has gone into upgrading power facilities on the campus.

According to him, two MVA power generators have been

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

bought for N250 million and will be installed soon to generate 24-hour electricity to the university.

Prof Adewole added that the Senate has approved a compulsory two-week break for the university to fast-track the installation of both generating plants.

He said: “Although power generation and power distribution have been major problems, the school authority is spending nothing less than N40 million monthly on power generation.

Contrary to speculations by some students, who protested against the development, it is not true that the university authorities have not been responsive to the problem.”

HE Save Nigeria Group (SNG) yesterday described the drafting of armed police to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, as panicky.

However, it was learnt that the police vacated the park yesterday.

Armed policemen took over the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park four days ago to forestall a protest allegedly being planned by the SNG and other civil society groups against the N1.070 trillion fuel subsidy fraud.

But SNG spokesman Yinka Odumakin queried the rationale behind the police action when the group had not announced a date for the protest.

SNG Convener Pastor Tunde Bakare had said a mass protest is inevitable, if the Federal Government fails to prosecute all those indicted in the subsidy fraud.

This is aside from making them to refund the money “fraudulently stolen” from the subsidy fund within a specified time.

Bakare said another “Oc-

By Adebisi Onanuga

cupy Nigeria”, to be led by the civil society groups, would be held across the country if the government fails to prosecute the culprits.

Residents and other business concerns near the Total filling station and the adjacent Ekiti and Ilesha park yesterday morning discovered that the police had vacated the park after a three-day siege.

When The Nation visited the park yesterday, the armoured personnel carrier stationed on the service lane on Moshood Abiola Road (formerly Ikorodu Road) and the two patrol vans, which were on the other side of the park, adjacent the Olusosun dump site, had also been removed.

Those at the Ekiti/Ilesha bus terminal told The Nation that the police must have departed the park in the night.

Odumakin said the SNG position was that it would mobilise Nigerians for a protest, if the government refuses to punish those indicted in the Farouk Lawan-led ad-hoc committee’s report.

Lagos Speaker faults EFCC on alleged money laundering charges

By Eric Ikhilae

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AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has faulted the objection raised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against his motion seeking to quash the charges against him before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Ikuforiji averred that the commission’s objection was misplaced as the argument it adduced to in support of the objection was not only misconceived but also not supported by law.

The Speaker and his Personal Assistant, Oyebode Alade Atoyebi, are on trial before Justice Okechuwku Okeke on a 20count charge of money laundering.

The filed two separate motions to quash the charges.

But the EFCC filed a notice of preliminary objection, that under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), such an objection to the charges ought to have been raised immediately the charges were read to the accused.

In his reply on point of law, the Speaker contended that Section 167 of the CPA, which the EFCC relied upon, only deals with formal defects on the face of the charge.

He argued that the motion to quash the charge was majorly based on a challenge to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to adjudicate on the case against the accused persons under Section 1 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011.

Ikuforiji averred that the EFCC was only able to answer the issues raised by the accused in their motion to quash the charge.

He urged the court to grant the prayers contained therein.

In their motion brought pursuant to Sections 2, 3, 4, 92, 251 and 252 of the Constitution, Ikuforiji and Atoyebi urged the court to either quash the charges or strike them out for lack of concrete evidence.

They argued that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie evidence against them, which robbed the court of the jurisdiction to try them.

3,000 PHCN workers protest alleged employment irregularity •Officials keep mum From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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BOUT 3,000 casual workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have accused the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company of allegedly manipulating their employment formalities.

The distribution company covers four states - Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Kwara – and has 19 districts.

Fifty representatives of the workers were at The Nation office in Oyo town to protest the “anomaly”.

They alleged that contrary to a Federal Government directive, none of the names that had been certified and released by the management appeared on the payroll, “either as casual or regular workers”.

It was learnt that the Federal Government had agreed to regularise the employment of the casual workers hired before December 3, 2009, subject to a biometric verification. This is in addition to the implementation of a 50 per cent salary increase for them, effective June 1, this year.

The lists of those to have their employment regularised were reportedly sent to PHCN subsidiaries in February with a directive for immediate regularisation and payment of the severance package for qualified employees.

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NEWS SUICIDE ATATCKS ON MEDIA HOUSES

Mark, governors, m suicide attacks on Th S

• Sympathisers in front of This Day’s office in Abuja...yesterday

• A victim of the Abuja attacks on the hospital bed...yesterday

ENATE President David Mark, governors and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday condemned the suicide bomb attacks on This Day’s and The Sun’s offices in Abuja and Kaduna.

Mark, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media)Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, described the attacks as unfortunate.

Mark charged the perpetrators of the evil act to fear God. He urged the media not to be deterred by the blast saying, “we are touched by the news of the bomb attack on your outfits by faceless individuals.”

Mark said: “It is unjust, savage, dastard and evil. As a people, we must all join hands to contain these ugly acts in our midst. We must rise to the challenge of these devious attacks. This is basically an assault on the freedom of the press which every journalist in our nation laboured to achieve.”

The Chairman Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu expressed shock and sadness at the multiple bomb attacks.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press secretary, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, urged perpetrators of the dastardly act to respect the sanctity of human life while expressing their grievances.

He said: “No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence. In a country like Nigeria where the contributions of all able-bodied men are required to achieve rapid growth and development in all facets of life, attack on media houses is a big blow.”

The governor advised the affected media organisations not to be deterred but should endeavor to keep the flag flying.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi condemned the bomb attacks.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said bomb attacks were getting to an absurd crescendo.

Ajimobi said the fact that the bombers, whose periodic attacks were against innocent people and churches, decided to carry the attack to newspaper houses, showed that they were incensed at the popular anger against their nefarious activities, which are daily reported by the media.

The governor said that it was extreme cowardice for the bombers to resort to killing people and destroying properties, saying that valiant people confront issues rather than making issues out of matters that can be settled through dialogue.

Ajimobi commiserated with the managements of the This Day and other affected newspapers.

He expressed the optimism that very soon, Nigeria would be rid of its “enemies within” who believe that taking up arms against their fellow man was a way to ventilate their grouse against the system.

Governors of the six Southsouth states also condemned the attacks.

In a joint statement issued in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the governors described the attacks as barbaric and cowardly.

Tinubu, Aregbesola flay

F •Group Managing Director, Sterling Bank Mr. Yemi Adeola and Chairman Marketing and Media Dr T.O.E PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN Ekechi during the bank's customer Forum in Lagos.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

ORMER Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday condemned the attacks on media houses by suicide bombers.

Tinubu, in a statement by his media office, said: “The attacks on the Abuja office of This Day and the Kaduna offices of This Day, Daily Sun and The Moment adds a different and dangerous dimension to the level of insecurity in our country.

We have never had it so bad in this country.

“The fact that Boko Haram continues to attack buildings and kill innocent Nigerians un-apprehended is a symptom of the failure of intelligence and security breakdown.

“Even then, any government worth its salt ought to be extremely

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

worried about this new but dangerous trend of attacking media houses.

It must therefore be jolted to take actions to stem the tide.

However the former governor of Lagos said it was not time to trade blame, but time to put heads together to face and defeat a common insecurity monster, adding that the opposition was ready to work with President Jonathan.

“We call on all leaders of thought and all religious and political leaders to rally and let us together find a way to resolve this problem.

Whether it is religious or political Boko Haram, we must root it out by ensuring justice and fairness.

“We in the opposition are ready

• Some victims on the hospital beds...yesterday

•The remains of the vehicle which ran into This Day, The Sun and Moment in Kaduna....yesterday

•A victim at the National Hospital, Abuja... yesterday

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NEWS SUICIDE ATTACKS ON MEDIA HOUSES

s, minister condemn on This Day, The Sun Car suicide bombings in Nigeria

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UNE 16, 2011: A car loaded with explosives detonates at the federal police headquarters in Abuja, killing at least two people. Police first call the attack a suicide bombing, but later deny it.

•Aug. 26, 2011: A Boko Haram sect member detonates a car loaded with explosives at the United Nations headquarters in Abuja, killing 25 people and wounding more than 100 others.

•Nov. 4, 2011: Boko Haram sect members bomb government buildings and shoot their way through the city of Damaturu , killing more than 100 people, while bombs and a suicide attack in Maiduguri leave 4 dead.

•Dec. 25, 2011: Boko Haram claims responsibility for a car bomb attack on a Catholic church in Madalla near Abuja and assaults elsewhere in the country that kill at least 44 people.

•Jan. 20, 2012: Boko Haram claims responsibility for a series of coordinated car bombings and gun battles around the city of Kano that kill at least 185 people.

•Feb. 19, 2012: A car bomb detonates outside a church compound in Suleja, near Abuja , wounding five people.

•Feb. 26, 2012: A radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram claims responsibility for a car bombing in Jos outside of a church that kills at least three people.

•March 11, 2012: A car bomb detonates outside of a Catholic church in Jos , Nigeria , killing at least 10 people. No one claims responsibility for the attack.

•April 8: A car bomb detonates in the city of Kaduna, killing at least 38 people on a busy roadway on Easter after witnesses say it was turned away from a church.

While wondering the motive of the attacks, which coincided with their regional summit where the This Day’s Publisher, Mr Nduka Obaigbena is playing a pivotal role, the governors urged the security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks are apprehended and made to answer for their heinous crime.

The governors said: “We totally condemn the bomb attacks on the premises of the This Day in Abuja and Kaduna State. It’s barbaric, cowardly and condemnable.

“We call on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this hei-

nous crime and bring the full weight of the law to bear on them.”

The statement was signed by Governors Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; Liyel Imoke of Cross River State; Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohammed condemned the suicide bomb blast.

Mohammed, who visited the Abuja scene, commiserated with Leaders and Company Limited, owners of This Day.

•Securitymen battling to control the crowd at the scene of the Kaduna explosions...yesterday

•The scene of the Kaduna explosions, with the bomber’s car still on fire...yesterday

attacks on media houses and willing to cooperate with the president to solve this problem.

But the president must consult wide and show good faith in a reasoned and collective solution. That is the way we can solve the problem together.”

Aregbesola, in a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said attacks on media houses represent another tragic dimension to the onslaught on the peace and tranquility of the country.

Aregbesola said: “This is worrisome for us. It is confounding. The spate of attacks by explosions on the Abuja office of ThisDay Newspaper and the Kaduna offices of the same paper and The Sun showed a calcu-

lated onslaught on media houses.

“We must admit how doomed we are when institutions such as media houses that inform, educate and set agenda for our democracy become targets of such evil attacks.

“The media fought for democracy and they have remained as major stakeholders in the battle to sustain democracy. This is unacceptable to us and we call on the Federal Government to act fast to ensure a total end to the activities of these rampaging terrorists.

“My sympathy goes to the two media houses over these series of attacks. But while we sympathise, the development calls for serious scrutiny of our security system in this country and the dire need for vigilance.”

•People wailing at the scene of the explosions in Abuja...yesterday

•One of the causalities being evacuated... yesterday

•A civil defence officer standing close to the remains of This Day’s electricity generating set...yesterday PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE and TONY AKOWE

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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NEWS SUICIDE ATTACKS ON MEDIA HOUSES

Atiku condoles with media •Lagos police order security for media houses From Gbade Ogunwale and Jude Isiguzo

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ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his condolences to the management and staff of Leaders and Company Limited, publishers of This Day newspapers over bomb explosions, which rocked its Abuja and Kaduna offices and led to loss of lives.

In a statement by his media office yesterday, the former VicePresident warned that the attacks on media houses are a dangerous dimension to the insurgency in the country.

Atiku said: “This is not the best of times for us as nation. The palpable fears from these random attacks require that the government should be more creative in solving this security challenge. It is also important that those behind these dastardly attacks show restraints, and explore other peaceful means of expressing their grievances “A situation whereby newspaper houses become the target of deadly bomb attacks is not healthy for the social conscience of the society.

“It is hoped and I am confident that the Nigerian media will not be deterred by this development, but rather continue to be a bastion of courage in the collective drive towards a safer Nigeria.”

Lagos Police Commissioner Umaru Manko has ordered security beefed up around media houses in the state.

He gave this directive yesterday following the bombing of Thisday offices in Abuja and Kaduna.

He ordered police formations situated around areas where media houses are located to increase security patrols.

Manko said: “I have directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Lagos State to beef up maximum security around all the media Houses within their jurisdiction to forestall any attempt or planned attack by unknown persons.”

•The press hall of This Day in Abuja affected by the explosions...yesterday

Attacks assault on freedom of speech, democracy, say publishers, editors T

HE Newspapers’ Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) yesterday described the attacks on media houses in Abuja and Kaduna State as assault on freedom of speech and democracy.

NPAN, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Ms. Comfort Obi, said: "The Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN), received with great shock, the sad news of serial bomb attacks on the premises, in Abuja and Kaduna, of Leaders and Company, Published to This Day Newspapers, as well as those of The Sun and Moment newspapers, also Kaduna.

"The attacks are coming against the background of earlier warning by the Boko Haram sect, of its intent to launch an onslaught on the Nigerian media.

"These incidents constitute a major and unwarranted attack on free Press in the country, and we condemn it in very strong terms. The attacks are insensitive, barbaric and very retrogressive.

"The NPAN finds it difficult to understand why the sect would make the media a target, when the media is only performing its social and constitutional duty of reporting events as they unfold. It is this

NLC, IPC, MRA condemn bombings

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar yesterday described yesterday’s bombing of three media houses in Abuja and Kaduna as callous, wicked and condemnable.

Omar spoke in Abeokuta at the opening ceremony of the 10th National Delegates Conference (NDC) of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees, (NUFBTE).

Omar said: “ It is really lamentable that the issue of insecurity continues to to lingers in this country. As we are seated here, somebody called me to tell me that there was a bomb blast in Abuja and shortly thereafter, another call also came that were also bomb blast in Kaduna. Where are we going? Well, we are making statement especially during the May Day that we as a nation have to rise up to the challenge. Much as nobody will condone such acts, but we must also put the government on alert to rise to its expectation.

“What do we expect of a nation with over 25 percent unemployment with majority of the youths on the streets without any meaningful employment. Nevertheless, the less, unemployment is no an excuse to bombing, killing and maiming fellow Nigerians. We condemn it and we expect the government and its security agencies to protect lives of Nigerians.

This is one fundamental reason of the existence of government.

The government must ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to book without delay.”

The International Press Centre and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) also condemned the bombings.

In a statement issued by the Director of International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, the organisation said the con-

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call to duty that explains why members of the sect al-ways have a space in the media when its spokesperson(s) call-in to grant interviews, or issue press statements. Their views are usually well reported.

"However, if the current attack is to intimidate the Press,

we hasten to say that we shall neither be cowed, nor intimidated as we shall continued to discharge our professional responsibilities without fear or favour.

"We hasten to task the government, again, on the need to guarantee the security of lives

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

tinuous and seemingly unchecked bombings constitute grave danger for Nigeria and Nigerians, with the media now added as target.

MRA’s Executive Director Edetaen Ojo condemned what he called “a cowardly and dastardly” attack on media freedom and a shocking disregard for human life.

He said: “We are extremely concerned by the apparent helplessness of the Federal Government as well as the law enforcement and security agencies in the face of this relentless onslaught on the Nigerian people which has caused hundreds of innocent citizens their lives in the last several months.”

Journalists for Christ (JFC) condemned the spate of violence, especially bombings, inthe country.

JFC, in a statement by its National Secretary, Gbenga Osinaike, decried the targeting of media organisations by terrorists.

JFC said: “It is very unfortunate that the terrorists have resorted to attacking media organisations resulting in the killing of persons and destruction of property.

“We sympatise with the affected media organisations and urge the federal government not to allow the security situation in the country to continue to degenerate to a situation where nowhere will be safe.”

Whatever the grievance of the terrorists groups, JFC said there was no justification for the unending attacks on worship centres and public institutions which has claimed hundreds of lives and left many injured.

According to him nothing can thrive in a state of anarchy or confusion.” and property. It does seem that now there is safe.

"We condemn the unwarranted and underserved destruction of lives and properties occasioned by the attacks, and commiserate with those who sustained injuries or lost

their relations in the senseless attack.

"We also commiserate with the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over these attacks, and enjoin them not to be intimidated. They should remain resolute in the

defence of the ethos of their profession."

The NGE, in a statement by its president, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, said: “We have received with horrors, the report of violent attacks on ThisDay newspaper offices in Abuja and Kaduna with loss of lives.

“The attacks are unfortunate and reprehensible because they are capable of driving fears down those spines of the media and close space for dialogue.

“When you attack the media the way ThisDay attacks were done, freedom of speech, expression and thought come under assault and democracy is threatened. We hope that the perpetrators of the unfortunate acts of violence against the media realize this and know also that their case will ultimately be resolved through debate in the public space as promoted by the mass media.

“We commiserate with the ThisDay newspapers and the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks. We call on the media to be vigilant and not to be intimidated. The media should continue to promote dialogue, not violence and self help, as the basis for resolution of conflicts. Nigeria does not deserve to be turned into the Latin America of the fascists era where disdainful attempts were made to cow the press. Our press is our strength and no one should destroy it through violence.

Tambuwal, Fashola commiserate with Thisday, The Sun over blasts

S

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday commiserated with the managements of Thisday and The Sun over the bombing of their offices in Abuja and Kaduna.

Tambuwal, while expressing solidarity to the newspapers, said he received the news of the blasts with shock.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, the Speaker described the attacks as “worrisome and unfortunate.”

Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

“As the consciousness of the society and its watchdog, any attack on the media signals a dangerous trend whose consequence would be devastating to the polity,” he said.

While urging security agencies to ensure that all those responsible for the attacks are brought to book, the Speaker urged the media outfits affected by the blasts not to waiver in their responsibilities of informing the public and holding leaders to account.

Tambuwal also urged journalists in the country to continue to be cou-

rageous in their duties.

He added that the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, would continue to partner with other arms of government and security agencies to ensure that all Nigerians are secured from all forms of attacks.

Fashola, who condemned both attacks in outright terms, also condoled with the Management of the THIS DAY and THE SUN over the bomb attacks, which reportedly claimed several lives while scores sustained varying degrees of injury in both locations.

He described the attack on the two

leading national dailies as uncalledfor and unwarranted, saying the use of violence against unprotected civilians outrightly “contradicts the spirit and letters of the UN Declaration of Human Right and AU Charter on Human and People’s Rights”.

The Governor added that the twin bomb blasts were an attempt to cow the media, whose roles, according to him, are critical to upholding democratic principles and the core task of nation-building both in Nigeria and other countries across the world.

According to Governor Fashola, “The development remind us as a

country of the urgent need to work out strategies to address the growing cases of bomb attacks and security challenges, not just in the northern parts of our country, but also in other parts as the cases might be.

“The root causes of the continued attacks on human lives, which have led to killings, maiming and wanton destruction of private properties and public installations, need to be objectively investigated and dispassionately addressed in order to create an environment enabling enough to attract investments”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

11

NEWS Ebonyi to partner Spanish firm

Community-students clash: Oko Poly to withdraw court cases

T

HE management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has agreed to withdraw all the charges in court against members of the host community, who were arrested by the police in connection with the recent clash between students and a masquerade group.

The school’s decision is aimed at restoring lasting peace between the community and the school.

Yesterday, in a letter to the President-General of Oko People’s Union (OPU), Cyprian Nwamuo, the school’s Legal

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Adviser, Stanly Okafor, said the management has decided to comply with the community’s request and withdraw all charges in the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ajalli.

The letter, copied to the traditional ruler of the community, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, reads: “In the same vein, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Polytechnic, who represents the institution in court, has been directed in writing to withdraw all the charges preferred against those arrest-

ed on the March 26 on the next adjournment date in the interest of peace.

“The management believes that an out of court settlement, as demanded by the host community, will ensure peaceful resolution of the dispute between the students and the host community, and possibly pave the way for the reopening of the institution.”

The Youth Forum of the Old Aguata Union yesterday called on both sides to give peace a chance.

The forum, led by its President-General, Sylvester Eze,

visited the polytechnic and called for its reopening.

Eze said the masquerade group defied the instruction of the monarch not to parade masquerades at that given time.

He also said at no time did the Rector, Prof. Godwin Onu, seek the relocation of the Polytechnic as is being alleged by some members of the community.

Eze said: “Any informed mind ought to know that the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, was established by an Act and can only be relocated by the amendment of such Act.”

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

•Elechi

T

HE Ebonyi State Government is set to partner a Spanish investment organisation, “the Vera Group”, on agriculture, health care delivery and infrastructural development.

Receiving a delegation from the company, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ladislao Vadja,

in Abakaliki, the state capital, Governor Martin Elechi said the state has an advantage over states in the area of solid minerals and agriculture.

He urged the company to invest in the development of the permanent site of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU).

Vadja said they were in the state to conclude a partnership agreement with the government and open new frontiers of development.

He said the company’s experience in road construction, marine and education would speed up the statement’s development.

Firm threatens to revoke Ladipo market allocations

A

•Obi presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Alice Obi...yesterday.

850 pensioners get N1b in Anambra

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday distributed cheques worth over N1 billion to 850 pensioners from the 21 local government Areas.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at the Women Development Centre in

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Awka, the state capital, Obi said the prompt payment of salary and pension is a top priority of his administration.

He said the government would continue to come up with sustainable welfare ini-

tiatives for the people.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Dubem Obaze said the Obi administration has paid pension and gratuity arrears since 1999 and ensured prompt payment of monthly pension.

He said the government is

working towards ensuring that retired workers get their pension 30 days after retirement, and gratuity 60 days after retirement.

Chairman, Local Government Pensions Board, Godfrey Moutolu said the board has been adjudged the best in the country.

Ebonyi council workers protest non-payment of salary

O

VER 50 workers of Ubeyi Development Centre in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State yesterday protested the non-payment of their three months salary.

They said the money had been released by the state government, but the Centre Coordinator, Mr. Silvanus Okpani, has refused to pay them.

The protesters besieged the council headquarters at 1pm, bearing palm fronts and placards with inscriptions, such as, “Pay us our September, March and April salaries”, “We are dying of starvation”, “A worker deserves his wage” and “Governor Martin Elechi please save our souls”, among others.

The spokesman, Mr. Irem

•Centre chair: it’s politically motivated From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

Justice, said: “We are here to inform the Council Chairman, Mr. Tony Ekoh, that we have not been paid our September, 2011 and March and April, 2012, salary.

“The governor directed that salaries must be paid on or before the 25th of every month, but we do not get our salary until the middle of the next month, even though the coordinator collects our allocation the same time as others.

“We urge the council chairman to appeal to the coordinator to pay us our salary. If we do not get our salary by the end of this week, we would march to the Government

House to complain to the governor.”

Ekoh said he would look into the matter and urged the protesters to remain calm.

Okpani said: “The protest was politically-motivated.

When the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) went on strike last September, the state government directed that the workers who joined in the strike should not be paid for that month. That is why last September’s salary has not been paid.

“Many of the workers have received March salary, but some are yet to because of a problem the bank has with the computation of the salary chart. As we speak, those who have not received it are doing

so.

“I observed that the protest was not organised by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who should have done so.

“Rather, it was coordinated by the Head of Department (HOD), Personnel, Research and Statistics, Mr. Irem Justice.

What was his motive?

“During our recent audit, it was revealed that he embezzled council fund running into thousands and I ordered that his salary be stopped until he clears himself. Then he organised some people to protest at the council headquarters.”

Okpani urged the workers to remain calm, adding that he would continue to champion the course for a better welfare package for them.

NUJ poll: Taraba delegates endorse The Nation man

T

HE Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday endorsed Alhaji Waheed Odusile as the next Deputy President of the union in the May 25 election.

The council chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Gambo raised Odusile’s hand and as-

sured him of his support.

It has been accolades all the way for Odusile, who kicked off his campaign on Tuesday in the northern part of the country.

The campaign team, which touched down in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday, has been moving from one state

to the other preaching the gospel of ‘change’ and ‘service’ as cardinal points of its programme.

The six-man team, led by the Chairman of the Lagos NUJ, Comrade Deji Elumoye, included the Financial Secretary of the Lagos council, Ayo Ilori;

a Media Consultant, Otunba Yomi Olomofe; and the Director of the Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Olalekan Osiade.

They arrived at the Zone D were received by the VicePresident of the zone, Joyce Bur Akuraga, and zonal and council officials.

firm, Paramo Investment Ventures, has threatened to revoke the allocation of shops at the Ladipo Spare Part International Market, Mushin, Lagos.

Its Managing Director, Mr Ajibade Olajoku said in a statement that some of the traders did not abide by the terms of the lease agreement.

Paramo has a 25-year lease agreement with Mushin Local Government on a build-manage-transfer basis over the market.

Olajoku said his firm’s agreement with the traders is that they would pay for 10 to 12 years in three installments as construction work progressed, but that most traders paid only one instalment.

“The agreement was that they should complete the project and collect allocation papers, but what majority of the traders have is receipt of the first instalment. No single allocation paper has been issued to anybody in the market.

“The traders are free to collect their money from us since they are not able to clear the payment, which implies that we can collect our property back from

them.

“Besides, the traders have not been paying ‘stallage fees’ due to Paramo and Mushin Local Government for the past seven years.

“We are therefore left with no option than to call for the revocation of the allocation, to enable us reallocate the shops to traders that are willing to pay our money so that we can recoup our investment,” Olajoku said.

But leader of the market, Jonathan Okoli, said Paramo has not fulfilled its obligations according to the lease agreement the traders entered with it.

He said Paramo “since inception has been causing trouble in the market,” adding that “they cannot revoke what they don’t have.”

“There is an agreement that binds the parties. Have they fulfilled their part?

Those who have finished paying, have they given them their allocation papers? They have not.

“Did he (Olajoku) respect the agreement we have with his father’s company? He did not. Instead he’s causing trouble, laying forceful claim over the market,” Okoli said.

ACN demands council polls in Anambra

A

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

group, under the aegis of the Movement for the Conduct of Local Government Election in Anambra State (MCLGEAS), and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yester-

day restated the call for the conduct of local government elections in the state.

Council polls have not been conducted in the state in the last 11 years.

In a petition to the State Security Service (SSS) yesterday, MCLGEAS said Anambra people are ready to resist the management of councils by caretaker committees.

The petition was signed by its state Coordinator, Osita Obi, and some members - Mr Ezekiel Dennis, Mr. Chinedu Anuegbu, Mr. Olisa Kenechukwu and Mr. Emeka Anene.

It reads: “Obi may have performed creditably well in managing the affairs of the state, particularly finance matters, but no man has the monopoly of knowledge, more so, the knowledge of state craft.

May 1, 29 public holidays

T

HE Federal Government yesterday declared May 1 a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day. It also declared May 29 a holiday to celebrate Democracy Day. In a statement, Minister of Interior Abba Moro urged workers to consider the Work-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ers’ Day as a celebration of the dignity of mankind.

Moro urged Nigerians to defend, sustain and deepen the nation’s democracy.

He urged political office holders to reflect on how to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

12

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

NEWS Aspirant decries political violence in Ondo

Ekiti pays N275m compensation to property owners

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A

•Govt to dualise Ado-Ekiti-Akure road

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday said the government would dualise the AdoAkure road up to its boundary in Ikere-Ekiti.

The road belongs to the Federal Government.

The governor said efforts are ongoing on the Ijigbo-Baptist Secondary School-Ilawe road; Ojumose–Fajuyi-Basiri-Police Headquarters road; FajuyiTeaching Hospital road; and the Old Garage-Ikere road. He promised to complete them soon.

Fayemi spoke at the distribution of N190,860,923 cheques as compensation to owners of the property that would be demolished during the dualisation of the New Garage-Ojumose-OkeyinmiBaptist Church Road and the Atikankan-Igbehin road, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The government has earmarked N83,679,627 to compensate owners of the property that would be demolished in the ongoing urban renewal project.

Fayemi said the compensation concluded the technical arrangements for the dualisation of the two major roads in 10 months.

The governor restated his administration’s commitment to “effecting a major turnaround in the infrastructural

Osun CAN denies rumour on school uniforms From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

THE leadership of the Osun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied the rumour that the Rauf Aregbesola administration was planning to change the uniforms of public schools and replace them with local fabrics with cowries printed on them.

A statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Superintendent Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye and Rev. Michael Gbenga Ajayi said the allegation was not true.

The CAN leadership said Christian representatives were among the committee members who screened more than 800 contractors bidding for the uniforms.

“After screening the contractors, who came with different samples, recommendations were given to the state government and the executive members of the government met and jointly picked from the samples screened and recommended by the committee. So, it is not true that there are cowries on the proposed uniforms,” the statement said.

The Osun State CAN leaders, who denied any affiliation with any political party, said it has been following events in the state with keen interest and that there was no tension in the State of the Living Spring, contrary to reports.

From Sulaiman Salawudeenn Ado-Ekiti

development of Ekiti State”.

He said the government was aware that the construction and rehabilitation projects in Ado-Ekiti might cause temporary discomfort to the people.

“As you may have noticed, infrastructural development of the state, with a particular attention to aggressive construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, is core in this regards. It is in keeping to this vision that, my administration has concluded all technical arrangements for the dualisation of the Old garage-Ojumose- AtikankanIgbehin-First Baptist Church roads. The completion period is 10 months for each section.

“These roads are to build on the on-going rehabilitation of intra-city roads in the state capital contracts of which this administration has awarded,” Fayemi said.

One of the beneficiaries, the Bafon of Ado-Ekiti, Chief Olu Ogunremi, hailed Fayemi for paying the compensation before the property are demolished.

He noted that this underscored the governor’s commitment to the people’s welfare.

At the event were the Deputy Governor, Mrs

•Dr Fayemi presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries, Mr Ibrahim Idowu, in Ado-Ekiti ...yesterday.

Funmilayo Olayinka; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, his Olori, Eyesorun Bosede; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),

Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; the Chief of Staff, Mr Yemi Adaramodu; Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo; his Information and Civic Ori-

entation counterpart, Mr Funminiyi Afuyeand; the Special Adviser on Land Matters, Elder Remi Olorunleke, among others.

‘Plot against Aregbesola will fail’

A

GROUP, the Civil Society Coalition Initiative, has said plots by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cripple the Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun State or eliminate him will fail.

Through its leaders, Ismail Olawale and Comrade Buna Isiak, the group described the allegations against Aregbesola as propaganda.

It said: “A keen observation and analysis of deliberate isolation of Aregbesola for propaganda attacks at all fronts clearly reveal a common trend in history where some progressives were taken out of existence or assassinated through spurious and unfounded

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

propaganda formulated by enemies around the rope.”

The group noted that the allegations have exposed the political calculation of the enemies of democracy as represented by the PDP within and outside Osun State.

It noted that the allegation of armed struggle against the governor was misplaced because Aregbesola did not take up arms, even his mandate was stolen by a clique of desperate politicians.

The group said the governor’s long wait to retrieve his stolen mandate

through the Judiciary showed that he has resolute faith in democracy and the rule of law and not the gun.

It hailed the governor for his administration’s people-centred development, adding: “Comrade Aregbesola is destined to transform Osun State to be the most industrialised state in Africa. He’s doing this through an alternative path to development, as represent by China, Brazil and Cuba.

There is also the diplomatic and bilateral relation between Nigeria and Cuba, which lays credence to the fact that Aregbesola is operating within the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Ife leaders urge SSS to speak up on ‘security report’

E

IGHT Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders in Ife, Osun State, have urged the Department of State Security (DSS) to clear the air on the security report which allegedly indicted Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The ACN chieftains dissociated themselves from the statement credited to Senator Iyiola Omisore that he would attack the governor’s convoy.

Addressing reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, the leaders, including Senator Jide Omoworare, representing Osun East, and Rotimi Makinde, representing Ife Federal Constituency, noted that Omisore’s statement should not be interpreted that all Ife residents were against the Aregbesola administration.

Other leaders from Ife, who condemned Omisore’s action, included Commis-

•Osun warns Omisore on threat to security From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

sioner for Tourism and Home Affairs, Sikiru Ayedun. He said because of Omisore’s antecedent, it would be dangerous to ignore the statement credited to him.

According to them, the people of Ife are peace-loving and not killers, as portrayed

by Omisore’s actions and utterances.

On behalf of the others, Omoworare said: “We expect the Department of State security (DSS) and the police to confirm or deny this allegation, since the operatives are from to them. They also have to clear the air on the alleged security report on Aregbesola, which was credited to them.

This will allay the people’s fear of partiality of the state secu-

rity apparatus on this matter.”

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, warned Omisore not to engage in mischief or any acts capable of threatening the peace.

In a statement yesterday, Adeoti said the government was not unaware of plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to use Omisore as its arrowhead to breach the peace in Osun State and the Southwest.

He said: “The PDP actors, with Senator Omisore as the arrowhead, have, by their open display of desperation and chicanery, betrayed the plan they have to unleash mayhem and unrest in the State of Osun and Yorubaland as their progenitors did in 1964, 1981, 1993 and 2001 when Chief Bola Ige, the serving Attorney-General of the

Federation and Minister for Justice, was murdered in cold blood.”

The SSG said those who witnessed the events that culminated in the December 2001 assassination of Ige have warned that Omisore and the PDP may be planning another mischief with the purported security reports against Aregbesola.

“All right-thinking persons who witnessed the bizarre display of lawlessness, both verbally and otherwise

by Omisore in the days leading to the assassination of Chief Ige in his Bodija, Ibadan bedroom on December 21, 2001, are concerned that the PDP is on to another mischief, with the security report they have cooked up against the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,” Adeoti said.

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr Olayato Aribo, yesterday decried the spate of attacks on opposition members by the ruling Labour Party (LP).

He condemned the attack at the fifth memorial lecture for the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati.

The aspirant alleged that an LP leader in Akure South led the hoodlums that unleashed terror on guests at the event.

Aribo flayed the attack on some ACN members when they were attending a meeting at Alade-Idanre. He said many of them were injured in the attack.

According to him, politics should not degenerate into a situation where politicians would resort to using dangerous weapons like armed robbers.

The industrialist, who joined the governorship race on Tuesday, said he would end the deceit and squandering of the resources by the LP-led administration in the state.

Aribo said: “Our people have remained in socio-economic doldrums. Their hope and aspirations have been dashed, as their destinies have been gambled with by mindless and pretentious cheaters who call themselves leaders.

“Those in informal employment are serving their fatherland with suffering and smiling. One could, therefore, imagine the type of life the self-employed are living.

Yet, our leaders are gallivanting about, showcasing emptiness.”

Traders hail Fayemi From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

M

ARKET women in Ekiti State yesterday hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi for his life support programmes for the residents.

The women spoke at the Adekunle Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where they listed the government’s laudable programmes.

These include the ongoing urban renewal of Ado-Ekiti, which they said has changed the face of the state capital; loans to market women and men; employment of over 15,000 youths, including graduates; N5,000 social security to the elderly; and free health schemes for women, children and the elderly.

The women urged Fayemi to “kindly consider running for another term of four years” when he completes his first term.

They noted that posterity would remain grateful to his administration for instituting “sanity in all spheres of life in the state”.

At the parley between women’s groups and government functionaries, the women said Fayemi “has restored the dignity of the womenfolk by giving them economic empowerment and involving them in dayto-day running of his administration”.

13

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

CITYBEATS

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

Man, 45, in court for allegedly raping toddlers

By Jude Isiguzo

•Abubakar

A

45-YEAR-OLD man, Sulaiman Abubakar, has appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping two sisters.

Abubakar, a petty trader residing at Shasha, Akowonjo, a Lagos suburb was arraigned on a two-count charge of raping the sisters, aged five and seven. An Investigating Police Officer (IPO) with the Area M Command, Idimu, claimed the

accused also raped a three-year-old girl sometime last month.

The charge reads: "On March 28, about 4.00pm, at the Ifelodun area of Shasha in Lagos, Abubakar, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the seven- year-old girl in his kiosk and on the same date and place, he raped her five-year-old sister.

"The accused committed an offence punishable under Section 218 of the criminal code cap 17 volume II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003a."

The accused was remanded at the Kirikiri Prison, until June 18.

Abubakar is also facing trial for allegedly raping another three-yearold and a five-year-old girl who he lured to his shop with candy. It was gathered that the accused resides on the same street with the girls'.

Their mother alleged that the girls were raped in Abubakar's shop while returning from school some-

time in March.

The woman said: "Sometime in March, my neighbour noticed that her daughter came home with sweets and she decided to probe where she got them from, the girl told her she got it from Abubakar after he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. When she reported the matter to me, I became curious and questioned my own daughters when I also saw them with sweets and I was shocked when they equally confessed that Abubakar had sex with them in his shop when they were returning from school.

After having sex with them, he will use a white handkerchief to clean them up. As if that was not enough; this dirty old man will kiss them and threaten to kill them if they tell anybody.

“This man is a ritualist and we will ensure that he is jailed for raping babies. We know that he is facing charges for raping my neighbour's daughters, but we have

Inquest: Group, Falana to sue Police, firm

By Joseph Jibueze

also reported him to the police."

It was gathered that medical examination of the girls at OrileAgege General Hospital showed at their hymens were broken because of forceful penetration.

The report said the four girls had sexually transmitted diseases known as staphylococcus Aureus which has been treated.

The president of Africans for Human Rights (AFRIRIGHTS), Afolabi Gbajumo, said cases of rape of young girls are on the rise in the state and severe punishments should be meted on culprits.

"This matter has been swept under the carpet, as it was seen as an ethnic indictment of Hausa man by Yorubas. But the medical reports show that the man raped the girls.

It is wrong to bring ethnic sentiment into this matter as we learnt that some Hausa youth stormed the police station and wanted to prevent the police from arresting the suspect", Gbajumo noted.

‘How to curb social vices’

P

ARENTS have been urged to take their responsibilities seriously and inculcate family values in their children to curb societal ills.

The President of Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, Hajia BintuFatima Tinubu, said it was worrisome that the society is gradually losing values, while parenting is taking secondary she spoke yesterday at a family forum held by the foundation in Lagos.

She said: "All these evil acts found their roots and thrive largely due to lack of values, morals and adherence to parental teachings. It is because we got it wrong from the family level, the foundation of our individual lives.

"I want to enjoin all of us to go back to the basics and take our parenting and also to inculcate in ourselves, the time tested values of family life, so that we can excel in all we do.”

The family forum, she said, is part of the foundation's effort to rejuvenate the fundamental values of what

• From left: Hon. Ladi-Balogun, Hajia Tinubu and Hon. Kareem Bashua, Chairman, Lagos East Local Council Development Area at the event PHOTO:OZIEGBE OKOEKI

By Oziegbe Okoeki

a family should be and the role of the family in the life of the individual so as to lay a crucial foundation for the building of a successful future for the country.

The guest speaker, Abdul-Latif

Abdulhakeem, said every parent must impact righteousness, examplary life, keeping promises, honesty, integrity and compassion, on their children.

A lawmaker representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun II constituency, at

the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulbaq Ladi-Balogun, praised the foundation for organising the forum.

He said families need to address the fundamental things that bind families together so that we can become responsible citizens", he said.

A GROUP, Access to Justice (AJ), and the law firm of Femi Falana are to sue those indicted in the inquest into the August 15, 2010 multiple accidents on the LagosIbadan expressway.

The Ikeja District Coroner Tajudeen Elias, last Wednesday delivered a verdict on the inquest 18 months after AJ and Falana initiated it.

The coroner said the accident was caused by a police roadblock and the recklessness of a truck who rammed into a line of vehicles.

“The vehicles were held up on the bridge by the police checkpoint, and there were no road signs on the crash scene, Mr Elias said.

"Access to Justice and its partners, including those who co-initiated the inquests, Falana and Falana Chambers will now be pursuing actions to hold both the Police as well as the truck driver’s employer accountable.

“We will do this in new forums, particularly in civil courts in order to find reliefs for the surviving members of that horrendous tragedy of August 15, 2010," said AJ in a statement by its Director Joseph Otteh.

AJ said the police had consistently denied that their officers set up a roadblock on the road to evade responsibility and accountability.

The group said: "It is clear that if the roadblocks served any legitimate purposes, the police would not have denied setting it up, or using it on the fateful day of the accidents.

"We now call on the police to fish out those of their officers who mounted the illegal roadblocks there on the fateful day and hold them accountable.

“We also welcome the finding that the accidents resulted from the negligent and dangerous way the truck driver drove on the day in question.

"Since the accidents caused by its driver and truck which resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, the company, it should be noted, has not as much as lifted a finger in reaction."

LUTH CMD to doctors: sheathe your sword

F

ROM a doctor came yesterday a piece of advice for his stricking colleagues in Lagos: “sheathe your sword.”

During a sympathy visit to the Matori, Lagos Mainland corporate headquarters of The Nation over the fire that razed its Photo section on April 14, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Akin Osibogun, urged the doctors to return to work.

Osibogun implored the doctors and the government to embrace peace in the public interest. He advised doctors who are discontent with the systme to leave or be booted out.

Osibogun, who came with his management staff, said dialogue would ensure peace and harmony in the state's health sector.

He said: "When people go to war, they need to make room for peace.

There is still a place for dialogue; both parties should not foreclose it.

“At all times, there would be the need for negotiation between employer and employees and such negotiations must be built round compromise."

Osibogun said the strike has put so much stress on the people, adding: "If I had my way, I would want the government and the doctors to go to the round table this minute and re-

Threat to revoke doctors' licences empty, says govt THE Lagos State Government yesterday described as empty threats by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to get the licences of doctors who take up its employment revoked.

The state chapter of NMA had threatened to get the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to revoke the licenses of doctors employed by the government to replace their stricking colleagues.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, yesterday said since the MDCN is a professional regulatory body for doctors and dentists and not a trade union, it could not take decisions other than professional qualification, payment of subscription fees, and standards of professional conduct.

He said: "It has come to the attention of government that certain persons, purporting to speak for

By Wale Adepoju

solve the problem. There are lots of issues in the sector that are weightier than pecuniary gains. It depends on the government to determine how it wants to handle the health care delivery system."

He said the doctors also have the freedom to either remain or leave the job if they were discontent.

Osibogun praised The Nation for fair reporting, saying this remains part of the sacred ethics of journalism.

"Those are the things which are en-

the NMA, have been saying they are in a position to get the MDCN to revoke the practising license of doctors who may wish to take up locum (locum is a doctor who does the work of another doctor while sick or on vacation), or other appointments with the Lagos State government.

Idris said: “The MDCN is a professional regulatory body for doctors and dentists in Nigeria. It is not a trade union, and would not take decisions on eligibility for registration on criteria other than professional qualification, payment of subscription fees, and standards of professional conduct."

Idris said the MDCN in the past expressed displeasure at the frequent recourse to strike by the doctors, adding that it is wrong for doctors as emergency workers, to abandon the care of their patients under any circumstances.

during so that after we are gone we can be remembered for our good works," he said.

He said LUTH's management felt it should come, so the company doesn't feel alone. "Action shall be judged according to intention. By coming we have demonstrated our intention of goodwill," Osibogun added.

Osibogun charged the company to ensure that its reporters are trained in various fields to deliver on their jobs. "Those who are covering the

•Prof Osibogun... yesterday

health beat should be empowered to deliver the best. They need to understand the sector and health services generally. They need to know about comparative health systems because you cannot base your reports on assumption; therefore, your reporters need to understand what they are writing on," Osibogun said.

On patients’ care at LUTH, he said, the hospital was working to give the over 15 million population of Lagos State the best, adding that two teaching hospitals were not enough to

meet the yearning health needs of the people.

Information Communication Technology/ On-line Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, who received the LUTH team thanked the hospital for its support, adding that the company would be willing to partner with it on laudable programmes that can make life more meaningful for the people.

He said the company and LUTH are neighbours geared with social responsibilities to make life better.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

14

NEWS

Gunmen kidnap priest in Rivers

G

UNMEN have kidnapped a priest, Rev. Nwika Gbinu in Onne, Rivers State.

According to the cleric’s elder brother, Ledum, the gunmen invaded the priest’s residence at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Eleme Local Government Area at about

From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

2am on Monday.

Ledum said the whereabouts of the priest is still unknown as the gunmen have not contacted the family or the church.

He said the matter has been reported to the police.

“My brother is not a politician and there was no harvest or launching in the church that would make us suspect that he was keeping money,” he said.

Police spokespersonBen Ugwuegbulam said the search for the priest has commenced.

Oshiomhole promises 113,000 jobs

T

HE Governor Adams Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation has said 113,000 jobs would be created, if Oshiomhole is re-elected on July 14.

It said the jobs, when created, would take unemployed youths off the streets.

The Director of Media, Kassim Afegbua, said Oshiomhole will position the state for global competitiveness through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Afegbua listed tourism, agriculture and power as some of the areas where new opportunities will be created.

He said other parties should make their campaigns issues-based instead of blackmailing and showing uncompleted buildings.

The director said Oshiomhole’s economic team carried out a study and analysis of challenges facing the state.

Afegbua listed Edo-Azura 450mw power projects, building of ultra modern shopping complex, construction of a five-star hotel, Ihorvbor Industrial Estate and revitalisa-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tion of the Urhonigbe Rubbber Plantation as areas of investment through PPP. He said the Edo-Azura power project would attract direct foreign investment of N90 billion and create over 1,000 jobs.

Afegbua said: “The employment is to make life meaningful for the citizenry.

“In the past three years, you know there has been good governance in the state and the process has been transparent and accountable.”

Over 70 youth groups yesterday pushed for the governor’s re-election.

The youths were at the Government House to rally support for Oshiomhole.

They held an interactive session with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Simon Imuekemhe.

President of Youth Achievers Support and Empowerment Initiative Valentine Egharevba said: “Most of the faces here are people I know who have been working since the inception of this ad-

ministration.

He said: “Our hands are on deck to ensure that he is reelected.

“Youths are susceptible to ill-practices which are inimical to the society and as such, we want to thank you for calling this meeting at this moment.

“Everyone here is capable and ready to work with the governor without financial involvement; the issue here is the completion of the projects in the 18 local governments.”

Ebhohumen KarthyChristy of the Forum of Females for Change and Development said: “We have to join hands to keep this good work our comrade-governor is doing.

“We are here to pledge our support to the development of our state. I want to assure you that as women, we have the capacity to convince the men to making sure they all vote for Adams Oshiomhole.

“This is a moving train and we will support it to make sure Edo moves to greater heights.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

15

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos earmarks N1b for young farmers

By Daniel Essiet

L

AGOS State is to pro vide a N1 billion loan for distribution to young farmers in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Gbolahan Lawal, said the money would be given to graduates of the Lagos State Agriculture Youth Empowerment Scheme. He said the money is for participants of courses II and III of the programme due for graduation in the next few months.

Lawal. who briefed the press yesterday, said the first batch of youths that graduated in December, 2010, were empowered with N454 million loan, payable within five years for the establishment of their farms . He said the graduates have been settled in newly built 100-units of 2bedroom flats at Araga Farm Settlement fashioned after the Israeli-type Kibbutz.

On the Rural Finance Institution Building Project(RUFIN), he said 32 out of 103 registered cooperative societies have benefitted from First Bank Micro-Finance Bank, adding that they got N2.5 million each.

The commissioner, said 39 farmers have benefitted from the Lagos State Agricultural Trust Fund, adding that the fund provides a maximum of N1 million to a practicing farmer to boost agricultural production. The total portfolio, he noted stands at N72 million as of date. Repayment, he maintained, is encouraging at about 56 per cent.

No oil block has been sold since I came into the office.

What we did was to build the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an exploration production arm of NNPC and to transfer NNPC interest in certain blocks NPDC. -Diezani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources

Reps to probe NCC over N6.1b sim card registration T HE House of Repre sentatives has faulted the handling of the N6.2 billion Subscribers Identity Module (SIM) card registration by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The money was appropriated for the project carried out between May 2010 and March, last year. NCC also proposed N1billion for the same project in the 2012 budget.

The legislators doubted the sincerity of the telecommunication regulatory body on the registration process, saying Nigerians may have been deceived.

The lawmakers are insisting that the NCC must explain how the money was spent. This is in addition to the resolution of the House, not to pass the 2012 NCC’s budget until satisfactory ex-

• Senate to probe GSM services From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor, Sanni Onogu, Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

planation on the utilisation of the fund is offered.

The Reps’ decision followed a motion by Abdulrahman Terab (ANPP, Borno), who observed that sim cards are being sold in street corners all over the country.

He said the sim card registration exercise was for security and control purposes, but regretted that the essence of the N6.1 billion project might end up being defeated if street sale of the cards continued.

“Criminals can take advantage of using registered sim cards to commit crimes that can lead to wrongful arrest of innocent citizens by security agencies. It is worrisome that unregulated use of mobile phones has been aiding robberies, kidnapping, advanced fee fraud (419), as well as terrorism.”

Jerry Manwe (PDP, Taraba), said the NCC should be blamed for the situation, adding that “the inconsistency and acts of some people saddled with the responsibility, have resulted in the menace.

“They will come here,

speak fine grammar and we will approve money for them only for them to do things differently from what they told us,” he stated.

Also yesterday, the Senate mandated its committee on Communications to investigate the effectiveness of the services provided by GSM operators.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) and 43 others entitled “Deteriorating services by Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) providers.”

Most Senators who con-

Nigeria sells N90b in bonds

N

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 lending22.42% 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

tributed to the motion, expressed anger over the poor service, saying it amounted to a rip off of Nigerians by the GSM operators.

The committee was also asked to investigate why cohabitation of towers is not being adhered to by operators.

Ashafa, in his lead debate, confirmed that advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is the bedrock of the globalised economy in the 21st Century.

He said the emergence of GSM in the country within the last 10 years brought a revolution of sort, not only in the employment of youths, but also ushered in veritable multiplier effects into the business and financial life of the country.

The lawmaker observed that despite all the licenses issued, subscribers are extremely disgruntled over the poor quality of services provided by the GSM/Telecom operators.

• From left: Mr Jelle Kleefstra, Finance Director, Mr Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe, Chairman Board of Directors, Friesland Campina Wamvo Nigeria Plc, Mr Bob Steetskamp, Managing Directoc and Mr Peter Eshikena, Deputy Managing Director/Sales Director, during the 39th Annual General Meeting of Friesland Campina Wamco Nigeria Plc, held at the Civil Centre, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

World Bank justifies mining loan expenditure

T

HE World Bank said Nigeria has spent $119 million out of the $120 million grant it got in 2005 to develop the mining sector.

The bank’s Task Team Leader for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Project (SMMRP), and Senior Mining Specialist, Ms. Ekatrina Mikhaylova, who spoke in Abuja, on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

management of the fund.

Mikhaylova, who was received by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada, said all the principal objectives of the SMMRP have been achieved.

She said although the project would come to an end in about a month’s time, hopes abound that another phase of the project would be

agreed upon to sustain the gains that SMMRP has made.

She said her team would be evaluating the project’s performance and meeting with the beneficiaries of the $10 million grants to artisanal and small scale miners to ascertain how much the programme has affected their livelihood.

Also speaking, Sada noted that government is working with the global development bank to ensure the con-

tinuity of the projects in building on what has been done and take into account other areas that were not covered by the $120m grant.

He said: “We are looking at four areas, including strengthening our data acquisition capacity, updating the mineral titles administration, providing fund for mid-tie miners and the steel sector which was not captured when the grant was given.

IGERIA sold N90 bil lion ($572.70 mil lion) worth of debt paper maturing in 2014, 2017 and 2022 at its regular auction on Wednesday, with mixed returns on the bonds, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said yesterday.

DMO, said it sold N20 billion in the bond due to mature in March 2014, and N35 billion each, in paper due to mature in April, 2017 and 2022 respectively.

The 2017 bond, which was a fresh issue, has a coupon of 15.10 per cent, while the 2017 and 2022 paper pay a rate of 14.94 and 15.47 per cent respectively.

Two of the instruments are re-opening of previous issues, while the 2017 bond was a fresh offer. The 2014 note had attracted a coupon of 15.50 per cent at the last time it was issued in October 2011, the 2022 one attracted 15.41 per cent at the previous auction.

“The original coupon rates of 10.50 per cent and 16.39 per cent for the March, 2014 and January, 2022 respectively will be maintained, while the coupon rate for the April 2017 is set at 15.10 per cent,” the DMO stated.

‘House report on subsidy misrepresentation of facts’

I

MMEDIATE past chair man of the Board of Pe troleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Senator Ahmadu Ali, has faulted the findings of the Hon. Farouk Lawan-led House panel on subsidy regime: He said while the panel misrepresented facts and failed to meet the minimum standard of best practices in dischargimg its responsibilities, the attitude dis-

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja Bureau Chief

played by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha,was grotesque and undemocratic in its entirety.

Ali, who was the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, said there were too many fundamental flaws in the report such that it would be fair to conclude that the panel “has fallen below the poverty line in educating or informing Nigeri-

ans on the subsidy scam recommendations.”

Obviously piqued by media reports that the House, in considering the report, recommended that his tenure and that of other board member should be investigated and prosecuted if found wanting, Ali, in a statement issued in Abuja this morning (Thursday), said the panel ought to know the limits of his powers as a non-executive chairman of PPPRA and the oper-

ating processes in such an establishment.

The full text of the statement read: “The attention of Dr. Ahmadu Ali’s friends, well wishers and political associate has been drawn to media reports that attracted major headlines in many national dailies linking him to the absurd findings in the just concluded subsidy probe of the federal House of Representatives. Dr Ali was the former chairman of the

peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the immediate past board chairman of the PPPRA. “Ordinarily, we would have dismissed these allegations as the handwork of our political detractors or at best maintain dignified silence in the face of dramatic struggle by some people to smear the hard earned reputation built over decades of dedicated service and pursuit of excellence towards the good of mankind.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

16

45TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING The Kano State Executive Council held its fourty fifth (45th) sitting today Wednesday 25th April, 2012 (4th Jumada Thani, 1433 AH) during which various submissions from different MDAs were presented and received deliberation and blessing of the Council as follows.

Today Wednesday 25th April, 2012 (4th Jumada Thani, 1433 AH) is the Fourty fifth (45th) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council and falls within the normal sequence of meetings during which important policy issues and programmes are deliberated upon.

Comprehensive and easily retrievable records show that the present administration upholds a steady tempo in pursuing projects that touch on everyday life of our people whereby the apparent general thrust aims at improving the quality of services rendered by the Government on Healthcare delivery, Education, Water supply, Agriculture, provision of employment and skill acquisition opportunities, beautification and aesthetic improvement of urban Kano among other things.

Prudence and transparency as guiding principles dictate the phase at which this administration delivers its services from inception to date. As such, only a modest number of sixteen (16) memoranda from six (6) MDAS were deliberated upon by the Council today. Importantly, twelve (12) projects with monetary cost of N836, 381,231.27 were approved for execution while the remaining three (3) without monetary value received acceptance of the Council. They include; 1.

Office of the Head of Civil Service Request for fund to settle backlog of money owed to Civil Servants studying overseas:Council graciously NOTED the request for the release of the sum of N78, 723,089.00 to the Office of the Head of Civil Service to enable the facilitation of payment of money owed to eighteen (18) Civil Servants studying in various courses at different institutions overseas. The money covers the backlog owed by the previous administration and Council responded by appointing the Honorable Commissioner for Higher Education to study the submission and report his findings to the Council for its deliberation next week. In fact, this administration inherited a crisis ridden education sector that was fast approaching the stage of complete breakdown, with most of the institutions either on strike or facing shortage of critical manpower. The tertiary institutions were facing overcrowding in classrooms and lack of instructional materials. Thus, since the inception of this administration efforts are being made to resuscitate the State education system as more classes and new schools are being constructed. Already, the Administration has approved the sponsorship of 500 State natives to study higher degrees overseas to provide manpower to newly established higher institutions in the state.

number of serviceable heavy machines and plants of which the Board has only two (2) that operate alternately. Need to improve the operational capacity of the Board prompted the Council to approve release of N69,595,312.50 to the Ministry of Environment so as to enable REMASAB procure the requested three (3) additional units of 12 m3 garbage collection compactor vehicles. b. Request for funds to purchase chemicals and equipment for the continuation of the vector and mosquito control program for the period of April to December, 2012:The Council recalls the standing funding arrangement between the State Government and the eight (8) metropolitan Local Government Councils on the control of mosquito and is fully aware of having released the sum of N90, 000,000.00 to cover the past nine (9)

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

months (July 2011 to March 2012). The request is favourably considered by the Council due to the impending rainy season. Therefore, the sum of N90, 000,000.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Environment to enable REMASAB purchase chemicals and equipment for the continuation of the vector and mosquito control programme for the period of April to December, 2012. c. Request for funds for the procurement of working materials for 1155 street sweepers/sanitation workers under REMASAB:Council approved the release of the sum of N4, 351.880.00 to the Ministry of Environment to enable REMASAB procure working materials/hand tools for its 2.310 workers. The materials/tools include standing brooms, shovels, rakes, hoes, cutlasses, wheel barrows, trolleys, hand gloves, rain boots, nose masks and polythene bags. Council considered the essential requirement for all the tools in effective performance of the workers in making the decision.

6.

Ministry of Planning and Budget; The Ministry submitted two memorandums, which were approved by the Council as follows:a) The Council deliberated on a memorandum on the Forth coming MDGs-LGAs Conditional Grant Scheme Training of Enumerators for Baseline Facilities Inventory for North-West Geo-political Zone in Kano from 26th -29th April 2012.

Because of the significance of the program the Council has approved the release of N7, 136,240.00 to commence the training of enumerators.

2.

Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport Reconstruction of Challawa Bridge:Council notes the failure of the Challawa bridge since August, 2009 and is aware of the inconveniences caused to the people of the area especially during the rainy seasons when movement comes to a stand still. As such, the people spirited Council approved the sum of N581, 294,889.00 to the Ministry of Works to enable Messrs. Triacta Nigeria Limited to execute the reconstruction of the project.

b) The Council deliberated on the request by the Ministry for Baseline Facilities Inventory in each of the 41 LGs under the CGS-MDGs intervention program. After, the exercise the information gathered in the Baseline Facility Inventory will inform the preparation of MDGs consistent LGAs plan, and will provide the evidence bases to justify the disbursement of grants to States and Local Governments from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President on MDGs. Based upon the submission, the Council approved the release of N34, 714,900.00 as logistics for the conduct of the Baseline Facilities exercise in the State.

3.

Office of the Secretary to the State Government Four (4) issues (projects) under the auspices of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government were presented and received the blessing of the Council as follows: a. Request of funds from Kano State Library Board in respect of execution of some vital programmes/projects:Council considered the request and graciously approved the release of the sum of N12,730,388.40 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for payment to the Ministry of Education in order to enable the Kano State Library Board carry out the under listed projects.

Report of the Council Committee on the Payment of Outstanding Contract Gratuity and Consideration of Continued Engagement Of Persons into the Civil Service on Contract Basis; The Council deliberated the report of the above stated committee and noted that most MDAs recruit or retain contract staffs due to:a) Areas of critical needs b) Scarce skills c) Sustainability of essential services, and d) Expanding demand for manpower resources by the State service The Council approved the payment of N21, 597,450.07 to the 314 contract staff as outstanding contract gratuity. The Council also noted the need to continue where necessary the engagement of contract officers in critical fields/skills.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Renovation of 8 Divisional Libraries N4,795,988.40 Supply of computers and accessories to 20 locations N1,901,900.00 Acquisition of books for 18 Divisional Libraries.

N3,932,500.00 Supply of Generators for 18 Divisional Libraries.

N1,800,000.00 Repairs of grounded mobile Library vehicles N300,000.00 Total N1, 730,388.40 Approval was given in consideration of the fact that Library services are very important for educating any community. b. Request for funds for fencing of Land proposed for Women Centre at Unguwa Uku, Tarauni Local Government Area

by Kano State Agency for Mass Education:Council considered and approved release of the requested sum of N5,135,941.30 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for payment to the Ministry of Education so as to enable the Kano State Agency for Mass Education execute the project of fencing the proposed Land for Women Centre at Unguwa Uku. This will deter encroachment by unauthorized persons into the area and safeguard it pending complete establishment. c. Request from Ministry of Health for funds for the payment of accreditation fees and purchase of recommended text books and equipment for the Schools of Midwifery Kano and Danbatta respectively.

Council considered the significance of the two schools as sources for the vitally required professional midwives that practice in our hospitals and approved release of the requested aggregate sum of N7, 264,230.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Health so as to enable it carry out the tabulated projects below: 1. i. ii. iii.

School of Midwifery Kano Accreditation fees Accommodation/feeding of accreditation team Purchase of books/equipment Total

-N500,000.00 N240,000.00 N3,284,230.00 N4, 024,230.00

2. i. ii. iii.

School of Midwifery Danbatta Accreditation fees N500,000.00 Accommodation/feeding of accreditation team N240,000.00 Purchase of books/equipment N2,500,000.00 Total N3,240,000.00 Grand Total N7,264,230.00 d. Information memorandum submitted by the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Science and Technology on findings from his mandated visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology (3rd – 5th March, 2012):Council acknowledges receipt of the information memorandum referred to above and appreciates the contents thereof.

Considering this, Council approves the recommendations forwarded by the Kano State Ministry of Science and Technology viz: i.

Provision of ICT infrastructure in both Primary and Secondary Schools to enhance Global knowledge acquisition. ii. Establishment of a digital village to provide IT Training for youth and members of the public. iii. Establishment of Kano State E-Learning Centre to facilitate the process of Governance. iv. Establishment of Digital Library which is the trend all over the World. v. Establishment of command control centre for security and emergency response. vi. Establishment of Biometric Data Base of all resident and citizens of Kano State .

Implementation is recommended to be done in phases while the SSG was directed to study and advise the Council.

4.

Ministry for Higher Education Two (2) issues were submitted by this Ministry for consideration and deliberation by the Council as follows:a. Submission on students offered late admission into Nigerian Law School 2011/2012 session and request for funds to settle their bursary allowances:The Council notes that eight (8) Law graduates from various institutions were able to secure late admission into the Nigeria Law School and to settle their bursary allowances is necessary. As such, the sum of N2,560,000.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry to enable it meet the purpose. b. Submission of information memorandum on the notification of provisional approval to run NCE program at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies:The Council acknowledges receipt of the information memorandum referred and appreciates the provisional approval to run NCE programs at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies granted by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). Efforts of both the Ministry for Higher Education and the College on the issue were noted by the Council.

5.

Ministry of Environment Three (3) issues (projects) were submitted by the Ministry of Environment for consideration and deliberation by the Executive Council as follows:a. Procurement of three (3) units of 12m3 Garbage Collection Compactor vehicles for the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB):The Council was informed of the challenge faced by the operational capacity of REMASAB due to the inadequacy of the

Progress Report: a. Ministry of Science and Technology; You are a living witness that training and retraining have been accorded priority by the present Administration in its zeal to execute meaningful and purposeful projects and programmes to the citizenry. In light of this, Council today noted with appreciation the successful conduct of capacity training for the Staff of the Ministry of Science and Technology on effective and efficient ways of discharging their day to day responsibilities. b. Ministry for Higher Education; Minded over the educational requirements of the State which are far more than the available tertiary institutions consumption, as visualized by the present Administration’s effort in establishing the Northwest University and 18 No. skills acquisition institutions, in complementing the aforementioned objective, today the Council noted a request forwarded by the Ministry for Higher Education to the Federal Ministry of Education on the need to establish a Federal Polytechnic in the State. c. Ministry of Water Resources; The Council noted the increase of water supply in the State Capital and its surrounding following Government installation of 4No. Generating sets in Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant. In the light of this, the public are called upon to report any water leakages for Government prompt action. In the same vein, a high powered Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources to be going round assessing the water distribution to ensure its judicious utilization.

Council noted with appreciation that the 1000 diametres and 600mm pipes approved to be laid from Watari to Kano and Bagwai to Miltara respectively are already in Lagos State and would soon be conveyed to Kano for the execution of the work. d. Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Tourism; The visit of the Hon. Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism to Washington , USA for an International Conference in Agric-Business was noted by Council. During the session an interested company shows interest in investing in the State especially in the area of Tomato processing and packaging. e. Ministry of Education; The Honourable Commissioner of Education briefed Council that a stakeholders meeting on DFID and ESSPIN programmes ongoing in seven States in the federation which Kano State is among them. Council was informed that during the session, a critical examination of these ongoing programmes were looked into and the sponsors were impressed with the State performance and pledge to continue supporting in that direction. f . Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport; Notifying the Council today, the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport stated that the National Council on Works held its sitting last week in Lagos State . Council noted from the brief that a request for reimbursement in respect of funds injected by the State Government in the repairs and maintainance of Federal Roads in the State were raised while a lot of observations raised by the State were upheld by the National Council. g. Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture; It is beyond doubt that the maximum support given to sporting activities by this Administration is yielding positive result as seen through various sterling performances of Kano Pillars Football Club and Kwankwasiyya Babes. In the same direction, that today Council noted and appreciated the performance of Kwankwasiyya Academicals Football club for winning the first position in the West African Youth Tournament held in Niger Republic . The Club having won the first in the tournament qualifies it to represent Nigeria in France comes July, this year. h. Ministry of Planning and Budget; Council noted and acknowledged the gesture of Centre for Management Development, Lagos for conducting a capacity building training for the staff of the Ministry of Planning and Budget. i.

Office of the Secretary to the State Government; A Committee responsible for securing employment opportunities in respect of the unemployed State youths has already swung into action and has last week collected and forwarded the names of 30No Holders of engineering degrees for employment in the Companies operating in the state. The data was collected from the documented electronic data under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Against the foregoing, Council called on all those employed to dedicate themselves to work and not abandon it unless a better one is obtained.

Umar Faruk Jibril (PhD), Hon. Commissioner, Min. of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture.

POLLS

PROGRAMME

REMEDY

‘Era of godfathers over’

Dickson to enforce free education

Professionals team up against building collapse

Imo

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Bayelsa

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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Anambra

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

•Onitsha prison inmates wave as visiting Archbishop Okeke departs

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HEY are barred and regimented, a penalty for convicted crimes. But that is why the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, the Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, believes they should be loved and cared for.

The priest has made a routine of visiting prison inmates in Onitsha, the commercial nerve of Anambra State. He visits with food, cooked and raw, live cows and assorted toiletries, among others. He prays for them, naturally, and soothes them with uplifting words.

The inmates have since seen in the Archbishop a good father who cares for them spiritually and physically. Any time he visits he leaves them in high spirits and they troop out to meet him.

Newsextra learnt that the Archbishop has not only made his visit to Onitsha prisons a routine but it has become part

A lift for people behind bars Priest donates food, toiletries to Onitsha inmates From Emeka Attah, Onitsha

of his regular apostolate. He visited last Christmas and repeated two months ago during the commemoration of his ten years anniversary as an archbishop.

So, when he visited again this Easter, the inmates were so happy that they felt like prolonging the day if they could.

When the Archbishop waved to them after signing the visitor’s register signaling a goodbye that they broke into another melodious song that touched souls. Nna anyi ukwu, iga arapu di so anyi ebea ghara anyi naba, they sang in Igbo, meaning: Our father, will you

leave us here for us to stay alone when we need and enjoy your company?

During the Archbishop’s visit in February, the inmates were showered with 140 bags of rice, a live cow, soaps and detergents with a giant anniversary cake.

This time around, he came with two cows (one slaughtered and the other brought live), eight bags of cooked rice, 25 bags of uncooked rice, assorted biscuits, corn flakes, laundry soaps, detergents and toiletries.

In a special homily during the Eucharistic celebration, the archbishop told the inmates to lift up their hearts to God because He

can do all things in their circumstances.

He reminded them of the biblical Mary Magdalene who was a prostitute but later had a dramatic turnaround when she met Christ and later had the unique privilege of being the first person to see Christ after His resurrection.

He said: “Those who are born again with Christ have risen with Him and shall begin a new life with Him. All the things we do that do not portray us as children of the light should be discarded in the grave. The message is for you as an inmate here. If you remain the same after spending

N1b loan for Delta farmers

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•Uduaghan

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has disbursed N1billion agriculture loan to farmers, with a warning not to divert it to unproductive ventures.

Dr. Uduaghan who gave the charge during the disbursement of the Federal Government and Central Bank Agriculture Loan Scheme in Asaba, said diverting the loan would be dangerous as it would be difficult for them to re-pay it at the projected period.

He urged beneficiaries of the facility to use it to increase productivity in the state so that the purpose of granting it would not be defeated.

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

He also called on Deltans to take to farming in order to increase food production.

“Everyone must farm so that we can feed ourselves,” he said.

“If everyone farms we will be able to feed ourselves.”

Continuing, he said: “The important thing about peasant farming is that we will be able to feed ourselves; this will reduce hunger, there will be reduced anger and violence, and some of the crisis we are having today will not exist.”

The governor said his administration would continue to encourage agricultural development programmes in the state in order to reduce dependence on oil.

He stated that his administration has empowered farmers through the Youth Empowerment through Agriculture, (YETA) Farmers Support Programme (FSP) and FADAMA III project.

The governor noted that his administration was encouraging agriculture in order to boost food production and diversify the economy, adding that the state Ministry of Agriculture and

time here, it will be in vain but if you reform, it will be a great testimony.

“All of us are special breed in Christ. The stone covering the tomb has been removed. If you are faithful like Mary Magdalene, you shall surpass what she did.

“If you use your faith and humility to repent, so shall God remove every stone blocking your way of freedom and progress. As God allowed Christ to rise, so shall God lift you that all plans of the evil •Continued on Page 45

Natural Resources would monitor the famers to ensure that they make judicious use of the loan.

Uduaghan appealed to beneficiaries to be focused and pay attention to the viability of the project in order to be able to repay the loan within the projected period of seven years.

In a brief welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Misan Ukubenyinje said that agriculture holds the key to rapid economic development through the provision of enough food and employment.

He said the agricultural loan was an initiative of the CBN in collaboration with the Federal •Continued on Page 45

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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Enugu agric project provides jobs

Bayelsa enforces free education

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•Representative of the Chairman, Lanre Shittu Motors, Alhaji Mustapha Adams (second right) presenting documents of a vehicle to Zumratul Islamiyah Chief Imam/Missioner Alhaji Musibau Surakat during the presentation of the 15-seater bus to the society. With them are the society 1st Vice-President Alhaji Bashir Lawal (left) and representative of Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Idris Bada.

HE Bayelsa State government says it will ensure that the free and

compulsory primary and secondary education policy is implemented in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Mr Adikumo Salo, gave the pledge in Yenagoa in an interview with journalists.

Salo said that the declaration was in line with the restoration agenda of Governor Seriake Dickson.

He said the education sub-sector required urgent and fundamental restructuring due to its contribution to the development of the state.

He said: “Massive infrastructural development in all primary and secondary schools in the state will soon commence. ’ The commissioner also said that training and retraining of teachers would

Bayelsa be accorded priority, adding that the state government had approved the establishment of teachers training institute to actualise the objective.

“The present administration realises that education is the backbone of very successful economy.

“The government is committed to allocating large resources to revamp teachers’ education as the future of our children lies in their hands. “ Salo said that the government also plans to reintroduce boarding facilities in secondary schools.

The commissioner said that gifted children programme started when Dr Goodluck Jonathan was governor of the state would be reactivated.

It would be recalled that the administration of Dickson had on assumption of office on February 14, declared free and compulsory primary and secondary education in the state.

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N its efforts to decongest the chaotic traffic situation in Kano metropolitan roads as well as restore sanity within the state capital, Kano State government has employed 750 road traffic assistants.

The Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Abba Yusuf,who disclosed this while briefing reporters on the activities of his ministry, said that the measure will complement the efforts of the traffic wardens.

He said the action is also part of the government efforts to provide employment opportunity for the teeming youths in the state, pointing out that a total of 1000 vehicles and buses have been purchased by the government to cushion the effect of the hardship residents faced following the restriction order on commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Achaba.

Following the January 20 bomb blast and other pocket of attacks that followed, the government, apparently responding to security reports, banned the operation of motorcyclists in the state after 6pm.

The procurement of 1000 taxi cabs and buses, the government noted, will also go a long way in empowering the teeming unemployed youths, adding that a committee has also been

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Council gives hope to meningitis kid

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HE wife of the Chairman of Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area, Mrs Sarah Muse-Ariyoh, demonstrated great kindness recently by promising to settle the medical bill of a child, Godswill Ayenugba, suffering from meningitis.

Mrs Ariyoh gave the promise this during her visit to the children of the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC) of Isolo General Hospital during the Easter celebration as part of her affection and love for children.

She promised to offset the boy’s hospital bill and take other responsibilities that will make the child regain his health again.

During the visit, Mrs Muse-Ariyoh donated many gift items to kids in the wards to make them happy and give hope for the future.

“It is part of our agenda to give hope and

By Amidu Arije

make life better for the people of our community, I have decided to celebrate with the children this festive period because they are our future, we need to make them happy and give them words of hope for the future,” She stated that the gifts were just to make them feel happy because, the festive period is meant to rejoice and share love with one another.

The child’s mother, Mrs Ayenugba, was happy and grateful to Mrs Ariyoh for the kind gesture. She prayed for wisdom and God’s assistancefor her and her husband in steering the ship of the council.

“I am very grateful for your kind gesture, may God continue to help you and make you succeed in your endeavours,” she said.

HE Enugu State Commercial Agricultural Development Project (CADP) has embarked on the construction of access roads to five farming communities to ease the people’s suffering, an official has said.

The acting Project’s Coordinator of the agency, Mr Robinson Nduaguba, told newsmen in Enugu that the the project would entail the contruction of 31.6 kilometres of feeder roads.

Nduaguba said the roads, which are now nearing completion, would enable the farmers to evacuate their produce easily.

He said that the communities were nearly unreachable due to erosion and difficult terrain, explaining that the situation informed the agency’s intervention.

According to him, the roads are Ako-Nike

Cross River to build oil palm refinery Cross River additional 50,000 hectares of land for the project which is expected to provide employment for about 3,000 people.

Meanwhile, farmers in the state have lauded the new Federal Government policy on the sale of fertiliser.

Some of the farmers said that the policy would eliminate corruption in the distribution process and allow the product to get to users at the grassroots.

The Federal Government recently announced that accredited companies would sell fertiliser directly to registered farmers in states and local government councils.

Enugu farm access road (7.1km), Ngwo farm access road (2km), Umunko-Agu Ukehe farm access road (10km), Orji Heneke farm access road (7.5km) and Uzo Mmiri Jesaya farm access road (5km).

The coordinator said that all the five roads had attained 90 per cent completion and that the agency was about to hand them over to the state government for inauguration.

He also said the state’s commissioner for agriculture has visited the roads and had made observations for the contractors to tidy up.

Nduaguba said that projects were World Bank-assisted, explaining that the state could only pay its counterpart fund to indicate its interest.

“What they are expecting from the donor agencies is much higher — like on roads alone, we have spent up to N502 million, but what we paid as counterpart funding is just N168 million for 2009.

“There is much gain from the states; even the commercial farmers are already testifying about

•Governor Chime what they are benefiting from the projects and it is grant, it is not a loan.”

He urged the state government to update its counterpart fund because the international agencies were ready to assist the commercial farmers once they came up with good proposals.

Anambra transformation lauded

T •Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon Hakeem Bamgbola (second right) flanked community leaders during inspection of the council projects.

Abia group empowers youths

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CHENDO Youths Foundation,a group in Abia State has empowered some youths with 20 tricycles and donated four buses to different youth organisations in the state.

The empowerment was part of plans of the group to ensure that youths in the state are kept away from violent crimes including kidnapping and to complement the efforts of the state governor, Theodore Orji in keeping the youths busy.

Speaking at the ceremony in Aba, the coordinator of the group, Engr.

Chinedum Orji, said the gesture was borne out of his desire to ensure that Abia youths who have no means of livelihood are provided with tools to earn a decent living.

Orji argued that those regarded as “never-do-well” or “Agbero” should be integrated and not discarded, stressing that everybody has a purpose from God and that the best any good government could do is to ensure that such potentials are not wasted.

He said: “When these youths in the state whom many people may have

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

abandoned or believed to be never do wells are empowered, it reduces crime in the society and also help in increasing the Internally Generated Revenue in the state”.

The Speaker of Abia House of Assembly Hon. Ude Oko-Chukwu who handed the keys to the beneficiaries, said the move by the Ochendo Youth Foundation to encourage Abia youths is highly appreciated.

The speaker urged the foundation not to relent, even as he called on well- meaning Abians to support the foundation, stressing that “once this kind of people are remembered, the society will be the better for it”.

In his speech, the member representing Aba Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Uzo Azubike, praised the foundation for the programme which he said will impact on the youth positively.

Hon Azubike urged the youth to shun violence while appealing to the beneficiaries to use the buses and tricycles well, adding that the outcome of their handling of the empowerment materials will encourage the organisation to do more.

Church holds programme

F •Mrs Sarah Muse Ariyoh presenting a gift to one of the children's mother in the Hospital

• Governor Dickson

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Kano put in place to enforce government ban on illegal motor parks.

The works commissioner said the ministry has done so much in the area of construction and rehabilitation of projects, pointing out that about 40 street lights were rehabilitated and powered by 25 generators which maintenance and purchase of diesel within eight months cost the ministry N700 million.

The government, according to the commissioner, is planning to purchase intercity luxury buses to easy commuter movement within the metropolis while all local government areas will be linked with subsidised buses, routes abandoned due to shortage of vehicles will be reopen.

The ministry under the housing corporation is designing five categories of houses of four and five bedrooms duplex, three bedrooms flats, two and three bedrooms semi detached bungalows to be sited at Jido layout in Wudil/Maiduguri road. “The houses will be for outright sale to general public after completion”.

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HE Cross River State government says it will build an oil palm refinery in partnership with an Asian company to commercialise agriculture and create employment in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr James Aniyom, told newsmen that the company, Wilmer, had already acquired two estates in Kalahu and Ibiaye, while discussions had reached an advanced stage for the takeoff. “We have a company called Wilmer which is one of the biggest companies in Asia. It has acquired Kalahu and Ibiaye estates for the project in our state here.

“There is also another green field that it has acquired at Oron, amounting to 5,000 hectares for each of them”, he said, He stated that plans were on to give the firm

Kano employs traffic assistants

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ULL Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, South west District 3, Lagos, will hold a one-day prayer summit on Wednesday, May 2. The programme will be divided into two sessions.The first session which is a prayer workshop will begin at 3.00pm while second session is an evening miracle rally. The event will hold at Welcome Centre, International Airport Road, Ajao Estate.

Speaking on the programme, the

National Director of Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship (FABMFI) and Managing Director of Builders Trust Ltd, Mr IK Olaze, emphasised the importance of fasting ang praying saying these are Muslims and Christians in the country particularly inthese chllenging times.

He said: “Nigerians are in a critical time that cannot be denied such as Boko Haram killings,drugs,kidnappings and all manner of insecurity.It is the responsibility of this fellowship having the love of the nation at heart, to seek for the face of God by praying.

HE Methodist Bishop of Onitsha, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sunday Eze has praised Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for his developmental drive. He gave the kudos when he led the Methodist Diocese to pay a courtesy visit to the governor at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia to brief him on the forthcoming conference of bishops of Methodist Church in Nigeria , which will also commemorate 106 years of the Church in the Southeast .

A statement from Obi’s aide on media Obienyem Val quoted Bishop Eze as saying: “We thank God for the life of our Governor and what God is using him to do in the State.

It is only a person that does not live under Anambra of old that will not appreciate the tremendous transformation that has taken place in the State. Because of the person that the Governor is – committed and God-fearing – the Federal Government had to honour him with a National honours, and he is eminently qualified for the honour.”

Speaking further, Bishop Eze who thanked the Governor for taken care of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in his last days and for according him a befitting funeral, lauded his Anambra Integrated Development

Briefly

Union condoles with Dankwambo NIGERIA Civil Service Union of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF Unit, Federal Branch, Abuja, has condoled with the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, over the death of his daughter.

Governor Dankwambo recently lost his 4year-old daughter, Hajara after a brief illness, The chairman of the union, Mr. Orisamuyiwa Oladele, prayed Allah to grant the family of Damkwambo and the people of Gombe State the fortitude to bear the loss. He said: "It's Allah that gives and He has the power to take. It is our prayers that Hajara's soul would rest in the bossom of Allah.

On behalf of all the accountants in the OAGF, federal ministries and parastatals, I commiserate with Governor Damkwambo, who was our former boss before Allah elevated him as the Governor of Gombe State."

Meanwhile, Mr. Orisamuyiwa commended the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, Mr. Jonah Otunla for his support for the union. He assured Otunla of the union's re support during his tenure.

Anambra From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Strategy (ANIDS). He described it as a wonderful tool of developing all sectors and said it had made Anambra under Obi to be among the number one state in the Federation.

In another development, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke has called on the youth to embrace positive values for the well-being of the society. He said this yesterday when he led group of youths from Holy family parish, Brooklyn, USA, who were on pilgrimage to the Archdiocese of

Crusade night

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HE Crusaders International Team of Celestial Church of Christ, Isolo-AgoOkota-Ilamose Model District will hold a crusade night on April 27, at the District headquarter, Ore-ofe Parish III Isolo.

Word of Exhortation will be delivered by Snr. Evang. Wale Oyegbesan and Sup. Evang.

G. O. Jerry, while prayer ministers are Asst.

Sup. Evang. J. J. Robert, Asst. Sup. Evang. Tunji Solaja and Sup. Evang. Idowu Ajara.

Music will be supplied by Crusaders International Team Mass Choir, Evang. Akin Adebayo (Imole Ayo Gospel Singers), Esther Igbekele and Prince Abel Dosunmu (Mega 99).

Honour for community leader HIEF Shalewa Tanwa Akibd as Yeye Oba of Aran Orin Irepodun in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State tomorrow, April 28. The installation ceremony will be performed by the Alaran of Aran Orin Ewu Olaku III in his palace.

Mrs Akib is a community and religious leader who has touched l i v e s positively with her caring and motherly touch •Mrs Akib

•Member, Federal House of Reps, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai (MAF), flanked by Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Hon Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh (right) and his immediate predecessor Hon Afeez Ipesa-Balogun during the Elderly Support Programme organised by MAF at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos

NGO to provide statistics on crime

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HE Chief Executive of Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, has promised to provide complementary data on crime with the official statistics to enable the law enforcement agents perform their job satisfactorily.

Addressing reporters at the commencement of the foundation’s National Crime Victimisation and Safety Survey, Chukwuma noted that with such data, agencies like Federal Road Safety Corps and the police’s response to emergencies would be enhanced.

He said: “Most often, official crime victimisation statistics are provided by the police, prisons and courts. However, such statistics, good as they may, do not cover the entire crime victimisation incidence due to unreported and reported but unrecorded cases.”

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•Mr Chukwuma making his remarks on crime

By Musa Odoshimkhe

Chukwuma solicited the public support in the gathering of the data that would be conducted nation-wide through practical sampling and remarked that the success arising from the research would be of public good.

He said: “We appeal to the public to welcome the respondents when they visit and provide truthful answers to questions asked as they will help policy makers in formulation of better policies on crime and safety issues in Nigeria.”

The chief executive maintained that following the geometrical increase in the rate of violent crime, using guns and other firearms such as in kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of terrorism the country was at a crossroad and all hands must be on deck to tackle the problems.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Threats on Tambuwal, others • It is distracting folly to go after the House leadership for insisting on the truth

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E are aware of the furore that the report of the Honourable Farouk Lawan-led House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on Probe of Fuel Subsidy management is generating within the polity. The subsidy sleaze is coming at a time when similar fraudulent drench has just been exhumed in the nation’s pension sector.

From the report, it is widely reported that N1.07trillion was misappropriated by relevant institutions and stakeholders involved in the subsidy payment and collection. The committee had reportedly indicted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), oil marketers and firms as well as others for improper acts and asked them to refund the alleged siphoned N1.07 trillion. The committee’s report had merely been laid before the House when the uproar commenced.

We have in unequivocal terms stated in previous editorials that the veracity of government’s claim on the actual value of subsidy remittance is doubtful. We said that Nigerians are being forced to pay for systemic inefficiency and fraud that could easily have been eliminated were the country to have a focused leadership. Our fears have now been confirmed by the scathing report that exposed the phantom called fuel subsidy in government circles.

We commend the valour of the Faroukled committee for coming up with such inspiring report against subsidy corruption, notwithstanding the temptation from interested quarters. Now that the report is out, threats from alleged government officials and external stakeholders

against Speaker Tambuwal and the members of the ad hoc committee are condemnable. Tambuwal’s speakership is speculated to be threatened by surreptitious moves for his impeachment. For allowing the report to be laid before the House, he was accused of being “disloyal” to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and also labelled as a stooge of the opposition perceived to be antagonistic to President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The Speaker must realise that the committee has done its bit by submitting a report that is publicly deemed to be a true reflection of the rot called fuel subsidy.

Nigerians are impressed with the courage and consistency of the House Speaker Tambuwal. We are also impressed with the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha for his role in shepherding the activities of the committee and sessions on the matter.

The Nigerian problem is becoming increasingly worrisome because most men in public positions and private enterprise are usually considered as anti-establishment whenever they do the right thing.

We ask: why should the Speaker and members of the committee be crucified for coming up with such findings on the mismanagement of subsidy funds?

Speaker Tambuwal and the committee members should be unwavering in their resolve to sanitise the oil industry. We have not said that the House members are above board in all they do. In fact, they have by the huge allowances and other pecuniary gains allotted to themselves in a country of want encouraged others to

get their undue shares of the national cake by whatever means.

But in this particular instance, the committee and the House leadership seemed determined to put integrity in the forefront of their action and this deserves a great applause. What is important now is for government to do the needful by prosecuting those involved in this criminal rape on the Nigerian state.

The intimidation and persecution of Tambuwal, Ihedioha and others over this matter must stop. As a matter of fact, it is imperative on the government to ensure their safety because corruption has a way of fighting back. It is in the government’s interest to do this if it does not want to stand culpable should any evil befall the committee members.

‘The Speaker must realise that the committee has done its bit by submitting a report that is publicly deemed to be a true reflection of the rot called fuel subsidy. Nigerians are impressed with the courage and consistency of the House Speaker Tambuwal. We are also impressed with the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha for his role in shepherding the activities of the committee and sessions on the matter’

Incredible cruelty •The law must take its course in the case of man who allegedly battered wife and killed his son

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AN we imagine a scenario in which a man would kill his one-year-old son by banging his head on the floor till he is dead, before torturing his wife over alleged infidelity? That exactly was what residents of 3, L:ambe Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota area of Lagos saw recently, to their chagrin.

The painful cries of a woman who was being brutalised by her husband, Mr. Henry Nnamdi, for allegedly flirting with her father-in-law roused the neighbours from their sleep. They rushed to the apartment where the woman was screaming; lo and behold, they saw the baby’s body lying in a pool of blood. We wonder what could have been going on in the poor baby’s mind, seeing the man he called daddy

‘To say the least, this is cruelty of the highest order.

It is one that would have made Cupid, the god of love in Roman mythology to reconsider whether being in love is worth it in the first place, or how much price to pay for love. However, Cupid or no Cupid, the law has to take its course. This seems to us a case of battery and premeditated murder’

hitting his head painfully on the floor, the daddy that would have carried him up when he fell or protected him from harm.

The bewildered neighbours quickly rushed out to inform the police at Ago-Okota division. When detectives arrived, they took the woman to a nearby hospital, having suffered severe burns from the hot pressing iron that her husband allegedly used to inflict wounds all over her body, including her private part, after tying her to a chair.

We doubt if there can be a more cruel way to punish one’s wife, even if caught in the act of adultery. And to think that this happened between people who were married only about two years ago! Obviously, the marriage had broken down almost as soon as it was contracted because neighbours and even the man’s father testified that the man had been maltreating the wife for long over the accusation. Let us even assume, at least for the purpose of argument, that the woman had been flirting with her father-in-law, and that paternity of the one-year-old product of the marriage is in doubt, is killing the poor boy the next thing to do? What was the boy’s contribution to the process that gave birth to him?

Unless possessed by some demons, the crime must have been premeditated because it seems almost impossible for one to wake up one day and decide to bang his one-year-old

son’s head against the floor until the boy died, and at the same time tie the wife (mother) to a chair to inflict injuries on her with a hot pressing iron. The man must have been contemplating this for some time before actualising it on the day he did.

To say the least, this is cruelty of the highest order. It is one that would have made Cupid, the god of love in Roman mythology to reconsider whether being in love is worth it in the first place, or how much price to pay for love. However, Cupid or no Cupid, the law has to take its course.

This seems to us a case of battery and premeditated murder. It is obvious the woman can never be the same again even if she survives the ordeal.

Marriage is instituted to be enjoyed and not to be endured. And there are laid-down procedures to get out of it when the parties can no longer live peacefully with one another. That is far better than going bestial to end it.

The Nigeria Police Force has a job to do to ensure that justice is done in this matter. The case should be diligently prosecuted and if the court deems fit, should sentence the suspect appropriately. No one is permitted to take the laws into his or her hands, which is what Mr Nnamdi seemed to have done. We doubt if the woman can ever be whole physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Punishing North Korea’s people

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HE Obama administration never should have linked food aid for North Korea with the military actions of the regime.

North Korea is threatening “retaliatory measures” for a decision by the United States to withhold 240,000 metric tons of food promised as part of an agreement announced less than two months ago. Never mind that the cancellation followed Pyongyang’s failed launching of a missile designed to put a satellite into space, an operation the U.S. considered a violation of that same agreement, not to mention U.N. Security Council resolutions. The regime’s chutzpah and hypocrisy know no bounds.

At the same time, it’s dismaying that the people of North Korea will have to suffer for the duplicity of their unelected leaders. When the so-called Leap Day agreement was announced, we expressed uneasiness about the idea of bartering food for diplomatic concessions. As a general policy, the United States should do its utmost to alleviate starvation and malnutrition without regard to geopolitics. Food aid should not be promised or withheld for political, diplomatic or strategic reasons.

The Obama administration says that’s not what it is doing. Indeed, it is not characterizing the suspension of food aid as tit for tat for the bungled April 13 launch, which the U.S. sees as a violation of Pyongyang’s promise to refrain from long-range missile launches.

Rather, it argues, a regime that can’t be trusted to abide by understandings about its military activities likewise can’t be relied on to allow efficient distribution of food to the needy. The administration also says that, in light of North Korea’s provocative behavior, it is concerned about the well-being of Americans who might be sent to that country to aid in food distribution Those arguments are not terribly persuasive.

Though it’s true that shipments of rice and beans to the North have in the past been diverted for the use of the military and their families, the suspension of food aid last week seems more like retribution for the attempted launch than a reaction to concern that the food might not get safely to its intended recipients.

The underlying problem is that food aid was linked to North Korean compliance in the first place. Had it not been, proceeding with the aid after the missile launch wouldn’t have looked like a sign of weakness on the part of the U.S. And what of the future? White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said last week that if North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons program and abides by its international obligations, “there is an avenue available … to allow them to better feed and educate their people.” Put another way, that means that hungry children will continue to be held hostage to the machinations of a rogue regime.

Finding a way to feed those children remains a moral imperative.

– Los Angeles Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, ARPIL 27, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Aminu Kano, and others referred to as the founding fathers of the modern day northern Nigeria had a vision of a prosperous, united and secured entity where all its people, no matter their positions on the social ladder, religious, political or tribal dispositions would live a life of near-perfection.

The visions of these leaders were so painstakingly packaged that the monolithic north was envied, respected and recognised by other regions within the country. The leaders envisaged a society where poverty, hunger, insecurity and other social vices would all be considered taboos. Unlike their present day counterparts, they matched each promise with action, thereby preventing such lofty ideas from gathering dusts on government shelves. Sacrifice, honesty and integrity formed the thrust of service. Imagine public office holders who had unfettered access to public till but resisted the temptation of corruptly enriching themselves at the detriment of the masses.

The present day north is no doubt in sharp contrast with what the aforementioned founding fathers who championed a noble idea of having a region that would be first among equals, stood for. Situations which stare us in the face paint a rather sad, disappointing and embarrassing picture of a region plagued by myriad of man- made challenges.

For somewhat obvious reasons, the region has been reduced to a pariah enclave where nothing close to good could come out of.

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Challenge before northern elites At a time other regions are daily unveiling well-articulated plans in their drive for fix their hitherto backward and neglected regions, we are enmeshed in needless acts of violence which account for the region’s poor state today. Though the knotty issues of insecurity, dearth of infrastructure, frightening unemployment level, corruption as well as screaming poverty figure permeate the entire country, but the situation tends to be more endemic in our dear

region.

Even though the situation is not as pathetic, insurmountable and irredeemable as reports in a section of the media have made us to see, but it is also instructive we note that extreme poverty holds an appreciable percentage of our people by the jugular. We get upset each time people from other regions describe the present situation in our region using demeaning terms, yet we do practically nothing to address the

issues raised. I strongly believe that we are yet to have elites who are passionate about evolving concrete and lasting solutions to the challenges bedevilling the region.

We have elites who are only concerned with themselves and their families alone.

Until we realize the dire need to draw both local and international attention to challenges facing us as well as map out ways of handling them, we would continue to grope in the dark in all spheres of our

An open challenge to the progressives

S

IR: In elementary economics, we learnt of equilibrium, and also a saturating point through the “demand and supply” curve. Ordinarily when the curve reaches that point, it will drop, meaning that, the curve has outlived its usefulness.

This analogy best describes the PDP administration in Nigeria.

The PDP administration has not added any value to the lives of Nigerians. Instead, what Nigerians have experienced since the inception of the PDP administration is hardship. For instance, electricity supply has dropped sharply from the Obasanjo era. No potable water for the teeming population of this country, no employment op-

portunity for the ever increasing young graduates while agriculture is not given pride of place. Our roads are in a state of disrepair, our educational system is in shambles, corruption has become a monster which this administration and previous PDP administration have been unable to tackle.

Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori was discharged of corrupt practices by the judiciary in Nigeria because he enjoyed the shade provided by the PDP umbrella.

For a party that is confronted with the above mentioned problems without solutions at sight, it can best be described as a big for nothing party. The party is only relevant in

the area of election rigging, judging from the number of cases against it from 2007 to date.

This is where I challenge the progressives to borrow a leaf from the recent political events in Senegal, where opposition parties teamed up to sack the ruling party and effected a change in that country.

The only capable and alternative parties that can redeem Nigeria as at today are ACN, CPC, PPA and APGA. These parties must be ready to make sacrifice in one way or the other in order for them to overcome this herculean task.

CPC, APGA and PPA should be ready to forfeit the names of their political parties for ACN.

Time for President Jonathan to visit Borno

S

IR: Since the Boko Haram insurgency reared its ugly head in parts of the North, President Goodluck Jonathan has visited all the flashpoints to commiserate with the victims, assure them of government support and to remind them of government efforts in restoring peace to all the affected areas.

But one state that President Jonathan has not visited up till now is Borno State – the state that has

existence.

It is on this note that I want to welcome a call by the Niger state governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu on the need for the current revenue allocation for states in the country to be reviewed upward.

The position of the Niger state governor is not out of place. In our quest for transforming the lives of our people, we must make efforts to explore all legitimate means to realize such goals. The task of attracting development to the north is a collective one that requires the input of all. Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu has set the stage for the debate on the review of revenue allocation to begin; I expect other governors and leaders of thoughts within the region to lend their support.

• Abdullahi Yunusa Minna, Niger State.

been most affected than any states in the country. The President needs to visit the state to assure the people that he is with them and that all measures are being taken to bring the situation under control as he has done in other states he has visited.

Efforts being made by security personnel to bring normalcy to all the affected states would certainly receive a boost by a Presidential visit. The people of

Borno State would feel a sense of belonging not to talk of assuarnces that government is with them in this trying period. The people would be proud to see the President in their midst.

Its not too late for the visit; the visit would been seen as right step taken to ensure that normalcy returns to the trouble spots in the state; it would also galvanize the security operatives serving in the state to rededicate their efforts in

bringing peace to the state.

Failure to visit the state could be interpreted as not being with them in this period of agony they are facing now.

We hope that President’s visit to Borno would not take a long time to come. The people long to see their leader come to commiserate with them at this period of general insecurity in their state.

• Bala Nayashi Lokoja, Kogi State.

Similarly, the ACN should also be ready to concede presidential ticket to the CPC, while the ACN should nominate Vice-Presidential candidate, PPA to nominate Senate President, and APGA to nominate the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After their victory in 2015, the issue of a single term of five years at all levels of governance can be revisited to douse the tension always associated with the second term syndrome.

Alliance of these parties can never work, and it will never achieve anything. The ruling party will always work against it. What can help wrestle power from the PDP is a merger of the type described here.

We will soon have another opportunity again to either make or mar our future and that of the generations unborn. This country has potentials to develop and compete favourably in the comity of nations if only we Nigerians can think and act wisely. The N1,000 given to electorates on election day, two cups of rice, sachet of salt distributed towards election and the youths offering themselves as thugs to the ruling party will not take this country anywhere.

• Gabriel Enialola Ayimoro Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, ARPIL 27, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites T

Olatunji Ololade

HINK continuously of those who are truly great, men and women who by their deeds fight for fairness and the good of all; think of those who wear on their hearts’ sleeve and domicile in the inner recesses of their souls, irrepressible zeal to make our lives better and worthy of our dreams …there are no such men and women alive, are there? For if there are, Nigeria would be 21st century version of Eden or Al Jannah; and men and women on whose watch our country so evolves and appreciate would be everything and even gods.

Our people are quite insane, they wouldn’t know how to create a heaven or sustain the like of it but they create gods by the dozen. I do not speak of divinity that manifests only in far-fetched miracles and dreams; I speak of men and women, boys and girls that we quite desperately and misguidedly

‘Shamelessly, they clear our public coffers of our collective fund without any inhibition and in response; we celebrate them and grovel at their feet for crumbs of what is rightfully ours’

E

deify as our vanities dictate.

Being rich is the closest you get to being god in Nigeria. Add an impressive root and very intimidating academic record to the mix and you have yourself a 21st century hero or god. Of what calibre are our idols? Who really, is the Nigerian god? Who is an example of a quintessential idol? AllisonMaduekwe? President Goodluck Jonathan? Sanusi Lamido Sanusi?

Reuben Abati? Ngozi OkonjoIweala? Do their deeds make them worthy of hero-worship or blind deification?

To what do these outstanding individuals owe our reverence of them? Some would say it is their brilliance and extraordinary achievements in their chosen callings. Anyone could be brilliant from time to time but intelligence is what we have to affect all of the time. How intelligent are our ruling class? How intelligent is President Goodluck Jonathan? How intelligent is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala?

How intelligent is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi? How intelligent are all their cohorts and every character we continue to endure in the Nigerian ruling class?

The answer lies as much in their utterances as their deeds. Alas!

Transcendent moments and heroic acts are rather deeds of an exalted intelligence, something which Nigeria’s incumbent ruling class pitifully lacks. But despite its protests and dissatisfaction with the status quo, the Nigerian citizenry equally lacks that towering immensity of intellect and strength of character

VEN if the change in the system of government announced by Ironsi was seen by most northern leaders as directed at them, indeed, in principle and in practice, it was still part of the larger “argument” against the unrepentant federalist, Awo. The victory of his position on the best system of government for Nigeria was to be reversed by unitarism. However, even the unitarists in uniform killed Ironsi and seized power to defend, in principle, federalism.

It was an acknowledgement of a simple fact which eluded the “counter-Pakistanists”: You can never succeed, in the end, in imposing uniformity on a fundamentally plural society, whether in principle, or in fact. Soviet Union found that out in the end; Yugoslavia did; so did Chechoslovakia. The United Kingdom is coming to terms with it. Despite the mantra of “out of many, one”, the founding fathers of the United States recognised this. And their heirs have embraced and protected that fundamental fact.

This is one of the principal reasons for the survival, strength, dynamism and greatness of the United States. Canada is yet another great example.

Awolowo saw history and leant from it. He had a vision similar to that of the America’s founding fathers. The “geographical expression” can become a nation of “out of many, one”, only through the federal principle. This is why he fought for the necessary corollary of that principle, that is, the non-homogenisation of the Nigerian ruling class, through his defence of the plurality of political ideologies.

Yet, up till now, those who are still fighting the man in the grave have not resolved who Awolowo really was (is). Was he a “treasonable felon” who wanted to seize the Nigerian federal government by force of arms or was he an incurable “tribalist” and “Pakistanist”, who wanted the component parts of the country to be separate and apart? That is, did he seek to “dismember” Nigeria or was he just desperate to be the country’s chief executive?

It cannot be said that he was both - at least not by anybody who wants to claim any measure mental illumination without the blindness of bigotry. He was either seeking to dominate Nigeria politically through his ideas and leadership or he was seeking to take his Yoruba constituents out of Nigeria. Awolowo continues to be accused of either by his adversaries many of whom are enlightened and quite so-

Our gods are not to blame that remains prime requirements in the constitution of a progressive race.

Our lust for heroes and gods illustrates a fable; it is not of latent strength but disintegration rather it reveals the weakness and shallowness of the Nigerian adult’s awfully preadolescent mind. It reiterates a very shrill cry for help that’s at once selfish, infantile and retrogressive. Put precisely, we are incapable of creating such super humans or elements worthy of being called gods of unconditional love and compassion. All we are capable of are gods of impoverishment and gods of war.

If we are to be judged by what Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, deems the human measure of all things, shall we fare excellently or not? Things have gone on decadently for too long; that is why idiots as fragile as clay toys have evolved into outsized heroes and gods, on our watch.

The Nigerian hero is a human sound bite. He is essentially a halfformed mammal, animal to be precise. Take for instance gods and goddesses we have created as our ruling class; they are no longer exclusively Nigerian or humane.

Rather they have been turned upside-down and inside-out; they have been scrambled, corrupted and fertilized by ghastly manifestations of self love, tribalism, wantonness, perverted education and sense of worth.

This abnormality is accentuated by the citizenry’s lack of courage and inclination to dither when the situation calls for decisiveness and fearlessness in determining the course of our affairs. “All gods are homemade, and it is we who pull their strings, and so, give them the power to pull ours,” says Aldous Huxley, English writer.

Truly; the manner in which the Nigerian electorate worships its ruling class and celebrates their mediocrity makes it impossible for the latter to affect the necessary humaneness, tact and humility that are prime requirements of occupants of exalted public office. Having made super humans of them, they begin to delude that they are untouchable and unquestionable.

They begin to parade themselves as gods and see the electorate on whose strength they ascended to their exalted positions as lesser creatures.

They seek the exaggerated safety and coziness of fortresses they build around themselves to protect their ill-gotten wealth and ostentatious lifestyles. Suddenly it becomes taboo for them to hobnob with the working class. It becomes abominable for their wives, daughters and cooks to visit the same grocer or shop in the same market as the masses.

Shamelessly, they clear our public coffers of our collective fund without any inhibition and in response; we celebrate them and grovel at their feet for crumbs of what is rightfully ours. Whenever they intrude our world, they leave behind pungent memories and pains. Whenever they come to town, we must be kept in traffic for them to move freely; whenever they are ‘guests of honour’ at our functions, we are treated with little or no honour. Apology to Kayode Oteniya.

The chief quality of a true leader is the apparent sincerity in his manners. The speeches he makes are never mere platitudinous enterprise and his developmental programmes are never extraordinary elephant projects; his politics and humanity are not only heard but concretely seen and felt.

The federalist and his enemies -3

By Wale Adebanwi phisticated in their own political beliefs (and this, one can disagree with, yet appreciate). Incredibly, he is also accused of both by the ignorant and/or the bigots - his surviving enemies.

The unrepentant federalist who lived every day of his adult life, since the 1940s, dreaming of the “inevitability” of his becoming either the Prime Minister or President of Nigeria and the one accused of always plotting to foist a Yoruba hegemony on Nigeria that could pave the way for the “Balkanization” of the country cannot be one and the same person.

As a student of Awolowo’s political family, specifically, and Nigerian politics, in general, I know that, indeed, there were, and still are, Awofaithful who were (are) tired of Nigeria. But there were (are) Awo-adversaries who were (are) similarly tired of Nigeria. The Awo-faithful in Yorubaland who are tired of Nigeria even accused (and still accuse) the man of “subordinating” Yoruba “freedom” as an “independent and progressive” nation to his “ambition” to be president of a united and egalitarian Nigeria.

They want(ed) out of this racial embarrassment that the British helped to foist on them. But so were (are) others who never believed (and still don’t belief) in Awo’s ideas. After all, only last week, a major leader in “the north” announced the readiness of his “north” to accept the breakup of Nigeria, rather than have a national talkshop (“Sovereign National Conference”) on how to end the reign of Nigeria as one of the sorriest states in the world!

But Awolowo was unrepentant about his belief in the possibility of Nigeria as a plural nation under the right leadership. This is not the occasion to go into a complex analysis of this, but it was as much a personal as well as a racialpolitical project for him. He had been premier of the Western Region and had shown the world that it was possible for the black man to run a modern, efficient state based on bureaucratic rationality and enlightenment ideals. He wanted to replicate that with a much bigger, more complex and certainly far more endowed political entity such as Nigeria. He wanted to use Nigeria to rescue the continent and by extension the black race from the condemnations

of a racialist, if not a racist, global history.

Awolowo was certain that he could not do that easily with a diminished country, diminished population and diminished resources – which the Western Region or Yorubaland constituted for him. At least, he was not prepared to accept that it couldn’t be done beyond Western Region or Yorubaland. For him, a continental and racial vision and mission - although not constantly articulated because he was caught up in the practical “war” to humanise Nigeria - could not at all be well served by Balkanizing Nigeria.

This is the heritage that some of us unrepentant Nigerianists have taken up in different ways - politically, intellectually, etc. It is not a contradiction for anyone to organize to make Lagos or Osun State (or say, Sokoto, Abia, Plateau, or Rivers state) better than other states in a plural and competitive federal state, while networking with a Nuhu Ribadu who is from the northeast to clean the Augean stable and create a better atmosphere for the emergence of a better leader, particularly one better than the maggots one of whom appointed Ribadu to his position!

Why is it important to provide this elaborate background? In the West of Nigeria has germinated the resistance to the homogenisation of the Nigerian ruling class and the attendant unitarist ethos and the violation of the sovereignty of the people, as expressed through the ballot. This is what led to the collapse of Nigeria’s earlier three Republics. Every time the dominant conservative power phalanx in Nigeria had made an attempt to pull the west into a pernicious “mainstream” though the violation of the people’s votes, the “national stream” has always busted in its seams. The brief exception was in 2003 when the PDP stole votes in five of the six states in the west of Nigeria. The principal reason why this did not lead to the collapse of the Fourth Republic was the ill-advised “pact” which the progressives signed with the sinister fox who they mistook for their “son”. Once that perfidious element was thrown out of the equation, despite the collapse of consensus among the dominant political organisation in the west,

Really there is prime merit in everything about him, and his life generally, radiates truth. His life is what we may call a great sober sincerity. A sort of temperate authenticity that is not only blunt but uncompromising. His fervor is undomesticated, bordering on the wild and forever wrestling naked with the elements that be for the love of the good and the truth of things. In that sense, there is something of the savage yet humane in him like all great men.

He is one in whom one still finds human substance. He relishes no opportunity to tell any colourful story of himself anywhere; usually, he stands bare and grapples like a giant, face to face, heart to heart, with the naked truth of things. ‘That, after all,” according to Thomas Carlyle “is the sort of man for one.”

And such is the type of man we should value above all others. He is the man who as Norman Mailer, an American writer, puts it, would argue with Gods and awaken devils to contest his vision. When he dies, his death would be felt nationwide as something more than a historic calamity; women would weep and men would fight back tears as if they had heard of the death of a very dear friend or Saint.

The creation of such honorable man and god would be our noblest work. But we seem incapable yet of such honorable task. We could start by stripping ourselves of the greater vanities and portentous contradictions. Unhappy the land that has no heroes, says Andrea; No, unhappy the land that needs heroes, responds Galileo in Bertolt Brecht, late German playwright and poet’s “The Life of Galileo.”

Regrettably, the meaning is lost on all.

SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

power was taken back from the vote-thieves.

As we inch towards the next round of elections, the local collaborators of the “national mainstreamers” are back in desperation to steal the people’s patrimony by hook or crook. Therefore, the contemptible collection of low-quality rumours and pepper-soupy gossips about Governor Aregbesola which have consumed the attention of the “intelligence” agencies constitute the first “shot” being fired by the descendants of the NNDP (“Demon”, as they were called). If the security agencies take the silly pranks of these elements seriously, then they will become willing participants in an elaborate twaddle that could threaten democracy and the corporate integrity of the nation. It will lead to a chain of events that those who started it will not be able to control. The security agencies had better reserve their energies for the real challengers of the corporate existence of the country as a democratic, multi-religious (if not secular) state. The Boko Haramists, for example, are constantly mocking the juxtaposition of state and security in the name of the Department that was set up to connect both.

If the PDP elements in Osun State – and the rest of the west - are convinced about their capacity to write fictions about terrorism and separatism, Governor Aregbesola will do well to help revive the sadly-dead Onibonoje Press in Ibadan which can start a series to tap the evil genius of these talented “writers”.

The truth is that Governor Aregbesola and all the other governors in Nigeria are yet to sufficiently assert their independence as heads of federating units. They should take up Senator Ekweremadu’s call and press for the greater decentralisation of power, an indication of which would be the sharing of policing powers between federating units and the central government. The governors, if they are serious about their mandates, must stand up to the unitarists in Abuja and their collaborators. However, they must also follow the logic through; because, to whom much is given, much is expected.

It is 50 years since the dark plot to “take-out” the ultimate-federalist unfolded. The man is gone, but the battle remains. Therefore, the struggle continues between the late and the living federalists and the open and secret enemies of federalism.

• Concluded • Adebanwi is an associate professor at the University of California-Davis.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘To govern according to sense and agreeable with the interest of the people is a great and glorious element of governance’—Edmund Burke

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan should by now have tendered his resignation letter if Nigeria were to be of high ranking in the comity of nations where high moral and ethical standards are of significant meaning in the public domain. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case in the country. Demanding the resignation of the president will be too utopia a demand when even the president himself has not seen reason why her Minister of Petroleum Resources, that of Finance and even the unreliable governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that are all ingrained in the subsidy phantom should be removed from office.

Nigeria is bleeding economically and those saddled with the duty of healing the wounds are the culprits. A situation where a doctor that is meant to carry out surgery on a patient is aggravating his wound means that the situation is beyond redemption. That is the current state of the Nigerian nation. Perhaps President Jonathan should cover his face now that it has fallen flat on his face that his much touted fuel subsidy is afterall a complete ruse. A cruel official means to force the masses of this country to pay for what they have not benefited from.

From N65 per litre price of fuel, Nigerians were coerced to pay N141 for a litre of fuel on January 1st, 2012. After much agitations and protests by Nigerians especially in Lagos and Abuja, Mr President succumbed to pressure pretending to have cut the price down to N98 per litre. The per litre price of diesel and kerosene are still hovering around N180 and N200 per litre. This is happening in a country where successive administrations have not been able to provide stable power supply or improve the abysmal state of rampant poverty in its midst.

Nigerians supposedly voted for Jonathan not for him to continue to punish them but for him to alleviate their sufferings. But this president that was famous at a time in his history for being without shoes seems determined to aggravate the problems being encountered by Nigerians with two things: His not being well informed and clever enough to rule the country and; his preparedness to ever listen to incompetent parasites and agents of neocolonialism masquerading as ministers, coordinators and CBN governor in his cabinet.

“Woe to the shepherds… who only take care of themselves!

Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and Slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.

You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured.

You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost…

My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill.

They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.” Ezekiel 34: 1-6(NIV)

Mr President: Is fuel subsidy still real?

• Jonathan Even, there are governors who are shamelessly supporting the removal of fuel subsidy. I doubt if any of those with doubtful credentials of activism amongst them can come out to publicly defend removal of that subsidy today.

The Lawan Farouk led Ad Hoc committee of the House of Representatives that looked into the management of fuel subsidy payments had opened the eyes of Nigerians to the Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Diezani Alison-Madueke and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s hidden lies regarding the fuel subsidy removal campaign that was a fluke designed to cover-up profligacy in government. That the Subsidy Reinvestment And Empowerment Programme is a decoy to hoodwink Nigerians into believing though erroneously that President Jonathan and his

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

2015: Welcome to Tompolo Republic

I

T is apocalypse long foretold and we seem to cruise inexorably into its vortex. By the time we are through – sometime in 2015 perhaps, we are likely to have earned such additions as Tompolo Republic or Mujahid country. Look all around you; what is the biggest concern of our government today – politics; the politics of 2015, the politics of the definition of the meanings and connotations of first and second terms, the politics of eligibility and tenure elongation.

Take a closer look, rascals have taken over our space, deafening us with their war drums. We hear such names as Al-mustpha Jokolo, Ekpemuokpolo Tompolo, Mujihideen Asari Dokubo, Ebino Topsy Babatope, Udengs Eradiri, among other characters with phony names, not to mention the state of their minds; blaring their bull horns, insisting that President Jonathan reserves the God-given right to run for a second term.

We feel an eerie sense of de ja vu. Haven’t we seen all these antics before. These things have happened to us over and over and we never learn. Gowon did it, Babangida did it, Abacha did it, Obasanjo did it. All our socalled leaders who tried to sit tight in power (against the will of the people) tried all sorts of funny tricks. Their trick is simple: they dredged up rabble-rousers to torment the populace to submission.

For instance, a certain Government Ekpemuopolo Tompolo, son of a gun, has overnight, become a maritime security chief,

supporters on this matter both within and outside the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have their interests at heart.

Nigerians courtesy of the committee now know that a total of N1, 067,040,456,171.31 mismanaged by the looters collecting the so called fuel subsidy must be refunded to the coffers of government. The breakdown: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC is to refund N310,414,963,613.00 for subsidy it collected on Kerosene after the subsidy on the product had been outlawed in the country; another N285,098,000,000 for subsidy it collected above the PPPRA recommended amount and N108, 648,000,000 for self discount it granted itself.

Some fuel marketing companies are to refund N8, 664,352,554.00. Also, companies that failed to appear before the committee are to refund the sum of N41,936,140,005 while the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency(PPPRA) is to refund the sum of N312,279,000,000 being excess payment it illegally paid to itself. For instance, why should PPPRA also pay to itself N258billion in 2009 and N157Billion in 2010?

Does its enabling law allow for that?

Additionally, those companies that obtained FOREX but failed to import Petroleum products are recommended for referral to the Anti Corruption agencies with a view to verifying what they used the FOREX for.

It is also an affront to note that contrary to the official figure of subsidy payment of N1.3 trillion officially put forward for the 2011 fiscal year, what was siphoned from the nation’s

• Jonathan

presidential advisor, South-south statesman and a man of immense means and dubious eminence. From an obscure origin in the swamps of the NigerDelta, Tompolo brutishly blasted his way into Abuja and official reckoning. Having, mercifully, laid down his AK 47s and rocket launchers, freshened up and changed his brackish water- drenched fatigues, he is now drafted on to a larger cause: to lead the assault on our psyche.

There are willing hands in the Mujahid, Asari Dokubo; the one who wears a perpetually ferocious visage that is meant to scare little children and a coterie of other petite ex-warlords of the creeks.

More campaigners will surreptitiously clamber into the gravy train. Many will be drafted, dragooned more like, and many

more would draft themselves. Many are calculating with their stomachs while many simply want to belong with the latest cabals in town that ousted the cabals of yesterday.

Very soon we shall be assailed all over again by such stunts a Youths Earnestly Insist on Second Term for Goodluck/Sambo ; poverty-debased youths would be conscripted into ten million-man march; traditional rulers, opinion leaders, anybody who is willing will be corralled to join the bandwagon, billions of naira that would have been used to lay the foundation for a great Nigeria would be poured into the reelectionby- any- means- project.

Then, whoever asks the innocuous question as to why blackout pervades after one and half decades of PDP rule would be branded an enemy of State; whoever raises a voice as to why the country has been ravaged by corruption and the people are broken and disillusioned, would be abused and threatened. Should you wonder why Nigerians are scattered all over the world, imprisoned, abused and debased, you would be marked. If you dare note that a stark lack of honour in high places is at the root of our woes, you could be chased out of town for trying to help, for speaking your mind.

Ethnic jingoists, overfed like puppies would emerge to mindlessly lob grenades of hate at the rest of us; spin doctors would multiply like a plague, ego masseurs would never be in shot supply… as we set out on our road to no return… to Tompolo Repub-

treasury as subsidy for that year was actually N2, 587.087 trillion. Nigerians are also demanding to know from Mr President why an Accountant General that served sometime around 2009 was found to have made a payment of equal instalments of N999 Million within 24 hours on the 12th and 13th of January 2009 totalling N127.872Billion for a record 128 times.

It is on record that only 36 marketers were participants under the PSF scheme during this period. Who were the 90 marketers that collected the differentials of the 128 different but curiously equal payments? It has equally been established by the committee that certain marketers collected subsidy of over N230.184 Billion on PMS volume of N3, 262,960,225 litres that from the records made available to it were not supplied.

By now, it must have dawned on the President, his ministers, the Governors Forum members, the loquacious present CBN governor and others in the private sector milking our collective resources dry that there was nothing like fuel subsidy. What Nigerians are made to pay for is avoidable systemic inefficiency and greed foisted on the nation by successive generation of greedy bureaucracy and public office holders. Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo, all living former leaders, must apologize to Nigerians for their ingenious deceits on fuel subsidy.

One can in the light of current startling revelations about the phantom called fuel subsidy let the president know that fuel price must officially revert to below N65. Anything paid by Nigerians for per litre price of fuel that is above N65 will amount to a rape on the purse of poverty stricken Nigerians that are craving so loud for elusive good governance under past and present Jonathan administration.

Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello @ 45 Today, my dear sister, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the immediate past Senator of Ogun Central Senatorial Constituency attains the age of 45. She was while a representative of her people so dutiful and concerned about their plight. But for the wind of revulsion against the PDP in Ogun state and the entire south-west now, she probably will still be ably representing her people. God knows best!

Though I have not seen her in a long while, I am using this medium to wish her wherever she is a happy birthday and many happy returns of today

lic.

But there is still a chance to reverse the move, to reflect and to remember that what is ahead is far greater than what we have now. President Goodluck Jonathan must see the virtue in keeping his word and that there is far more gain for him, now and in the future to keep his word. Keeping his word and conducting a free and fair election in 2015 may be the greatest thing he ever would do; his apotheosis.

LAST MUG: (1)Subsidy probe and oil minister: with all that has emerged from the fuel subsidy probe by the House of Reps, shouldn’t the petroleum minister and the NNPC GMD have stepped down or be fired?

Could all the malfeasance being unraveled in the oil industry have happened without their knowledge?

(2) Fashola versus Lagos doctors: this matter of the Lagos State governor and the doctors in the state is taking a different dimension. There is certainly need for caution from both sides. We suggest that a third party be invited to mediate. In the interest of hapless patients, Gov Fashola being the father of the state must show a lot more forbearance and allow mediation.

(3) Is Saraki above the law? Senator Saraki, immediate past governor of Kwara State is carrying on as if he is above the law. Invited by the police to come answer allegations concerning his role in the Intercontinental Bank’s sordid affairs he balked then rushed to the courts to block his being questioned.

He can never be above the law no matter how hard he tries.

‘Having, mercifully, laid down his AK 47s and rocket launchers, freshened up and changed his brackish water- drenched fatigues, he is now drafted on to a larger cause: to lead the assault on our psyche’

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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PEOPLE THE NATION

AN NINE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

They called the late Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati “Baba Peace”, but a lecture to mark the fifth anniversary of his death was marred by violence. Yet, the celebration went on the next day in his Akungba-Akoko hometown where his family and political associates gathered at a thanksgiving service. DAMISI OJO covered the event.

•Deceased’s wife Mrs Adetutu Adefarati

•From Right: Son of the deceased Adegboyega and other members of Adefarati's family

Remembering ‘peace lover’ Adefarati N

OT even the disruption of the previous day’s lecture to herald the thanksgiving could stop the event. Dignitaries came from far and wide for the fifth memorial thanksgiving for the late Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati at the Anglican Church, Akungba-Akoko.

The dignitaries put the sad event of the previous day in which scores were injured and vehicles vandalised behind them as they joined family members and political associates of the late Adefarati for the church service.

In his homily, the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rt Revd James Oladunjoye, condemned the disruption of Adefarati’s memorial lecture by political thugs.

The cleric expressed disgust at the attitude of politicians who cause violence, stressing that it is absurd for office seekers to force themselves on the electorate.

He said: “You don’t need to force yourself on people. It is bad to insist that you must rule by force; the sit-tight syndrome by most of our politicians and pub-

lic officers is undemocratic. They should note that no condition is permanent in life.”

He continued: “I was invited as one of the guests and also my wife was one of the old students of Adefarati when he was a teacher, but I could not make it to that event because of the violence.”

Bishop Oladunjoye, who quoted from Revelation 13:14-17, described the late governor as a lover of peace, saying: “That was why they called him Baba Peace (father of peace)”.

He went on: “Baba Adefarati was one of the dependable politicians and a leader who had listening ears and wanted the best for the poor masses.

“His concern during his administration between 1999 and 2003 was how to make the state one of the best in Nigeria and when in the saddle, he created industries and constructed roads among other laudable programmes.

“Adefarati is very trustworthy and humble and that was why he always trusted those who are

•The late Chief Adefarati

very close to him, including his aides and political associates when he was governor. But, he was betrayed by those whom he believed were loyal to him. Some of his commissioners kicked against him and ensured he failed when he was re-contesting for the governorship seat.”

Ondo State Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented at the church service by the Commissioner for the Environment, Sola Ebiseni, described the late Adefarati as a “consistent and dependable politician.”

Adefarati, he said, left unforgettable legacies which he would always be remembered for.

•Son of the first Civilian Governor of Ondo State son Mr Tokunbo Ajasin (right) and Dr Oni

Dignitaries at the event included Oni, several Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidates, among whom were Dr Tunji Abayomi; Mr Jaiyeola Ajatta; Mr Ifedayo Abegunde; Chief Segun Ojo; Chief Tayo Alasoadura; Mr Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN) Mr Hon Olayato Aribo.

Some ACN chieftains including former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Chief Wumi Adegbonmire (a k a Omo Ekun);

Dr Paul Akintelure; Mr Ade Adetimehin; traditional rulers and political associates of the late Adefarati also attended the event.

After the service, guests were treated to a lavish reception within the expansive compound of the late governor on IkareAkoko Road, Akungba-Akoko.

One of the late Adefarati’s children, Adegboyega, thanked the guests for their love for his father, despite the plans of some detractors to disrupt the anniversary.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

26

SOCIETY It was a long courtship. All of 68 months. Now, Oluwadolabomi Olatoni, daughter of former Chairman of Nigerite Chief Ladipo Ani and Oluwaseyifunmi Olalekan, son of Mr Funlola Onanuga, are married. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN were on the wedding train from the church to the reception T is rare to find a Hummer Limousine cruising around town.

When such a dainty vehicle is seen, then something big is in the offing.

So it was last Saturday when these reporters saw many passersby at Ilasamaja on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway gazing towards one direction.

When the duo looked back, a white Hummer Limousine dubbed ‘king of the road’ was coasting majestically towards Oshodi.

Commuters were seen clearing the way for the Limousine piloted by a siren-blowing car.

A cameraman at the back of the vehicle took video shots.

Surprisingly, the Hummer Limousine turned out to be the vehicle that came to convey the just-wedded couple from Our Saviours Church to the reception venue.

The wedding between Oluwadolabomi Olatoni, daughter of former Chairman of Nigerite Chief Ladipo Ani and Oluwaseyifunmi Olalekan, son of Mr Funlola Onanuga was solemnised at the church at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos.

At the expansive auditorium of the church were dignitaries who came from within and outside Lagos to felicitate with the couple and their families.

Among them were Governor of the defunct Western Region General Adeyinka Adebayo; his wife Modupe and son, Otunba Niyi Adebayo who was the former governor of Ekiti State; Alare of Are-Ekiti Oba Boluwade Adebiyi and his wife Olori Bosede; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly Hon Adewale Omirin; Colonel Adeyemi Kehinde; Ambassador Olufemi Ani; Colonel Segun Adebiyi and Chief Jide Ajayi.

Hordes of beautiful women – bridesmaids – dressed in red gown were already seated in the hall, likewise the groomsmen who decked in a black suit, a white shirt and a red bow tie.

Enter the groom, handsome Oluwaseyifunmi in his attractive ashcoloured suit with a black strip on the neck. He wore it on black pair of trousers, a white shirt, white bow tie and a matching pair of black shoes.

And behold, the bride of the day walked in with her father.

Oluwadolabomi shone in flowing cream-coloured wedding gown with a matching veil. She held a bouquet in her left hand.

The couple’s parents were stunning in blue traditional dress – Aso-Oke. At intervals, the organist and director of music at the church, Mr Theophilus Okang, led the choir in hymns.

The church service featured exhortation and charge, declaration, prayer and benediction, signing of marriage register and thanksgiving.

In his sermon, the Vicar, Venerable Igein Isemede congratulated the couple and their parents.

Marriage, he said, is the union between a man and a woman.

Venerable Isemede urged the couple to make use of the advice given to them during counselling.

If properly utilised, he said, it will aid a successful marriage.

The officiating minister urged the groom to love his wife.

He equally told the bride not to disobey her husband.

“If you disobey him, you are as well disobeying God,” he said.

He thanked the couple for bringing dignitaries to the church.

He urged their parents and wellwishers to allow the couple live their life and shun unnecessary interference.

After declaring them husband and wife, the couple and their parents signed the marriage register amid the hymn Great is thy faithfulness by the choir.

The recreational hymn was sung as the newly weds marched out accompanied by their parents, bridal train,

I

‘He’s the perfect man for me’ •The couple Oluwaseyifunmi and Oluwadolabomi flanked by General Adebayo and wife Modupe

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

•From right: Groom’s father Mr Olufunmilola Onanuga; his wife Mrs Taiwo Onanuga and his wife twin sister Mrs Kehinde Adeyemi

•Bride’s Parents: Chief Ani and his wife Oluyemisi

•Oba Adebiyi and his wife Olori Bosede

•Otunba Adebayo

•Mr Olowude

groomsmen, family members and well-wishers.

The Nation caught up with them after the photograph session.

The bride displayed a mixed feeling.

“It’s the best day of my life; obviously, that is what every bride should say. But, literally, it is the best day of my life. I am excited and I’m kind of sad to leave my family; but he is my new family now so, I am fine,” she said.

Oluwadolabomi, a banker with Zenith Bank, recounted how the five years and eight months relationship started.

“We met in school – Covenant University – to be precise. One day, I noticed before we got home, he was kind of jittery, and not settled. I wondered what was wrong with

took them to the City Hall where the reception was held.

It was ornately decorated in red and white.

There, some other guests joined the ecstatic family members.

They included Senator Babafemi Ojudu; former Military Administrator of Ondo State, Mike Torey; his Osun State counterpart, MajorGeneral Leo Segun Ajiborisha and wife Betty; former Special Adviser to the President on Energy Prof Olusegun Adegbulugbe, who chaired the reception; daughter of Nasarawa State Governor Hafsat Al-Makura; Regent Omotunde Adelabu; Chief Press Secretary to former Ekiti State Governor Joseph Ogunsemi; Chairman,

Alimosho Local Government Hon Olusola Adekunle and wife Yemisi; Tony Adejugbe; Mr Kayode Afolabi and Rotimi Fashola.

Tope Makoko-led Top Band entertained the guests.

The bride and her father mesmerised the guests on the dance floor shortly after cutting the cake which was supervised by the ViceChairman, IGI, Mr Remi Olowude.

While Miss Keke Adebayo, a lawyer caught the bouquet, Olayiwola Dada-Olicks, an IT consultant, picked the garter thrown by the groom.

The couple later went on the dance floor. They were joined by their parents and well-wishers.

him. After we had dinner and I was in the kitchen trying to clean up the dishes, he came in. I saw him kneeling down and I still don’t understand, then… he brought out a ring and I was like, oh my God! Finally, we are here.”

She described him as lovely.

“He is just a perfect man for me. I love him,” she said.

An amiable Oluwaseyifunmi described his wife as a fantastic woman “I am excited; it’s been a long relationship and, finally, we have done this and I’m happy,” Oluwaseyifunmi, a banker with Stanbic IBTC, said.

The couple catwalked into the waiting Hummer Limousine that

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

27

SOCIETY

•Hon Omirin and his wife

•From left: Mike Torey; and Mr Bamgbade Olusegun and his wife Taiwo

•From left: Mrs Deola Roy; Mrs Ige Jongbo and Mrs Ronke Oni

•Hafsat Al-Makura (Right) and Princess Adelabu

•Maj Gen Leo Segun Ajiborisha and wife Betty

•Senator Ojudu (left) and Mr Adejugbe

•Amb and Mrs Olufemi Ani

•Hon Olusola Adekunle and his wife Yemisi

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SOCIETY Family members and friends joined Captain Segun Adegbulehin and Captain El-David Ijeogbe as their children Michael, a petroleum engineer and Afolake, medical laboratory scientist, got married in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. AMINA ADESHINA writes.

A

S the bride, Afolake, a medical laboratory scientist, was led into the Redeemed Christian Church of God, by her father, Captain Segun Adegbulehin, the congregation sang the processional hymn, Shout Halleluyah.

Dressed in a cream gown, Afolake was handed to her husband, Michael Ijeogbe, by the father. They glanced at each other with smiles. The couple strolled to the podium, where the officiating minister stood.

They were the cynosure of all eyes as those unable to get a vantage position in the church hall craned their necks to see them.

They looked stunning. Michael, a petroleum engineer, was decked in a black suit, inner blazer on white shirt and a bow tie.

In his short sermon, the officiating minister, Pastor Laiwola Kasim, urged the couple to live in harmony, love and always read their Bible. “Having gone through months of counselling, where you have been taught the do’s and don’ts of marriage, and having seen how well your parents have lived up to theirs, live your lives in such a way that will make people glorify God in you,” he said.

After all other rites, he declared them husband and wife amidst shouts of Halleluyah!

The choir took over the show as the couple and their parents signed the marriage certificate.

After that, they walked out of the church, acknowledging greetings. They posed for photographs with their families, friends and the cleric.

The groom, Michael, described his wife as “loving, strong and virtuous”.

“He is caring, intellectual, understanding and the best thing that happened to me,” the bride, Afolake told The Nation.

Guests converged on the X-Checkers Hotel for a reception. The venue was beautifully decorated in green and orange. The table overlays were of satin cloth materials and bedecked with vases of colourful flowers.

Elegantly dressed guests kept trooping in.

MC Nokia Charger was the Master of Ceremony.

As the couple stepped into the hall, they were accompanied by the bridal train and men in suit. Also, there were those donning uniformed Ankara, who thrilled the guests with their dance steps. They danced amid music by the Adeolu-led band.

The chairman on the occasion was Chief Omotayo Owolabi. He congratulated the couple on beginning a new life and prayed that the union will be fruitful.

The couple cut their cream and orange threelayer cake, supervised by the groom’s elder sister Mrs Gloria Agala.

Performing their first public assignment, Afolake knelt down to give her husband a piece of cake. Michael reciprocated. He carried his wife on his laps and also fed her with cake and wine.

The bride’s dance with her father was touching and emotional. They danced to Luther Vandross’s Dance with My Father. The couple then had their nuptial dance.

’She is loving, strong and virtuous’

•The couple Michael and Afolake (middle) flanked by the Groom’s parents Captain and Mrs Ijeogbe

“Having gone through months of counselling, where you have been taught the do’s and don’ts of marriage, and having seen how well your parents have lived up to theirs, live your lives, such that will make people glorify God in you,” The protocol of the throwing of the bouquet was broken. Instead of throwing the bunch of flowers, Afolake chose to give it to her younger sister Tunrayo Adegbulehin, who was her chief bride’s maid.

BOOK LAUNCHING

•Wife of Ekiti State Governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi unveiling the book entitled: "My Experience (Life Goes On)" in Ado-Ekiti. With her are the author, Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle; Chief launcher Senator Babafemi Ojudu (right) and Chairman of the occasion Dr Femi Orebe

•Bride’s mother Mrs Jumoke Adegbulehin

•Bride’s father Mr Segun Adegbulehin

ANNIVERSARY

•From left: Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo; Hon Benjamin Olabinjo; Hon Hassan Ajeigbe and Chief M.A. Oguntona during one year anniversary of Hon Saliu Mustapha, a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly at Ojokoro, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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AGRO-BUSINESS

‘Farmers still blend traditional, science-based weather forecasts’

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ARMERS are still using traditional forecasting methods and science-based predictions in their farming practices, an expert has said.

Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof.

Benjamin Ogunbodede, told The Nation that farmers still rely on traditional weather forecasting methods, which they combine with information from climate scientists, to tackle climate change.

According to him, this helps farmers to make better decisions about which crops to plant, and where to plant them as well as when to plant and harvest them, because the English weather forecasts are inadequate.

Farmers, he said, needed adequate weather information to take advantage of the early rains and plant crops which could tolerate any possible abrupt stoppage of the rains. However, farmers have to work on the soil to ensure the early rains penetrate the ground rather than running off it and causing soil erosion.

He said combining sciencebased seasonal forecasts with more traditional methods have been more successful than using either approach alone.

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

Farmers had been coping with the effects of climate change such as higher temperature, more intense rainfall, stronger winds and longer dry periods.

Many farmers in South Africa obtain weather forecasts more regularly than their Nigerian counterparts.

He explained that a lot of farmers, don’t understand forecasts because they are not educated and don’t understand the technicalities used.

A Participatory Extension Specialist in Sustainable Tree Crops Programme, Nigeria, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Mr Isaac Oluwalade, said the weather forecasts were not accurate enough to direct farmers on what to do before and after the planting season. Farmers, he said, required more relevant and valuable weather forecasts and warnings by the provider. Because of climate change, he said, there had been seasons when rains came as early as March, or as late as May. This, he explained, has a huge impact on timing for planting.

He advised farmers to get weather forecasts before they be-

gin to plant.

The Programme Co-ordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, said the combined forecasts, added to farmers own observations, give them added confidence about what to do in the face of changing climatic conditions.

As the rainy season approaches, he said local farmers should sharpen their predictions of when it will arrive.

He said local farmers can tell if the rainfall will be accompanied by hailstones just by observing the colour of clouds.

Using skills passed down through generations, he said farmers can look to the sky and by the way the wind scatters the cloud, tell whether a storm is on the horizon.

He said combining natural observation with modern science can build up climate change intelligence and help make the data accessible to subsistence farming communities.

Traditionally, he said the nation receives heavy rains in April. But today, this is not guaranteed. He said indigenous knowledge is proving to be very useful in helping local communities adapt to shifting climate patterns.

High cost of breeding fishes worries FISON

T

HE Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) has developed strategies to address the high cost of breeding fishes for consumption, says its National President, Abba Abdullah.

He spoke in Abuja at a workshop entitled: Tilapia Production: The all male technology organised by the society.

Abdullah said hormones, could be used to feed the fishes and they would develop into bigger males.

He said the workshop was aimed at introducing participants to the new technology of breeding tilapia fish.

According to him, the technology developed in the United States, is being used to boost tilapia production.

He said the technology was introduced to the Nigerians because many fish farmers had complained that they could not breed tilapia due to its stunted growth.

He said: “So FISON went into partnership with Winrock International, through the farmer-tofarmer project of the United States

Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria and they provided us with a consultant.

“The technology was introduced to the Nigerians because lots of fish farmers have complained that they do not breed tilapia because it will not grow,” he said.

The FISON chief described tilapia as a small, low fat fish commonly found in Africa, adding that it had become one of the most important “aquaculture” fish in the world.

“Tilapia is a very favourable fish; people like it but, unfortunately, when you are culturing, it does not grow very big.”

An expert in fisheries, Mr Godwin Asala, noted that aquaculture production in the country stands at 25,000 tonnes, six per cent of which is domestic fish production. He noted that the potential for aquaculture production in the country was huge.

He added: “Aquaculture can significantly contribute to domestic fish production, particularly when combined with improved inland fisheries management.’’ .

Harvest Plus, IITA partner to fight ‘ hidden hunger’

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NTERNATIONAL Institute for Tropical Agriculture Hidden hunge is (IITA) and HarvestPlus have reaffirmed their commitment towards fighting what they call “hidden hunger.” ‘’Hidden hunger”refers to chronic lack of vitamins and minerals and has no visible warning signs. Those who suffer from it may not even be aware of it, but its consequences are disastrous.

IITA and HarvestPlus plan to step up efforts towards the development and dissemination of improved and more nutritious crops to vulnerable groups.

HarvestPlus Director-General, Dr. Howarth Bouis and IITA Director- General Nteranya Sanginga, said after a closed door meeting in Ibadan, that the goal of eliminating hidden hunger required collaborative efforts.

Describing IITA as a dependable partner, Bouis praised the institute for ‘a fantastic job’ that led to the development of three yellow cassava varieties that are rich in vitamin A. Sanginga said IITA would continue to support efforts that would lead to better nutrition globally, stressing that the competence and presence of the institute

across several parts of Africa provided unique opportunities for research and dissemination of improved technologies.

The provitamin A cassava varieties, developed by IITA and partners with funding support from HarvestPlus, will help in overcoming the devastation of Vitamin A deficiency in Nigeria where about 20 per cent of pregnant women and 30 per cent of children under five are affected.

Bouis also made a presentation to researchers at IITA and partners, where he underscored the importance of biofortification in tackling malnutrition.

He also gave a glimpse of his organisation’s strategy in rolling out more nutritious foods in Africa and Asia in the years ahead.

Moderating the seminar presentation, IITA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships and Capacity Building, Dr. Kenton Dashiell, commended Bouis for his vision, and the resilience in pursing the vision to reality.

Bouis conceived the vision of biofortification 19 years ago. In one of the communities—Lagaye in Oyo State— that is benefiting from the introduction of the Vitamin A cassava varieties, Bouis was crowned with a chieftaincy title.

Ekweremadu decries poor agric growth From left: Country Manager, HarvestPlus, Paul Ilona; Sanginga, Bouis and Dashiell, after the meeting in Ibadan

Farmers association praises Delta over N1b loan T HE All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Delta State Chapter, has praised the government over the disbursement of a N1 billion agriculture loan to farmers.

Some of the farmers said the government took the right step, adding that the gesture be sustained. A former AFAN state Chairman, Mr Jerry Ossai, said the request for the loan was made about three years ago.

He, however, appealed that issues concerning farmers be taken seriously, saying the Ministry of Agriculture should be more proactive in meeting the farmers’needs for improved food production to be achieved.

On the payback period of seven years, Ossai thanked the government for addressing the farmers’ needs.

He said: “This is the first time

the government is actually addressing what the farmers need.

If you give a farmer a loan and you expect him to pay back in two years, you are deceiving yourself and the farmer.

“Even in three years, it’s impossible except maybe in animal husbandry and livestock keeping, which can pay back in three years. But in crop agriculture, no farmer can pay back in two years because the profit is so small.

“So seven years moratorium is the most beautiful aspect of this loan and the nine per cent interest rate of return is okay, but if it has come down to five per cent, it would have been better.”

Ossai, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Delta, said if the government wanted to cre-

ate more multiplier effects in the agric sector, it should consider giving good money to large-scale farmers.

A farmer and former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development in the state, Mr Raymos Gwana, said the loan was a good start for the farmers.

He said though he did not benefit from loan, which was targeted at small-farmers’co-operatives, the government should sustain the programme to encourage the farmers.

“It will encourage farmers to take more interest in farming and I want the programme sustained to ensure that the farmers get the benefits,’’ he said.

Another farmer, Mr Eugene Jacob, said the farmers need more money to improve activities on their farms.

D

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has expressed dissatisfaction with the deterioration in agriculture, saying it signifies danger to the survival of the nation.

He spoke at the maiden induction of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) in Abuja.

He was represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on Agriculture,Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

Ekeremadu attributed the deterioration to the rot in the agricultural industry since the discovery of oil.

He called for increased budgetary allocation from the current 2.6 per cent to 10 per cent as stipulated in the Maputo Declaration.

Stressing the need for increased budgetary allocation and investment to boost the capacity of agricultural research institutes, Ekweremadu reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to allocate more funds to the subsector. He said improved funding of the research institutes would further fuel the needed changes in the sector.

While congratulating the new fel-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

lows, he expressed optimism that smuggling and importation of meat would be reduced if the industry is well-repositioned to meet the protein needs of the country.

NAIS President, Prof Placcid Njoku, said the institute was established in response to the low protein intake among Nigerians, which is only 10g per person as against the 35g recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

He disclosed that to enable animal scientists to fulfil their role, the institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) to provide single-digit interest-rate loan for Registered and Graduate Animal Scientists to undertake livestock enterprises anywhere in the country.

He said the collaboration of the institute with international organisation has made the stock population of poultry to move from 20 million in 2007 to 40million last year, adding that through improved animal husbandry and bio-security, pig population has increased from 1.4million to six million within the period.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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AGRO-BUSINESS STATE FOCUS

Creating agro business opportunities in Ekiti

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•Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire and Mr Lawal at the event.

Lagos famers get input worth N32m

T

O achieve food sufficiency, the Lagos State government has

sold agricultural input worth over N32million to farmers at a discount.

The farmers got 40 per cent subsidy on the item.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said the gesture was informed by the need to make the farmers to take to commercial agriulture.

Speaking at the Farmers Appreciation Day, which coincided with the opening of the Farm Service Centre at Oko-Oba,Agege, Lawal said said the farmers need to transit to successful commercial agriculture.

He said the development of the agricultural sector is impossible without increasing farmers’ knowledge of new technologies and access to high quality input.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through knowledge impartation such as capacity building and training programmes.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who inaugurated the Farm Service Centre, promised that by 2025, the

Stories by Daniel Essiet

state would produce at least 25 per cent of its food needs and 60 per cent target by 2050.

Fashola said the government has started decentralising the centre by replicating it in the five divisions of the state to bring its service closer to the people.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, recalled that the old Farm Service Centre was established about 50 years ago as a Livestock Training Centre before it was upgraded by the administration. He stressed that many farmers that were trained by the centre in the past are successful farmers today.

He noted that the centre had trained 1,000 farmers since its inception in livestock, poultry, piggery and snail production.

The Lagos State is pioneering farm service centres (FSCs), a model for a more efficient supply chain that can deliver sufficient qualities of high quality product to farmers at lower costs, improving production and creating cost efficiencies.

Lawal said the farm service centres will provide accurate,

timely and reliable information and advice to farmers on topics ranging from crop and livestock production, modern research, innovation and technology, government programmes and services and farm business management including entrepreneurial modules.

He said the farm centre was conceived out of the pressing need to expand the scope of support services to farmers in the state and empower them throughknowledge impartation, capacity building and training programmes.

The commissioner further stated that the Farm Service Centre is also intended to serve farmers in areas such as entrepreneurial training services, skill enhancement and capacity building programmes, sales of agricultural input, provision of market information, advisory services and climate change desk office with meteorology equipment.

He said farmers in Lagos now have access to a state-of-the-art Farm Service Centre selling fertiliser, seeds,tools,veterinary preparations and disinfectants, and appropriate pest management solutions. The one-stop agricultural shop provides tractor rentals and

training on the use of modern agricultural technologies.

These basic services create opportunities for farmers in Lagos.

The event drew many dignitaries including the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; Vice-Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Co-operatives, Hon Ladi Balogun; Commissioner for Environment,Mr Tuni Bello; Commissioner forSpecial Duties, Mr Wale Ahmed, Commissioner Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olutoyin Ayinde and the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye.

President, Imota Farm Settlement, Mr Babatunde Shadeko, said his group has benefitted greatly from the state government through the supply of grains input. He said with the farm service centre in all divisions of the state, services and input supply will be decentralised.

The Farm Service Centre (FSC), formerly known as Agro Service Centre was established in the 1960s as an Agro Service Input delivery outpost to offer advisory services as well as supply of agro input to farmers in the state.

Expert canvasses profitable crop planting in the north A SOIL expert, Prof.

Dele Salako, said profitable crop planting in low rainfall area of the north holds the key to sustainable national food growth.

In an interview with The Nation, Salako, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,Ogun State, said the north was affected by varying degrees of drought caused by lack of rainfall.

He said because crops are grown under dry land conditions, the yield is low. The physical limitations of the area include low rainfall, low humidity, high wind, high temperature, resulting in the desire of the governments of the region to conserve,as much irrigation water as possible for beneficial use.

He said the success of crop planting in low rainfall areas depends on the timing of seeding in relation to rainfall and subsequent soil water conditions.

He said timing of seeding was very important as it influences the harvest outcomes and that most parts of the region is dry and required drastic measures aimed at sustaining the local communities.

He said people look for alternative ways of collecting rainwater to help alleviate the vagaries of dry weather spell,including irrigation.

The don said farmers are encouraged to also plant drought-resistant crops that could withstand the pro-

longed dry weather spell.

He said farmers can use fertiliser only when adequate moisture is available at seeding.

He stressed the need to utilise high efficiency systems that allow control of irrigationapplication amounts.

He said farmers make good harvest in low yielding production area by managing the risks and opportunities involved in seeding operations.

He said moist sowing aims to place seeds into soil which is wet enough to sustain germination and emergence without further rainfall.

Also, the Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin,

Prof. Ayo Ogunlela, said soil fertility is of concern because of the decline in farm yields.

He said declining soil fertility and mismanagement of plant nutrients have made the task of providing food for the people difficult.

He said farmers are tackling drought with resistant crops developed and disseminated by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other international agricultural research centres and national partners.

He said such varieties have been developed to create safety nets for farmers especially in times of inadequate rainfall.

He said farmers responded by planting short cycle and drought resistant crops, such as cowpea and Firgi sorghum.

KITI State is largely agrarian. Agriculture is its main occupation. It provides income and employment for more than 75 per cent of the population.

The main cash crops are cocoa, coffee, kola nut, cashew and oil palm. Other tree crops include citrus fruits, coconut, mango, sugarcane, guava and pineapple. Because of the conducive climatic condition, the state enjoys luxuriant vegetation.

As the state is within the ecological belt known for abundant forest resources, it produces high quality woods which are raw material for wood-based industries within and outside the state.

The state boasts of various species of timber.

Among the food crops are: yam, cocoyam, cassava, maize, plantain/banana, rice, beans, pepper, tomato and varieties of vegetables.

Ekiti is transforming agriculture from a low productivity, highly subsidised, high input system to one that is more productive and greener. The government wants to promote agricultural business model that is large-scale and commercial.

Although much of the agricultural activity is also directed towards providing food for domestic consumption, expansion of agricultural export crops is top priority in the bid to stimulate economic development. The goal is to diversify the sector to produce the nation’s basic foodstuffs and also help feed neighbouring states.

Agriculture has been driven by the central concern for food security. In the changed scenario, profitability, competitiveness and efficiency in domestic agricultural production would be issues of high priority together with exploiting export opportunities in the world markets. So far, modern agriculture technology based on high-yielding varieties has resulted in raising some farmers from poverty. Conscious of the abundant agricultural potentialities that abound in state, the government is taking measures to implement positive agricultural policies.The government through its agricultural initiative cleared over 2,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of cassava, maize and rice, which resulted in a sharp increase in employment and output of these crops.

Cultivation of revenue yielding tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm and timber are being supported. Since, forestry offers a lot of investment opportunities, effort have been made to manage the forest reserves well for both the native and the exotic tree species.

The Ekiti State Agricultural Development Project is geared towards making food available internally and for export to other places. To enable small farmers to reap the fruits of globalisation, the government wants to play a proactive role in empowering them to take advantage of the opening up of market opportunities.

The state has provided agricultural support services to

enable small farmers to take up commercial farming through sustainable practices.

Extension services are being restructured to make technology dissemination responsive to small farmers.

Credit and thrift societies operating in farming communities offer an effective mechanism of credit advancement to small farmers with low transaction costs.

The system includes loans funded by the government and interest-subsidised loans extended by agricultural cooperatives to farmers. Several measures for marketing of agricultural produce are being promoted both by the government, private and cooperative initiatives with varying degrees of success.

Co-operative marketing societies/farmers’associations are also demonstrating the success of group farming.

Overall, food production has increased. The aim of the government is to make Ekiti a food secure state and is taking important steps to ensure that it remains sustainable.

The government is committed to maintaining a sustainable, globally competitive and resilient food supply and is developing a food plan, working with the private sector to address potential gaps or vulnerabilities in the food chain safety and security system. The state government will soon launch Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme to systematically bring youths into sustainable commercial agriculture.

The project will generate employment opportunities for potential young entrepreneurs by promoting high value crops (HVC) production, processing, marketing and transporting them (crops) from the point of production to storage and processing centres. This project will be implemented across the 16 local government areas of the state. However, initial implementation will be concentrated in key areas of HVC production.

The project beneficiaries will be potential young entrepreneurs with growing interest in agribusiness, that is, commercial agricultural farming, agro-processing and marketing. Focus will be on unemployed youths, most specifically graduates and diploma/school certificate holders located (or willing to relocate) to the identified areas with interest in growing, processing and marketing HVC such cassava, rice, vegetables and tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm, banana and fruits.

•Governor Kayode Fayemi

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Where to shop? Check out BRTs On Lagos highways, one of the things you cannot miss is the display of pictures of various products on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Corporate bodies see this as an effective medium to reach potential shoppers.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME writes.

S

HOPPING takes place in many commercial buses. It is common to see a sales man or woman selling products and making huge sales in these vehicles. The only commuter vehicle where this is not allowed is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

They are blue and red luxury buses that ply various routes on special lanes provided by the Lagos State government. BRT’s establishment in 2008 has helped to improve transportation in the state.

One would not see sales people parading products for sale in the buses. Rather, they are carried out through other conspicuous means.

The two sides, including the rear, have been taken over by advertisement of various products, making other motorists and people around see the message that is being conveyed.

• Continued on Page 32

• Actress, Genevieve Nnaji in BRT Luna milk advert.

Egg poacher for convenience Page 32

Photo courtesy: (C) Lagoscityphoto.blogspot.com

A choice beverage

Page 33

Beyonce legs it out of $1m van in T-shirt and wacky tights Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

32

SHOPPING

Where to shop? Check out BRTs • Continued from Page 31

This way, it provides your business with a moving commercial. Unlike other outlets, such as the electronic or print media, people cannot just switch the channel, flip the page or throw it out. The ad is simply in front of them as a part of the environment.

As outdoor prices rise, top brands are focusing their advertising campaigns on the BRT. Brands such as Samsung, Nokia, Etisalat Telecommunications, 7Up Bottling Company, MTN and Airtel, among others, are leveraging on the BRT bus branding.

In the buses are three panels (3sqm each) at the top of the staircase, so passengers cannot but see the messages anytime they board or alight from the bus. Also, there is a 20sqm panel above the seats in the bus, which constantly runs the advertiser’s message so that the passengers have no choice but to keep reading the messages, which goes a long way in storing it up in their memories. More so, LED televisions have been introduced in some of the buses. These screens entertain passengers and make the trip more interesting. In the middle of this, various adverts are showcased.

Speaking on the project, the Managing Director of AYD, Mr Babatunde Opeyemi, said the project entitled AD-Vision, which is a model brand of mobile advertisement would run on LCD platforms in video and audio messages in the BRT buses plying all Lagos routes. With this strategy, products would be advertised for passengers’ awareness and patronage.

This has become a major feature of Lagos highways. The essence is for shoppers to see the products wherever the buses are. Many people attest to the fact that the slogans and messages conveyed via the buses leave an imprint on their minds.

Some of the products on display are: Gossy table water, Star Times, Chivita, Scanfrost, Lucozade Boost, Lucozade Sport and many more. They are also flaunted with catchy expressions such as Honeywell noodles, exciting taste; Laundry wahala? Good mama detergent, better wash, better scent; Pepsi, sponsor of Nigerian Idol - the world’s your stage, rock your world; Klin - it’s always been so klin; Olive toothpaste for your complete dental solution; Honda motorcycle, get the ace; Goldberg, the new look and feel of gold; 7days croissant, taste it, believe it; Nescafe-if you are not awake, you are asleep; Fanta - play, it’s natural; Hypo, bleach in a sachet, for sparkling white.

Many banks and cash-less policy advocate companies also use it to promote the cashless policy proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). On this, you see inscriptions like Just paga it, it’s easier to paga it; Let’s go cash-less. Even the Lagos State government uses the medium to ask people to pay their

• LED TV in BRT. tax with such slogan as: Pay your tax, it is your civic responsibility; it’s your right.

This innovative platform gives advertisers a broader reach and gets the products to the target audience. Those who are not boarding the buses can always see the display while the vehicle is moving or stationary. Either way, the purpose of getting people to see them is achieved. This mode of advertising has beefed up outdoor advertising in the Centre of Excellence. It also generates funds in addition to the regular funds generated by transporting Lagosians. With a population of over 15 million; over 30, 000 people using the BRT buses daily, Lagos, sure, is a haven for advertisers.

Mr Isaac Ige, a BRT user, said: “It is quite interesting to take a product where every dick and harry can see what it offers. I think that is

what the BRT does”.

Mrs Uche Ibekwe said: “Without advert, a product may never get to its target consumers. I think it is a unique way of outdoor advertising. You won’t believe it, when I started taking notice of it last year, I actually started taking note of the products on display, especially when there is traffic. In fact, any time I see a BRT, the first thing I do is to know which product is being displayed. I think it is a good sell out”.

Mr Adekoya Oluwatomisin of PoiseMedia Communications Limited said: “The importance and effectiveness of BRT bus branding and advertising cannot be undermined in Nigeria, especially Lagos Metropolis. It goes out to meet its customers and has a wider reach than those stationed in one place. It is a cost

effective way to turn the promotional bus into a professional and high impact, mobile advertisement. Wherever the bus travels, you’ll be building the brand or promoting the campaign. It is, therefore, safe to say that it is an intelligent advertising investment. It carries your message where it matters most, and this is why it is imperative for advertisers to choose routes that suit their target customers. It provides total market penetration; it reaches a heterogeneous class of people at the same time. It offers high visibility and constant repetition translating to a greater impact. The advert messages are big and clear, and when people see them long enough, the messages stick”.

So, next time you are driving around the metropolis, watch out, you might find interesting information on a BRT passing by.

Egg poacher for convenience Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins. To promote healthy eating, they can be poached. Poachers are convenient to use, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN.

E

GGS are popular on breakfast tables.

They enhance the protein content of the body. Poached eggs are ideal because they are not fried, thereby limiting the intake of oil. They do not have additional fat. They also have an enjoyable flavour.

Though eggs can be boiled in a pot, it is better to use a poacher to make the process tidy.

It is made up of naturally durable material with feed holes on top that enable you to add water when needed and can make several eggs at a time. It cooks egg by steaming. You could add a little salt and pepper for a delicious meal.

Eggs cooked in a poacher do not need constant attention and cleaning up.

There are different types of egg poachers, including electric egg poacher, silicon coated egg poacher, stainless steel egg poacher, microwave and non-stick egg poacher. There is also the single egg poacher that makes just one egg at a time. It is a great item for one person.

This handy kitchen apparatus, which helps with easy handling, is available in various shapes and sizes in all kitchen supply stores

such as the Elphina plaza, Park ‘n’ Shop, Cash and Carry, Mega Plaza, Shoprite, Spar and Delightsome Gifts concepts.

An electric egg poacher is a plug-in device that has separate slots for eggs. Those with handles are often preferred, as they give full control for convenient handling.

They are possibly the easiest to use, depending on the brand. They can make two to eight eggs at a time. Its contents are: a water reservoir, a poaching dish for the eggs, an automatic timer and a thermostat to maintain an even temperature throughout the cooking process.

The microwave/non stick egg poacher helps poach egg in a microwave safe bowl, though eggs cooked this way need to have the yolk pierced so they do not explode or get overcooked. There are the single ones, the double and multiple microwave safe materials which also produce acceptable results.

There are egg poachers with metal spoons designed to hang on the edge of the pan, or individual poacher cups that are made of metal, silicone or plastic to keep the eggs in a nice compact shape.

The various poachers are suitable and easier to use than the traditional method. They all produce acceptable results and are efficient at making easy poached eggs.

Some shoppers, who are regular users of the product, told The Nation Shopping about their favourite types and how useful they have been, especially when they have to rush to work early.

Mrs Fatimah Afeez, an educationist, said: “I have used both teflon and silicon egg poacher but neither is as good as the stainless steel.

The great thing about the latter is that it heats up very quickly and is safe for food. I also feel that stainless steel poachers add flavour to the eggs. Just try making it with teflon and then make it with stainless steel and you will see that the eggs made in the latter taste better.

“I know many people complain about cleaning stainless steel but all you have to do is leave some water in it for a while. Sometimes, I put detergent and water in it while it is still hot and the stains come off right away. To make delicious poached eggs, Virgin olive oil is best. It makes it taste so good and it’s healthy too,” she added.

• Chicken microwave egg poacher.

“I poach my eggs in a saucepan but it is a lot of trouble during the week days. I was told the microwave egg poacher tastes better and that it is also less stressful. I might switch to that so I can finish breakfast and get to work sooner in the mornings,” said Miss Ufoma Ikeh, a Lagos banker.

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SHOPPING

A choice beverage Companies are introducing fruit flavoured infused cider such as Kiss. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI writes.

I

N many stores, Cider Kiss is becoming popular, as many see it as a preferred beverage. It is also distributed at parties. Its content in a can makes it convenient for handling. It has three variants: pear, strawberry and cherry.

Cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apple or pear juice. The alcohol content varies from two to 8.5 per cent. Cider is popular in the United Kingdom, especially in South West England. The United Kingdom has the highest per capita consumption of cider. However, it is also popular in Ireland, Spain, France and Lithuania.

The flavour of cider varies. It can be classified from dry to sweet. It ranges from cloudy with sediment to completely clear appearance. Its colour ranges from light yellow through orange to brown. The variations in clarity and colour are mostly due to filtering between pressing and fermentation. Some apple varieties will produce a clear cider without any filtration.

Both sparkling and still ciders are made; the sparkling variety is more common.

Modern, mass-produced ciders closely resembles sparkling wine in appearance. More traditional brands tend to be darker and cloudier.

They are often stronger than the mass-produced varieties and taste more strongly of apples.

Later, small cider companies in Europe started to infuse traditional cider with fruit juice. This range has been categorized as fruit ciders and it is a growing category throughout the world.

When the Romans arrived in England in 55 BC, they were reported to have found the local Kentish villagers drinking a delicious cider-like beverage made from apples. According to ancient records, the Romans and their leader embraced the pleasant pursuit with enthusiasm. It is unknown how long the English locals had been making this apple drink prior to the arrival of the Romans. By the beginning of the Ninth century, cider drinking was well-established in Europe. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, cider consumption became widespread in England and orchards were established specifically to produce cider.

It also had an important economic factor during medieval times. Cider making was an important industry. Monasteries sold vast quantities of their strong, spiced cider to the public.

Farm labourers received cider allowance as part of their wages, and the quantity increased during haymaking. English cider making probably peaked around the mid 17th Century, when almost every farm had its own cider orchard and press. The industry later went into decline,

due to major agricultural changes.

It regained its popularity during the 20th Century, but demand was largely for the mass-produced variety. Only in recent years has traditional cider making finally triumphed. In United States of America, English settlers introduced it by bringing with them seeds for cultivating cider apples. During the colonial period, grains did not thrive well and were costly to import.

On the other hand, apple orchards were plentiful, making apples cheap and easily obtainable. As a result, hard cider quickly became one of America’s most popular beverages. Its consumption increased steadily during the 18th Century, due in part to the efforts of the legendary Johnny Appleseed, who planted many apple trees in the Midwest. Cider lost it’s popularity due to a series of events. German migrants set up large breweries producing great quantities of beer.

This made beer cost competitive and ready available, while cider was primarily made in limited quantity by small farmers. Religion also played a part. Many church-going farmers gave up cider production due to religious reasons. Then the Prohibition became the law and pretty much destroyed the market for apple cider in the United States.

Traditional cider making is experiencing a major resurgence in America, Europe, Australia and Africa. In addition to the traditional cider, companies have come up with an innovation of fruit flavoured infused cider such as Kiss.

‘When the Romans arrived in England in 55 BC, they were reported to have found the local Kentish villagers drinking a delicious cider-like beverage made from apples. According to ancient records, the Romans and their leader embraced the pleasant pursuit with enthusiasm’

Shopping Right with

Consumers adjust to austerity measures

C

ONSUMERS have fundamentally changed the way they shop: Market conditions have compelled them to make more prudent buying decisions, restricting their non-essential purchases.

With the rise of a litre of petrol to N97 and resultant increase in the prices of essential commodities, many shoppers are reducing their budget in the bid to ‘cut their coat according to their cloth’. Many are also practising DIY:do-it-yourself. For instance, rather than spend money on a plumbing or electrical repair, you could decide to do it JANICE NKOLI IFEME yourself. Some have even had to withdraw their children from very expensive schools hold income than non-Shifters, and more to cheaper ones. This is obtainable not only Shifters have more discretionary spend this in Nigeria but various parts of the world. year versus last year. This class of consumAn IBM national survey of 30,000 United ers is also more discerning, consciously sacStates consumers found they are changing rificing spending yet making more shopping their shopping habits to deal with shifting trips. budgets and incomes.

The top three reasons Shifters bought prodThe report found that consumers are sacriucts from new retailers were price/promoficing spending (90 per cent) and tapping tion, convenience and product availability/ fewer discretionary dollars (45 per cent) this assortment. year, as compared to last. More than 60 per The report also finds that the dramatic cent of consumers have decreased spending growth of Advocates serves as another bright on consumer electronics, vacations, home spot for retailers, as advocacy rates have improvement, sporting goods and home nearly doubled from décor. Forty per cent of year to year. Advocates shoppers also responded are customers who recto budget shifts by em- ‘Shoppers are calling ommend their prebracing lower-priced the shots. Savvy retail- ferred retailer to friends products. and family, who will The study, titled “Shopers can use the new buy more when the asper Advocacy: Building Consumer Trust in the economic environ- sortment expands and will remain loyal New Economic Environment as an opportu- who to their preferred rement,” shows that tighter when a comparabudgets and lower connity to drive revenue, tailer ble competitor enters fidence have fundamenmargin growth and the market. Even in the tally changed consumer economy, the behaviour. Two-thirds of customer trust. Those current report showed that 31 consumers surveyed that can strengthen re- per cent of Advocates said they are postponing spend with purchases or buying lationships with new increased their primary retailer fewer items overall, and existing custom- within the past year. while 60 per cent of conOver the past two sumers indicated they ers will differentiate years, the IBM survey are shopping more often for products on sale and and dominate as the showed that 41 per cent of Advocates increased using coupons more economy recovers’ their spending. Advooften. In light of this cacy increased across all new shopping paraproduct categories indigm, the report warns cluding grocery, apparel, pharmacy and retailers against relying solely on past purhome merchandise. Grocery retailers had the chase patterns to forecast future consumer greatest percentage of Advocates (40 per demand. cent), and Home Merchandise retailers had It also revealed that, on average, consumthe lowest percentage of Advocates (35 per ers will drop allegiance to retailers after an cent). average of 3.1 negative experiences. Market “For retailers to succeed in the new conditions and high expectations have made economy, organisations must nurture both consumers more impatient, so retailers must Advocates and Shifters,” said Fred Balboni, stay focused on consistently delivering a Global Retail Industry Leader, IBM Global superior shopping experience for customBusiness Services. “Shoppers are calling the ers. shots. Savvy retailers can use the new ecoDue to the changing economy, IBM projects nomic environment as an opportunity to that fundamental consumer shifts will drive revenue, margin growth and customer change the way retailers operate. Representtrust. Those that can strengthen relationships ing 30 per cent of shoppers are the Shifters, a with new and existing customers will differsegment of power shoppers who are motientiate and dominate as the economy recovvated to seek new relationships with new ers.” retailers. Shifters are significantly more IBM forecasts that retailers who deliver on valuable than other consumer segments brand expectations and build consumer trust because of their monthly spend and average to court these valuable segments of consumbasket size. Shifters spend 37 per cent more ers, such as the Shifters, will be best posion average per month and 32 per cent more tioned to increase loyalty and market share during each shopping trip than non-Shifters. in uncertain times.

Shifters also have a higher average house-

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SHOPPING

Battle for shoppers’ purse moves to the billboard The display of products on billboards has become more sophisticated and competitive as several products battle for a share of shoppers’pockets. JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

B

ORN out of necessity, billboards were first used to convey a message to the majority of individuals who were illiterate. But it has become more sophisticated, reflecting new technologies and an effective medium for an enlightened generation. This trend is likely to continue as marketers continue to seek out the most effective advertising media.

Some companies even videotape their signs and put together a computer display for their clients so they can just click on a location and see a picture or video of the billboard that is there.

Satellite systems are being used to control lighting and to track sign locations. Perhaps the most interesting innovation in the industry is in the area of advertising artwork.

For example, a new type of sign uses a multifaceted prismatic facing to deliver two different advertising messages. As the viewer approaches the sign, they see one picture, but as they pass the sign, their angle of view changes, revealing a different picture.

This type of clever innovation continues to make billboards a popular and economically viable method of advertising.This is seen at Oshodi, where Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpota is urging the public to use Harpic for their toilet cleaning. This is showcased alongside new Harp Lime with natural Flavor. At Allen roundabout, Lagos, Cadbury adverts and others are constantly played. The large screen at Maryland Bus-stop on Ikorodu Road also keeps people busy, especially during traffic.

It is interesting to see some of the items

displayed in short and catchy expressions.

For instance: Legend real stout on the go; Star, perfectly brewed for that superior taste; Knorr, for the tastiest jollof rice; Onga+egusi =superior egusi; Dettol - be sure of a clean bathe; Panadol extra, still the same oga for strong strong headache; Legend, my real stout, my real can; Maggi Star - I make food look so good; every woman is a star, Baygon, powerful protection for the family; PK, get closer; Star, our own since 1949; Etisalat - we have routes across Naija; Peak, get more out of milk. The list goes on and on.

‘This type of clever innovation continues to make billboards a popular and economically viable method of advertising.

This is seen at Oshodi, where Nollywood actress Chioma ChukwukaAkpota is urging the public to use Harpic for their toilet cleaning. This is showcased alongside new Harp Lime with natural flavour’

• Billboard commercial.

Beyonce legs it out of $1m van in T-shirt and wacky tights

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AST week, singer, Beyonce, stepped out in New York City sporting some bizarre Fishnet stockings. She completed the look with black high-top sneakers, a cardigan and a big hat. Many New Yorkers described the outfit as wacky and unusual.They indicated that she is known for her sexy style, but described her appearance outfit as a sartorial misfire.

According to a celebrity site, the 30-yearold singer was in a state of fashion emergency last week, as she stepped out in a pair of crazy tights. Her fishnet stockings may have looked appropriate underneath one of her many seductive stage outfits, but for an average day out, they just looked odd.

The mother of one was seen emerging

from her luxury $1 million Mercedes van and her three-month-old baby, Blue Ivy, could be seen strapped in her car seat. It has an engine big enough to power a large lorry, but has the soft drive of a limousine.

The Single Ladies singer requested hand stitched Italian leather seats be installed in cream with chestnut lining, to make sure she does not ever have to stop at a service station. It has a full bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet.

The Love on Top crooner also did not appear to be wearing any bottoms with her black leggings.

She swapped her standard stilettos for a pair of black high-tops and her chic blazers for a frumpy cardigan.

It also appeared that she had left her house

without make-up, which is very out of character.

Her accessories, including a cool trilby hat and a pair of aviators, were part of her signature outfit.

She also carried a binder as she made her way into the Alternative Education Complex in midtown Manhattan. Some suggest that she might not have as much time to devote to her style now that she is a mother.

She gave birth to daughter, Blue Ivy in January and is rarely seen without her. Blue’s father, musician and producer Jay-Z, dotes on his little girl just as much. He even included her cries on his single, Glory, two days after her birth, officially making her the youngest ‘artist’ to ever appear on the billboard charts.

Are your kids ready for the new term?

If you left your children’s school shopping until now, you may find the items more expensive to buy because the holidays are over. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

M

ANY pupils like to start a new term with new materials, such as school uniforms, bags, shoes, singlet, stockings, boxers, stationery, lunch boxes, pants and other things they need.

As mothers, making sure your child has everything for the term ahead saves you a lot of stress and money.You won’t have to shop for anything when school is in session and, most importantly, you won’t have to spend more buying within a limited period.

Do not leave it too late to start shopping for those essential items, particularly school shoes and school uniform. You might end up not getting your choice and the child’s size.

Endeavour to go shopping with the child.

It is interesting, fun packed and less stress for you.You are sure to get more comfortable items for him or her, because they will have an opportunity to pick what they want and what suits them.

Like everything, school items have fashion trends, so make sure your child does not end up disappointed if all the latest styles are sold up before you get there.

At this time of resumption, shops dealing on school items, are busy daily, attending to mothers and their children as they shop for varieties.

Even those smaller items such as stationery: pencils, biro, exercise books, erasers, sharpener, pencil cases, among others, should be stocked in packs and dozens. So, you do not have to buy them from the school where they would be sold three times their original prices.

Make a list of everything your child needs for the new term and work through it, ticking off items as you buy them. This will give u a sense of relief and accomplishment.

Get shopping now, it’s not late yet. You still have this weekend.

Some mothers spoke with The Nation Shopping at Lagos Island market. Mrs Hanna Babajide, a housewife said: “I am now doing the last set of shopping for items like stationery and shoes. It was easy getting all items since the prices are still reasonable. I have four children who go to school.

I have been able to get uniforms for them.

The only problem I have is the brand name items such as Hannah Montana for their

lunch box, which my children like and it is more expensive. Other than that, I have got everything else.”

Mrs Sindy Isiaka, also a housewife, said: ‘’I have three children who attend secondary school and I’m finding it very difficult because of the prices and because I am a single parent. Since 2005, I have been taking care of my children on my own since I do not receive any help from their father.

So, I have to search for prices that will suit my pocket. I have to do a lot of walking to find the right prices. Time is catching up with me since this is the last week of shopping. I have to try to get some bargains on the items I still have to buy for my children.”

Mrs Rosemary Iyamu said: ‘’I find this shopping so harassing because I have to do much searching. However, I have managed to buy the majority of items needed for school. All that are left are the smaller items which I am buying right now. The prices are reasonable, so it makes it easier to pick up the necessary stuff for my two kids. I will finish my last minute shopping today,” she said.

• Beyonce

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

35

COMMENTARY

“E

IGHT conditions (according to an Arab poet) are inevitable in the life of man.

And there is no single living human being without the eight. These are happiness and sadness; meeting and parting; fortune and misfortune; then, healthiness and sickness” When you are not happy you must be sad. When you are not meeting with some people you must be parting with some. When you are not fortunate in a venture you must be unfortunate in it if momentarily. And when you are not healthy you must be sick or ill.

Happiness, meeting, fortune and healthiness, all may seem to show the positive side of life just as their abstract counterparts may reflect its negative side. But the reality is that not everything that looks positive may actually be positive. Happiness may be pyrrhic. Meeting may cause trouble.

Fortune may be short-lived. And healthiness may engender restiveness.

Incidentally however, it takes both the positive and the negative sides of life to keep the human world going.

Life is neither static nor rigid. Rather, it randomly changes like weather. If it brings you happiness today, do not expect it to remain so tomorrow. Life is like a horse. You can ride it only if it surrenders itself to you. But as soon as it becomes tired of you and beckons to a new rider, you automatically become its own horse and it may then ride you to death.

In life, happiness is not about money or position. Neither is it about power or governance. Each and every one of these is transient even as the life of its custodian is ephemeral. As a matter of fact, there is no bringer of happiness that cannot bring sadness as well. The only known source of genuine happiness from primordial to contemporary time is contentment guaranteed by conscience. And that is the only passport on which the visa of heaven may be issued.

Looking at the phenomena of human life critically, one may conclude that human world is depreciating geometrically. The men of yester years were greater than those of today. Their lives were more qualitative. Their thoughts were richer. Their intentions were purer. Their gazes were more visionary. Their dispositions were more human. It is upon the foundation of their thoughts and deeds that today’s technological pyramid is built. Yet they did not allow their reasoning to be driven by the material life of their time.

Fearing for their hereafter, Prophet Muhammad’s disciples once asked him a question about the quality of their lifestyle. “Dear Prophet” they said in a quivering voice, “the wealthy ones amongst us seem to have gone to the world beyond with all the existing rewards. They were worshipping as we are worshipping. They were fasting as we are fasting. Yet they were giving in charity, huge amounts of resources according to the sizes of their wealth.

(What is left for us then, if the paradise will be determined by the amount of our rewards?)

Replying, the Prophet said: “Has Allah not endowed you with what can fetch you the ticket to paradise? Every glorification of Allah is charity; praising Allah day and night is charity; deifying Allah in thought or in action is charity; encouraging good deed is charity; admonishing against evil is charity; even, mating with your wives is charity. Piqued by the last assertion, the disciples asked the Prophet in unison: “Habah! Dear Prophet, how can mating with one’s wife fetch ticket to paradise?” The Prophet in a jovial tone but serious mood retorted thus: “Don’t you know that mating in the manner of an adulterer can fetch hell (because it is evil deed)? Thus, mating with legitimate wives can fetch paradise (because it is a good deed).”

Man is nothing but history after his demise. The living people will see in him either a victor to be emulated or a villain to be pitied. And, they will always talk of him in the like manner.

The great fathers of Nigeria’s independence left a legacy that can be called a footprint on the sands of time.

By whatever measure they are weighed

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

In thy hand oh Lord!

• President Goodluck Jonathan today, the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello; Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; the first Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his counterpart of the Eastern Region, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as well as Mallam Aminu Kano were all exemplary in their own right.

Men like them are no more in Nigeria of today.

Their legacy is a fortune which turned into misfortune in the hands of their heirs. Thus, the great hope which those fathers had embedded into our destiny has been colonised and turned into personal property by their political heirs. Were those great fathers to wake up from their graves today and see what has become of their sweat, they would just shake their heads in sorrow and return quietly into their graves without comments.

It is rather a luxury that those of us who were children during Nigeria’s independence can still talk of hope even if in retrospect. Neither the children of today nor those of tomorrow have the benefit of such a luxury. If they will lay claim to any heritage from us at all, it is a paroxysm of despair. And when the morrow of a country depends on despair rather than hope what else should be expected other than ruins?

Today, we think like those before us.

We plan like them. We work as they worked and we pray as they did. What we cannot do like them is to hope based on good intention. Our hope has been

stolen just as our destiny has been tied to the apron of the satanic forces who are now riding roughshod over us in the name of leaders.

When a people find themselves in this kind of situation the only thing that remains for them is to raise up their hands in passionate supplication.

Against our initial prayer and wish as a people, our country became a lily by the mossy stone in recent years. In 1999, when Nigeria’s 4th republic commenced, an unexpected bull strayed into our national china shop and before we knew it the falcon had lost contact with the falconer. Things fell apart and the centre became the seat of the Lucifer. Thus, a bud of thorny mistletoe grew wild under the armpit of a magnificent almond tree thereby making normal access to that tree impossible. What’s next became the question.

It did not take much time before the citizenry realised that prayer was different from wish after all. The one is based on hope. The other is like a dream which can be realised positively or negatively.

Incidentally, every human prayer is erroneously based on wish out of sheer ignorance. But since unlike humans, Allah judges by intention and not by action, He granted us our prayer and not our wish. And that was because He knew that wish is like a whirlwind which could blow in any direction and blind the wisher.

Now, having realised that we need a new round of prayers, we must learn not to take wish for prayer again. Let us pray: We thank You oh! Allah, for taking us through an undreamt period of undeserved hardship imposed on us by a click of evil agents in the name of rulers at the dawn of the 21st century.

During that unbearable period, many people lost their lives, many lost their jobs and many more lost their wealth without any hope for a better tomorrow.

At the instance of evil policies and vindictive attitudes of those we then called leaders, youths became wild and heartless, parents became helpless and frustrated, families were dismembered, patriots became rebels, businesses folded up for no just cause, innocent men and women languished in gaol or wallowed in penury even as friends became foes.

The great serenity expected to come with democracy vanished into the thin air while the future became bleak even

‘Choose a leader for us who will be disciplined enough to know that leadership is a privilege and not a right and therefore remember that he will one day vacate the office and recall his achievements or otherwise. Choose for us a leader who will not assess his own performance and give himself a pass mark even where his failure is manifest and indelible.’

for those who should ordinarily have a stake in it with confidence and hope.

Except for Your grace and mercy oh Allah, no one knew what the next day would bring. It was one seemingly tortuous war, the end of which only a few could hope to see.

But we endured it all and waited patiently to bid the demonic sphinx of that who cast a spell on Nigeria adieu forever. Why won’t we thank You once again for this wonderful gesture. The year 1999 started with a rain of hope but a vicious rain maker thought that what we deserved was storm rather than rain and opened the furnace of tempest on us. Yet, we survived it all.

When we became like a cow without a tail, it was only your grace oh Allah that scared away the flies from feasting on our wounds. Your promise is never in vain.

Thank You for giving us a fresh opportunity to dream and expect the transformation of our dream into reality. Thank You for bailing us out of a mental and psychological gulag into which we were hounded by the neo-colonialists of those days who were masquerading in the cloak of democrats. We shall forever be grateful to You as long as we remain alive. But like Oliver Twist, we shall always ask for more.

Now that we are back in a ship being piloted by a sailor who neither knows his destination nor possesses a compass we want to appeal to you once again to please equip us with diving suits that can assist us in swimming across the ocean of life in case the present ship hits the rock.

Give us a leader from amongst us whose piety will be the basis of his leadership; whose conscience will be the scale of his conduct; whose words will match his deeds and whose temperament will tame his greed and avarice.

Choose a leader for us who will be disciplined enough to know that leadership is a privilege and not a right and therefore remember that he will one day vacate the office and recall his achievements or otherwise.

Choose for us a leader who will not assess his own performance and give himself a pass mark even where his failure is manifest and indelible. Let a leader emerge from amongst us who will respect the opinions of other people and value their advice but not one who will vaingloriously claim monopoly of all the wisdom in the world even as he becomes a laughing stock in the immediate and larger society due to his crudeness and parochialism. Like Israelis of yore, we have been forced to spend unfruitful years in the wilderness of life even as billions of dollars accruing from the mineral resources with which You endow our country is going down the drains without any benefit to the citizenry.

Never allow a greedy person to lead us again who may take Nigeria for his father’s estate and witch-haunt imaginary and perceived opponents with vicious agencies under the guise of maintaining security in the land.

Oh Allah! Give us a leader who will know that the greatest wealth of a nation is her human resources and develop such wealth for the future of the country. Imbue us with a leader who will know the meaning of education and therefore give our schools and Universities priority in government policies. Appoint a leader for us who will not grant a paltry salary pay rise to an insignificant percentage of the citizenry and then turn round to inflict unbearable hardship on the overwhelming majority of the populace through unjustifiable price increases on the social amenities and thereby aggravate poverty in the land.

We pray for a leader who will be just enough to spread the privileges and opportunities in the land across board without treating non members of his political party as enemies to be hunted days and nights.

Here we are at your doorstep oh!

Allah, raising up our hands to You in prayer and placing our final hope on You without an iota of doubt. To You we pray oh! Allah and from You alone we expect mercy. AL-FATIHAT!

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

36

Two Venerables of the African Church Cathedral Bethel, Marina, Lagos have been consecrated as Bishops. OGECHUKWU EMEDIKE reports.

Behold the new Bishops

T 10am, the auditorium of the African Cathedral Church, Broad Street, Lagos, was filled with faithful.

They were not there for the usual Sunday service, but consecration of two Venerables as Bishops.

Well-wishers, friends and relatives of those to be ordained gathered for the ceremony.

At noon, the procession entered the Cathedral in the order of the cross bearer, with the large metallic cross, the choir, Lay leaders, the clergy and the Archdeacons.

Another set: the Verger, the Bishops-elect with their wives, Chaplain, the Primate and the cathedral wardens followed closely behind.

They were in their unique attires.

The Bishops-elect wore white gown with a purple neck and a long black rope with their wives dressed in cream skirt suits with hats to match.

On the pulpit where the Bishops sat was written ‘Yin Oluwa iwo okan mi (Praise the Lord Oh My Soul).

Then began the liturgical consecration with the newly ordained Bishops called to take their vows.

Kneeling before the Primate of the African Church, Revd Emmanuel Udofia, they pledged to abide by the rules of the Order and live exemplary lives.

This elicited loud ovation from the congregation, who came to witness the second investiture into the Order.

While examining them, Primate Udofia, asked: “Are you persuaded that you are truly called to the ministration according to the will of our Lord and the Order of the African Church?

A

They echoed their readiness to serve the church” After the investiture, the Bible readings followed.

Charging the new Bishops, Primate Udofia encouraged them to use their offices to do the good work they have been called to do.

“Do not let this position given you to intoxicate you. Let it not get into your heads and make you absent yourselves from Sunday School. Avoid nonchalant attitudes and arrogance; discharge your duties with humility. A worthy Bishop must be blameless, possess one wife, vigilant, sober, of unquestionable character, apt to teach, not greedy, patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, so that he shall take care of the church of God,” the cleric counselled.

The Primate noted that Bishops are peace makers and men who live righteously. He urged them to strive to serve God, the church and humanity.

Those ordained were the Venerable of Saint Paul African Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, Rev David Sogbamu and Rev Isaac Falana.

Rev Sogbamu said he was humbled by the privilege given him to serve God and humanity.

“This is another opportunity to expand the frontiers of this service into other areas that please God. I also see it as God’s way of preparing me for the greater task ahead; believing it is a way of serving and winning souls for God,” he said.

The event was graced by traditional rulers such as the Osile Oke Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho and Oba Onagoruwa of Odogbolu.

•From left: Esther Sogbanmu, her husband Bishop David; Primate Udofia; Bishop Falana and wife Eunice

•From left: Oba Tejuosho; Oba Onagoruwa and Oba Tejuosho’s Oloris - Omolara, Yetunde and Olabisi

The remains of Madam Alice Ojo, mother-in-law of the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Dr Ololade Ojo were interred amid pomp and pageantry in Igogo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, reports DAMILOLA BAMIDELE

•Deceased’s son Dr Ojo and his wife

T

HE array of guests that turned up at the funeral of Madam Alice Wuraola Ojo, mother-in-law of the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Dr Ololade Ojo showed the regard the family members of the deceased had for her.

She was 81.

Igogo-Ekiti in Ekiti State was lively throughout the ceremony.

The inhabitants watched keenly as various choice cars zoomed into the town.

Some itinerant drummers seized the opportunity of the occasion to eke out naira for themselves.

The played traditional drums and sand praises of the guests.

In appreciation, the guests showered them with new notes.

Aside this, flock of beautiful women, garbed in

•Some guests at the event

‘My mother-in-law was a mother to me’ traditional attires mesmerised the gathering with local music.

Among the members of the family who will dearly miss the deceased is Dr Ojo. According to her, love, passion and respect for mother-in-laws and relations of husbands are the prerequisite needed by wives in Africa to keep their marriages intact.

She married Dr Kolawole Ojo, the only child of the deceased.

Recalling with nostalgia her cordial relationship with her late mother-in-law, she revealed that having lost her own mother, she was happy when her mother-in-law accepted her as her own daughter.

The relationship between the duo was intensi-

fied by the love, passion and respect Dr. Ololade Ojo showered on the late Mama.

“The reality about marriage sustenance in Africa, especially among the Yoruba is the fact that you must respect your parents-in-law and other relations of your husband.

“My mother-in-law was a mother to me. I would remain grateful to her and ceaselessly will I continue to miss her. When I met my husband, I had already lost my mother, so it was exciting to me when Mama accepted me as her own daughter because my husband is her only child. So she said I would be her daughter.

“This gesture I’m sure was influenced by my love, respect, passion and care for her and till she breathed the last, she kept expressing her priceless

love for me,” she said.

Dr Ojo enjoined young women to learn how to apply what they were taught at home by their parents when they married to keep their home happy and peaceful.

In appreciation of the caring heart of the deceased, all her grandchildren and great grandchildren wrote tributes to her.

One of them, Folarin Ojo, wrote: “It’s also a bitter sweet burden because it keeps the memory of you alive as you are forever young in my mind; a frozen picture in time, very strong, walking to Maroko to buy us food; selling Coke to give us money, waking up early to sweep, clean, cook and get us ready for school.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

37

SOCIETY A thanksgiving service and reception have been held for former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, who turned 50 last Saturday. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

An ‘illustrious son’ at 50

T

HE spacious parking lot of Yard 158 Events Arena on the Oregun Road, Ikeja, Lagos was filled with exotic cars.

The gathering was in honour of Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, former Lagos StateCommissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who clocked 50.

The guests outnumbered the 500capacity white tent pitched for the party.

The venue was tastefully furnished in white and blue. Guests shone in various shades of blue lace and Ankara fabrics. The table and chair overlays were in white and blue.

Security officials were at strategic entrances of the hall to ensure order.

Pastor Charles Kpandel of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victory Chapel, Magodo, presided over the thanksgiving service.

The service took off with the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness.

The celebrator took the Bible reading from Psalm 90.

Dwelling on verse 12, which reads: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”, the cleric emphasised that birthdays are periods in a man’s life when he needs to take critical decisions.

He said to the congregation: “Look at your past and where you are today. There is still time to turn away from the things of this world and focus on the risen Lord. Wisdom is putting correct values to the things we do.”

The programme was ‘broken’ after the sermon, as guests took to the floor, dancing to melodious gospel music supplied by a band, before the reception began.

The ‘birthday boy’ moved around acknowledging cheers, hugging and back pattings some of his guests. Some also took photographs with him.

Among the guests was the paramount traditional ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who described Agunsoye as “an illustrious son.”

Others were wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her Osun counterpart, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Princess Sarah Sosan; Commissioner for Budget and Planning Ben Akabueze; his Health counterpart, Dr Jide Idris; Hon Nathaniel Agunbiade of the House of Representatives; Yeyesewa of Lagos Mrs Kemi Nelson; Senator Olorunimbe Mamora; royal fathers and white cap chiefs; minority leader of Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Lola Akande; former Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke; Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce Hon Seye Oladejo; Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Mineral Resources Hon Tunde Ajilore and Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Lagos Prince Adejiyo Ojora The guests took turns to shower praises on the celebrator.

First was Agunsoye’s wife of 17 years and mother of his three daughters. She wore a blue skirt and blouse, smiled through the event.

She described her husband as a caring person.

“He is my teacher and I never had any regrets being married to him,” Mrs Agunsoye said.

She attributed his success story to the peace at the home front.

Said she: “I thank God that among the challenges he had while in politics, I did not give him troubles at

•The Celebrator, Agunsoye and his wife Olayinka flanked by Dame Fashola (third left); Alhaja Aregbesola (second right); Princess Sosan (right) and celebrator’s children to cut the cake

•Oba Akiolu (right) and Onikosi of Ikosi Oba Kehinde Oloyede

•Senator Mamora and his wife Olanlesi

•Hon Toyin Hamzat (left) and Dr Idris

•Oba Isiaka Akintunde Balogun and his Olori Deborah

home. I gave him the peace and joy a man needs to surmount challenges at work.”

Senator Mamora described him as one with uncommon character.

After leading the congregation in singing “Oye Ka Dupe”, he said: “He is a man who has paid his dues politically. He’s someone very close to me, a friend and brother, I have known for almost two decades. We have worked together in the political environment and our families are close as well as our children.

“He is very courageous and whatever he believes in, he goes for. He doesn’t leave people in doubt as to where his loyalty lies, and because of his disposition to people, it’s easy for him to blend with people in the

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

political arena, particularly with the youth, making him a key grassroots mobiliser.

“He has distinguished himself in political offices right from when he was Vice-Executive Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government, to when he was member of the board of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency LASEPA; Special Adviser under Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, and then the last assignment – a commissioner,” he said.

Prince Agunsoye told of how “rough, tough and slippery” his growing days were. Also, how he began his life’s struggles at the tender age of nine.

Decked in a sky blue lace and cap,

•Hon James Faleke

he spoke passionately with The Nation, saying:“When I was growing up, I faced challenges and lived up to it. I

ensured I lived up to it. It wasn’t easy at all. The road was tough because I got my independence as a toddler,” he said.

He appealed to leaders to always allow younger ones to tap from their experience.

He urged the younger generation to apply wisdom and persevere to make things better by taking the bulls by the horn.

“I will keep contributing my quota to development, so that in my old age, I don’t want the generation coming after us to ask me questions I won’t be able to answer.

“My ambition is in God’s hands.

My life has been that of struggle. I will continue to strive and leave the rest to Him. By His grace, he will take me to higher grounds,” he said.

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SOCIETY WEDDING BETWEEM FORMER MISS DAMILOLA ANNIVERSARY AKOMOLAFE AND OLANREWAJU OJO AT AGEGE, LAGOS

•Bride’s parents Mr and Mrs Adebowale Akomolafe

•The couple Olarenwaju and Damilola

•Groom’s parents Mr and Mrs Williams Ojo

•Prince and Mrs Adewunmi Sijuwade

•Prof Adebayo Williams and wife Yemisi

•Mr Ayo Ogunlana (left) and Mr Akin Alabi

•Mr Julius Ayeni

•Mr Isiaka Olaitan PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

39

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SOCIETY

‘It’s the Lord’s doing’ Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has given the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, his staff of office. ERNEST NWOKOLO, who was there, reports.

“I

BELIEVE it is the will of God that I will find myself on this throne, not because I ‘m the biggest in terms of size or the tallest or the richest or the most well connected. I don’t know anybody. Let me say I’m the least in my family. So, for me to find myself on this throne, I believe it is to the glory of God.’’ These were the words of the new Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, when he received his staff of office during his installation from Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun penultimate Saturday.

The people of Ilaro, the ancient town in Yewaland, Ogun West Senatorial District, had a reason to celebrate on that day. The coronation, presentation of staff of office and award of certificate to a new monarch do not take place often.

For members of the Ashade-Agunloye Ruling House, who appeared to have lost all hopes of having their son mount the stool again, after over 70 years of recess, it was a double celebration.

The last monarch from the House was Oba Olusoji Ajibade, who reigned between 1912 and 1937, making it 75 years interval before Oba Olugbenle stepped into the shoes of his forebears.

Their joy was complemented by state officials and traditional rulers within and outside the state, who, perhaps, were coming to the town for the first time.

They included Amosun; his Deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Prince Suraj Adekunbi; Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona was represented by the Ajalorun of Ijebu -Ife, Oba Afororunsho Oguntayo; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson; the Alaketu of Ketuland (Republic of Benin); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo; former media aide to former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Chief Kayode Odunaro among others.

The arrival of Oba Adeyemi by noon with his coterie of palace aides added more colour and glamour to the historical event.

Olugbenle is, perhaps, the youngest king to

•The celebrator Oba Olugbenle displaying certificate and staff of office. With him are (from left) Governor Amosun; Olori Olugbenle and Prince Adesegun

ascend the throne in the history of Ilaro’s monarchy.

Ilaro nay Yewa-Awori people now expect him to be a rallying point for the old and the young generations of his subjects as well as the unifying and stabilising factor of the looselyknitted Yewaland.

In the last four years, relative peace appeared far-flung in the town because of a vacumn created with the transition of Oba Adekanmbi Tella and the strife that dogged every step to pick a successor.

But all that became a thing of the past as the townsfolk, in one spirit, trooped out to celebrate the crowning of the Olu. The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of staff of office and certificate of coronation to the young monarch by Amosun.

There was excitement everywhere. Oba Olugbenle and his wife were particularly elated as it was the moment they had waited for.

Amosun urged the monarch to pursue peace and unity of Yewaland, saying it was important for the realisation of the zone’s desire for meaningful development.

He urged the monarch to use his experience and professional training to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development.

“This is because experience has shown that no meaningful development can take place in an environment of rancour and acrimony,” he said.

He urged Oba Olugbenle, who by the state’s Chieftaincy Law, becomes the new president of Yewa Traditional Council and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, to see his elevation as a “call for service.”

According to him, the Olu of Ilaro should be father to all, irrespective of their political and

•Oba Adeyemi

religious leanings.

While urging Ilaro indigenes to support the Olu, he charged the monarch to unite all contestants to the stool and their supporters.

Adekunbi appealed for support for the new

monarch, urging indigenes at home and abroad to join hands with him to develop the town and Yewaland.

Adekunbi commended Amosun, for his support for the process leading to the emergence of Prince Olugbenle as the new Olu. In his acceptance speech before thousands, who witnessed the historical event, Oba Olugbenle called for unity among his people, and pledged to devote his reign to advancing their cause.

“I stand for unity and my office is a symbol of that unity. I implore us all to use this first corronation of a paramount ruler of Yewaland to unite and rebuild our land.

“We need to come together now on the same table to wine and dine and discuss our collective future so that we can leave a legacy and a glorious future to our unborn children,” Olugbenle said.

The monarch extended the hand of fellowship to all the Princes who contested the stool with him.

He appealed to them to join hands with him in the interest of peace, progress, unity and development of the land.

With God helping him, he vowed to tackle the incessant communal crisis as well as the perennial incursion of Fulani herdsmen into farmlands and communities in Yewaland, warning that the herdsmen are “ravaging” their area.

“The problem of the Fulani herdsmen would be frontally addressed through conscious mediation, negotiation and dialogue by all affected parties in collaboration with the state government towards achieving a reign of peace in the area,” he said.

WEDDING •From left: Alhaja Wosilat Osineye; Bishop Olanrewaju Obembe; the couple former Miss Opeyemi Obembe and her beau Mr Temitayo Elemoro Gaji; Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa and Deaconess Obembe at a wedding in El-Shadddai Bible Church, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

SOCIETY WEDDING BETWEEN FORMER MISS KOFOWOROLA, A LAWYER AND DAUGHTER OF NAVY COMMANDER DANIEL SOETAN AND OLAMIDE, AN ENGINEER AND SON OF PASTOR DAVID BAMGBOSE AT LEKKI, LAGOS

•The couple Kofoworola and Olamide acknowledging cheers from the bridemaids

•Grooms Parents: Pastor and Mrs Bamgbose

•From left: Mohammed Ringim; Alhaji Muhahmmed Maude and Rear Admiral Mshelia

•Bride’s mum Mrs Soetan

•Chief Gbenga Obasa and Mrs Funmi Daramola

•Bride’s dad Mr Soetan

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Deciding penalty excites

Schweinsteiger B

AYERN Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger says he was relieved after scoring the winning penalty in his side's victory over Real Madrid.

The midfielder netted the winning spot-kick in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, giving Bayern a 3-1 victory on penalties after the tie finished locked at 3-3.

Schweinsteiger sent Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas the wrong way from the spot, and said he was thrilled it ended the encounter.

"In the end I was just happy that the match was over. I couldn't run any longer," Schweinsteiger said afterwards.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who saved two penalties, said making the final, where they will face Chelsea, was a dream come true.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room was brilliant. We are all very happy that we did it," he

said.

"It wasn't our will to play that long and to go into penalties. But now a dream has come true, we are in the final."

Bayern players celebrated the win at a dinner in Madrid after their victory, with officials, fans and Germany coach Joachim Loew joining them at the team hotel.

A ballot will be held for the May 19 game at Allianz Arena, with 17,500 tickets allocated to members of both Bayern and Chelsea.

43

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Chief Segun Abraham, an accomplished businessman, is one of the aspirants plotting the electoral defeat of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the election slated for October 20. In this interview with Group Political Editor BOLADE OMONIJO, he shares his vision and thoughts on the development of the state.

‘Mimiko brought misery, poverty to Ondo’ I

HAVE heard people say the ACN is very good at propaganda, and they are not on ground; that the party only exists in the media and its performance at the 2011 general elections was an indication that the Labour Party owns the land. How would you react to this?

At the time that ,the first election was conducted before the INEC postponed it, the ACN was leading, but when INEC postponed the National Assembly election, we heard that they brought money out and called all their elders threatening them. We heard that the election results consequently released were not the true position of the people’s choice because if it is a true reflection of the acceptability and popularity of the Labour Party, why did the chairman, deputy chairman, and other key officials of the Labour Party subsequently defected to ACN? People are trooping in to join ACN, so if we are not popular, why are people coming to join us? Don’t forget that our party has been restructured, and members can be found in all the nooks and crannies of the local government areas of the state. Can you imagine that people are decamping from the government in power? Why are they not decamping in Lagos and Ekiti? Why are they not decamping in Edo and Osun? So, if this government is popular, will it be losing its members to the party that is not in government, especially in a state where there are no industries and people depend on government. Despite that these people have no money, yet they are convinced that Labour has failed. They leave their bread and butter with the hope that they will be on the side of integrity, on the side of the people that will sustain democracy. So, it is an indication to everybody that they are not popular. Nobody will come and contest against an incumbent government that wants to run for a second term if it is popular. If they are popular, why are they losing their senator?

It is a party without ideology and philosophy. It is a party for what is called “chop chop, not even chop I chop”. It is a party of hard labour and poverty.

So, people want to leave labour and poverty and come to prosperity, peace and justice.

Will you agree with people who say Mimiko is a General and nobody can dare him?

In his party, may be, but there is no general in politics but in the military and when they say he is a General, I want to believe because if you look at his administration, this is the first time in the history of Ondo state that we do not have government at the local level which is the pattern of military administration. I also heard that he served under the military and he copied that experience, so he brought military experience into democratic setting. A man who won an election on a democratic platform now dissolves the local government councils and then introduced administrators to take over the local governments. So, I don’t know the General they are talking about.

Are you afraid that ACN may be its own enemy at the end of the day; that it is a divided House that may not stand after the election?

I normally use history for what is happening, to guide us. From past experience; we have never had a divided house in the ACN. In Lagos we

‘Nobody will come and contest against an incumbent government that wants to run for a second term if it is popular. If they popular, why are they losing their senator?

It is a party without ideology and philosophy. It is a party for what is called chop chop.

Not even chop I chop”. It is a party of hard labour and poverty’ •Abraham

did election there without a divided house. In Osun, there was no divided house. In Ekiti, there was no divided house. In Edo, there was no divided house in Oyo and Ogun states. As democrats, our members believe in the supremacy of the party; if the party leaders say these are the people that we choose to deliver democracy, we will all support them.

Are you saying that the contest is unlikely to lead to exodus from the party? How would you personally react if another aspirant gets the nod of the party elders?

You don’t have to leave the party, and when you do that, it means you are not a democrat, that means you are just there as a gold digger, that means you are just there because of office. You don’t join a party because of office but because you believe in its ideology and the philosophy. So, those who have gone, we thank God we gave everybody a kind of level playing ground because we want everybody, at the same time. If you now leave because you were not given the position, that means you are not a member of the party. Suppose someone is eyeing the post of a commissioner and he does not get appointed as a commissioner tomorrow, does that mean that he is going to leave the party? Someone wants a post of chairman of board and he does not get the post, he leaves, that shows that he is more concerned about his pocket.

Whoever leaves is not loyal to the party. I have been serving the party with my resources for many years and I did not leave. The leaders of the party know me for that.

Are you saying irrespective of the process that may throw up the candidate, you will stick to the party?

Our process is very democratic.

What the people refuse to understand in the country is that we have brought

innovation to the process of the emergence of candidates in ACN so that we can produce the best candidate.

Will you say the process that produced Fashola, Aregbesola, Fayemi, Amosun, Oshiomhole and Ajimobi is bad? Is the process employed in choosing the people who are arraigned for stealing billions a true process? That is not a kind of process we are using in ACN. That they will say someone stole N58 billion in Abuja. Is that a process? There are so many criteria that we put forward before we will eventually pick a candidate. It is not a process of making mouth around the street. No, there are processes that you must pass through before you can be finally picked as the candidate, especially this time that the party is ready to deliver, to work and not ready for any godfatherism.

How, why and when did you get involved politics?

I have been involved in partisan politics for more than 15 years. I have been a politician. Once I identify somebody that he has the potential to deliver, I’ll try and support him. I did that in 1999 with the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati.

I was among the people who contributed to the success of that election. I even campaigned with them during the election. I left my business and campaigned with them. After the election, the governor offered me commissionership and I declined the appointment because I couldn’t afford to leave my business. However, the governor appealed to me to make my services available to assist the state and he appointed me as chairman of Owena Hotels. Although I was reluctant, I, however, took it and promised that I’ll not take any salaries or allowance from government, that I would do it free of charge, and for the four years, I was the chairman of that Hotel and I did not take any kobo.

You took it, and how did that impact on the fortunes of the hotel?

When I took charge, I discovered that Owena Hotel was indebted to the tune of more than N50 million and within six months, we were able to make more profit. As a matter of fact, when I got there, I brought managers from Sheraton Hotel in Lagos and asked them to come there and manage it. They came there and trained the people. We even doubled the salaries twice before I left. That was why people started rushing to buy the Hotel because they never knew it could be profitable; it became very profitable because we were making a lot of money. I think Odua Investment took it over during Agagu’s regime to manage because they discovered that they could make good profit. It became an eye opener for people because that led to hotels springing up in Akure. You can see the effect because today you can see about ten good and standard hotels. That time, you could not get any.

How will you response to the people who think that you don’t have sufficient political and administrative experience to manage the affairs of a state. I mean public sector experience?

When they say public sector experience, all my business was done with government, as a contractor. Secondly, I have been advising politicians over the years. However, public administration experience in Nigeria has been a colossal failure and even if you have that kind of experience, it is the experience of failure. They do not have what we call relevant and developmental experience. For somebody like me, a technocrat bringing experience from the private sector that is called innovation, I have the kind of experience that Chief Awolowo brought to the defunct Western Region. He was not in public administration before he

became the Leader of Government Business in the region in 1952. Fashola was not in public administration before. T Tinubu was not in the public sector before he joined politics. I was not also in the public sector before.

Those who are arguing about public sector experience are people who are content with failure, people who have been part and parcel of the system and that system has been failing. Somebody like me will not be able to tolerate failure because I am coming from the private sector where we can measure performance, where we know our success depend on performance and this is what I am bringing. I am bringing innovation into governance, not a system where people just wait to collect salary. These people who have public experience, are just there to collect salary. That is why a country like Malaysia overtook us and Singapore overtook us, because those with public sector experience are used to the failure of successive administrations; they are tolerant of failure, they are not resistant to it. As a matter of fact, under normal condition in a civilised society, those people we are refer to as having public experience should not raise their heads because they should be asked what success they attain with the opportunity they had. If we don’t have electricity, we don’t have roads, our school system has gone bad, everything has gone worse, what experience can somebody now refer to? As an employer of labour, I’ll never employ that kind of a person in my system.

One major challenge that almost all Nigerian states are facing is that they are fully dependent on allocation from the Federation Account.

How do you intend to increase internal generated revenue in Ondo State?

The people in government are used to taking money every month. So, they don’t think how they can generate money. But, for somebody like me who knows very well that we cannot and should not solely depend on income from the federal government because it shows that we are all idle, we are going to turn around the state. First and foremost, we are going to train our people, our youth, our professionals to the relevant need of our environment because the first thing is that you must be able to conquer your environment to be able to survive very well. We shall not allow our environment to dictate to us. We must be able to dictate to our environment, therefore we have plans to turn the resources we have in the environment to economic activities. When we do so and generate employment, then you have development and less dependence on the federal government.

Look at Ondo State, in the last ten years, you cannot see industry that we established. Our education has no relevance again because we are not contributing to the development of our environment. All everybody wants is money.

It is not enough to say what you intend doing, we also need to know how…

We have cow. What is stopping us from developing our cow and give people fresh milk which is even better than the pasteurised milk? We can also get our milk from soya beans be•Continued on page 44

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

44

POLITICS Excitment as more dump PDP for ACN in Oyo

O

BVIOUSLY, the people of Oyo State are now breathing a sigh of relief after the tortuous years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government that was totalitarian and tyrannical.

After a clean-up effort by transitional rulers, well meaning individuals and groups, who paid dearly the price for democratic straggle, the prized civil and good governance is returning to the state.

Recently, about 4,000 former members of both the PDP and the Accord Party (AP) in the Oyo East Local Government called the bluff of their leaders and defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

They took a bold step by freeing themselves from the dead-end of their political past and denounced their former leaders for lack of focus.

They affirmed the fact that legitimacy comes from the people and what is legitimate is determined by the extent to which the people them-

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

selves in their various communities and constituencies are involved in shaping and approving decision or programmes of government.

Prominent among their grievances were the deceptive mechanism adopted by former leaders supported by their godfathers to under develop and cheat the people.

They pointed out that they decided to join the ACN, after exhaustive and rigorous deliberations because the party is not only cultured in tolerance but allows for participatory and transparent democracy.

The elated defectors in joyous mood, dressed in colourful attire remarked that since the qualities of good leaders include intelligence, impartiality the current leadership was very on course.

This has been demonstrated by the incumbent caretaker chairman, Oyo East Local Government,

Hon. Muthar Adegboye Adekunle where the defectors joined the progressives.

ACN leaders are known to be men with infinite courage, selfcontrol, sense of justice, good at planning and decision-making as well as possess pleasing personalities.

State chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke and House of Assembly Speaker Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu, were among party chieftains who graced the occasion held at the open field of Apaara Methodist Primary School.

The defectors appealed to the ACN leadership to grant the council caretaker chairman ticket in order to contest the forthcoming local government election in the state.

This is because Hon. Adekunle is among the few who is not overwhelmed by the lust of office or other economic gains leaving the masses to suffer. He does not take to cheap flattery but always focus in the discharge of his duty.

INEC: Intra party disquiet causes electoral failures

D

ISQUIET and lack of har mony within political par ties is responsible for lack of free, fair and credible elections in the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ekiti State, has said.

Speaking at a stakeholders forum, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the stateAlhaji Halilu Pai enjoined stakeholders including members of the various political parties, security agencies, the commissioner of police and the commission’s electoral officers in all the local governments of the state, to respect and adhere to the laws guiding the conduct of elections.

He pledged INEC would always remain non-partisan and untilting towards any of the political parties.

In apparent regard for the ongoing disagreement between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over who controls the state party executive, REC stated that if all the parties observed and respect “internal democracy in the selection of their candidates for election, the polity would be enhanced and democracy strenghtened in the country.”

Pai disclosed the meeting was aimed at reminding stakeholders of “individual and collective responsibilities to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state.”

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Alhaji Pai recalled that prior to his coming to Ekiti, the state was considered as a trouble spot, as far as elections were concerned. He said the situation had taken a new turn consequent upon the display of maturity by all stakeholders.

Reminding the parties of the duty of INEC to monitor activities of political parties in line with the Section 85 of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended, he blamed political parties for failure to comply with the section which stipulates, “that parties should give at least 21 days notice to the electoral body before conducting their congresses and or primaries.”

In his remarks, the State Commissioner of Police Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu observed the negative and dangerous implications of the abrogation of Police Order Act by the court.

He clarified that the Order stipulates that political parties should seek police permit before staging political rallies, adding that “this is incapacitating the police in the control of the activities and possible excesses of political parties.”

The Police Commissioner listed INEC, security agencies, the courts and politicians as stakeholders in electoral process, stating: “If all sectors do their jobs as expected, there would be credible

Speaker seeks honour for outstanding leaders From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

S

PEAKER of the Imo State House of Assembly Benjamin Uwajumogu has called for the Immortalisation of political leaders with records of mean ingful contribution to the socio-economic and political development of the country.

He stated that such leaders must be those who selflessly served their fatherland in the quest for Independence in 1960; those who fought for the restoration of democracy in the country in 1999; those who provided democracy dividends to the people; and those who did not enrich themselves while occupying political positions.

Uwajumogu made the remarks while unveiling HOLE 18 in honour of the late political leader and galvaniser in the state, Chief R. B. K. Okafor at the Oguta Lake Golf Course.

He said: “Leadership is all about service to humanity and effective leadership is not selfish. It is always people-oriented. We are all gathered here because of one man, who contributed to the creation of the old Imo State from the old Eastcentral states.

“RBK Okafor was a visionary politician, parliamentarian of the First Republic and Federal Minister of Trade. He was also the chairman of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), which produced Dee Sam Mbakwe as governor in 1979.

“No doubt, RBK made his mark in history and that is why we are honouring and immortalising him with HOLE 18".

In his comment, the Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, described Oguta Lake Golf course as an environment blessed with so much natural endowments and called on the people to join the golf club.

He described Chief Okafor as a great man who assisted the legendary Sam Mbakwe in developing the old Imo State . Hear the Chief of Staff, “When you leave a good legacy, the people will know, and at the appointed time, you will be celebrated. Therefore, I am not surprised that the late Okafor is being remembered today.”

The Captain of Oguta Lake Golf Club, Mr Albert Ariche, described Oguta Lake Golf Course as a place with wonderful opportunities and therefore called on government to renovate the place by adding more facilities and naming it after the great legend, Chief Okafor.

Prominent citizens at the occasion include:Ikenna Emeh, Mr. Ikechukwu Amuka, Prince Robertson Ekwebelem, Chief Gibson Achowa Njmanze (Oyiga), the Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ISOPADEC) Prince Henry Okafor , Chief Jones Uzoka, former ISOPADEC chair, Transition Committee chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Eze Professor Dele, Odigbo of Nkwesi Kingdom, Bishop Chijioke Oti and Eric Nwanoruo.

‘Mimiko brought misery, hard labour and poverty to Ondo’ • Continued from page 43 • INEC boss Attahiru Jega

elections in the country.”

Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe, recalled the extreme lawlessness that ruled the state during the 2007 election, adding that “residents of the state were provoked by some security agents who allegedly cheated the people of the state.”

He, however, promised: “Any officer that follows the rule of law is our friend, if you comport yourselves sir, we too will comport ourselves”.

The Public Relations Officer of the PDP in the state, Mr. Kola Oluwawole, said INEC should reject any political party which failed to comply with the rules and regulations guiding conduct of elections.

• Delta State PDP Deputy Chairman, Mr Emmaunel Ighomena with former PDP Woman Leader Mrs Geogrenia Eboloere at the inauguration of PDP Southsouth Zonal Executive Committee in Port Harcourt.

cause it is healthier than cow milk. Coconut is another source of milk which is also very healthy; we have all these things in abundance. That is in the area of food. Some of the foods we have are good to produce others. For instance, our local Amala can be fortified with vitamin; our pounded yam can also be mixed in such a way that we reduce the starch content for consumption. There are a lot of things we are going to do. We are going to make sure that our foods have value added. When the British came, they took cocoa and coffee as cash crops, why can’t we develop them? By the time we develop our food, you discover that the income we generate on food will be higher than the one form oil that we are making noise about because everybody must eat but not everybody will use oil, not everybody will use gas. The cost of food in the last two years worldwide has increased by 56 per cent and it is soaring every day. Though they are now fighting against the trend worldwide and we can also join them by using the food we produce. In the developed countries, they are moving away from what they call processed food to organic food. It’s only in Africa that the major organic food can be grown because our environment is natural. So, Nigeria can be an organic food supplier to the world and that is a lot of money for us.

One major problem confronting our society is corruption. It has become endemic. Recently, a former chairman of OSOPADEC was arrested by the EFCC for alleged corrupt practices. How do you intend to plug the leakage points?

When the leader is good, the followers will tend to be good. That is the law of goodness. If the head is bad, the whole of the body will be bad. And if the head is good, then most part of the body will be good. So, the little part of the body that remains will be able to trust them. The people I am going to appoint will be people of integrity and those who have the interest of the people in mind. I will not pick those who are just going into the office to line their pockets with illgotten wealth. These people will not be poor, because there is a law that once you render service, there is no way you are going to be poor. They will not squander the state’s resources. And when you look at the situation where you have N58 billion taken from one parastatal alone in a small state like Ondo that is poor, it shows that people are just callous and wicked. Do they remember that the money is meant for the poor people? You can imagine the number of children that will be deprived of education, imagine the number of people that will be deprived of good healthcare. Today, we should be ranking higher than Dubai when it comes to the question of sophistication, in terms of equipment and technology to take care of our people because we have more resources here. I believe that evil has overtaken these people, because if not, what do they want to use all the money for?

One of your opponents (not in ACN) said you are an Akoko foreigner, how will you respond to this?

I don’t know what the person means by Akoko foreigner, because I have a house there, my parents’ houses are there, my brothers’ houses are there, my family house is there. I give scholarship to the people of Akoko every year and I have done that in the last 10 years. So, can this person who says I am a foreigner tell me what he or his family has done for Akoko? I set up businesses in Akoko.

So, I don’t know how he is going to define Akoko foreigner, I don’t understand what he is saying. He should let me understand what it means to be an Akoko foreigner. My grandfather’s house is very close to those owned by other families. Who then is an Akoko foreigner? The only thing I can say is that the person must be a very local person who has never travelled out. Most of Akoko people are not local most of them have travelled out. Or maybe because I had travelled out, that now makes me a foreigner. I want to know the section of the constitution that makes me a foreigner here in Nigeria especially in my place of, where I have contributed meaningfully, where they have given me awards.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

45

‘Era of godfathers over in Imo’

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has described his 2011 electoral victory as the end of the era of political godfathers in the state.

Speaking at a reception organised for his Chief of staff (COS) Prince Eze Madumere by the “Umumbieri United” he regretted that the state suffered retardation and stagnation as a result of godfathers. The governor said they milked the state and led to the emergence of visionless leaders in the state.

He commended the state electorate for abandoning and disregarding the overbearing influence of political godfathers and for voting massively for him in the 2011 governorship election.

Owelle Okorocha decried the neglect of agriculture which used to be the mainstay of the nation’s economy and directed residents in the state to plant at least five seedlings within their domains to boost food production.

He also promised to make fertilizers available to farmers at subsidised rates to add impetus to their business.

Okorocha commended the Umumbieri United for honouring their son, Prince Eze Madumere, saying that it was because of his sterling qualities that

•Okorocha addressing Mbieri people. With him is Madumere (second right) From Emma Mgbahuruike, Owerri

he chose him as Chief of Staff. He described Madumere “as a son in whom he is well pleased”.

He also called on Mbieri people to rally round their kinsman for the love he has for them and revealed the passion with which Prince Eze Madumere has always presented their case. He, how-

ever, requested for a parcel of land where he would build a home since he has declared himself a worthy son of Mbieri.

“Ndimbieri, let me tell you I did not appoint your son Madumere as my Chief of Staff because he is from Mbieri. I did it for myself. It is a personalised matter for the good of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the people of the community, Chief Ibezimako Okafor thanked the governor for appointing Madumere as his chief of staff, pledging that they would ever remain supportive and appre-

ciative of the gesture.

They also praised the Governor for his landmarks in road construction, rehabilitating building of general hospitals, free education programme, maximum security and creation of jobs for the youths.

Responding, Madumere commended his people for voting massively for Governor Rochas Okorocha in the Governorship supplementary election and pledged that he would not disappoint them.

Ndimbieri, let me tell you I did not appoint your son Madumere as my Chief of Staff because he is from Mbieri.

I did it for myself. It is a personalised matter for the good of the people

N1b loan for Delta farmers •Continued from Page 17

•The Archbishop receives gifts from appreciative Anambra people

A lift for prison inmates •Continued from Page 15

people about your life shall be a nullity.”

The prison chaplain, Rev. Fr. Ndife described the inmates of Onitsha prison as “a special breed, well fed and healthy looking, better than those outside suffering the harsh economic realities in Nigeria.”

He thanked Archbishop Okeke for his continued assistance to the prison community and for sending more workers who minister to the needs of the inmates.

In a remark, the Deputy Controller Prisons, Onitsha, DCP Anthony Ubaike extolled the con-

tinued benevolence of Okeke to the inmates. He urged the inmates to continue to pray for the church and its leaders and also enumerated the positive developments in the prisons in the last two years through the assistance of the archbishop. He said their inmates now enjoy uninterrupted water and electricity supply. The inmates also enjoy running showers inside their cells while their cells now look like modern university hostels.

Ubaike also said that unlike before that the church inside the prison was used as a multipurpose hall; they have concluded plans to reorganise the place of

worship to be a befitting place where inmates can have a quiet time with God. He also said space has been allotted to other inmates of different church denominations for their own services.

Accompanied by his personal assistant Rev. Fr. George Adimike, Secretary, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeugo and Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr, Anthony Asoanya, the Archbishop later visited both female and male cells inside the prison where he prayed, blessed and counselled the inmates. Prayers were also offered for the country Nigeria, the sick and the abandoned.

government and state Ministry of Agric to farmers cooperative societies adding that 934 cooperative societies would benefit from it in the State.

Ukubenyinje charged the cooperative societies not to divert the loan for any other purpose stressing that the loan would be repaid within seven years at an interest rate of 9% annually.

“The loan is meant for agricul-

tural purposes not to be diverted for any other purpose and note that the loan repayment period according to CBN guild line is seven years from the date of disbursement”.

He continued: “You are advised to optimise the use of the loan for it to have a multiplier effect on food production in the state. You should reciprocate this government kind gesture by promptly repaying the loan assistance extended to you”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

46

Council chief gets bus prize for ‘sterling performance’

H

ARD work, they say, has its reward. So, it was for Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area Chairman, Oloruntoba Oke, who got an eight-seater bus for being the best council chief nationwide.

Raregems Media Ltd honoured him at an event tagged: "National Grassroots Award for Leadership Excellence,” held in Abuja.

Raregems Chief Executive Mr Sunday Aniyi said Oke was honoured for "his outstanding achievements in local government administration and particularly in the area of works and infrastructural development.”

He said the team, which went round the country to assess other council chiefs’ activities marvelled at the projects executed by Oke's administration in less than six months. The projects, he said, included construction of schools; rehabilitation and construction of roads; construction of library; provision of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre and a customary court.

Aniyi hailed Oke for demonstrating true leadership, anchored on the people.

He urged other council chairmen to emulate him and impact lives at

T

HE wife of the council chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Mrs Barisi Sanusi has warned parents against the danger of sending their wards to hawk especially during school hours.

Mrs Sanusi said this while speaking with Newsextra at the council secretariat.

Besides, she said sending children to hawk and other abuses is against the law of Lagos and must be stopped.

“No child should be found on the streets hawking in the name of helping their mother. That attitude is bad. It is not good because every child deserves to be in school and

•The Ifako-Ijaiye council chairman Oke, (third left), Otunba Murphy Lawal (left), Otunba Tunde Lawal, (second left), Mrs Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu (SLG), Mr Soji Ajibose, (third right), Alhaji Adeniyi Otunuyi, (council manager), and Mr Tunde Jokotoye at the event

By Yinka Aderibigbe

the grassroots.

Oke, who noted that the reward for hard work is more work, praised the organisers for their

initiative. He said the award would motivate his administration to do more.

Besides the star prize of a Serena bus, there were other gifts such as 500 branded exercise books, plaque and a branded roll-up flex

banner.

Other recipients are; Mr. Bola Ilori, Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on the Environment, who was represented by the General Manager, Osun State Waste Management Agency,

Alhaji Ganiu Oyeladun; Chief Lazarus Ogbee, Chairman, Ezza South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State and Chairman, Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye, among others.

Council boss’ wife warns against child hawking

By Amina Adeshina

they deserve our protection also, so allowing them to go outside means you are exposing them to danger which is not proper; it is not their fault that the economy is bad, you gave birth to these children, so it should be your responsibility to take care of them,” she said.

She urged the women to take the education of their children seriously as it is the only way to guarantee a better future for them.

“Education is the right of every child because if everyone of us has adequate information at hand, we will know our right from our left; they should take care of these children and nurture them to be somebody worthwhile in the society. It is then the parents can have rest and enjoy having children.

“But if the kids were not given adequate attention and left to hawk while their peers are in school, they will end up joining bad groups and become a terror not to the society alone but also their parents,” she

said.

Mrs Sanusi who was seen playing and dancing with the kids, said it is imperative for teachers to always educate the children on laws that guarantee their rights.

“It is when these children know their rights that they can say no to unruly acts from their parents. We are encouraging them to be disobedient but should be able to know their rights and defend them whenever trampled upon,” said stated.

Imo prioritises growth of rural areas T

HE Imo State government has stressed the imperatives of developing rural areas in the state, adding that it will open them up and raise the dwellers’ standard of living.

This declaration was made by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Eze Madumere while interacting with the General Manager of Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), Comrade Amah OAU. Madumere said the administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha remained committed to the development of rural communities in the state and make them viable centres of economic activities.

“What we are interested in is

•From left: Mrs Sanusi, Supervisor for Environment, Mrs Mariam Adebulejo and Supervisor for Chieftaincy, Mrs Islamiyah Kosoko at the event

She urged the children to be of good character, shun bad friends and concentrate more on their studies.

“I am so happy this afternoon being with the children; anytime I am with them, I am so excited because they are our future hope. I always use the opportunity to share the little I have with them, to encourage them, to advice them about their future and what they are to be and where they are going,” she said.

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

making the best of whatever that is available,” he said. “In the Rescue Mission government we get the best at the lowest price. Pricing is very important to us as well as quality delivery. That is why the effort geared towards sensitising the rural leadership on quality pricing has continued to be the plank of our engagement”.

He stated that the governor believes in decentralisation of gov•Continued on Page 48

48

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

We as professional groups wish to restate our determination to partner with the state government in sanitising the building industry in the state

•The professionals at the site of the collapsed building

A

BODY of construction professionals has resolved to enforce all relevant laws in order to end the menace of building collapse in Anambra State.

The professionals drawn from architecture, engineers and builders said they would do everything possible to stop the development and avoid loss of life and property.

They spoke in Awka, the state capital, at the site of a multi-storey building which went down under construction, killing three workers. The building was located off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The professionals went to inspect the site, after which they issued a statement asking the state government to initiate an investigation into the cause of the collapse with a view to finding those culpable. They urged the government to take over the site where the project collapsed and any other sites where projects may collapse in Anambra State as is done in Lagos.

Each of the representatives who spoke blamed the collapse on poor materials and unprofes-

Professionals team up against building collapse From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

sional workmen. Those who spoke included Mr Peter Okpala, an architect; Mr. Chris Ndubisi of the Society of Engineers; Pastor Ben Obumneme, a builder, and Dr I Ejikeme, also an engineer.

“We want to enforce all relevant planning regulations as contained in the National Building Codes as approved by the Federal Government,” they said.

“We also urge the general public to always seek for qualified consultants and contractors for professional services when initiating their building projects. The obvious reason is to avoid this type of unnecessary waste of lives and properties.

“The Nigerian Institute of Architects, Anambra State Chapter; the Nigerian Society of Engineers Anambra State Chapter and the Nigerian Institute of Building,

Anambra State Chapter, viewed with dismay the recent collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Awka along Enugu/Onitsha expressway. In this modern world, where technology has helped in simplifying the process of design and construction, buildings still collapse in our state.”

They all lamented the absence of qualified personnel at the site and the negligence of government in enforcing the conditions of national building code, thereby giving room for charlatans and quacks to operate in the building industry.

They stated their preparedness to partner with government in sanitising the building industry in the state but lamented the government’s handling of the 2008 collapse at Okpuno in which government ignored various recommendations by the professionals.

“We as professional groups wish to restate our determination to partner with the state govern-

ment in sanitising the building industry in the state. However we regret the state government’s handling of the previous report by a panel set up by it on a collapsed building at Okpuno in March 2008, in which our members made various recommendations to the government. May we urge at this time to release its white paper on the report. This will help in checking the problems of incessant building collapse in our state.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Mr Osita Okafor blamed the collapse on the poor sand quality used by the contractor. He queried why professionals were not engaged for the job.

“This is a colossal waste of resources, abuse of wealth and should not be allowed to continue,” he said.

The professionals also appealed to the state government to engage qualified professionals in the Anambra state Urban Development Board (ASUDEB) because the agency lacks professionals, hence the abuse of super-

vision and monitoring.

They said they have also resolved to deal with their members who engage in shoddy deals while constructing structures, as people’s lives are put on the line when shoddiness is allowed.

They added that most of the buildings that have collapsed around the state were done by draughtsmen not qualified professionals.

The administration of Governor Peter Obi warned that the building code in the state will be revisited.

The building collapsed during the interment of the late Chief Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu. Officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Dr. Nwabufor Ijezie; the police command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); National Security and Defense Corps (NSCDC); and workers of CCC were mobilised for a rescue mission.

A structural engineer, Christian Ezenwafor, said the incident occurred following the imposition of a 16mm rod on a lighter 12mm rod, which was used at the beginning.

Imo prioritises rural areas •Continued from Page 46

•National Chairman, Environmental Division, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Peter Onyeri (left), his wife Ngozi and Mr Babatunde Oshodi during Onyeri’s investiture as chairman

ernment’s policy. “Whatever part the government is to play will be looked into and handled appropriately”.

The project, which is assisted by World Bank, aims to help communities realise their full potentials through zero interest loans.

The General Manager of CSDP, Comrade Amah explained that the motive behind their discussion with the COS was to intimate the government on the need to buy into this partnership to realise its dream on community development.

According to him, this is in tandem with the Rescue Mission agenda on community government and its development with its autonomous nature. He revealed that the CSDP programme does not impose projects on communities, as they decide for themselves what

projects they need.

The Finance and Administration Manager of Imo CSDP, Chief Cosmas Nwaohiri said that every participating state is expected to make a yearly contribution of N100m in counterpart funding.

He stressed the need for the communities to initiate their own programmes since they know their priorities and its economic considerations, adding that CSDP would guide and offer technical assistance to the communities to produce their development plan.

He revealed that the state has already benefited from the projects which are spread across the state.

“However with the initiative of the present government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha with its own initiatives at the communities, the sky will be the limit for the yearning of the government on community development”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

49

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-4-12

Oil stocks tickle bullish rally

P

ETROLEUM-MARKETING firms lifted the bullish rally at the stock market yesterday as market capitalisation of all equities consolidated its upswing with addition of N44 billion.

Five petroleum-marketing companies made the gainers’ list, with the trio of Mobil Oil Nigeria, Total Nigeria and Conoil Plc leading the advancers.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rallied to N7.051 trillion from its opening value of N7.007 trillion. The benchmark All Share Index (ASI) also trended upward from 21,970.21 points to 22,109.76 points.

With 31 gainers to 10 losers, Mobil Oil Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N6.93 to close at

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

N145.60. Total Nigeria followed with a gain of N6.61 to close at N138.95. Conoil placed third with addition of N1.15 to close at N24.25.

Oando and Eterna also gained 9.0 kobo each to close at N17 and N3.59 respectively.

Also on the gainers’ table were PZ Cussons, NCR Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria, UACN, Ashaka cement, Zenith Bank and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria with price gain of N1.05, N0.82, N0.65, N0.57, N0.46, N0.32 and N0.23 apiece.

On the flip side of the table, Flourmills led the list with a drop of N1.41 to close at N57.59 followed by ETI with a drop of N0.20

to close at N11.80. Others were Portland Paints, May & Baker, Livestock, NASCON, Ikeja Hotel, Dangote Flour, GT Assurance and Law Union and Rock Insurance with price drop of N0.18, N0.10, N0.05, N0.02, N0.02, N0.02, N0.01 and N0.01 apiece.

In all, investors traded 319.574 million shares worth N3.219 billion. This performance can be attributed largely to interest from the financial sector which has been the key contributor to the total volume of transaction.

Financial services recorded 279.625 million shares worth N2.600 billion across 2,758 deals followed by the Consumer goods with 15.610 million shares worth N375.785 million in 806 deals.

Other actively traded sectors were Oil & Gas, Services and Industrial goods with 7.912 million shares, 5.732 million shares and 2.379 million shares respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-4-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

50

MONEY LINK Skye Bank raises $100m in bonds

Retail loan penetration still low–survey

S

URVEY conducted by the Strategy Management Advisory Research Training (SMART), a financial sector research firm, has indicated that the Nigerian banking sector is witnessing a low penetration of retail loan products.

The Managing Partner, SMART, Ademola Adeyinka, said the penetration stands at 16 per cent, with personal loans accounting for 10 per cent of the retail loan products.

The report, followed the 2011 survey conducted on all the deposit money banks in the country, where it found that First City Monument Bank led other banks with 23 per cent, Enterprise Bank 20 per cent, while Access Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank had 17 per cent penetration level each. Ecobank Nigeria was rated high on mortgage and

• FCMB, Enterprise, Access lead the pack

By Collins Nweze

lease financing compared to other banks.

During the survey, which involved 7,114 bank customers spread across 29 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory was conducted between September and December 2011.

The respondents were asked questions on banks used, preferred bank, attitude towards alternate channels, staff attribute ratings, ratings on ATMs and cards among others. The exercise was meant to ascertain customer preference among retail banks in the country, perception of the retail banking landscape and satisfaction on diverse attributes and drivers.

It was also discovered that

there is a low penetration for credit cards as well. While 73 per cent of customers made use of debit cards, only nine per cent use credit cards while 22 per cent of the respondents do not use any form of card. The ratio of bank customers that do not use any form of card is a relatively high figure which also throws up opportunities for banks.

Stanbic IBTC and Diamond Banks however blaze the trail on the use of credit cards which currently stands at 25 per cent and 15 per cent respectively in both banks, according to the survey. Usage of debit card was most prominent among customers of Keystone Bank and Sterling Bank while Zenith, Skye, Diamond and Oceanic banks

have a relatively high number of customers with neither debit nor credit cards.

The high ratio of debit card users is a clear indication of the success of the cashless banking system if well managed.

Adeyinka said that customers, now more than ever before, want to be carried along on affairs concerning their accounts in particular and their bank in general. This may include the existence of rewards and facilities. This was made obvious as 94 per cent of the sampled bank customers indicated their craving for regular communication from their banks but as it currently stands, only 63 per cent of these customers are regularly communicated with by their banks.

FirstBank promotes tourism with UMOJA performance

F

IRST Bank, has described its facilitation of the re turn of Umoja, the South African music, dance and comedy show to Lagos as a strategic move to bring multifarious audiences together to promote domestic tourism.

The bank’s Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake AniMumuney, said this conviction has seen the bank’s establish First@Arts, an internal initiative that seeks to employ arts and entertainment as a vehicle to promote

tourism in the country.

“Our Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship resonates with nationbuilding and economic development hence our deliberate focus on tourism as a non-oil revenue earner for Nigeria. We are confident of the potentials of this sector to create jobs for the unemployed,” she said.

According to her, increase in arts and entertainment activities will lead to an increase in the number of personnel required by event centre operators and mar-

keting companies.

She said the bank is mindful of the positive impacts of increased activities in the arts and entertainment on the value chain and indeed the Nigerian economy, hence its reinforced commitment to it.

According to her, the choice of Umoja is deliberate, not only to bring variety to the domestic arts and entertainment menu but to answer to the yet to be met cravings of more Nigerians and indeed foreigners resident in Nigeria to see the pulsating per-

formances of the Umoja troupe. “We are therefore excited and convinced of the correctness of our strategic drive given the deluge of calls and enquiries on the return of Umoja to Lagos.

The audience can rest assured of getting the best from the Red Carpet Reception which will be led by the Studio 53 Extra crew all the way to the very engaging stage performances by the Umoja troupe. Umoja will literarily light up Lagos and FirstBank will make it happen.”

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 27-4-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

MOBIL TOTAL CONOIL PZ NCR CADBURY UACN ASHAKACEM ZENITHBANK CCNN FCMB GUARANTY UNILEVER

138.67 132.34 23.10 21.02 16.59 13.07 32.01 9.27 13.85 4.75 5.27 15.40 28.86

C/PRICE

145.60 138.95 24.25 22.07 17.41 13.72 32.58 9.73 14.17 4.98 5.50 15.60 29.05

113m

O/PRICE 59.00 12.00 3.78 2.09 1.07 5.78 1.22

C/PRICE 57.59 11.80 3.60 1.99 1.02 5.76 1.20

delivery in the Nigerian market in order to enhance integrity, transparency and accountability.

To complement the very high profile presence of the Bloomberg Chairman and to ensure a quick permeation of the capital markets by the strategies which will be worked out during the Breakfast Meeting / Strategy Session, are the CEOs of key player organizations. The CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, CEOs of banks and other quoted companies, leading stockbrokers, investment fund managers and so on are on the bill.

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

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

March 2012

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%

Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

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

NIBOR

CHANGE 1.41 0.20 0.18 0.10 0.05 0.02 0.02

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

CHANGE

6.93 6.61 1.15 1.05 0.82 0.65 0.57 0.46 0.32 0.23 0.23 0.20 0.19

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 27-4-12

SYMBOL FLOURMILL ETI PORTPAINT MAYBAKER LIVESTOCK NASCON IKEJAHOTEL

By Tonia Osundolire

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

T

HE Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh will today host Peter Grauer, global Chairman of Bloomberg.

The event is expected to explore avenues and draw up strategic architecture for enhancing performance in the Nigerian capital market through a more efficient use of digital technology and analytics in making information and data more readily available to end – user participants in the market.

According to SEC, the objective of the meeting is to raise the bar of information sharing and intelligence

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

SEC’s DG hosts Bloomberg’s chair

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

S

SKYE Bank has raised $100 million in debt from a multilateral institution at a floating coupon rate of 6.3 per cent for seven-

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

• Durosinmi-Etti

years.

Managing Director of the bank, Kehinde DurosinmiEtti told Reuters yesterday that the fund is to boost the lender’s capital. “It will add about two per cent to our capital adequacy ratio,” he said, during an investor briefing. The bank’s capital adequacy level is now at 17.5 per cent.

First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Diamond Bank have indicated interest to raise bonds from the international market this year this year.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.59 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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

52

DISCOURSE

Justice and fairness as panacea to peace A paper presented by Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the Fifth Memorial Lecture for former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, at B.T.O. Hall, Akure on April 20.

I

CONSIDER it an honour to be asked to share my thoughts on this occasion of the celebration of the life and times of the social democrat and former governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati. Papa Adefarati exemplified an uncommon tendency in political culture, when in spite of the incursion of hostile forces, he was able to maintain the progressive credentials of Ondo State in whose territory, Egbe Omo Oduduwa, the precursor of the Action Group was born in 1951. Like many states in the Southwest, Ondo State was, unfortunately, invaded and captured in 2003.

Adefarati’s political clout was acknowledged beyond the Ondo political sphere which earned him the presidential ticket of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2007. However, few weeks to the 2007 elections, he succumbed to death. In all these, the political gospel of Baba Adefarati was that of peace, even in the face of provocation, hence his sobriquet Baba Peace. It is, therefore, understandable that the focus of this gathering is hinged on peace as a fundamental condition for the success of the Nigerian project.

With a great legacy of his life and times being the continued strive for peace in its different manifestations, the late Adefarati was of that quintessential stock that considered the organisation of society along lines hinged on fairness and justice as the surest guarantees of attaining and sustaining peace. And, this he struggled for from his earliest entry into the political space as a member of the old Action Group (AG) in 1954, through the period he served in the Unity Party of Nigeria and twice became a Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, and then Works and Transportation, under our late revered Pa Adekunle Ajasin in Ondo State from 1979 to 1983, to his days as the AD Governor of Ondo State and beyond.

It was also his belief in justice as a primary condition for ensuring peace that motivated his participation in the struggle against military rule and towards the restoration of the annulled June 12 Presidential mandate in his capacities as a member of the Afenifere and the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON) of the 1990s, along with other icons of the struggle, such as the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Further to this, his role as one of the wheels on which the engine of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) spun in the dark days of authoritarian rule was well- recognised by those located in the interstices of that experience.

As an outstanding politician, who understood the essential connection between good governance and peace, the late Chief Adefarati, in his years as Governor, laid the template for democratic renaissance in Ondo State; he knew that human and physical development were the most effective indices of peace, and these informed the numerous programmes and activities that his government embarked upon for the good of the people. His activism in enabling peace in the national polity manifested in the position that he and others of his ilk took in the struggle for genuine federalism in the country during the Presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as this was deemed the most effectual route out of the destructive turn that self-determination had taken in Nigeria at that point in time. More so, as an exemplar, his mantra of “Let there be Peace”resonated strongly among his supporters in instances of crises during his tenure, such as the violent strife that embroiled the Ilaje and Ijaw communities in Ese-Odo Local Government Area and the carnage that could have characterised the vote theft and manipulations consequent upon the 2003 general elections in Ondo State.

While he was a moving force in the creation of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to curb some of the resources-sharing restiveness in the state, he was also instrumental to the design of Afenifere’s vision of a new Nigeria, and was active in the operations of the Yoruba Development Council under the leadership of our late father, Pa Abraham Adesanya. He equally contributed in no mean measure towards the development of the Yoruba Constitution – a testament to the wishes and aspirations of our people for continued co-existence within a federal framework. A very modest and forthright personality, the late Adefarati, Baba Peace, has left us a legacy of service that we need to be brave enough to take on and perfect.

In reflecting upon the essence of peace that came to define Chief Adefarati’s political trajectory and expanding on the notion, it will be instructive to set a point-of-departure with the understanding that in the very complex environment within which we function, democracy – in itself – does not necessarily guarantee good governance and peace. It has to be fundamentally anchored to the moorings of justice, and cognate indices including the rule of law, a fair and sound electoral process, and an equitable system of resource allocation and distribution across the various tiers and levels of government in Nigeria, etc. What brings this into greater evidence is the fact that despite 13 years of our re-engagement with democracy in Nigeria, the social fault lines are still very much visible and have largely deepened, with numerous pockets of implosion setting off intermittently, and spontaneously, throughout the country.

While it can be said that the most important, if not ulti-

•Dr. Fayemi

‘In the effort to have justice and fairness serving as panacea to peace in Nigeria, there is the need for the basis of multi-party democracy in the country to be entrenched; the guaranteeing of a level playing field for political parties across the strata of society; the re-building of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a nonpartisan umpire in electoral contest in the country’ mate, goal of systems that are put in place to organise society – such as democracy – is to attain the objective of peace, this can mainly be achieved and sustained within a framework that is essentially predicated on justice. Yet, our very traditional understanding of the notion of ‘justice’, as pertaining to democracy, is based on a legal conception associated with electoral legitimacy, the effectiveness of constitutional guarantees in society, and other aspects of the rule of law. This has revealed, with time, as a fairly limited insight into the nature and dimensions of justice. For our purpose, justice signposts a broader view which encompasses all that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of people; it signifies an ontology wherein rights and freedoms are attained and secured in society.

Hence, the broader context that I am appealing to is one that links justice with human security. It is only when human security has been achieved to a great extent in society that we can talk of having attained the condition of justice, which undeniably leads to peace. In delineating the intersection between justice and human security, it can be observed that most of the factors that have truly led to instabilities and conflict in society – whether they take on the hue of religious or ethnic strife – derive from the inability or lack of the government to provide essential safety nets and social services to people. And, this can be considered as going against the grains of the central purpose of government, from which it derives its purpose and legitimacy. The human security approach emphasises the need for governments to be able to guarantee economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community and political security in society, which can be accessed by people. This can equally be regarded as issues of basic rights, the lack of which are at the source of most agitations and restiveness.

As such, the notion of attaining ‘peace’ in society relates to the achievement of a holistic human security agenda, particularly in a democratic situation. Moreover, in its radical Declaration of Intent, these are issues that have been

placed on the front-burner of the rationale for the existence of the state, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. In this section of the Constitution (Chapter 2), it is stated: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government” (14. (2) (b)). Hence, peace can only be affirmed in an environment that thrives on economic justice as declared by the Constitution.

Still, on the alternate legal level of achieving peace through justice, it is without doubt that the electoral process and elections are the vehicles of and foundational structures upon which representative governance is built; hence justice in a critical instance in a democracy depends upon the credibility of the electoral process that ushers in any government. This will serve as the grundnorm upon which a system derives its legal legitimacy, and determines the depth of the peace that pervades society subsequently. Fundamentally, this is one principle that our democracy is yet to achieve, and we needn’t labour the point that our electoral process in Nigeria is still a victim of and beholden to the crude distortions and electoral brigandage of the most pernicious order spawned by extremely desperate merchants of power.

Among those of us who are present here as representatives of different constituencies, we can testify to the very long and often lonely roads we traversed before we could recover the mandates that were freely given to us by our people.

How then can there be peace in the polity when the basic principles that ought to secure it have been subverted?

The road to peace has been strewn with all manners of injustice, and there is the need for a systemic overhaul, with some of the suggestions that I will be reiterating having already been presented to federal authorities through such recommendations as those of the Justice Uwais Panel on electoral reforms. In the effort to have justice and fairness serving as panacea to peace in Nigeria, there is the need for the basis of multi-party democracy in the country to be entrenched; the guaranteeing of a level playing field for political parties across the strata of society; the re-building of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a non-partisan umpire in electoral contest in the country; the enhancement of the independence of the judiciary in its capacities to interprete electoral laws without fear or favour; and the affirmation of diversity (such as women and other marginalised groups) in participating in the political process.

Equally, there is the necessity of enthroning internal democracy within political parties, the equitable access of political parties to the public space through the media, etc; and the creation of effective mechanisms for the speedy disposal of judicial decisions in areas of electoral dispute so that justice is not unnecessarily delayed, and the attainment of better ways of protecting the ballot during elections.

In essence, there has to be the principle of the genuine operation of the notion of ‘one man, one vote’ as a means of achieving justice and peace within our system.

Without doubt, peace is an abstract and hollow concept in the absence of justice, and for it to thrive all the conditions that make justice possible need to be addressed. In the sort of federal system that we are operating in Nigeria, the agitation of several groups for self-actualisation in the broadest of terms makes it pertinent for a genuine process of constitutional reform, which will be driven by the people and take cognizance of their various desires and aspirations, to be instituted. This will avail them the opportunity to negotiate the terms of their co-existence within the greater Nigerian context, while considering issues relating to immiseration and the incidence and depth of poverty, as the existing configuration of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism is regarded as one of the most violence-inducing sources of injustice. A situation whereby the Federal Government corners about 54 per cent of the resources available to the country and the rest is available to 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) certainly demands a paradigm shift, since the states and local governments are actually closer to the people the Republic purports to protect and in whose interests it exists. To many groups and actors, this fact represents one of the more fundamental sources of injustice in our reality.

Conclusion For Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another, various hiccups have been identified in our federation. We should be honest enough to admit the mutual suspicion of all the nationalities that make up the country. It appears that all we have been doing is a hide and seek and would certainly not lead us anywhere. I will simply say here that the only option I see and want to vigorously canvass here is the convocation of a National Conference to enable us to address the many injustices, perceived or real, that pervade the entire space of the nation. I am confident that we will come out of such conference more fortified, united and satisfied as a people whose living together is mutually agreed for a common course.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

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FOREIGN NEWS Norwegians blast survivors testify OME 40,000 people have gathered on an Oslo square to sing a popular peace song which mass killer Anders Behring Breivik condemned at his trial.

The right-wing extremist had accused the singer of Children Of The Rainbow, Lillebjoern Nilsen, of being a Marxist who sought to brainwash children.

Nilsen led the crowd yesterday in singing the song on Youngstorget Square, close to the courthouse.

Inside, the trial heard testimony from survivors of the Oslo bomb attack.

It is the ninth day of Breivik’s trial for the killing of eight people in Oslo and 69 on the island of Utoeya, as well as the wounding of more than 200 others.

He admits the attacks on 22 July last year but denies guilt or insanity.

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Pakistani PM guilty of contempt

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AKISTAN’S Supreme Court has found Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani guilty in a contempt of court case.

However, the court gave Gilani only a symbolic sentence and he will not have to serve any time in jail.

Gilani had denied that he had been in contempt for failing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

The prime minister had argued that the president, who rejects the corruption charges, has immunity as head of state.

The case is part of a standoff between the government and the judiciary, which many believe is being backed by the military as it pursues the case against the civilian administration.

Gilani’s lawyers say he will appeal against his conviction.

World Court declares Charles Taylor guilty of war crimes I

NTERNATIONAL judges yesterday found former Liberian President Charles Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes during the Sierra Leone civil war.

Taylor has been on trial at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone at The Hague for almost five years.

He was accused of backing rebels who killed tens of thousands during Sierra Leone’s 1991-2002 civil war.

But he was cleared of ordering their crimes.

Taylor, 64, was charged with 11 counts of murder, rape, conscripting child soldiers and sexual slavery during intertwined wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, during which more than 50,000 people were killed.

Taylor’s conviction is historic. He is the first former head of state convicted by an international court since the Nuremburg military tribunal of Nazis after World War II. Human rights groups hailed the judgment.

“This is an incredibly significant decision,” Elise Keppler from the campaign group Human Rights Watch told the BBC. “Today is a landmark moment.”

Rights group Amnesty International said the verdict sent an important message to all high-ranking state officials.

“While today’s conviction

TIMELINE •1989: Launches rebellion in Liberia •1991: RUF rebellion starts in Sierra Leone •1997: Elected president after a 1995 peace deal •1999: Liberia’s Lurd rebels start an insurrection to oust Taylor •June 2003: Arrest warrant issued; two months later he steps down and goes into exile to Nigeria • March 2006: Arrested after a failed escape bid and sent to Sierra Leone • June 2007: His trial opens - hosted in The Hague for security reasons •April 2012: Convicted of aiding and abetting the commission of war crimes brings some measure of justice to the people of Sierra Leone, Taylor and the others sentenced by the Special Court are just the tip of the iceberg,” the group’s Brima Abdulai Sheriff said in a statement.Judge Richard Lussick said Taylor had sold diamonds and bought weapons on behalf of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels - and knew they were committing crimes.

“The chamber finds beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is criminally responsible... for aiding and abetting the commission of the crimes 1 to 11 in the indictment,”

judge Lussick told the Special Court for Sierra Leone, sitting in the outskirts of The Hague, as he read the verdict.

The accused had substantial influence over the RUF, but this fell short of effective command and control, the judge said.

The military support provided by the accused to the RUF had a significant impact on the commission of crimes, the judge added.

Judge Lussick also said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was individually responsible for some of the crimes committed in Sierra

Leone or part of a joint criminal enterprise.

“Not since Nuremberg has an international or hybrid war crimes court issued a judgment against a current or former head of state. This is a victory for Sierra Leonean victims, and all those seeking justice when the worst abuses are committed,” Elise Keppler, senior counsel for Human Rights Watch, added in a statement.

Taylor has denied the charges, insisting he tried to bring peace to the region and arguing his trial was a politically motivated conspiracy by Western nations.

But the judge said that “the accused was publicly promoting peace, while privately providing arms to the RUF,” adding that “There was a constant flow ... of diamonds from Sierra Leone to the accused, often in exchange for arms and ammunition.”

At the start of the hearing, Taylor seemed relaxed, waving at some people sitting in the public gallery, and separated from the windowless trial chamber by a thick pain of glass.

Later, as the presiding judge’s reading of the judgment appeared to swing against Taylor, the former president clasped his hands

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more tensely in front of him.

Wearing a dark blue suit and maroon tie, Taylor looked calm and subdued as the presiding judge took more than two hours to read out the charges, evidence and final ruling.

The litany of gruesome crimes covered rapes and enslavement, beheadings and disembowellings, amputations and other mutilations carried out by child soldiers notorious for being high on drugs and dressed in fright wigs.

And in return for providing arms and ammunition for the conflict, the judge recounted how Taylor had received “blood diamonds” from Sierra Leone, including a 45-carat diamond and two 25-carat diamonds.

A sentence hearing will be held on May 16, with the sentence to be handed down on May 30, he added.

Taylor is expected to serve his sentence in a British prison as the Dutch government only agreed to host the trial if any ensuing jail term was served in another country.

Jordanian PM resigns

Bin Laden’s family deported HE widows and children of Osama bin Laden have left their villa in Islamabad, as they reportedly begin a journey to Saudi Arabia.

The three widows, who are believed to have 11 children, left the house in a minibus amid tight security.

A plane was reported to be waiting for them at Islamabad’s international airport to take them to Saudi Arabia.

The al-Qaeda leader was killed by US special forces last May in the north-western Pakistani city of Abbottabad.

Last week, his wives and children completed a 45day term of imprisonment at the Islamabad villa, for staying in Pakistan illegally.

AP news agency quotes the Pakistani government as saying Saudi Arabia was the “country of their choice” to be deported to.

•Taylor

•Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at an Extra-Ordinary Summit in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire

Activists: 70 killed in Syrian explosion

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P to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a house in Hama, according to Syrian activists.

They said several houses in the Masha at-Tayyar district in southern Hama were destroyed by a big explosion.

State media said 16 people died in the blast in a house used as a bomb factory by “armed terrorist groups”.

The violence comes despite a UN-brokered ceasefire - part of a peace plan proposed by the joint UNArab League envoy Kofi Annan.

Following the blast in Hama, activists posted video on the internet showing a scene of devastation, with

bodies being pulled from the rubble.

One report said 13 children and 15 women were among the dead.

They said the blast was caused by government shelling or even a Scud missile attack.

The opposition Syrian National Council has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting “so that it can issue a resolution to protect civilians”.

It says nearly 100 people have been killed in Hama in recent days.

The level of devastation seen would have been difficult to achieve by conventional shelling, the BBC’s Jim Muir in Beirut says.

State television showed pictures of injured children in hospital and says that a group using the house to make bombs detonated them accidentally.

The reports cannot be independently verified owing to government restrictions on foreign media.

Meanwhile, a video has emerged which purportedly shows a man being buried alive by security forces, allegedly for sending material to TV stations.

Its authenticity could not be confirmed.

The unnamed man, who is said to be a media activist, is seen pleading for his life as earth is shovelled over his head. He then goes silent.

What appear to be members of the security forces are then heard cursing him for receiving money for sending material to Arabic satellite TV stations.

The video was said to have been leaked by sympathisers.

Continuing violence has been reported across Syria since a ceasefire was introduced earlier this month including in towns where UN observers are present.

France now says the Security Council should consider the use of force in Syria if Mr Annan’s peace plan fails to stop the violence.

The plan calls on Damascus to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from cities.

JORDAN’S prime minister Awn Khasawneh has resigned, six months after forming a government which he promised would bring reform to the country.

The reasons for his resignation have not been revealed, but he is thought to be unhappy that the king had extended the current parliamentary session.

King Abdullah II has asked Fayez Tarawneh to form a new government.

Tarawneh, who is 63, was prime minister and head of the royal court under Abdullah’s father, King Hussein.

When Khasawneh was appointed in October 2011 he promised to fight corruption, and introduce political and economic reforms.

But he angered many reformists and opposition parties by proposing a new electoral law which would have scrapped the country’s one-person-one-vote system.

It would have also limited the number of seats allocated to political parties, while at the same time introducing a quota for the minimum number of women MPs. Jordan has not been immune to the sorts of demonstrations seen in other Arab countries, with relatively small but vocal protests becoming a regular feature of the country’s political scene.

But despite the pressure for anti-corruption measures and economic reform, there has been little measurable change.

While unemployment is officially running at 14%, some NGOs estimate the real figure might be closer to 30%.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08022664898

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1. Finalised (9) 7. Employ (3) 8. Tear (3) 9. Succeeded (3) 10. Consumed (3) 12. per Unit (4) 13. Bird (4) 14. Beer (3) 16. Imitate (3) 18. Bed (3) 19. Resort (3) 21. Justly (9)

DOWN

1. Correspond (9) 2. Pinch (3) 3. Sexual Desire (4) 4. Ourselves (2) 5. Moisture (3) 6. Discourage (4) 10. Expression of Surprise (3) 11. Get with Difficulty (3) 15. Enumerate (4) 17. Bird (3) 18. Taxi (4) 20. Father (2)

MISSING LETTERS All the words in the columns below have lost their first letters as indicated by the blank spaces above them. You are required to find and affix them. When done, all the first letters will form a 9-letter, sexually offensive word or action. Happy Puzzling!‘

SHOWbLitzz Rihanna’s dad okays Chris Brown

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Eliminate Fuzzy Thinking “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”

Alexander Graham Bell

Rihanna’s dad won’t be getting any father of the year awards, judging from a new interview. Not only is Ronald Fenty taking credit for Rihanna’s sleek physique, saying that he prodded her to workout by calling her “fat,” he also revealed that he would be fine if Rihanna were to rekindle her romance with Brown, who plead guilty to assaulting the singer in a lover’s quarrel turned physical in 2009.“Chris is a nice guy and everybody’s entitled to make mistakes in their life. God knows how many I’ve made,” Fenty tells the new issue of Heat magazine, when asked about the singer collaborating with her ex on two songs. “She’s her own woman now.”“I actually thought she was a little fat the last time I saw her,” he said. “When I saw her at this year’s Grammys, I thought she was back to her normal size. I used to joke with her, ‘Robyn,you’re getting too fat.’ But I think she’s fine. I think she looked excellent, as everyone saw, at the Grammys. She’s dieting, she’s working out.”After two years of not speaking, Rihanna and Fenty only started communicating again in 2010. At the time of their reunion, Fenty said, “Maybe we’re not as close as we were when she was growing up here … But we are blood, we do not stay angry.”

Pep Talk

Lacking confidence...

Feeling unsure about what you should do next...

Jumping from one marketing strategy to another...

Being unclear about when you’ll reach your business goals...

All of these issues (and many more) can be traced back to one of the biggest challenges struggling entrepreneurs face: lack of focus.

It is called fuzzy thinking.

Fuzzy Thinking Stems From Neglecting to Acquire Critical Information Too many entrepreneurs are missing critical information. Not having this information inflicts incredible damage on their chances of success.

Because it keeps the path to achieving their dreams out of focus, fuzzy.

And you can’t follow a fuzzy path. So they bounce around, get confused, become overwhelmed and attempt to copy what other people are doing... But the path that’ll lead them to success still remains out of focus.

What’s worse is that most entrepreneurs are not only unaware that this information is absolutely essential... they don’t realize it’s missing. So they never track it down.

In order to go from fuzzy thinking to focused thinking, you need to know the answers to three questions...

1. What, exactly, do you want?

2. What’s the absolute minimum necessary to have it?

3. What’s the fastest and easiest way to get it?

Think about it for a moment...

HUMOUR True Believers The two thousand member Baptist church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.

One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons. The one in the middle announced, “Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!”

Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.

After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit. The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, “All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service.”

Getting Into Fights A young couple drove several miles down a country road, not saying a word.

An earlier discussion had led to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position.

Now don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this solution. As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the husband Answering these questions - especially question three sarcastically asked, “Are they relatives of yours?”

- requires some heavy-duty thinking. Nobody can “Yes,” his wife replied. “I married into the family.” give you the answers.

Our ideas like orange plants, spread out in proportion to the size of the box which imprisons the roots.

– Edward Bulwer Lytton

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

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NEWS Agency denies attack From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

HE Department of Public Transportation (DOPT) in Cross River State has denied its involvement in the invasion of the Palace of the Muri Munene of Efut in Calabar South Local Government Area on Wednesday as alleged by Maurice Eyo. A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Transportation, Edem Ekong, said: “The Department of Public Transportation wishes to vehemently and emphatically deny any involvement whatsoever, directly or indirectly, with the said incident.

“Members of the public are accordingly hereby urged to ignore the said publication and treat same as a complete falsehood”.

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Fed Govt’ll not invest in proposed national carrier A

VIATION Minister Mrs Stella Oduah said yesterday that the Federal Government would not invest any money in the proposed national carrier, but would rather build a framework to ensure its survival.

Part of the framework, according to Ms Oduah, is to encourage private sector players to invest in the proposed carrier.

The minister, who spoke at a stakeholders conference in Lagos said the era in which the government commits funds into airline business was over, adding that what is needed is a level-playing field that would ensure the proposed airline’s survival.

Ms Oduah also explained that the Federal Government will not be involved in set-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

ting up a national aircraft maintenance hangar, due to paucity of funds, but will create an enabling environment for private sector investors to key into the project.

The conference also provided an avenue for stakeholders to appraise the much-touted road map for the aviation sector, which many industry players noted needed stakeholders input, even as they canvassed that the road map should be made public, timely and specific.

The conference with the theme: “Evolving a road map for transformation of the air transport sector in Nigeria,”

is the 18th in the series of the League of Airports & Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) annual event.

The Chairman of LAAC, Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, said the theme of this year’s seminar is apt given recent developments in the industry.

The Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, noted that the conference theme is symmetrical with the industry’s master plan, which was unveiled in Abuja by the minister.

Demuren noted that besides the development of a master plan, an implementa-

tion framework is necessary to confront the sector’s numerous challenges.

Ms Oduah, canvassed synergy among stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to transform the sector, even as she called for consolidation among domestic airlines to enhance their capacity in a globally competitive environment.

The minister also unfolded plans to partner the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure the availability of aviation fuel at affordable prices.

On the vexed issue of security and the closing of the Press Centre, the minister affirmed that as regrettable and inconveniencing as the matter appears, government is resolute in not taking lightly issues of security.

‘Road blocks gone for good’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

CTING Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar has said police road blocks are gone for good.

Speaking at the Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar, the Cross River State capital yesterday, Abubakar said in its place would be patrol teams.

He said: “The mounting of road blocks did a lot of damage to the image of the country and we must correct that.

“Road blocks had always been when armed robbers and kidnappers were operating freely and will be bribing them.

“This is the only country in the world where police mount check points using heavy drums and woods among others to block the road.”

Abubakar said the police will continue to do all within its power to reduce crime to the barest minimum.

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Edo PDP Sec resigns From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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DO State Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Victor Ohiosimua has resigned his appointment and membership of the party.

Ohiosimua said his reason was that his official function was usurped and performed by other officials of the party.

The resignation letter reads: “The continuous witch hunting, intimidation and harassment of delegates by the leadership of the party based on confirmed lies are responsible for my resignation.

“In the light of the foregoing, I hereby tender my resignation in accordance with Article 14 of the party’s constitution as the state organising Secretary”.

Also, another ex-officio member of the PDP, Pastor Vero Oriepete resigned her membership of the party.

She said her resignation was due to the irreconcialable differences with the leadership of the party.

Ex-PDP leaders join Edo ACN A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Sunny Uyigue, the party’s Woman Leader, Mrs Lucy Omagbon and her husband, Harrison, have joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with over 3,000 of their followers.

At two rallies yesterday at Okada in Ovia North East Local Government and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government, the former PDP leaders attributed their decision to the oneman dictatorship in the PDP and the achievements of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Uyigue, who was a leader in the Chief Samuel Ogbemudia faction of the PDP said at the rally “from today, PDP in Ovia North East is buried politically. There is no ward they will win again, and I am sorry for the boy they are parading. He is not in the area at all.”

Mrs Omagbon said: “For a state woman leader to leave a party, you know that party is gone.

“I am here to openly declare to the world that I am now with the ACN.” Oshiomhole said the new arrivals in the ACN are quality politicians known beyond the boundaries of the state.

Dogs for Edo police From Osagie Otabor, Benin

•From right: Sambo, Uduaghan and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole

Jonathan, Soyinka, Kagame call for synergy in Southsouth P ARTICIPANTS at the second Southsouth Economic Summit yesterday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, agreed that regional integration is a vehicle for development.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said with a diversified economy, his vision for the Southsouth and Nigeria can be realised.

His words: “My vision for the Southsouth and indeed Nigeria is for us to develop an economy non-dependent on oil. “ It is a fact that world oil reserve has limitations and it has become necessary that we use our present opportunity to create an economy devoid of oil for our future.

“We are aware of the fact that in many parts of the world, oil has only resulted in unhealthy rivalry, strife, corruption.

“However, oil can also be a blessing or a curse, but with creativeness we can serve our people through good planning, transparency and good governance.

“I can see from this summit that qualities and intentions as well as the foundation for the achievement of the set objectives are been put in place.

“Several developed coun-

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

tries do not have oil but have developed, robust economy.”

Co-Chair of the summit, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka in an address titled: “Mission-The Future “said the time has come to put into practice the ancient saying ” Small is beautiful”.

Soyinka urged regional groupings with compatible ideas of the ultimate mission “to begin to call the shots and relegate the centre to its rightful dimension in any functioning democracy” He advocated “each regional grouping to, by its policies, declare an uncompromising developmental autonomy leaving the centre only with its competence provenance-foreign policies, national security and interstate affairs peace subversive, peace advocacy.”

Guest Speaker and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in an address titled: “Opportunities for Development”, traced similarities between Rwanda and the Southsouth.

Kagame was represented by the Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, John Kigara.

He said both Rwanda and

the Southsouth share a determination to put their dark history behind and forge ahead towards development and progress.

His words: “Rwanda and the Southsouth share a history of conflict, but I am pleased to say there’s a determination to put that past behind us and forge ahead.

“The region has shown it does not want to be held captive by the past.

“Post conflict development is essentially about nation building and although there may be similar circumstances between countries there are also unique situations in each.

“In this sense, there can be no single formula or prescription for all circumstances. Whatever solutions adopted is largely determined by a country’s practical experience and a genuine aspiration of its people.”

He urged African business people to look for opportunities within the continent rather than look overseas.

Chairman of BRACED Commission (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) Liyel Imoke reiterated the commitment of the region to integrate economically with partnership

from the private sector.

He said: “Our desire is premised on the fact that the pursuit of regional economic integration based on collaborative alignment over individual economies will inevitably result in increased economic opportunities in the region.”

Host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said his administration is determined to diversify its economy.

His words: “We must diversify our economy from its dependency on mono-culture source to other sources that are more empowering, sustainable and can create wealth. “ I like to state that we have made reasonable progress in that regard.

“Private sector interest in building the Warri Industrial Business Park is strong.

“The Koko Export Free zone, a gas based industrial park—a major component of President Jonathan’s Gas Revolution Agenda—has a robust private sector interest in driving it.

Dignitaries who attended the event include Ijaw national leader Edwin Clark, Sonny Odogwu, Ex-Governor Felix Ibru and Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs Godsday Orubebe.

THE Edo State Police Command said it has gotten specially trained dogs to help tackle crimes in the state.

It said the two species of dogs were trained to detect bombs, drugs, control crowd as well as sniff out criminals.

Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun made this known at a briefing with reporters yesterday.

Balogun said some of the dogs would be deployed to black spots and some troubled banks, where robberies are on the increase.

He said: “If somebody is killed and buried somewhere, we have the dogs that will go to the area and detect the spot.

“We have enough to ensure that crime is prevented. The dogs are well fed, their medication is also well taken care of.”

Women protest gas leakage From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

THE women of Egita in Egi, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have resolved to go on a seven-day hunger strike beginning today on the gas leakage in their area since March 20.

The women, who staged a peaceful protest march yesterday in Egita, carried placards and banners to draw the attention of Total, and human rights groups over their plight.

Their leaders, Mrs Mercy Ikpema and Mrs Ngozi Solomon, said women from the 16 families that are worst hit by the gas eruption are dying of hunger because they have been barred from going to their farms.

The women also complained of lack of clean water .

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NEWS Adewusi decries celebration of materialism

Court denies Ibru’s widow audience

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•Ogbomoso celebrates ex-Senator From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

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former Inspector– General of Police, Asiwaju Sunday Adewusi, has decried the glorification of materialism and the decay of our value system. Adewusi spoke at a book launch in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in honour of an illustrious son of the community, former Senator Ayantayo Ayandele.

The book, entitled: “Moving Nigeria Forward”, was written by Dr. Sunday Gbadegesin Olawale.

Adewusi decried the neglect of incorruptible persons and the celebration of persons of questionable character.

He said: “The Africanness of an African lies basically in his or her culture. And culture, in this sense, includes everything that goes into making us what we are and the heritage that we possess.

“Basic to our culture, apart from language, is custom, which spells out the expected mode of behaviour or institutionalised practices.

“Glorifying materialism to the detriment of meritocracy, if unchecked, will not only increase crime, but portends danger for the country in the future.”

Describing Ayandele as “an embodiment of unparalleled selfless service, whose has contributed immensely to the growth of humanity, Adewusi stressed the need for the concerted effort of all Nigerians towards transforming the country.

Olawale described Ayandele as “an epitome of exemplary leadership and transparent administrator”.

He said: “Senator Ayandele’s name, autograph and personality attract respect.

He has earned himself a golden name and immortalised himself in the hearts of the present and future generations of Nigerians.

“In fact, he has left unprecedented legacies of good governance and infrastructural development, which all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso are proud of, and which the present and subsequent leaders of our society should emulate.”

Olawale, a guidance

•Ajimobi (in white attire)...yesterday. With him is the market leader, Alhaji Dauda Agboola (left).

Ajimobi visits burnt Bola Ige Market

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday visited the Bola Ige International Market in Ibadan, the state capital, which was gutted by fire on Wednesday.

Ajimobi pledged to renovate the market to international standard.

He said the renovation would include the rehabilitation of the fire station and the sinking of bore holes.

Ajimobi said arrangement would be made for the provision of an alternative place for those affected by the fire.

•Pledges assistance to victims •Traders count losses From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

He said the government would offset the huge electricity bill incurred by the traders, which has left the market without electricity for some time.

Ajimobi said the government would financially assist those affected by the fire.

Traders at the market have continued to count their losses.

No fewer than 20 shops and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the fire.

The fire, which reportedly started around 7:15pm on Wednesday, affected half of the Baby Wears and Building Materials sections of the market.

Victims have appealed to the state and local governments to come to their aid.

Mr. Seyi George said: “I got to know of the fire around 10pm. I deal in wholesale baby wears and under wears. I was at home when I got the call about the fire. I restocked my shop on Friday and everything was

consumed by the fire. The goods were worth over N400,000.”

Mrs. Sangolade Ebunlomo said she lost goods worth N250,000.

She said: “All I have laboured for in my entire life was consumed by the fire.”

Mr. Abdulganiyu Kehinde said his shop, his wife’s and that of his sister and motherin-law were razed. He said there was no hope of survival for his family.

They thanked the governor for visiting and urged him to fulfill his promise to those affected soon.

Give us standard bearer, Ondo South ACN urges national leadership

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EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo South Senatorial District have urged the national leadership of the party to pick the standard bearer for the governorship election slated for October 20.

The leaders made the call in a statement issued after the party’s Southern Senatorial meeting held in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.

They urged the national leadership to choose a popular candidate that would be widely supported at the grassroots.

They urged members to

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

‘We are happy that our people can no longer be deceived.

We have had enough of this deceitful government in Ondo State. Let us be more united, hardworking, committed and also work as a team, so that we can send this visionless government packing.’ work assiduously for the party’s victory, so that Ondo

can be part of the Southwest’s integration agenda.

They said the party would soon begin the mobilization and sensitisation of the electorate for the election.

The party’s Chairman in the district, Mr. Wale Akintemehin urged new ACN members across the state to register in their respective wards.

He advised governorship aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully.

Akintimehin said the caliber of persons aspiring for the ACN’s ticket show

the readiness of the party to wrest power from the Labour Party (LP).

He said: “We are determined to liberate the people of Ondo State from the economic hardship meted on them by the present administration.

“We are happy that our people can no longer be deceived. We have had enough of this deceitful government in Ondo State.

Let us be more united, hardworking, committed and also work as a team, so that we can send this visionless government packing.”

Aregbesola’s wife urges legislation for physically-challenged

W

IFE of the Osun State Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, has called for a law that would cater for the physicallychallenged people in the state.

She spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, last week, while distributing mobility aids and empowerment equipment to people with physical disability.

Mrs. Aregbesola said the law would give people with special need access to places where government programmes are run.

The equipment distributed include freezers (25), grinding machines (14), a computer set, hair dryers (4), guiding cane (1), crutches (2), a printer, wheel chairs (7), a sewing machine, television sets, one electricity

generating set (1), shoe making materials, hearing aid (1), communication access (1), electronic detecting machine (1), nylon cutter (1) and cash, among others.

Mrs. Aregbesola said people with special needs have enormous talents that can be harnessed.

She said: “We cannot afford to neglect this critical sector of our society.

“The legislation will eliminate discrimination against them in the implementation of government programmes and projects.

“Leaders need to consider their positions as privileges freely given by God and take decisions that will create improve the life of all classes

‘Leaders need to consider their positions as privileges freely given by God and take decisions that will create improve the life of all classes of people, irrespective of any physical challenge.’ of people, irrespective of any physical challenge.

“The Aregbesola administration has taken cognisance of this reality and it is determined to give true meaning to democracy.

“It is a government of the people for the people, without discrimination.

“The administration is giving people with these challenges opportunity to thrive in this government. This, we have seen through the employment of our brothers and sisters into the civil service and the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES).”

Mrs Aregbesola said her donation to the physically challenged was her little way of contributing to the state government’s vision of taking care of them.

She said government cannot

do it alone and called on everyone to contribute to their welfare.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs Niyi Odunlade and his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Paul Adelabu, thanked the governor’s wife for her supports.

He said the gesture has again demonstrated her support for her husband and her love for the people of the state.

The event was witnessed by Commissioners, including Mrs. Mofolake Adetoun (Women Affair and Social Welfare); Mr. Sunday Akere (Information and Strategy); Dr. Temitope Ilori (Health); and the State Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disability, among others.

By Eric Ikhilae

USTICE Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday declined a request by Mrs. Maiden Ibru, widow to the late publisher of The Guardian, Alex Ibru, to address the court in respect of her pending case before it.

Mrs. Ibru raised her hand signifying an intention to address the court, but the judge refused to grant her audience.

He said having briefed a lawyer to handle her case, a litigant can no longer address the court directly in the presence of his/her lawyer.

She was accompanied to court by some of her children and a relative identified as Alex Thomopolous, among others.

She had earlier been granted audience at the last hearing before Justice Okechukwu Okeke, during which she revealed the last moments of her husband and the alleged acrimonious relationship between him and his brother, Goodie.

Mrs Ibru was in court to witness proceedings in the petition she filed on behalf of her late husband’s company, Omamo Investment Corporation, seeking to wind up a company co-owned by her late husband and Goodie, Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc, operators of the Federal Palace Hotel.

Her lawyer, Tunji Braithwaite, told the court about the pendency of his exparte motion to advertise the petition and indicated his intention to move it.

Braithwaite, relying on Order 19 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, said the essence of the application was to let other stakeholders in the company, such as other shareholders, creditors and other interested parties, who might want to be joined as parties in the petition, be aware of the existence of the suit.

Justice Liman disagreed with his argument that it was the practice to apply for the advertisement of a petition in a winding-up petition through an exparte application.

The judge said the rules did not specify whether it was to be made an exparte or not, adding that Braithwaite also failed to cite any authority supporting his claim.

“The application has double impact - the positive and the negative. It is the duty of the court to balance the two sides. That is where the right of fair hearing comes in,” the judge held.

Justice Liman observed that the negative aspect of the advertisement was that the petition could have a “collateral damage” on the reputation of the company if eventually the petition was found to be “unmeritorious”, hence the need to ensure that both parties are put on notice and heard in the application.

The judge directed that the respondent be put on notice and adjourned hearing on the application and the respondent’s preliminary objection to the petition till May 3.

In the petition by Mrs Ibru, she alleged that Omamo gave the respondent US$7.1 million, N610 million, N381 million and N19 million between 2003 and 2004, which has not been paid back.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

59

NEWS Three community leaders held over attacks in Jos

Niger Republic to export petrol to Nigeria

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T

HREE community leaders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local governments of Plateau State have been arrested by security agencies in Jos in connection with renewed attacks in their domains.

There have been frequent attacks by gunmen in several villages in Riyom, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local governments, which have resulted in the death of over 20 people including a lawmaker.

The community leaders, whose names were not disclosed, were said to be detained at the headquarters of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, ‘Operation Safe Haven’, and are being interrogated to ascertain their roles in the recent killings.

Briefing reporters at the Government Lodge in Jishe, Jos, after an emergency security meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor Ignatus Longjan, the Commissioner for Information Pastor Abraham Yiljap said: “It was alleged that the activities of the suspected community leaders have been sabotaging peace efforts in the affected areas.

“Each time peace meetings of various stakeholders in the areas are convened by security agencies, the community leaders would agree to prevail on their subjects to eschew violence and promote peaceful coexistence. But shortly after such agreement, a day or two days later, there will be reports of attacks rather than peaceful coexistence.

“So the security agencies have decided to arrest and interrogate some of these community leaders who are widely suspected to be either fuelling the killings or are completely negligent in their duties and are causing more problems for the security agencies.”

He continued: “If they are found wanting in the course of the interrogation, they will be charged to court and made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to other community leaders that dare to sabotage government peace efforts.”

•Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State (m), inspecting facilities at the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Centre in PHOTO: NAN Maiduguri...yesterday.

Scientists discover oil, gold in Taraba

S

CIENTISTS from the Institute of Aerospace Instrumentation (AI), Russia have found large deposits of gold and oil in Taraba State.

Silver, lead, zinc and precious stones have also been discovered in appreciable quantities.

The mineral deposits are said to have been in commercial quantities in the northern and central parts of the state.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

The Russian scientists have met Governor Danbaba Suntai on their findings.

They said silver is the most promising of their discoveries, with deposits covering 1.7 km in 1000 square kilometres of land, which they used for the survey.

The scientists were led by the Economic Counsellor of the Russian Embassy, Valery Shaposhinkov.

“We have vast experience in mineral exploration across the world. We are sure of our findings,” Shaposhinkov told Suntai.

The deposits of lead and zinc were discovered in the northern zone of the state, while precious stones were found along the Benue trough in the southern part of the state.

However, the exploration is limited to a small piece of land. “This makes it difficult to be categorical on

the quantitative occurrence of gold and oil,” said Robert Mukhanmedyenov, one of the scientists.

Suntai said God is opening the doors of the natural endowments Taraba is blessed with.

He said: “God is about to open the great treasures He has given to the state. If we are able to exploit these minerals, we will become a self-sufficient and self-reliant state.”

Gunmen kill two in Kano

G

UNMEN on Wednesday night killed two factory workers at the Sharada Industrial Estate, Kano.

A few days ago, a doctor was trailed and shot dead at his home in the Hotoro quarters of the state, after which the assailants drove away his car.

It could not be ascertained if the Wednesday attack was carried out by the Boko Haram sect, which reportedly planted explosives near Mammy Market in Bukavu Barracks, headquarters of the Third Brigade, on the same day.

The Army Public Relations Officer of the Third Brigade, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, said nobody was injured in the explosion,

•Niger gets N414m security equipment From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

which occurred about 8:30 pm.

Niger State Government is to procure 58 pick-up vans and security equipment worth N414 million to fight the Boko Haram insurgency and provide efficient and effective security patrol.

Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa, spoke to reporters yesterday after the Executive Council meeting in Minna.

He said the step is part of government’s effort to im-

prove security.

Bawa said most of the security agencies complained of lack of mobility, which is hindering their effort to curb crime, adding that the vehicles and gadgets will be given to the Nigeria Police, State Security Service (SSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

According to him, the pickup vans and security equipment will cost N377 million, 50 pieces of bullet proof jackets will cost N8.5 million, 50 pieces of helmets, N3.5 million and a communication gadget to monitor the movements of the vans, N25 mil-

lion. He said they would be bought by the government within three weeks.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhameed, said the state government has initiated moves to compensate indigenes that were displaced from the Federal Capital Territory 25 years ago.

He said Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has set up an eight-man committee to be headed by Mr. Mohammed Sani, adding that the committee is to carry out the census of the affected people and work out what it will cost to compensate them.

Two policemen die in Gombe attack

T

WO policemen have been confirmed dead in an attack on Bajoga Area Command and Divisional Police Office by gunmen on Wednesday night.

Gombe State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Abdu confirmed this to reporters at Bajoga in Funakaye Local Government yesterday.

He said the two policemen, a corporal and a constable, were killed about 9:30 pm.

“We received information that some hoodlums were around. So we mobilised our men to take position. They repelled them.

“Later we started hearing gunshots. An officer in the area command in the vicin-

By Vincent Ekhoragbon, Gombe

ity repelled them,” the commissioner added.

He said the hoodlums attacked the two police stations to enable them rob FinBank.

“They did not succeed at the bank because of the

presence of our men. They only broke the doors.”

The Commissioner of Police said one of their rifles got missing during the attack but it had been recovered.

He said six of the gunmen were arrested and one confessed that he belonged to the Boko Haram sect.

According to him, men and officers of the 301 Artillery Regiment of the Nigerian Army have been deployed in Bajoga to complement the efforts of the police, while bomb disposal experts are being awaited from Yola to comb the area.

The Divisional Secretary

of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Malam Bello Adamu, said they rescued one bank security guard who is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Bajoga.

Gombe State Deputy Governor Thaanda Rubainu, who was on the scene, declined comment.

‘Kano IGR drive stable’

T

HE Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) drive of the Kano State Government has remained stable despite the security challenges facing the state, Commissioner for Finance, Abdullahi Mahmoud Gaya, has said.

Gaya, who spoke to reporters yesterday in Kano during a visit by the management of KUDITECHS Investment Limited, said the monthly N1 billion IGR target was not threatened by the prevailing security challenges in the state.

According to him, but for the current situation, the IGR

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

drive would have increased by 100 per cent.

He noted that government is working hard to ensure that enough revenue is generated for the execution of numerous projects embarked upon by the Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso administration.

The commissioner cited the huge confidence reposed in the Kwankwaso government by the Kano indigenes as one of the major factors stabilising IGR in the state.

THE Ministry of Petroleum Resources yesterday received a delegation from the Niger Republic seeking to explore way of exporting about 2.06m litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol per day to Nigeria.

Niger Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Foumakoye Gado, who was speaking in Abuja during the signing of the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA) statute, said the landlocked country currently produces and refines 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

He said the country consumes about 7,000bpd of crude oil, leaving an extra capacity of 13,000bpd crude oil uncommitted.

Nigeria, which currently produces about 2.5mbpd, imports nearly all the petrol consumed in the country, as the four refineries produce about 30 per cent of their installed capacity.

Gado noted that Niger Republic is targeting 2013 to export its first crude oil, with production set to rise to 60,000bpd.

His words: “The feasibility study on the construction of pipeline through Cameroon to the port has just been completed and our government is looking at it.

The construction takes time to complete. So we are looking at 2013 or 2014 for export.”

Security forces step up efforts to end crisis in Plateau From Marie-therese Nanlong, Jos

SECURITY agencies in Plateau State have appealed to religious and community leaders as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to intensify efforts in sensitising youths on the need to give peace a chance.

Speaking yesterday in Jos at the assessment parley of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR), representatives of the security agencies, such as the Special Task Force (STF), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and State Security Service (SSS) reiterated the need for stability and peace.

They said many community elders did not restrain youths from violence and urged NGOs, such as the IGSR, to liaise with other stakeholders to ensure that violent youths are identified and trained to stop their violent behaviour.

Earlier, the President of the IGSR, Prof. Isawa Elaigwu, said a lot of activities have been embarked upon by his organisation, adding that more would be done in the coming months to ensure that peace is restored to Jos and the entire Plateau State.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

NEWS SUICIDE ATTACKS ON MEDIA HOUSES

SSS: How ThisDay office was bombed

T

HE State Security Service (SSS) yesterday gave a sketchy description of the bomb attack that rocked the Abuja office of Thisday. According to the security agency, at about 11 am, a dark green Isuzu Jeep wired with bombs, forced its way into the premises of the newspaper at Jabi, Abuja and detonated the bombs, killing the suicide bomber.

A statement by the SSS spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, added that two persons and the suicide bomber were confirmed dead; 13 other persons were injured and are receiving treatment.

The statement reads: “Also, at 1100 hours, two (2) persons in a cream coloured Honda Accord (Academy) car with registration number AL 306 MKA, drove into SOJ Global Communications and Investment Limited Pla-

•One of the victims at the National Hospital…yesterday

It’s attack on free speech, says US

T

HE United States yesterday condemned violence against offices of newspaper houses that killed eight people, saying the attacks targeted “free speech itself.”

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said it was up to Nigeria to determine the culprits of the attacks but voiced solidarity with concerns about Boko Haram, an Islamist group that has purportedly threatened media.

Nuland said that the United States “strongly” condemns the suicide attack at the Abuja bureau of ThisDay,

as well as an attempted car bombing at another of its offices.

“This is an attack not only on innocent people but on free speech itself in Nigeria and we call for a full investigation holding those responsible to account,” Nuland told reporters.

Nuland said the United States was not in a position to determine the culprits or whether the attacks would affect deliberations on whether the United States should designate Boko Haram as a terrorist group.

“That said, we share the concerns about the threat that

Boko Haram poses and this is among the reasons that we cooperate so strongly with Nigeria,” she said.

The United States contributes security, economic and political support in hope “that the vulnerable populations in the north of Nigeria can’t be attracted or coerced

by Boko Haram,” she said.

Several US lawmakers have urged the State Department to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation, a legal step that would make any contributions from the United States to the group a crime.

State Department officials have largely opposed the

move, arguing that Boko Haram’s grievances are local and that a formal designation

by Washington could worsen the situation.

At a recent congressional hearing, Johnnie Carson, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, instead urged greater efforts to address alleged abuses and marginalisation in Nigeria’s Muslimmajority north.

A purported spokesman for the Islamist group had recently made threats against news media outlets, saying they were being used by authorities to publish stories against Boko Haram

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

za, located at R9, Kontagora road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna which houses correspondents of The Sun, Thisday and Moments newspapers.

“One of the assailants, Umaru Umaru Mustapha, an indigene of Maiduguri, Borno State, alighted the car with a container of Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He was immediately challenged by two gallant Nigerians, following which he threw the bomb at them and it denoted, killing them instantly.

“Subsequently, Mustapha pulled out a pistol and fired several shots in the air, in an attempt to escape. He was, however, caught and sub-

dued by brave members of the public who refused to be intimidated and handed him over to security forces.

Nine persons were injured and are receiving treatment.

“The Service wishes to state that the new affront on the media would not deter patriotic reportage of issues that affect our collective interest as Nigerians.

“While the Service sympathises with families of victims and the deceased, we wish to applaud the rare gallantry and patriotism exhibited by well-meaning members of the public who risked their lives to save others. We therefore call on all good citizens to rise up to the challenge of bringing an end to the menace of terrorism in our dear country.”

Suicide bomber used dark green SUV, says NEMA

T

HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday spoke on the attack at ThisDay’s Abuja office .

It also said a 12-year old boy, who suffered 70 per cent burns, was among the 14 injured victims.

The agency, said in a statement in Abuja by its Head of Public Relations Unit, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received a call at about 11:08pm of bomb blast at THISDAY newspaper House located at Jabi in Utako District, Abuja .

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja “The Agency mobilised response agencies to the scene for rescue operation and further cordoned off the entire area.

“The attacker used a dark green SUV; he got entrance into the building through the back gate and detonated the explosive at exactly 11:00 am.

“The building and some nearby houses were severely damaged. Some cars were also damaged inside the Thisday premises as a result of the explosion.

Continued on page 63

Suicide bombers kill eight in attacks on media houses Suspect held as bomb kills three in Kaduna

Continued from page 5

lone suicide bomber, who drove an SUV, entered the premises in Jabi District through the back gate (a.ka.

Staff Gate).

There were indications that the suicide bomber pretended to have come for business transactions to beat the security guards on duty.

None of the two security guards, who opened the gate for him, lived to tell the story.

But as soon as the bomber passed through the brick wall, he stepped on the accelerator, sending the vehicle into a furious race and ramming into the Press Hall.

There was an explosion, the impact of which shattered the newsroom and shook all the adjoining buildings, including a four-storey structure under construction and a shopping complex.

An official of the newspaper, who pleaded for anonymity said: “The black SUV was allowed entry, unsuspectingly and suddenly it accelerated towards the Press Hall, instead of going to the parking lot.

“I was going towards the Press Hall when suddenly I heard a loud explosion, which made me to stagger here and there.

“Before I could regain consciousness, the Press Hall was already in flame and about 10 vehicles parked within the premises had been damaged.”

Another eye-witness, Mr. Bulus Momoh, who was in transit from Adamawa to

A

TWIN bomb explosion rocked Kaduna yesterday. One was targeted at a plaza housing the offices of three media houses.

Three people were killed in the 11:30a.m. attack on the media offices, which are on Kontagora Road in the heart of the North’s political capital.

The suicide bomber drove a Honda Academy car with registration number Al 306 MKA into the SOJ Plaza housing ThisDay, The Sun and The Moment. When the car failed to explode, he reportedly jumped out, shouting “bomb, bomb, bomb”!

Other newspaper offices around the vicinity, located a few metres away from the scene of the explosion, include The Nation, Peoples Daily, Sunlight (owned by the Taraba State Government), Daily Independent and the circulation office of Leadership.

Business premises within the area were immediately closed down as police cordoned off the scene. But they could not move into the building as angry youths Abuja , said no one opened the gate for the SUV. He said: “When I was coming to deposit my money into a micro-finance bank, I saw a black jeep parked beside the THISDAY office.

“My instinct was telling me that something was about to happen. So, as I stepped into the bank and came out, I saw the jeep rushing in, though the gate was locked; he used speed to get inside by force before it exploded. Then we began to call people around.”

The Deputy Head of Disaster Management, Nigerian Red Cross, National Headquarters, Mr. Adeyemo Andronicus, said: “We have tak-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

threatened to burn down the building, which was the prime target of the attacker.

The youths took over the roads. The army and the police had a hectic time controlling the crowd. They resorted to firing into the air and flogging the youths before they could make way for the fire fighting vehicles to move into the building to put out the fire on the car.

The youths, who were apparently angry with the security men for not allowing them to lynch the suspected bomber, set fire to the car. Some of them threw stones at the building, breaking glasses.

The police teargassed the surging crowd of youths, who started confronting the security agents on Ahmadu Bello Way, forcing reporters and security personnel to disperse. Security agents made efforts to remove the vehicle from the premises.

It was learnt that 11 camp cylinders neatly wired together and connected to the steering of the Honda Academy car were found inside the vehicle when the police

en stock of the situation. I can confirm to you that four people died, including the suicide bomber, and seven were injured.

“Two minutes after the blast, we received a distress call at our national headquarters. So, we moved in and Red Cross deployed its official team down here. We picked the four dead persons, including the suicide bomber himself. He rammed into the complex with a vehicle.

“From the way we retrieved the body of the suicide bomber, he was about escaping from the door when the bomb went off.

“Another dead person at

came to remove it from the premises.

It was gathered that when the vehicle rammed into the building and failed to explode, those who rushed in to help, thinking it was an accident, found three of the cylinders on the front seat of the car and promptly raised the alarm.

They forced the suspect out of the vehicle, ordering him to remove the bomb. He reportedly said in Hausa that if he removed it, it would explode.

He was forced to remove the bomb, which was apparently meant to ignite the cylinders and bring down the two storey building. He threw the bomb outside the building where it exploded, killing three people on the spot.

There were, however, two other minor explosions between 12.10 and 12.30 from the vehicle.

Ismail Omipidan, Head of Bureau of The Sun gave an account of the incident which also affected his office. He said: “I was driving to the office. Normally, I

the entrance, then the third person at the newspaper house junk area, the fourth person at the back. Then, one person got injured. All the bodies have been taken to the National Hospital.

“You can see about 10 vehicles were damaged. The adjacent buildings surrounding THISDAY were also affected.”

Chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi said: “Two hours ago and two of the security men died. The suicide bomber, of course, died and then five of our support staff were injured. They have been taken to the hospital.

Continued on page 63

“You can see that the front gate has been locked. The gate at the back was also locked and security men were there. The suicide bomber came in a jeep. They opened for him, but we cannot find out why they opened the gate for him now because they are dead. The guy entered with the vehicle, then rammed the vehicle into the building and it exploded.

“This is a newspaper house, we’d just printed and there were a lot of support staff and advert executives in the newsroom.

“Fortunately, the newsroom is a bit far from the back. So, all the people that

were in the newsroom, especially the advert people, were safe.”

Asked if the newspaper got any security report on a likely attack on its premises, Adeniyi said: “I don’t know about security report. I mean we are all in the media, we know there are threats against the media generally.

There are some instances of warnings, but I think we will get into all that later.

“I don’t believe in speculations. The security men are here, they will get to the root of the matter. It has been confirmed that there is an attack on our office in Kaduna .”

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderenle Shinaba , said: “It is too early to tell you the exact number of casualty now, but all I can tell you is that our main purpose of being here is to save lives and be on a rescue mission and that we have been able to do.

“I want to say that there are some injured people that have been taken to hospitals and that is the much I can say as regards the casualty.

“In a situation like this, all you need do first is not to count the number of people that are injured; it is to take the injured to the hospital to save their lives first and that is what we have done.

“At the end of the day, once we have stabilised this place, we will be able to go and get the exact number of casualties. We have our men in the hospitals and they said the ones they have taken to the Continued on page 63

61

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

NEWS Multinet CEO’s mum dies THE death has been announced of Dame Emily Ahunna Obiyo, the mother of telecommunications mogul, Managing Director Uzoma Obiyo, the MD/ CEO of Multinet System Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She was 73.

Until her death, Dame Obiyo was an advocate of the underprivileged. She also fought for improvement in the welfare of children. She contributed to the development of the orphanages in Imo State and the Nkpogu Compassionate Home, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She was a teacher and she used her passion for education to impart knowledge to many pupils who are now captains of industries and leaders in the society.

She was the president, Anglican Children Ministry, pioneer member, Scripture Union of Nigeria and member of other service units in the Anglican Communion.

Cleric passes on THE death has occurred of Rev Joseph Sunday Taiwo Aleelo (JP). He died on March 8 during a brief illness. He was 71.

The late Rev. Aleelo was a devout Christian, he served God and humanity.

A service of songs was held in his honour on April 25at 5pm. Christian wake was held for him yesterday from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral service takes place today at 10am at the Christ Dominion Assembly, Akowonjo, Lagos.

Entertainment of guests follows at 1, Taiwo Close, near Ehi Guest House, Hadji Camp, Akowonjo, Lagos. The deceased is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.

Court denies granting Saraki injunction against police From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

C •Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello flanked by his Director, Conservation and Ecology, Mrs Adebola Afun (left), Toce consulting expert, Mr Barry Urban (from South Africa), Chairman, AT-Association (from Germany), Mr Dieter Steinbech and Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mr Titi Anibaba at the closing of the four-day workshop on the Theory of Constraints on Waste and Charaterisation Study in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Adefarati’s family blames Mimiko for attack at memorial lecture •Governor: Invaders should be blamed

M

EMBERS of the family of former Ondo State Governor, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati have accused the ruling Labour Party (LP) of masterminding the disruption of its patriarch’s fifth memorial anniversary lecture in Akure last Friday.

The family, in a statement by Tunde Adefarati, an engineer accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko for allegedly instigating the attack.

It said though the governor failed to turn up at the event, having been invited he also allegedly failed to use his office to prevent the disruption of the event by alleged agents of his party.

The family also accused Mimiko of betraying the late Adefarati when he was alive.

The family claimed that the action of the hoodlums was an indication that Mimiko has refused to desist from persecuting the late politician even in death.

The young Adefarati said: “The family was traumatised

By Eric Ikhilae

once again on Friday, April 20 when the memory of the dead, contrary to Yoruba culture, was affronted. We watched with awe, as the memorial lecture was disrupted by members of the LP in Ondo State, which stormed the venue, chanting war songs and asking for the blood of respected guests that were seated at the event.

“Members of the LP that stormed the memorial lecture were not part of the invited guests. The governor was invited, but he did not turn up, he could have used his office to ensure peaceful conduct at the event, if not for preconceived mischief.

“The family could not have invited people armed with guns and cutlasses, who forced their way into the venue and in the most spineless and atrocious manner, attacked the guests, including but not limited to women and children.

One particular nursing mother, in a bizarre display of cruelty,

was viciously attacked with dangerous weapons, inspite of the hues and cries of the little baby.

He went on: “We had thought that this battle against Baba was over when ‘Baba Peace’ (the late Chief Adefarati) left this world to rest in the bosom of the Lord five years ago, until last week when members of the LP, chanting slogans boasting that they were prompted by Governor Mimiko, came to the venue, shouting that they were sent to kill and maim the guests, one of which was expected to have been the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and other serving governors in the Southwest states.

“The family is worried that the action of these vandals has portrayed Ondo State in bad light. What will happen to Ondo State indigenes in other parts of Yoruba land when these vandals attack their elected governors?

“We condemn any attempt to turn Ondo State into a pa-

riah state and axis of evil in the comity of Yoruba nation. The family of Baba Adefarati detests these ignoble, barbaric, desperate and wicked actions which are not in any way a reflection of the principles that Baba stood for in his life time. We call for respect for the tradition of discourse in a free atmosphere, devoid of molestation or violence ambush,” the family said.

But Ondo State Information Commissioner Kayode Akinmade disagreed with the allegation.

He said: “It was a plan by the invaders to distract the Ondo State government.

“Invaders should be blamed for the disruption of the event, it was clashes between supporters of the aspirants.

“Another event which held in Akungba-Akoko on Saturday, attended by the Governor’s representative Sola Ebiseeni and ACN chiefs was peaceful.

“Supporters of the aspirants had planned to outshine themselves in the presence of ACN leaders who were at the event.”

ONTRARY to speculations, Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday said the court had at no time granted an interim order restraining the Inspector General of Police IGP,his officers or agents from investigating or prosecuting the former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki.

Saraki has been invited by the Police for interrogation over his alleged role in a controversial N20 billion loan to Joy Petroleum Ltd. His counsel, Lawal Rabana (SAN) had approached the court seeking to stop the police from arresting , investigating and prosecuting him but the court had ordered him to put the police on notice.

When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to the IGP, Mr. Femi Falana brought a counter affidavit opposing Saraki’s motion.

He urged the court to stand down hearing of the case for 10 minutes to enable him serve counsels to Saraki, Alhaji Saka Abimbola Isau (SAN) and R.A. Lawal Rabana (SAN) in the open Court.

At the resumption of the case, Rabana told the Court that the issues raised by Police against the affidavit of Dr. Saraki were so heavy and weighty that he must go back to his chamber to reply and fault police averments.

He pleaded with the Judge to grant him some days to consult with his client and file his reply.

Justice Olotu granted the request as it was not opposed

by Falana and adjourned hearing till May 22.

Ndume urges court to quash terrorism charge against him •The late Aleelo

Funeral for woman THE remains of the late Mrs. Modupeola Iyabode Odunlami will be interred on May 1 at her 8, Adekoya Street, Bolade Oshodi, Lagos home.

The funeral will follow a service of songs on April 29 from 6pm till dawn.

A wake holds on April 30 at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi.

The deceased is survived by her husband and children, including Mr. Adekunle Odunlami of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

•The late Mrs Odunlami

ENATOR Mohammed Ali Ndume standing trial over his alleged link with the Jamaatu Ahlil Sunna Lidawati wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram sect yesterday asked an Abuja Federal High Court to quash the four-count charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Ndume is accused of hoarding information on planned terror attacks and providing logistics to the convicted spokesman of the Boko Haram sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga (alias Usman AI- Zawahiri).

He is also charged for allegedly giving telephone numbers of certain public officers to Boko Haram for the purpose of communicating terrorist messages.

The alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 3(b), 4(1) (a) and 7(1) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011.

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District yesterday told the court that the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution failed to link him with the alleged criminal charges.

S

•Knows fate June 15 From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

He added that the charge is devoid of essential ingredients to suggest the commission of the alleged offences he is facing.

In the motion filed by his counsel, Mr. Ricky Tarfa (SAN), Ndume prayed the court to discharge him of the said charge because the court has no jurisdiction to hear and determine the charge.

Criticising the manner the charge was instituted against him, Tarfa claimed that the entire action constitutes an abuse of court process.

According to him, as at the time Ndume was arraigned before the Federal High Court, there was a similar case pending before another court with similar charges.

The senior advocate submitted that the role played by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is the Chief Law officer, by signing the charges against his client makes the entire action an abuse of court process.

Tarfa told the court that the charge against the accused centered around his alleged relationship with the spokesperson of the Boko Haram sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga (alias Usman AIZawahiri), which he had always communicated to Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who has not deposed to any affidavit countering it.

Recalling his contact with the sect, the embattled lawmaker said the first telephone exchange between him and the sect was on October 4, 2011.

He explained that the reason the sect approached him was as a result of his being a member of the Presidential Committee that was inaugurated on August 2, 2011, with a view to addressing the security challenges in the North East.

He said prior to his appointment on the committee, he had no contact or relationship with the spokesperson or any other member of the sect, saying that the prosecution has placed nothing to form the basis for him to stand trial.

The prosecuting counsel,

Mrs. Olufumilayo Fatunde, who is a Deputy Director in Federal Ministry of Justice, in a counter affidavit argued that since Section 33(2) of the Federal High Court Act still subsists and binding as a statutes and the defence counsel has not controverted in their application, the court should hold that the trial of the accused person must proceed summarily.

He said the accused ’s counsel did not say that the proof of evidence did not establish any link between the accused and the charges for which he is standing trial, saying that:, “The language I heard him used was that the link was not sufficient and I submit that it is enough, if there is a link”.

She submitted that there is sufficient link between the accused and the offences for which he was charged before the court.

Mrs. Fatunde argued that the AGF is not a Judge, but a prosecutor, saying that he brought the case before the Judge because he believes that the law has been violated and that by signing the charge means that the AGF has performed his official and constitutional duty.

•Ndume

She submitted that the FIR exhibited by the accused clearly shows that there were three accused in that matter and the offence for which they were charged was different, adding that the charge no longer exist as it had been struck out before Ndume was arraigned before the Federal High Court.

She urged the court to discountenance the submission of the accused that the action was an abuse of court process.

On jurisdiction, she said there is no condition precedent which the prosecution is required to comply with before filing charges, adding that the prosecution properly brought the charge and it is competent.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole adjourned ruling on the application till June 15.

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

62

BARCA •Eto'o

Eto'o‘agrees' PSG switch

S

AMUEL ETO'O wants to quit Anzhi Makhachkala and join Qatari-owned Paris SaintGermain this summer, Sport360° understands.

Eto'o, 31, became the world's highest paid player, on a reported €320,000-aweek salary, when he joined cash-rich Anzhi in a shock transfer from Inter Milan last summer.

But despite ending a barren spell in front of goal in Anzhi's 3-0 win over Spartak Moscow at the weekend, taking his tally to nine goals in 18 games for the club, Eto'o is said to want out of civil war-torn Dagestan.

A source close to the player claims the Cameroon striker has already agreed terms over a summer move to PSG, who must now find an accord with Anzhi if they are to make Eto'o one of a number of marquee signings expected this close season.

The Parisians have been linked with a host of strikers in recent days including Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, while Ancelotti confirmed AC Milan star Alexandre Pato, who previously turned down a move to the club, remains on his wanted list.

Carlos Tevez's agent, Kia Joorabchian, who dealt with the club during their unsuccessful negotiations to sign the Argentine in January,hinted this week that the club are in the market for a genuine world class talent as they look to establish themselves amongst Europe's elite

Guardiola to decide future in few days

B

ARCELONA coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that he plans to discuss his future at the club in the next few days.

The 41-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he has been cryptic in the past when asked whether he plans to sign an extension to remain at Camp Nou. "In the next few days we will decide if I stay or not," he told reporters after Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, which eliminated the Catalans from the competition 3-2 on aggregate.

"I will speak with my assistant [Tito Vilanova] and president Sandro Rosell and then we will decide what is best for the club.

"We will talk about everything, about the club's situation, and we will make a decision because evidently now is the time."

Guardiola has led Barcelona to 13 titles since he took charge of the team in 2008, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

will be back, vows

FABREGAS B

ARCELONA midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes that his side's elimination in the Champions League at thehands of Chelsea is unfair.

The Catalan club have been denied a pass to the final following a 3-2 aggregate defeat against the Blues as a result of Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the second leg of the semi-final tie.

Fabregas says that Barca deserved to go through but insists that the players will lift themselves up from this setback - the second in the space of a week after the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid has left the team all but out of the race for the La Liga title.

"Football is unjust sometimes," he told

reporters after the game. "But if there is one way you want to lose, it is like this, being true to our style.

"I am 24 years old, and I have never seen Camp Nou react like this after a defeat. This is a great team, we will be back next year.

"Chelsea's playing style damaged us, we were far superior and we created several chances."

The Spain international then urged his players to switch their focus to what is left of the season.

"Now we have to think about the four Liga matches left and the Copa del Rey final," he said.

Juventus turn attention to

CAVANI J

UVENTUS have made Napoli attacker Edinson Cavani their top priority for the summer transfer window, Goal.com has learned.

The Serie A leaders are desperate to strengthen their attack ahead of the 201213 campaign, and are also keeping tabs on Chelsea's Fernando Torres and Arsenal's Robin van Persie. But it is now the 25year-old Cavani who is the Bianconeri's top candidate, as they fancy their chances

•Cavani

of luring the Uruguay international away from Naples this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis stated earlier this week that he believes the former Palermo star will not be on the move at the end of the season, but Cavani refused to rule out a summer transfer at the weekend when asked if failure to reach the Champions League would result in him leaving Naples.

"I don’t know - the club will deal with this sort of thing," the striker told Sky Sport Italia. "I am focused only on playing my football and winning every game.

"The club will think about the rest and they know what to do. For as long as I am at Napoli, I will continue to give my all for this term."

Both Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta and coach Antonio Conte see the prolific striker as the perfect addition to the Old Lady's attack, and they are closely monitoring Cavani's situation at the Partenopei.

The Uruguayan has a contract with Napoli until the summer of 2016, and he has a valuation of around €30 million, but the Bianconeri are hopeful of lowering Napoli's demands by including either Seba stian.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA

AHEAD OF PERU VS NIGERIA

Eagles’ camp opens May 6 T

HE national team Super Eagles will reconvene in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Sunday May 6, ahead of the international friendly against Peru in Lima, May 23 and the upcoming Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers in June.

Nigeria has three crucial qualifiers against Namibia, Rwanda and Malawi in June.

Eagles Spokesman, Ben Alaiya quotes National Team Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, as saying that the clarification becomes necessary to avoid controversy

•Gabon friendly on hold over the date of arrival in camp of players and officials of the national team. He also declared that for now, the friendly against Gabon, has

CAF CONFEDERATIONS CUP

AC Leopards hit Owerri today • 68-man delegation to arrive aboard a chartered flight 68-man AC Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo delegation will land in Owerri today ahead of Sunday's CAF Confederations Cup tie with Nigeria's Heartland FC. The team from Kinshasha beat favourites, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia 3-2 on aggregate to set up a clash with Heartland.

In a chat with the media officer of Heartland, Cajetan Nkwopara, NationSport learnt that the delegates will be arriving directly via the Sam Mbakwe airport today and would be given the best reception the club can afford.

Nkwopara also revealed that the advance party of the visitors is already in Owerri to furnish their team with first hand information on the nature of the place they are com-

A

From Tunde Liadi and Florence Nkem Israel ing to.

He explained that although AC Leopards did not give reasons for their large contingent comprising players and officials, he was confident that the Naze Millionaires would not be intimidated as they seek to get a good win in Owerri to lessen the burden on the away tie in Kinshasha.

"We have been intensifying preparation in Nnewi and we are destined to win," Nkwopara boasted.

Heartland will return to Owerri on Saturday evening from their Beverly Hills Hotels and Resort in Nnewi for their Sunday match with AC Leopards of DR Congo. The players have been in closed camping in Nnewi since Tues-

day.

In another development, the Naze Millionaires have expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) for postponing their midweek game with Sunshine Stars FC so that they can focus on the CAF Confederation Cup games coming up this weekend.

been put on hold until both parties agree on a mutually beneficial date.

Similarly, Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is expected in the country on Sunday, April 29, from the United States, where he has been on holidays to start preparing grounds for the team’s resumption for crucial friendlies and qualifiers in the coming weeks.

The list of players for camping is expected to be released in the coming days, though as the Keshi has said himself, there are not expected to be much changes in the team, as his building process is nearing a crucial stage where he has to have a standing team for the qualifiers.

FOOTBALL CRISES IN NIGERIA

Oliha: Neglect of ex-intenationals to blame

F

ORMER international Thompson Oliha has attributed the downward trend in Nigeria football as the work of nemesis.

According to the ex-Bendel Insurance and Iwuanyanwu Nationale midfielder, the nonchalant attitude of the gov-

From Patrick Ngwaogu ernment to the plight of former internationals that won laurels for the country may be responsible for the present problems.

"It is quite pathetic that those that served this country at various times were neglected. It is

also unfortunate that the government would make a promise and would not fulfil it, now they are talking of commitment. It is 19 years since we won the Nations Cup in Tunisia, and we were promised houses; up till now, many of us have not gotten the houses.

Suicide bombers kill eight in attacks on media houses Continued from page 60

hospitals are being attended to and they are responding to treatment.

“If I tell you the number I have, I don’t know the number other sister agencies have. So, I am not in a position to give something that you will come to discover that it is not correct.”

The Acting Sector Commandant, Federal Capital Territory , Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Ajayi Michael, said: “It’s unfortunate that it has happened but we are trying to see that people who are rescued are taken to the hospital and those who have passed away taken to the morgue so that people do not further get into injury.

“We are still working because we can not just give out a number now.”

The Managing Director of Save Life Foundation, Dr. Adesola Fernadez, who spoke with reporters, said the casualty figure was higher than given.

As at press time, FCT Police Commissioner, the FCT Director of SSS, Mr. Joseph Okojie, and top security officers were co-ordinating investigation into the incident.

At about 1.15pm, one of the two foreign experts inspected the scene of the blast before going back to the SUV. The two experts later invited the FCT Police Commissioner into the SUV. Barely a few hours after the blast, many eminent Nigerians and media chiefs visited the scene.

Early callers at THISDAY office were former FCT Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; ex-Ogun Governor Gbenga

Suspect held as bomb kills three in Kaduna Continued from page 60

come through Katsina Road and enter the office through the back. But today, I just decided that I should pack my car along Ahmadu Bello Way. “I was actually travelling out of town.

When I came to the office, I saw a young man being beaten, and I saw my circulation man calling me. I also saw my landlord. “ When I asked why they were beating him, I was told that the suspected bomber drove a Honda car into the premises, came out of the car and was shouting that a bomb would explode any moment, and the people held him and told him to go and remove the bomb.

“It was at this point that I called the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aminu Lawan. I took a motorcycle to Magaji Garin Police Station. I told the police that people were beating up a young man close to my office, who is suspected to be a bomb carrier, and that they should go there on time.

“As I was coming with the police to the scene, the man was forced by the people to remove one of the bombs from the car, and as soon as he removed it, he threw it on the ground and it exploded immediately and three people died on the spot.

At that moment, the bomber disappeared. People started looking for him.

“Some people went into the building Daniel; Media Trust Limited, Managing Director Mr. Isiaq Ajibola; LEADERSHIP Newspaper Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene; Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National President, Mohammed Garba and FCT Minister Bala Mohammed.

Garba said: “I think I am here basically to sympathise with my colleagues. It is really unfortunate that such incident is happening to the media.

through the back door and they were able to get him. The police came and took him away. When police took him away, some youths started stoning the office.

“Out of anger, one of them decided to set the car ablaze.

“While the car was burning, we saw two gas cylinders, and by the time we moved away from there, one of the cylinders exploded.”

A Circulation Clerk with ThisDay, Monday Emmanuel, who was in the office at the time of the incident, said that the bomber parked the car, ran out and started shouting that the car would explode.

“It was around 11:00am when Shehu ran up to tell us that we should run. He said there was bomb within the premises and we should run. We initially thought he was joking, but we noticed that he was dead serious. We ran for dear lives. We left the premises before the bomb finally exploded.”

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Abubakar Jingiri, who visited the scene at about 12.35 pm, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

He praised the public for their vigilance and prompt response that helped the police arrest the prime suspect.

He said: “It is rather an unfortunate incident and we will want to first appreciate members of the public for their vigilance and for their prompt action. It was their

“This has further confirmed our fear that journalists are not safe; media houses are not safe. There is need for the security agencies to be more proactive.

“The owners of the media must intensify security in their premises. Our members, as journalists, must also be security conscious.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists is assessing the situation and at the end of it all, we are going to address a

vigilance and prompt action that really helped the situation and helped us get the principal suspect that is now with us, receiving treatment at the Police Clinic.

“I want to appreciate the members of the public and I want to call on them to continue to be vigilant in order to help the situation.

“We have commenced interrogation and from what we have got so far, he is a stranger from another state. I will not tell you the state. The situation is under control and you can see that we have pumped in a lot of security and the area has been cordoned off and you can see the Fire Service are busy working to put out the fire.

“So, we thank God Almighty for His blessings and wisdom and, also, appreciate the prompt attention of members of the press. I cannot precisely confirm to you that media houses are the prime target.

What I can tell you is that for these dangerous elements, everybody is a target.

The devastation is moderate. It is not as high as that of the Easter Sunday blast.”

There was another explosion in Ungwan Muazu in the Kaduna metropolis. Two people injured, The Nation learnt.

Although details of the explosion were sketchy last night, but sources said it came few hours after the explosion at the SOJ Building.

Police spokesman Aminu Lawan confirmed the blast. He declined comments.

press conference and then our position will be known.

“It is the same incident in Kaduna, which affected about three media houses. I have asked the chairman of the Kaduna State council of the NUJ to write a formal report to the NUJ secretariat.

With what happened today in THISDAY and what happened in Kaduna, the NUJ will analyse the situation and come out with our position very early tomorrow morn-

ing.” el- Rufai said: “It is quite unfortunate. May the souls of those affected rest in peace.”

Daniel said: “I have seen what happened. It is regrettable and the only thing we can do is to plead with the people behind this action, for the sake of our country. Now that a media house is being torched, it has even greater consequences.”

Some are dead now, without living in the houses. Those that won the same trophy in 1980 were given their houses in Lagos; why is it difficult for them to fulfil the promises they made to us then? We were very committed to the service of the nation.

Suicide bomber used dark green SUV, says NEMA Continued from page 60

“NEMA officials promptly reported at scene of incident and joined others stakeholders, then later visited three hospitals where victims were evacuated to for treatment and were able to confirm the following: “A number of people were confirmed dead, including the attacker. One injured person was given immediate First Aid treatment.

“Seven victims were admitted at National Hospital, among them, one discharged himself; a 12-yearold boy was seriously burnt up to 70 per cent degree.

“Five injured victims were admitted at Wuse General Hospital , Abuja .

One victim was admitted at Garki Hospital.

“In conclusion, a number of people were confirmed dead including the attacker and 14 people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the hospitals mentioned above.”

•NEMA DG Sani Sidi

www.thenationonlineng.net

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

“H

IS case is truly clear!”

“What?”

“Did you hear me?” I said that “his matter is clear. His case is resolved.”

“Yeah, I heard you, but I don’t know what in the world you’re talking about.”

“Of course, you don’t. That is because you spend your days and nights brooding over nonentities like the ethereal forms of Plato and end up tripping over the steps leading to your study. “ This is Opalaba’s way of announcing to me that he’s back, a survivor of an incredible health ordeal that nearly sent my friend to the land of the ancestors. Of course, I knew that it wasn’t going to happen that way. What will I do without my friend? How can he join the ancestors ahead of me? That was the same rhetorical question he posed when I had my own ordeal and I am simply elated that we both have another chance. Therefore I restrained myself to avoid upsetting this new dawn of a life that I love.

“Indeed, the bard is wrong, and names have significance. How can anyone suggest otherwise. Will you name your child “osiwumi” (I love poverty) or arunlomo (the child is disease)? Obviously not! The wisdom of the ancestors is certainly more reassuring than the bard’s. They knew the importance of names and put a lot of thought into naming their offspring. For a child will bear out his or her name as an adult: oruko a maa ro omo.”

“Okay, my friend. I confess my ignorance.

You are the sage. But can you at least show compassion and solve this riddle?” I appealed passionately to the soft side of Opalaba. “Who is in court and what is his case?”

He could go on and do what he normally does at such a time of glorious triumph. But he didn’t—another sign that Opalaba has been softened by his recent near-death experience.

Who wouldn’t? Eniti ija o ba nii pera e lako. And we are daily reminded of the frailty of mortal existence and the limits of self-glorification. As I listened to my friend and watched his demeanor, I keep remembering the eternal lyrics of Commander Ebenezer Obey in reference to those that think that the world ends with their ego. They pretend as if they have seen it all. They speak as if they command the universe. They behave as if they are above the world. They question the authority of the Almighty. They forget that they are only damn mortals—until they are put in their proper place.

“Do you remember the nickname that Rauf Aregbesola chose for himself in the heat of his campaign for the governorship of Osun state?” Opalaba asked calmly. “ ORANMIYAN!” How will I not remember that one, you old fox? So that’s what you’ve been getting at. “His case is clear. His matter is resolved. Oran an re yan. But it’s no longer news, is it? His matter was resolved over a year ago. His mandate was given back to him by a competent court of law.”

“Yes, you’re right,” Opalaba assured me.

“But as important as that resolution of his matter is, it is not what I have in mind. Indeed, his name—in this case a well-chosen nickname—keeps following him and direct-

RIPPLES JOURNALISTS NEED PRAYERS–Cleric

...and PROTECTION too

NO. 2108

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

His matter is clear

‘

•Aregbesola

ing his path. Aregbesola has delivered beyond the expectation of his supporters and rivals, and has been true to the yearnings of our people for a revival of the glory of the West out of the wasteland of stench and stupor that Nigeria is degenerating into in the present dispensation. Whether it is in the matter of employment generation, revolutionising agriculture, and developing infrastructure, he is on target to bring the state and the region into the 21st century with the power of ideas and the strategic deployment of resources.”

“Here, however, is what I really have in mind”, Opalaba continued. When the Almighty and the ancestors put a stamp of approval on your name, they take care of everything and clear the path to success and fame for you. They not only ensure that you do not depart from the path of success, they also guarantee that your rivals and presumed foes will fall over their heads to register one misstep after another all in a metaphysically-sanctioned directive to make your success a certainty.”

...if I were Aregbesola, I would continue to do my job with greater intensity.

I would carry the people along to the destination of prolonged progress and realisation of their dreams without paying attention to the distractions coming from the camp of donothings who are hellbent on destroying the common patrimony of the West.

‘

FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘We have our pastors to thank for whatever change has occurred in the gender equilibrium. But the question is: if it is possible to ignore 1 Corinthians 14: 34-35, why is it not also possible to shun Malachi 3:8, the portion of the Bible on whose basis our pastors insist we must pay tithes?

VINCENT AKANMODE

“Recall the event of the past three or four weeks. First, there was the case of the concocted and leaked security report. Aregbesola was accused of plotting secession. He was blamed for initiating an anthem for his state in addition to the national anthem. They alleged that his youth employment program was a political scheme to breed thugs. The governor was accused of changing the name of the state, and prematurely indicted for being at the helm of the DAWN project. In short, Intelligence agents are accusing Aregbesola of leading a silent revolution toward the progressive development of the Southwest in general and Osun state in particular as an integral part of Nigeria.”

“Since when has this kind of effort been understood as treason or felony?” I asked.

“But that is precisely the point. When the stars are aligned in your favour, your adversaries run into ditches as they run after you,” Opalaba surmised.

“The puzzle over what could have

HARDBALL

beclouded the judgment of the security forces has hardly died down when the Osun State PDP made a strategic blunder in its accusation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a fellow PDP and the number four citizen of the country, of anti-party activities for visiting the governor and giving him a pass mark. It is as if they are telling Mr. Tambuwal to close his eyes and shut his mouth. He is not supposed to make a declaration of what he sees. Incidentally, of course, the man cannot let this go without fighting back and, to the embarrassment of the Osun State PDP, the Speaker’s response, a civics lesson of sort, was made public. Do you need some other evidence to show that “his matter is clear”?

“Of course, you do. And the third is no less ridiculous, coming from the chief clown in this political circus. Somehow former Senator Iyiola Omisore has found his voice again after his severe thumbing in the last election. But you have to give it to him that this old leopard cannot change his skin. The one who was once accused of the murder of Chief Bola Ige has decided that Osun State is currently too peaceful to be exciting and he has to revive the era of thuggery and violence. He will lead the “stop and search” of the governor’s convoy! And you don’t see the hand of the Almighty in this political gaffe of the decade?” I may have missed the report, but I am yet to read or see it anywhere that since he made this threat, Omisore has been invited for questioning by the police or SSS? But if we recall the reported antecedents to the murder of Chief Ige, is there a greater threat to the peace and security of the state?”

“In light of these incidents, what should be the attitude of Oranmiyan Aregbesola? I asked my friend.

“Frankly”, Opalaba responded, “if I were Aregbesola, I would continue to do my job with greater intensity. I would carry the people along to the destination of prolonged progress and realisation of their dreams without paying attention to the distractions coming from the camp of do-nothings who are hell-bent on destroying the common patrimony of the West. In any case, I think that he has made this resolution without waiting for anyone’s advice.”

“Do you notice the style of his cap and what it is called?” Opalaba asked.

Yes, I notice the style, but what is it called? I asked.

“Ma wo be” (Don’t pay attention. Don’t be distracted.) “That’s what it’s called. Oranmiyan ma wo be”, my friend offered a final counsel as he dropped the hand set.

I chuckled. Thank God, my friend is back.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

US bomb warning was not unnecessary panic after all

O

N April 17, the United States embassy in Abuja issued a warning to US citizens to be security conscious in their movements in and around Abuja. Published on its website, the emergency information warned: “The US Embassy has received information that Boko Haram may be planning attacks in Abuja, Nigeria, including against hotels frequently visited by westerners. The U.S. government has no additional information regarding the timing of these possible attacks.

The Nigerian government is aware of the threat and is actively implementing security measures.”

But Information minister, Mr Labaran Maku, tried to downplay the import of the warning by suggesting that it could create panic. According to him, “Whereas we believe that every country has a duty to secure its citizens and take decision that will ensure the safety of their nationals, we have always appealed to such embassies and agencies not to create public panic in our country.” He continues: “I will still appeal that foreign embassies and organisations that are working within Nigeria, if they have any doubt at all about the preparedness of our agencies to secure public places, I think it will be wise to communicate that to us. I must say that our secu-

rity agencies have over the last year increased their capacity to respond to some of the threats particularly within this city and several other cities.”

The US warning of last week Tuesday, it will be recalled, did not limit the threat to only hotels frequented by foreign nationals; it also suggested that other targets could be hit. Nine days after the US warning, Abuja has been bombed, with the office of This Day newspaper in Abuja the prime target, and a little extra ladled out to the same newspaper’s Kaduna office. This time the bombers were quite innovative in selecting their targets. Though Boko Haram, Nigeria’s leading terrorist organization, had warned many weeks ago that it was getting exasperated by what the sect described as journalists’ inaccurate reports and general malfeasances, few thought the group would go beyond targeting individual journalists who offended the sect. By the time of writing this piece, Boko Haram was yet to claim responsibility for the bombing of the newspaper’s offices in Abuja and Kaduna. If it does, it would mark a frightening and disconcerting expansion in its violent campaign to undermine peace and stability in the country.

Though it is remarkable that in spite of the

security cordon around Abuja the bombers still hit their target, what is more remarkable is the fact that the Information minister will now have to eat his words. Instead of grandstanding, it would have been better if the minister responded to the US warning by soberly reassuring the public of their safety and informing them it had linked up with the US authorities and other intelligence agencies to preempt the bombs. By now the Nigerian government must have realized that fighting terrorism is not a cakewalk. The terrorists are very imaginative in target selection, have remained daring and synchronised in execution, and are not bothered by the consequences of their actions. It is also clear that notwithstanding the assurances of the government to the people, the terrorist groups have not been degraded on the scale the citizens hoped or the government promised.

While it is unlikely the Nigerian government will react to subsequent warnings from foreign intelligence agencies with the seeming unconcern it exuded on April 18, it must be vaguely but worrisomely aware now that the terrorists hope to precipitate anarchy and, in particular, embarrass the government into regretting setting a date for the demise of Boko Haram.

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