Aug 12, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

How Nigeria lost $11b to oil theft NEWS Page 57

•NEITI report unveils rot

News Sports News

15 governors at pro-Jang parley P4 Okagbare wins Long Jump silver P23 Chaos on Benin-Ore expressway P7 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2574 MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

AfDB writes off Nigerian economy •Report in bad taste, says govt From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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OW did the Nigerian economy fare last year? It did not do well, says the African Development Bank (AfDB).

AfDB wrote off the economy, citing the economic growth, which it claimed did not translate into job creation or poverty alleviation, to buttress its stand.

AfDB, in its latest report on African Economic Outlook (AEO), said unemployment rose from 21 per cent in 2010 to 24 per cent in 2011.

In a swift reaction, the Presidency described the report as “false and political’’.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Dr Reuben Abati, said it was inconceivable that the report came barely a month after the United Nations (UN) gave an award to Nigeria for the government’s efforts at “reducing Continued on page 4

•A crowd of party faithful at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan…yesterday

2015: We’re party to beat in North, Southwest, says APC

Wike: I won’t allow Amaechi rubbish Jonathan

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With the implosion in the PDP, the APC has come at the right time. We are like the Noah’s Ark that will take to safety all endangered species

By Emmanuel Oladesu,

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Group Political Editor

From Bisi Olaniyi,

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HEAD of the 2015 elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is the party to beat in the North and Southwest.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the party as the Ark of Noah, which will take the country to the promised land.

Recalling how the party came into being, Mohammed said its leaders evolved a strong platform through consensus, sacrifice and determination.

He expressed delight at the nationwide enthusiasm trailing APC’s registration, attributContinued on page 4

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•The winner of N5million in the ongoing Glo “Recharge to Stardom” promo, Timothy Asianya (second left) collecting his cheque from the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Disun Holloway (left), Senior Manager, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Lawrence Abang (seond right) and the Assistant Director, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Fidelis Ajibogun at the prize presentation in Lagos...on Saturday

Port Harcourt

OR the second time in eight days, Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike yesterday blew hot over the Rivers State crisis, declaring that he won’t fold his arms and watch Governor Rotimi Amaechi rubbish President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The message is clear.

This is a mass movement, because we want a change in Rivers State. I was a politician before I became a minister and I am still a politician. I cannot fold Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P23 •CEO P28 •LABOUR P35 •MOTORING P39 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS

How Nigeria

•Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed signing a condolence register for the late Pa Ademola Fashola in Lagos during his visit to the deceased’s son, Governor Babatunde Fashola (right). ... at the weekend.

Stealing, cooking of figures, diversion and non-remittance of funds accruing from crude oil sales and other malpractices by officials in the extractive industry have led to loss of huge revenues that should have been channelled into the country’s development programmes, writes ADEKUNLE YUSUF

D •From left: Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Keystone Bank Limited Dr. Shehu Muhammad, Deputy Country Head, Deutsche Bank Mrs. Adeola Azeez; Managing Director / CEO, Keystone Bank Mr. Philip Ikeazor, ; Executive Director, Lagos and West Directorate Mrs. Yvonne Isichei and Country Head, Deutsche Bank Mr. Charles Weller, when Deutsche Bank Country Head visited Keystone Bank’s Headquaters in Lagos.

•Acting Executive Director (Editorial Matters), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mr Alli Hakeem (left) and the Acting Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Dr Abdulrahman Sambo, during the NAN Forum in Abuja...yesterday.

•L-R: Deputy Marketing Manager, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Mr. Damilola Owolabi, Operations Manager Mr. Ikenna Okongwu, Head of Marketing Mr. Vikram Varma, Head, Business Development Mr. Ajit Nirman, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vishal Kapur, Chief Human Capital Officer Mr. Tanvir Nizam and Maintenance Manager Mr. Emmanuel Akinola at the inauguration of the second KFC outlet Store in Abuja...at the weekend.

ESPITE its grim picture, a recent disclosure that Nigeria lost $11 billion to oil vandals within two years did not surprise the public. Rather than jolt the public, the damning audit report is hailed as yet another confirmation of the public’s fears about the goings on in the extractive industry. Therefore, standing on the armour of figures contained in the audit report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), an independent audit conducted on the extractive industry, not a few enthuse that it is no longer a matter of conjecture that the country’s oil and gas sector is, indeed, a cesspool of corruption.

A perusal of the comprehensive report, covering 2009 to 2011, shows how the mindboggling pilfering that is badly bruising the economy was carried out by various oil marauders in the period under review. Although it is an acknowledged fact that the oil and gas sector is enmeshed in corruption, the recent information has further exposed the extent of damage oil theft and pipeline vandalism is doing to the fragile economy.

Among other things, the report said over 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil were produced between 2009, 2010 and 2011. If the figure is further broken down, it means Nigeria produced 780.9 million barrels of oil in 2009, 894.5 million barrels in 2010 and 866.2 million barrels in 2011.

And for this, Nigeria was richer by $143.5 billion, earned from crude sales, royalty, signature bonuses and taxes during the period. In itself, that is good news.

But that is not the whole news. According to the report, the real news is the unstated trouble with the economy, which the corruption virus swirling in the sector poses to the country’s development bid.

From the beginning to the end, the report is replete with ways and styles private businesses as well as agencies of government work hand in hand to shortchange the country.

One of the avenues through which the economy is bled is non-remittance or under-remitting of oil sale proceeds to the coffers of government; the report said it is a crime being committed by all the relevant government agencies saddled with championing and protecting the collective interest of the country. However, these agencies often choose to look the other way after tacitly colluding with private pockets to fleece the country. Consequently, from oil theft to pipeline vandalism, the country’s economy is being dealt debilitating blows, as huge sums of money that could have been de-

•NEITI chief Mitee

ployed into servicing the economy ended up in the deep pockets of unscrupulous elements. That is why, by allowing oil thieves a free reign in the creeks, the country lost over 136 million barrels of crude oil estimated at staggering $10.9 billion to crude oil theft and sabotage alone within the period, the report said.

Similarly, the report fingered illegal pipeline vandalism, a twin evil of oil stealing, as another ailment that constitutes a pain in the neck of the economy. As it turned out, the country lost $894 million as a result of this seemingly intractable virus , which lowered the country’s oil production capacity by 10 million barrels. With this, the report concluded that the monetary value of crude oil losses that arose from pilfering accounted for about 7.7 percent of revenue that accrued to the Federal Government between 2009 and 2011.

By the same token, the report said Shell lost an estimated 70 million barrels to oil theft during the period under investigation. Chevron’s fortune was reduced by 28 million barrels of crude oil.

The figures of who lost what could hardly be faulted given recent disclosures. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also jolted the country recently when she disclosed that the Federal Government may soon start defaulting in the payment of salaries to workers if the economic outlook, especially the revenue generating prospect, remains the same. Her revelation sparked a media hoopla, which necessitated her to revise her statements more than twice, fact remains that a staggering 400,000 barrels of crude oil are being lost daily to oil vandals, a sad development, experts say, is threatening to rip the purse empty, if not even ground the economy any moment from now.

“We are losing revenue; 400,000 barrels of crude oil are lost on a daily basis due to illegal bunkering, vandalism and production shut-ins.

I have to clarify that it is not as if the entire 400,000 barrels is stolen, no. What happens is that whenever the pipelines are attacked and oil is taken, there is a total shut down. All the quantity of oil produced for that day will be lost because it means government cannot sell it and it means a drop in revenue,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said.

However, the trouble with the economy is not entirely caused by oil pilfering. Besides the menace of oil stealing and pipeline vandalism, the controversial oil subsidy claims and payments also received copious mention in the NEITI report. Dur-

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS

Iost $11 billion to vandalism, theft

•Petroleum Minister Diezani AllisonMadueke

•An illegal refinery

ing the period, a staggering N3 trillion went into shady oil subsidy payments, as a few highly-placed importers of refined petroleum products happily smiled to the bank for jobs not honestly executed.

Specifically, the report said fuel subsidy claims by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) gulped N1.4 trillion. N1.60 trillion was reported to have vanished into the cavernous pockets of independent marketers as subsidy payments. However, there is an observed disparity of N175.9 billion between claims paid from the Federation Account and that made by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

Overall subsidy payments increased by 71 per cent from N406 billion in 2009 to N695 billion in 2010and jumped by 174 per cent to N1.90 trillion in 2011. Going by the report, payments made by NNPC increased by 110 per cent from N198 billion in 2009 to N416 billion in 2010, and nearly doubled to N786 billion (89 per cent) in 2011.

IKE the ones paid by NNPC, subsidy payments made through the PPPRA were also on the upward curve between 2009 and 2011. In 2009, subsidy payments through the PPRA jumped by 75 percent from N208 billion to N278 billion in 2010, and shot up exponentially by 301 percent to N1.12 trillion in 2011. It was also observed that there is an unrestrained admission of fuel marketers during the period under review, as the PPRA relaxed its guidelines, resulting from a mere 20 fuel importers in 2009 skyrocketing to 128 in 2011.

Therefore, the PPPRA is advised to adhere strictly to policy guidelines on admittance of new applicants by making sure that successful applicants are experienced players in the industry who have verifiable financial and logistics wherewithal alongside other required documentations.

Yet, despite paying these huge sums, there are discrepancies in the payment figures being bandied about by the various agencies saddled with the responsibility of infusing sanity into the sector. For example, while the AccountantGeneral of the Federation (AGF) office documented N2.825 trillion as subsidy payment for the period under investigation, the PPPRA’s documents curiously revealed that N3 trillion was disbursed to marketers. There is even more to the conflicting figures, as some marketers picked holes in the payment figures, particularly the payments ascribed to them by the PPPRA. At least, a marketer claimed N2.56 billion as

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NEITI: PPPRA yet to account for N4.423b

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HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday insisted that the management of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) was yet to account for the N4.423 billion it received from oil marketers.

NEITI, in a statement by its Director of Communications, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, challenged the PPPRA to present evidence of remittance of the fund to discredit the audit report.

Orji said:”However, the NEITI reports further disclosed that the PPPRA could not account for the N4.423 billion, which was paid by the marketers to the agency. The position of NEITI remains that this sum should have been and should be remitted to the Federation Account by PPPRA. “As at the time of this audit, there was no evidence (bank statements, etc) that this remittance was made to the Federation Account. NEITI wants to see proof that these remittances ever happened. This is the crux of the matter.”

He added that there was also an important issue over subsidy funds disbursement.

The statement said prior to 2009, the Office of the

fuel subsidy while the PPRA’s records showed a payment of N1.5 billion, spewing a difference of N1.06 billion.

Still on oil subsidy, the report said N4.423 billion reported as over-recovery from some marketers is yet to be remitted into the Federation Account as at June this year.

In the same vein, NNPC and two other companies are yet to refund N3.715 billion being over-recovery for the 2009-2011.

However, PPPRA has disagreed with the recommendation that it (PPRA) should remit any money arising from “over-recovery” collected to the Federation Account for the period under review, saying the report verged heavily on secondary data. In his reaction, the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Reginald Stanley, said the report was “steeped in inaccuracies, gross misrepresentation of facts and misleading.”

He added: “We note with dismay, NEITI’s admission to the fact that it had no absolute control of its sources of data as they were derived from information and data provided through its own independent auditors as well as companies doing business in the sector. Such over-reliance on secondary data must have accounted for the glaringly flawed computations presented in the report.”

But, a statement by NEITI’s Director of Communication, Orji Ogbonaya Orji, said all the companies and government agencies covered by the independent audit, including the PPPRA, were fully involved and participated actively in

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Accountant-General of the Federation disbursed funds to the Petroleum Subsidy Fund Account.

It explained that the account was managed and controlled by PPPRA. Orji said: “From our audit findings, these transactions which involved huge financial flows weighed very low on the scale of transparency and accountability.”

The statement said the agency provided contradictory information during the audit process.

Citing an instance, NEITI said the agency stated in its audited financial statement that it paid N297.11 billion as subsidy in 2009.

NEITI said:“PPPRA was unable to make available its audited accounts for the period 2010 and 2011 for review during the audit process. Of note is also the issue of records relating to transactions during the audited period which remained uncompleted. These are some of the unanswered questions from NEITI Audit Report still hanging on the neck of PPPRA.”

the audit process from conception and design of audit templates to reconciliation and validation exercise.

“Besides all the companies and agencies, including the PPPRA ‘signed off’ on the report before it was published. The response by PPPRA is, therefore, strange, misplaced and unfortunate. We do not understand what PPPRA means by ‘secondary data.’ We doubt if the Executive Secretary of PPPRA received adequate briefing from his team who worked directly with NEITI on the project. I, therefore, think that the time has come for an important agency like the PPPRA to develop time and interest to ensure that its management understands how NEITI/EITI process works.

The audit report is based on information and data primarily, voluntarily but mandatorily provided to NEITI by PPPRA during the audit exercise. NEITI does not manufacture either information or data,” Orji replied.

ESPITE its prime of place as a major player in the in dustry, with all the benefits accruing to it because of its status, the NNPC is said to have no agreed pricing methodology between it and other companies for the determination of fiscal values for royalty and PPT computations.

Also of concern is the cloud over existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government and some Joint Venture Companies (JVCs). Although the MOU had been cancelled since December 2007 by the Minister of Petroleum because it is

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not enacted on a fair business template, it is still the one being used to transact business with JVCs. And for using an MOU that has been declared dead since January 2008 to transact business, it resulted in revenue loss of $1.7billion, being the difference between NNPC and other entities. To arrest the unfairness in such business deals and stop their inherent leakages, the auditors recommended that a department be created in the NNPC to be saddled with the task of monitoring MOUs and keeping them alive so that all business deals will be fair to all parties, including the government which is often at the receiving end of all loose ends in any transaction that is not well spelt out.

“The situation whereby MOU with oil companies expires and little is done to put another one in place to close government revenue losses should not be tolerated in an economy that heavily depends on oil,” the report warned.

Even at the downstream operations, the metering devices at Mosimi, PPMC and Atlas Cove are ultrasonic meters, which the audit findings said are not reliable. To clear all doubts about their efficiency, the report recommended that the metering devices be replaced with turbine meters, automatic radar tank gauges and positive displacement meters. As the oil and gas industry has become a haven of corruption, so is the solid minerals subsector, which the report said, is steeped in malfeasance, paving the way for economic buccaneers to continue to scramble for

a piece of the juicy pie of the country’s solid mineral resources.

The report, which also audited the mining sector for a period of three years (covering 2009 and 2011), evidence abounds that the country is being helplessly shortchanged on many fronts. While the sector enjoyed a relative boom in activities over the period under review, there is little to show for it, as proceeds that should have enriched the coffers of government were diverted into private pockets.

As a matter of fact, between 2007 and 2010, the report said a total remittance of N55 billion on taxes, royalties and other levies was made, but quickly added that nothing less than N4 billion ended up being diverted.

And if anyone feels that the diversion rate is huge, the report explained further that the N4 billion may amount to a small fraction of the amount that eventually got diverted, thus suggesting that the figure may be far higher than N4 billion cited in the audit findings. This is hinged on the discovery that most companies operating in the sector failed to submit their annual tax returns to the Federal Inland Service (FIRS) during the period under investigation, as mandated by the laws.

HE report said miners with out proper licence populate the subsector. And for those with licence to operate, auditors said most benchmarks for royalty computation are outdated, making it difficult to ascertain the true market value of many solid minerals, such as laterite, granite and sand.

While explaining the benefit of publishing the audit report, Ledum Mitee, chairman, National Stakeholders Working Group, which is the governing board of NEITI, said findings in the report show how extractive business is done in Nigeria.

According to him, data for the report was generated by simply using what extractive industries said they paid into government coffers as taxes, levies, royalties, signature bonuses and rents and reconciling same with what government actually received from the companies.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala admitted that the reports “point to some lapses by government agencies which we need to address,” and hinted that a subcommittee is already working in the ministry of mines to sanitise the mining industry.

But, in the past reports, NEITI audits have not only clearly identified financial, physical and process lapses, but also uncovered a loss of over billions of dollars from underpayments, under-assessments, poor judgment in the computations of volume of crude sales and other leakages only for teh recommendatiosn not to be acted on. Observers believe there is need to strengthen NEITI through necessary amendments to its enabling Act to give it the powers to implement the findings and recommendations in its audit reports.

NEITI, which is the Nigerian subset of EITI, has the mandate to promote due process, transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s extractive industries revenues, but it lacks the power to assert its authority and realise this mandate over the years.

Having consistently fingered poor institutional linkages, systematic leakages, poor legal framework, governance and process lapses as factors that have characterised business ethics in the oil and gas industry over the years, is it not sad and counterproductive that NEITI lacks constitutional powers to enforce the recommendations contained in the four industry audits it has conducted since 1999 to date?

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

NEWS

•Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu speaking during a sallah homage at his residence in Minna…yesterday. Listening are (from left) the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, the Emir of Suleja, Malam Awwal Ibrahim and the Emir of Agaie Alhaji Muhammadu Kudu Abubakar,

2015: We’re party to beat in North, Southwest, says APC Continued from page 1

ing it to the party’s national outlook.

Mohammed said: “The honest truth today is that we are the party to beat in those four zones (Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral and Southwest). And with the implosion in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC has come at the right time. We are like the Noah’s Ark that will take to safety all endangered species”.

Reiterating the party’s commitment to change, he said the APC had embarked on a rescue mission to prevent the country’s drift.

Mohammed who spoke with Freedom Online on APC’s registration, its programmes and strength, praised the merger leaders, like Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola

Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Ogbonnya Onu, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Prince Tony Momoh, Chief Tom Ikimi and the 11 governors for their patriotism, sacrifice and commitment, adding that they are assets to the party and the nation.

Mohammed said APC’s registration was making the ruling PDP jittery, insisting that 11 PDP governors and chieftains from across the federation were planning to defect to the mega opposition party.

He said: “We are very optimistic. As a matter of fact, going by the kind of goodwill messages that we have received from the serving PDP members, we are very hopeful that, even if not now, they are sending their people to join the party very soon”.

Mohammed said APC would take the polity by storm in 2015

by dislodging PDP from power. He said it was misleading to judge APC’s strength by its number of governors.

He said: “If a honest opinion poll is taken today, you will come to a conclusion that, in the Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral and Southwest, the APC is the preferred party. If this merger had taken place in 2011, we won’t have what we have now. Many of the states that we lost, the combined votes of the ACN, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and even All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in those states, are by far more than the votes of the PDP that won either legislative elections or governorship elections in those states.

“You can imagine in Benue State what the result would have been, or in Akwa Ibom, or

in Niger State. Clearly, using the elected representatives today as the sole barometer for the electoral fortune of the APC in 2015 would be quite wrong.

The honest truth today is that we are the party to beat in those four states”.

Mohammed said APC leaders were mindful of the party’s numerical strength and heterogenous nature; assuring that the process for the selection of candidates for elections would be transparent.

He reiterated the APC leaders’ desire to jettison personal agenda and ambitions for the national interest.

Mohammed debunked the notion that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) often engaged in imposition of candidates, saying critics had always confused consensus candidacy with imposition.

Wike: I won’t allow Amaechi rubbish Jonathan Continued from page 1

my arms and stay in Abuja and be doing ministerial work and somebody (Amaechi) is giving my boss conditions. I will not accept that”, he said.

He alleged that Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), could no longer sleep as he (Wike) promised him, adding that the governor is restless.

Wike spoke yesterday at the Community Secondary School, Unyeada in Andoni

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Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was at the inauguration of the Local council and Wards (11) Executive Committees of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), of which he is the grand patron.

Last night, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, last night, dismissed Wike’s outburst; saying: “I do not feel it is statemanly for Wike to state that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Gover-

nor of Rivers State and the Chairman of the NGF, cannot sleep again.”

She added: “It shows people’s attitude to peace and security in Rivers state. It will be an unfortunate wish by anybody, for a state they call theirs, to give anybody sleepless night.”

Fully-armed soldiers and policemen provided security for Wike, who moved into and out of the ancient town in helicopter. Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru hails from Ikuru Town in the Council.

The chopper, with registration number 5N-BHG, landed near the venue at 3:10 pm.

It immediately departed, returning at 5:46 pm to pick up the minister and his associates after the event.

Wike said: “While we were coming (to Andoni LG), I heard there were announcements going on that this occasion would not be taking place and I said this occasion would take place. We want to thank God for making it possible, that this occasion today Continued on page 57

AfDB writes off Nigerian economy Continued from page 1

poverty significantly”.

The AfDB report said: “The Nigerian economy slowed down from 7.4% growth in 2011 to 6.6% in 2012. The oil sector continues to drive the economy, with average growth of about 8.0%, compared to -0.35% for the non-oil sector.

“Agriculture and the oil and gas sectors continue to dominate economic activities in Nigeria.

“The fiscal consolidation stance of the government has helped to contain the fiscal deficit below 3.0% of gross domestic product (GDP). This, coupled with the tight monetary policy stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), helped

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Continued on page 57

15 governors at pro-Jang parley

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INETEEN governors in Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi faction of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) yesterday shunned a meeting of the group called by Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang.

Two previous meetings called by Jang at his factional secretariat located in the Maitama District, Abuja were similarly boycotted by the pro-Amaechi governors.

Jang, who won 16 votes to Amaechi’s 19 at the May 24 NGF chairman’s election, has been laying claim to victory.

Governors who attended

INEC de-recognises Anambra PDP chairman

ARELY two weeks to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) yesterday said it does not recognise Chief Ken Emeakayi as state chairman of the party.

The primaries, scheduled to hold on August 24, began with a unity rally on Friday which was presided over by Emeakayi.

The commission however said by its records, Mr. Ejike Ogbuebego is the authentic chairman of PDP in Anambra State.

The electoral commission made its position known in letter written to the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Dmocratic Party( PDP) by the Office of the Secretary to INEC. The letter, dated August 11,

to keep inflation at around 12.0% in 2012.

“The outlook for growth remains positive. Short and midterm downside risks include security challenges arising from religious conflicts in some states, costs associated with flooding, slower global economic growth (particularly in the United States and China) and the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area”.

The report added: “The economic growth has not translated into job creation or poverty alleviation. Unemployment increased from 21% in 2010 to 24% in 2011 because the sectors driving the economic growth are not high job-creating sectors (the oil

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

yesterday’s meeting were: Jang; Theodore Orji (Abia); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); and Umar Garba (Taraba Acting Governor).

Deputy Governors who represented their principals were those of Anambra, Gombe, Kogi, Kaduna and Cross River.

The meeting was ongoing as at press time last night.

Obi insists on Anambra north for governor

NAMBRA North must produce the next governor, Governor Peter Obi insisted yesterday.

Obi also denied endorsing any candidate for the post in his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

In a statement on his behalf by Commissioner for Information and Culture Joe-Martins Uzodike, Obi criticised those who accused him of playing god on the issue of his successor describing From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

2013, was signed by U.F. Usman on behalf of the Secretary.

INEC said it did not know how Emeakayi emerged as the state chairman of PDP. By implications, INEC may reject the list of PDP candidates from Emeakayi-led State Exec-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

their claim as “laughable” and the antics of those who by their conduct obviously do not believe in god.

According to him, Obi was playing god simply because he said that since Anambra North, having not provided a governor in 22 years, should be, in the spirit of equity and fair play be allowed to produce one.

He said: “Rather than play fair some-

utive Committee.

A source said: “We are back to the usual crisis trailing conduct of primaries in Anambra State. There are two chairmen leading PDP in Anambra State.

“Going by relevant laws, which INEC is sticking to, the authentic chairman of PDP in the state is Ejike Ogbuebego.

body said the governor was playing god, is it Okija Shrine that he should play”, the Commissioner asked.

“All over the country, states are going for fairness and equity in distribution of political posts. Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, among others are all saying that governorship should move to a particular zone for the sake of equity. Even in Abia, they have what they call charter of equity, where it is clearly spelt out.

“But the PDP at the National level has recognised Emeakayi.

Unless the party puts its house in order, any aggrieved member could take advantage of the crisis to seek a court order to nullify the outcome of the PDP governorship primaries in the state.

“Technically speaking, PDP

Continued on page 57

is on the edge in Anambra but INEC is being tactical.”

The INEC letter reads in part: “The commission further considered the ruling of the Federal High Court, Awka in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/174/ 2012-Ken Emeakayi vs. PDP and Ors in which the court

Continued on page 57

•Obi

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THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2013

NEWS

‘Keep al-Mustapha on security watch ‘

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HE Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has urged the Presidency to keep Major Hamza alMustapha, the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of States, Gen. Sanni Abacha, under security watch.

A statement by its Osun State Co-Ordinator, Mr. Oyeyinka Awoyemi, and Secretary, Mr. Waheed

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Olaniyan, noted that despite being discharged and acquitted of his alleged offences by the Appeal Court, al-Mustapha should be kept under constant surveillance.

“Though the judgment of the Appeal Court, sitting in Lagos, has exonerated him, it must be noted that the case

was not diligently prosecuted.

“However, woe betides whoever can kill the body but not the soul. Though killed, the spirit of (Alhaja) Kudirat Abiola will continue to demand justice even beyond this realm.

“We are now sounding a serious warning to the Federal Government not to allow al-Mustapha to go unwatched as he is capable

of returning to his vomit. At least, it is said that the leopard never changed colour,” the group said.

It expressed its preparedness to confront the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, if it extends it atrocities to the Southwest.

OPC said it was ready to collaborate with the police to fight terrorism.

Taraba residents scramble for APC membership

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has become the toast of Taraba State residents, like several parts of the country.

There was a scramble among the residents to join the new party at the weekend when its chieftains met to brainstorm on the party’s future.

The meeting, which took place at the Banquet Hall of Jalingo Motel, the state capital, attracted scores of loyal members and supporters.

It was jointly chaired by (former) state leaders of the merged parties.

The people displayed unalloyed enthusiasm for the progressive party.

Several of them were Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members. They welcomed the new party and hoped to see it blossom into a formidable major party in the state and across the country.

The opposition leader and former Action Congress of

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Nigeria (ACN) candidate in Taraba State, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, told supporters that the APC would be formidable enough to challenge and take over power from the ruling PDP in the 2015 elections.

Ikenya described the APC as a “great party”.

He hailed the national leaders of the defunct ACN, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for making the coalition a reality.

The party chieftain said APC has a “promising” future.

He described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari as well as all those behind the new party as “true democrats and people of integrity”.

STF, SSS halt PDP’s stakeholders’ meeting in Plateau community

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (middle); his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (left) and Fashola’s uncle, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN), during their condolence visit to Fashola on the death of his father, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, at Lagos House, Marina...yesterday

Presidency criticises Akande’s comment on Jonathan

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HE Presidency yesterday faulted the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, for allegedly describing President Goodluck Jonathan as a “kindergarten” leader who treats national issues with levity.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President urged the APC chair to respect the truth and Nigeria.

The statement said Akande’s comment was akin

•APC chair: they’re not serious From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

to propagating falsehood, wilfully insulting the President and impugning his integrity.

It reads: “We have noted with dismay the continuation of efforts by leaders of the opposition to promote themselves and their party through the irresponsible denigration of President Goodluck Jonathan and the exalted Office of the President of the Federal Repub-

lic of Nigeria.

“The Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, sank to a new low in this regard ...when he rudely and falsely described President Jonathan as a ‘kindergarten’ leader who treats national issues with levity.

“Chief Akande has every right to embark on a flight of fancy about the APC beating the PDP in the 2015 general elections, but he does no justice to his age and status when he resorts to propagat-

ing falsehood, wilfully insulting the President of his country, impugning his integrity and desecrating the office, which his party wishes to take over in 2015 by fair or foul means...”

But Akande restated his position on the matter, insisting that the President was unserious.

He said: The reaction of the Presidency is a confirmation of my earlier remark that they are running a kindergarten Presidency. They aren’t serious-minded people.”

Alleged sodomy: ‘Okah hides phone, SIM card in pant’

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HE Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) yesterday replied Mr Festus Keyamo, the lawyer to an inmate in Kuje Prisons, Charles Okah.

Charles Okah is the brother of the jailed leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah.

Keyamo alleged that some prison officials had attempted sodomy on Okah.

But the prison officials said the inmate was found hiding a SIM card and a Nokia phone in his pant.

Keyamo’s firm recently petitioned the leadership of NPS that some prison officials were trying to sodomise Okah.

The prisons authority described the allegation as unfounded.

It set up a panel, headed by the Controller of Prison of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Prison Command.

In a statement in Abuja by its spokesman, Ope Fatinikun, the NPS said: “Preliminary investigations rvealed that there was nothing suggesting or pointing to an act of sodomy on Charles Okah by any officer of the prisons, as alleged.”

The statement explained that there was a routine search

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

of the prisons by eight officers, headed by the Chief Warder of the prisons.

The statement added: “The Controller-General of Prisons, on receipt of a petition from Festus Keyamo’s chambers, on behalf of Mr Charles Okah, an inmate in Kuje Prisons, constituted an investigation panel headed by the Controller of Prisons, FCT Command, to look into the matter. While the NPS will not want to join issues with Keyamo’s chambers on the pages of newspapers, it is pertinent that the records be set straight.

“Preliminary investigations showed that there was nothing that suggested or pointed to an act of sodomy on Okah by any officer of the prisons, as alleged. Rather, there was a routine search of the prisons by eight officers, headed by the Chief Warder of the prisons. During the search, Okah, as usual, refused to be searched. But when he eventually subjected himself to the search, an MTN SIM card was found on him (in his pants), a Nokia C2 phone and a memory card were also discovered in an electric bulb

‘It should be noted that searches on visitors, workers and inmates have been heightened in the prisons, besides the Controller-General’s Task Force, which has been set up to carry out this function. ‘ fitting located on top of the concrete ceiling of his cell.

Okah has constantly exhibited bad conducts in his cell, which is unacceptable to the management.

“Instances abound where he had bridged electrical wires in his cell, thereby throwing the whole prisons into darkness. To discourage the smuggling of handsets and other prohibited articles, searches have been beefed up throughout prisons formation.

“It should be noted that searches on visitors, workers and inmates have been heightened in the prisons, besides the Controller-Gen-

eral’s Task Force, which has been set up to carry out this function.

“Upon the realisation by him (Okah) that his antics had been punctured, he vowed to embarrass the service by peddling rumours and spreading false allegations.

“Interestingly, similar allegations had been made against the prisons, including Okah’s allegation of the extra-judicial killing of Francis Osuwo (aka Gboko), as a result of fumigation in their cell. The fumigation was at the request of the inmates (Okah, Osuwo and others) and they were evacuated before the exercise.

“All of these are obvious efforts to intimidate the prisons, draw unnecessary attention and subvert the rules and regulations of the prisons.

“The NPS is not unmindful of this diversionary tactics, which are calculated by Okah and his cohorts to draw unnecessary sympathy from the unsuspecting public.

“In view of the above, the Controller-General of Prisons, Mr Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim (MFR, mni), will not be deterred from carrying out his statutory function as provided for in CAP 366, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.”

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HE Special Task Force (STF) and the State Security Service (SSS) have halted a stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Jos, the state capital, that the meeting was shifted to Jos following the resistance of the STF and the SSS. The security operatives cited the security challenges as reasons for stopping the meeting, adding that the party stalwarts were asked to change the venue outside the council.

The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Solomon Maren, told NAN that there was more to the reason advanced by the security agencies.

He said: “The PDP family in Bokkos was made of people of integrity; hence they will not do anything that will be detrimental to the well-being of their people and council.

“After all, we wrote and obtained permission from the police, which promised to provide us with tight security, as was the usual practice. But the STF and SSS objected to it.

“As law-abiding citizens, we did comply, even though we are not happy that we were not allowed to hold the meeting in our own home, since the issues concerned bothers on the well-being of our people.”

Maren attributed the action of the security operatives to an internal wrangling within the party, which he said would soon be resolved.

Mr Titus Alams, the member representing Bokkos Constituency in the House of Assembly, described the stoppage as “very unfortunate and sad”.

Kinsmen urge Jonathan to back Bayelsa for NDDC’s top job

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HE Ogbia Youth Leaders Forum has urged their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, to support Bayelsa State’s quest for the position of Executive Director, Projects, in the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.

In a statement by its National Chairman, Comrade Tuanam Henry Eteli, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Azibanator Andy Jonas, the OYLF noted that besides giving serious considerations to the ‘Big Six’ Niger Delta States – Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) – when the new board is constituted in September, the President should also ensure that a Bayelsan got the position of Executive Director, Projects.

The statement reads: “With the expected inauguration of the new board of NDDC by September, a sound NDDC board is strategic to the proper management of human and material resources, which can really translate to the development of the region.

“We, therefore, call on the Presidency to take precaution in the choice of new appointments to avoid the recurring decimals of unproductive service delivery.”

Anyaoku’s biography for launch August 15 PICTORIAL biogra-

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phy of former Commonwealth’s Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, titled: Footprints of Iconic Diplomat, will be launched on August 15 by noon at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

A statement by Leverage Multi Global Concept said the event would be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo with President Goodluck

Jonathan as the special guest of honour.

Other special guests expected at the ceremony include erstwhile South African President Thabo Mbeki; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his Lagos State counterpart, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Other governors, ministers, traditional and religious leaders are also expected at the event.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS Foreign airlines kick against relocation of offices

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

FOREIGN airlines have kicked against the relocation of their offices to the third floor of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos at the weekend, the President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives of Nigeria (AFARN), Mr. Kingsley Nwokoma, said the action was wrong and not in the interest of the airlines.

He said stakeholders were not carried along by the necessary authority before asking them to relocate their offices to the third floor of the airport.

“We are not happy, we are not carried along and we feel it is not acceptable,” Nwokoma added.

He said their relocation was done grudgingly, but not to heat up the polity, adding that as a responsible organisation, they played it down.

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PDP lacks direction, says APC chief

NE-TIME Lagos State Commissioner for Finance Mr. Olawale Edun has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united in their resolve to oust the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Addressing members of the APC yesterday during the celebration and launch of the party at the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area (LDCA), he said the time has come for Nigerians to be free from years of slavery and oppression.

At the launch, which attracted supporters, Edun said the PDP policies have emasculated the people because they are anti-people.

He said the party lacks direction, adding that it is choking the people.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

Said he: “Now that we are moving into what appears like a two-party system, the situation where a party has not performed and remains in power will no longer be feasible. Such a failed party can be easily voted out. The PDP has not performed. We can see the impact of poverty on the people, the impact of joblessness, particularly on our youths. Therefore we are looking for a change.

“For those of us here today, we are celebrating a rebirth. It is a new dawn for our new party because people are enthusiastic. They now have hopes because of the birth of APC. I can assure you that the change will come with quality leadership, good education for our people, provision of infrastructure and the fight against cor-

ruption. We cannot just have one party, which is the PDP and the people will be unhappy to continue to tolerate such a situation.”

Mr. Edun went on: “Now that we have a gathering of political parties that formed the APC, the unity, which we have sought in the past to remove the PDP, will be realised. I assure you that the people are in high spirit, they are hopeful.

“With this two- party system, the power of incumbency will largely be reduced. It is when you have a fragmentation of opposition political parties that the incumbent will have its way. We are now even talking about performance. The people will look at the record on ground before they cast their votes. This is what obtains elsewhere in the world, which is

expected here. Besides, they decided to be united in the APC to actualise the change.”

A former member, House of Representatives, Mr. Habib Fashinro, hoped that the APC would confront the problems.

He said APC has tested leaders.

His words: “We are not just going there to grab power; we want to use it to address the problems facing the country.

One thing constant is change.

We cannot have the same thing over and over because PDP has violated its terms of contract with the people.”

Fashinro added that the PDP crisis was having an effect on the country, “yet, the party prides itself as the hope of the masses.”

He said: “Although we are not bothered about PDP prob-

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By Precious Igbonwelundu

Baptist students meet BAPTIST Students’ Fellowship (BSF) in the Lagos East, Lagos West and Lagos Central Baptist Conferences of the Nigerian Baptist Convention will hold the 2013 refreshing programme from tomorrow till Sunday.

The President of the Lagos East Baptist Conference, Brother Sola Areo, said this year’s refreshing is tagged: “Becoming Like Him” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

He said it would be an occasion for Baptist students to worship God and refresh spiritually, adding that BSF alumni are also expected at the event, which will hold at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.

Areo said clerics would deliver sermon at the event.

Army chief decries crime in barracks

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Dale Carnegie now in Nigeria WITH over a century of training and management consulting across the globe, Dale Carnegie Training (DCT) has opened a new franchise in Nigeria.

The institute will begin operations next month at the Lagos Resource Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Its services will be extended to businesses and individuals in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other major cities.

The Senior Vice- President, Europe, Middle-East and Africa, EMEA, Jean-Louis Van Doorne, said the firm designs programmes that offer people the knowledge and skills needed to add value to businesses.

“The addition of Dale Carnegie Training of Nigeria means that Nigerian businesses will have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

“Through individual courses as well as corporate solution strategies, we focus on giving people in business the opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their performance to build positive, steady and profitable results,” he said.

lems, we are bothered about building our own party that will give the masses the direction and hope they desire. Now that politicians have come together to effect that change, nothing, except God, will stop them.”

According to Fashinro, any government that refused to meet its basic constitution obligations had erred and should consider it foolhardy to expect the people to support it.

“In developing countries, there are things that are fundamental; things that will make the people feel included. We are talking about infrastructure, health and education. When we tackle these key challenges, it will create employment,” he said.

•Edun (left), Alhaji Akeem Danmola and Fashinro at the event...yesterday

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‘Reps rescue Nigeria from disintegration’

UPPORTERS of the newly-registered All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State at the weekend celebrated the birth of the party.

At the ceremony hosted by a lawmaker representing Akure North/South Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ifedayo Abegunde (aka Abena), excited party stalwarts, danced to Juju music.

Dignitaries included Senator Nimbe Farunkanmi, Prof. Olu Aderounmu, Princes Olu Adegboro, Solagbade Amodeni, Chief Wale Omojuwa and Mr. Adebambo Odoro.

Others are Otunba Bunmi Alo, Tayo Abidakun, Messrs Gboyega Adedipe, Idowu Otetubi, Saka Yusuf, Olorunnimbe Ameto, Dr. K. Shaba, Mr. Ade Adetimehin and Tunji Fatukasi.

Abegunde, who spoke to reporters after the celebra-

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tion, said the nation would have been consumed by crises but for the doggedness and the fighting spirit of the House of Representatives.

He said the current leadership of the House and its

members have taken it as a duty to ensure that Nigeria remains an indivisible entity.

Mr. Abegunde, the Chairman, House Committee on National Emergency Agency (NEMA), said the lower chamber would not fold its

arms and allow desperate politicians to throw Nigeria into crises.

He said: “But for the proactive measures taken by the National Assembly on some crises, the country would have been in a mess now.

Jonathan’s rating has improved with power supply, HE Presidency has acmajority of Nigerians, we says Presidency the knowledged “imwish to assure that the Presi-

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provement” in power generation and distribution in certain parts of the country, as stated in the NOI opinion poll on President Goodluck Jonathan’s rating for July.

Quoting the NOI report, the Presidency said 53 per cent of Nigerians sampled in the poll expressed satisfaction with Jonathan’s performance in the power sector.

A statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, cited

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

respondents from the Northcentral, Northeast, Southeast and Southsouth geo-political zones. They said they have experienced “varying degrees of improvement” in the power supply compared to what obtained in the previous months.

“While we acknowledge the positive indicators in the NOI’s survey with regards to the approval rating of Mr. President’s performance by

dent will not rest on his oars regarding the promise he made to Nigerians on the provision of uninterrupted power supply as a key component of the transformation agenda.

“The present power improvement noticed and acknowledged in some parts of the country is due partly to the measures put in place by the government to reduce points of leakages and transmission failure as well as improve transmission capacity of power infrastructure.”

NUC. It has outlived its usefulness. When government makes appointment, they know the kind of people they take and most of the time they are people, who can compromise anything.

“Recently, the River State University of Technology conducted an examination under a fraudulent situation when the academic workers were on strike and NUC said the examinations were conducted under a normal condition. The fraud going on in NUC over accreditation of courses in Nigerian universities must stop.

If JAMB is working well, there

will be no need for post-JAMB tests. This is why we are saying the laws that established JAMB should also be reviewed. They should amend the NUC Act.” While maintaining that the union’s stand on the full implementation of the 2009 agreement remained unshaken, Dr. Aremu stressed that government cannot call for renegotiation without implementing the 2009 agreement.

“On the part of government, they are talking about renegotiation and we are saying we cannot be talking about renegotiation when we have not

HE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has urged the chaplain services of the military to work towards cleansing the system, to curb crime and decadence in barracks.

Ihejirika, who spoke at the annual seminar and retreat held by the Roman Catholic Chaplaincy of the Nigerian Army in Lagos, enjoined the priests working for the force to ensure that vices, which cause problems in the barracks, are eradicated.

He said despite the location of the country, ethnic tendencies, nepotism and corruption have caused problems, including terrorism.

The Army Chief said the chaplains must ensure that the vices are fought from outside and within.

He was represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal School, Gen. Donald Oji. Ihejirika said: “We know how much a Herculean task this has become in recent times because of the threats of corruption, nepotism, ethnic tendencies and terrorism.

“As we battle these from without, we cannot overlook the fact that there are still traces of gross misconduct, rape, drunkenness, social dichotomy and other related crimes from within.”

He urged the chaplains to see themselves as prime collaborators in eschewing the vices from within and outside the barracks.

Ihejirika also enjoined them to utilise the period of the retreat and seminar to pray for the peace and general well-being of the country and the army.

Probe NUC for ‘fraudulent practices’, says ASUU

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for a probe of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for alleged fraudulent practices in university accreditation.

The National Treasurer of ASUU, Dr. Ademola Aremu and Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan chapter, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye, said this at the weekend in Ibadan when speaking with reporters.

They called for a review of the Act establishing the NUC and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

According to Dr. Aremu, it

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

was unbelievable that NUC could give a clean bill of health to universities when the Needs Assessment Committee set up by the Federal Government found rot in terms of deficient human capital and infrastructure.

The national treasurer, who alleged that the activities of the NUC are tainted with fraud over accreditation, said the commission has outlived its usefulness owing to shady practices.

“Frauds are ongoing in the

implemented the agreement on ground. It took us three years of struggle to get the government to enter into one agreement with us in 2009. We are at the level of full implementation of that agreement.”

Dr Ajiboye slammed the Federal Government for what he called ‘lie habit’ of no money, saying it should declare the money made from other sources rather than telling Nigerians about crude oil earning.

He said the Federal Inland Revenue Services realised over N5.6 trillion in 2012 and the DPR allegedly declared over N700 billion in 2013.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS Community gets monarch

Chaos on Ore-Benin road

•Trailer crushes man

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HIEF Bosede Bamidele has been appointed the Obalogun of Igoba in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by the community’s kingmakers.

His appointment followed the removal of his predecessor, Chief Samuel Jaiyeoba, for alleged misconduct.

Bamidele emerged the winner among three contestants, having polled seven out of 11 votes.

The other contestants were Chiefs Olaribigbe Olubunmi and Makanjuola Ebenezer.

Olubunmi had four votes while Ebenezer had none.

The contestants and kingmakers, led by Chief Johnson Aladegbaye, agreed that the election was free and fair.

Olubunmi and Ebenezer congratulated the winner.

Bamidele pledged to work with the other contestants for the community’s progress.

Security men and the councillor representing Igoba Ward One, Mr. Sunday Adekanmbi, were at the occasion.

Jaiyeoba was accused of converting the community’s land to private use and selling three shrines.

THE PUNCH man’s mum for burial

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HE remains of Mrs. Leah Ebunlomo Fabiyi (85), who died on May 20, will be interred in ImesiIle, Osun State, on August 24 after a funeral service at the Ijana Methodist Church.

Guests will be entertained at the Imesi-Ile High School playground.

The deceased’s body will leave the Osun State General Hospital Mortuary, Osogbo, on August 23 for her husband’s hometown, Imesi-Ile. There would be a lying-instate and Christian Wake at the deceased’s home at K54, Ile Olowu, Ijana Oke Street, on the same day.

The late Mrs. Fabiyi, fondly called Mama Aduke, was a member of the Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile. She is survived by seven children, including Mrs. Elizabeth Adeboye, a teacher; Mrs. Bukola Olaoye, also a teacher; Mrs. Bola Ajayi, a business woman; Mrs. Funke Olatunji, a fashion designer; Mr. Olusola Fabiyi, a Sub-Assistant Editor with THE PUNCH; Mr. Dupe Fabiyi, a civil servant and Mrs. Titilayo Eso, a fashion designer.

The deceased hailed from the Ogundeji Family of Ilesa. She was married to the late Pa Ezekiel Ola Fabiyi, who died on November 1, 1984.

•The late Mrs. Fabiyi

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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•Amosun (second right); his wife, Olufunso (right); the deceased’s son, Mr. Sola Adeeyo (second left) and his wife, Nike,...yesterday.

Amosun, Aregbesola, others O honour Adeeyo GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, were among dignitaries at yesterday’s 40 days Fidau for the late Alhaji Suleiman Ajasa Adeeyo in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Adeeyo died recently after a brief illness. He was 79.

The guests were received at Gaso Events Centre. Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased’s soul, after which guests were entertained.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of the Railway Central Mosque, Sheik Abdulrasheed Lawal, described the deceased as a God-fearing man.

He urged individuals to

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

emulate the late Adeeyo and be sincere in all they do.

Also at the event were former Osun State Governor Isiaka Adeleke; Chairman of the Vintage Press Ltd. Mr. Wale Edun; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; Chairman of the Honeywell Group Oba Otudeko; former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo; Mr. Jimi Agbaje and the first grandchild of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr. Segun Awolowo.

Others include the Group

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; former Senate Deputy Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora; former Minister of Industry Chief Nike Akande; businessman Chief Pius Akinyelure; the Osi Olubadan, Chief Omowale Kuye and the Asipa of Ibadanland, Chief Jibowu Owoade, among others.

One of the deceased’s sons, Kayode, described his father as a peaceful, loving and caring man, who never kept malice with anybody.

He said: “My father was a

devoted Muslim and honest businessman. He was dedicated to the service of Allah and never missed any Jummat. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed for his kindness.”

Amosun described the late Adeeyo as a man worthy of emulation, adding that he died a fulfilled man.

He said: “Baba will be greatly missed for his endless prayers, love, advice and care.

May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and take care of his children. He has left a great legacy for us and brought up his children in the way of Allah. They stand for principle, honesty and integrity. These are the things needed in life.”

Ex-PDP members campaign for Ajimobi

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ORMER members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s performance will ensure his victory in the 2015 election.

A forum, the Abiola Ajimobi Re-election Movement, has been inaugurated to mobilise support for the governor.

Leader of the former PDP members and APC chieftain Mr. Akinrogun Taiwo spoke with reporters yesterday in Oyo town.

He described as “unacceptable and wishful thinking”

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

the statement credited to Senator Femi Lanlehin (OyoSouth District), which said the governor should forget about getting a second term ticket because he would not be picked by the party.

Taiwo said: ’’We (former PDP members) joined the APC because of Ajimobi’s exemplary leadership qualities and are clamouring for him to continue in office till 2019 to enable able him fully execute his unprecedented transformation agenda and bequeath lasting legacies of good governance to the state.

“The distinguished senator is not the party and cannot decide the fate of aspirants for elective offices.

“When the late Alhaji Lam Adesina was governor on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), he secured the party’s ticket to contest for a second term due to his good performance in office.

“So, why cast aspersion on the incumbent governor when we all know that his performance has surpassed those of his predecessors.’’

On criticisms of the APC’s rally in Ibadan, Taiwo said

any ill-feeling in the party should not be seen as an avenue for some members to create controversies on the pages of newspapers.

On former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reported directive to PDP governors not to join the APC, Taiwo said: ‘’It is an indication that the former President is not only feeling the heat of the mega party, but knows that the APC is a revolutionary party ready to checkmate the ruling class mentality, sit-tight syndrome and corrupt tendencies, which are the hallmarks of the PDP.’’

Ondo communities urge Jonathan on OMMUNITIES in the being the fifth oil proNDDC appointments sitions, oil producing areas of ducing state in the country.

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Ondo State have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to follow the Act establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the appointment of the commission’s board members.

They said the state was short-changed in the past on the appointment of the agency’s Managing Director (MD) and the Executive Director (ED) and was due to fill any of the positions in the new board.

Former Special Assistant to the President on Youth Matter Kolade Akinjo, who spoke on behalf of the communities, said successive governments had not applied the provisions of the NDDC Act in the appointment of the MD and the ED. He said Part 4 of the Act provides that “there shall be for the commission a Managing

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Director and two Executive Directors, who shall be indigenes of the oil producing areas, starting with the member state in the commission with the highest production of oil and the positions shall be rotated among members.

Akinjo said the provisions of the Act on the appointment of the commission’s chairman, which is to be rotated among member states in alphabetical order, was being followed.

The communities said the positions of the MD and EDs had been rotating among Delta, Rivers Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.

Akinjo said the first Managing Director of the commission Godwin Omene from Delta state was succeeded by Timi Alaibe from Bayelsa and

’’It amounts to internal colonisation and we believe the President, who symbolises the rule of law, should correct the imbalance in the about to be constituted board” later Chibuzor Ugwoha from Rivers.

He said Ugwoha was later replaced by Christian Ovoh from Rivers, while EDs were also from the four states .

Akinjo said according to NDDC Act , Ondo State is the next to occupy any of the po-

He expressed concern that the people of Bayelsa State had started mounting pressure on the president over the positions, stressing that appointing anyone from Bayelsa would amount to injustice.

The former presidential aide said each of the four states had taken management positions twice since the creation of the commission in 2001, but Ondo had been side-lined.

He maintained that the action was not only unlawful but discriminating and condemnable, saying: ’’It amounts to internal colonisation and we believe the President, who symbolises the rule of law, should correct the imbalance in the about to be constituted board”.

Akinjo urged President Jonathan to do what is ‘’just, fair and equitable’’.

YOUNG man was yesterday crushed to death by a trailer on the Ore-Benin road. The accident occurred at Kajola in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The victim, a footballer, is popularly known as “Mikel”.

An eye witness said the accident occurred while the deceased was crossing the expressway.

The villagers set the trailer ablaze, causing a gridlock on the highway for several hours.

A source said the situation degenerated when some soldiers allegedly shot at the protesters.

Many people were reportedly injured and vehicles vandalised.

One of the villagers said: “The protest was hijacked by hoodlums, who extorted money from the stranded motorists. Some drivers and their passengers abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush. It was an ugly incident.”

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo confirmed the incident and said the command was on top of the situation.

‘Governor merits second term’

By Paul Oluwakoya

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Prince Buraimoh Mustafa Ojora (SABU), has said Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s performance will give him an edge in next year’s election.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend, Ojora said: “Aregbesola has done more than enough to merit another term in office. Other aspirants are up for an impossible mission. The electorate cannot be deceived by negative propaganda against Aregbesola.”

Ojora, who is the leader of a political group, The Mandate Group (TMG), said: “Sentiments aside, in two years, Aregbesola did what the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) administration could not do in six years. The people have experienced governance by the PDP and the APC and they know the one that is favourable to them.

“You can only deceive the blind by telling him that there is oil in the soup while there is none, but you cannot deceive him that there is salt when there is none.

“Aregbesola’s credibility will fetch him a second term with the peoples’ consent.

The dividends of democracy are evident in the state. Today, Osun has the least unemployment rate in the country. This has translated into peace and tranquility, which is vital for development.

“There is free education, free health care, affordable housing, robust support for the agricultural sector, youth inclusiveness in governance and various insurance policies, among other welfare policies.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS

•Ajimobi addressing the people yesterday. With him are Koleoso (second left), Olunloyo (third left), Oladokun (third right), Oke (second right), Adeseun (right) and others.

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Ibadan stands still as APC hoists flag

HE ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, stood still yesterday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) hoisted its

flag.

The three parties that merged into the APC the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) - lowered their flags.

The Mapo Hall venue of the rally was thronged by a large crowd of party faithful from the defunct parties and ordinary folk, dressed in APC Tee-shirts. They held brooms, which is the symbol of the APC. Party leaders, including Chief Michael Koleoso, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Chief Akin Oke and executive members of the defunct parties were in attendance.

Also present were former Governor Omololu Olunloyo; former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun; House of Representatives member Mr. Kamil Akinlabi; former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Adebisi Busari; local government chairmen and members of the House of Assembly.

There was traffic gridlock on roads leading to Mapo Hall.

•Ajimobi preaches forgiveness

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Banners, hand-bills and posters with various inscriptions littered the area.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi arrived at the venue at 1:35pm amid cheers from the crowd.

He preached forgiveness and cooperation to foster unity, progress and peace in the APC. Ajimobi acknowledged that there were aggrieved members in the party.

He said: “In a large family, there is always disagreement among members, but it is good for them to settle their differences amicably.

“That is why I am appealing to all members who might have been offended one way or the other to forgive one another because we are one family.

“The holy book says in one of its prayers that we should forgive others their trespasses as our heavenly father forgives us our sins. I urge aggrieved members to forgive and unite to build a virile society and a great party.”

Ajimobi saluted the vision and courage of the APC’s founding leaders, adding that the party

has come to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre.

He said the coming of the APC signified an end to poverty, corruption and violence.

Ajimobi thanked residents for their support for his administration and assured them of more development in the state.

Koleoso, who was the national chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), said APC is the only alternative to the PDP and called for unity among members.

He said: “We have a great crowd in attendance, but there is still room for new members.

I urge everyone to work hard for peace in the party because it is crucial for the achievement of our goals.

“I know we have some differences. I urge everyone to come together as one united family and put bickering behind us. It will be tragic to pull down the house we all laboured to build.

We must cooperate to uproot the PDP and consolidate on our achievements.”

Koleoso said the people did not make a mistake by voting for Ajimobi in 2011, given his

‘Deportation’ of beggars: All states are guilty, says Falana Ikuforiji: We’ll continue to rid Lagos of security threat

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•Falana

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AGOS lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has described the ‘deportation’ of beggars by some states as “illegal”.

Falana spoke with reporters at the weekend, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

He said the ‘deportation’ was contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which “states that Nigerians can choose to live in any part of the country”.

Describing it as worrisome, Falana said virtually all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were guilty of this offence.

He said: “It will be wrong to restrict the condemnation of illegal ‘deportation’ to Lagos State because many other states are into this barbaric act. The ‘deportation’ of some beggars by the Lagos State Government to Anambra State is illegal. It is against the constitution.

“But the Anambra State that is kicking against it “deported”

AGOS House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has said the government will continue to rid the state of “security threats”, despite criticisms by the Anambra State government of the return of some homeless persons, who are its indigenes.

Speaking with reporters, at the weekend, Ikuforiji accused the Anambra State government of politicising the matter. He said homeless persons from Kano, Oyo and Ogun were returned in the past without animosity.

The Speaker said: “Nobody talked about deportation when indigenes of Kano, Ogun and other states were taken back to their states. The governor has the right to call for the removal of people who pose security risks to the state.”

He said the Rivers State government recently returned some Lagosians to Lagos and the state From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

29 beggars to Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states in December, 2011, so hypocrisy is at work.

Rivers State ‘deported’ 113 Nigerians to their different states.

Akwa Ibom State is about to ‘deport’ two mentally-challenged men to Lagos State.

How did they know that the mentally-challenged men are from Lagos State? The FCT is the guiltiest of them all.”

Rather than ‘deport’ Nigerians from one state to the other, Falana urged all tiers of government to address disparities in income, which he said has turned many hard working citizens to beggars.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

accepted the decision without complaining to the Federal Government or politicising it.

Ikuforiji said: “Those taken back to their states are homeless persons and the exercise will continue until our roads are safe. They have no genuine means of livelihood and no known address. So they are considered as illegitimate burden and a serious security challenge to the state.

“It is not the responsibility of Lagos State to cater for indigenes of other states, who have no legal means of livelihood. It is not right to allow homeless persons constitute a menace to our society.”

He debunked the claim that the homeless persons were starved and tortured before they were returned to Anambra.

He condemned the “increasing involvement of the military in internal security”, a trend he said would not have arisen if the police were “sufficiently kitted” to perform their duties.

The lawyer criticised the Federal Government for allowing “the illegal operation of the Multinational Joint Task Force”, adding that “it is tantamount to a declaration of war on Nigeria”.

He said the nation’s security challenge would be resolved if the government addresses unemployment and religious extremism, adding that the government has achieved “very little in tackling insecurity and terrorism because poverty is

prevalent in the country”.

Falana condemned the attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in AdoEkiti and urged the police to bring the culprits to book.

He said: “Those behind the attack are responsible for similar attacks in the past. The sponsor of the attack, a former elected official, killed six people some years back when he attacked the secretariat.

“It is unfortunate that the PDP settles all criminalities as family affairs, but the culture of impunity should not be allowed anywhere in the country. All suspects in this attack should be arrested.”

brilliant performance and the development in the state.

The Acting Chairman of the defunct CPC, Mr. Layi Okanlawon, said: “CPC is lucky to join the moving train. I believe we are heading towards a huge success. We have experienced people handling the affairs of the APC and we have confidence in them.”

On the statement by some CPC members who dissociated themselves from the rally, Okanlawon said they did not represent a majority of the party.

In an interview after the rally, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola hoped the electorate would use the APC to “sweep away the PDP and install a purposeful, meaningful and responsible government at the centre”.

He said: “Various problems confronting the nation, such as lack of water, unemployment and electricity, would soon be a thing of the past.”

A former commissioner and PDP chieftain, Mr. Morounkola Thomas, said: “This is the beginning of the end of Nigeria’s problems. All the problems that have become almost intractable for the present administration to solve in Nigeria will become history with the coming of the APC.”

11 robbery suspects held in Ogun •Eight arrested for ‘killing’ elephant

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE police in Ogun State have arrested 11 robbery suspects.

The suspects were arrested on Saturday by policemen attached to the Ibara Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Oyewole Emmanuel, around 4:15am at Itori Oke in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspects were arrested with the help of members of a vigilance group, following a distress call by residents.

The suspects are Ishola Yusuf, Aremu Ismaila, Adebayo Adeola, Seun Daramola, Ebunoluwa Oyinbo, Rasheed Ahmed, Adejare Oluwaseun, Rasaki Disu, Sunday Egbejinmi, Abiodun Soroyehun and Sodiq Ajayi.

Adeola was identified by a victim.

Policemen attached to the Ijebu-Igbo Division arrested eight people, including a hunter, for allegedly killing an elephant in the state’s forest reserve.

Commissioner for Forestry Mr. Ayo Olubori told reporters yesterday in Abeokuta that the elephant was killed on Thursday by one of the suspects.

Olubori said the elephant’s killer and the villagers that dismembered the animal are in police custody.

He said: “The suspected killer of the wild animal was arrested on the spot at 1am after a three-hour journey into the forest reserve. The animal is an endangered specie and if care is not taken, it will become extinct. We do not want to be sanctioned by wild life activists and the United Nations (UN).

“We will arraign the suspects hopefully tomorrow (today).

Preliminary report of the investigation has shown that the man was sent by some prominent people in the society to get them elephant tusks. He has confessed to the crime and is on tape.”

Osun seeks advice on environment

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SUN State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye has said the government will welcome advice on how to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prof. Oyawoye spoke in her office in Osogbo, the state capital, while hosting the Director-General of the National Environmental Safety and Regulation Agency (NESREA), Abuja, Dr. Ngeri Benebo.

She said Governor Rauf Aregbesola was not ready to take chances on environmental issues.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS

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Three dead in Bayelsa boat mishap

HREE persons died at the weekend after their boats capsized on the waterways of Bayelsa State.

It was learnt that two of the victims died at the coastal areas of Ekeremor Local Government Area.

The third victim reportedly died on the waterways of Sagbama Local Government Area.

One of the Ekeremor victims was said to be related to the late National Security Adviser, Gen Owoye Azazi.

The other victim was, however, identified as an Urhobo

Boy ‘drowns’ in Cross River From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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T was a sad day in Abanwan, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State yesterday.

A four-year-old boy, ThankGod, who went missing, about three weeks ago, was found floating in a river yesterday.

His father, Bernard Andoni, told The Nation yesterday that three weeks ago children in his compound complained to him that they had not seen his son, ThankGod. He said initially he thought the boy was in a neighbour’s house.

“We thought he was watching a movie somewhere. But we waited in vain; at midnight, his mother and I went to the town crier, who announced that if there is any child in any house sleeping he should be woken up and returned to his parents.

“The whole community knew someone was missing.

“There was a church having its crusade, we went there and announced and they searched everywhere but couldn’t find him.

“The next morning, all the men entered the bush and started to look for the boy.

The women donated N300, 000 for spiritual findings.

“The native doctor said people were holding the child and would return him if we bring N260, 000. He said he would make them return the child.

“He told the community to expect the boy after seven days. We paid him and the community waited for seven days and the boy was not found. This was about two weeks ago.

“This evening as I was coming back from church I heard that they have found his body in the river.”

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

man.

They were said to be travelling to Ojobo in Delta State when their boat capsized at about 7.30pm on Friday.

The ill-fated boat was said to be trying to overtake another boat close to the Ekeremor Marine Police Post, when it lost control.

The occupants were said to have been thrown overboard.

The second boat mishap, which killed a woman, was said to have occurred at Agbere on Friday.

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•Crude oil-laden vessel sinks A wooden boat collided with a speedboat. The collision was reportedly caused by poor visibility.

The deceased woman, whose identity could not be determined, was said to be heading to a community in the council area when the tragedy struck.

Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe only confirmed the Sagbama incident.

On the Ekeremor incident, he said he was not aware of it but promised to get back to our

reporter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reported that a vessel suspected to be laden with crude oil reportedly sank within Odioama community on the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean in Bayelsa coastline.

It said residents of the coastal community confirmed the presence of the distressed vessel but said they did not know where it was coming from or its destination.

A community leader in

Ijawkiri area of Odioama, Mark Eketekpe, told NAN: “Actually, something like that happened a few days ago but we don’t know where the vessel came from. ‘‘Besides, the authorities have come around to arrest the captain of the vessel.

Another resident who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Yes, we heard a vessel ran aground within our environment.”

JTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said he would contact the troops in the area before commenting.

Five kids for treatment in India

THE Akwa Ibom State government is to sponsor five dumb and deaf children to India for treatment.

Governor Godswill Akpabio spoke at the weekend when the Managing Director

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

of Primus International Super Specialty Hospital, India, Nitin Dewan, visited him at the Governor’s Office, Uyo. Akpabio said the successful treatment of the patients

would convince Akwa Ibom people on the need for the state to partner the hospital.

The governor directed the Commissioner of Health to select five children, who will be fitted with a special device to help them speak and hear.

He said the state would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling surgeons from the hospital to assist in the state’s specialist hospital, which is on-going at Itam in Uyo.

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THE President of Delta Ijaw Peace Movement, Smart Yomi Asekutu, has called on Ijaw and Itsekiri youths to shun anything that is capable of bringing disunity to the people of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said: “There is no amount of marginalisation to warrant brothers killing brothers. I do not support such.

“Please do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.

There should be peace in the region; this is very important.

“We are aware that there is marginalisation of the Ijaw. This made Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan promise to correct the imbalance.

“Not withstanding in my capacity, I completely condemn the action of the Ijaw youths because we all know that marginalisation or not, these are politically initiated issues and in the real sense of it, the Ijaw and Itsekiri are one.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

•Former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba (middle); celebrant Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya (second left), his wife, Shirley (left); Chief Bush Alebiosu (second right) and his wife, Funlayo at Sosanya’s 70th birthday in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Rivers political prisoners in Abuja, says lawmaker

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HAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Senator Magnus Abe, yesterday raised the alarm on the alleged “dumping” of Rivers State political prisoners at the Medium Security Prison, Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Abe, who visited the prison, named the affected persons as Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Omuma Local Government Area, Charles Amaefule and Assistant State Secretary of the Ake faction of PDP in the state, Leo Anyanwu.

He said Amaefule and Anyanwu were “abducted” by the police without the knowledge of their families, taken to a magistrate’s court in Abuja and charged with a six-count of misrepresentation and remanded in Kuje Prisons.

Abe said what made the development curious was that the alleged offence for which Amaefule and Anyanwu were forcibly taken to Abuja and dumped in prison for could have been tried in Rivers State.

He said: “I am here today because I am actually very concerned about what is happening to the constitution.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio yesterday said there is no ‘tin god’ in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio, addressing reporters in Uyo, the state capi-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

My community is going under, Tony Momoh cries out

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

“The foundation of this matter was that one of the five lawmakers in the House of Assembly, who attempted to impeach the Speaker by force and overthrow the government, wrote a petition to the police.

“As we speak, there are political prisoners in Nigeria today.

That is what this means because the offence for which they are charged has no relationship whatsoever with the Federal Capital Territory.

“So, I don’t know whether we, as citizens, are watching what is happening in this country. It is not about Governor Amaechi, it is not about Rivers State, it is about the constitution.

“If they are doing it today in Rivers State and we don’t say anything, tomorrow some of the people who are doing these things would themselves need the protection of the constitution.

“What is happening here in Kuje Prison today is totally unacceptable. I don’t think we should allow this kind of thing to go unchallenged.”

Akpabio: there’s no ‘tin god’ in Akwa Ibom

•Akpabio

Ijaw leader calls for peace

tal, called on The Nation to focus on things that unite the nation rather than concentrate on personality attack.

His words: “There is no tin god in Akwa Ibom State. I believe The Nation should not personalise issues by calling people names.

“I urge the media to focus on things that would unite the nation and not personality attack.

“I am happy that the government responded to the editorial comment, which was not a true reflection of who I

really am.

“People commented on the sack of the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umana Okon Umana, who has made history as the longest serving officer in the state, right from 1979.

“So, making a change in that office is for the state to move forward in style. The former SSG made his political ambition known but the law states that any political officer aspiring for any political post has to resign to achieve that ambition.

“So, the government mak-

ing such changes should not attract editorial comment, unless people are duly interested in the affairs of others. Let people remove the log from their eyes before they find the speck in another person’s eyes.

“So this was never an issue except there was nothing more to write. So I think they should rather write and comment on global challenges.”

Akpabio, who welcomed the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC), said: “I welcome the registration of APC and any other party.

“The beauty of democracy is the opportunity given to all to partake in the democratic process.

“As for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we won’t want only one party in Nigeria, rather we love opposition and we look forward to working with APC. “PDP is fully attained and we are working hard to ensure that we rise up to the occasion from the power sector to infrastructure, the roads and bringing of industrialisation, such as the recent plans of Ibaka Deep Seaport.”

A FORMER Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to use the Ecological Fund to save Auchi community in Edo State from erosion.

Momoh, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said: “The whole of Auchi kingdom is going under.”

He spoke at the installation of chief imams for the Arafat Mosque in Auchi shortly after he led former leaders of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to visit the site.

The APC chieftain said he brought the former CPC leaders to see the agony and threat his people are facing.

He said: “Auchi erosion is different from any other erosion in Nigeria. It is cutting through the town.

There is no place where erosion has divided a community as it is doing in Auchi. I brought some of our party men to see what is threatening everybody in Auchi.

“Some schools have been closed; some houses, churches and mosques have been submerged. The party leaders, who came with me, were technically weeping.

It is not what a state government can do.

“If I were the president, I would channel the Ecological Fund to save this community.

“People and institutions have come, World Bank, Federal Government agencies are always coming and going but nothing is happening.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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CITYBEATS RMD's son weds December

THE first son of veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo,fondly referred to as RMD in movie circles, will soon quit bachelorhood.

The actor, also the Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourisms, made it known recently through the text message he sent to his associates.

He stated that December 12 and 14 had been picked tentatively for the wedding.

"Please save December 12 and 14 in your diary for the union of our son, Kome and his love, Eniola. Please keep them in your prayers and more updates to come later. Warm Regards…JMD & RMD," the message read.

Man beats expectant mother to death A MIDDLE-aged man has fled his home after allegedly beating his wife to death. The deceased, Mujidat, 42, was carrying a four-month pregnancy when the tragedy occurred.

The suspect (names withheld) committed the murder in Apata area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last week.

It was learnt that the deceased

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HE body of the teenager who drowned last Friday at the Bar Beach in Lagos was yet to be recovered as at yesterday.

The teenager, whose identity is yet unknown, reportedly drowned, following an ocean surge, while he was swimming.

It was gathered that the incident occurred barely one week after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) alerted Lagosians of a likely ocean surge.

•Mofe-Damijo

ACE Nollywood actor, Bob ManuelUdokwu is doing everything within his capacity to give his late mother a befitting burial. The woman, who died on July 20, was 78.

The burial arrangement is scheduled to take place at Geoffrey Udokwu's compound in Nkwelle Ogidi, Anambra State.

The Gulder Ultimate Search anchor's mother was said to have died in her sleep peacefully without prior illness. Sources revealed that Bob and his siblings are set to bury the remains of their mother, Mrs. Udokwu on August 30.

I Abandoned vehicles for auction

THE police in Ogun State yesterday announced their intention to auction abandoned or recovered stolen vehicles and motorcycles kept at their Mowe/RCCG Divisions, if their owners fail to claim them within the next two weeks.

According to police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the vehicles include: Tourage Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked SV 669 KJA; Nissan Pathfinder SUV (NB 236 AAA); Honda Saloon cars (GU 934 AAA and CH 565 LSR); Nissan Pick-Up unregistered; Faragon commercial bus (XU 484 MUS); Mazda Saloon cars (DY 852 FST and AJ 558 JBD); Toyota Camry Saloon car (KK 496 KJA, DY 747 Ben); Volkswagen Saloon car (CF 906 FKJ); Nissan Primera 20 SC (BD 660 FKJ), Ford Delivery van (XT 130 SMK); M/ Benz 230 (AX 264 GGE, BZ 359 SMK); Nissan SUV (BB 509 AAA); M/Benz 200 (EM 341 AAA); Previa (BT 567 BDG), Toyota Corolla Saloon car unregistered; Primera 1.6 LX (JF 259 KJA); BMW (AQ 397 BUU); three unmarked Jincheng, two Bajaj (QC 472 KNN, 85 KJA), Jincheng (QN 31 LSD), unmarked Bajaj Boxer, Lifan and Honda motorcycles and tricycle Napep (QK 386 BDG).

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

challenged her husband to explain the reason he was having a love affair with another woman.

She was said to have caught the husband with the woman in his car.

According to a police source, a hot argument ensued, leading to a fight between the couple.

Mujidat, it said, died during the fight.

Police spokesperson Mrs Olabisi Ilobanafor, said the case was reported at the Apata Police Division by the deceased's father, Pa Rufus Tijani, who accused the suspect of killing his pregnant daughter. The suspect, she said, had since fled, abandoning his home and car.

She said Mujidat's corpse had been deposited at the morgue of the Oyo State Hospital, Adeoyo, off Ring Road, Ibadan.

Ilobanafor, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said that police were on the suspect's trail, assuring: "Wherever he is hiding, I advise him to report himself because he must come and explain his role in the criminal act."

Drowned teenager yet to be recovered

By Jude Isiguzo The Nation gathered that the beach was thrown into disarray following an outcry for help by the drowning boy, which was echoed by majority of fun seekers who could not offer any rescue assistance.

Three men, who were also said to be swimming at that time, made

attempts to rescue the teenager, but backed out when it became obvious that pursuing him further might be suicidal for them.

Everyone reportedly watched as the boy eventually drowned. Most of the panic-stricken sympathisers and other swimmers, it was learnt, hurriedly left the beach. No one, as at yesterday, had identified the victim's family.

The agency's spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, said yesterday that the body was yet to be recovered, but he expressed the hope of its likely recovery today.

"It takes three days for a drowned body to come afloat. So, we are still on the look-out for the body, later today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). His identity is yet unknown as well," Farinloye said.

•The outgoing minister, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Nyanya Parish, Rev. Marvelous Kalu (L), and the Evangelical Association Minister, Rev. Uche Okafor, at the send-forth service for Rev. Kalu in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN

Bob Manuel-Udokwu to bury mum

•Manuel-Udokwu

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Activists vote against social ills at summit

T was summit like no other. Activists of various nomenclatures, united by one spirit, gathered to think out possible solutions for the growing insecurity and other knotty problems besetting the nation, in particular, and its people.

The parley was initiated as part of the activities marking the United Nations (UN) Day of indigenous communities which began in New York on August 9, 1994, in recognition of the plight of the indigenous peoples across the world.

This year's event, which was held in Lagos last Friday, was at the instance of the Green Peoples Environmental Network (GREPNET), Southern Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Alliance (SONENA), O'odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC) and the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Right Groups (CONRIG). Several representatives of ethnic groups from across the country, including members of the United Middle Belt Youth Congress (UMBYC), were at the event.

Every participant was unsparing in condemnation of the avoidable troubles that have held the nation on the brink of collapse. In a joint statement, the organisers urged Nigerians to reject politicians with any link with the violent Islamic group, Boko Haram, in the coming elections. Over 100 representatives of ethnic groups across the country attended the summit.

Comrade Wale Adeoye, who represented journalists at the summit, declared the event open, saying: "It is time we stopped postponing the evil days. Our leaders at all levels must show genuine seriousness at tackling

Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor the various problems that have dehumanised our people for so long."

The groups restated the call for a national dialogue and the restructuring of Nigeria, maintaining that without them, there would be no end to the cycle of violence that had held the nation by the jugular since 1960.

The groups said: "We regret that the crisis in the Magreb region - the violent Islamic re-insurgence - has led to displacement of peoples in the Northern hemisphere, leading to the invasion of our territories by violent groups. The displacement has resorted in violent clashes, senseless killings and rape of our women and

children, and the forceful take-over of our territories by non-state actors who are in possession of weapons of death. This has led to increase in violent crimes, rape of women and minors, cultural imperialism and displacement of locals from their ancestral homelands. This has made lives more difficult and unbearable for indigenous peoples."

The groups said that "as 2015 presidential election draws near, we assert our full support only for a presidential candidate that will restructure Nigerian and guarantee ethnic selfdetermination. Any candidate that does not support full control of resources by the communities that produce them must be opposed with all our strength."

The groups stated further: "We condemn in strong terms, the current realignment of political forces which has not taken into consideration the interests of indigenous peoples, but has been tailored only to promote the wishes and aspirations of the Northern caliphate against the genuine interest of the indigenous communities."

They said that Hausa-Fulani political groups are only interested in sustaining their self-serving interests, adding that the violent Boko Haram had become a “political scare-crow” for them.

"The responses of the Northern caliphate to the series of bombings have been that of cold complicity," they contended.

• From Right: Comrade Onalo Abukah, Coordinator, UMBYC; Comrade Popoola Ajayi, Publicity Secretary, SONENA; Comrade Obi Goodluck, United Nation Youth (Nigeria Chapter) and President Ohanaeze Youth Lagos Chapter, and Comrade Linus Okoroji, Coordinator, Humanity Services Project … at the event in Lagos

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

ISI alumni plan reunion anniversary

Babatope, COSEG disagree over ‘deportation’

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MID the dust raised by the resettlement of some Anambra indigenes in their state by the Lagos State government, former Aviation Minister Chief Ebenezer Babatope and a human rights group, Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Group (COSEG), have disagreed over the issue.

While Babatope, who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the purported resettlement as "unfortunate, unconstitutional and undemocratic," COSEG said it was "a welcome pro-active idea to safeguard the security of the state."

Babatope, in a statement, asserted that "the action is an assault on the fundamental human rights of the Nigerians affected," just as he called on Governor Babatunde Raji

By Emmanuel Oladesu Fashola (SAN), to, as a matter of urgency, reverse the policy which he termed, "obnoxious."

But COSEG, in a statement cosigned by its Chairman,Dayo Ogunlana, and General Secretary, Razaq Olokoba, lauded Fashola over the action. The statement urged him "not to be disturbed by the cries of misguided elements in the society who are out to compromise the security of the state on which a fortune is being spent to sustain.

The ex-minister urged Fashola to reverse the “disturbing” policy so as not to rub on his credibility as a performing governor. Also, COSEG warned Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State to stop beating the war drum that was capable

• Babatope of heating up the polity. It sought an end to playing politics with the lives of the people.

Batili Alake a trail-blazer, says Amosun

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GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described Alhaja Batili Alake, a Waka music maestro, who passed on at 78, as a humble trail-blazer.

Amosun expressed shock at the renowned singer's death, describing it as a great loss to the music industry, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the governor described the late Alake as a devout Muslim, who, through inspiring songs, propagated the teachings of Prophet Muhammad

(SAW) across the length and breadth of Yorubaland, especially in the 50s and 60s.

"Despite being the first Waka singer to wax an album, she remained a symbol of humility, giving glory to Allah throughout her sojourn on earth. Alhaja led an exemplary life," the governor said.

Amosun urged the new generation of singers to follow her footsteps by composing songs that would impact positively on the society.

He commiserated with her family and prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant her eternal rest.

• Amosun

Ikuforiji condoles with Adeshina

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HE Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has commiserated with the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Deputy Managing Director, Sun Group of Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina, on the death of his mother at the weekend.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said: "The news of the sudden death of Madam Ruphina Olajumoke Adesina, mother of Mr. Femi Adesina, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Deputy Managing Director of the Sun Group of Newspapers were received by me and my fellow legislators at the Lagos State House of Assembly with shock and sad-

By Oziegbe Okoeki ness. " "While there is no doubt that

• Ikuforiji

'You've served well'

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OUR administration has done well; keep it up." These were the words of the Managing Director of Klass-Com Technical Global Limited, Mr Omoniyi Olufeyimi, for the chairman of the OtoAwori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert (Bibiire).

Olufeyimi, who said the council had been a reference point through its Information Technology (IT) initiative, spoke at the presentation of computer wares to the council. He praised Robert's resolve to showcase his council to the world and bring the fruits of the computer age to bear in his domain.

"IT benefits the business world by allowing organisations work more effectively and maximise productivity. Faster communica-

Madam Adesina lived a fulfilled and happy life as a loving mother and community leader in her own right, it is, however, sad and unfortunate that we have had to lose her to the cold hands of death at this time, when her children and numerous loved ones would still have loved to have her around for more years, to enable them keep enjoying her motherly wise counsels and love," Ikuforiji added.

According to him, the late Madam Adeshina lived a fulfilled life, dying at the age of 75, a very positive and enduring legacy of discipline, hard work, service to humanity, and dedication to strong family values, which "shall endure long after her."

"WE are not preparing for mere merry making; we are out to bring back the lost glory of our cherished alma mater, the International School, Ibadan (ISI). So, as we mark the 50th year anniversary of the great school between October 11 and 14, we shall be re-launching it into a new order."

With these words, Mr Tive Ekpere, Protem President, ISI Alumni Association, unveiled the essence of the grand reunion being put together for former students and teachers of the school across the world as part of the golden jubilee.

He spoke at a media parley in Ikeja, Lagos. With regular nods of affirmation, Dr Jaiye Doherty, who chairs the association's Board of Trustees, and Tani Molajo (SAN), a member, shared in his feelings.

Obviously mourning the loss of better days in the life of the school, which is situated on the University of Ibadan (UI) campus, the forum was no moment for the trio to share banters. "When ISI started, there was no school like it," said Doherty. And to Molajo, "It used to be a home away from home."

Ekpere said: "The alumni association is celebrating the anniversary with the theme, 'Bring back the glory.' ISI was one of the top schools in Nigeria, with a rich culture of academic excellence, diverse nationalities and unique social and extra-curricular activities.

However, like every other institution in Nigeria, some of those outstanding attributes have been eroded. The alumni movement has therefore, resolved to assist the school return to its position as one of the best schools for academic excellence in the country."

To kick-start the celebration, Ekpere said on October 6, there would be a fund-raising dinner for the birth of what he termed the In-

By Dada Aladelokun, Assitant Editor frastructure Trust Fund of one billion naira for the actualisation of various projects in the school.

Among the projects, according to him, are: Multi-purpose sports hall; hi-tech library/e-learning facility; refurbishment of students' hostel blocks, toilets and cafeteria; fencing of the school; reactivation of water distribution systems; school bus, alternative sources of power supply and security equipment among others.

The projects, Ekpere added, would include exchange programmes and educational partnerships between ISI teachers and reputable schools abroad.

The grand reunion, he said, would hold in Ibadan from October 11 to 14, after which the body will visit charity homes, hold concerts and interactions with students of the school among other events.

• Ekpere

Don canvasses six-month maternity leave LAGOS State University lecturer Prof Ishaq Akintola has called on the Nigerian authorities to show mercy to working-class nursing mothers by increasing the period of their maternity leave from three months to six.

Akintola said the three months leave is inadequate and unrealistic in view of recommendations coming from medical experts that newly born children should be strictly placed on breast-milk diet only for the first six months.

"Experience, he said, has also shown that nursing mothers who work in offices undergo a lot of hardship on resumption as they are compelled to start work after just three months. The sufferings of these nursing mothers are transferred to and shared by their innocent babies.

"It is significant to note that the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo Holy Qur'an Chapter 2 verse 232 stipulates a two-year breastfeeding period. Modern science has only recently discovered that breast milk is the best for babies. Women are held in high esteem by Islam. A whole chapter of the Glorious Qur'an (Surat ul-Nisai chapter 4) is dedicated to women. Islam seeks to make life more abundant for women."

He urged the National Assembly to initiate an enabling bill in this regard.

"Nigerian woman deserves the pride of place in the Nigerian society. Federal and state governments to adopt policies capable of reducing poverty among Nigerian women in general," he said.

By Uyoatta Eshiet tion, electronic storage and the protection of records are advantages that IT can have on any enterprise," he noted, as he praised the council chair for putting the council's activities on websites, thus making the council part of the global village.

He further lauded his achievements in infrastructural development - health, education and rural development - which, according to him, are major feats any council should emulate.

Robert said his administration had trained over 250 youths in computer operations and also offered bursary to students in tertiary institutions, among other gestures. He promised to ensure that his people, especially the youth and students, have a feel of IT and its numerous benefits.

• Olufeyimi in handshake with Robert, while others look on at the presentation

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

NEWS

FRSC takes campaign to women

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OTHERS have been urged to use their managerial skills to encourage their husbands and children on the implications of neglecting safety rules on the highways.

Commandant Anambra State Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hyginus Omeje said this yesterday at the Women’s August Meeting of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Obosi, near Onitsha.

The theme of the sensitisation, which is “Best Road Practices and Road Safety Rules”, has been delivered to mothers in 12 churches in Onitsha and its environs.

Metta with the President, Home and Abroad Women Group of the church, Mrs Gloria Mozie.

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Ekiti knocks ex-SUBEB chair over comment on Fayemi

HE government of Ekiti State yesterday described a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Prince Dayo Adeyeye’s condemnation of the scholarship given to six “exceptionally brilliant” indigenes as puerile, laughable and unbecoming of an aspirant”.

The students bagged First Class in various institutions in the country.

Governor Kayode Fayemi at the weekend, hosted the six students to a reception where he gave them the awards to study at the institutions of their choice both overseas and in Ngeria. The scholarship is worth several millions of naira.

But Adeyeye dismissed the gesture as “false, cheap and childish.”

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Adeyeye was “urged to seek clarifications and enlightenment on matters of governance rather than resort to cheap blackmail in an attempt to confuse the innocent public.”

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The statement reads in part: “It would not have been necessary to respond to this infantile submission by Mr Adeyeye because it is at best a reflection of his level of ignorance in matters relating to education and human capital development.

“However, we feel compelled to correct the wrong impression he has laboured to create in the minds of the people through his illogical reasoning by setting the records straight and also educating him in the process.

“First, we pity Adeyeye for demonstrating such a level of shallowness in a simple matter of education despite aspiring to lead an educationally advanced state like Ekiti. As a former chair of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), one would have expected Adeyeye to have some regard for facts and figures.

“The Fayemi administration has spent over N380 million on scholarship to deserving students of Ekiti State origin and another N300 million on bursaries on students in higher institutions. This is aside the free education programme of the administration and its various interventions in the education sector, including the computer per child initiative.

“While the illegal Segun Oni administration which Adeyeye referred, to paid N5,000 per student as bursary, the state now pays N10,000 per student.

One would have expected Adeyeye and his team to be in a position to make a distinction between a state scholarship and one given by an individual.

“The Governor’s decision to award full scholarships to these exceptionally brilliant students is to assist them in their quest for greatness and to encourage countless others to dare to be excellent in learning and character. And this is without preju-

Obi ignorant of National Assembly process, says Okadigbo

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ICE Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo, yesterday said Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is ignorant of the process of the National Assembly.

Senator Okadigbo, who represents Anambra North, urged the people to ignore Obi’s “unwarranted campaign of calumny” aimed at discrediting federal lawmakers from the state.

The lawmaker stated this while reacting to what she described as an “unjustified outburst” by Obi on the performance of senators from the state.

Okadigbo who spoke in a statement by her Chief of Staff, Emma Mbamalu, said the governor needed to be educated on rudiments of lawmaking, especially at the national level.

She also urged Obi to learn to ask questions instead of play-

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From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

ing to the gallery in the name of politics.

She said Obi’s unprovoked attack on federal lawmakers from the state was because the senators he laboured to discredit were not from his party.

Senator Okadigbo noted that if the governor meant well, a little research should have made him to discover that she three bills to her credit.

She said contrary to Obi’s sweeping categorisation, she co-sponsored motions, including the motion on the need for the construction of the second Niger Bridge.

“The bills which have gone through first reading in the Senate included Nigerian Children’s Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill 2013; Child’s Right Act

‘Jonathan’ll win in 2015’

GROUP, Solidarity for Change, a movement for Ijaw people of Kalabari extraction, has vowed to support President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

The chairman, Tuboala Dabibi Orudu, made the declaration yesterday during the inauguration of the group’s executive members in Port Harcourt.

Tuboala said: “I want to say that as far as this group is concerned, no Jonathan, no 2015.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

“We are ready to play our role as a well known Ijaw movement to support the President to actualise his vision for Nigeria.

“Let me say this, we are not in support of the crisis rocking Rivers State, especially the act exhibited by lawmakers. We are calling on all parties to resolve the crisis for the sake of the people.”

(Amendment) Bill 2013 and National Kidney Treatment and Dialysis Centre Bill 2013 while she co-sponsored the Nigerian Health Bill 2013, National Health Insurance Commission Bill 2013 and National Tobacco Control Bill 2013,” the statement said.

The statement said: “Governor Obi is obviously ignorant of the workings of the National Assembly. Now that he is frantically working, albeit clandestinely to come to the National Assembly at the expiration of his tenure, he is most welcome but he should endeavour to work his way with some level of civility.

“The politics of calumny, misrepresentation and pull him/her down should be a thing of the past. ”He does not have regard for federal lawmakers from

dice to the activities of the scholarship board, which apparently cannot take care of every student that applied for it.

“Governor Fayemi, who is impressed by the exceptional performances of these six graduates chose to personally sponsor their post-graduate studies in their chosen foreign universities including Harvard, Oxford and the University of Technology, Tinajin, China.

“It is rather amusing for anyone to compare the gesture of the Governor to the N500,000 Adeyeye claimed Mr Segun Oni’s administration paid as scholarship to PhD students.

“Nothing can be more laughable than the claim by Adeyeye that the Oni administration sent four marine students to Egypt on scholarship.

The truth is that the then PDPled government defaulted in the payment of the school fees of the four and they were only bailed out by the Fayemi administration which continues to pay their fees even though the scheme was more of political patronage on their part than a merit-based scheme.

•Obi

Anambra State. He does not confer nor consult them on any matter before doing anything even when it requires their attention.

“The governor forwards names of nominees for appointment that require endorsement of senators from the state without informing them. He visits Mr. President on matters that require the input of federal lawmakers and other stakeholders from the state without even the courtesy of informing them.

Northern governors console Nwodo

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From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

ORTHERN States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday said the late Justice Regina Nwodo, a judge of the Court of Appeal and wife of former Minister of Information, John Nwodo Jnr, lived a purposeful life.

Justice Nwodo died in a London hospital at the weekend.

Commiserating with the former minister, the forum through its Chairman, Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, enjoined the widower and the family to be encouraged by the fact that she lived an inspiring life.

“You must be consoled by the fact that your wife departed after a life of dedication to the service of God and humanity,” Aliyu said in a statement by his spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

The Nation reports that Omeje’s team has visited communities to enlighten the women on the need to caution their children and advise their spouse on safety consciousness.

Represented by the Unit Commander, Anthony Metta, Omeje said: “Women have a way of talking and winning over their family, especially the men, since they are the ones who drive most times.

“And hardly will you see a woman-driver in Onitsha get involved in an accident, except for minor ones.”

Youths threaten reprisal

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From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

HERE is growing fear among agrarian communities in Imo State, following threats by youths to take up arms against further invasion of their lands by Fulani herdsmen.

The youths warned that they would no longer watch herdsmen destroy the farms they toiled to cultivate.

They were reacting to last week’s gun attack on some youths by armed herdsmen in Umuekune, Irete community in Owerri West Local Government Area, which left several people injured.

They said: “We can’t be chased away from our land by a few armed Fulani. We are out for them and we will match our threat with commensurate actions.”

A youth leader, who gave his name as John Nwaobi, said: “Before the recent attack we have tolerated a lot of atrocities against our people.

‘Stop maltreating old people’

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WO humanitarian organisations, Rotary Club of Ekulu and Little Sisters’ of the Poor Old Peoples’ Home, Enugu, have raised the alarm on the increasing number of abandoned old people in Enugu.

The groups said they were worried that some people have formed the habit of chasing away their parents when they are old and no longer able to

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From Chris Oji, Enugu

take care of themselves.

They spoke at the anniversary of Rotary Club of the State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) with inmates of Little Sisters of the Poor Old Peoples’ Home, Enugu.

The sister-in-charge of the kitchen, Anastasia Okpala, said most of the old people in the home were taken off the streets.

Lawmaker urges welfare packages for journalists

MEMBER representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the House of Representatives, Mr. Abiodun Dada Awoleye, has canvassed workable social welfare packages for journalists.

He said having workable social welfare packages that would cater for journalists is imperative due to the nature of their job.

He said journalism is hazardous, which makes the professionals prone to hazards.

The lawmaker said this in his condolence message when

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

he sent a delegation from the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to visit the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Gbenga Opadotun and the National Treasurer, Alhaja Fatimah Abdulkarem, who are at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan following the accident they were involved in on August 2.

He prayed God to grant the families of the deceased and members of the union the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He also prayed for quick recovery of the 10 injured members of the union.

Expert decries low patronage of health insurance policies

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RENOWNED medical practitioner, Dr. Kayode Obembe, has decried low patronage of health insurance policies by Nigerians and state governments.

He spoke yesterday as a guest lecturer on a topic titled: “The National Health Insurance Scheme, Which Way Forward”, at an event organised by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter, held at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, (UI).

According to him, since Nigeria started the health insurance scheme in 2005, only federal civil servants have been covered, which makes it four per cent.

Dr. Obembe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Premier Medicaid Nigeria Limited, said the social health insur-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ance scheme is not working in Nigeria. He said there is need for Nigerians to move to the prepaid health scheme that is cheaper, durable and maintainable.

“Only three governors are contributing to the health insurance counterpart funding and it has proved a failure.

“When we started, we said people must contribute five per cent of their salary, but they are not ready to release it. Government rolled out their 10 per cent and we started.

Counterpart funding is good, but let us see how the scheme can roll out to the private sector. This is when the state and local governments will know its importance,” the health expert said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Kazeem Ibrahim late of 16, Oluwagbebemi Street, Sasha Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2013 Adijat Taiwo (Otherwise known as Mrs Taiwo Adijat Bolanle ) late of Block 607, Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos who died intestate on the 14th day of February, 2012 at Lasuth Oyesanya Elizabeth Abiodun late of 4, Olatoye Street, Powerline Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Sigismund Abiodun Phillips (Otherwise known as Phillips Sigimund Abiodun) late of 8, Sir Michael Otedola Crescent, G.R.A. Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 1999, at Lagos.

Okwo Dorothy (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs OkwoDorothy) late of 137, Silver Crescent, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2012.

Salimon Moshudi Ademola (Otherwise known as Salimonu Mushudi Ademola Atanda and Salimon Moshood Ademola ) late of 11, Adegbaju Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of February, 2012 at Ogun State.

Olumuyiwa Oluwabunmi late of 42, Ashaka Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta,West Lagos who died intestate on the 29th day of February, 2012.

Oyewo James Olawale (Pastor) late of 9, Juleoun Street, Arida Ikotun, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs Christy Badejo (Otherwise known as Badejo Chritsty and Mrs Chrsitiana Ogadinma Badejo ) late of 5, Badejo Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st dayof February, 2001 at FMC Owo, Ondo State.

Oladipo Dina Sampson late of 1, Araromi Street, Somolu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2012 at Luth Ndimaeme Sunday Christian (Otherwise known as Mr Sunday Ndimeme ) late of 56, Powerline Meiran Lagos, who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Sanni Akinrinola Kadara late of 5, Bailey Street, Abule Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 1979 at General Hospital Mrs Aniebet Alexander Akpan (Otherwise known as Aniebet Alexander Akpan) late of 2, Paseda Street, Moshalashi Alagbado, Lagos, who died intestate on the 20th day of April, 2012 at Ikotun General Hospital Mr Joseph Osegbaye Akinyemi late of 9B, Bolade Street, Egan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Aderinoye Beckley (Otherwise known as Aderinoye Kayode Beckley ) late of 10, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 2012 at London Evangelist Bola James Sanni (Otherwise known as Sanni Bola James(Mr) late of 7/9 Sunday Adebanjo Street, Lowa Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th dayof July, 2011 at Lagos.

Onasanya Taiwo Babatunde (Otherwise known as Taiwo Babatunde Onasanya) late of 19, Ibukun Oluwa Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2003 at Lagos.

Mrs Mary Oladuni Ikutiminu (Otherwise known as Mrs Mary Ola Ikutiminu ) late of 6, Onikoyi Agelete Road, Iba New Site Ojo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd dayof July, 2010 at Lagos Akinsulere Barnabas (Otherwise known as A Barnabas & Co) late of57, Abeokuta Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th dayof February, 2011 at Lagos.

Samson Adelere Tewogbade(Otherwise known as Samson Adelere Adigun and O. A. Tewogbade ) late of 10, Olayiwola Street, New Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th dayof June, 1992 at London.

Kalu Albert (Otherwise known as Ibe ) late of 5, Awori Street, Off Morcas Road, Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Adeyemi Abayomi late of 19, Jossy Castro Street, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th dayof June, 2011 at Lagos.

Samuel Ojo late of 23, Fasali Street, Ikotun, Abaranje Road, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th dayof December, 2011 at Lagos.

Obot Akanimo late of Flat 2, Block C10 Faan Quarters MM2 Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Ejezie Charity (Otherwise known as Mrs Charity Ejezie) late of 61, Coker Road, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th dayof May, 2009 at Vic Royal Clinic Lagos.

Mrs Sam Akanbi Olayinka Olayemi (Otherwise known as Mrs Sam -Akanbi O.O. ) late of 21, Deggy Osibogun Street, GRA Phase 1, Magodo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th dayof June, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Felicia Olubunmi Aduke Kareem (Otherwise known as Kareem Felicia Olubunmi Aduke ) late of Block 199, Flat 5, LCHE Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Calistus Osede (Otherwise known as Osede Calustus ) late of Block II Room 1 Kayode Police Barracks deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2011 at lagos.

Mr Eke Chijioke Godwin late of 4/6 Prince Ola Street, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died instate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Daniel Amajuoritse Awani (Otherwise known as Awani Daniel Amajuoritse) late of 34, Isaac John Street, GRA , Ikeja , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Ogunnusi Grace Aderonke late of 19, Raufu Williams Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Adebola Adekunle Abolaji late of 21, Ogunnaike Street, Off Adealu, Dopemu , Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

Kotun Mary Omoladun (otherwise known as Kotun Mary ) late of 12, Teachers Avenue Aiyetobi Area, Agbado, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th dayof January, 2012 at Abuja Jacobs Gilbert Popoola late of 10, Aiyeleto Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th dayof December, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Emmanuel E. Amina (Otherwise known as Mr Emmanuel Egobudike Amina) late of 49, Abiodun Sadiku Street, Off Adealu Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2010 at Federal Medical Centre Asaba.

Mr Bashiru Akande Akinyele (otherwise known as B.A. LAISCO Nig. Company and B.A. Akinyele ) late of 71, Shitta Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

Mike Esom Onu (Otherwise known as Esom Mike Onu ) late of 10, Ajiwe Family Compound , Ajah , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

Virginia Apeli late of 1, Uzor Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th dayof October, 1969 at Lagos.

Oke Ezekiel Adegboyega late of 21, Anuoluwapo Street, Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Adeleke Joel Idowu (Otherwise known as Joel Adeleke Idowu) late of Ijede Road, Igbodu Junction, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of April, 2012 at Ogun State.

Mrs Foluso Olutayo Obideyi late of 4, D.A. Street, Shagari Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs Rebecca Ojo late of 7, Fajumo Street, Alakuko, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Matilda Adumekwe (Otherwise known as Adumekwe Matilda) late of No. 9, Bola Sonaike Street, Ogudu, GRA, Ojota , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Amidu Abolade late of 71, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July 2009 at Lagos.

Wasiu Adams (Otherwise known as Akanni and Adams Wasiu) late of 24, Ajanaku Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of March, 2004 at Lagos.

Mrs Olatomi Adeseye Creppy late of 2, Holloway Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 1996 at St. Thomas' Hospital Lambeth.

Pa Nofiu Alabi Ajani Ewusu late of 6B, Oseni Street, Anthony Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of November, 1977 at Lagos.

Ademolu Adewale Abebajo (Otherwise known as Ademolu Adewale A.) late of 9, Okegbehin Street, Ijede Ikorodu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

Joshua K. Savoeda (Otherwise known as Joshua Kehinde Savoeda) late of 9, Mozunme Compound Toga, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of Febraury, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Bibiana Aduni Ajose (Otherwise known as Ajose Bibiana Adunni) late of 31, Bishop Crowther Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th dayof December, 2001 at Lagos.

Chief Godwin C. Ugokwe (Otherwise known as Late Chief Ugokwe GCN) late of 402, Road B Close, Block 3, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2006 at Aba. Mr Adebowale Sunday late of 14, Ago Ijaye Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Onyelunisue Felix late of 13, Akinde Street, Ile Epo, Via Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Tony Ajina Igwe (ASP) (Otherwise known as ASP Tony Igwi, Igwe Ajina Anthony , Igwe Anthony Ajina ,Igwe Anthony and Ajina Anthony) late of BT 74, Flat 5, 411 Road, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos,deceased who died on the 14th day of February, 2012 at Borno State.

Wasiu Olaniyan (Otherwise known as Olaniyan Adekunle Wasiu) late of 7UP Bottling Company Ijora, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Abiola Adebowale (Dr ) late of 4, Lawal Street, Igbobi, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

Abimbola Adewale late of 10, Isikalu Street, Odogunyan , Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Kehinde Titilayo Olubunmi (Otherwise known as Olubunmi Titilayo Kehinde) late of 3, Araba Crescent, Alapere, Ketu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

Chief (Barr.) Peter Oke Okolo (Otherwise known as Chief (Barr.) Okolo late of No. 2B, Bode Ogunleye Close, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Usman Lawal -Manu late of 10, Famuyiwa Street, Mangoro , Agege, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 28th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Talabi Olufunmilayo Grace (Otherwise known as Olufunmilayo Talabi ) late of 7, Raimi Close, Kollington Alagbado, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2010 at OAUTH, Ile-Ife .

Lufadeju Christopher Babatunji (Otherwise known as Prince Christopher Lufadeju) late of 16, Daddy Adediran Street, Ire-Akari, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Okei Augustina Eniye (otherwise known as (Nee Agboma) late of 60, Yokura Street, Alagbado,Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2012 at Luth Mrs Ayoola Dorcas Olujenyo (otherwise known as Ayoola Dorcas) late of No. 38, Adesina Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Aiyetimiyi Felicia O.(Otherwise known as Aiyetimiyi Felicia) late of 11, Unity Crescent, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Adesuyi Samson Olalekan (Otherwise known as Adesuyi Samson) late of 11, Lati Erelu Street, Pako, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of Aprill 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Olatunji Adebisi late of 7, Titilayo Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th dayof May, 2010 at Lagos.

James A. Kusa (Otherwise known as James Adegboyega Kusa and Kusa James) late of 13/15, Oyebade Adeoba Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2011 at Lasuth Tommy A. Okpochini (Otherwise known as Thomas Okpochini) late of 4, Okuru Ojulepe Street, Akesan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Awofeso Olaseni Olayinka (Otherwise known as OBA Awofeso Olaseni, Olayinka) late of 19, Osineye Street, Pedro, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of October, 2010 at Oyo State.

Kamal Ajadi late of 18, Tande Street, Ajara , Aganmanthan, Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2013 at Ascon Medical Centre Badagry.

Georgina Oseri Awani (Otherwise known as Awani Oseri Georgina) late of 34, Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Honourable Justice Abisoye Ayo (otherwise known as Hon. Justice Waslat Abisoye Ayo) late of 34B, Femi Okunnu Estate, Lekki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Okoh Patrick Panna (Otherwise known as Mr Patrick Okoh Pannah) late of 3, Tunde Bus Stop, Ajara Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2009 at Delta State.

Taiwo Aderonke David (Otherwise known as Taiwo David) late of 1, Babatunde Oki Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2007 at Abuja.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Mrs Tolulope Eniola Kazeem and Mr Olaitan Abdul. Salam Kazeem both of 412 Flat 2, L.C.H.E. Isolo, Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

2. Mr Awodipe Mikail Ayodeji and Ismail Kolawole Taiwo both of Block 607, Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

3. Sanya Oluwaseyi of 2B, Fapohunda Close, Ketu, Lagos, and Sanya Olakunle of 4, Siji Ikoku Avenue Olorunsogo Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

4. Evelyn Olubunmi Opayemi (Mrs) of 8, Sir Micheal Otedola Crescent, GRA Ikeja Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased.

5. James ifeanyi Chukwu Okwo of 137, Silver Crescent, Isolo, Lagos and Ifeanyi Peter Odoh of 29, Olasonde Street, Mushin, Lagos widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

6. Mrs Salimon Iyabode and Mr Salimon Fatai both of 11, Adegbaju Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Rasak Akinlade of 63, Old Yaba Road, Yaba, Lagos and Atinuke Olumuyiwa of 42, Ashaka Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

8. Mrs Oyewo ComfortOlatumi and Miss Oyewo Tolulope Olajumoke both of 9, Juleoun Street, Ikotun, Lagos , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Mr Oluwaseyi Badejo and Mr Ibrahim Badejo both of 5, Badejo Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

10. Oluwamuyiwa Dina, Risikat Dina and Abiodun Dina all of 1, Araromi Street, Somolu, Lasgos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mathew Ndimaeme and Lawson Ndimaeme both of 5, Opayemi Street, Abule Ijesha Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

12. Mrs Lateefat Kadara Oseni of 5, Bailey Street, Abule Ijesha Yaba, Lagos, and Mr Lukman Kadara of Kadara Close , Mowe Ibafo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

13. Ibipntak Jonah Umotik of 2, Paseda Street, Alagbado, Lagos and James Umoren of 8, Church Street, Alagbado, Lagos, widower and nephew respectively of the said deceased 14. Juliana Akinyemi and Adeshola Akinyemi both of 9B, Bolade Street, Egan, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

15. Mrs Oloruntoyin Beckley of 10, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, widow of the said deceased.

16. Sanni Esther Mopelola (Mrs) and Kareem Olasumbo (Mrs) both of 1, Kayode Arapatile Street, Lowa, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Morenike A. Onasanya and Mr Oluwatobi Onasanya both of 19, Ibukun oluwa Street, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

18. Miss Ikutiminu Olabisi and Mr Ikutiminu Olatunji both of 6, Onikoyi Agelete Road, New Site Ojo Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

19. Akinsulere Motunrayo of 15, Michael Oriloye Street, Dadayeye Command Lagos, and Kufo Agnes Ayobisi of 2, AdisaClose, Dada Yeye Command Lagos, widow and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

20. Mrs Victoria Ajoke Tewogbade and Mrs Oludayo Afolabi both of 10, Olayiwola Street, new Oko Oba Agege, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

21. Kalu Faith , Kalu Christian and Kalu Uchechi all of 5, Awori Street, Off Morcas Road, Agege, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

22. Risikatu Olatobosun Adeyemi, Temitope Bidemi Adeyemi and Bamidele O. Adeyemi all of 19, Jossy Castro Street, Bariga, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

23. Mrs Samuel Mary Oluwaseyi of 23, Fasali Street, Ikotun, Abaranje and Mr Oladimeji Olawiyola of 32, Islamic Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

24. Mrs Christiana Obot of Flat 2, Block C10 Faan Staff Quarters and Mrs Anita Emeike of Block A2, Faan Staff Quarter Ikeja, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

25. Ejezie Oliver and Ejezie Obinna both of 61, Coker Road, Coker Orile Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

26. Mr Bolarin Ayodiji Sam Akanbi of No. 21, Peggy Osibogun Street, GRA Phase 1, Magodo, and Mr Olanrewaju David of 49/ 51 Clem Road, Ojokoro Ijaiye, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

27. Mr Jacob A. Kareem , Mr Paul Oluwadamilola Kareem , Mr John Oluwatobi Kazeem and Mr James Oluwafemi Kazeem all of Block 199, Flat 5, LCHE Amuwo Odofin Lagos, widower and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

28. Mrs Grace Osede , Juliet Osede Amina Osede and Faith Osede all of Block 11 Room 1 Kayode Police Barracks , widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

29. Mr Nnenna Elizabeth Eke of 4/6 Prince Ola Street, Egbeda, Lagos, the widow of the said deceased.

30. Miss Deniella Oritsematosan Awani of 34, Mini Ezekwu Off Oporo, Port Harcourt, Mr Victor Esimajemite Awani of 19, Ikorodu Road, Maryland , Lagos and Mr Ogbemi Awani of 9, Augustine Anozie Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, daughter, brother and nephew respectively of the zaid deceased.

31. Ogunusi bayo and Balogun Jumoke both of No. 4, Ademola Taiwo Ikosi , Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

32. Adebola Modinat Adeshola and Kabiru Olorunkemi Momodu both of 11, Adesoye Street, Mende, Maryland , Lagos widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

33. Iyun Folashade Abiola and Kotun Mistura Morayoola both of 12, Teachers Avenue, Aiyetobi Agbado, Lgos, two of the children of the said deceased.

34. Kayode Jacobs of No. 10, Ilumo Street, Surulere, Lagos and Bisi Johnson Jacobs of No. 10, Aiyeleto Street, Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

35. Mrs Mary Amina, Mr Gregory Amina I. both of 49, Abiodun Sadiku Street, Dopemu, and Peter Aminat O. of 4, Balogun Close, Shasha, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Modinat Bolanle Shabi of No. 1, Tunde Shabi Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos, Mrs Shakirat Oluwatoyin Garba of Adiyan, Ogun State, Sholanke Khadijat Folashade of 71, Shitta Street, Dopemu Agege, three children of the said deceased.

37. Ikechukwu Chukwuma of 1B, Babashola Street, Surulere, Lagos, Chukwuma Esom Annest of 10, Ajiwe Family Compound , brother and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

38. Tonye Egba of 1, Uzor Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, Adopted son of the said deceased 39. Oke Solomon Oladele of 20, Olusegun Close, Iyana Ipaja Lagos, Oke Theresa Ajirenike and Oke Israel Ilelabayo both of 21, Anuoluwapo Street, Shasha, Lagos, widow and two chidren respectively of the said deceased.

40. Mrs Abosede Adeleke of Ijede Road, Igbodu Junction Ikorodu, Lagos and Mr Caleb Adeleke of 1st Transformer Odo Nla , Odongunyan , Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

41. Obideyi Oluwasegun Samuel and Obideyi Oluwadurotimi Isaac both of 4, D.A Street, Shagari Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

42. Mr Samuel Omodayo Ojo and Mr Abraham Oluwafemi Ojo, both of 7, Fajumo Street, Alakuko Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

43. Mr Samuel Orjiakor Gabriel Adumekwe, Dr Chibuzor Adumekwe, Ms Oluchukwu Adumekwe both of 9, Bola Sonaike Avenue, Ogudu GRA Ojota, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Aminatu Animashaun and Mr Tajudeen Abolade Animashaun both of 71, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

45. Hafsat Abiola Adams and Arinola Oluwatoyin Adams both of 24, Ajanaku Street, Lagos , two children of the said deceased.

46. Ibironke Aba Creppy of 3, Deji Odunuga Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

47. Alhaji Bolaji Alaka, Mrs Wasilat Kikelomo Adedeji both of 6B, Oseni Street, Anthony, Lagos, and Mrs Abosede David of 7, Olorunlogbon Street, Anthony Lagos, grand children of the said deceased.

48. Ademolu Yetunde Linda of 6, Oyebola Street, Oke Oriya Ikorodu, Lagos, and Fanuga Jaiyeola of 1, Okunowa Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

49. Miss Oluwatoyin Saevoeda of No 9, Mozunme Compound Toga, Badagry the only surviving sister of the said deceased.

50. Mrs Clara Abimbola George, and Mr Flavious Babatunde Ajose both of 38, Da-Silva Street, Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

51. Mr Emmanuel Ugokwe of 402, Road B Close, Block 3, Flat 2, Festac Town, one of the children of the said deceased.

52. Olabisi Arike Akerele of 14, Ago Ijaye Street, Oshodi, Lagos, and Iyabo Adebowale of 15, Olaleke Ojodu Berger, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

53. Chuks Onyelunisue and Christian Onyelunisue both of 13, Akinde Street, Ile Epo Via, Iyana Ipaja , Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

54. Mrs Caroline Nkiruka Igwe and Mrs Lucy Uzu both of BT 74, Flat 5, 411 Road, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

55. Mr Mutiu Olaniyan Mushin and Mr Kazeem Olaniyan both of 68, Olorunsogo Street, Mushin , Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

56. Folake O. Adebowale (Mrs) , Olufunmilayo D. Adebowale and F. A. Adebowale all of 4, Lawal Street, Igbobi , Fadeyi, Yaba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

57. Abimbola Adedayo Morenike (Nee Oshinaike) and Abimbola Aderemi Ismail both of 10, Isikalu Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

58. Mr Olugbenga Kehinde of 3, Araba Crescent, Alapere , Ketu, Lagos, and Mr Adewale Adebanjo of 3, Banjoko Street, Imepe, 1- Ode, widower and father respectively of the said deceased.

59. Mrs SarahNwando Okolo and Obidike Okolo Barr both of 2B Bode Ogunleye Close, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

60. Usman Muhammed Sani of No. 7, Poopola Street, Agege, Lagos, and Ibrahim Ahmed of No. 14, Ogunji Street, Sango, Agege, Lagos, brother and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

61. Mrs Folake Owoyemi, Mrs Adeniyi Adejoke Modupe and Miss Owoyomi Esther Queen all of 7, Raimi Close, Kollington, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

62. Florence Obiamaka Lufadeju of 16, Daddy Adediran and David Ola Olufadeju of 52, Owode Elede Ikorodu Road, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

63. Okei Emeka Sunny of 60, Tokura Street, Alagbado, Lagos , Mr Agboma Eugene Omoruyi of 22, Ayegbami Street, Off Dalemo Sango Otta, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

64. Mr Ademola Ayoola , Mr Adeyemi Ayoola and Miss Anuoluwapo Ayoola all of 38, Adesina Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

65. Aiyetimiyi Ebun O., and Aiyetimiyi Taiwo O. both of 11, Unity Crescent, Ajegunle, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

66. Mrs Florence Adesuyi of 11, Lati Erelu Street, Pako Surulere, Lagos, and Mr Sunday Adesuyi of 33, Joel Oyeniyi Street, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and broher respectively of the said deceased.

67. Mr Olatunji Rufus Adekola and Mr Adesina Adedayo Fatai both of 7, Titilayo Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

68. Mr Muyiwa Kusa and Miss Toyin Kusa both of 13/15 Oyebade Adeoba Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased 69. Mrs Peace Oby Okpochini and Mr Anthony Okpochini both of No. 4, Okuru Ojulepe Street, Adexson Akesan, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

70. Oluwafunmilayo Afolasade and Olufadeke Awofeso both of Elerunwon Palace Ijebu Ode , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

71. Fatimat A. Ajadi and Owoseni Ajadi both of 18, Tande Street, Ajara Badagry, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

72. Victor Esimajemite Awani, Mr S. Egor Amadi (Nee Siode) and Mr Tobore Siode all of 19, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos, brother -in-law , sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

73. John Olabode Ayo , Elizabeth Kofoworola Ayo and Mabel Olayide Ayo all of 34B, Femi Okunnu Estate, Lekki , Lagos, widower and two children respectively of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Okoh Comfort and Okoh Donald both of 3, Tunde Bus Stop, Ajara Badagry, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Florence Adeyola David , Idowu Taiwo David and Alaba David all of No. 1, Babatunde Oki Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, mother and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

I.O.AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Egypt on the Edge

Wonderful WAEC

I

• Candidates do well in the 2013 May/June examinations

N spite of justifiable fears to the contrary, the May/June 2013 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has given Nigeria cause for celebration rather than the usual condemnation. Unlike in previous years when poor performance, missing results and widespread malpractices were recurrent themes, the recentlyreleased results resonate with heartwarming news.

The most notable aspect of the results is the vastly-improved performance of candidates who sat for the examinations.

A total of 889,636 candidates, 53.2 per cent of the 1.671 million candidates who took the examinations, obtained six credits and above; 1.074 million, or 64.2 per cent, obtained five credits. This compares favourably with the figures for 2011, when only 39.57 per cent of the candidates had six credits and above, while 50.09 per cent obtained five credits. In 2009, just 25.99 per cent of the candidates who sat the exams obtained credits in English Language, Mathematics and three other subjects.

It is obvious that there is a substantial improvement in the results of the 2013 May/June WASSCE. It is likely to be attributable to the increased attention paid by state governments to education as seen in the construction of standard classrooms, libraries and laboratories, the increased provision of facilities, and greater focus on teacher training and educational administration. Praise must also go to the candidates themselves, many of whom have had to undertake their studies in an atmosphere that is not very conducive to

learning, given the country’s many infrastructural and other challenges.

However, it is to be hoped that these improved performances come mainly from honest effort, rather than successful recourse to so-called “expos,” the practice of obtaining examination questions before the time they are due to be taken. WAEC does not appear to consider this to have been a problem, but given the generally poor performance in the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) which were taken by the same candidates at about the same time, it cannot be dismissed lightly.

In addition, there is the fact that these good performances give rise to new challenges. With over half a million candidates getting the five credits, including English and Mathematics, that they require to enter university, the already-high pressure on the admissions process is likely to become even worse. As the competition for university places gets ever fiercer, the positive values of competence and hard work will be overthrown by bribery and other underhand practices.

The federal and state governments must remedy this situation if Nigerian students are not to become victims of their own success. One way out of this conundrum would be to embark on a massive expansion of existing universities as opposed to the establishment of new ones. It is a persistent mystery that Nigeria has chosen not to imitate the multi-campus university system that has been so effectively utilised in the United States. The University of California, for example, operates a ten-campus system with nearly 250,000 students, enabling it

to operate flexibly and efficiently. There is no reason why some of the nation’s older universities cannot adopt this approach, instead of the expensive policy of building brand-new federal and state universities.

Another way in which the ever-increasing numbers of qualified candidates for tertiary education can be accommodated is to improve the quality of the nation’s polytechnics and monotechnics, generally perceived as an unattractive second choice due to the widespread discrimination suffered by their graduates. This problem can be resolved by giving them the status of degree-awarding institutions after an exhaustive process of upgrading their human resources and teaching facilities.

Nigeria’s youth have begun to display their educational mettle. It would be a shame to deny them the opportunity to fully realise their potential.

‘These good performances give rise to new challenges. With over half a million candidates getting the five credits, including English and Mathematics, that they require to enter university, the already-high pressure on the admissions process is likely to become even worse. As the competition for university places gets ever fiercer, the positive values of competence and hard work will be overthrown by bribery and other underhand practice’

Hard lessons

•Verification of pry school teachers’ credentials in Edo is welcome; other states should do same

P

REDICTABLY, it will be a drama of the absurd when 1,300 primary school teachers in Edo State appear before a verification committee in connection with alleged irregularities in their academic certificates and age records.

The clarifying exercise, which is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the education sector, is a welcome move.

It is coming on the heels of an audit carried out by the state Information and Communications Technology unit which showed that 789 teachers out of 1, 379 obtained their Primary School Leaving Certificates before the age of eight.

Ordinarily, it would appear that the teachers concerned were prodigious in their early years, but the government is reasonably suspicious of their credentials which, indeed, leave room for doubt. The

“Whatever the reasons that might have informed the falsifications, there is no excuse for such misconduct. It is even more intolerable in the context of education, considering the likely negative and counter-productive consequences. It is reassuring that the long-term effects of such undesirable practice were not lost on Oshiomhole, who said, “If you mismanage education, you are killing our tomorrow, our collective future…In the absence of brains, we will not have growth and development.”

state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, interestingly highlighted the ridiculous dimension of the matter in a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state. According to him, the teachers “appear to have started their primary school before they were born.”

Although it is not clear how long these teachers have spent in service, the primary and inevitable question prompted by this development is how they managed to achieve employment in the first place. Consequently, it stands to reason that, even if such teachers are guilty of misrepresentation, perhaps even more culpable are those government officials who recruited them. What this episode reveals, if it can be described as revelatory, is that there is a systemic anomaly.

Whatever the reasons that might have informed the falsifications, there is no excuse for such misconduct. It is even more intolerable in the context of education, considering the likely negative and counter-productive consequences. It is reassuring that the long-term effects of such undesirable practice were not lost on Oshiomhole, who said, “If you mismanage education, you are killing our tomorrow, our collective future…In the absence of brains, we will not have growth and development.”

The objectives of the verification, namely, determination of the requisite qualification and competence of the teachers, and clarification of their ages and suitability for work, are absolutely necessary. It is, however, hoped that the process will not be long on ceremony but short on integrity. In other words, the panel must get its assignment right. But,

perhaps more important, the government must review its recruitment procedure to ensure that after the corrective exercise, there would be no relapse that might allow unsuitable individuals to penetrate the system.

It is noteworthy that the governor has assured the teachers that the panel was not constituted to carry out a witch-hunt, and that only those who were evidentially deficient would be shown the exit, while those who needed re-training would be accommodated and their skills updated at the government’s expense. Indeed, this would be a positive example if the governor’s words are matched by deeds.

Additionally, remuneration and welfare issues pertaining to the teaching profession deserve to be adequately addressed, considering the observation that age lowering is, among other factors, commonly inspired not only by a desperation for employment, but also by a need to prolong service period because of the fear of life after retirement. Socio-economic arrangements that provide greater job opportunities and practical pension programmes are crucial in the circumstances.

However, the Edo State approach recommends itself beyond the physical boundaries of the territory, particularly in a country faced with a general decline in worthy values across various sectors. There is no doubt that education is an area that holds great promise in its capacity to impart not only the correct knowledge and skills, but also the desirable decency, especially to the youths who are the proverbial “leaders of tomorrow.” We cannot afford to allow it go to the dogs.

I

T’S hard to imagine things getting worse in Egypt, but they could. The generals who now call the shots in the world’s leading Arab country and their handpicked civilian government have halted efforts to reach a compromise with the Islamist supporters of the man they ousted — Mohamed Morsi, the country’s first democratically elected president. Instead, they have threatened to forcibly disperse tens of thousands of pro-Morsi civilians from two sit-ins in Cairo.

Such an intemperate response could end disastrously. Nearly 300 people have been killed in political violence since July 3, when the military overthrew Mr. Morsi; among the dead were 80 Morsi backers shot by security forces on July 27. The government has carried out a sweeping crackdown against the Brotherhood, jailing Mr. Morsi in an unknown location, and blamed the group for inviting the crackdown even though the two main sit-ins, which are demanding Mr. Morsi’s reinstatement, are open and seemingly nonviolent.

After working its back-channel ties to the army with little obvious effect, the Obama administration sent one of its ablest diplomats, William Burns, the deputy secretary of state, to Cairo to join a European Union representative and envoys from other Arab states in presenting both sides with sensible, face-saving proposals to calm the crisis. The army, they suggested, would release some Brotherhood leaders from detention and allow the Brotherhood to participate in elections; in exchange, the Islamists would forswear violence.

The generals and some civilian leaders, however, refused to budge, despite warnings in Cairo from two prominent visiting Republican senators, John McCain and Lindsey Graham, that America’s $1.5 billion aid package could be at risk.

It is difficult to understand why the army, which considers itself the guardian of the state, would think that crushing the Brotherhood could benefit the country.

Egypt is existing hand-to-mouth on donations from gulf allies when what it needs is to rebuild a strong economy that provides jobs, housing and education to its people. Tourism and foreign investment will never rebound if there is persistent violence and turmoil.

The Brotherhood, having been tossed out in a coup, might legitimately wonder whether the democratic process can ever be trusted. But that process offers the only path to long-term stability. The United States, which has gone too far in accepting the coup, must keep making the case for a political solution. With Europe and the Arab world, it must also be prepared to condemn the army and consider stronger action if more bloodshed occurs.

New York Times

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20

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The Nation on August 8, dedicated its editorial column to fire unsavory salvos at Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State. In the piece entitled Tin god, it criticized Akpabio for relieving Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Akwa Ibom State of duty.

According to the editorial, the raison d’être for the action was the declaration of the erstwhile SSG to vie for the office of governor of the state. In its uninformed comment, it stated that Governor Akpabio was infuriated by that declaration hence the decision to show him the way out. But the aspiration of the former SSG was not new to anybody in the state including the governor who had also mentioned that aspiration liberally at different fora.

Editorials represent the policy of the paper. Editorials deal with topical issues and canvass opinions on how public policies could be shaped. The language is often temperate and impersonal. It

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

Akpabio, victim of editorial diatribe? labours to rise above subjectivity, frivolity, animosity and personal feelings. The column is often known for exercising professional and civilized values being the window to that paper or magazine.

The editorial under reference failed unabashedly short of all the isolated criteria. It is hard to conjecture how egg-heads sat in an editorial board meeting to decide that the editorial policy of the paper for the day should be hatred directed at Governor Akpabio.

That is if the ritual of editorial meeting was observed. Or was it an individual who decided to exercise his/her warped fancy that

did the editorial without consulting other members of the editorial board?

The editorial employed clearly indecorous language. It made no pretence about its intention to disparage Governor Akpabio. It set for itself the disingenuous task of undertaking and completing investigation on the ousting of the erstwhile SSG, condemned the style and handed down a verdict of ignominy to the man it claimed called the shots for that ouster. It described the governor with all manners of sordid epithets depicting him as a tyrant which does not reflect Governor Akpabio

that many know. By this editorial, The Nation has failed in holding out the proverbial mirror for the true reflection of man and society as expected of a dignified medium and journalism profession. It use of far-fetched examples to advance the cause of its defective submission about Akpabio only shows how hate can becloud reasoning.

While one appreciates the dilemma of the medium being a mouthpiece of the opposition, it must not sacrifice professionalism to satisfy the fancies of its paymaster. It should at least pretend to be on the side of

coming into office, we have tried everything possible to reach him but to no avail. Months later, we were invited to Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano by the Lemu panel sent by the federal government.

They took our documents, passport photographs and phone numbers, and yet we have had no response.

Later NEMA, through the Kano Relief Agency again invited us demanding similar documents to the ones submitted earlier, which we submitted again, yet no response from them and all efforts to contact the committee have proved abortive. Most painful of it all, is that most of the victims are not even enlightened on where to submit their documents due to the manner in which the collection of the documents were conducted.

It’s been almost three years now and we just learnt that President

Goodluck Jonathan approved the compensation subsequent to which the Vice President Arch. Namadi Sambo later disbursed the funds to the various states. It’s been five months since the approval and disbursements and still we don’t know when and where to be compensated. We tried contacting the Kano Relief Agency again and we were told that they are not responsible for the payments and they don’t know when we will be called upon.

All we are soliciting the federal government is to please call on all the stakeholders and committees in charge of the disbursements, to please remember that we are living in abject poverty and pains. We want them to remember we have children to cater for and a lot of other responsibilities; most of us are jobless and homeless and our

children out of school, we are almost living as beggars in the communities we live in.

We were attacked, robbed and killed by the enemies of the government which we can call an artificial or a manmade disaster which would have been treated as a critical condition but we have been abandoned. In 2011 and 2012, flood victims were given immediate attention; why is our situation not treated with equal attention to that of the flood victims?

We urge the President to please come to our rescue; we are dying of starvation and life has been miserable for most of us because we lost everything to that violence that took away so many lives and our hard-earned properties.

Plight of victims of 2011 post-election violence

S

IR: I am a victim of the post election violence that took place in Kano in 2011.

I will like to call the attention of the federal government to the need to come to the aid of the victims many of whom lost virtually everything that they had laboured for over the years of hard labour.

Shortly after the crisis, the federal government sent the director general NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Nasidi to Kano, to us at the refugee camp at the Police Headquarters, Bompai Kano, assuring us that the federal government promised to compensate us accordingly. Since then, we have heard nothing from them. Even the governor, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, visited us in the same camp promising that on assumption of office, he will ensure that we are duly compensated. Since

• Raphael I. Ogenyi Kano.

principle by not allowing politics to interfere and prejudice journalism career and dispose it as a tool in the hands of politicians.

The sustained efforts by The Nation to see everything wrong in Akwa Ibom seems to be part of a calculated political agenda to discredit the state which has ascended enviable height these past six years to turn the once defeaning success story of ACN controlled Lagos State into a boring tale of drudgery. And as part of it, the star light of Akwa Ibom which is Akpabio must be dimmed with bad press. This in my estimation is unfortunate and a sad commentary on journalism practice.

Recently, Punch carried a news item which it purported was a result of a press statement issued by a groups called Northern Emancipation Network. The group is reported to have advised President Jonathan to be wary of Akpabio. Curiously, it was only Punch that was at that press briefing out of plenteous newspapers in this country. And the purpose of that mischievous news report is stripped bare when papers further editorialise fiction in the name of reportage. Journalists must find the nobility to commend people that are doing well in other to encourage them as well as others to tow the path of progressive and accountable governance. It must also criticize when need arises to keep leadership in check. This is the only way journalism would be seen as partners in the all important task of nation-building.

A newspaper of the standing of The Nation should not be seen to be parochial or holding jaundiced views against a person or section of the country. It should be seen as a true national paper. This is the only way it can continue to cultivate followership that would nurse this enfeebled adult nation state to a strong and virile one.

• Joseph Ndedu Lagos

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

COMMENTS

T

HE Abia State government last year came up with an ingenious policy. All non-indigenous employees in the state public service, including teachers, were to be relieved of their duties because the government’s resources were meant for the indigenes.

Over 80% of the people affected are from Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra and Enugu states.

Most leaders maintained a conspiracy of silence on this policy which for long will remain one of the greatest impediments to Igbo unity.

Abia was actually treading the path of the Enugu State government which had in the late 1990s decided to sack all nonindigenes in the state’s public service in order to “save resources”. Almost every casualty is Igbo.

But a number of Igbo social activists have now suddenly found their voice.

The overnight activists have created an unmistakable mass hysteria in both the social media and the traditional media over the bogey that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has been “deporting” Igbo people from the state.

Some politicians who are determined to make political capital out of the so-called repatriations have been busy simulating the hysteria. But perhaps, unbeknownst to these people, they are hurting in a most profound manner, strategic Igbo interests.

No people can survive—let alone—progress on a diet of lies and emotions, or by allowing politicians to create and sustain a culture of paranoia or siege mentality, otherwise called persecution complex.

The Lagos State government launched a few years ago, an ambitious project to turn Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre with a population of some 16 million, into a true megacity. This entailed, among other things, the enthronement of a new social order and a different aesthetic regime.

Consequently, the state began to clear thousands of homeless people, beggars and urchins from the streets.

Thus, a large number of “area boys” who are mostly Lagos Island indigenes, like the governor, are to this day still arrested and hounded into “Black Maria” trucks by Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA) officials. Borrowing a leaf from such places as New York and Hawaii, Lagos initiated a programme of

‘It will be a colossal tragedy if we savour the dishes of salacious lies and terrible propaganda which we are being served by opportunistic politicians and garnished by hysterical Igbo social activists’

I

N development theory, it has become axiomatic that the most definitive underlying core of any abiding development for any nation is the critical mass of people who have been capacitated to rethink and rehabilitate the nation’s national direction. Human capital development therefore becomes the first law in any blueprint for sustainable development. In other words, if development is about the people, then worthy development is all about the education of those who will diligently drive the spirit of the nation towards the desired direction. The educational system of any nation becomes the crucial framework through which this critical mass of people percolates for developmental appropriation. If, for Henry James, “a teacher affects eternity,” then those who are taught properly affect the direction and configuration of the national project of any state. And both the teachers and the students become the foundation on which a good state is erected. These truths are not just theoretical; they have been impressed on my mind repeatedly through my many contacts with the educational policies in Nigeria.

The sturdiness of today’s global economies has been attributed to the supremacy of human capital as catalyst for global progress. The implication of this is that such firstworld countries as the US and Germany have achieved greatness, while many more others like China and Brazil are coming very closely behind them because of their huge investments in the utmost maximization of human resources.

In today’s world, with its knowledge-driven and Internetinspired proliferation of information, these leading countries have discovered that while a massive human population, worthwhile investments in nuclear and military might, and virile socio-political and economic institutions confer comparative advantages, they cannot be compared to the dire expediency of a knowledge industry that vigorously drives the shuttle of governments’ development initiatives and their utopian quest to deliver the democratic goods to their citizens. This is why these nations have appropriately positioned their educational sectors as the inspiration of great strides in scientific and technological novelties. If Nigeria too, with its rich natural resource base and human capital, will join the league of these successful and industrialized countries, and achieve its dreams of prominence and growth, then it is high time we returned to those pragmatic models and visionary agendas of education, which place concrete human capital development at the heart of nations’ economic progress. And here, we come face to face with the iconic figures who have struggled and pioneered educational ideas of global reckoning. The tragedy would seem to be that we have one way or the other not adequately countenanced the worth of those ideas. For Alvan Azinwa Ikoku, Babatunde Fafunwa and Samuel Tunde Bajah, (deciding on these three educationists and excluding, for now, many others like Ayodele Yoloye et al is a painful decision I had to take due to space constraints among other considerations), the decision to labour in the educational

Fashola and the hypocrisy of Ndigbo

By C. Don Adinuba returning many destitute individuals to their home states.

Over 3,000 of such people have been relocated back to northern states where they have now been reintegrated with their families. When about 80 were sent to Oyo State in November, 2009, the governor screamed to the high heavens that “they were dumped on Molete “Bridge” in Ibadan.

About 14 destitute people from Anambra State were sent to Onitsha last week because of the failure of the state’s Ministry of Social Welfare to arrange for the arrival of these people , unlike those of Akwa Ibom and Katsina states which made proper logistic arrangements for their own people. A section of the media has since gone to town with the extremely dangerous propaganda that the Lagos State governor is driving Igbo people out of Lagos through “brazen deportations and repatriations”.

Even professionals and scholars expected to be more thoughtful and strategic in their actions have capitulated so easily to the mind poisoning reports and have been responding exuberantly.

A man who introduced himself as a professor from Nnewi called me on the phone on Thursday morning to assert with so much authority that “only Anambra indigenes are being targeted for expulsion from Lagos because all Nigerians know that Anambra is the leader of the Igbo nation”.

A lawyer in Maryland, United States, wrote that Fashola dare not relocate beggars of northern extraction, alleging that the Igbo are the whipping boy of Nigerian politics.

He is blissfully ignorant of the thousands of northern beggars taken away from Borno Street in Ebute Metta and environs.

How did the industrious, highly republican and intelligent Igbo people embrace, all of a sudden, this level of groupthink that has made us look like a people with unimaginable amnesia?

In June, a very big plaza in Olodi, Apapa, belonging to Igbo entrepreneurs and housing hundreds of Igbo traders was burnt at night. The next day Fashola was at the site and promised to rebuild it at the Lagos State expense. No Igbo governor has visited the place up to this moment, and none has promised to assist the victims. Last December, Ngozi Nwosu, an actress, was reported to be down with a serious liver ailment, so an appeal fund was launched. No South-east government, including her home state of Imo State, responded, just as no wealthy Igbo men and women did.

Only N1.5million out of 6m needed for treatment in the United kingdom, could be raised. Fashola provided the remaining N4.5m. And now some so-called Igbo activists are

accusing him of anti-Igbo sentiments.

Two months ago, Fashola completed the biggest housing estate he has built and named it after Emeka Anyaoku, an erstwhile Commonwealth secretary general from Anambra State. At a time some Igbo people cannot be hired as teachers or civil servants in south-eastern states other those of those of their origin, Fashola recruits them in large numbers, with some becoming judges and magistrates. His Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, is from the Southeast. The chief executive of the state Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency, Joe Igbokwe, is an engineer and publisher from Nnewi. Mac Duruigbo, from Imo State, is Fashola’s Personal Assistant on the Media.

Fashola gave Ikemba Nnewi practically a state burial last year in Lagos, the only non-South-east governor to accord the famous Biafran leader this high honour.

He was the only governor who attended last March the Chinua Achebe colloquium at Brown University in Rhode Island, United States, where he praised Achebe for his monumental achievements at a time the great writer was the butt of criticism by the Yoruba political establishment following Achebe’s unflattering remarks about Obafemi Awolowo in his new book, There Was A Country, a personal account of the Nigerian civil war. So, how did some of us come about the brainwave that the dynamic and cosmopolitan Lagos State governor is anti-Igbo? Simply because his government relocated some Igbo elements to their home state, some of whom came to Lagos to do business but instead took to hard drug consumption and became urchin, better known as “area boys”!

Interestingly when Fashola began to crack down on “area boys”, most of whom are from his state, Igbo traders were over the moon, rejoicing that the governor had saved them from the miscreants of “area boys” who had for decades been tormenting the traders daily, extorting huge sums from them and viciously assailing those who refused with dangerous weapons.

There are more Igbo people in Lagos than any other state.

There are so many investments in Lagos because Lagos has for long welcomed the Igbo people, enabling Ndigbo to prosper in Lagos more than any other state. And no governor in Nigeria’s history has demonstrated as much affection to our people as Fashola.

Commonsense dictates we protect in a strategic manner the interests of our people and reciprocate the friendship of well meaning individuals and groups. It will be a colossal tragedy if we savour the dishes of salacious lies and terrible propaganda which we are being served by opportunistic politicians and garnished by hysterical Igbo social activists. We must be guided at all times by truth and reason.

• Adinuba is Head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting.

Ikoku, Fafunwa, Bajah and the pedagogy of human capital development

By Tunji Olaopa trenches of the Nigerian state was not one they were forced to take by “the very urgent need to eat”, according to Edward Braithwaite, the Guyanese educator. Rather, their decision arose out of a sense of vocation that deposits insights into the banks of innovative and pragmatic education.

Dr. Alvan Ikoku—politician, teacher and administrator— was an outstanding educationist who obtained the University of London degree in Philosophy in 1928, and went on to establish one of the earliest private secondary schools in Nigeria, the Aggrey Memorial College in 1931 as part of efforts to bring the benefits of formal education to many others in colonial Nigeria. As a former Minister of Education, Ikoku worked for the introduction of uniform education in Nigeria through the Nigerian Union of Teachers, whose interests and activities he served relentlessly as national president. Ikoku’s vision of education, together with Professor Babatunde Fafunwa, validated the idea that pragmatic education wrapped in indigenous epistemological framework ought to be one of the core objectives of Nigeria’s educational institutions. Professor Fafunwa is not only an unrepentant advocate of indigenous free education; he dedicated his life to the advocacy of a Mother Tongue (MT) education. Apart from his roles, as Minister for Education, in the establishment of several educational institutes—the National Board for Education Measurement (NBEM, later National Examinations Council), the Nigerian French Village in Badagry, the Arabic village in Borno State, the Nigerian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), and the National Institute for Nigerian Languages in Abia State; Prof. Fafunwa’s legacy is attached to the Ife Primary Education Research Project which established the relationship between indigenous education, mother tongue teaching and national development.

While Ikoku and Fafunwa labored around the form of educational practice, Bajah’s contributions resonate around the specific scientific and technological content of that educational project. There is no doubt that worldly progress is part of the overall objectives of a state’s national project; and scientific education is the number one global machinery for achieving it. Many would remember Bajah as a science educator who simplified science-based topics for young people in Nigeria. Chemistry for Secondary Schools, which he co-authored with Arthur Godman, has been translated into six languages, including French and Spanish. Another

important publication is his Primary Science for Nigerian Schools. Bajah’s popular interpretation of the sciences becomes significant for many reasons. First, it serves a critical pedagogical strategy to raise the awareness of science and mathematics which are not popular for Nigerian students.

Second, it places the significance of science education within our collective consciousness as a nation that is about to take her place in global development order. Third, Bajah’s simplified science books open Nigeria’s young minds to the possibilities that science and mathematics promise. With Bajah, we stand the chance of a “technological transfer” into the deepest framework of the Nigerian national project.

With Fafunwa, Ikoku and Bajah, we confront the exigency of a viable educational alternative that could serve as a fulcrum upon which Nigeria can begin to rethink her human capital development. For these educational icons, the starting point is an indigenous educational planning programme which plucks an educational direction to development through servicing relevant national goals. If the goal of education is to produce diligent citizens with admirable character traits conducive to leading others, then it becomes imperative that such an educational objective can only flourish within an endogenous context which Nigeria’s cultural diversity provides. This implies that our pedagogical framework must begin to reflect indigenous thinking and paradigms. These paradigms are here with us, and it is the achievements of these educational planners and administrators that they got to them first. Their seminal ideas and noble efforts compel us to believe that Nigeria’s vision of sustainable growth and development is a possibility that must be anchored on the citadel of concrete investments in human capital development.

The first condition for the possibility of the national project in Nigeria, therefore, must necessarily be at the human capital development level where we can achieve the education of citizens who only see their ethnic, religious and cultural attachments as springboards for participating in the creation of a Nigeria national identity which is motivated not by what can be gained from Nigeria, but what we can all contribute to increase her worth and our own betterment. Madame de Stael, the French writer, remarked that “a nation has character only when it is free.” For us, Nigeria achieves her own national character only when it is educated.

• Dr. Olaopa is Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Abuja.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12 , 2013

22

COMMENTS

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T is increasingly getting clearer by the day that Nigeria is home to all manner of crimes considered taboos in our traditional African societies. Hardly does any day pass by without reports of sundry bloodchilling crimes in parts of the country. Even societies that ordinarily should be expected to maintain some level of moral decorum are turning out the worst culprits.

Or how do we explain the recent report of the beheading of a five-year-old boy in Adamawa State by his father for money? The man identified by the police simply as Bappah allegedly beheaded his son Buba Bappah with the intent of selling the head to a ritualist just for N1million. Having struck a deal with a ritualist, the man lured his son out to the farm ostensibly as a helping hand. While in the farm, he beheaded the poor boy and returned home having concealed his decapitated head.

The grand father of the boy, worried by the inability of Bappah to return with him inquired on his whereabouts. He was told that the boy was still at the farm. Suspecting something amiss, he raised a search team to the farm which discovered to their astonishment the beheaded boy lying in a pool of his blood. Subsequently the grandfather reported the matter to the police which led to the arrest of the suspect.

On interrogation, he confessed he intended to sell the head for N1million and use the money to buy cattle and take care of his aged

‘The ever rising rate of murders involving the severance of vital organs of victims that dot the entire gamut of the country are attributed to the thriving mill of ritual activities. It is high time we got at the root of these senseless killings and utter disregard for the sanctity of the human life’

T

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

And father beheads son parents. Ironically, it is the same parents that handed him over to the police. The above incident underscores very clearly, the degenerate level our society has sunk. As despicable, callous and inhuman as the action is, it has more than anything else shown the extent people can go to make quick money.

Or how do we explain a 24-year old man beheading his own son with the sole aim of raising money to buy cattle and take ‘care of his aged parents’. If his confessions are anything to repose hope on, the life of his son is not worth that of cattle. For this, the boy had to die in the cruelest manner so that his father can buy cattle.

Yet, we all know that the human being is the greatest gift God gave to the earth. He is undoubtedly the greatest asset on earth and the key to all productive activities. All these were lost on this obviously morally depraved man. Nothing can be more asinine than this.

Even his other alibi of using the proceeds from his demented action to take care of his aged parents is not only puerile but very laughable.

Though the lives of his aged parents are equally important, it is an abomination to kill anybody not to talk of ones own son just to make money. The urge to buy cattle or take care of one’s own parents cannot be a ground for this bestial and very reprehensible conduct. Children are considered very great assets to their parents. That is why parents toil day and night in order to cater for their children who will in turn take care of them at old age. It is not envisaged that a man will kill his son under any guise how much less on the grounds confessed by the suspect. The fact

HE world over, they are regarded as special species of Homo sapiens and sequel to their sophisticated training, they most times are a step ahead of their peers. In Nigeria, however, many security personnel especially those recruited and enlisted into the Nigeria Police have lost every iota of credibility to the extent that it is an uphill task to build up the personnel to what it used to be in pre-independent era. In those days, security was an exclusive terrain where personnel were hardly seen and if they were to be sighted, it was usually during operations or at police stations. It was very difficult to find a police officer in places where there were no security operations.

However as society develops, so also do people advance in knowledge and sophistication. Many have dabbled into security matters with mere primordial understanding of the entailments of security. In all of these, Nigerian politicians unlike their counterparts in other shores have positioned themselves as meddlesome interlopers. They present themselves as leaders and also believe that every institution in their state is intricately intertwined with their portfolio. No wonder they see nothing wrong in the steps they take on issues that have nothing to do with politics.

The case of Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu needs mentioning. Except the uninformed is served with his achievements, many may not know and appreciate who this officer that Nigerians want to sacrifice on the altar of politics. Politicians care less about the achievements of officers in the police, there are officers and there are officers. For instance, Mbu, as far as I know, is among the grade ‘A’ officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Here is an officer that graduated from the University of Lagos where he made Second Class Upper in Political Science, and got enlisted as a cadet officer in 1985. Besides, he has worked in virtually every part of the country. His first major posting was as the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ukwa-East and Isiala-Ngwa Local government Area of Abia State. His insistence on discipline made the commissioner to upgrade him as the State Command’s Provost and later as the Head of Management in the Abia State Command.

It is on record that Mbu is one of the few officers in the police with zero-tolerance for corruption and indiscipline.

When he was the Federal Highway Commander in-charge of Bauchi, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states, motorists were daily applauding every of his leadership qualities.

His performance in those states brought him to limelight, culminating in his being made chairman of the Federal

that it is the same parents he claimed he will use part of the money to take care of that handed him over to the police, shows the abnormality of his inhuman action.

Sociologist and criminologists have extensively identified the various reasons and factors that can lead people to crime.

But the willful beheading of a son by his father just for monetary reward will obviously strike them as a big puzzle especially in a society as ours where morals still occupy a prime position in people’s daily conduct.

It is true that urbanization and sophistication in life activities have brought with them a variety of crimes that were hitherto considered alien on these shores.

But in most of those criminal engagements, those who indulge in them do so mainly to take care of themselves and their immediate families.

And in the consideration of this immediate family, ones children, wife or husband come into prime focus.

It therefore runs contrary to the normal course of events for a man to kill his son for the purpose of raising money to take care of aged parents. Children are the greatest assets any parent can boast of. All parents treasure their children and expect that with them, their families will not be cut off the face of the earth. They also envision that at death, it is their children that will ensure they are given a befitting burial. In most parts of the country, it is considered an abnormality for a child to die before his parents. In some of those cultures, parents are not even allowed

to see the corpses of their children.

The point here is that we attach so much value on our children that it is neigh inconceivable for a father to harm his son. And this man had the courage to lure out and behead his son just for money to buy cattle and cater for his old parents who may be nearing their graves on account of age. If a man could kill his son for money, then such a person is a great danger to the society. He has no value for human life and therefore ought not to live.

The law enforcement agencies should thoroughly investigate this man further. It is possible this is not the first time he is getting involved in this devilish act. A man, who kills his own son just for that amount, is a very potent danger to the society. Who knows the number of those who have fallen prey to his craze for money before he opted for the life of his own son?

After investigations to ascertain whether he has been on ritual business before now, he should be promptly arraigned at a court of competent jurisdiction together with the person who offered money for the boy’s head.

They should be made to account for their misdeeds. Perhaps, had the man not offered to buy the head, Bappah would not have been tempted to kill his son.

It is to be imagined the type of scenario that played out as this man lifted his knife to kill the poor boy. I can see the boy confused at the first instance wondering whether it was a play.

I can also see the poor boy holding his father and begging him to spare his life. But despite all cries and entreaties the devil that was Bappah refused to be moved and had to cut off the head of the poor boy. What an extreme act of callousness! Nothing can be more blood chilling than this.

But beyond this, the law enforcement agencies must investigate the veracity of the claim that people use human heads and vital organs of the body for ritual purposes. The common belief here is that human parts are used by native doctors and sundry occultist persons to make money or gain power. The ever rising rate of murders involving the severance of vital organs of victims that dot the entire gamut of the country are attributed to the thriving mill of ritual activities. It is high time we got at the root of these senseless killings and utter disregard for the sanctity of the human life.

The Mbu that Nigerians do not know

By Ben Okezie Task Force on petroleum in Niger State. He was also appointed Area Commander in Minna where he received an award as the best area commander in Niger State. When robbery was getting out of hand in Delta State, it was Mbu that was picked and posted to Ugheli, and again he was decorated as the best Area Commander in Delta State.

His rise, which is in tandem with handwork, resulted in his posting as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration in Anambra State command. He became a ready tool for positive change in the police when the police colleges in the country were decapitating and contractors were having a field day and swimming in corrupt and sharp practices. Mbu was posted to rescue the sinking police schools and secondary schools. Before he was posted out of the education unit, he had successfully restored the dignity and falling standard of all the 55 primary schools and seven police secondary schools in the country. It was during his brief tenure that police officers’ confidence was restored to send their children to police schools and secondary schools. It was, therefore, not surprising when he was moved and made chairman of the monitoring and implementation committee of Police Housing Projects when it was discovered that contractors were conniving to deliver low quality jobs to the detriment of the Force.

Like him or hate him, Mbu is an officer of repute. He may not have tread softly the “political soil” where Governor Amaechi holds sway, but Mbu should not seen as one picked from Mars to be in charge of the Rivers State Police command. The Inspector General of Police, who approved his posting, understood the terrain and geopolitical atmosphere before posting him there, so why the hullabaloo? Some Nigerian politicians are short-tempered and think every Federal Government personnel serving in their state automatically falls under their jurisdiction and therefore should be subject to their influence and power. A case on record was that of Assistant Inspector General of Police Donald Iroham who as police commissioner was having a running security misunderstanding with former Governor Ohakim of Imo State who turned it into a political issue and demanded

the transfer of the commissioner. After a prolonged intervention by the IGP, Iroham was posted out of Imo State to Lagos. He later ended up in Kwara as that state’s police commissioner. Mbu’s posting to Rivers State is like a man thrown into a surging tide and left to swim against the tide. Such venture requires gut, stamina, relentlessness and perseverance. All these attributes are the gains of every policeman who has undergone the mobile police force training. It is appropriate to mention that the same Mbu before his appointment to Rivers State was the CP in charge of the Police Mobile Force when ethics and discipline was at its lowest ebb. Again Mbu was redeployed to Oyo State where he tamed the ever aggressive motor union activists.

No one is covering any of his perceived excesses and utterances but the truth is that the wading into the alleged crisis by the Inspector General of Police, who dispatched a Deputy Inspector General of Police to investigate and write his report, is a welcome development. In my opinion, Mbu as a political scientist and a trained police officer concerned with the security of the state understands the challenges. Perhaps more than anyone, he appreciates that there should be a synergy between top security personnel and political leaders, for good governance can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace.

•Okezie is an Abuja-based security analyst.

‘Mbu as a political scientist and a trained police officer concerned with the security of the state understands the challenges. Perhaps more than anyone, he appreciates that there should be a synergy between top security personnel and political leaders, for good governance can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace’

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013 At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

DUE DILIGENCE Total Nigeria: Downside of the upside

‘Importation is killing real sector’ -P. 28 News Briefing SWF mulls monoline insurance THE Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), statutory fund manager for Nigeria’ s sovereign wealth fund (SWF), is working out arrangements for a monoline insurance system that will enhance the credit worthiness of investments and the flows of foreign portfolio and direct investments into the country.

- Page 26

AGF orders MDAs to comply with NUBAN THE Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has advised Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to update their bank records.

- Page 26

‘427,294 new jobs created in 2012’ NO fewer than 427,294 new jobs were created in the third quarter of last year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

- Page 35 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation 11.9% Treasury Bills 7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate 2% 91-day NTB 15% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR 12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

- Pg 36

PENCOM proposes 20% review of pension contributions T HE National Pension C o m m i s s i o n (PENCOM) has proposed a review of the minimum rate of pension contributions from 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

It stated this in a memo to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and House Committee on Pension for an Act to Repeal the 2004 Pension Reform Act (PRA) and Enact PRA 2013.

PENCOM said: “Stakeholders have observed that the minimum pension contribution of 15 per cent of employee’s monthly emolument is not adequate enough to generate the required retirement benefits for the worker.

“The equality of the 7.5 per cent rate of contribution payable by both the employer and the employee is not equitable especially because the employer has a stronger financial muscle.”

As a result, the commission proposed in the PRA 2013 Bill “an upward review of the rate of contribution and the proportion of the rate payable by the employer and the employee.

The proposed minimum rate is 20 per cent of the monthly emolument: 12 per cent by the employer and 8 per cent

• Wants 20 years’ experience for DG removed From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

by the employee.”

However, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) punctured PENCOM’s argument on the review.

“The 15 per cent contribution has not been fully complied with by both the private and public sectors. What PENCOM should do is to make sure that it enforces the inclusion of the private and public sectors to build a critical mass for the contribution,” the PFA said.

According to him, the capture of more contributors from the private and public sectors at 15 per cent into the scheme will lead to availability of more funds to pay retirees rather than pursuing an increase without any guarantees for enhanced compliance.

PENCOM added in the memo: “Provisions have been inserted in the Bill such that the sphere of permissible investment instruments would be expanded to accommodate initiatives for national development, such as investment in

AMCON extends tenure of Bridged Banks CEOs, management

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HE tenure of the chief executives and man agement of the three bridged banks has been extended by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The banks are Keystone Bank Nigeria Limited, Enterprise Bank Nigeria Limited and Mainstreet Bank Nigeria Limited.

The Nation learnt that the extension became necessary to allow for more time to enable AMCON to divest its ownership from the banks. The chief executive officers (CEOs) and management of the bridged banks were appointed on August 7, 2011 for two years.

The affected CEOs are Ahmed Kuru, Enterprise Bank; Philip Ikeazor, Keystone Bank and However, the time the extension would cover could not be ascertained. A source in one of the banks who asked that the identity of the institution and his name be veiled, said disclosing the time would be inappropriate, arguing that it could re-

By Simeon Ebulu

sult in uncertain reaction by customers, if at its expiration, there arises a need to make further adjustments.

The Managing Director of AMCON, Mustafa ChikeObi, offered “no comment” on whether the tenure of the management will be extended, but The Nation gathered that the extension had been communicated to the management of the affected banks.

The banks were acquired

by AMCON following the revocation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of the licences of Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB, because it said they did not show the necessary capacity to recapitalise, following a N620 billion bailout of nine lenders in 2009.

The CBN set up the “bridged banks” to acquire the assets and liabilities of the failed lenders, which were then sold to AMCON. Then AMCON said it would run the banks for two-three years before finding suitable investors.

the real sector, including infrastructure and housing development while at the same time ensuring the safety of pension fund assets.”

The reason for its input, the commission said, was because “there is a consensus among stakeholders that the PRA should facilitate the optimal utilisation of pool of funds generated by the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) towards national development.”

Another proposal by PENCOM was for the reduction in the number of years a prospective director-general (DG) and commissioners of the commission should have.

PENCOM said it “is gradu-

ated in descending order from that of the chairman at 20 years to that of the directorgeneral at 15 years.”

The bill also stipulates 15 years’experience for commissioners, who act for the DG. There is no such requirement for a commissioner under the PRA 2004. PENCOM hinged its position on what it called “specifying a minimum of 15 years experience for the director-general of the Commission and the commissioners seeks to fortify the standard and streamline it with the requirements in other government institutions in the financial services industry.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 and the

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act 2006 showed that no qualifying years of experience is stipulated for appointment as CBN governor and deputy governors and managing director and executive directors of the two institutions.

PENCOM added: “Section 3(2) of the Investment and Securities Act 2007 stipulates 15 years’ experience for the director-general and 12 years’ experiencee for the executive directors of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). ‘’Section 10(2) of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Act 1997 also stipulates 15 years’ experience for appointment as commissioner of Insurance.” The Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990 stipulates 10 years experience for appointment as RegistrarGeneral of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 7. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 9. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Aero 12.20 13.30 15. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 16. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 17. Arik 13.45 14.45 18. IRS 14.00 15.20 19. Aero 14.10 15.30 20. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 21. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 22. Arik 15.50 16.50 23. Aero 16.00 17.20 24. IRS 16.30 17.50 25. Arik 16.50 17.50 26. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 27. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 29. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 20. Arik 18.45 19.45 31. Aero 19.20 20.40

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LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

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HE Nigeria Sovereign Invest ment Authority (NSIA), statutory fund manager for Nigeria’ s sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is working out arrangements for a monoline insurance system that will enhance the credit worthiness of investments and the flows of foreign portfolio and direct investments into the country.

Monoline insurance refers to provision of guarantees against defaults in a financial or investment transaction. It makes use of credit wraps to enhance the creditworthiness of an issuer or an investment project. Credit wrap, a form of financial guarantee, specifically insures a stated well-identified part of a transaction, thus the use of multiple credit wraps to cover as many parts of a transaction that may be required.

Managing Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, at the weekend disclosed that the sovereign fund manager was putting together

By Taofik Salako

a monoline insurance arrangement that could perform roles similar to credit guarantee and enhancement companies.

He said while the law setting up NSIA does not allow it to perform the functions of credit enhancement, the sovereign fund manager is working around the statutory limitation through monoline insurance to enhance the attractiveness of Nigerian investment proposals being promoted by the NSIA to other sovereign wealth funds and fund managers.

Credit enhancement generally refers to a process of reducing default risk or loss through a counterparty guarantee by an unrelated party or a related provision within the transaction. Credit enhancement provides comforts to most foreign investors against domestic risks, especially in emerging economies. This increases chances of fund raising and success for the

transaction. Nigeria has neither a stand-alone monoline insurer nor a credit enhancement company.

Orji said the NSIA combines the role of a sovereign fund manager with that of national investment promotion thus the need to put in place best practices that meet the stringent structural and procedural requirements of other sovereign wealth fund managers.

He hinted that NSIA was discussing with other fund managers on some landmark investments in the country.

He outlined that NSIA’s investments would in the meantime revolve around opportunities in housing, health care and transport sectors highlighting signal investments to possibly include toll roads and bridges.

He pointed out that the development of credit guarantee would boost the development of the Nigerian capital market, which would have multiplier effects on all stakeholders.

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LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

NCAA to probe airlines’safety compliance

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Aero 10.50 12.30 5. Arik 11.40 13.00 6. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 7. IRS 13.30 15.00 8. Arik 14.00 15.20 9. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 10 Arik 16.10 17.30 11. Aero 16.15 17.30 12. Arik 17.10 18.30

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Sovereign Wealth Fund mulls monoline insurance to attract investors

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

HE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is prob ing domestic airlines to ensure that safety and airworthiness are not compromised.

According to sources, this is to ensure that aircraft engineers, flight dispatchers, pilots and other critical safety personnel in the airlines adhere strictly to the rules.

Part of the new strategy is the scaling of airline operations to available technical capacity.

The NCAA, it was learnt, is keen on ensuring that only airlines with competent and licensed personnel are allowed to remain in safe operations.

Its Director, Airworthiness, Benedict Adeyileka, said the NCAA is probing the airlines to ensure that they have licensed personnel adequate enough for the scale of their operations, in areas critical as airworthiness, engineering, flight dispatch and aircraft loading.

He spoke of plans by the NCAA to ensure that an adequate safety management system designed by individual operator is strictly adhered to ensure that robust compliance.

He said areas where airlines would need adequate training of critical personnel to fill obvious gaps would be examined, adding that the regulator would want to know the peculiar challenges of individual carrier to ensure threats to safety are reduced.

He said NCAA would not frown at safety regulations violations, noting that where possible, the certificate of airworthiness of any defaulting carrier could be held until a reported snag in its operations or aircraft is fixed.

‘Higher costs affecting farmers’profits’

By Daniel Essiet • From left: Manager, Regional Trade, MTN Nigeria, Stella Nwosisi and Health Portfolio Manager, MTN Foundation, Abasi-Ekong Udobang, during the commemoration of the World Kidney Day in Lagos.

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AGF orders MDAs to comply with NUBAN

HE Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation (OAGF) has advised Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with he Nigerian Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN) policy.

In a statement, the OAGF reminded the MDAs that the deadline by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for compliance with NUBAN was July1, this year.

Earlier, MDAs on the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the AGF said, “were adequately notified and requested to obtain the NUBAN from their staff and forward same to IPPIS before the deadline”.

Failure to comply with this di-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

rective, the AGF warned, “may result in the delay of the payment of salaries henceforth”.

However, AGF added: “if any staff member experiences any delay in the payment of his/her salary, he/she should confirm that the banking details have been updated and forwarded to the IPPIS. The CBN released the guidelines on NUBAN scheme in August 2010 to achieve uniform numbering structure among banks in nine months.

NUBAN, according to the CBN,

“has great potentials to resolve the observed problems with electronic payments in Nigeria, as many of them are related to specification of wrong beneficiary account numbers.”

The initial deadline was June 1, 2011, but this was extended by the CBN by a year. It was further extended to July 1, this year.

NUBAN became operational on July 1, 2013 and staff of MDAs were supposed to have complied with it.

The statement added: “This request may not have been fully complied with by some MDAs and this may consequently have led to unnecessary hiccups in the payment of salaries.”

‘e-governance enhances service delivery’

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HE adoption of e-governance is expected to improve gov ernance and deliver services to the citizenry, an expert in Information, Computer Technology, Bankole Olubamise, has said.

Olubamise, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Development, Information Network, who spoke on e-government for leadership and policy makers -Imperative for nation building at the international conference by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Iloko Ijesha, Osun State, said, “E-government investments are needed to improve governance and deliver services to the people whose in-

By Lucas Ajanaku

creasing sophistication, like customers in the private sector demand increasing efficiency from government.

He said the government needs to embrace the potential improvements offered by emerging technologies that are transforming the ways in which we access information and services.

He said e-governance demands a collaboration between government, private sector and the civil society built around a shared vision, with appropriate tools to deliver efficient and effective govern-

ance in the 21st century, adding that its embrace may challenge the country’s federalism.

“E-government initiatives could have implications for federalism.

One of the hallmarks of a federal system of governance is the emphasis on vertical divisions of power. In contrast, e-government initiatives utilise information technologies that emphasise a horizontal, or networked model of communication and interaction.

He identfied the five stages of egovernance to include emerging presence, enhanced presence, interactive pressence, transactional presence and networked presence.

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HIS is not the best of times for farmers as higher pro duction costs are wiping out an rise in livestock prices.

Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Abiodun Adeloye, said rising production costs are having a significant impact on agriculture.

According to him, poor weather conditions have reduced the grain harvest potential, leading to an increase in grain and animal feed prices.

To this end, he said livestock farmers will have to pay higher prices for animal feed meaning that the volume of feed used on dairy and beef farms will increase.

Livestock farmers, he maintained, are being hit from both sides as they face higher input costs and lower sales prices for their output.

Coupled with rising production costs, this means farmers are likely to see their incomes falling. He said increasing feed prices will offset the rise in livestock prices and profitability will remain low.

He said farmers are grappling with problems of high feed cost and low returns on production.

Increase in the feed cost ,he noted followed increase in ingredients such as maize, bajra, soya extracts, groundnut extracts, rapeseed extracts, deoiled rice bran, rice bran and small amounts of certain other components.

The prices of all these commodities have gone through the roof, making the cost of feed unviable for farmers.

According to him, the rise in fuel pump prices has led to a drastic rise in fares, reducing the profit margin.

This has led to the increase in transport costs and a surge in prices for some commodities, agricultural produce inclusive.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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THE CEO Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa was the President/Chief Executive Officer Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, past Chairman, Nigeria Summit Economic Group. At the moment, he is the Founder/Chairman, Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation of Economic Empowerment (SOFEE). In this interview with AKINOLA AJIBADE and AMBROSE NNAJI, he says private sector investments, diversification of natural endowments, among others, will restore confidence in the economy.

• Ohuabunwa

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

‘Importation is killing real sector’ A

S the President of Neimeth Plc, what’s your assessment of the pharmaceutical industry?

It is an industry that is underdeveloped. It is an industry that has a lot of potentials from the view point of indigenous manufacturing and local production. When I say underdeveloped, I mean in terms of contribution of local industry to the entire national need of pharmaceutical industry, we are not doing enough. I believe that local contribution does not exceed 40 per cent. It is also an industry that is capital-intensive. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough capital for investment in the industry, so the industry is undercapitalised and underfunded. It is also an industry that is under challenged, not only by the high level of foreign importation, but also by fake trend. Despite its enormous potentials, it is an industry that is challenged.

What is the worth of the industry?

I don’t have the current figure, but I know that it was in excess of N750billion, close to N1trillion in exchange rate. If you look at the total market, it is also in billions of dollars. Looking at total investment in the local industry, it is in hundreds of millions of naira. And now investment is increasing. To be able to stand up to competition, some of the local companies are trying to push fresh investments so that they can upgrade their manufacturing in a manner that can be competitive with global best standards. This is because if you are challenged by competition, the best way out is to improve on your capacity and capability to compete and that is increasing investment in the industry.

What are your views on the manufacturing sector?

I think what is happening in the pharma-

Profile Institutions attended

University of Ife (OAU), Columbia University, USA; Lagos Business School.

Qualification

Bsc (Pharmacy).

Previous positions

President, Nigerian-America Chamber of Commerce (NACC), immediate past Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG); Founding President/CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Member Subsidy Reinvestment Programme Committee (SURE-P) and National Co-ordinator, Strategic Operations, FGBMFI, Nigeria.

Present position

Founder/Chairman, Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment (SOFEE).

Experience

Over 33 years

ceutical industry reflects what is happening in the entire manufacturing sector. Of course, the pharmaceutical industry is a little bit much more challenged. This may be as a result of some global realities. We are challenged through globalisation owing to our subscription to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Goods and services do not respect geographical boundaries any more. Because of this, there is distribution inefficiency and that is causing the flow of goods against us.

We are at the receiving end because of the high cost of doing business in our own market and of low application of technologies.

Similarly, there is dearth of investible funds to build very large manufacturing capacity.

Countries like India and China that have some technological advantage have high level of innovation and their infrastructure are well established. For this reason, their

production volume is large and unit cost is low, so they can shift their goods to us at a cheaper price even for the same quality we are having in our country.

If you go to a typical Nigerian market, you will discover that three quarter of the market is filled with imported goods. Manufacturing has failed to live up to expectation despite the abundant incentives nature has given us as a country. The policy of buying made-in-Nigeria is still too small to yield the desired impact.

For manufacturing to thrive in this country, we may need to rewrite the global trend.

Globalisation and liberalisation have come to stay with us. The country must decide areas where it has complete comparative advantage, and explore it to the optimum. For example, agro-chemical is an area we can leverage upon. We need to build on the agric value chain.

An agro processing machine can, for example, process plantain, banana and be shipped out of the country. There are places where plantain cannot grow. The agric-based industrialisation, food-based industrialisation can do a lot. We can ship that to the rest of the world. We should restore our country and rebuild our agro-allied industries.

The other area of comparative advantage is petrochemicals. We have a lot of hydrocarbon and gas. This means that we can go into manufacturing with the things that come from oil and gas which are flowing under our soil, and become a nation that can build refineries, chemical plants, refine petroleum products and ship to the rest of the world.

So, while the world is shipping pharmaceuticals, we are shipping other products.

This will result in trade balance. The government has to provide social support to manufacturers by reducing the tax rate, give tax holidays, give single digit interest rate for manufacturing, support manufacturing for export, and build a foundation that would ensure that what we make are used to promote the industry.

How has the high cost of operation and high exchange rate affected the manufacturing sector?

I believe each of these sectors has had its own challenges. There was a time the exchange rate was an issue, but it seemed to have stabilised. In the last five years, the exchange rate has not been a major issue due to global economic crisis. Macroeconomic issue has been generally favourable for Nigeria. We managed that well, exchange rate has been fairly okay, inflation has been go•Continued on page 29

2, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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THE CEO

‘Importation is killing real sector’ •Continued from page 28

ing down, interest rate is going down.

So, there is positive development, and that’s why you also see some bit of increase in the level of investment in this area, because if those macroeconomic issues were going worse, may be all the plants would have closed down. I think fake products are declining in all the sectors. I believe the work the government’s agencies are doing and the awareness they are creating are beginning to have impact.

Where can we pin the problems in the sector?

But the major pressure the manufacturing sector faces I believe, is the influx of imported goods and the fact that even with our charges, the cost of production is high. Normally, the cost of production is high because the input, like the raw materials used in local manufacturing, are mostly imported. The structure of our local industry is such that it is essentially based on an industrialisation framework of substituting the material instead of bringing the finished goods which gave us the concept of knock-down in assemblying plants. That was on the basis of which most of the industries were built.

So we import the raw materials and then add the local cost, and secondly we are manufacturing in small quantities, we manufacture in few units. Big firms in India and China are manufacturing for the world. So they have large units of manufacturing and large units lead to a reduction in cost.

In addition, manufacturers in China and India receive export incentives which enable them to export more. Nigeria was trying to do this with the Export Expansion Grant (EEG). It is a well-thought out policy which would help to push export if effectively implemented. Because of this, we are still facing a loss in the market share of local manufacturing. This country can only achieve economic power if there is a high level of value addition from manufacturing.

Since power remains a challenge, why are manufacturers not exploring building power plants as a way of addressing this challenge?

Manufacturers are not suppliers of energy.

Our business is to manufacture. Somebody else’s business is to supply us the materials, the support, the input, so somebody is supposed to supply us the energy. The independent power producers are producing, they are now selling to a bulk power retailer who now sells to distribution companies.

So, private companies are buying it up, government is privatising the power sector.

That is going to help in terms of efficiency and the more independent producers that join the industry, the higher the quantum of megawatts (MWs) of electricity available for use. So, we want to take advantage of the Geometric Plant in Aba, Abia State that can guarantee power supply 24 hours to do business Can’t manufacturers come under one platform to build a power plant?

It is not going to be a profitable thing.

Manufacturers are looking for the financial muscle to build up their capacity. The business of manufacturers is manufacturing. They are not suppliers of energy. So, if they start building power plants, the money they would have used in building manufacturing plants would be put into building power plants. And in building power plants, you don’t break-even in one day. You put the money and allow enough time before you break-even and expect return on investment.

So, it is not something you can combine with manufacturing. Those who want to invest in power can do so but it is different from manufacturing. What manufacturers are looking for is where to get power; it is not for them to start building power plants because what is putting them down today is the power they are generating to run their plants. It is not advisable for manufacturers to start building plants. Many companies are interested in coming to build power plants in Nigeria if the environment is conducive, if the legal environment, the reward system and the pricing of power is deregulated in a manner that people who invest in power can recover their investment What are the major challenges of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)?

The factors that promote business are not very positive generally. Because they are not very positive, the smaller you are, the lesser you are able to overcome these factors. SMEs in this country are subjected to multiple taxation. The environment is not promoting

• Ohuabunwa

SMEs; it is so because when an environment is promotive, you will see that it is springing up.

The government is trying but the offer they give is too small to be really impactive.

There’s no adequate promotive culture for small businesses, people are allowed to just try, some succeed, some fail. There’s so much pressure on them, local government tax collectors, rent collectors and all other spurious charges.

The second issue, is that of appropriate managerial competence. I think that one of the things we are facing is that many small and medium scale enterprises don’t have the right management expertise. So, the business is not properly run. Many of them operate informally and because of that informality, they become subject to failures. Being able to start the business is not the same as been able to run the business. You can take risk, but to sustain the business is a difficult set of skill which people do not have, but have to acquire.

Also, our penchant for quality is another problem. We believe that in the global world, it is the survival of the fittest. One of the things that make SMEs to thrive is the quality of the product you make and the ability to actually create the market for the products. SMEs do not push the frontier enough; they do not have the market norms.

That also shows how much they can cope.

The African markets, despite all the challenges, are for us if we are able to create the right quality. If we are able to push the frontiers, we can take more market and that would expand our economy.

Another factor is our predilection to operate as single unit business. Because we operate as single unit businesses, we don’t leverage on our resources. Many of the SMEs can do better if they embrace merger and acquisition. If they know how to fuse, if they know how to merge, if they know how to do strategic alliances, they can leverage our resources and be able to be more competitive.

Lending to SMEs and the entire manufac-

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

turing sub-sector has been very low. Is it the problem of the industry or the inability of the companies to present clear cut ideas on what they intend to do?

It is largely because of the structure of the Nigerian loanable fund. The Nigerian loanable funds are generally short-term funds, and the banks are interested in lending short term. But the SMEs and companies need long-term funds. The banks are getting the money on short-term basis, so they also want to lend on short term because the owners of the money would come back on a short term.

But if they are getting money that is on a long-term, like pension funds and insurance funds, they can lend on long terms. Though a manufacturer is a businessman, he quarrels with the bank when he cannot get funds.

He should also be reasonable enough to understand that part of the problem is not necessarily with our banks. The banks have their problems. The banks are more comfortable to do short-term businesses where they can see the money quick than where they would put the money and wait and you never can tell what would happen.

Lending needs to be collaterised too. The small and medium companies don’t have the collateral even if the bank would like to lend long-term. So if you don’t provide the collateral, there would be no deal to strike with the bank. Before the banking sector reform, banks could lend money based on presentation of a share certificate, goodwill, but now, the banking policy requires that you provide solid collateral.

As the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), what are the major problems facing the economy and what’s the way forward?

The economy has a couple of challenges.

Firstly, there are issues of monoculture and mono products. We have been dependent largely on one product for several years, which is oil. The solution is to diversify, create more opportunities for value addition, focus on agro-allied industry and graduate

‘What manufacturers are looking for is where to get power; it is not for them to start building power plants because what is putting them down today is the power they are generating to run their plants. It is not advisable for manufacturers to start building plants. Many companies are interested in coming to build power plants in Nigeria if the environment is conducive, if the legal environment, the reward system and the pricing of power is deregulated in a manner that people who invest in power can recover their investment’

to manufacturing, make the environment interesting for tourism and build on the advantage the country has on petrochemicals.

Secondly, the economy is denominated by public sector spending. The only way out is to privatise the economy and open it up to private investors, get government out of business and put business in the hands of the private sector, because when the private sector takes over, more private investments will come into the country. Certainly, we would need to create greater discipline and accountability the way the economy is managed.

The economy is not strong on the supporting pillars. One of them is infrastructure which is an incentive to attract investment.

That is why investment is not being generated as it ought to. People opt out of business because of the problem of infrastructure. These things affect investment because investment creates jobs and whenever these investments are not coming, whether they are domestically created or internationally created, the level of wealth creation in the economy is minimised or not optimised.

Inadequate resource allocation or inefficient resource allocation is another challenge.

Most of the resources that the country has are not optimised while so much money is usually wasted. So much money is going in the wrong places; some of them are misappropriated and misapplied, these factors affect the economy.

Corruption is endemic in Nigeria. What steps do you think the government can take to address the issue?

The first is to lead by example. Put the right people in the right position, drive efficiency and make sure that appropriate rewards punishment are meted out for any proven case of misappropriation, or misapplication.

Another is to put the right people in the right position so that the country could apply merit, give the right skill and generate the right result.

There is huge unemployment in the country. How can unemployed pharmacists create jobs for themselves?

Pharmacy is one of the professions that enable people to create jobs. A couple of professionals just lack the professional or technical skills. Pharmacy teaches you the technical and professional skills and also business skill. We have pharmacy management courses, we have accounting business. The profession allows you to practise pharmacy from the chemical setting; it also allows you to practise from a trade setting, by opening up private practise either to be a distributor of pharmaceuticals, Chemical Pharmacy, or Administrative Pharmacy.

There are so many opportunities for pharmacists. But you need to do a lot more chemical research; they can produce simple products from chemical research. Many of our plants can be useful in maintaining health instead of allowing the traditional herbalists who have little or no understanding of what they do to be experimenting. They can invest in developing these products and marketing them locally and also exporting them.

I think that is an area pharmacists can invest more money and create more jobs for themselves and people around them. They can develop more products from local roots, leaves, and that’s an area pharmacists can create more jobs than the ones they are creating by going into retail or distribution.

Can you say one or two things your projects have achieved so far in the empowerment foundation?

This foundation was set up for us to be able to play our own role in promoting what we believe. We believe that the cure to Nigeria’s underdevelopment is by promoting entrepreneurship. I believe that more people can employ themselves. The more people can engage in productive work, the better for the society.

We are promoting entrepreneurship and business excellence as well as promoting ethical business conduct. All those things are related for you to have sustainability in business. We run training programmes, we help people to grow and adapt to business management skills. We teach people how to run their businesses in a manner that they would grow. It has been successful within the limit of our funding. We are a non-governmental organisation; we give support to other likeminded people and institutions to help get Nigerians busy with themselves.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 2-08-13

I

Equities open on cautious sentiments

NVESTORS should not expect an exceedingly bullish market in the period ahead, though stocks could pose strong capital gains in the topsy-turvy expected to characterise the market trend till year-end.

As the stock market opens today, most pundits will adopt cautionary approach than the overtly bullish disposition many expect the market to close around its current year-to-date return.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and doubles as benchmark return index for the NSE and Nigeria, opens today with average year-to-date return of 35.47 per cent after it lost 1.0 per cent in consecutive declines that pervaded the three trading days last week.

Many analysts have reechoed the tepid market outlook as equities struggle with profittaking transactions and belttightening monetary policy changes.

Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), headed

by Bismarck Rewane, said investors should not carry the optimism of the previous months' performance to the coming months as the market might have exhausted the steam for such excited return.

"Macroeconomic events will shape investor behaviour. Declining inflation, a stable naira and interest rates at current levels bear favourable tidings for the market. However, we believe it is unlikely that the market repeats the strong bull run of H2'12. The gains of the year

By Taofik Salako

appear to have been made.

There will be bright spots here and there but the market will stroll at a tepid pace," FDC stated in its latest review made available at the weekend.

Analysts at FDC noted the delicate mixture of surprises and disappointments that have greeted recent earnings reports by quoted companies, which have failed to prompt strong positive rally and activities.

Economist and investment advisor, Sterling Capital Markets Limited, Sewa Wusu, said

there were many variables that could adversely affect the stock market in the period ahead, leading to portfolio rebalancing in favour of the fixed-income market.

According to him, the increase in cash reserve ratio for public sector funds to 50 per cent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will likely lead to increase in deposit and interest rates, which would enhance the attractiveness of money market instruments.

He noted that high-interest rate in the midst of a tepid stock market will limit the inflow of funds to the capital market.

In a preview of the second half, analysts at Investment One Financial Services Limited had described the outlook for the stock market in the second half as "neutral", a reference to subdued performance.

According to analysts, the equities market could benefit from above-forecasts earnings reports in the second and third quarters as

well as stable macroeconomic fundamentals and attractive valuation of the Nigerian stock market relative to developing and emerging market peers.

Analysts noted that renewed foreign investors' appetite for the Nigerian market on the back of prolonged monetary easing in the United States could boost market performance.

They, however, said the market performance could be undermined by weak inflow of external funds on improving economic funda-

mentals in the USA as well as poor corporate earnings that fail to meet market-wide expectations and end of year selloff.

Equities had consolidated their bullish rally in July as improved first-half earnings drove the market to a sevenmonth average return of 35.03 per cent. Equities closed the seventh month on a high note, trotting back to N12 trillion after adding N581 billion capital gains in July.

Aggregate year-to-date return thus improved from sixmonth value of N2.45 trillion to N3.03 trillion by the end of July. After the downtrend in June, the market was particularly spectacular in July with a month-on-month average return of 5.08 per cent.

Meanwhile, total turnover at the NSE last week stood at 1.1 billion shares worth of N9.10 billion in 17, 076 deals. Financial services stocks accounted for 856.03 million shares valued at N6.01 billion in 9,872 deals; representing 78 per cent of aggregate turnover for the week.

The financial services sector rode on the back of strong demand for United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Sterling Bank, which boosted the contribution of the dominant banking subsector.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 2-08-13

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

31

MONEY LINK Enterprise Bank promo debuts

Nigeria, Brazil bilateral trade volume hits $9b

T

HE volume of bilateral trade between Nigeria and Brazil in the last four years has hit $9.1 billion, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Brazil, Ambassador Kayode Garrick, has said.

Garrick who spoke at a quarterly breakfast meeting organised by the Nigerian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI), in Lagos, last week, said the trade balance which constantly has been in favour of Nigeria, is traceable to the Brazilian importation of crude oil.

“Brazilian exports to Nigeria are mainly sugar, rice, vehicles and spare parts, chemical products, aircrafts, paper, iron and steel,

Stories by Collins Nweze

machinery among others,” he said, adding that there was need for Nigeria to tap from the Brazilian experience in various areas of development.

“Today, Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and one of the fastest growing major economies in the world with an average annual GDP growth rate of over five per cent.”

He said a few years ago, Brazil was a net food importer like Nigeria, but today, she feeds herself and exports to various parts of the world, suggesting that the country borrows a leaf from the Brazilian

agricultural model.

“The Bi-National Commission set up by the two countries during the recent state visit to Nigeria by the Brazilian President, Ms. Dilma Rousseff, is a practical effort by the two governments to boost economic and cultural relationship,” he said.

He said the NBCC1 is providing the vehicle for the realisation of this effort, adding that the Chamber plans to embark on a trade mission to Brazil in November. The mission will cover agricultural and agro-allied, technology, infrastructure, power, mining, oil and gas, construction, commerce, aviation, finance/banking, women empowerment, among others.

E

•Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

CIBN chief harps on professionalism

T

HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has re-emphasised the need for professionalism and acquisition of needed skills by bankers.

Speaking at the induction of 817 new graduates in Lagos, CIBN President/ Chairman of Council, Segun Aina, said banking thrives on professionalism and ethical practices as there are no short cuts.

The inductees comprise 13 persons for Certificate in Banking; 162 new Associates (Chartered Bankers) and 642 Micro-finance certified bankers, who have successfully completed the qualifying examinations of the Institute.

Aina said graduation and inductions are special occasions as they simultaneously signify both an end and a beginning for most bankers.

He said the exercise logically conclude the formal professional

examinations process and provide occasions for fulfillment for the students, their families and the Institute. As a beginning, such exercise provides the opportunity for the next and most important stage of practising with distinction, the knowledge and skills acquired through the examination process.

According to him, the exercise marks the transition from bank workers to Chartered Bankers or Certified Bankers as the case may be for the inductees.

He said the banking industry requires every practitioner to constantly add value and credibility to his institution in an ethical manner as well as continuously improve and add value and dignity to oneself.

“A greater level of versatility and intellectualism is required of today’s banking professionals. As your qualification of today is just a beginning; you need to participate in the Compulsory Continuing Professional De-

work recently rolled-out by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bankers Committee requires bankers to attain necessary competencies to stay abreast of global developments. Under the Financial Sector Strategy (FSS) 2020, the Institute is pursuing the drawing up the framework for attracting and developing world class talents within the banking industry.

velopment Programmes (CCPD) of the Institute.

The CCPD is provided to ensure that your capabilities keep pace with standards both nationally and globally. You have to stay relevant, up to date and customer-centric in the face of ever changing and competitive banking environment,” he said.

Aina said the competency frame-

Market volatility affecting SWF investment

T

HE recent market volatility has raised fears in the investment of the initial funds of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), analysts at Afrinvest West Africa have said.

The Fund, which is designed to accumulate a savings base for future generations and also safeguard the economy in times of internal and external shocks, received an initial in-

vestment of $1 billion earlier this year.

However, the volatility in global markets has caused a delay in investing the amount.

In addition, future contributions to the Excess Crude Account (ECA) are under threat, given the declining demand of Nigeria’s Brent Crude and its attendant effects on the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 7-08-13

SYMBOL CHAMPION BETAGLAS UNITYBNK ACADEMY NPFMCRFBK REDSTAREX JBERGER EVANSMED COURTVILLE MAYBAKER

O/PRICE 13.31 11.99 0.52 1.78 0.88 4.45 72.00 4.50 0.84 2.52

C/PRICE 14.64 13.18 0.57 1.95 0.96 4.80 77.40 4.80 0.89 2.67

CHANGE 1.33 1.19 0.05 0.17 0.08 0.35 5.40 0.30 0.05 0.15

JOSBREW VONO TRANSEXPR UPL WEMABANK UBN WAPIC UBA ROYALEX CADBURY

O/PRICE 0.90 0.76 0.81 4.59 1.20 12.50 0.74 8.85 0.56 53.90

C/PRICE 0.81 0.69 0.74 4.20 1.10 11.58 0.70 8.43 0.54 52.19

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

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%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.39 0.10 0.92 0.04 0.42 0.02 1.71

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 7-08-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

NTERPRISE Bank Limited at the weekend launched its ‘Brazil 2014 BetaLife Promo’, which will enable six of its customers win an all-expense-paid trip to Brazil next year. The bank said in a statement that the programme is part of its quest to continually delight its customers.

It said the promo, which will run from August 2013 to March 2014 provides opportunity for customers of the bank to visit and have a feel of the land of soccer, samba and carnivals.

Subscribers for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Elite and Individual Accounts of the bank are expected to be winners of the trip to Brazil.

To qualify for the draw, customers, or prospective customers of the bank are to open either the SME Account with N150, 000; the Elite Account with N75, 000, or Individual Account with N15, 000 and maintain the corresponding amount in the account every month from August, this year till March next year.

The bank said winners will emerge from these three categories of customers of SME, Elite and Individual accounts.

Many participating customers will also win mouth- watering consolation prizes.

“The launch of the ‘Brazil 2014 BetaLife Promo’ is a further effort by the management of Enterprise Bank to continually seek new ways of delighting the customers and improving the lives of all stakeholders. The draw will hold April 2014,” it said.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 140.65 140.16 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 158.75 158.54 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.18 1.16 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,837.37 1,835.83 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.73 14.01 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11.386.29 11,045.54 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

32

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

33

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12 , 2013

34

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc was apparently the toast of the investing public last week. With largest turnover in the market and highest gain in the banking subsector, UBA was a contrarian stock in the generally negative market situation.

Taofik Salako reports on the undercurrents drumming the upbeat for the bank

What bull points for UBA? E

QUITIES fell all through last week.

From the opening trading session to the closing deals, the market was a bear market. At the end of the week, the All Share Index (ASI), the value-based index that serves as the common gauge for the Nigerian stock market, indicated a week-on-week return of 1.0 per cent. This depressed average year-todate return to 35.47 per cent. With all sectoral indices on the negative, the downtrend was pervasive. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the dominant 30 most capitalised stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), dropped by 1.09 per cent, illustrating the losses suffered by most highly capitalised stocks. The NSE Banking Index, which tracks the dominant banking subsector, indicated a weekly return of -0.32 per cent. Other indices-the NSE Consumer Goods Index, NSE Insurance Index, NSE Oil and Gas Index, NSE-Lotus Islamic Index, NSE Industrial Goods Index and NSEASeM Index dropped by 0.93 per cent, 0.89 per cent, 1.01 per cent, 1.66 per cent, 3.64 per cent and 0.35 per cent respectively.

Amidst the downtrend, UBA stood out as a contrarian stock. With a three-day capital gain of 7.80 per cent, it doubled as the highest gainer, in percentage terms, in the banking subsector and one of the top 10 gainers last week. UBA’s share price rose from its price-on-board of N7.82 to close the week at N8.43 per share.

Interestingly, UBA’s upwardly pricing trend has been simultaneous with large turnover.

UBA was the most active stock both within the banking subgroup and the entire market.

UBA’s turnover of 170.96 million shares accounted for 27.5 per cent of turnover in the banking subsector and 15.6 per cent of total turnover for the week. Banking subsector, it should be noted, altogether accounted for 56.65 per cent of aggregate turnover on the NSE last week.

Market dynamics The three scenarios- the bearish overall market situation, UBA’s upwardly pricing trend and large volume, underline a favourable perception for UBA. Technically, volume is a wave breaker for pricing trend except where the demand exceedingly overwhelms supply. Where there are more investors willing to buy at premium than investors willing to sell, higher price becomes a bait to attract volume and vice versa. All things being equal, sustained large volume with sustained capital appreciation is an indication of strong prospects. As profit takers turn in their shares to lock in their capital gains, more futuristic investors round up the supply and up the demand to elicit further supply.

By Taofik Salako

Suffice to note that on the NSE, like other markets, price movement-either up or down, is dependent of possession of minimum volume of shares. Thus, price appreciation occurs where the selling investor and the buying investor- through their stockbrokers, agreed on the premium value of the stock and vice versa. That explains why a bearish market is regarded as a buyer’s market- because the interest of the buyer is to purchase at a lower price, and a bullish market is referred to as a seller’s market, since the interest of the seller is to sell at premium.

Underlying fundamentals UBA’s upbeat came on the heels of the release of the half-year earnings report of the bank.

One of the five reports so far from the banking subsector, UBA’s six-month report came out fairly better than average industry performance. Interim report and accounts of UBA for the first half ended June 30, 2013 showed gross earnings of N125.98 billion as against N107.91 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax increased from N30.41 billion to N33.25 billion. Profit after tax also improved from N27.07 billion to N28.41 billion. The report also showed appreciable improvements in the group’s balance sheet with deposits rising by 13.5 per cent from N1.77 trillion in 2012 to N2.01 trillion in 2013. Total assets increased to N2.42 trillion while net loans for the period amounted to N761.18 billion. Net assets grew by 7.9 per cent to N207.60 billion. The bank remained ahead of regulatory benchmarks in key indices with liquidity, adequacy and loan deposit ratios of 53.5 per cent, 22.3 per cent, and 37.7 per cent respectively.

The latest earnings report illustrated continued growth, albeit at a steady pace, in the bank’s fundamentals. The bank had in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 recorded a profit before tax of N17.2 billion as against N15.3 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit after tax grew by 19.1 per cent to N15.6billion as against N13.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2012. Threemonth gross earnings grew by 19.8 per cent, representing approximately N10.4billion additional revenue to the bank. Total deposits also improved by 13.5 per cent from N1.777 trillion by December 2012 to N2.017 trillion

by March 2013. Total assets grew by 7.1 per cent to N2.434 trillion compared with N2.272 trillion in December 2012. Total equity grew by 8.8 per cent to N209.4 billion compared with N192.5 billion posted in comparable period of

2012.

UBA’s 2013 performance appeared to illustrate the maturity of the growth trend of the company. After devastating provisions coloured the bottom-line red in 2011, the bank made impressive recovery in 2012. Audited report and accounts of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed profit before tax rose of N52 billion in 2012 compared with a loss of N26.60 billion in 2011. Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders grew by 5,058 per cent to N55.53 billion compared with a loss of N1.12 billion in 2011.

Gross earnings grew by 34.45 per cent to peak at N220.1 billion; representing approximately N56.40billion additional revenue on the N163.7 billion recorded in previous year.

Analysts at Bismarck Rewane’s Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) said UBA’s 2013 half-year report was ‘solid’, referencing the underlining sentiments for the tier one bank.

Management forecasts

Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Phillips Oduoza, said the first half report showed the resilience of the bank given that it operated under the revised Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s guideline on bank charges in the second quarter of the year.

According to him, the results reflected continued improvement in asset quality; disciplined expense management and an articulated execution of the bank’s three-tier strategic plan.

“The decisions we have taken so far are paying off, having recorded an improvement in revenue, as indicted in our guidance for the year. We were also encouraged by the growth in our Africa subsidiaries, which benefited from the strategic business alignment that has commenced. Thirteen of our 18 bank subsidiaries recorded profit in the first half of the year,” Oduoza outlined He said the bank has been well-positioned for growth based on its solid balance sheet footing, robust capital and liquidity positions noting that the bank would continue to benefit from the successful execution of quality relationship management process which is driving client acquisition and engagement.

He said the bank would continue to harness new efficiency initiatives, increase lending to key growth sectors of the economy, continuously develop its platforms to sustain synergies among the bank’s African subsidiaries while identifying viable opportunities to leverage on its strong capital position and make the right investments in its business.

“While economic growth remains modest,

•GMD,UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza there are signs that business returns will be much better. Our customers are the reasons we are in business, and we will not relent on our efforts to seek new and innovative ways of delivering unique and value adding products to meet their banking needs,” Oduoza said.

Bull and bear points

Analysts at Afrinvest say the future of the Nigerian banking space will rest on ancillary banking services including merchant banking, primary mortgage institutions and retail and small and medium enterprises banking. According to analysts, the industry is now confronted with the reality of declining fee incomes, mobile money and dollar denominated capital sourcing. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had recently increased the cash reserve ratio for public sector funds to 50 per cent, undercutting the support base for several banks with large public sector funds. “The era of “real banking” appears to be gradually re-emerging as traditional sources of high income and profitability continue to come under threat from increased competition and tighter regulation,” analysts stated.

With these operating challenges, banks with large geographic spread and crossjurisdiction market as well as deep products and services portfolios will find stronger supports to mitigate adverse impact of operating changes. UBA appears to be in better stead. A pan-African financial services holding group with operations in 19 African countries and other major global financial centres, UBA could harness opportunities across the markets to sustain a steady performance. That appears to be the undertone for investors’ optimism on the bank.

35

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

LABOUR

‘427,294 new jobs created in 2012’ N O fewer than 427,294 new jobs were created in the third quarter of last year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

In a survey by NBS, which was signed by the Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale, the Bureau said the need to fill a position vacated by an ex-employee recorded the highest percentage of those employed with 29.9 per cent.

The report added that 56,528 employees exited from various businesses in the third quarter of last year with most of them from the clerical cadre.

NBS noted in the report that the informal sector, with 240,349 fresh new jobs, generated the highest employment within the period under review.

The 240,349 figure, it noted accounted for 55.25 per cent of the total number of jobs created in the period.

There are over 17 million enterprises in the informal sector, according to the report.

The formal sector, with 164,293 jobs represents 38.45 per cent; and the public sector, with 22,642, or 5.3 per cent, followed in that order.

“During the third quarter of 2012, 240,359 jobs are estimated to have been created in the informal sector, representing 55.25 per cent, followed by the formal sector with 164,293 jobs representing 38.45 per cent, and the pub-

Stories by Toba Agboola

lic sector was 22,642, which is about 5.3 per cent.

“The total estimated number of jobs created in the economy for the third quarter of 2012 came to 427,294,” the report added.

It also showed that the government remained the major employer having a total number of 612,197 employees.

Of this figure, it said 400,377 or 65.4 per cent were males, while the remaining 211,820 or 34.6 per cent were females.

The report added: “The total number of jobs created in public institutions was estimated to be 22,642 in the third quarter of 2012.

“Of these, 65.3 per cent were males. Academic institutions had the highest number of jobs created, taking 40 per cent of the total number.

“This was followed by the state parastatals with 32.2 per cent.

Federal ministries had the least number with 0.33 per cent.”

It stated that people within the age bracket of 15 to 35 years constituted the bulk of people employed by the jobs created in the quarter with 72.8 per cent, while the remaining 26.6 per cent represented age group 36 to 59 years.

The age group of 60 and above, it added, recorded 0.6 per cent of the total number of new employee.

Minimum wage decentralisation will hurt economy, warns NECA

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HE Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the decision of the Senate to decentralise the national minimum wage will affect the economy.

NECA, the umbrella body for employers in the country, urged the Ministry of Labour and Productivity not to remain silent on the issue that affects workers across the country.

Director-General, NECA, Mr Segun Oshinowo, said the matter ought to have been discussed on the platform of social partners before any decision on minimum wage review could be taken.

He said the argument that setting a minimum wage by the Federal Government violated the principle of true federalism was baseless, because it should not be about duplication of roles and overlapping responsibilities.

Oshinowo said: “The Ministry of Labour and Productivity should not be quiet on this mat-

ter as it has great implication on the economy. We believe true federalism should not be on the portal of duplicating of roles or overlapping responsibilities. So government should not duplicate regulatory responsibility over us.”

President, NECA, Mr Richard Uche, decried the state of the economy, particularly the rising youth unemployment, warning that it is a time bomb, which if not urgently addressed may erode the social harmony and stability in the polity.

The NECA chief said efforts by the government to create quality jobs in the country had not yielded the needed result because the government, according to him, was merely scratching the issue on the surface.

Recently, the Senate had voted that the minimum wage be handled at the state levels.

Arguing that the decision to remove minimum wage from the exclusive list was based on the need to protect and nurture the nation’s democracy.

•From right: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Goodie Ibru; Director-General, Mr Muda Yusuf, and the past President and Honourary Life Vice-President, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan at the Council meeting of the Chamber .

Fed Govt to tackle unemployment through MSMEs

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HE Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said the Federal Government is committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment in the country through the development of a robust sustainable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sub sector.

He disclosed this at a workshop on the revised policy of the MSMEs and the launch of National Enterprises Development Programme (NEDEP) and the Ogun State Council on MSMEs in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He said the Federal Government created 32million indirect jobs through the 17.2 MSMEs in 2012 alone, adding that government has concluded plans to create five million jobs by 2015 through the expansion of MSMEs. The minister promised to forward a proposal to the Federal Executive Council on the need to

ensure production of school uniforms from made-in-Nigeria fabrics in order to encourage enterprise development.

“There is no reason why school uniforms cannot be made even from adire textiles,’’ he said.

Director-General, SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, pointed out that the National Policy on MSMEs, which outlined the general parameters and directions within which MSMEs programmes, interventions and initiatives would be designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated, would serve Nigeria from 2013-2015 and would be reviewed every four years.

Masari said the policy’s success was hinged on five critical prerequisites which include the need to streamline and decentralise MDAs at the federal, state and local governments, engage in MSME development, improve the capacity of the streamlined organisations to deliver

high quality services, institutionalise public-private dialogue and partnerships in MSME policy implementation.

It also include provision of funding from the public, private and non-profit sectors at the federal, state and local government levels, measurement and evaluation of MSME survey on an annual basis to ensure impact assessment and additional policy and programme modifications.

According to him, some of the special target enterprises under the policy include cottage agro and agro-allied enterprises, cottage arts and crafts, textiles and clothing, wood processing and furniture, leather and leather products, basic metal, metal fabrication and engineering enterprises, solid mineral enterprises, electronic and information technology enterprises , building and construction enterprises.

PenCom: N9.6b not remitted into workers’ account

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BOUT N9.6 billion has not been remitted into the workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said.

In a statement, it said: “The compliance report showed some inconsistencies on the part of Pension Fund Administrators, which included un-reconciled and un-credited contributions that amounted to N8.367 billion and N1.29 billion.”

The commission also said it discovered about 146 cases of unpaid benefits that had earlier been approved by the commission and wrongful debit of N39million on some RSAs by a Pension Fund Custodian.

It, however, said it had forwarded compliance letters to the concerned operators on the listed inconsistencies.

Other issues, according to the statement, include non-imple-

mentation of commitments made during examinations of operators; violation of the Pension Reform Act, 2004; violation of regulations, guidelines, circulars, and framework; and non-issuance of statements of account and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) to customers by some operators.

According to PenCom, the need to ensure the safety of pension assets, fair returns on investment and sustainability of the industry necessitated the need to proactively regulate and supervise the pension industry in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the PRA 2004.

It stated that the supervisory approach rested on risk-based philosophy to cope with the challenges posed by the dynamics of the operating environment.

On risk management among the pension operators, PenCom said during the third quarter of

2012, it observed some irregularities in the risk management reports submitted by operators.

These included unprocessed benefit applications and uncredited contributions by a PFC; discrepancies between contribution schedules and the payment instruments forwarded by some employers; delay in the payment of retirees’benefits and non-compliance with the fund accounting guidelines by some operators. Another challenge was in the area of information communication technology (ICT) in core application software, servers and other support equipment.

Consequently, it said, letters had been sent to the affected operators to address the issues.

PenCom also observed the violation of the code of corporate governance for pension fund operators as issued by the commission.

Minister, TUC condole with NUJ, bereaved families

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HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have sympathised with the President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Garba Mohammed and the members over the death of their colleagues last weekend, describing the incident as unfor-

tunate.

The Minister said: “I received with shock the sudden death of active journalists cut down in their prime ages by the cold hand of death in a ghastly (fatal) motor accident in Ilesa, Osun State. I share in the pains and identify with NUJ and the families of the deceased in this moment of

grief.”

In a statement, TUC said: “It is with great shock and sadness that the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria received the untimely death of members of the NUJ, who died in a motor accident that occurred in Ilesa, Osun State. Indeed, the deceased can best be described as heroes, who dedicated their pro-

fessional lives towards the progress of the country.

“The congress shares in this pain and earnestly identifies with the families of the bereaved and journalists throughout the country. It is unfortunate that the renowned journalists had their lives cut short in their prime. It was a big shock to the congress.

“We, however, wish to use this opportunity to charge the government at all levels to deliver the dividends of democracy by fixing the roads and also ensuring that all practicing journalists are insured. Once again, may Allah grant the NUJ and bereaved families the fortitude to bear the losses.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12 , 2013

36

DUE DILIGENCE

Total Nigeria: Downside of the upside

By Taofik Salako

•MD, Total Nigeria,Francois Boussagol

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OTAL Nigeria Plc is witnessing significant growth in sales but declining underlying fundamentals show a less efficient and increasingly susceptible performance.

Audited report and accounts of Total Nigeria for the year ended December 31, last year showed substantial outward growths in profit and loss items with 25 per cent and 23 per cent growth in sales and profit after tax respectively.

The obvious improvement in the bottom-line enabled the company to increase dividend to shareholders by 22 per cent.

But beyond the surface, Total Nigeria’s profit-making capacity was relatively lower and its balance sheet support weakened considerably. With high financial leverage and negative working capital, the overall balance sheet was unsteady.

It has also shown similar, albeit worse, trend in its latest earnings report. Interim report for the first half ended June 30, 2013 showed appreciable improvement in the top-line but both outward and underlying profitability measures were negative. While turnover grew by 7.0 per cent and gross profit rose by 20.5 per cent, pretax profit margin dwindled from 4.38 per cent to 3.81 per cent.

Interest expense, which has continuously been the highest growth point, signaled a worsening gearing ratio, with increasingly evident adverse impact on the bottom-line.

Financing structure Total assets rose by 29.5 per cent from N58.72 billion in 2011 to

N76.07 billion in 2012. Noncurrent assets had grown by 11 per cent from N18.29 billion to N20.33 billion while current assets grew by 38 per cent from N40.43 billion to N55.74 billion. Total liabilities stood at N64.77 billion in 2012, 33 per cent above N48.69 billion recorded in 2011. Bank loans jumped by 357 per cent from N3.19 billion to N14.56 billion. With the paid up capital unchanged at N169.8 million, shareholders’ funds rode on the back of retained earnings to N11.30 billion in 2012, 13 per cent above N10.03 billion posted in 2011.

The underlying financing structure was evidently weaker with debt-to-equity ratio spiraling to a high of 129 per cent as against 32 per cent in previous year. The proportion of equity fund to total balance sheet size declined from 17 per cent to 14.9 per cent while current liabilities amounted to 81 per cent of total assets as against 78 per cent in previous year.

Efficiency

Total Nigeria was straddled between declining top, mid and bottom-line margins. Average margin was flat, although average productivity improved. Average number of employees increased by two persons from 472 persons to 474 persons. Total staff cost increased from N4.72 billion in 2011 to N5.23 billion in 2012.

Average cost per staff thus increased from N10 million to N11 million. Average pre-tax profit per employee meanwhile improved from N12.41 million to N15 million. Total cost of business, excluding financing charges, was flat at 96.5 per cent.

Profitability Total Nigeria recorded a mixed grill with declining margins counterbalancing outward growths. Turnover rose by 25 per cent from N173.95 billion to N217.84 billion. The top-line was driven mainly by impressive 27 per cent growth in the main petroleum products business segment, which rose by 27 per cent from N153.93 billion to N196.07 billion. Cost of sales outpaced total sales’ growth with 26.5 per cent increase from N1151.53 billion to N191.63 billion. Gross profit thus rose by 17 per cent to N26.21 billion in 2012 as against N22.42

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Nmillion

2012 12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo)

196,072 217,844 191,632 26,211 18,564 1,023 1,572 7,098 4,671 1,376 3,735 1,100 3,329

Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

% change 27.4 25.2 26.5 16.9 13.4 48.9 79.7 21.1 22.5 22.5 22.2 22.2 12.7

billion. Total operating expenses increased by 13 per cent from N16.37 billion to N18.56 billion.

Non-core business income grew by 49 per cent from N687 million to N1.02 billion. Interest expense jumped by 80 per cent from N875 million to N1.57 billion. With these, profit before tax rose by 21 per cent from N5.86 billion to N7.1 billion. Profit after tax also grew by 22.5 per cent from N3.81 billion to N4.67 billion.

Earnings per share thus increased from N11.23 in 2011 to N13.76 in 2012. The company increased gross dividend by similar margin from N3.06 billion to N3.74 billion, indicating earnings per share of N11 for 2012 as against N9 in 2011. Dividend cover was however flat at 1.25 times. Net assets per share stood at N33.29 in 2012 compared with N29.53 in 2011.

Beyond the surface, underlying profitability ratios were generally negative. Gross profit margin dropped from 12.9 per cent to 12 per cent while profit before tax margin slipped from 3.4 per cent to 3.3 per cent. Return on total assets dropped from 10 per cent to 9.3 per cent. Return on equity was however higher at 41.3 per cent as against 38 per cent in previous year.

Profit Before Tax Trend

2 02 00 80 8

2 20 00 09 9

2 20 01 10 0 2 20 01 11 1

2 20 01 12 2

2008-2012

Sales Trend

Liquidity

The liquidity position of the company remained tepid with marginal improvement in current ratio counteracted by negative working capital.

Current ratio, which broadly indicates ability of the company to meet emerging financing needs by relating current assets to relative liabilities, improved slightly from 0.88 times in 2011 to 0.90 times. The proportion of working capital to total sales stood at -2.9 per cent in 2012 as against -3.2 per cent in 2011.

Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 31.6 per cent in 2012 as against 35.7 per cent in 2011.

Governance and structures Total Nigeria was incorporated in 1956 as a private limited liability company and became a public limited liability company in 1978.Total Nigeria is a subsidiary of French multinational and Europeleading oil company-Total S. A. 2011 12 months

153,928 173,949 151,530 22,419 16,372 687 875 5,859 3,813 1,123 3,056 900 2,953

18,864 20,331 10,459 55,736 76,067

13.6 11.1 3.5 37.9 29.5

16,599 18,292 10,103 40,428 58,720

33,138 14,560 61,951 2,814 64,765

17.2 357.1 34.5 6.7 33.0

28,264 3,185 46,056 2,638 48,694

169.8 11,302

0.0 12.7

169.8 10,026

There were some changes on the board a n d management of the company. Mr

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2008-2012

Momar Nguer became the chairman of board of directors. Mr Francois Boussagol meanwhile remains the managing director.

Total Nigeria broadly complied with extant codes of corporate governance and best practices.

Analyst’s opinion The latest audited report and interim report of Total Nigeria underlined the need for a careful consideration of the business strategy of the company. While sales growth is commendable, and should be sustained, the company needs to realign its costs to optimise sales into tangible returns to shareholders. Besides, the company faces a looming

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

challenge of financial mismatch with expanding loan book gradually eroding the bottom-line.

The first half report for 2013 clearly illustrated this. With 2,613 per cent increase in interest expense from N21.99 million in first half of 2012 to N596.60 million in first half 2013, both actual and underlying profit measures turned negative. Profit before tax dropped from N4.81 billion to N4.47 billion while profit after tax declined from N3.27 billion to N2.98 billion. Average profit before tax margin dwindled from 4.38 per cent in first half 2012 to 3.81 per cent in first half 2013.

The company needs to address the disconnect between the top-line and the bottom-line.

2012 %

2011 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

14.9 3.7 81.4 128.8

17.1 4.5 78.4 31.8

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

12.0 3.3 9.3 41.3 1.25

12.9 3.4 10.0 38.0 1.25

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

15.00 11.03 96.5

12.41 10.00 96.5

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

0.90 -2.9 31.6

0.88 -3.2 35.7

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

37

International Business Job numbers to double at GM plant

E

UROPEAN markets rose in afternoon trade on Friday, with mining stocks in particular receiving a boost from better-than-expected industrial output data from China, dealers said.

London’s FTSE 100 index gained 0.69 percent to 6,574.73 points following also strong British export data. Frankfurt’s DAX 30 added 0.25 percent to 8,339.11 points and the CAC 40 index in Paris increased 0.32 percent to 4,078.19.

“European shares remained positive heading into the afternoon helped by mining stocks after Chinese industrial production beat estimates,” Spreadex trader Lee Mumford said.

The world’s second-biggest economy China reported industrial growth for July reached a fivemonth high.

Industrial production, which measures output at factories, workshops and mines, rose by 9.7 per cent year-on-year, well above analyst expectations.

Authorities also announced steady expansion in retail sales and fixed asset investment, and a benign inflation figure of 2.7 per cent, unchanged on last month.

Analysts said the figures pointed to a more stable outlook for China’s economy — seen as a key driver of global growth — after months of mounting pessimism.

The data came as Britain’s biggest retailer, supermarket chain Tesco, said on Friday that it is in exclusive talks over combining its Chinese operations with those of China Resources Enterprise.

Tesco said the move was in line with the group’s strategy of seeking to profit from fast-growing economies, and comes as China seeks to balance export growth with

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• A trader with two phones at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

European stocks rise on China output data domestic consumption.

Tesco , the world’s third-biggest supermarket group after French rival Carrefour and US retailer WalMart in first place — said the proposed joint venture would create a business with annual sales of about £10 billion ($15.5 billion, 11.6 billion euro).

Shares in Tesco rose by 0.87 per cent to stand at 372.3 pence in

Chinese economic data points to end of slowdown

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HINA'S economy could be stabilising, the latest set of economic figures from the country has suggested.

Factory output in July rose 9.7 per cent compared with a year ago, ahead of expectations and up from the previous month's figure of 8.9 per cent.

Consumer prices held steady in July, rising 2.7 per cent from a year earlier, matching the rate seen in June.

China's growth rate has been slowing at its fastest pace since the global financial crisis in 2008.

In the second quarter of the year, China's economy grew by 7.5 per cent compared with the previous year, down from 7.7 per cent in the

Vale retains good performance

B

RAZILIAN miner Vale reported a solid financial performance in the second quarter of the year amid an environment of below-trend global economic growth and declining minerals and metals prices.

Operating revenues were $ 11.3billion, operating income, as measured by adjusted EBIT, reached US$ 3.6billion, adjusted EBITDA US$ 5.0billion, and underlying earnings US$ 3.3billion, US$ 0.64 per share.

Iron ore sales were slightly above planned at 61.9Mt in the second quarter of the year and 117.6Mt in 1H13, and in line with 1H12. The average price for iron ore shipments dropped 11 per cent Q1/Q2 to US$ 99.20/t from US$ 111.70/t in 1Q13, but the mix of different pricing mechanisms in Vale's sales portfolio cushioned the greater fall of 15 per cent in the IODEX 62 per cent Fe index which fell to US$ 125.95 in 2Q13 from US$ 148.40 in 1Q13.

Revenues were sustained at US$ 6.1bn and adjusted EBITDA for ferrous minerals kept steady at US$ 4.7bn, the same level as 1Q13.

N investment decision by General Motors announced in Spring Hill by the UAW, will have a tremendous impact on workers at the General Motors Spring Hill plant and their families, and the local economy as a whole.

GM will invest $350million in the Spring Hill plant, and make two brand new vehicles there.

These new product lines will employ 1,800 people, creating or retaining 1,800 jobs, and doubling the number of workers at the plant.

"This investment will be a huge bump to the economy, and it just shows that when United Auto Workers and General Motors work together, anything is possible in terms of creating jobs," said Mike Herron, UAW Local 1853 Chairman. "This will be a tremendous financial and economic boost."

The upcoming positions will be good middle class American jobs.

They will be permanent positions, not temporary. Benefits and retirement plans will be available as well, Herron said.

GM has made no commitment as to what the specific vehicles are at this time for competitive reasons.

The hiring process and when these jobs will become available has not been clarified yet, but could be within the next three years.

The Spring Hill plant currently makes the Chevrolet Equinox, four-cylinder Ecotec engines, and parts for other GM vehicles.

London deals.

Shares in Dutch telecom group KPN leapt by 16.5 per cent to 2.33 euros in response to a bid for full control by Mexican group America Movil. Mining giant Anglo American won 3.85 per cent to 1,510.5 pence, and Rio Tinto added 3.4 per cent to 3,117.5 pence.

The euro fell back to $1.3375 from $1.3380 late in New York on

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January to March period.

The government has set a target of 7.5 per cent growth for the year, which would mark the lowest rate of expansion in more than two decades.

In other data released on Friday, the producer price index fell 2.3 per cent in July from a year earlier compared with a drop of 2.7 per cent in June.

However, although July's retail sales jumped by 13.2 per cent compared with last year, that was a slower pace of growth than the 13.5 per cent recorded between June last year and June this year On Friday, trade figures showed export and import growth rebounded in July.

HE United Kingdom (UK) goods trade deficit shrank to its smallest amount in almost a year in June, official figures have shown, helped by a rise in exports.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the gap between imports and exports narrowed to £8.1billon in June, down from £8.7billion in May. The ONS also said construction output grew more in the second quarter of the year than it had first estimated.

The trade gap in goods with nonEU countries fell sharply from £4bn in May to £2.6billon in June, well below forecasts of a £3.8billon deficit.

UK manufacturers have been urged to trade with countries outside Europe - which have been growing far more quickly in recent years - rather than with those in the

Thursday.

The dollar also lost ground to 96.25 yen from 96.65 yen on Thursday. On the London Bullion Market, the price of gold rose to $1,305.50 an ounce from $1,298.25 on Thursday.

Asian stock markets closed out the week mixed, while on Wall Street shares opened lower despite the positive data from China.

UK trade gap shrinks as exports rise eurozone, where growth is much weaker.

However, the UK's single biggest trading partner remains the eurozone.

Although the UK usually imports more goods from other countries than it exports, it normally makes more from services sold abroad than it imports, and taking this into account the overall trade gap, including both goods and services, was £1.55billion, the lowest since January.

Over the three months to June, export volumes grew by 5.9 per cent almost twice as fast as the growth in imports.

June exports were worth £26.9billion, taking the total for the three months to the end of June to £78.4billion, a record sum.

"This positive trade data supports our view that the manufacturing sector will gain momentum and will be a source of growth for the UK economy over the coming years," said Rachel Pettigrew, senior economist at the EEF manufacturers' organisation.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the fall in the trade gap was "welcome", but added that the deficit was "still too large".

"We aren't making enough progress in rebalancing our economy towards net exports," said David Kern, chief economist at the BCC. Our recent surveys reveal huge untapped potential among British exporters, especially in the service sector, and unleashing this potential will help to secure a sustainable recovery."

China sacks top economic official FORMER top economic official in China has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office, the state media has reported.

Liu Tienan, formerly deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, "accepted huge amounts of bribes", Xinhua news agency reported.

Allegations against Mr Liu emerged online in December, when a well-known journalist accused him of corruption.

The move comes amid a highprofile crackdown on corruption.

Mr Liu "took advantage of his position to seek profits for others",

Xinhua reported, citing the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

He was found to "seek benefits for his relatives' businesses by breaking relevant regulations" and had accepted "cash and gifts", Xinhua said.

The commission also found Mr Liu was "morally degenerate", Xinhua added, without giving further details.

Luo Changping, deputy editor of the respected Caijing Magazine, first levelled allegations against Mr Liu in December.

On entries posted on his microblog, Mr Luo said the official

P

Palmer's biggest hurdle is lack of rail access to a port nearly 500 kilometres (300 miles) away.

Waratah Coal said it had won approval for its environmental impact statement (EIS) for the mine and rail portions from the Queensland coordinator general and would seek a review from the federal government's environment

A

was involved in questionable financial deals, fabricated his academic record and threatened to kill a former mistress.

In May, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection began investigating Mr Liu for suspected "serious disciplinary violations".

The downfall of Mr Liu is now being seen as rare victory for public efforts to expose official corruption, the Bristish Broadcasting Corporation(BBC's) Martin Patience in Beijing reports.

However the reality is that the Chinese authorities still tightly control the internet, and any serious allegations against senior

leaders are immediately censored unless they have been officially sanctioned, our correspondent adds.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a crackdown on corruption, vowing to tackle it from the powerful "tigers" at the top to the "flies" at the bottom of the Communist Party.

In June, Lei Zhengfu, a former official at the centre of a sex tape extortion scandal, was jailed for accepting bribes.

In July, former Railways Minister Liu Zhijun was given a suspended death sentence for corruption and abuse of power.

Australian tycoon clears hurdle for coal project

ALMER'S Waratah Coal has long planned to build a mine in the Galilee Basin but has yet to line up funding for the project.

He has won state environmental approval for his A$6.4 billion ($5.8 billion) China First coal project in Queensland, and aims to apply for federal environmental approval in October, he said on Friday.

department.

"Subject to the Commonwealth review, it is anticipated a final EIS will be lodged with the Commonwealth for approval in late October," Waratah Coal Managing Director Nui Harris said in a statement.

Palmer's China First project is one of several multibillion dollar

projects that have been put on ice in Queensland's untapped Galilee Basin due to a sharp slump in coal prices that has made most thermal coal mines in Australia unprofitable.

Including the port development, the total value of the project is estimated at about A$8.8 billion.

Thermal coal is used for power generation.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

38

Africa Business

Balala denies bribery claims

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HE pressure continues to build for the Kenyan Ministry of Mining following the decision by the country’s Cabinet Secretary to cancel all mining licences issued between January and May, this year.

On Friday, Jacob Juma the Country Director, Cortec Mining, said their licence was cancelled under unscrupulous circumstances.

Juma accused the Cabinet Secretary for Mining Najib Balala of demanding a bribe from Cortec officials for him to secure their

licence.

"The Minister demanded Sh80 million from us and threatened that if we don't pay he would revoke our licence on the Mrima Hills project," said Juma.

Juma added that the decision to revoke their licence was illegal and they have plans to take legal action if it is not reversed.

"If the Cabinet Secretary does not rescind his decision on the licence we will be forced to sue the government and Balala as an individual," added Juma.

Najib Balala responded to the claims saying that he had a track record that was free from any corruption and he will not be bogged down by the allegations.

"Forces of corruption will always hit back. It is my mandate to deliver and Kenyans must benefit from their resources. Law and order needed to be brought to the Ministry of Mining," explained Balala through his twitter accounts.

Balala further accused Juma of issuing threats to his ministry's public relations officer on

• Passengers getting through the security check at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, shortly after local flights resumed following after fire engulfed the arrivals terminals.

Kenya resumes international flights after fire outbreak

K

ENYA will resume all international flights at its main airport from midnight after a fire engulfed the arrivals terminals and shut operations at sub-Saharan Africa's fourth-busiest air-transport hub.

"We are now going to have international departures and from midnight today we are opening up the airport for full operations," Transport Secretary Michael Kamau told reporters in remarks broadcast

by KTN, a private television company.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi, has partially reopened. Flights from cities, including Bangkok landed in Nairobi since this morning after cargo planes and passenger flights bound for domestic and regional locations resumed yesterday.

The fire that burned for almost five hours razed the arrivals terminal of the main airport, a crucial link for exports of products including flowers and horticulture and

handling tourists, all of which are among the biggest sources of foreign currency for Kenya.

Another "small" fire that broke out this morning at the arrivals terminal was extinguished within 13 minutes, the ministry said.

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze and "there is no reason to speculate" before the official findings are released, Kamau said.

The Kenya Airports Authority posted a photo on its Twitter account of a make-shift, temporary international arrivals terminal in enclosed tents set up on a pavement.

Footage aired by KTN showed long lines of travelers waiting at outdoor kiosks to check in for their flights.

U.S. President Barack Obama has called his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, to offer support after the blaze, according to an e-mailed statement. Obama also expressed his condolences on the 15th anniversary of twin coordinated attacks by alQaeda on the U.S. embassies in Kenya

and Tanzania, in which more than 224 people died. The World Bank and African Development Bank have made "immediate offers" of financing to help rehabilitate the Nairobi airport, Kamau said.

Kenya Airways Ltd., the country's flagship carrier and the third-biggest airline in sub-Saharan Africa by passengers, is operating at about 35 per cent of its capacity, he said. The company's shares fell for a second day, declining 0.5 per cent to 9.45 shillings.

The airline will operate 31 international flights tomorrow compared with 6 today and will resume all flights to the Kenyan towns of Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi and Eldoret, it said in an e-mailed statement.

Kenya is the world's largest blacktea exporter and it supplies one third of the flowers traded in Europe. The country's wild game parks and Indian Ocean beaches draw almost 2 million tourists a year from countries including the U.K., the U.S., India and China.

Planning for an economically successful Africa

D

ONALD Kaberuka's performance has been described by some as 'flawless'. His endeavours to improve growth and development in many African countries have earned him much acclaim.

He has stepped-up the African Development Bank's (AfDB) role in financing major infrastructure projects in all African regions, committing more than $12 billion to these projects in the last five and a half years.

The absence of good infrastructure in Africa is well known. The lack of proper and sound infrastructure in most countries has affected productivity and raised production and transaction costs.

Higher transaction costs stymie growth by

reducing the competitiveness of businesses and the ability of governments to successfully pursue economic and social development policies. African countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, are the least competitive in the world as a result. According to the African Union (AU), poor infrastructure on the continent has been found to reduce growth by as much as two per cent per year.

The AU has warned that this is a continentwide problem which requires a continental solution. For this reason, infrastructure is the focus of the AfDB's activities. Over the last seven years, it has accounted for 60 per cent of the bank's operations.

Kaberuka recognises that good infrastructure plays a critical role in economic growth and poverty

reduction.

"When I assumed the Presidency of the Bank, this was one of the areas where I intended to make a steep change. And we have. Private sector commitment now accounts for 30 per cent of all bank operations," he says.

"In this regard, the bank seeks to mainstream private sector development in all its strategic and resource allocation platforms. Total financing is expected to further grow to $2.5 billion per year in the next three years."

Beyond financing, the bank attempts to assist governments to better structure concession transactions and has initiated some transformative vehicles in key economic sectors, including innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Wednesday.

"She called me and told me how Juma threatened her and shouted at her telling her how powerful he is and how he will get his licence back," Balala said.

He further explained that the value of the minerals in Kwale as issued by the company was exaggerated in a bid to stop the government from revoking its licence.

Balala had on Monday revoked licences saying they were issued under questionable circumstances to unqualified people and companies.

The licences were allegedly awarded after the dissolution of the 10th Parliament with Balala saying that there was no proper legal framework for the process.

"We are revoking all licences from miners and mining companies for us to understand the process used to issue them and confirm that the people they were awarded to are qualified to hold them," said Balala Cortec mining got approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment for the mining and processing of niobium and rare earth minerals in Kwale.

Company's officials on Monday told Capital FM that they had not received any communication on the order by the Cabinet Secretary.

"The company has learnt this through the media and therefore is trying to reach the ministry for more information. Until now, Cortec is not aware of how this statement affects it," the firm said in response.

The mining project was said to be the biggest in the world and would generate more than Sh26 billion in tax and royalties for the country.

Balala after the licence cancellation

• Balala

set up a task force to investigate the matter.

"I have appointed a task force that will be chaired by Mohammed Nyaoga to comprehensively review licenses issued from January 2003 to date and draft recommendations within 60 days," Balala explained Also revoked were all licenses of mining companies that are registered under the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA).

Balala also revealed that royalties on minerals and drilling charges were increased from August 1, this year something that Kenya Chamber of Mines officials termed as out of sync with international rates and was like killing the cow that produces the milk.

Kenya Chamber of Mines is the umbrella body where all private owned mining companies are registered.

All concerned parties are now calling for dialogue between the cabinet secretary and the mining companies involved to solve the unrest.

Store water ahead of SADC meeting, Malawians urged MALAWIANS have been asked to stock water in their houses ahead of the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) meeting as the country's pipes will run dry due to lack of electricity.

In a statement circulated in Blantyre, the Blantyre Water Board, the city's water provider, warned citizens of likely dry pipes because the country's electricity supplier would increase rationing to reserve power for SADC meeting.

Malawi will be hosting the 33rd yearly SADC summit from August 17, this year. Meetings of senior officials, however, will start taking place from August 10 -13 and to be followed by the Council of Ministers from 14-15 of the same month.

"People should keep water in drums for their consumption as the water supply will be constantly interrupted during the SADC meeting. Water pumping will be affected by the electricity rationing as the supplier aims to keep the Lilongwe uninterrupted supply of electricity during the period of the meeting," according to a statement read through national broadcaster.

Malawi is experiencing constant power outage. The country electricity demand is at 350 megawatts a day however the country only managed to produce 250 megawatts.

Malawi is expected to spend about to spend about $1.4 million. President Joyce Banda is expected to take over the readership of the regional grouping.

Togo police seize 700 kilos of ivory POLICE in Togo have seized 700 kilogrammes (1,540 pounds) of ivory in the capital city of Lome, the government told AFP on Friday.

"The anti-drug brigade last Tuesday seized from a Lome shop 700 kilos of ivory belonging to a Togolese man, aged 58. He was arrested," said Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, the minister of the environment and forest resources.

"As yet, we do not have all the information on which country the ivory came from. We know today that there are several networks and investigations are underway to see if the Togolese belongs to one of these networks, as this is the first big seizure by Togo," she said.

"We believe that there is now an urgent need to provide a strong, international response to lead the fight against trafficking," added the minister.

According to Togo police, some 116 ivory horns were seized in 2011 and traffickers were arrested.

International trade in ivory was banned in 1989 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

But traffic has grown in recent years due to strong demand in the Middle East and Asia, where elephant tusks are used in the manufacture of decorative objects and traditional medicine.

According to estimates by CITES, more than 25,000 African elephants were poached last year.

In Washington, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki commended the Togolese authorities in a statement.

"This arrest represents an important step in protecting valuable African wildlife and investigating criminal organisations," she said.

"We urge Togolese authorities to conduct a full investigation and hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law those who engaged in the trafficking of ivory.

"As demonstrated by the Executive Order signed by President Obama on July 1 during his visit to Africa, combating wildlife trafficking is an important priority of the United States."

She said Washington would "continue to work with partner nations to support efforts to put an end to this illegal activity, which threatens security and the rule of law, undermines conservation efforts, robs local communities of their economic base, and contributes to the emergence and spread of disease."

39

MOTORING THE NATION

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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

The new Cruze Diesel model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-charged diesel four-cylinder. Its advantages over others include a line-up of solid-performing, high-efficiency four-cylinder engines, a sophisticated ride and handling balance. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports with agency addition.

•Chevrolet Cruze

Chevy Cruze for drivers’ convenience

T

HE impact of the Chevy Cruze cannot be underestimated.

Introduced in 2011, this small economy sedan has made Chevrolet a brand to consider once more in the compactcar market, as the overall refinement, efficiency and packaging of the Cruze make it a serious rival for the Japanese-brand cars that have dominated the segment for a generation.

Points in the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze's favour include a lineup of solid-performing, highefficiency four-cylinder engines, a sophisticated ride and handling balance, and the car's sharp, non-gimmicky design inside and out. Passenger quarters are a smidge tight for this class, but most consumers will find them adequate. The Cruze also offers an unusually large trunk for a compact sedan.

Chevy has added some spice to the Cruze line for 2014 with the introduction of the Cruze Diesel. Equipped with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine and rated at 33 mpg combined by the EPA, this model directly targets the only other diesel-powered compact sedan in the United States. The diesel Jetta has a slightly higher combined fuel economy rating but the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel's 47 mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating is on par with the hybrid cars in this price range, and it is likely to be a bit quicker than the VW. A potential downside is the Cruze Diesel's higher base price compared with that of the Jetta TDI. There are a bunch of worthwhile compact cars in this price range, and it is now hard to pick a loser in this ultracompetitive segment.

If top-of-the-world fuel economy isn't one's priority, the Honda Civic is a can't-lose proposition, thanks to a spacious, high-quality interior and likable road manners. The Hyundai Elantra has unique styling, and because of its long features list, can be an excellent value. You might also consider the

rakish Ford Focus, which looks and feels more sophisticated than other economy sedans, or the Mazda 3, which offers the sportiest handling in this class. Although the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze does not dominate in this group, it is on equal footing with most of these cars and certainly worth a look if one is shopping for a compact sedan.

Body styles The Chevrolet Cruze is a small sedan offered in five trim levels: LS, LT, LTZ, Eco and Diesel.

The LS includes 16-inch steel wheels, OnStar, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, air-conditioning, a six-way (manual) adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a trip computer, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.

The LT is made up of the 1LT and 2LT equipment-level subsets. Compared with the LS, the 1LT upgrades to the 1.4-litre turbocharged gasoline engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The same features in the Eco's driver convenience package are also available for the 1LT. The Technology package available at the 1LT level brings a rearview camera and the Chevrolet MyLink interface, which bundles a seven-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice control and Smartphone integration. An available Driver Convenience package includes a sixway power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera and heated mirrors.

Powertrains All 2014 Chevrolet Cruzes are front-wheel drive. The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 138

•Interior of the car

horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The LT, LTZ and Eco are fitted with a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Cruze diesel has a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder rated at 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS, LT and Eco. A six-speed automatic is optional on those trims and standard for the LTZ and diesel.

Fuel economy stands at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the Cruze LS with the manual transmission and 22/35/ 27 mpg with the automatic. The turbocharged engine (LT and LTZ) with either transmission receives 26/38/30 mpg estimates.

Safety All Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags as standard.

A front-disc/rear-drum brake setup is standard on all models except the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel, which are upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, ondemand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance. A rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and

a rear cross-traffic alert system are optional for all Cruzes except the LS. Interior design The interiors of compact cars often show obvious signs of cost-cutting, but the Cruze's cabin has a classy two-tone color scheme and looks more upscale than many of its competitors.

That said, there are still a lot of hard plastic surfaces, and they are particularly noticeable in the pricey Cruze diesel. Given the longdistance driving-range potential of the diesel, more padding on the armrests would be welcome. On the upside, the MyLink touch screen interface is one of the simplest and most straightforward infotainment systems out there, and its voice-control interface is highly functional.

Some drivers might find the Cruze's front seats a bit narrow, but they are supportive and comfortable, and they offer plenty of adjustment. A low bottom cushion for the backseat diminishes comfort for longer-limbed riders, as it does not give enough thigh support.

The Cruze's rear seat legroom is only average for the segment; drivers will find more space in the Civic and Jetta. Considerably above average, however, is the Cruze's large trunk, which measures an impressive 15.4 cubic feet.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2013

40

MOTORING

Assembly orders ministry to erect zebra crossing signs

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that Zebra crossing signs and signal lights are erected in designated areas to give effect to the rules guiding pedestrians crossing the roads.

The Ministry of Information and Strategy was also mandated to intensify enlightenment campaigns

By Oziegbe Okoeki

on the need for motorists and pedestrians to comply with the signs, while the Commissioner of Police is to ensure that motorists comply with the provision of the Highway Code and Lagos State Traffic Law, 2012.

These were among the resolutions of the House at plenary last week.

A motion moved by Ahmed Ipoola Omisore, representing Ifako Ijaiye Constituency II and others, praised the commitment of the state government towards ensuring the safety of pedestrians on Lagos roads by marking longitudinal stripes (zebra crossing) on roads in high human and vehicular density areas in the state.

Omisore cited Part 1 Section B (II)

of the Nigeria Highway Code which states inter alia that a "pedestrian is a person who is walking on the road, especially in an area also used by vehicles. Drivers share the road with many other road users among who are pedestrians who are part of exposed road users."

Going by this, Omisore, in the motion, observed that a zebra crossing by law gives rights of way to pedestri-

ans, but most motorists are either ignorant of or disregard the existence of these important safety signs.

This, he said, was worrisome as innocent Lagosians have died due to the carefree attitude of the motorists.

The motion after presentation and deliberation was later adopted as resolution of the House to be communicated to the concerned agencies.

‘Tricycles, motorcycles not banned in Lagos’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

L

AGOS State government has debunked the allegation that it has banned the operations of tricycles and motorcycles popularly known as Keke Marwa and okada in the state.

Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said there was no time the government banned tricycles or motorcycles.

He said that Section 3 of the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 stipulates that 'No person shall ride, drive or propel a cart, wheel barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on any of the routes specified in Schedule 11 of this Law'.

According to him, motorcycles and tricycles were only 'restricted' on 475 roads out of 9,100 roads in the state including highways and bridges.

Opeifa said tricycles and the use of unpainted vehicles were restricted on Victoria Island, Government Reserved Areas (GRA) Ikeja and Ikoyi due to requests from residents as a result of the threat tricycles and unpainted vehicles posed to the residents of the area and the increase in the number of armed robbery attacks.

He said tricycle operators in the state are aware of the law, urging them to disregard the rumour and continue their operations in unrestricted areas in accordance with the Law. He appealed to those behind the rumour to desist from such acts as government will continue to ensure the safety and security of the people.

M

ANY new car designs make it more difficult for short drivers to achieve optimal visibility, reports Edmunds.com, the premier resource for car shopping and automotive information.

The reason, says Edmunds, is that many of the newer vehicles hitting the market have a higher "beltline" the horizontal line where window glass ends and sheet metal begins which makes it harder to see out of the side windows.

"This can give the vehicle a more assertive look, but it does little to improve sight lines, and can even

•Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa (third left) with other dignitaries during the unveiling of a German car rental firm, SIXT in partnership with Coscharis Motors in Lagos.

Leventis introduces Foton trucks UTO giant Leventis Motors has introduced Foton trucks into the market. They are products of Foton-Daimler Joint Venture.

Speaking at the launch, Leventis Motors Sales Manager, Mr Ashish Kumar said Foton trucks are accepted globally and their coming to the country offers an optimal solution to the needs of Nigerians.

Kumar said with deep understanding of the market, Leventis Motors has selected the spare parts, which would be well-suited for the roads and weather, adding that the trucks meet safety standards, including frontal crash and rear wall strength.

"Some of the parts are fitted with ABS to ensure the safety of the crew

A

By Joseph Eshanokpe

and the goods. All these features come with the economy of very good fuel mileage," he said.

Also, the Manager Service, Mr Vilas Bhurke said Foton trucks are backed by comprehensive spare parts and service network across the country.

"We, at Leventis Motors, believe that total customer satisfaction is only achieved, when a good quality vehicle is supported by attentive and responsive customer care and after sales service and support. A vital component of this our commitment to Leventis 3s - Sales, Service and Spares - which is supported by our fully equipped after sales facilities

in key locations across Nigeria with a large spare parts inventory in Lagos and other branches."

The new trucks include Light Duty Trucks (LDT) and Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks (M& HDT). While the former have a payload capacity of over 1.5tonnes, fitted with reliable and efficient engine, tough and heavy transmission and other aggregates, the latter have engine power of over 420 horse power and Cummins engine.

Also, the LDTs have adjustable steering wheel, ABS, air condition, sleeper wheel, among others. For M & HDTs, their unique features include aluminum fuel tank, music sytems, smart design car-like interior for storage space.

‘New vehicle designs don’t help shorter drivers’ make a vehicle feel claustrophobic for smaller drivers," says Edmunds.com Editor Warren Clarke.

"As a result, short car shoppers making such a big purchase might have trouble getting comfortable with a lot of the new car choices available on the market."

Automakers have made height-adjustable seats and telescopic and tilted steering wheels standard for most new vehicles, which can help shorter drivers.

According to the American Auto-

mobile Association (AAA), all drivers should adjust their driving positions so that there are 10-12 inches between the center of the steering wheel and the breastbone. Some vehicles even offer adjustable pedals, which can accommodate drivers with shorter legs without requiring them to move too close to the steering wheel.

Ultimately, says Edmunds.com, a shopper's individual physique will determine the vehicles that suit him or her best, and all shoppers should test-drive vehicles to make sure they

are a good fit. To make the shopping process a little easier, Edmunds.com has published a list of ten 2013 model year vehicles across all segments that are generally friendlier to smaller drivers.

This list consists of: BMW 3 Series, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Kia Soul, Lexus LS 460, Mazda 3, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Subaru Forester, Toyota Sienna and Volkswagen Passat.

Edmunds.com is a car-shopping site committed to helping people find the car that meets their every need.

ABC Transport wins award

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

A

BC Transport Plc has received the Best Land Transporter in Nigeria award at the Abuja Bantaba Awards organised by Akwaaba Travel Market, publishers of the African Travellers Magazine.

The award was conferred on ABC Transport in recognition of its outstanding services in land transportation.

ABC Transport earlier got the "Service Excellence Award" at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Consumer Awards in Abuja and the "Most Organised Transport Company" at the eighth edition of the Nigerian Auto Awards in Lagos.

The company has added 10 new luxury coaches to its fleet. These coaches are equipped with onboard security surveillance cameras, GPRS tracking technology and speed control limiters.

Before the end of the third quarter, five more coaches will be acquired and deployed to the domestic routes, “ the firm said.

It is set to take delivery of 23 new mini buses for its Sprinter Service and Shuttle Service operations,” it added.

SAFE DRIVING

Driver impairment and safety

A

S Research findings have affirmed that drivers behaviour, perception, and driving can be dangerously altered by the following factors:

•Alcohol and drugs - The use of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs can greatly impair drivers depending on the type of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs work negatively on the psycho motor of the brain system.

•Drowsiness - Drowsiness is a state of sleep which results in a sort of inattention, weakness and

bad judgment (reduction in eyescanning behaviour).

•Illness - There are some ailments that can impair drivers. For example, when a person has malaria fever or cold, it will reduce his energy level; reduce his attention and visual perception. For example, epilepsy can impair the driver during seizures.

•Medication - Non-treatment of ailments, incorrect use of medication can impair drivers. In the same vein, there are some drugs that can impair drivers. For example, the

use of cough syrup with codeine can cause drowsiness in drivers. In this case, it is expedient for drivers to always read the precautions on the container or label of every drug before using it to know if it can cause any form of impairment for drivers.

•Disability - There are some disabilities that can impair the concerned drivers. For example, there was a time that officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC) arrested a driver in Ibadan for driving impaired. The lame man was driving

with locally constructed iron to support his legs for driving a taxi cab.

Driving with one hand is also a risky habit as well as driving with defective eye(s).

Drivers must be well educated about the above forms of impairment and several others. Adequate knowledge of the various forms of impairment and their consequences will go a long way in putting drivers on guard as to how to avoid or manage their impairments for safe driving or avoidance of driving in the interest of safety on Nigeria roads.

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety

42

Monday, August 12, 2013

Defiant Rooney insists he’ll join Chelsea

POLITICS

43

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ANAMBRA POLITICS The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released its timetable for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State. But the crisis rocking the troubled chapter may rob it of victory, reports Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE.

Amid crisis, Anambra PDP prepares for poll T

HE crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has an agenda in Anambra State. The party chieftains have vowed to reclain power at the November 16 governorship election.

The party will be locked in the battle for the governorship with the new mega opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

For the PDP chieftains, the ego of the party has been deflated by its persistent electoral failure to capture the number one seat.

The PDP is not perceived as the main opposition party in Anambra State.

The performance of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the previous elections has reduced the PDP’s influence in the state.

As a demonstration of its readiness to win back the state, the PDP recently released its timetable for the proposed contest in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). At the meeting presided over by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the party announced that the sale and return of the ‘Expression of Interest (EoI) Form’ would take place between August 1 andAugust 5. The price is N10 million each. Then, the state congress to pick the party’s candidate will hold on August 24. The submission of the candidate’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is on Friday, August 30.

Factionalisation of PDP

• Tukur

• Ekwueme

• Mrs Anenih

The Soludo experience

Repeat of 2010 experience Barely two days after the release of the time-table, 27 chieftains obtained the forms.

This may translate into a rancorous primary election. The development immediately sent strong signals that the party has serious challenges to contend with, if it must make good its promise to win the state back from the APGA, or deal with the threat posed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Chris Ngige.

A chieftain of the party, who spoke with The Nation on the condition of anonymity, said that he is worried because the development portends grave danger for the party. He said the large number of aspirants is worrisome.

“The party would like to win the state, but I tell you, as an individual, I am not comfortable with the large number of people who purchased the form within two days. Curiously, almost half of them are women. Where have you seen that before, if not that somebody already has a hidden agenda? There we go again. I pray there is no repeat of the 2010 fiasco.”

But at the close of work on August 5, when the sale of the nomination form closed, only a little above half of the number who obtained the form were able to meet the conditions stipulated by the party, including the payment of the N10 million for men and N5 million for women.

A source said: “But for the financial hurdle, the whole exercise could have gone hay wire by now. In 2010, the Expression of Interest Formwas N250,000.00 while the nomination form was N3 million. It was the highest in the country then and it caused some uproar.

“This time, the party had to quickly

Another challenge confronting the PDP factionalisation. For now, there are two major factions. Some chieftains are parading themselves as the authentic chairmen.

Prince Kenneth Emeakayi is the chairman recognised by the electoral commission. But a section of the National Working Committee (NWC) has claimed that Ejike Oguebego is the authentic chairman. The implication of this is too grave to be underrated. Whether theparty likes it or not, it must find a solution to the leadership crisis.

Already, it was resolved at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Abuja that the factions should submit their membership lists. The goal is to harmonise the lists and arrive at a complete membership list for the August 21 primaries. As a condition, each faction must not only have membership cards, but must produce the evidence of financial membership.

Party leaders believe that it the only means of preventing fake party members from participating in the primaries.

• Uba

deal with the situation, once they discovered that some people were bent on causing mischief. Only about twothird of them were able to meet the condition. With a multitude of aspirants, it would create confusion. But even then, the danger is still not yet averted. Those who sponsored hair dressers to take the first form may be out there devising other means to ensure that, if they fail to clinch the ticket, the party goes down. That was what happened in 2010. We must avoid a repeat. And the party must act accordingly”, he said.

Consensus candidacy Party sources said that the reason for the large number of aspirants was to force the party to consider the option of consensus for the choice of the party’s candidate. But, the na-

• Okeke

tional leadership of the PDP had, during the meeting with the party’s stakeholders, resolved not to pick its flag bearer through a consensus arrangement, preferring to go through the party primaries.

The aspirants include the former student activist, Dr Tony Nwoye, Senator Andy Uba (Anambra South), Afam Onwuanyi from Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu from Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, former federal legislator Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo from Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, and Obinna Uzor from Ihiala Council Area, Walter Okeke from Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, Ugochukwu Okeke from Ihiala, South Senatorial District; Senator Alphonsus Igbeke from Nsugbe, North Senatorial District,

• Dr Obiogbolu

and Dr Alex Obiogbolu from Onitsha North.

How to ensure a united house after the primary election is one of the challenges the party would face in the days ahead. A source in the state told The Nation that the party may have succeeded to a large extent in checking the effect of the large number of aspirants. “The fact is that the high cost of the form has indeed, succeeded in considerably reducing the danger and threat posed by the deployment of stooges and proxies by desperate individuals. Nobody knows their next trick. The party must act smart now, or else, it would find itself in a position where it is late to do anything to stop the opposition from getting to the Government House, Awka ahead of us”, he said.

‘Unless the PDP moves to put its house in order, there could be a repeat of the Soludo experience in the party on a larger scale immediately after the November 16 election. The emergence of Soludo in 2010 caused so much disaffection within the party that many of those who contested with him openly declared that they would work against the party’s interest’

Former Governor of Central Bank Prof. Charles Soludo was the PDP governorship candidate in the 2010 election. Recently, he defected to the APGA. Analysts fear that, unless the PDP moves to put its house in order, there could be a repeat of the Soludo experience in the party on a larger scale immediately after the November 16 election. The emergence of Soludo in 2010 caused disaffection.

Many of those who contested with him openly declared that they would work against the interest of the party.

Some of them carried out their threats.

Senator Uba left the fold for the Labour Party, emerging as the flag bearer. He came a distant third in the election. If he had stayed in the party and joined forces with Soludo, the party would have won the election. That Soludo waited this long before jumping ship is indicative of the direction of things in the party in Anambra State.

Anambra PDP elders are worried about the likely outcome of the primaries. They are troubled by their past experience. The elders, it was learnt, are pushing for a thorough screening of the aspirants.

They also want some criteria to guide the screening pannel. A party source said that the party also want PDP to anticipate post-primary crisis and eveolve means of revolving it to prevent chaos.

True reconciliation Another thing that the party must do in the state is to ensure that it carries out a true reconciliation of aggrieved members in the state. The party must take advantage of two things. The Governor Seriake Dickson-led PDP Reconciliation Committee can assist in bringing about truce in the party. Also, the Board of Trustees(BOT) members, including Second Republic Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Senator Onyeabor Obi, Josephine Anenih and Chief Maxwell can reconcile the factions.

44

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

POLITICS Former Federal Capital Territory Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) memberAlhaji Mohammed Abba-Gana spoke with reporters in Lagos on the agitation for power shift by the North and other partisan issues. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘North should wait till 2019 for Presidency’

Y

OU are a founding member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Is the party still living up to the vision of its founding fathers?

I have been in public affairs of this country since 1979. I was a commissioner from 1979 to 1983 and thereafter, I got more involved in politics. I was very active in politics in the Second Republic. I was in the 1994 Constitutional Conference as a delegate from Borno State. In this dispensation, I was among those who wrote the PDP manifestos under the chairmanship of the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi. So, I am a founding member of the party.

One thing most people don’t know about the PDP is the background of the party. When Abacha died unexpectedly in June 1998, the political space just opened because Gen. Abubakar Abdusalami (rtd), who came in promised that he would hand over power to the civilians within a year. So, political activities started. But most politicians then looked back at history, because previously, all our parties were regional based and every time there was a general election, there were bitter disagreements and acrimonies all over the country, which the military cited as reasons for its interventions.

So, when Abacha died, the political leaders decided that this time around, we must do away with ethnic or regional based political parties, so that we will have a situation where there is a large political party that will have its presence in every state of the federation and dominance in at least 70 per cent of the country, for us to really entrench democratic rule without much crisis. For this reason, the leaders of the PDP when we started in 1998 were drawn from across the six geo-political zones of the country. We got people of substance in every state to be part and parcel of the party, people like Awoniyi, Solomon Lar, Abubakar Rimi, Bamanga Tukur, Jubril Aminu, Alex Ekwueme and even the late Bola Ige. He (Ige) was actually the chairman of the party’s constitution drafting committee.

After the launch of the PDP in August 1998, there was the local government election in December and the PDP won more than 400 local governments out of the 774 that we have in the country.

This established the dominance of the party and in subsequent election in 1999; we won most of the governorship seats, the presidency and dominated the National Assembly. So, while we thank God for our democracy since then despite the challenges along the line, I will say that there is no major threat to the democratic order and that is the basis why the PDP is still very relevant in the affairs of the country. Without a political party being dominant in a polity, there would be no stability and in the process of nationbuilding, you need a kind of link up to get it right. If after every four or five years the military comes in, you will never hit the ground running. So, the background of the PDP is so comprehensive because political leaders from different backgrounds and every part of the country said enough was enough and decided to bury their differences to form the party to move the country forward. I won’t be far from the truth if I say that the PDP was deliberately engineered by politicians to entrench democratic order.

Fourteen years down the line, would you say the party has sustained that vision of its founding fathers?

Democratic culture and attitude must be developed over a period, because, if you get pushed aside every time that you start learning, you will never have good politicians. For example, if the unfortunate military coup of 1966 had not happened, believe me; Nigeria would have been as great as Brazil, Malaysia, India and South Korea because the visions of leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello were so great.

You know that when the Western Nigeria Television Service was established in 1959, it was the only one in Africa. If that stride had continued, the black race would have benefited immensely from Nigeria in terms of knowledge and education. So, I will say that we had not developed because of lack of knowledge, but due to lack of stability. Military intervention over a long period forced Nigeria to stagnate, otherwise Nigerians are very bright. Even now, we export highly skilled professionals to several countries of the world. If you go to the Middle East, you will see Nigerian professionals driving their aviation sector; in Britain, you will see top Nigerian academicians, medical professionals and engineers; in the United States, it is even more. We have the skill and knowledge, what is lacking is the opportunity to harness our wisdom over a period but this is the only time that we have started. Because of the military’s intervention in our political process in 1999, we didn’t have the opportunity to form an elite consensus.

There must be consensus between the elite on what they want for the country because they are the ones who are supposed to educate the rest. To answer your question directly, I will say that we are still on track because the PDP has ensured the entrenchment of democratic order and rule of law.

What about the crises in the party?

The crises in the party are imagined and they will die out very soon. That some people are grandstanding does not mean crises.

You know that politics is about interest and accommodation of interest, so if people are jostling to promote or protect their interests, the time will come when the party will decide. In 2010, when President Umaru Yar’Adua died, there was a problem about succession, but we overcame. There was a problem about power shifting to the North because Yar’Adua didn’t complete his tenure, but our group differed with the Adamu Ciroma group on that. We said that it was not fair to take away the Presidency which the South-South got as a result of Yar’Adua’s death. We argued that such will severely disrupt the zoning arrangement in the PDP. As a result of this, there was crisis all over the place and we said; what do we do. The party agreed that let there be a primary.

They nominated Atiku Abubakar and there was a primary at the Eagle Square between him and President Goodluck Jonathan. Like

• Abba-Gana

the say, the rest is history and we have moved on. So, all these things you call crises would soon be resolved and we will move on. There have always been crisis in political parties across the world and Nigeria is not an exception because politics is all about interest. You cannot play politics without disagreeing and agreeing, but it always end with the majority having its way while the minority have its say.

But the minority seems to be having its way with recent development where 16 was said to be greater than 19.

That is not true. The 16/19 impasse is really not important because the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, is a non-governmental organisation. Did we hear about a Governors’ Forum during the Second Republic? Did we lose anything because of that? No! President Shehu Shagari of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, was in Lagos with the state governor, Lateef Jakande, who was elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, and there was no bickering. The problem with the NGF started when politics was introduced into the group by some of its members. For example, the Forum should have wisely avoided the PDP congress in Adamawa State by saying that it is a PDP affair and not its business because it has its members from the various political parties.

But what did we see; the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako ran to the forum, saying he needed protection. That was a contradiction because the issue on ground was a party affair. There was a query that originated from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the conduct of the state PDP congress and based on that, the party’s national leadership ordered another congress for the state.

Why is the PDP unable to resolve its lingering crises?

The problem with the present dispensation is that we have a situation where the political parties are no longer supreme than their members unlike in the First and Second Republics. I was a commissioner in the Second Republic and I know how we respected our leaders. Take the case of Ondo State in 1983, when Chief Awolowo told those who were aspiring to replace Michael Ajasin to wait.

They disagreed and Akin Omoboriowo went to the NPN and contested and they said he won, but he ran away from the state before the Supreme Court later restored the mandate to Ajasin. With Chief Adisa Akinloye as the chairman of the NPN, no governor of the party ever dared the party’s leadership. There was discipline then, but today we have individuals who are bigger than the leadership of their parties. So, I will appeal to all stakeholders to allow political misunderstandings or crisis to be resolved politically, because you cannot take a misunderstanding between you and the leadership of your party to court. If you cannot allow such disagreement to be resolved internally, you have the right to leave and form your own party or go to where your views would be accommodated.

Do you have such internal mechanism for conflict resolution in

‘The North needs another four years to plan, to relate better, to work hard and create a programme, so that this Boko Haram crisis, Jos crisis and so on will be settled. And we should search for and groom a leader from the North, who will unite the region and at the same time give Nigeria a very good leadership. But you can’t do this in a crash programme. And all these cannot be done with the governors going up and down’

the PDP and how was it applied in the recent case of the Rivers State PDP? The case of Rivers State was complicated by other circumstances.

In life or public affairs, it is always better to ask what is right and not who is right. Once you start asking who is right or wrong, there would be more problem and you will not get a solution to it. But if you ask what is right or wrong, you will be more objective. Also, you should avoid bringing in ego when cases like that of Rivers occur. There is no American governor, who will not seriously respect the country’s president. Whether you are right or wrong, if the president says this is the way to go, you should just keep quiet.

The dangerous dimension to the Rivers problem is that it has escalated to the whole of the South-South. The other governors in the zone see it that someone doesn’t like the President; that he wants to become the vice president that is why he is causing problem.

But most Northern elders also seem to be against the President.

It is not true. The North is not against President Jonathan because there are several well respected northern leaders the media may not know who are supporting him.

So, what do make of the actions and utterances of some Northern elders like Prof. Ango Abdullahi?

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi is just an interest group which is pursuing what I see as their own view of Northern interest, but there are other groups which are against them in the same North.

Are you saying that Ango Abdullahi does not speak for the North?

I doubt if he speaks for the North because the political parties are the only recognised institutions through which one can present oneself for an election and not through non-governmental organizations like NEF or the NGF. Ango Abdullahi and his group cannot organize any primary to nominate a candidate for the polls. They can only aggregate their views and channel it through a governor of their choice.

Besides Ango Abdullahi, other political leaders in the North are insisting that the Presidency must return to the region. What is your reaction?

Some people in the North want the presidency to come back to the region in 2015, but at the same time, others are saying there is nothing wrong in allowing President Jonathan to complete his eight years for fairness. Allowing Jonathan another four years will not take anything away from the North. Mind you the region has produced about eight or nine former heads of state of this country and it did not take away poverty from the North. We should not be talking as if the North has never had any president. We have had about eight or nine presidents, yet all the poverty, illiteracy, crises are in the North. So, if the previous eight or nine leaders, who are Northerners, did not make any difference, is it the remaining years of Jonathan that will kill the North?

In other words, are you are saying that the five northern governors going round the country and meeting some statesmen pose no threat to Jonathan’s second term ambition?

I have told you that the PDP was deliberately formed to engineer national unity and integration as well as democratic order, which no one can derail. I don’t see any of the governors leaving the PDP and I want to assure you that someone like Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State will never leave the PDP. He has been a consistent and very loyal member of the party and I think that he has not gotten like minds outside the PDP. Does that means there is no Northern agenda, even within the PDP itself against Jonathan’s ambition?

This is a democracy, so the PDP as a party will not suppress the aspiration of anyone. But we should realise that the PDP has a sitting president and if Jonathan says that he wants to seek for a second term, there is no way the party will say no because there are several advantages for a party if a sitting president says he would like to seek for another term, which he is entitled to. If the President says he will seek another term, most of us will support him, because it would be very unwise even for the PDP itself to bring out another person while Jonathan is still sitting in the Aso Villa. How will you force him to support the new candidate?

Do you support the right of first refusal advocated by the chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chief Tony Anenih?

It will be a matter of consensus by the leadership of the party, so let the time come, we will take a decision on that. I am a very loyal and committed member of the PDP and I am also a member of the BoT and Chief Anenih is my chairman, so I wouldn’t want to contradict him in any way.

What is the way out for the North?

Gen T.Y Danjuma, our highly respected statesman, has told our Northern elite that the North needs to plan very well. He also said the North needed to work very hard and also relate better and talk less. If you ask me, the North needs another four years to plan, to relate better, to work hard and create a programme, so that this Boko Haram crisis, Jos crisis and so on will be settled. And we should search for and groom a leader from the North, who will unite the region and at the same time give Nigeria a very good leadership. But you can’t do this in a crash programme. And all these cannot be done with the governors going up and down.

In 2011, President Jonathan savoured enormous political goodwill. But people now criticise him for poor performance.

What went wrong?

I am sorry to say that the Fourth Estate of the realm - the media, sometimes, unfortunately because of certain interests, magnifies issues. Some of the crises that we have now were not created by President Jonathan. For example, the Boko Haram insurrection has been there before Jonathan came in and I must say that it is worse than the Nigeria/Biafran war. The crisis is a misfortune but in spite of it, Jonathan is doing a lot of work, so we should commend him because no nation can face such level of insurrection and still carry on with governance and infrastructural development.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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

S/N

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Mrs Odukoya Dorcas late of 31, Ateboh Close, Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2013 at General Hospital Apapa, Lagos.

2. Miss Abazie Joy (Otherwise known as Joy Ifoma Abazie) late of 22, Ogunnike Street, Dopemu , Agege, Lagos, deceased wh died intestate on the 9th day of September, 2012 at London.

3. Useh Imoh Francis late of 16, Babalola Street, Ifako, Ijaye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

4. Mr Duke Ofomala (Otherwise known as Capt. Duke Ofomala) late of 1B, Wilmer Crescent, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th dayof June, 2011 at Benin, Edo State.

5. Mr Ali Mustapha (Otherwise Known as Alli Mustapha) late of 7, Omoyele Street, Ogijo, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

6. Mr Salisu Adisa Odejayi (Otherwise known as Mr S.Odejayi) late of 3, Oyekan Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 15th day of December, 1983 at Lagos.

7. Peter Abel late of Ikeja Cantoment CBQ 39, R 4 Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2011 at Sokoto 8. Ogunseye Samuel late of 31, Apata Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

9. Mrs Iheanacho Joy Ogoma (Otherwise known as Mrs Iheanacho Joy O. ) late of 11B, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo , Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of May, 2012 at Imo State.

10. Oke Kolawole Olalekan late of No. 22, Agbogunleri Street, Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2007 at Subol Hospital, Ikotun, Lagos.

11. Mrs Iyabo Bukola Okunola (Otherwise known as Okunola Iyabo) late of 21, Olajide Ogunlaja Avenue, Off Ojokoro Eyita Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 2012 at Ijede Health Centre.

12. Mr Ogundola Adeniran Joseph late of No. 10, Jibowu Estate, U Turn Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th dayof August, 2012 at Lagos.

13. Akinsanya Jamiu Abioye late of No. 3, Kelani Oshikoya Street, Oke Eletu, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

14. Mr Adeiga Rasaki (Otherwise known as Mr Rasaki Adeiga) late of 14, Apata Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

15. Osung Adiaha Peace (Otherwise known as Adiaha Osung peace) late of 11B, Lasisi Street, Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th dayof November, 2012 at Lagos.

16. Bulus Daji Suleman (Otherwise known as Daji Bulus) late of Block 6, Flat 23, Pedro Police Barracks, Somolu, Lagos, decased who died intestate on the 6th dayof April, 2011 at General Hospital Kafachan.

17. Mr Effiong Sunday Umanah (Otherwise known as Effiong Sunday Umana) late of 12, Owoduni Street, Onipanu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2012 at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital 18. Mr Iwuagwu Emmanuel Osuoha (Otherwise known as Mr Iwuagwu Emmanuel ) late of 15, Omiyale Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th dayof August, 2011 at Lagos.

19. Mr Samuel Olalere Abejoye (Otherwise known as Abejoye Samuel Olalere) late of 52, Ilaje Road, Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of October, 1998 at Ikorodu.

20. Ogbuagu Chidinma Favour (Nee Nwosu) (Otherwise known as Chidinma Favour Ogbuagu) late of 54, Post Office Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th dayof July, 2012 at Luth, Lagos.

21. Zaccheaus Jeston (Otherwise known as Jeston Zaccheus) late of E Line Room 2, Police Highway Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2009 at Ilorin.

22. Mr Ikechukwu Nwokoafor late of 28, Oduloju Street, Sabo Oniba, Ajangbadi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2008 at Lagos.

23. Gbadamosi Taoheed Ishola (Otherwise known as Gbadamosi Thaoreed) late of 55, Old Ota Road, Oke Odo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

24. Oyewo Kamoru late of 16, Ajagungbade Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th dayof November, 2012 at Garki, Abuja.

25. Nwakanma Dennis Nwaloze (Otherwise known as Mr Dennis Nwaleze Nwakama) late of 16, Omogunwa Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

26. Joachim Johnson Eleogu late of 18, Lawrence Daniel Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

27. Akinola Olusola late of 32, Dada Street, Ifako, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

28. Miss Udo-Udo Rita (Otherwise known as Rita Okereke Mrs) late of 8, Harold Shodipo Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th dayof November, 2011 at Lagos.

29. Ategoh Senayon Kolawole late of 6, Ogo Oluwa Lane, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

30. Mr Aroyewun Hakeem Wale-Ola late of 21, Church Street, Makoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of October, 1992 at Lagos.

31. Mr Mustapha Fatai Adio late of 5, Okemolete Street, Ebute Ipakodo ,Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of January, 2011 32. Mr Olasupo Ebunoluwa Onadipe (Otherwise known as Onadipe Olasupo, Onadipe Ebunoluwa Olasupo, Olasupo Onadipe, Olasupo E. Onadipe, Olasupo Ebunoluwa Onadipe, Onadipe O.E. , Olasupo Onadipe E. and Olasupo Ebunoluwa) late of 8, Akin-George Close, Obanikoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of May, 2008 at Ijebu Ode 33. Rtd Col. Ezekiel Braimoh late of 8B, Ikosi Road, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

34. Mrs Kuete Fine Oyerigha late of 9, Ogundare Street, Amikanle, Oke Odo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

35. Oshinowo Titus Adeyemi late of 38, Ofada Street, Olorunshogo Mushin, Lagos, who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 1987 at Lagos.

36. Samuel Fadugba late of 37, Anuoluwapo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos deceased who died instate on the 3rd day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

37. Mr Oyedele Shittu late of 5, Abolore Street, Ajegunle, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

38. Fatai Onikosi Oloyede (Otherwise known as Oloyede Fatai Onikosi) late of 6, Orile Ikosi Street, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

39. Olaifa Monsuru Sanni (Otherwise known as Olaifa Monsuru ) late of 243, Iju Road, Iju Ishaga, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

40. Mr Samuel Chiadikobi Nwachukwu late of 42, Gaskiya Road, Ijora Badiya, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

41. Jikiemi Stephen Olajide, late of 8, Ifelodun Street, Ore Ofe Bus Stop, Ijegun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of April, 2010 at Ishagamu.

42. Chief Marizu Alaike late of 1, Oke Close, Oregun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2001 at Lagos.

43. Sunday Idahosa Ogbemudia (Otherwise known as Idahosa Sunday Ogbemudia ) late of No. 17, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2001 at Lagos.

44. Mr Daniel Nigeria late of 6, Esie Street, Ijegun, Satelite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

45. Jaga Lawrence (Otherwise known as Lawrence Ilesanmi) late of 35, Isaac Adenuga Street, Agiliti Mile 12, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2013.

46. Oyewole Nasiru late of 20, Banjo Owoyele Street, Ahmadiya Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2002 at Lagos.

47. Philip Omolade Ikuseidun (Otherwise known as Philip Omolade Ikusedun) late of 10, Okobaba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2011 at Ebute Metta, Lagos.

48. Adetoro Joseph Eyitayo (Dr) (Otherwise known as Adetoro Joseph Eyitayo) late of 23, Emily Akinola Street, Akoka Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

49. Mr Oni Babatunde of 13, Lasisi Bamigbade Street, Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of November, 2004.

50. Dr Olawale Awosika late of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of July, 2011 at Ekpoma Edo State.

51. Chief Marizu Alaike late of 1, Oke Close, Oregun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2001 at Lagos.

52. Oyebola Ganiyu (Otherwise known as Bolarinwa Akanni) late of 11, Bakinson Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2012 at Egbe, Lagos.

53. Jaiyesimi Olubunmi A.(Otherwise known as Jaiyesimi Olubunmi Adedoyin) late of 5, Akin Ogunmade Davies Close, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

54. Mrs Taiwo Abolaji Martins (Otherwise known as Mrs Taiwo Abolaji Mathins) late of 32, Oladele Adedeji Ajaguro Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

55. Yusuf Isah Adeiza (Otherwise known as Isah Adeiza Yusuf) late of Old Block 4, Room 24, Queen Barracks , Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

56. Mrs Koya Olufunke Eunice late of No. 34, Road, F Close , Block 2, Flat 1, Gowon Estate Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2012 at Ogun State.

57. Olufemi Elijah Adeyanju late of 6, Fatai Irawo Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 2013 at Eksuth 58. Etuk Glory (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Glory Etuk ) late of 12, Hassan Ogunmola Street, Abule Taylor, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

59. Alao Olufunke (Otherwise known as Ebun) late of 9, Rala Street, Ketu Epe Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

60. Grace Tinuola Shogbetun late of Plot 218, Block 14, Amuwo Odofin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 1998.

61. Mr Lawrence P. Bokemieye (Otherwise known as Mr Lawrence Pawpaw Bokemieye) late of Iluda new layout, Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2013 at General Hospital Badagry.

62. Inspr. Uwem Jacob Okon (Otherwise known as Uwem Okon) late of 2, Alfred Akeem Stret, Olowora Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2012 at lagos.

63. Oluwole Martins Osisanya (Otherwise known as Osisanya Martins) late of 38, Adegboyega Street, Onipanu , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2005 at Lasuth 64. Adebamiji Joseph Francis (Otherwise known as Mr Francis Adebamiji Joseph) late of 25, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

65. Mr Alaka Chadwick (Otherwise known as Mr Alaka Chardwick) late of 4, Olarinke Street, Ogijo , Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2012 at Ughelli ,Delta State.

66. Opara Kenneth Amaechi late of 15, Musari Apena Street, Mafoluku, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

67. Shadare Olaniran Philemon late of 5, Powerline Street, Amule Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

68. Ojo Oluwafemi Johnson (otherwise known as Ojo Oluwafemi) late of C17, Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of April, 2013 at Lasuth 69. Chukwuma Dozie Martins (Otherwise known as D.T.Martins and Chukwuma Dozie Martin) late of 18, Ganiat Kadiri Street, Maza-maza , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 2013 at Luth 70. Oduwole Kayode Oluwasiji (Otherwise known as Oduwole Oluwasiji Kayode) late of 2, Williams Adepeju Close, Iju Isaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

71. Mr Benedict Ohale Akuta (otherwise known as Benedict Akuta) late of 9/11. Onipe Street, Bariga, Lagos,d eceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July, 2011 at Lasuth 72. Alhaja Mulikat Funmi Shittu (Otherwise known as Alhaja Shittu Mulikat) late of 18, Modupe Young Street, Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2012 at Ajah, Lagos.

73. Mr Abiodun Ashaye Adesanya (otherwise known as Abiodun Ashaye ) late of 6, Aro Lane Off Oriwu Road, Ita Aro, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of March, 2012 at General Hospital Ikorodu.

74. Mr Hassan Saidi (otherwise known as Mr Saidi Owolola Hassan) late of 448, Aja Cluster, PHCN Quarters, Egbin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2013 at PHCN Clinic.

75. Mrs Florence Folashade Alabi (Otherwise known as Mrs Alabi Florence ) late of 21, Clement O. Street, Ita Oluwo , Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2012 at Luth.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Mrs Alice Olayinka Ojo and Miss Taiwo Odukoya both of 72, Uzor Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Abazie Adanma and Mr Abazie Danday both of 22, Ogunnike Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Useh Inem Francis and Anietie Johnson Akpan both of 13, Oyeleke Street, Meiran , Ijaye Lagos, brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Vero Ofomala Duke and Mr Oghenereum Ofomala both of 1B, Wilmer Crescent, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Fatimah Mustapha of 7, Omoyele Street, and Mrs Amina of 174, Barracks Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased Musbau Oladapo Odejayi and Nosmot Olaide Akinrefe both of 3, Oyekan Road, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mary Josephine Peter and Oche Abel both of Ikeja Cantoment CBQ 39, Room 4, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Abiodun Ogunseye and Abayomi Ogunseye both of 5, Iyiola Street, Iyana Ipaja, Aboru Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mr Samuel Oguzie Iheanacho and Mr Uchechukwu Iheanacho both of 11B, Adedoyin Street, Ijeshatedo , Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oke Adewale Azeez and Oke Kazeem Oladipupo both of 22, Agbogunleri Street, Idimu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Adekunle Olukayode Okunola and Mr Adewale Adeola Okunola both of 21, Olajide Ogunlaja Avenue, Off Ojokoro , Eyita Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Morounranti Enitan Ogundola, Miss Oluwabukola Eniola Ogundola and Mr Abiodun Friday Ogundola all of No. 40, Adeoye Fafore, Ikotun, Idimu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Fausat Akinsanya and Miss Aminat Damilola Akinsanya both of 3, Kelani oshikoya Street, Oke Eletu, Ijede, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mulikat Adeiga of 6, Odunukan Street, Abule Ijesha , Yaba, Lagos, and Sikiru Adeiga of 6, Adebiyi Somolu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased Mr Victor Edet Osung and Ms Lizy Edet Osung both of 11B, Lasisi Street, Igando, Lagos, father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Patricia Bulus and Bulus Blessing, both of Block 6, Flat 23, Pedro Police Barracks Somolu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Comfort E. Umanah, Mr Namso Effiong Umanah and Mr Iboro Effiong Umanah all of 12, Owoduni Street, Onipanu, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Iwuagwu Rita Osuoha , Nwabueze Iwuagwu Osuoha and Chibuike Iwuagwu Osuaha all of 15, Omiyale Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Justinah Oludayo Abejoye of Block 261, Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, Babatunde Abiodun Abejoye of 2, Alhaja Wosilat Abiodun, Berger, Ogun State, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Joseph Enyinnaya Ogbuagu of No. 54, Post Office Road, Mushin, Lagos, Chisom Nwosu of 9, Abimbola Okunuga GRA Ikeja, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Zaccheaus Modupe of 6, Owonikoko Street, Ado-odo, and Zaccheaus Moses of 10, Bamgbose Street, Ado odo, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Angela U. Nwokoafor and Mr Ikenna Nwokoafor E. both of 28, Oduloju Street, Sabo Oniba, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Gbadamosi Adekunle Fatai and Gbadamosi Adeyemi Lateef both of 55, Old Otta Road, Oke Odo Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Joke Basirat Oyewo and Oyewo Jide Akeem both of 16, Ajagungbade Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Gold Nwakanma, Zenith D. Nwakanma and Ugochukwu Nwakanma all of 16, Omogunwa Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Tina Johnson Eleogu and Onyinyechi Johnson Eleogu both of 18, Lawrence Daniel Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Olubunmi Oladoyinbo of 21, Iyaniwura Street, Agbado and Ayodele Ayobami Oluwatosin of 32, Dada Street, Ifako, Ijaiye Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Okereke Chinasa Nana of 32, Adeniran Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Ategoh Esther , Hundeyin Elizabeth and Ategoh Akorede all of 6, Ogo Oluwa Lane, Iwaya Yaba, Lagos, widow, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Wasiu Olasegege Aroyewun, Yakubu Taiwo Aroyewun and Mrs Samiat Mogbonjubola Onikoyi all of 21,Church Street, Makoko, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mustapha Akeem, Mustapha Afis, Mustapha Idris Olalekan and Mustapha Ahmed all of 14, Towolawi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Odunola Onadipe of 8, Akin George Close, Obanikoro, Lagos, and Mrs Ibukun Akinyemi of 3, Osibajo Close, Obanikoro, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Funmilayo Bolanle Braimoh and mr Babatunde Akinola Braimoh both of 8B, Ikosi Road, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Kuete Gabriel Ebikare and Miss Beauty Atili both of 9, Ogundare Street, Amikanle Oke Odo, Lagos, widower and niece respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Simeon Oludotun Oshinowo, Mr Jason Adeyemi Ajibola Oshinowo and Melissa Olufunmilayo Oshinowo all of 38, Ofada Street, Olorunshogo, Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Elizabeth Temitope Fadugba of 11, Mudasiru Oladiti Street, Ishefun, Ayobo and Sanusi Fashanu Habibat of 34, Association Avenue, Ishefun Ayobo, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Azeez Shittu and Razaq Shittu both of 5, Abolore Street, Ajegunle, Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Kehinde O. Onikosi, Wasiu O. Onikosi and Olabisi O. Onikosi all of 6, Orile Ikosi Street, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Olaifa Nosimo Ajike , Olaifa Ahmeed Ayobami both of 243, Iju Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Veronica Nwachukwu and Chukwudi Nwachukwu both of 42, Gaskiya Road, Ijora Badiya Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Jikiemi Oluwole Ayodeji , Mrs Abiodun Ayodele and Mr Olamidipupo Jikiemi all of 22, Agboola Avenue, Ajaeemu, Ijegun, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Theresa Nwanne Alaike, Nwaeze Amaobi Alaike and Helen Ego Okpetue all of 1, Oke Close, Oregun, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Remilekun Ekundayo Ogbemudia , Mrs Evelyn Odukoya and Mr Ephraim Ogbemudia all of 17, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, widow and two of the chidren respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Racheal Daniel and Mr Sylvester Daniel both of 6, Esie Street, Satyelite Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Jaga Seyi Mayowa and Jaga Femi both of 35, Isaac Adenuga Street, Agiliti Mile 12, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adebukola Owoyele of 20, Banjo Owoyele Street, Ahmadiya Ojokoro, Lagos, and Alhaji Ibikunle Owoyele of 8, Olaadeshaya Street, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Tunde Ikuseidun, Mrs Olayinka Shodipo (Nee Ikuseidun), Mr Wole Ikuseidun and Shade Ikuseidun all of 10, Oko Baba Street, Ebute metta, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Francisca Adetoro, Mrs Olubunmi Yetunde Omuku (Nee Adetoro) and Olufunmilayo Adebimpe Adetoro all of 23, Emily Akinola Street, Akoka, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oni Adebisi Felicia of 13, Lasisi Bamigbade Street, Idimu, Lagos and Dr Folorunso Dayo of 21, Jagumolu Street, Ijaye , Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aderemi Awosika-Ofodu, Mrs Ann Oluyemi Osewa, Mr Olawale Awosika and Mr Kehinde Awosika all of c/o Ranti Ajeleti Ranti Ajeleti & Co. 46, Awolowo Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan, children of the said deceased.

Theresa Nwanne Alaike , Nwaeze Ameobi Alaike and Helen Ego Okpetue all of 1, Oke Close, Oregun, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kudirat Oyebola and Mrs Abiodun Kuye both of 11, Bakinson Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alabi Abimbola Olatubosun. Jaiyesimi, Oluwaseun Temitayo Jaiyesimi, Olushola Simisola. and Adegoke Tolulope Omosalewa all of 5, Akin Ogunmade Davies Close, Gbagada, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Adetutu Martins, Funmilayo Martins ,Adebayo Martins and Opeyemi Martins all of 32, Oladele Adedeji Ajaguro , Ikorodu, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Yusuf Ibrahim and Yusuf AbdulAzeez both of Block 4, Room 24, Queen Barracks Apapa, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Koya Adeyemi Damilade and Koya Temitope Abayomi both of 34, Road F Close, Block 2, Flat 1, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adesoji Adeyanju and Olatunbosun Adekunle both of 6, Fatai Irawo Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Mercy Okposin Jackson and Mr Emmanuel Okposin Jackson both of 12, Hassan Ogunmola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Timothy Akinyele Alao of No. 9, Rala Street, Ketu Epe Lagos, and Ogundijo Comfort Oluwakemi of 8, Ayinke Agbetoba Street, Alagbado, Lagos, father and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Solomon Banwo, and Mrs Taiwo Olayemi Oluseye both of Plot 218, Block 14, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Lovina Bokemieye , Mr Prince Bokemieye and Mr Daniel Bokemieye all of Iluda New Layout Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aniema Uwem Okon and Comrade Emmanuel Jacob Okon both of 2, Alfred Akeem Street, Olowora Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Funmilayo Martins Osisanya and Omotomilola Martins Osisanya btoh fo 110, Kujore Street, Ojota, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Yemisi Akindele of No. 59, Fagbemi Street, Ipaja , Oluwagbenga Adebamijiand Adebamiji John both of 25, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Alaka Reeds and Raymond Alaka both of 4, Sowemimo Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, Alaka Efe of 4, Olarinke Street, Ikorodu, Lagos and Alaka Gbobo of Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye , four children of the said deceased.

Opara Vivian Nkechinyere of 15, Musari Apena Street, Mafoluku, Lagos, Mrs Angela Opara of 1, Hitta Ogada, Owerri, North , Opara Benjamin Ugochukwu of 10, Adisatu Street, Mafoluku, Lagos, widow , brother and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Shadare Chinyere Angela and Edward O. Shadare both of 5, Powerline Street, Amule, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ojo Aritotuoma Sandra of C17 Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos and Ojo Olayemi Moses of 5, Muri Busari Close, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said decease3d.

Eueharia Ifeyinwa Chukwuma , Tochukwu Martins Chukwuma and Nnamdi Kingsley Chukwuma all of 18, Ganiat Kadiri Maza-maza, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omotayo Oduwole of 2, Williams Adepeju Close, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, and Mrs Ronke Olasimbo of 11, Onadola Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Florence Chioma Akuta and Mrs Esther Ada Oke both of 9/11 Onipe Street, Bariga, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Aare M.A.Shittu and Abdullahi O. Shittu both of 18, Modupe Young Street, Thomas Estate, Ajah, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Fausat Adesanya and Mr Rotimi Adesanya both of 6, Aro Lane, Off Oriwu Road, Ita Aro Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Owolola and Mr Azeez Yinka Owolola both of 448, Aja Cluster PHCN Quarters Egbin Lagos , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Raphael Alabi , Mr Mathew Odunayo Alabi and Mr Martin Mayowa Alabi all of 21, Clement O. Street, Ita Oluwo, Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

I.O.AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

47

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

48

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

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: Nosiru Salami (Otherwise known as Mr Salami Nosiru , late of 15, Adeyemi Street, Alakuko Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Udechukwu Moses Odiakosa (Otherwise known as Udechuckwu Moses Odiakosa) late of No. 12, Oremeji Street, Ijanikin Lagos, deceaswed who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2012 at Anambra State.

Mr Alphonsus Ifeanyi Osuji (Otherwie known as Ifeanyi Osuji) late of 3, Lambert Close, Isashi , Ojo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2012 at General Hospital, Badagry.

Mr Udoh Joy , late of 16, Kadiri Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died instestate on the 12th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Oloko Andrew Kalu,(Otherwise known as Andrew Kalu Oloko) late of 15, Funsho Owoyemi Street, New Oko Oba, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Salu Folashade Abike (Otherwise known as Salu Folashade) late of Plot 330A, Adeyemo Akapo Street, Omole Phase I, Omole Estate, Agidingbi, Ikeja, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Simon Kalu, late of 23, Durowoju Street, Amikola Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2011 at Benin.

Mr Davies Udoh late of 4, Olorunsogo Street, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Jemiseye Olaleye Mathew,(Otherwise known as Jemiseye Mathew) late of 23, Adigun Street, Itire , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Olufemi Moses Salako (Otherwise known as Salako Olufemi Adisa and Salako Olufemi ) late of 31, Adebimpe Street, Kosofe Mile 12, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of February, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Oghanyan Solomon late of Plot 26, Redeemers Crescent, Baruwa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2012 at Fed. Med. Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.

Ayantola Saobana Olawale (Otherwise known as Giwa Ayantola Saobana Olawale ) late of Adekunle Police Station, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2010 at Ogun State.

Mr Musliu Balogun late of 15, Irebawa Street, Off Ajayi Road, Ogba, Ojodu, Lagos,deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Reuben Ogundare late of 5, Aina Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 1993.

Okeke Obiora (Otherwise known as Okeke Obiora Afam) late of 139A, Eti Osa Way Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Oduwole Fatai (Otherwise known as Mr Oduwole Fatai) late lof Block 44, Flat 4, Agege Low Cost Housing Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Samuel Adewuyi Oyawoye late of 8, Iseyin Street, Palm Groove, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 1967 at Lagos.

Bello Temitope Olubunmi (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Temitope Olubunmi Bello) late of 2, Odelana Street, Ilaje Road , Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2012 at Ogun State.

Mr Olajide Oduwole (otherwise known as Oduwole Olajide (Mr) late of 16, Winco Street, Oriola, Bakare , Ketu, Lasgos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Kayode Olajide Samuel (Otherwise known as Makinde Olajide Samuel) late of 6, Apakun Lane, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2011 at Ibadan Enebeli Elebuwa (Otherwise known as Enebeli Ngu-Onuma Elebuwa) late of 6, Oke Onijo Street, Off Ogunlana Street, Ijesha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2012 at India Oluwole Adesokan Okanla (Otherwise known as Okanla Oluwole Adesokan) late of 1, Aloba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Tijani Karimu late of 11, Abati Street, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December, 2012 at Holy Mary Egbeda Olayinka Ereola Ajayi late of 23 Ebunawa Street, Cele Oko Oba, Ogijo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2011 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Emmanuel Oladipo Babalola (Otherwise known as E.O.Babalola ,Councilor and Babalola Oladipupo) late of 5, Ajogbe Street, Behind Stadium Hotel, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of January, 2000 at Lagos.

Joseph Onwugbonu Chiedu (Otherwise known as Onwugbonu Joseph Chiedu) late of 46, Sipeolu Street, Palmgrove Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of March, 2009 at Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

Atala Enoch Ayeni late of 3, Alimi Kadiri Street, Sogunle, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 1974 at General Hospital, Ikeja.

Tijani Abiodun Osabiya (Otherwise known as Mr Tijani A. Osabiya) late of 10/12 Ayiede Close, Off Daddy Savage Street, Fagba, Iju, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of June, 2000 at Luth.

Aremu Kasiena Mercy (Otherwise known as Aremu Mercy) late of 30, Akpiri Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Enyioha Maurice chijioke late of 21, Olubayo Close, Kollinton Bus Stop, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2011.

Adelaja Ibironke Abeni late of Palm View Estate, Unit 14, Phase II, Oko-Oba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of August, 2012 at Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill.

Isiwat Jokosenumi (Otherwise known as Jokosenumi Mojisola Isiwat and Isiwat Mojisola Jokosenumi) late of 3A, Biney Street, Yaba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Ogbu Elizabeth (Otherwise known as Elizabeth Ogbu) late of 8, Mosalasi Alao Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Tayo Fatai Bakre(Otherwise known as Bakre Tayo F.) late of Block 520, Flat 4, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2006 at Ajeromi General Hospital.

Ijeoma Joseph Chinemerem late of 86, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March, 2013 at Lasuth.

Samuel Omogbai Obaika (Otherwise knwona s Obaika Samuel Omogbai) late of 3, Paul Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr William Ayite Kobina Creppy late of 2, Holloway Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 1986 at Lagos.

Mr Peter Omeiza Vara (Otherwise known as Mr Vara Omeiza)late of 17A, Shamura Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August 2010 at Okene, Kogi State.

Olufunmilayo Oluyemisi Olorunsola (Otherwise known as Funmilayo Oluyemisi Olorunsola) late of 9, Prince Awofadeju Street, Ilamose Estate, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2010 at General Hospital , Isolo.

Yisa Talade late of 24, Oni Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Friday Ikhiboya (Otherwise known as Ikhiboya Friday) late of 35, Authority Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Mackenzie Michael late of 3, Asalu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Pa Jimoh Agboola Ayanda late of 12, Ogolonto Street, Ikorodu, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2008 at Ogolonto Street, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Amakor Emanuel Chukwuemeka (otherwise known as Mr E.C. Amakor) late of Block 4, Flat 4, 2nd Avenue 21 Road, 1 Close Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 5th day of July, 2012 .

Uhomhoabhi Isaac Osohon (Otherwise known as Isaac Uhomoabihi) late of 21, Ajayi Ologidan Street, Mangoro Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Elijah Adejoro Adefusi (Otherwise known as Mr Adebisi Elijah) late of 23, Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2010 at St. Thomas Hospital, oshodi.

Adiodun Ayo Adelalu -Bamiro late of 8, Alade Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th dayof April, 1979 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Solomon Bruno Agharese Osagiede (Otherwise known as Mr Solomon Osagiede) late of 100, Old Akute Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd dayof February, 2009 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Babalola Ololade Taofik late of 7, Adeleke Close, Off Opeolu Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestated on the 10th dayof September, 2011 at Lagos.

Silas Andrew late of Nung Udoe Itak, Ikono , deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

Sgt. Ogbonna Ani (Otherwise known as Mr Charles Ani Ogbonna and Charles Ogbonna Ani) late of 7, Ajiboye Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

Ekanem Uduak Peter (Otherwise known as Peter Uduak Ekanem) late of 18, Opeyemi Street, Igbo-Elerin , Okoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2009 at Badagry.

Akinsanya Najeem Ayinde (Otherwise known as Akinsanya Nojimu) late of Block 70, Room 2 , Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Olorunmeye Jacob Adekunle (Otherwise known as Jacob Adekunle Olorunmeje) late of 19, Aboiki Avenue, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Ipense Ayodele O. Iroyin-Ayo (Otherwise known as Ipense Ayodele Oluwanbe Iroyin-Ayo) late of 2, Awolaja Street, Akoka, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

Mrs Ajanaku Sola (Otherwise known as Mrs Sola Balogun) late of 46, Awolowo Road, Grammer , Oke Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of September, 2008 at Sagamu, Ogun State.

Oluwaseyi Temitayo Adewo(Otherwise known as Adewo Oluwaseyi) late of 13, Oluwole Adewo Avenue, Agbala, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2013 at Edo, Benin City.

Mrs Agnes Omadudu (Otherwise known as Mrs Omadudu Angnes) late of 42, Abule Nla Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of February, 2013 at Federal Medical Centre.

ASP Ubaekusi Sabinus (Otherwise known as Mr Ubaekusi Sabinus) late of Block 2, Room 16, Area B Police Barracks , Apapa, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 2004 at General Hospital Lagos.

Mrs Taiwo Olarewaju (Otherwise known as Mrs Elizabeth Taiwo Olarewaju and Mrs Olanrewaju Taiwo ) late of 5, Alhaja Gbadamosi Close, Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2006 at Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Jeremiah Lawrence (Otherwise known as CPL Jeremiah Lawrence) late of 1, Adeyemo Street, Ijaiye, Lagos, decedased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Yussuf Adeleke Iyabode (Otherwise known as Adeleke Iyabode Yusuf) late lof 1, Gbagura Close, Adura Bus Stop Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Mukaila Oyewole late of 93, Orodu Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Okegbenro Lateef (Otherwise known as Okegbenro Alani Lateef Lawrence ) late of 23, Itelorun Street, Ijesha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of February, 2013 at Luth, Lagos.

Mrs Aisha Adejoke Ola-Gbadamosi (Otherwise known as Ayisat Adejoke Olagbadamosi) late of 3, Okunu Odunegbe Street, Akesan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2009 at General Hospital Ilesa.

Ayokunle Patrick Christopher Oliyide (Otherwise known as Mr Ayokunle Patrick Christopher Oliyide) late of Block 478, Flat 4, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of January, 2011 at London.

Olajide Rashidat (Otherwise known as Rashidat Mojisola Olajide) late of Block 9m, Agbede Home of Grace, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2013 at Luth.

Olorunmoni Emmanuel (Otherwise known as Olorunmoni Emmanuel Adedayo) late of 7, Omobalufon Close, Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2012 at Lasuth.

Osinulu Olumide Anthony (Otherwise known as Osinulu Olumide) late of 3, Akeusola Street, Oworonsoki, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2007 at General Hospital Lagos.

Mr Oshanisi Sam Olumayokun (Otherwise known as Olumayokun Oshanisi Sam (Mr) late of 4, Ifon Gabriel Street, Off Ogbomosho Street, Ojokoro, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Chukwuemeka Nmerike (Otherwise known as Chuckwuemeka Dukecharles Nmerike) late of 54, Church Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Eunice Ibitayo Taiwo (Otherwise known as Ibitayo Eunice Taiwo and Taiwo Eunice Taiwo) late of 15, Esther Ebun Street, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2003 at Lagos.

Yissa Raufu (Otherwise known as Alhaji Issa Rauf) late of 30, Akinpelu Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Ojugbeli Andrew Ameachi late of Flat 4, Block 7, Island, Scoop Estate, Ijede- Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2013 at General Hospital, Ikorodu.

Chief (Mrs) Olufemi Olufunke Longe (Otherwise known as Mrs Olufemi Longe) late of 20, Alhaji Jokan Street, Alake Estate, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2012

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Basaki Nosiru, Iyabo Nosiru , Akeem Nosiru and Kehinde Nosiru all of 15, Adeyemi Street, Alakuko, Alagbado, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

2. Udechukwu Nkoli, Adora Udechukwu and Udechukwu Akosa all of 12, Oremeji Street, Ijanikin Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Ifeoma Lilian Osuji and Mr Juel Osuji both of 3, Lambert Close, Isashi, Ojo, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

4. Mr Anietie Udoh and Mr Victor Edet both of 16, Kadiri Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

5. Charles Kalu, Cecilia Kalu Oloko and Nneoma Joyce Ojembe all of 15, Funsho Owoyemi Street, New Oko Oba Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

6. Oluremilekun George Ashiru and Oluwafemi Salu both of Plot 330A, Adeyemo Akapo Street, Omole Phase I, Omole Estate, Agidingbi Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

7. Mrs Veronica Ogugba and Pateince Mercy Kalu both of 33, Ogunoloko Road, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

8. Mrs Mercy Udoh and Daniel Udoh both of 4, Olorunsogo Street, Shomolu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Jemiseye Olatunde, Jemiseye Olatunji and Jemiseye Olakunle all of 23, Adigun Street, Itire, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

10. Mr Isaac Sunday Taiwo and Mr Samuel Oludotun Taiwo both of 31, Adebimpe Street, Kosofe Mile 12, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

11. Oghanyan Onofuaralu Sarah and Oghanyan Eshiogiemeagbor Joseph both of Plot 26, Redeemers Crescent, Off Pipe-Line , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

12. Ayantola Yetunde Wosilat and Mrs Fausat Akinola, both of 2, Alade Streedt, Somorin , Obantoro, Abeokuta, one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

13. Rashidat Balogun A, Yetunde Balogun A , Kemi Balogun A. and Bukky Balogun S. all of 15, Irebawa Street, Ogba, Ojodu, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

14. Chief Ebenezer Ogundare, Mr Jacob Kehinde Ogundare and Mr Philip Ogundare all of 5, Aina Street, Ladipo, Oshodi, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

15. Okeke Beatrice Nkem and Uzoma Chidiebere Onwumere both of 139A, Eti Osa Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

16. Mrs Adeola Oduwole of Block 44, Flat 4, Agege, L.C.H. Estate, and Mrs Oluwatoyin Awokulehin of 3rd Avenue, N Close, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

17. Chief Isaac Adebowale Oyawoye of 9, Second Avenue, Fate Road West GRA Ilorin , Mr Adegboye Oyawoye of 2, West Park Avenue, Mowe Ogun State and Mr Oladejo Oyawoye of Air Force Base, Block C5, Flat 20, Ikeja , three of the children of the said deceased.

18. Bello Olukayode Adeola and Bello Afolabi Oluwaseun both of 2, Odelana Street, Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos, widower and one of the children repsectivley of the said deceased.

19. Mrs Oluremi Cecilia Oduwole of 1, Unity Avenue Magboro, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway ,Ogun State, Sarah Alagbala Oduwole of 27,.

Community Road, Owode Elede , Mile 12, Lagos, Iyabode Adebeshi Oduwole of 6, Olusanya Close, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, three widows of the said deceased.

20. Mrs Kayode Adenike Mary of 6, Apakun Lane, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, and Mr Saliu Temitope of 21/22 Marina Street, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

21. Jennifer Elebuwa and Oyemike Elebuwa both of 6, Oke Onijo Street, Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

22. Mrs Omofolasade Adeboyin Okanla of 1, Aloba Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos and Mr Debo Okanla of 7, Road 14 PDCDS Bashorun Estate Akobo , Ibadan, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

23. Eniola Olabode Tijani and Eniola Folake Tijani both of 11, Abati Street, Akowonjo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased 24. Mr Christopher Ajayi and Ajayi Kolade Ronald both of 11, Bisi Fakolujo Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

25. Omotayo Babalola, Folashade Babalola and Mr Oladipo Babalola all of 5, Ajogbe Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children and one grand son of the said deceased.

26. Benjamin Ngemeye Chiedu of 149, Ekundayo Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos and Patrick Chiedu of 28, Abraham Akinola Street, Ikeja Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

27. Emmanuel Olajide Atala, Gabriel Atala and Temitop Atala all of 3, Alimi Kadiri Street, Sogunle, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased 28. Osabiya Oluwaseun of 10/12 Ayiede Close, Off Daddy Savage Street, Fagba, Iju , Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased 29. Emmanuel Emorigho Bennie and Aremu Oghene Tega both of 29, Akpiri Street, Olodi Apapa , Lagos and Dennis Ayisire of 60, Old Yaba Road, Lagos, two children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

30. Enyioha Onyinyechi Edith Obasi and Enyioha Chinwedu Doris both of 21, Olubayo Clsoe, Kollinton Bus Stop, Alagbado, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

31. Ms Oluwayemisi Ann Omolara Adelaja and Ms Adetutu Olasunbo Adelaja both of Palm View Estate, Oko-Oba , Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

32. Mr Segun Akpata of 3A, Biney Street, Yaba, Lagos and Alhaja MusiliAbidemi Jokosenumi of 19, St. Finbarrs College Road, Akoka, Lagos, widower and mother respectively of the said deceased.

33. Mrs Mary Ogbu and Lucy Ogbu both of 8, Mosalasi Alao Street, Ifako, Agege, Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

34. Mrs Ismot Kemi Bakre, Mr Olusegun Temitope Bakre and Olwuaseun Temidayo Bakre all of Block 520, Flat 4, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

35. Stanley Chinaka Ijeoma and Mike K. Ijeoma both of 86, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Mercy Obaika and Mr Promise Obaika both of 3, Paul Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

37. Ibironke Aba Creppy of 3, Deji Odunuga Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

38. Mrs Rebbecca Aze Vara and Miss Elizabeth Onozasi Vara, both of No. 10B, Alhaji Shehu Close, Off Arowojobe Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

39. Olumide Olayinka Olorunsola and Adefoluke Olanike Diya both of 9, Prince Awofadeju Street, Ilamose Estate, Oke Afa, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

40. Mrs Eunice Talade , Oluwakemi Sola Talade, Similoluwa Talade and Talade Timilehin Samuel all of 24, Oni Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos. Widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

41. Mrs Faith Oju Ikhiboya of 35, Authority Street, Ikotun, Egbe, Lagos, and Mr Cadmus Ikhiboya of 23, Seriki Aro Street, Ikeja, Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

42. Mrs Veronica Mackenzie and Mackenzie Sunday both of 3, Asalu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

43. Mr Abiodun Raoof Ayanda of 24, Yinka Ogunfile Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Mr Isiaka Ayanda of 12, Ogolonto Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Amakor Emeka Uzoma and Nwankwo Anthony Ikechukwu both of 2nd Avenue 21 Road 1 Close, Block 4, Flat 4, Festac Town, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

45. Uhomhoabhi Julius and Uhomhoabhi Tuesday both of 19, Railway Line Guinea Market Agege, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

46. Abiodun Adefusi and Adekunle Adefusi both of 175, Iyana Orile Road, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased 47. Mr Adewale Adelalu, Mr Adeoye Adelalu , Mr Gbenga Adelalu and Miss Tokunbo Adelalu all of 8, Alade Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

48. Mrs Mojisola Ayansile of 29, Olayiwola Street, New Oko Oba Abule Egba, Lagos, and Mr Irhobun Bruno Osagiede of 100, Old Akute Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased 49. Mrs Babalola Ganiyat Amope and Babalola Hakeem Ayinde both of 7, Adeleke Close, Off Opeolu Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

50. Mrs Ime Silas Andrew Inyang of Nung Udoe Itak, Ikono ,LGA, widow of the said deceased.

51. Mrs Ngozi Ani and Mr Ani Ikey ani both of No. 7, Ajiboye Street, Ketu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

52. Mrs Agatha Eno Peter of 18, Opeyemi Street, Igbo-Elerin, Okoko, Lagos and Mr Christopher Eno Akpan of 16, Akpata Street, Adenson sVulcanizer Off Igando, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

53. Mrs Olayinka Akinsanya and Olamide Azeez Akinsanya both of Block 70, Room 2, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

54. Olumide Olorunmeye and Abiola Olorunmeye both of 19, Aboiki Avenue, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased .

55. Ipense Micaiah Omodunni, Ipense Olawale Tolulope and Ipense Omotola Opeyemi all of 2, Awolaja Street, Akoka, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

56. Mr Quadri Balogun and Mr Femi Balogun both of 46, Awolowo Road, Grammer, Oke-Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

57. Mr Eniola Oluwole Adewo and Mrs Oluwaseun Atinuke Ibitayo both of 13, Oluwole Adewo Avenue, Agbala, Ikorodu, Lagos, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

58. Mr Cashman Omadudu and Friday Otughwor both of 42, Abule -Nla Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

59. Mrs Eugenia Ubah andMr Chinonso Norbert Ubah both of NO. 21, Ibrahim Street, Sabo Oniba, Ojo, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

60. Peter Oladapo Olarewaju and Anuoluwa Adeola Olarewaju both of No. 5, Alhaja Gbadamosi Close, Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

61. Victoria Jeremiah and Chinedu Lawrence both of No. 1 Adeyemo Street, Ijaiye, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

62. Benjamin Adekunle Oluwole of 74, Akowodu Egbeda, Lagos and Babajide Musibaudeen Yussuf both of 1, Gbagura Close, Alagbado, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

63. Memunatu Alatede Oyewole and Ibrahim Oyewole both of 93, Orodu Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

64. Mrs Adefunke Grace Okegbenro, Mr Olajide Okegbenro and Sholafunmi Awosanya all of 23, Itelorun Street, Ijesha, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

65. Dr Isiaka Olaniyi Ola-Gbadamosi and Mrs Kudirat Oyefolu Adebimpe (Nee Adebayo) both of 3, Okunu Odunegbe Street, Akesan, Lagos, widower and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

66. Mrs Gbemisola Adeorike Oliyide, Mr Oladayo Oliyide , Mrs Folake Owolabi and Mr Olajide Oliyide all of Block 478, Flat 4, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

67. Fatai Adisa Olajide and Abiodun S. Olajide both of Block 9m, Agbede Home of Grace , Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

68. Joshua Olajumoke and Mrs Aluko Titilayo both of 6B, Odedokun Close, Ifako, Lagos, two cousins of the said deceased.

69. Gbemisola Esther Osinulu and Osinulu Olumide Emiseyi both of No. 3, Akeusola Street, Oworonsoki, Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

70. Florence Ifeoluwa Olumayokun and Emma Gbenga Omokore both of 4, Ifon Gabriel Street, Off Ogbomosho Street, Ojokoro Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

71. Nmerike John Ifeanyi and Kanu Chukwuemeka both of Road 2, Block 140, Apartment I, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

72. Esther Folake Adeoye and Michael Olugbenga Taiwo both of 15, Esther Ebun Street, Ojo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

73. Yissa Wasiu and Yissa Fatimoh both of 30, Akinpelu Street, Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Florence Amaka Ojugbeli and Mr Okechukwu Raymond Ojugbeli both of Flat 4, Block 7, Island Scoop Estate, Ijede-Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Folarin Gabriel Longe (Mr) of House 14, Second Avenue Beachland Estate, Tincan Island, Apapa, Lagos, Adetokunboh Enaifoghe Longe (Mr) and Omokhudu Tolulope Longe (Mr) both of 20, Alhaji Tokan Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

I.O.AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

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Egypt: Still on Morsi and other matters arising

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.” .Thomas Paine

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HERE is no insularity in the mostly intricate art of constitutionalism. Neither is it a convivial tea party. At least we imbibed all that from the founding fathers in most nations. The famous writer and constitutional authority, Thomas Paine wrote vociferously in the undertaking of the constitutional development of America even as he crisscrossed his once native France, his condemnation and abhorrence of monarchical form of government in Britain and adoption of his new found love of America.

Nigeria went through its tortuous path to securing nationhood to our now dissimulation and egregious compilation of a people of content and discontent. Towards that process in the late fifties and early sixties, will be a due deference to our nation’s first Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who we were told about up-ending his tea cup in one of those London Constitutional |Conferences signifying more as in contradistinction to the general British tradition of down-ending your tea cup at your host’s table whenever you are satisfied.

So, amending or evolving a nation’s constitution is a herculean task. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and all Federalist Philadelphia Conveyors in the prelude to the American Constitutional evolution will surely attest to this as evidenced by Paine’s account.

Our own path to nationhood and constitutional rearrangement is still in formation albeit tortuously. From Richards, to McPherson, and eventually to independence constitutions, it has never been easy to attain a generically acceptable document called Nigerian Constitution. The National Assembly is still tinkering and God help us all with the plethora of thingificating and horse trading going on now with a paedophile masquerading as a Senator of the Federal republic, hijacking a simple is-

sue of citizenship to benefit and massage his eternal lust for underage libido.

Anyway , here we are in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Thirteen still amending a constitution that was bestowed upon us by a self-serving, most brutal, maximum dark Goggled-One, the late Sanni Abacha. God help Nigerian lawmakers in their quest to get some stuffs right in this ubiquitous document. In all of almost 400 years America’s constitution has undergone the scalpel just 27 times as in Amendments Please pardon the digression, as your globe is unflinchingly focussed on happenings at Egypt where the fate, of ex-President Mohammed Morsi hangs in the balance., A reader of this column, Mr. Pananama, did not tell us where he wrote from, but was very critical in condemning our take on Morsi in our column a fortnight ago. He chastised this column of ‘lazily buying into stereotypes by not reading Morsi’s speech (which of course this writer read) and other sundry charges. The gentleman is very much welcome for his opinion but we will stay focussed on the fact that Morsi, at his inauguration promised an all-inclusive government in Egypt only for him to not only renege but attempted through the back door, a mostly Islamic fundamentalist Muslim agenda on a secular nation of more than 84 million people. Now, how he hopes the falcon can hear or hold the falconers in that setting beclouds sensibilities and logic.

The Arab Spring was consequentially evolutionary. Evolving as it did out of the exigencies of abject poverty, neglect and privation of the welfare of a people in an era of much opportunity and opulence in a sub region very much awashed with and known for oil-fuelled prosperity.

The Muslim Brotherhood under Morsi prom-

daborgu@gmail.com

ised an egalitarian society post-Mubarak only to marginalise the majority of the populace.

He brought about constitutional reform that attempted to entrench Islamic fundamentalism as mentioned earlier in a secular state whose military is sustained by a $1.3billion military assistance by the United States.

The military establishment in Egypt already has an axe to grind with the Muslim Brotherhood. Morsi and his fellow travellers in the Hood know this and as events are now unfolding, he was warned by the military not to even contest the elections a year ago. Does he have the fundamental right of throwing his hat into the volatile electoral ring in the wake of the Arab Spring conflagration, yes of course? It is just that it is a different stroke for different folks in terms of political outcome measures.

After all, we did have swift regime changes in Algeria, Libya and even this same Egypt. Some fragments of elections in Yemen and Kuwait; volatility and endless blood-letting in Syria still abounds; but as we write Saudi Arabia is still stable while the West struggles in juxtaposing and relevance posturing within the region vis-a-vis other major powers.

In our week past, Morsi’s wife made a grand entree into the sit-in camp at Nasr City with a defiant , stringent and boisterous call on the multitudinous campees to be relentless in their pursuit of reinstating her husband to the throne, but we do not see any light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, even as two influential US Senators; war tested and former presidential candidate John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of N.Carolina visited Cairo and declared what happened in Egypt as a coup to the chagrin and consternation of White House who has been on the peripheral denial of an official proclamation which would have automatically denied Egypt of America’s $1.3 billion in an-

nual military aid.

Still under our radar, North Korea decided to reopen the north located industrial complex which funds the isolationist regime to the tune of millions of hard earned currencies while providing thousands of jobs to South Korean workers. With the North’s ever dwindling national revenue, talk about reality check, which is cheap.

President Barak Obama decided during the week to attend the G20 –Summit in St Petersburg but nixed a one-on-one with cold-war adversary as in President Vladimar ‘Spooky’ Putin of Russia on account of the latter’s granting of asylum to US citizen ‘ intelligence techie’ Edward Snowden. Life goes on in the espionage world, it is not a zero –sum as each is a master in the game but who feels it knows it.

Spain unfortunate train-ride which ended in a tragic loss of scores of human life we are now told could have been averted as no technical fault was found based on the black box previous to the tragedy. Driver was over speeding and at the same time on a non-system phone – texting. A no-no in Spain China the red sub-continent is on the overdrive with its eastern region on asphyxiating ly burning temperature while its west coast is awashed with mudslides and flooding of gargantuan proportion. Talk about Mother Nature doing her dandiest. The United Kingdom is worried about overpopulation with news about its baby boomers really booming. What! Please don’t blame the holoi polloi, after all the Monarchy just added one to the population as in Prince Harry and Kate’s baby Alexander George. So there is a lot of blame to go around otherwise they will have to go the way of China’s One-Child policy.

As we always conclude, our globe is our heritage. Lets continue to keep her clean in our every day living. Go green, plant a tree in your hood and put a smile on a tight face, by doing an act of random kindness. See you next week.

FOREIGN NEWS

Crackdown on Cairo protests imminent

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GYPTIAN security forces are preparing for a crackdown against supporters of the deposed president Mohamed Morsi who are gathered in Cairo protest camps.

Security sources told Al Jazeera that Egyptian police would launch action against the protesters early on Monday.

Al Jazeera's Simon McGregor-Wood, reporting from the pro-Morsi Cairo sub-

urb of Nasr City, on Sunday said that the crackdown would not involve a full-scale assault.

"It will simply be a very comprehensive encirclement of this encampment to try and put the squeeze on," he said.

"They will let people out, but they won't necessary let them or vital supplies back in.

A senior security source told Reuters news agency earlier that the decision to take action came after a meeting between the interior minister

and his aides.

"State security troops will be deployed around the sit-ins by dawn as a start of procedures that will eventually lead to a dispersal," another source told Reuters.

Officials, who spoke anonymously in line with regulations, told the Associated Press news agency that they were preparing for possible clashes that might erupt.

The pro-Morsi camps are the main flashpoints in the

•Indian supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attend the 'Navabharata Yuvabheri' (youth convention for a new India) meeting addressed by Chief Minister of Gujarat state and national election campaign chief of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Lal Bahadur stadium in Hyderabad on August 11, 2013. Narendra Modi began the party's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections with a youth rally calling for the people to free India of the Congress party.

AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM

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confrontation between the army, which toppled Morsi, and the ousted president's supporters who demand his reinstatement.

Thousands rallied on Sunday to demand Morsi's reinstatement, amid last-ditch efforts for reconciliation ahead of the threatened crackdown.

A large convoy of cars carrying pictures of the deposed president beeped their horns as they drove through a neighbourhood in east Cairo.

Hundreds of women marched in central Cairo against army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, shouting: "Sisi is a traitor, Sisi is a killer."

Morsi loyalists have said that nothing short of the deposed president's reinstatement would persuade them to disperse, despite several warnings by the interim leaders that the camps would be dismantled after the Eid alFitr holiday.

In a sign of the mounting tensions, a brief overnight power cut at the main sit-in outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque struck panic among the pro-Morsi demonstrators, with some taking to social media to announce that the assault had begun.

...Confirms deaths in Sinai air raid

HE Egyptian military has said that 25 armed fighters have been killed and injured during an overnight raid in its northern Sinai peninsula.

Ahmed Ali, a spokesman for Egypt's military, said on yesterday that a weapons depot was also destroyed during the helicopter assault,

south of Touma village in Sheikh Zuwaid city in North Sinai.

Ali said that the depot "was being used for terrorist acts against the armed forces and police, terrorising the innocent citizens of North Sinai".

He did not offer a breakdown of casualties, but sources said at least 12 people

were killed.

He said that the military and police forces would continue to chase the fighters until security and stability was restored in North Sinai and all around Egypt.

Security sources told Al Jazeera on Sunday that six people were arrested during the raid.

The assault follows an air strike by the Egyptian military on Friday, which killed four people.

The armed group, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, had earlier said Israeli drones were behind the attack and accused the Egyptian army of coordinating it with the Israelis.

Fighting intensifies in northern Syria

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EBELS and Syrian government forces have clashed in the country's Idlib province, as fighting intensified in northern areas of the country.

Government jets on yesterday pounded the town of Binesh in Idlib, while rebels shelled a government checkpoint in Saida, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Also on Sunday, a father and his three children were killed in Raqa province when government planes bombed their home, the observatory said.

The attacks follow days of fighting in Latakia province, which borders Idlib, with concerns growing about the country

disintergrating along sectarian lines.

The coastal Latakia province is the stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite minority and has remained relatively immune to violence. However, rebel groups have captured about 10 Alawite villages in the mountainous Jabal alAkrad area of the province.

Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr, reporting from Antakya in neighbouring Turkey, said the rebels now controlled areas in Latakia's countryside. However, they have not yet been able to advance to the coast.

The government has hit back, sparking fierce fighting that has left dozens dead on both sides, according to the observatory.

Zanzibar offers reward for acid attack

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HE government of the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar is offering a reward of $6,170 to anyone with information that could lead to the capture of attackers who threw acid on two British women working as volunteer teachers, local media has reported.

The Citizen newspaper, published in Tanzania, of which Zanzibar is a semi-autononmous region, said the hunt for the attackers of the women - both aged 18 - was continuing.

Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, from London, were attacked on Wednesday evening by men who threw acid on their faces and chests.

The pair were volunteer teachers at a Catholic Church-owned St Monica Nursery and Primary School in Zanzibar.

The attack happened as the teenagers strolled through the streets of Stone Town, the historical centre of the capital of Zanzibar.

Jakaya Kikwete, the Tanzanian president who visited the victims in hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial capital, condemned the attack, calling it "senseless and disgraceful".

He ordered the security forces to step up their investigation and find the culprits.

The attack came at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as people began to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Zanzibar Information and Tourism Minister Said Ali Mbarouk asked for the public's cooperation in investigations into the incident.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS

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Mali votes in presidential election run-off

EOPLE in Mali made their way through heavy rain yesterday to vote in a presidential election run-off aimed at restoring democracy and stability after more than a year of turmoil.

Ex-PM Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who won 40% in the first round, faced ex-Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse.

In the past year, Mali has seen a coup and a French-led military intervention to oust Islamist rebels from the north.

Polls closed at 18:00 GMT and the result is expected by Friday.

The victor will oversee more than $4bn (£2.6bn) in foreign aid promised to rebuild the West African state.

A 12,600-strong United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Mali (Minusma) is currently deploying, as France begins to withdraw its 3,000 troops.

The UN has stressed the importance of the election to the restoration of constitutional order and the start of national dialogue and reconciliation.

After he voted in the capital, Bamako, Mr Keita said: “People are saying: ‘Will the turnout be what we hope?’

But I am certain it will be.

And the rain here is a blessing and a good sign.

“Whatever the decision of the ballot box, Mali has already won.”

Mr Cisse said he would respect the outcome if he lost.

“I have submitted myself to the verdict of the ballot box long before today,” he said.

“I’m proud of our people who have, in such a short time, put us on a path back to the republic and to democracy.”

One voter, Moussa Tahirou Maiga, told the Associated Press that Mr Keita had “shown his patriotism”, adding: “He’s viewed here as the man who can change a lot of things.”

But another, Oumar Couilbaly, said: “Cisse’s plans are more detailed and more coherent. That’s why I’m voting for him.”

A record 49% of the 6.8 million registered voters cast a ballot in first round on 28 July.

Mr Cisse, who was second among the 27 candidates with 19.7% of the vote, complained that there had been widespread fraud, with more than 400,000 ballots declared spoiled.

what he called a “clear and clean” majority in the run-off.

The 68-year-old has the support of influential moderate Islamic leaders, and 22 of the 25 losing first-round candidates have given him their backing.

Mr Cisse, 63, has run on pledges to improve education, create jobs and reform the army. He has been more openly critical of the leaders of last year’s military

Egypt crisis: Grand Imam proposes reconciliation talks

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HE Grand Imam of alAzhar, Egypt’s top Islamic institution, has begun inviting different political forces to talks on ending the country’s political crisis.

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyib hopes to oversee a national reconciliation meeting.

Over the past three days, numbers have swelled at two protest camps where people are demanding the reinstatement of ousted

President Mohammed Morsi.

The military-backed interim government has said police will clear the sites, raising fears of further bloodshed.

More than 250 people, most of them Morsi supporters, have been killed in clashes since the military deposed Egypt’s first democratically elected leader on 3 July following mass protests demanding his

resignation.

Last week, Egypt’s interim President, Adly Mansour, declared that international efforts to resolve the political crisis had “not achieved the hoped-for results”.

Mr Mansour said he held the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Mr Morsi belongs, “completely responsible for the failure”, as well as “consequent events and developments relating to

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violations of the law and endangering public safety”.

On Saturday, officials from al-Azhar said they had been asking Egypt’s political figures to join a meeting on national reconciliation that would be overseen by the grand imam.

They said members of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), and other prominent Islamists were among those who had been approached.

Address challenges facing indigenous peoples – UN chief

S the world mark this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day, the United Nations chief Ban Kimoon has urged world leaders to seek to protect the rights of indigenous peoples in their countries.

The Day is used to highlight the importance of honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between states, their citizens and indigenous

By Evelyn Osagie

peoples. Such consensual arrangements, according to Kimoon, enable better understanding of their views and values and are essential for protecting and promoting rights and establishing the political vision and necessary frameworks for different cultures to coexist in harmony.

In his word: “Indigenous peoples represent remark-

able diversity – more than 5,000 distinct groups in some 90 countries. They make up more than 5 per cent of the world’s population, some 370 million people. It is important that we strive to strengthen partnerships that will help preserve cultural vigour while facilitating poverty reduction, social inclusion and sustainable development.”

He, therefore, urged member states to take concrete

It is shame on Nigeria for National Theatre – Kenyan scholar

ENYAN literary scholar Professor Chris Wanjala has decried the state of the Nigerian National Theatre, saying it is a shame that the foremost art edifice has become a shadow of its past glory.

While observing that its neglect shows the attitude of African leaders towards the promotion of the arts and culture Wanjala, who was in Nigeria when the edifice was newly built, urged Nigerian leaders to wake up to their responsibilities in preserving and promoting their art and culture.

He made the submission at the three-day conference of the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA) in

coup than Mr Keita.

The BBC’s Mike Wooldridge says a ceasefire that is allowing voting to take place in northern Mali also obliges a new government to open peace talks with the separatist Tuareg rebels within two months.

Much is therefore at stake in the election, not least its potential to unlock billions of dollars in aid promised by international donors, he adds.

•Voters list are seen in the forground as people wait in line to cast their vote at the polling station during the presidential elections in Mali, Bamako ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

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•Ban Ki-moon

However, Mali’s Constitutional Court rejected the allegations and the head of the EU election observer mission, Louis Michel, praised the electoral process for its transparency.

Ahead of Sunday’s second round, Mr Michel said he had been “positively surprised” by preparations.

Mr Keita - who is popularly known by his initials, “IBK” has urged voters to give him

By Evelyn Osagie

Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said: “I was here in 1977 when we had FESTAC and it was built anew then.

It had several compartments where plays and cultural activities were being performed in so many places. It represented a centre of the promotion of the arts and culture across the continent.

Ironically, there have been so many controversies around the National Theatre, talking about its neglect and all. And even though I hear it is being refublished, its neglect over the years is a tragedy because that is what

we, in Kenya, and across Africa are emulating. It is even a loss to us than to Nigerians because we have always felt that that is how we want to organise our own cultural institutions. It is a shame.”

While condemning the emphasis that is being placed on other economic sectors, Wanjala observed that the enormous wealth the sector holds is yet to be untapped. According to him, “African leaders cannot afford to remain complacent of the enormous wealth the sector holds in the wake of globalisation”.

“This is where there is a tragedy because our leaders

become even brainwashed than the people they are leading. In other words, they put so much value on economic issues and other sectors where they get handout from. If it is China coming to Africa, they want to please China. If it is America, they want to please America. If it is Europe: Russia…that kind of recklessness is not good.”

He called on scholars to educate their leaders on the wealth of the cultural and artistic wealth of the continent. “That is where we as scholars have a responsibility, not only in educating our students in the universities but there should be a way of educating the leaders,” he said.

steps to address the challenges facing indigenous peoples, especially their marginalisation and exclusion, by honouring all commitments and examining what more can be done.

“We must ensure the participation of indigenous peoples – women and men – in decision-making at all levels. This includes discussions on accelerating action towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and defining the post-2015 development agenda. Indigenous peoples have made clear that they want development that takes into account culture and identity and the right to define their own priorities. The post2015 development agenda needs therefore to incorporate the rights, perspectives and needs of indigenous peoples.

“Let us work together to strengthen indigenous peoples’ rights and support their aspirations. Let us create a world that values the wealth of human diversity and nurtures the potential it offers.”

Next year’s World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, he stated, would provide indigenous peoples everywhere a platform and opportunity to advance their cause.

Pope Francis reaches out to Muslims at end of Ramadan

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OPE Francis has urged Christians and Muslims to work together to promote mutual respect, particularly by educating new generations of believers.

He greeted Muslims around the world during his Sunday blessing of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome.

He said that “our brothers’’ the Muslims had just concluded their holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to fasting, prayer and alms-giving.

The Pope spoke from his studio window overlooking the square.

The BBC’s David Willey in Rome says Pope Francis, who has made caring for the poor the landmark theme of his pontificate, addressed tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in scorching summer heat.

Unlike his predecessors who spent their summers in the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo outside the Italian capital, where the weather is slightly cooler, the Pope has chosen to continue working at the Vatican during the summer holidays.

Our correspondent says he is preparing major reforms of the Vatican bureaucracy as a result of scandals involving Vatican finances and clerical sexual abuse of minors.

•Pope Francis

Mexico drugs lord’s release angers U.S.

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HE United States (U.S.) has reacted angrily to the early release by a Mexico court of a drugs lord who served 28 years in prison for the kidnap and murder of a US agent.

The court cut short Rafael Caro Quintero’s 40-year sentence for the 1985 killing of US Drug Enforcement agent Enrique Camarena.

It ruled that Caro Quintero, now 60, should have been tried in a state rather than a federal court.

The Drug Enforcement Agency said the unannounced move as “deeply troubling”.

The murder strained USMexico ties and changed the war on drugs trafficking.

Caro Quintero is still listed as one of the DEA’s five top international fugitives, and the US authorities believe he has been controlling drugs money from behind bars.

“DEA will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure Caro-Quintero faces charges in the United States for the crimes he committed,” said the agency in a statement.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013

57

NEWS Obi insists on Anambra north for governor Continued from page 4

Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Otunba Jide Adebayo (left) presenting a souvenir to the Acting Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Abdulrahman Sambo, during his visit to NAN Headquaters, Abuja …yesterday

Obi asked all the contenders for governor to stop dropping his name but to prepare for the election adequately.

Obi described as “mischievous” those associating him with endorsing a candidate, asking Anambra North to produce their best candidates in APGA. “Today, while a number of them have come out, with competitive advantages to rival the best of other zones. We

AfDB writes off Nigerian economy Continued from page 4

Wike: I won’t allow Amaechi rubbish Jonathan Continued from page 4

is taking place.

“I am a loyal party person.

I am a man of peace. What I said and I will continue to say, if anybody comes to destroy Andoni, will you allow the person to sleep? If somebody comes to your house to say you will not sleep, will you allow him to sleep? If you come to destroy Andoni, the people of Andoni will say we will not allow you to destroy it and they will not allow you to sleep.

“Truly, they are not sleeping. That is why they are restless. Today, you will hear a comment. Tomorrow, you will hear another comment.

If they are sleeping, will they be making comments like that? They no longer have their siesta. That is what we promised them, because if you do not want people to have their siesta, you too will not have your siesta.

“We are giving them a lot of assignments. When you give students too many assignments, they will come back to the teacher and say the assignments are too many and should be reduced, for them to have their siesta. Our assignments will be too many for them and will make them not to have their siesta.

“Many prominent Rivers people are with the GDI. We are all working as one body.

Those who are threatening are just wasting their time.

Nobody can threaten anybody. We are all from Rivers State.

“GDI is a pressure group supporting good governance. It is a body that is sup-

Continued from page 4

granted an order to maintain status quo in all matters pending before the Federal High Court as they stood on the 31st day of May 2013, the date of the order.

“The commission has taken due consideration of all the cases above referred and the following: “That the commission not being a party to the suit in the High Court of the FCT which nullified the congress at which Ejike Ogbuebego was elected is not bound by the judgment.

“That the commission did not monitor the process that brought in Ken Emeakayi as the Anambra State Chairman of PDP.

have the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, an international Civil Servant; we have Dr. Chike Obidigbo, a renowned industrialist; we have Mr. Tony Nnaecheta, who was an ex MD of a Bank; we have Chief Willie Obiano, who was an Executive Director in a Bank, among others. With this array of people from the Zone, nobody can say the zone lacks quality people,” the Commissioner said.

porting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is a body that is mobilising for the support of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I want to thank the GDI members for standing firm.

You did not allow yourselves to be intimidated. You resisted all intimidation. You were not violent. You did not take the law into your own hands, rather you followed through the process of the law, the rule of law and you challenged the Rivers State government that what they were doing was undemocratic and the court said yes and that GDI members must hold their meetings. GDI has come to stay.

“I am here (Andoni LG) and I owe no apologies. I say it that what God has said will be, must come to be. Come August 31, 2013, I am going to lead the delegates of PDP in Rivers state, with the Chairman of the party (Chief Felix Obuah), where we shall formally vote Prince Uche Secondus to be the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP. I owe no apologies to anybody.

“I want to thank our brothers and sisters in Bayelsa State. The position was zoned to the Southsouth, Rivers and Bayelsa. It was accordingly conceded to Rivers state. We are going to back him (Secondus) up. Any other person, who is going to run, I know most of them are not PDP members; they are only trying to see whether they can cause confusion. The party chairman (Obuah), who is a peaceful person, has said he would not allow that.

“All of us must be together to support President Good-

luck Jonathan, our son, our in-law and our brother in 2015, when he formally comes out to declare. He is doing well. We are not supporting President Jonathan just because he is from the Southsouth, he is from Rivers State (old) or because he married our daughter (Dame Patience Jonathan, from Okrika). We are supporting him because he is from Rivers state, he marries our daughter, he is from Southsouth and he is doing well as the President.”

Obuah renewd his invitation to Amaechi and Wike to his palace for reconciliation, in order to ensure peace, alleging that despite the huge funds that accrued to Rivers state, there was no commensurate development.

Obuah however urged Rivers people to forgive Amaechi and embrace him as their son, stressing that outsiders would not be able to settle their internal problems.

The self-acclaimed ‘Speaker’ of the Rivers House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, who represents Ogu/Bolo constit-

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uency, said: “We have kept Amaechi busy. He cannot travel or sleep again.”

Secondus said the GDI stood for change, adding that Wike would soon be promoted and made a “ranking” minister.

Secondus said: “President Jonathan has so much confidence in Wike. He trusts him and he is one of the brightest ministers and performing excellently.

A former-Transport Minister, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, said politics was about the people.

Sekibo, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) in the administration of Dr. Peter Odili urged persons who followed him to the ACN, to return to the Obuah-led PDP. A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, noted that the Constitution provides for freedom of association, wondering why Amaechi’s supporters attempted to prevent the rally.

The group, he said, had created fear in “them.”

and gas sector, for example, is a capital intensive “enclave” with very little employmentgenerating potential).

“The major policy issue is employment generation, particularly among the youth, and inclusive growth.

“The economic growth was not accompanied by a structural change of the Nigerian economy. The economy lacks diversification and agricultural production lacks modernisation.

“To address this, the government is encouraging the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from the oil and gas sector. “ It is addressing the infrastructure deficit in the country and the development of the agricultural sector through modernisation and the establishment of staplecrop processing zones, with the value chain model to provide linkages to the manufacturing sector.”

The AfDB, however, said the economic outlook was bright.

It said: “The outlook for growth remains positive.

Downside risks include security challenges arising from religious conflict in some states and slower global growth.

“As economic growth is largely driven by capital-intensive sectors, it has not

Why we’re into petrochemical, agric sub sector, by Dangote

HE Dangote Group is into petrochemical and agriculture industrial sub sector as part of its contribution to unemployment reduction, its President Alhaji Aliko Dangote has said.

He said if the country is economically empowered through gainful employment, the poverty level would have reduced.

Dangote spoke at the weekend when a group of business men visited him in his office.

According to him, no govern-

ment can succeed without the input of the private sector.

He hailed the federal government for listening to the private sector and intervening in the critical areas of attention such as the backward integration policy which started with the cement sector and now being extended to agriculture.

He said government should not be tired of helping the organised private sector by intervening in other areas of their operations in which the inclement cli-

mate under which they operate has hampered them from attaining installed capacities.

“Good enough Nigeria has the resources and the market for any company to survive, only in a few other areas government should intensify efforts to ensure to make the sector attractive to investors.

“I have always said it that Nigeria is a good place to invest.

We have all in abundance. God has blessed this country, what we have naturally in abundance

INEC de-recognises Anambra PDP chairman

“The order of the Federal High Court which ordered a return to the stays quo and the recent order of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt which restrained the commission from recognizing or dealing with Ken Emeakayi as the chairman of the PDP in Anambra State. “ The commission has resolved that it will not withdraw its letter reference No: INEC/ EPM/PDP/ 24/1/ 153 of 26th July 2013 by which the commission recognized Ejike Ogbuebego as the chairman of the PDP in Anambra State and shall be bound by the recent order of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.”

INEC gave the details of the legal intricacies trailing the constitution of State Executive Committee of PDP in Anambra

translated into sufficient job creation and poverty remains high.

“As a result, Nigeria has a low Human Development Index (HDI). The country has made some progress towards attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), albeit slowly and unevenly.

“There is a high need to diversify the Nigerian economy into the non-oil sector. This would help expand the sources of growth and make it broad based, both socially and geographically.

“Further development of agriculture, manufacturing and services could broaden growth, create employment and reduce poverty.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Abati as saying that the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a UN body, at its 38th Session in Rome, Italy in June, gave an award to Nigeria as one of the nations that made significant progress in reducing hunger.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, he said, represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the ceremony.

Abati said Adesina presented the award to the president during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, saying such a negative report from the AfDB a few weeks after the FAO award was “suspicious and laced with falsehood and political’’.

State.

It added: “Further to your letter of 31st July, 2013, that of the Acting National Secretary of the PDP, Dr. Charles Aderemi Akinyoye, of 6th August 2013 and the meeting between some members of the NEC of the PDP and the Commission on the above subject matter, the Commission caused detailed review of relevant facts of the subject matter to be made.

“The Commission found that whereas it monitored the State Congress of the PDP in Anambra State in 2010 at which Chief Emma Nweze emerged as the Anambra State Chairman of the party, it has no record of how Ken Emeakayi suddenly became the chairman of the party in Anambra state.

“In March 2012, the PDP con-

ducted another congress in Anambra State at which Ejike Ogbuebego was elected as the State Chairman of the party.

Both the PDP and the Commission continued to accord recognition to Ejike Ogbuebego as State Chairman of the party in Anambra state until the Commission received the letter of the Acting National Chairman on 31st July, 2013.

“The Commission notes with abhorrence the deliberate concealment of the judgement of the FCT High Court delivered on 5th July, 2012 in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2631/2012 between Emma Mbamalu vs.

PDP by which the court declared the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses held in March 2012 in Anambra State at which Ejike Ogbuebego

emerged as State Chairman of the PDP, Anambra State as null and void and ordered the PDP to conduct other congresses in Anambra State though the Commission was not a party in the suit.

“The revelation of the existence of the judgement by the PDP only on 31st July 2013 has imposed serious constraints on both the Commission and the party.

“The Commission has considered the two ex-parte orders issued in favour of Ken Emeakayi in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/309/ 2012 between Ken Emeakayi Vs. INEC and 6 others, the certified true copy of the consent judgement of the High Court of Anambra State of 21st March 2012 on Suit No. a/171/2011 between Hon. Uche Ogbonna and 2 others Vs PDP and 4 others in which the court entered consent judge-

is what other counties are looking for to buy”, he said.

Dangote expressed optimism on Nigeria’s economic revival through the private sector noting that the current challenges facing the country will soon be a thing of the past.

He promised more investment in the country to create more jobs.

Dangote is the President of the Pan African conglomerate. He is also a member of the National Economic Management Team .

ment between Uche Ogbonna and Ken Emeakayi in favour of Ken Emeakayi but which the court specifically stated that it is not binding on the PDP and its national officers.

“The Commission further considered the judgement of the FCT High Court above referred and the ex-parte order of the Federal High Court, Port Harourt made on 6 th August 2013 in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/ 213/2013 between Ejike Ogbuebego and 2 others Vs. PDP and INEC in which the Commission was restrained from accepting, dealing with, recognizing or doing anything with Ken Dmeakayi as the PDP Chairman in Anambra State pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice which is adjourned to 20 th August 2013.”

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THE ADAMAWA PDP CRISIS: TESTIMONIES THAT PROVED US RIGHT

By Ahmad Sajoh

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ecent events in the country are gradually proving that the PDP crisis in Adamawa State was always portrayed in the wrong light. Often times propaganda elements around the National Leadership kept diverting attention from the real issues insisting that it was a contest between personalities rather than a contest between democratic forces and forces of impunity. Now the truth has begun to surface. We are getting high profile testimonies that re-enforce our position with respect to the high handedness and impunity of the National Leadership of the Party in generating and handling the Adamawa crisis. And to create another lie, they have resorted to blackmails and peddling of blatant falsehood about the visit of some state Governors to the President.

First it was an aide to the National Chairman who put up a paid advert in the papers claiming that only Governor Murtala Nyako had requested President Jonathan to sack the National Chairman. Then Ahmad Ali Guluk the Political Adviser to the President made the same charge in an interview with the Voice of America. The whole thing was actually scripted and choreographed by the Abuja based Adamawa political elite to whip up sentiments and make the PDP National Chairman a victim when indeed he is the architect of his misfortune. Governor Murtala Nyako never said anything of the sort. These are false and mischievous statements aimed at further diverting attention from the real Issues.

As we have said severally in the past, the real issues are about the competence of the National Leadership of the Party and its ability to promote fairness and justice in running the Party. On that score, the leadership has definitely failed woefully.

In Adamawa State, the National Leadership just flew in a group of persons who came in a commando style assault to purportedly dismantle the PDP structures in the State without recourse to any known law or procedure in the books. The process though thoroughly faulty and excessively compromised, was carried out brutally and with impunity which is the mark of the new leadership of the Party.

The head of that commando group is now secretary of the Governor Serieke Dickson reconciliation committee. I wonder how any sane person expects justice and fairness from such a person. Even if the whole of Nigeria believe in that committee, it will be difficult for us in Adamawa to do same due to the fact that our own crisis was engineered, promoted and piloted by someone who serves as the secretary of the committee.

In creating the Adamawa PDP crisis, what the National Leadership is to enthrone the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Labour Party in the elections as factional chairman. This is in total disregard to Section 10 (c) of the PDP Constitution which states, ”Decampees who return to the Party should lose their seniority and privileges conferred by previous seniority” He in turn appointed a Labour Party candidate for House of Representative in 2011 elections as chairman Disciplinary Committee with a mandate to try all those who helped the PDP defeat the Labour Party in the last election and expel them from the Party.

When that proved ineffective, they now resorted to issuing illegal guidelines to the effect that members should revalidate their membership (something alien to the PDP Constitution). But the illegal revalidation was not to take place at the Ward level where membership registers are domiciled but at the State and Local Government Secretariats. Section 8 (2) of the PDP Constitution says, (A register of members shall be maintained at the ward Secretariat of the Party and the register so maintained shall not be removed from the Ward Secretariat” How will the Party Secretariats at State and Local Government levels verify membership and what is the legal basis of their action? They even claimed powers to declare seats of elected public officers vacant.

That is the height of impunity and political brigandage. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic (as Amended) clearly spells out procedures for removing an elected official from office. Nowhere is a Party Leadership given such powers let alone arrogates it to an illegitimate factional leadership whose membership of the party is in itself questionable. But impunity and indiscipline are the hallmarks of the new National Leadership of the PDP. We are not the only ones saying so. In an interview granted the Sunday Trust

of 4th August 2013, an elder statesman and a founding father of the PDP Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim said, ”The PDP has lost its focus, it is in total disarray.” What a worrisome testimony. But that was just a summation. When he spoke about the appointment of Umaru Dikko as Chairman of the Party’s Disciplinary Committee he was full of disappointment. He said Umaru Dikko was appointed without being consulted and that the PDP leadership is not even aware of his whereabouts or health conditions. He said, ”But in Umaru Dikko’s case, they just announced his name, they didn’t bother about his condition, the man is seriously sick and receiving treatment in London. Would they be waiting for him to come back? ”Clearly what this portends is that the PDP Leadership simply wants to use the name of Umaru Dikko to prosecute a predetermined agenda anchored on the doctrines impunity and injustice. No matter what they do, they will simply attribute it to Umaru Dikko who is not only ill but unavailable at the moment. If not for the alertness of members of his family and political associates, the whole nation would have been taken for another ride by an incompetent and insensitive National Leadership of the PDP. In any case, Isiaku Ibrahim was very categorical in expressing lack of confidence in the Leadership of the PDP to promote discipline in the Party. Hear him again, ”The PDP is talking about discipline when its leadership has no discipline. They have no moral discipline so how can they set up a Disciplinary Committee? There is corruption everywhere, they have no discipline, their leaders are not accountable to anybody and anything, and there is no accountability in their administration. They are only making a mockery, a joke of the word ‘discipline’ because they don’t understand what discipline is” If this is the testimony of a respected elder statesman on the PDP Leadership, is there any wonder that the Party has been engulfed in one crisis or the other since the current leadership took over? But these have been our complains in Adamawa State ever since the crisis started.

Another high profile testimony of the high handedness and impunity within the National Leadership of the PDP comes from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

In a letter of protest written 0 the National Chairman which was widely circulated in the media, the former VP had protested his exclusion from the list of delegates to the National Convention submitted by the imposed leadership of the Party in the State. Although he was diplomatic by saying he considered his exclusion from the list as an error, it was obvious that the exclusion of the former Vice President was part of the impunity in the way the Party is administered.

Otherwise, how can the name of such a high profile member be so callously omitted?

If omitting Atiku Abubakar’s name from the list of delegates was an error, then what explains his omission from the list of members of the Board of Trusties?

Section 32 sub section lea) of the PDP Constitution is very clear on the membership of the BOT saying it shall comprise among others ”all past and serving presidents and vice presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who held or hold the respective post as members of the party and are still members of the party” If despite this clear constitutional and legal protection, the former VP could have his rights and privileges so easily abridged, one can then understand the basis of all the crisis within the Party since the current leadership took over. But their propaganda machine kept insisting that it was a contest of personalities, We have no reason to take on the personalities of the National Leadership of the Party. No, not at all. We have always pointed at the penchant for impunity, and inability to provide fairness and justice as our concerns. Now that we are getting high profile testimonies to back our claims, we feel immensely vindicated. However, we are not really happy about it. The cost to the Party is getting too high.

The instability the whole process is engineering is alarmingly dangerous. Yet, the response of the leadership to the crisis shows total lack of commitment to the growth and survival of both the party and even the democracy project. This is the hard reality which propagandists working for the National Leadership want to sweep under the carpet for just a momentary convenience. For us in Adamawa State, these high profile testimonies have proved that we have been right in our claims all along.

AHMAD SAJOH Director Press and Public Affairs, Government House, Yola

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2013

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NEWS

Seven killed in Bauchi road accident

S

EVEN people were burnt to death yesterday while five others injured in a multiple road accident in Durum village, Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

It was learnt that the accident, which occurred around 12.50pm, involved two commercial Vectra Opel vehicles. The registration number of the one of them is (Bauchi) AE 609 NNG; the registration number of the second vehicle could not be confirmed at the time of going to press last night. The third vehi-

•Five injured From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

cle was a Sharon station wagon.

An eyewitness said the accident occurred when one of the drivers of the Vectra cars got stuck in the middle of the road because the steering wheel was locked.

The eyewitness said: “The accident occurred when the driver of one of the Vectra cars got stuck in the middle of the road; his steering wheel got locked. As the

driver was trying to get the vehicle off the road, a Vectra station wagon on top speed heading to Kano State, collided with the Vectra car and busted into flames. Another Vectra vehicle, which was coming behind the Sharon bus also ran into the fire.”

Confirming the incident, the Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Henry Sunday Olatunji, explained that of the 12

men involved in the crash, seven of them died. Five others sustained various degrees of injury.

He said when FRSC officers got information on the accident, they rushed to the scene and evacuated the burnt bodies as well as the injured to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBU).

The sector commander, who said it was difficult to identify the people in the Sharon bus, because it was not registered at a commercial park, warned passengers against entering roadside commercial vehicles.

Borno to rebuild 823 classrooms destroyed by Boko Haram

A

S peace gradually returns to Borno State, the government has said it will build 823 classrooms which were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Governor Kashim Shettima spoke yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital, when he received members of the Borno Elders’ Forum at the Government House.

Shettima said the plan was part of his administration’s agenda of “reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration” to consolidate the return of peace after a prolonged Boko Haram crisis.

He said the government would also overhaul the health care system to meet the aspirations of the people.

According to him, as the state witnesses the gradual return of peace to the state, the government’s major task is to embark on the reconstruction of the 823 classrooms to allow children return to school.

Shettima said: “We will also create massive employment to engage our teeming youths in useful ventures, because that is the only way we can safeguard the future.”

The governor explained that his administration would tackle unemployment to stem the Boko Haram crisis.

ACN lawmaker donates materials to victims of Fulani/Tiv crisis

A

N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker, representing Makurdi North in the Benue State House of Assembly, Avine Agbom, yesterday donated materials to victims of Fulani/Tiv crisis.

The lawmaker advised the beneficiaries to share the materials judiciously, including among members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC), who were affected by the crisis.

Several people had died during the crisis in Makurdi Local Government.

The materials included bags of rice, millets, and personal effects, such as clothes and cooking utensils.

A

MID pomp and ceremony, Sadiya, the wife of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and Danmajen Kano, Alhaji Sunusi Lamido Sunusi, was yesterday installed the Giwar Danmaje to commemorate the silver jubilee of their wedlock.

The ceremony took place inside the family private home at the Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

The ceremony, which at-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

tracted distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life, followed the controversy of an alleged extra-marital affair by the Kano prince with a CBN worker.

At the ceremony, Sunusi said Sadiya has been “a pillar of stability” on the home front, adding: “Credit goes to this woman of blue blood who has proved to be a pil-

lar of peace all these years.”

The CBN governor, who is believed to be eyeing the prestigious seat of the emir, said: “In Hausa, Giwa means elephant. But when applied metaphorically, it translates to strength and stability.”

Sanusi showered encomiums on his wife, saying: “Even those who had known us briefly will attest to the fact that Sadiya is a pillar of strength.”

The Kano prince ex-

F

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ment areas of the state, paralysed business activities and forced the residents to remain indoor for the period of the downpour.

The rain fell from Friday till Saturday.

It also affected the movement of vehicles and commuters in the state capital as

several roads became impassable for hours.

An eyewitness, Alhaji Muhammed Inuwa, told our reporter that it was when the rain subsided that the residents of Yankaba discovered several bodies had been washed away from from the cemetery.

The development, it was gathered, made the resi-

I

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

plained that “the decision to confer this title on this woman of substance was a sign of gratitude for the positive role she has played in my life over the last 25 years of our marriage”.

He added: “I married Sadiya 25 years ago during the silver jubilee of the revered Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

“By next December, it will be exactly 25 years of eventful wedlock.”

MPOSITION of candidates into elective positions is antithetical to democracy, the pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has said.

The former President of the Appeal Court told reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the unveiling of the Kwara Citizenship Development Initiative (KCDI).

He said: “Democracy gives the confidence that everybody should have a say and a right in law. The problem is that where there is poverty, it is not easy for the people to be themselves.

“What we need is economic empowerment. Nobody can impose anybody on me because God is sufficient for me. We must be able to do things rightly. The money in the country: I do not see it being ploughed back into the community. I am a democrat.”

dents to search for missing dies along the path of the raging flood.

Twenty bodies were recovered from various locations.

The bodies have been reburied, after fresh prayers for the repose of their souls.

The residents urged the government to take appropriate measures to avoid a recurrence.

HE Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Muhammadu Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, yesterday called for the relocation of the Bauchi Federal Prison from its present location near the palace to another suitable location for the socio-economic development of the state.

Last Thursday, on Eid-elFitri day, the Chief Imam of

Flood removes 20 bodies from Kano cemetery

LOOD has displaced 20 bodies from the grave following over five hours of downpour in Kano.

The bodies were washed from their graves at the Yankaba Cemetery.

The flood also destroyed homes and other property worth millions of naira.

The downpour, which affected the 44 local govern-

Emir calls for relocation of Bauchi Prison

T

Flood: Aliyu threatens to punish erring council chiefs

N

•Aliyu

IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday threatened to sanction local government chairmen who fail to prevent a recurrence of last year’s flood disaster in their areas.

Heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) saddled with disaster management are also to avoid a repeat of last year’s sad experience, the governor warned.

Aliyu spoke yesterday

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

when he received the members of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in his Minna, the state capital, home during their Sallah homage.

The governor said he would sanction any of the 10 local governments, where the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had predicted that there would be floods this year.

Makurdi

Agbom urged the federal and state governments to set up relief camps for the internally displace persons (IDPs), who are mostly from his constituency, and provide more materials for them.

He said: “The displace persons have no camp; they can no longer go back to their homes. I want to appeal to the state and Federal governments to provide shelter for them. Some are staying at a camp called Duadu.

There is no mosquito net; the children have been dying everyday in the last two years without any support from then government.”

Imposition of candidates against democracy, says Akanbi

•Hajia Sadiya Sanusi (middle) flanked by relations at the event...yesterday

CBN Governor Sanusi’s wife turbaned Giwar Danmaje

From Uja Emmanuel,

Aliyu said his warning was not limited to only the councils that the NIMET predicted would be flooded but also other relevant agencies.

The governor stressed that the warning became necessary because his administration would not treat any act of negligence, which could lead to a repeat of last year’s sad experience.

He said: “The state government will punish any local government or any

relevant authority that allows flood to wreck havoc in the state this year.”

The governor advised the traditional rulers to further educate their subjects on the impending flood.

Aliyu said his administration would build eight guest houses in the state capital for the royal fathers, adding that two extra units would be built for thei guests.

He hailed the royal fathers for maintaining peace and order in their domains.

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Ahmad, urged the Federal Government to relocate the prison to another suitable place.

The Imam said the prevailing security situation in the state made it imperative for the prison to be relocated, adding that it blocked the roads leading to the Central Mosque and the Emir’s palace.

The Emir spoke yesterday in Bauchi during the traditional Sallah Hawan Daushe Durbar to Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda at the Government House.

He said security operatives were blocking the roads to the Emir’s palace and the mosque, therefore, making it difficult for people to get to both places to worship and carry out other routine matters.

Adamu also said the location of the prison was negatively affecting commercial activities of the people living near the palace.

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SPORT EXTRA

Newcastle to land Eto'o for £5m cut-price deal

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EWCASTLE has been offered the chance to sign Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala in a cut-price £5m deal, according to reports from The

Metro.

The big spending Russians announced last week that they are planning to cut their lavish spending, which has resulted in a number of

highly-paid players being put up for sale.

Among the star-studded list is Eto’o, who earns an eye watering £350,000-per-week – making him the highest paid

Andy Carroll sued for damaging home

W

EST HAM striker Andy Carroll is being sued for almost £200,000 over allegations that he wrecked the £2 million luxury home he rented while he was a Liverpool player.

Andy Carroll rented the Blundellsands mansion while at Liverpool.

Landlords Jeff and Dawn Grant allege that Carroll left the Merseyside mansion in such a state that it cost £48,000 to clean up and repair, while he also still owed them rent.

The England international’s Londonbased solicitors, Glinert Davis, have yet to comment, but it is believed that he is fighting the claims.

In court papers served to Glinert Davis, Carroll is

accused of taking away £75,000 worth of furniture and other items, including stereo equipment and CCTV cameras.

The Grants also claim that the five-bedroom detached house’s indoor swimming pool was neglected and became infested with algae, and that a garden lounger, barbecue and air hockey table were damaged.

In addition, they said that Carroll missed £68,000 worth of rental payments on the mansion in Blundellsands.

With the £48,000 repair bill added in, the total claim against the 24-year-old comes to £191,000.

Carroll moved into the property after agreeing a two-year tenancy, which

expired in May, shortly before he completed a £15.5 million transfer to West Ham. Leanne Wheeler, senior solicitor at Manleys, the Chester-based firm acting for the landlords, told the Liverpool Echo: “The papers have been served with him, so we are waiting for him to admit the claim or defend it.

“If he does defend it, then we will consider what he says and what the next steps will be from there.

“This was a high-spec property, and one of the terms of the tenancy was that it would be returned in the same condition as it was in at the beginning of the agreement.”

footballer on the planet.

Anzhi is desperate to offload the Cameroonian, and has offered him around to a selection of clubs that includes Newcastle.

The Magpies is known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements, and are openly chasing Bafetimbi Gomis.

However, with their move for the Frenchman stalling, Eto’o may prove to be a tempting option.

The ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan ace would have to take a significant pay-cut to be anywhere near fitting into the club’s wage structure, but Joe Kinnear could be tempted to spend big in a bid to win over the fans with the addition of a global superstar.

Eto’o himself is said to be keen on a switch to the Premier League, and may be tempted by a role at Newcastle, where he would certainly be the star name and focal point of the team.

L

•Eto'o

Tottenham names price for Defoe

T

OTTENHAM boss Andre Villas-Boas will allow striker Jermain Defoe to leave White Hart Lane this summer should his £6million price tag be met, according to the Daily Mail.

Spurs are set to offload a number of first team players as Gareth Bale’s proposed move to Real Madrid has

stalled and so will not be able to fund the £50million already spent this summer, along with more work in the transfer market that Villas-Boas wants to do.

Queens Park Rangers made an enquiry to sign the England striker last week but Premier League clubs such as West Ham, Everton, Liverpool and

Sunderland could all pounce before the transfer window slams shut.

Spurs are also set to allow the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Andros Townsend to leave the club in the next few weeks to trim the rapidly increasing wage bill and set some money away for future transfers.

Moyes eyes Baines for Man U defence

M

ANCHESTER UNITED boss David Moyes is preparing a fresh move for Everton full-back Leighton Baines, according to reports from The Express.

The Scot saw a £12m offer for the England international rebuffed by his former employers earlier this summer, but is now ready to come back with an increased fee.

Although the Toffees have stated publicly that they are unwilling to allow the 28year-old to leave, privately they are prepared to do business for the right price, and have even began to scout potential replacements.

Moyes sees his former star

•Baines man as the ideal player to help stamp his own image on his inherited United side, and replace aging French defender Patrice Evra – who has been linked with a return to Monaco.

Sturridge excited to overcome injury

It’s likely that Baines would jump at the chance mto play regular Champions League football and would be tempted by the increased likelihood of moving ahead of Ashley Cole for a starting berth in Roy Hodgson’s England team.

Meanwhile, after being thwarted in his attempts to lure Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford, Moyes is said to be keen on Marouane Fellaini.

The combative Belgian enjoyed a successful campaign last term, and is seen as the ideal replacement for Wayne Rooney, who is wanted by Chelsea.

IVERPOOL striker Daniel Sturridge is confident of having a strong season after making a return from injury against Celtic on Saturday.

Though Brendan Rodgers' side lost 1-0 in their final friendly fixture, in Dublin, the 23-year-old was delighted to get some game time under his belt as he continues his rehabilitation.

It is a first taste of action for the forward since suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with England in May and the recovery could not come at a better time for him, with the new Premier League campaign beginning against Stoke City on Saturday.

"I'm delighted to be back," Sturridge told LFC TV. "It's been a long road - a bumpy one at that - but I'm delighted to be back out there and I'm thankful to God for healing my injury so quickly because I wasn't sure I'd be back for the start of the season.

"I'm fit and good to go. If I'm selected against Stoke then I'll be ready. I didn't think I'd be as sharp as I was, to be honest, so I'm happy!

"I would have loved to have scored and marked my return with a goal, but the important thing was to leave the pitch healthy with no injury or anything."

Sturridge scored 10 goals in 14 league appearances for the Reds last season, after arriving at Anfield from Chelsea during the January transfer window.

•Sturridge

Arsenal ready to move for £14m Brazilian

A

RSENAL is ready to force through a £14m move for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The Gunners have been linked with the Brazilian enforcer for some time, and Arsene Wenger is ready to push ahead with an offer in a bid to get his transfer plans back on track.

So far the Londoners have only finalised a deal for French youngster Yaya Sanogo and have seen offers for other big name players – including Liverpool’s Luis Suarez – knocked back.

Although his attacking line has been Wenger’s main source of concern this summer, a defensive midfielder is believed to be a necessary addition.

Gustavo’s combative nature makes him the ideal

man, and his status with Bayern’s squad means that a deal could be agreed.

The 26-year-old’s future at the Allianz Arena looks bleak following the arrival of Pep Guardiola, who has added Thiago Alcantara to him midfield ranks.

This leaves Gustavo behind the young Spaniard as well as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez in the pecking order.

Arsenal can offer the former Hoffenheim man regular first-team action in the run up to the 2014 World Cup, which could tempt him to swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League.

After being dropped for Bayern’s first league game of the season, the player himself hinted that there is interest in his signature.

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WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘if a honest opinion is taken today, you will come to a conclusion, that in the Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral and Southwest, the APC is the preferred party. If the merger had taken place in 2011, we won’t have what we VOL 8 NO 2,575 have now. ’ LAI MOHAMMED

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

I

CANNOT remember their first names, but they captured my young fancy. Short, articulate with gesticulatory agility, they raised the tempo of their classes to the theatre experience. Since in my teen years I knew little about thespian ecstasy, the two history teachers gave us something close. They were Eshareture and Edeyan. I recall Eshareture’s dissection of the Yoruba Wars and the birth of Liberia. I cannot forget Edeyan’s ability to conjure back the tumble and heroics of the Niger Delta city states. In those days, the greed of England eyed our liquids - not below the earth and not black. They were red and white, and the juice of trees.

After my days in Government College, Ughelli, I knew I wanted to study history and become a professor in that romantic inquest into the past. Not even my fascination with tales and language enlivened by the classes of Mr. Money and Demas Akpore, former deputy governor of Bendel State, took away the rapture of the past.

At Ife, two major teachers, Professors Femi Omosini and Tunji Oloruntimehin, heightened my love affair with the subject.

Oluruntimehin handled with irony and understated zest West African people’s treacherous tango with freedom and tyranny under colonial thralldom. Omosini, with wit and dramatics, engaged a feudal Europe simultaneously in love with God and mammon. After my certificated years, I have followed history year after year, reading histories all around the world and across epochs.

Recently, when General Alabi-Isama published his civil war account, The Tragedy of History, I observed an irony. Most secondary schools in the country are doing away with the study of history, and the universities are diluting it, making history major study a lost cause. Now, it has to be history and international relations.

The Alabi-Isama book, apart from its onslaught on the Obasanjo claims, was an invitation to the past. As the historian E.H. Carr asserts in his classic, What Is History?, it is “an unending dialogue with the past.” What struck me when the Alabi-Isama book came out was how the events of today look so much like the days before the civil war. Secondly, I discovered that our young, even the very bright ones, know little about that period. It is not their fault. Who taught them or guided them into that vault of our souls?

As much Nigerian history as I know, much of our history is still unknown. How many know the details, for instance, of the most turbulent era of our history? Major Iluyomade narrated in detail, his command of the Ore confrontations during the civil war. Much of this has not been documented until this paper unveiled it. The Ore battle is the most mythologised of all the civil war encounters, but how much of this has been taught or documented in books or studies?

So much of the war is wrapped in clouds.

The Murtala Muhammed’s blood-laden command of the Niger bridge, the revenge pogrom against Hausa-Fulani in Asaba, the Abagana combustion, the capture of the Central Bank in Benin, the Midwest role, the battles for Owerri, life in Lagos, the minorities in the old Eastern region, the Yoruba relations with the Hausa before the war, etc.

We have not had also in detail books about

RIPPLES ELECTRICITY TARIFF WILL RISE DESPITE POOR SUPPLIES –NERC

..That’s 419 and AUTHORITY STEALING

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

History, civil war and our haunted house

•Gowon

Ojukwu as a general, or his handling of the so-called saboteurs from the Midwest, or Gowon either as a weak or necessary commander in chief, Awolowo as the finance mainstay and dynamic of starvation or the stories of the three divisions, their challenges or exploits or limitations. All of these would form major studies in postgraduate schools and provide simplified materials for primary and secondary and undergraduate studies. Studies on most of these are perfunctory at best. I generated discontent in some quarters in a recent article on Alabi-Isama’s book, especially my assertions of Gowon as a weak commander in chief. Gowon was a nice man.

Commander in chiefs are not supposed to be gentlemen alone, but officers and gentlemen.

Gowon became too much of a gentleman to become an officer. If he became supreme commander as a compromise, he took it too lamely. He was a Christian to douse the southern suspicions of Hausa-Fulani hegemony, and he was a northerner to restrain northern hubris. He would not rein in Shuwa or Muhammed because he feared for his survival. Frankly, if he was rash with the two men, they might have ousted him and complicated the ethnic and political fragility of the country. But both men were killing Nigerians and Biafrans in avoidable bloodbaths. Gowon did not have cunning and statecraft like Lincoln, and he sacrificed his survival for a prolonged war. Murtala was on a tear pillaging his own men. Shuwa did not know the difference between strategy and tactics, and moved from village to village as Igbo ran away from their villages, fuelling the charge of pogrom, which was hard to deny. What of the last days of the war? Achuzia claimed he never went to Akinrinade to surrender. I would want to know if he went to him in the thick of night for a picnic. And why did Ojukwu run away?

Or was Effiong then a traitor? Even a book on Air Raid will be a good document of that era. Madiebo said he lied about being at the Abagana massacre.

A century after the conflicts, books roll out each year on the United States civil war.

Abraham Lincoln’s role inspires books every year. The First and Second World Wars enjoy the chronicles of historians, novelists,

HARDBALL

L

ET it be known that the jumbo pay controversy dogging the National Assembly, NASS, will not be shaken off until the offensive heap of cash members haul home has been reduced to reasonable limits; this is the magisterial postulation of Hardball on this matter of urgent, grievous, national concern.

Recall that this matter which has been eating up Nigerians (both literally and metaphorically) was elevated to an international pedestal recently when The Economist of London published a poll of the take-homes of lawmakers across the world. Our NASS members of course won the world cup in this regard beating stupid, their counterparts from countries like USA, Germany, Britain, Japan, Singapore, you name it.

Since this publication hit us mid July, Nigerians have continued to yelp like wounded dogs while the NASS overlords have responded mutedly and gone back to the drawing board to restrategise and plot new ways to fend off the ‘bowling barbarians’. And the results are trickling in: the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has been inveigled into the plot; the Commission came out recently with an elaborate explanation to prove to us that our lawmakers are not treasury raiders as we purport. RMAFC claims that our people in the legislative chambers actually earn a little over N12million per annum as basic pay and not nearly N30 million (basic) as claimed by The Economist.

Hon. Manwe’s Freudian slip But when RMAFC tallied up all the imponderable bonuses and allowances, the pay turned out to be truly frightening and out of this world. We also did not fail to notice what seems like a caveat in the RMAFC rebuttal. It says: “that the remuneration package contained in the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances etc, (Amendment) Act of 2008 states the actual amount being paid to legislators and other public officers, adding, however that any other allowance(s) enjoyed by any political office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration Act of 2008 is not known to the Commission and the Chief Accounting Officer should be held accountable.”

This suggests that there is actually a chance that certain allowances outside the purview of RMAFC may well be enjoyed by the NASS and perhaps other political office holders. And they know it, we know it, everybody knows that there is much more to this matter than they let us see. Early this year, the boss of RMAFC had bemoaned the stack hauled home by legislators and warned that it was inimical to the economy and not in the least sustainable. A few years back, the Central Bank gov-

memoirists, and they visit various parts, whether it is Operation Barbaroosa, or the Battle of the Bulge, or the battle of Britain, or the detention at Auschwitz or Sobribo or Hitler or Churchill, or the French resistance and General de Gaulle, or Musolini also known as the Sawdust Caesar, etc.

If our young know history, they know their country. Tragically, the old, including our leaders, know little about our past, except the ones they experienced. If they know our history, they would know that some things happening today hark back to our past. The Rivers State crisis reechoes the rumbles of the Western region crisis. The killings of the North reverberate with the scatological details of the pogrom of the 1960s. The forming of the APC as a party harks back to NNA versus UPGA in the First Republic, PPA versus NPN in Second Republic and, under IBB, SDP versus NRC. Hence philosopher Nietzsche wrote about the theory of eternal return. The past makes us tenants of a haunted house.

A few topics have engaged writers like the coup led by Nzeogwu and the countercoup.

Even at that, the accounts come less from detached writers than memoirists whose stories stand on personal prejudice. The reason for this is the failure and decline of our education, and the philistinism of a society that would not read. Where are the equivalents of Alan Bullock’s Hitler: A study in tyranny, AJP Taylor’s The Second World War, or Albert Carrie’s enquiry into the same subject, or William Shirer’s tome, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, or E.H Carr’s engagement with Bolsheviks Revolution?

History is what we should honour and mourn, to paraphrase the classic Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. To honour the heroes by telling their story, and mourn what we lost with a view to pursuing paradise anew. History is never boring, it is our engagement for renewal. The other day, I asked a student who Bukar Dimka was? He didn’t know. He was in his last year in the university.

When we study history, we engage the present. We look at then to see now. A new movie, The Great Gatsby, is now running in theatres around the world, lashes at wealth from false values. It is based on a novel of the same title. Many critics say the revisit of the film is inspired by the recent economic crash just like the one that happened at the time Scott F. Fitzgerald wrote. They were right, but that book prophesied the power of history with the following lines: “So we beat on, boats against the current borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above ernor had also lamented the fact that a huge chunk of the country’s earnings is carted away by the NASS. In all of this, however, one member of the House of Representative, Mr. Jerry Manwe, who is chairman of the House committee on Electoral Matters, showed the stuff he is made of when in an attempt to weigh in on the matter recently let off a fat Freudian slip. Manwe blamed the jumbo pay of NASS members on, “people’s orientation and Nigeria’s style of politics”. At least he is honest enough to admit there is a jumbo pay. Let’s hear his justification: “Our politics here is different. Go and check all those countries you compared us with; how much do they spend to contest election there?

“A situation whereby a member will spend an average of N150 million on an election is not healthy…nobody spends less than N100 million to run for an election here.”

Phew, if only our dear Honorable Manwe can decode what he has said, but in this slip lay the answer to the riddle of Nigerian lawmakers’ world-beating pay. It must be so very convenient if not wonderful that “Nigeria’s style of politics” is made topsy-turvy so that some people can reap from the unending crisis. Some people actually spend a life time leveraging on crises. But let it be known to Manwe and all his colleagues that their primary assignment is to change this ugly style of politics that enriches them and deprives the larger populace. Yes there is something they can do.

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