The Nation August 02, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Why crash victim Kuteyi got no help NEWS – Page 5

•Villagers ‘afraid of arrest’

Boko Haram: No bail for suspected killer-cop NEWS – Page 2

•Judge accuses police of hiding facts http://www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 1840 TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

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My incarceration was as a result of a script written and acted out by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar to further keep me in prison. The first relates to events that happened after the murder of General Sani Abacha and the late Chief MKO Abiola. For fear that I may divulge information that led to their death, they have to keep me in prison till date ... After the death of Abacha, so much happened within three days and the country was without a President or Vice President. The then Vice President, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, was imprisoned for staging a coup. Many senior officers wanted to become Head of State, but God gave me the wisdom and I assisted General Abubakar to become President ...

’

How Abiola, Abacha were killed, by al-Mustapha Ex-Security chief says he has video evidence

Jonathan: fuel subsidy is drain on economy

By Eric Ikhilae, Judicial Correspondent

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USINESSMAN Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, was murdered, Major Hamza al-Mustapha said yesterday.

The former security chief’s statement is contrary to the claim that Abiola’s death in custody on July 7, 1998 was natural.

The late Abiola was incarcerated after he declared himself president on the strength of the election’s results. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime cancelled the election.

Gen. Babangida, who was forced out of power in August 1993, handed over to an interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was toppled by the late Gen. Sani Abacha in November, 1993.

The late Gen. Abacha who detained Abiola, ran an iron-fist regime, until he died in office in June, 1998.

Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar took over.

Under his watch, Abiola died.

Major al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Gen. Abacha, has been detained since 1998. He has been undergoing trial at a Lagos High Court over the murder of the late Abiola’s wife, Kudirat.

Mustapha also alleged that Gen. Abacha was murdered.

Major al-Mustapha accused Gen. Abubakar of complicity in the murder, saying Gen. Abubakar was afraid he could reveal what actually transpired.

He said the actual plot was to kill Abiola, the same day Abacha died, but for alContinued on page 2

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE days of petroleum subsidy are over, going by President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration yesterday.

The President has joined the clamour for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, saying the government loses resources through its continued regulation of the products.

Besides, he said the high cost of oil subsidies has limited the government’s ability to create the enabling environment for private sector investment in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry.

But Dr Jonathan did not say how much the subsidy, which critics insist does not exist, cost.

Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke spoke on his behalf at the opening of the 35th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Abuja.

Governors and petroleum marketers have been agitating for the removal of petroleum subsidies to free cash for infrastructural development and pay the N18,000 minimum wage.

•Mustapha

Continued on page 2

•MARITIME P13 •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P25 •ENERGY P37

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

NEWS Court denies suspected Boko Haram leader’s killer-cop bail

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•President Goodluck Jonathan cutting the tape to declare the Seminar to Review Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Open in Abuja ... yesterday. With him are from left Chairman Presidential Advisory Council, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Olugbenga Ashiru and Director General, NIIA, Prof. Bola Akinteriwa .

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

Jonathan: fuel subsidy is drain on economy Continued from page 1

The governors are also pushing for the review of the revenue allocation formula to give the states a higher percentage.

Jonathan said yesterday: “Significant national income has been expended so far on price regulation of refined products in the domestic market.

“This significant drain in the national resources has limited government ability to provide a sustainable basis for private sector downstream investment and development.”

The subsidy regime, said Jonathan, has effectively limited the government’s developmental capacities owing to its continued exhaustion of the nation’s resource base.

He said the administration’s implementation of the national energy policy, which is expected to reposition the oil and gas sector for sustainable development, has started yielding positive results as Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity is already on the verge of hitting over one million barrels per day.

The President said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been mandated to build three new refineries, in addition to rehabilitating existing ones to meet the country’s common objective of attaining self-sufficiency in petroleum products soon.

But he did not give any time frame for its completion.

“Nigeria’s national energy

Minister fires PHCN CEOs

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INISTER of Power Prof. Bart Nnaji yesterday removed the chief executives of four electricity distribution companies.

Those fired are Justus Obilomo (Eko), Oladele Adeola (Ibadan), George Chiatula (Benin), and Kosiso Nwaokoro (Jos).

The minister named the new helmsmen as Oladele Amoda (Eko Distribution Company), Bolaji Mofoluso Oyesiku (Ibadan Distribution Company), Dr. Effiong Umoren (Benin), and Mrs. Vera Ngozi Osuhor (Jos).

Nnaji told the managers at a meeting last Monday that those who fail to perform and consistently miss their service level agreement targets, would be replaced, to underscore government’s seriousness to pursue the reform agenda robustly.

The minister met with the new CEOs and told them of government’s expectation according to a statement by his medic advises Ogbuagu Anikwe.

“Government needs to see actual performance from us both in terms of network operations and revenue collection; I trust you will justify the confidence that we have in you with your appointments,” he said.

The minister also told the CEOs that the government would hold them responsible for meeting the service level agreements already subsisting in their various companies.

policy recognises the multidimensional nature of optimal energy resources management, at the same time, it addresses diverse issues such as energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, research and development, as well as energy pricing and financing along the entire oil and gas value chain.

“The overall thrust of our energy policy is in the optimal utilisation of the nation’s energy resource mix for sustainable development through increase in the pace of oil and gas exploration, development and production, internal sufficiency in petroleum products and export of

value added excess as well as liberalisation and deregulation of the downstream sector and progressively privatise the oil and gas industry to bring in private sector efficiency that will engender sustainability, “ he said.

Jonathan said: “These policy objectives are now actively being pursued in an integrated manner to give impetus to this vital sector of our national economy while modernising its laws to create an appropriate institutional framework for the implementation of the policy.”

On the timeline for the elimination of routine gas

flaring in the country which is also consistent with the national energy policy, Jonathan urged members of SPE to deliberate and recommend to government the best measures to be adopted in the process of ending gas flaring within the stipulated government timeframe.

He said: “Government is also focusing on addressing the considerable environmental challenges in the Niger Delta through the adoption of environmentallyfriendly technologies in our exploration and production activities because every nation with an important coastline must adopt best practices in its oil and gas activities to safeguard aquatic ecology of the coastline which many of our communities are dependent on, the recent BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is an important warning signal to Nigeria and lessons learnt from the incident must be shared especially through professional bodies like the SPE. “

•Alison-Madueke

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja yesterday struck out the bail application filed by Sgt. Adamu Gado, one of the accused persons standing trial over alleged murder of the leader of the Boko Haram Sect leader, Mohammed Yusuf.

The refusal of the bail application came amid worry

by Justice Donatus Okorowo who accused the prosecution of hiding vital facts from the court when the other Police officers asked for bail.

Gado, and four others who are already on bail are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit an offence to wit; a terrorist act contrary to Sections 315 and 516 of the Criminal Code and punishable under Section 15 (1) (2) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

The other accused persons are Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP); J.B. Abang, Akeera and Mada Buba as well as Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohammed Ahmadu.

Gado’s counsel, Mr. Edwin Inegedu had at the last sitting prayed the court to admit his client to bail to enable him prepare his defence for trial proper.

Opposing the application, Prosecution Counsel, Mr. R.N. Ojabo said the security of the prosecution witnesses would be greatly jeopardised, if granted bail.

In a ruling that lasted barely thirty minutes, Justice Okorowo held that, although Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) confers on the Court the discretion to grant bail, “the discretion to grant bail must be done judicially and judiciously.”

In refusing the bail application, the trial judge said he was persuaded by the material evidence brought by the prosecution, particularly where Gado admitted in his statement to the Police that,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

he actually shot at the late sect leader Yusuf.

The Judge said the fact that Sgt. Gado admitted that he actually joined others to shoot at Yusuf, as contained in exhibit J. O (1), was an admittance that he committed the crime, hence the court cannot on that strength grant him bail, even as he further agreed with the prosecution that the accused person had been on the run since he was granted administrative bail.

Accordingly, the Judge said, “Having listened to the submissions of both parties, I’m convinced that the interest of justice is better served in refusing the application than granting it. I, therefore, refuse the application for bail.”

Before adjourning the matter till October 24 and 25, for trial, the Judge accused the Prosecution of being “economical with facts”, since the same exhibits it used to convince the Court to deny the fifth accused person bail, were kept away from the court when bail application for the 1-4th accused persons was argued.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the twocount charge preferred against the accused persons are: •That you ACP J.B. Abang, ACP Akeera, CSP Mohammed Ahmadu, ACP Mada Buba, Sgt Adamu Gado, all of the police command, Maiduguri on or about the 30th day of July, 2009 at Maiduguri within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court unlawfully killed one Mallam Mohammed Yusuf and his followers, which act is an offence under Section 315 of the Criminal Code and you thereby committed a terrorist act contrary to and punishable under Section 15 (1) (2) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

Having listened to the submissions of both parties, I’m convinced that the interest of justice is better served in refusing the application than granting it. I, therefore, refuse the application for bail.

How Abiola, Abacha were killed, by al-Mustapha Continued from page 1

Mustapha’s intervention. al-Mustapha spoke while giving evidence before Justice Mojisola Dada.

He said he possesses both audio and video evidence on how Abacha and Abiola were “murdered”.

He, however, said he would not make them public and would withhold some vital information in the course of the trial because of security implications. al-Musatpha accused Gen. Abubakar of being behind his incarceration, alleging that it was his (Gen. Abubakar’s)

desire that he be kept perpetually in custody.

He also told the court how he allegedly influenced the emergence of Gen. Abubakar as Abacha’s successor.

“Abiola would have been killed the very day Abacha died, but I relocated him within the barracks and used the Strike Force to protect him from those who wanted to balance the equation,” alMustapha said.

“In the course of this testimony, I wish to say that I will omit any issue that will affect the national security of the country as a serving officer of the Nigerian Army. My incar-

ceration was as a result of a script written and acted out by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar to further keep me in prison.

“The first relates to events that happened after the murder of General Sani Abacha and the late Chief MKO Abiola. For fear that I may divulge information that led to their death; they have to keep me in prison till date.

“I am an officer who is being persecuted. After the death of Abacha, so much happened within three days and the country was without a President or Vice President.

The then Vice President Lt.-

Gen. Oladipo Diya was imprisoned for staging a coup.

Many senior officers wanted to become Head of State, but God gave me the wisdom and I assisted General Abubakar to become President. But, this is the price I am paying for my loyalty and for assisting him,” he said. al-Mustapha claimed to possess some documentary evidence to show that shortly after Abiola’s death; Gen Abubakar allegedly ordered that various sums of money be withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to placate some Southwest leaders.

He said $200 million, £75 million and N500 million were allegedly withdrawn from the CBN to douse tension arising from Abiola’s death. al-Mustapha claimed to have known Abiola from 1985 and that he was like a father to him. He added that after the annulment of 1993 presidential election, he assisted Abiola on many occasions to reach senior military officers, including Gen. Abacha.

He said at a time, Abiola slept and ate amala in his (AlMustapha’s) house when it was late for him to go home

after consultations with some senior military officers on how he could regain his mandate. al-Mustapha told the court that all visitations to the late Abiola were on tape, adding that some people, after visiting Abiola, would come back at night to the Presidential Villa to speak against him.

He denied ordering Sergeant Barnabas Jabila Msheila (Sgt Rogers) to kill Mrs. Abiola, claiming that he assisted her, Abiola’s son, Kola, his personal physician, Dr. Ore Falomo and his lawyers to visit him (Abiola) in prison.

The hearing continues.

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

NEWS

WHO begins audit of pharmaceutical firms

Praise time at The Nation

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

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By Joseph Jibueze, Dupe OlaoyeOsinkolu, Nneka Nwaneri and Amidu Arije

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T was time for praises-to the Almighty and reflections-on its past and future-at The Nation yesterday.

This newspaper, five years old on Sunday, was first published on July 31, 2006.

It was time to sing songs of praise to God for sustaining The Nation in a difficult economy and a competitive terrain where mortality rate is high.

Management and staff gathered at the quadrangle of the newspaper’s headquarters on 27B, Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos to thank God for the successes so far recorded and to pray for better years ahead.

They sang and danced in joy.

A Director of Vintage Press Ltd, the publishers, Mr. Adeleke Adeyemo, a lawyer, represented the Board. Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, led the management team.

Editor Gbenga Omotoso; Chairman Editorial Board Mr. Sam Omatseye; General Editor Kunle Fagbemi; Controller of Finance and Administration Mr. Ade Odunewu and Editor (Sunday) Lekan Otufodunrin attended.

General Manager (Training and Development) Mr. Soji Omotunde coordinated the ceremony.

Also present were Editorial Board member Tunji Adegboyega, Advertisement Manager Robinson Osirike; Senior Sales and Distribution Manager Akeem Shoge; Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunso and Manager (Administration) Mrs. Folake Adeoye among others.

The Assistant Pastor in charge of Lagos Province 17 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ayoola Ishola, led the prayers.

He said the newspaper braced the odds only by the grace of God and not due to the brilliance of the staff.

Citing Nebuchadnezzar, he said a man who failed to acknowledge God as his source of strength and success is a fool.

“You have been distinguished by the grace of God,”Pastor Ishola said.

Ifijeh attributed the newspaper’s success to God’s grace. He acknowledged the efforts and commitment of staff without whom, he said, there would have been no success story to tell.

He said the newspaper was improving year after year.

Omatseye said his dream is to see the newspaper become “a metaphor for professional journalism in Nigeria,” so that when people think of a newspaper, they remember The Nation.

He said there had been a tremendous transformation in the newspaper’s fortunes, adding that the “brightness” the newspaper will yet experience will be “as beautiful as the rose of Sharon.”

Omotoso recalled that the newspaper was never given a chance to survive at inception.

Some even turned down invitations to work with it and predicted its death.

Pastor Ishola flanked by Ifijeh (left) and Mr. Adeyemo...yesterday

•From left:Mr. Kamal Mustaph, Mr. Fagbemi and Mr. Odunewu on the occasion

PHOTOS: ISAAC AYODELE

XPERTS from the World Health Organisation (WHO) have begun the auditing and inspection of three Nigerian pharmaceutical companies. The move is to enhance their potentials and standards towards attaining the organisation’s prequalification of medicines.

Receiving the WHO team who visited him in Lagos, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, spoke of Federal Government’s commitment to the realisation of the WHO prequalification (WHO -PQ) requirements.

Orhii said: “It is a shame that despite the nation’s population+, and plethoral of pharmaceutical companies, not even one pharmaceutical company in Nigeria has attained WHO prequalification” “If our manufacturers should embrace WHO-PQ and build appropriate capacity to produce drugs locally that meet international standards of quality, safety and efficacy, we will attain self sufficiency in our drug needs and may not need to import again, blocking the avenue of importing counterfeit medicines into Nigeria.”

Noting that about 70 per cent of the country drug needs are imported, he described the situation as a national security risk that should be immediately tackled.

The leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Onyexx Pharma, Dr. Onyenoha Chukwumerijie, explained that the inspection was not to police Nigerian pharmaceutical firms but to help them meet global pharmaceutical practices.

CPC’s application stalls Presidential Tribunal sitting From: Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday asked the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal for extension of time for the pre-trial.

The party is challenging the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan in the April 16 election.

Jonathan contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was the candidate of the CPC. It urged the tribunal to cancel the results of the election in 20 states.

The party also urged the tribunal to hold that Jonathan and his running mate, Namadi Sambo were not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

The opposition party alleged substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and irregularities in Lagos, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Kwara, Adamawa, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Enugu and Cross River.

Others are Rivers, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo Anambra, Benue, Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to CPC, Ismaila Al-Hassan told the tribunal of his motion seeking an order for extension of time for the pre-trial session.

The petitioner also prayed the tribunal for an order permitting the motion to be taken outside the pretrial period.

Counsel to Jonathan and the PDP did not oppose the application.

The President of the Court of Appeal and Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, in a brief ruling, granted the prayers of the applicants and adjourned to August 15, for continuation of hearing.

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•Advertisement executives

•Mr. Omotunde •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo (left) and Bunmi Ogunmodede

He said it took the blessings of God and the determination of the workers to bring it this far. He urged employees to do more to make the newspaper the undisputable industry leader.

Adeyemo urged the management and staff not to rest on their oars.

“We can now beat our chests about our achievements in the last five years,” he said. He told the staff: “We are very proud of your hard work, which has brought forth the enviable voice you bring out everyday.”

Adeyemo said the reward for hard work is more work and the reward for more work is success. “You are engaged in hard work and it has shown in your production. It is marvelous in our hearts.”

He spoke on behalf of the board of directors.

Otufodunrin said the newspaper’s success is a collective achievement. “It is an industry where there is a lot of saturation, yet, by God’s grace, we’ve been able to come into the market, and we have become a force to reckon with,” he said.

•The first edition, July 31, 2006

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

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NEWS

Bailiffs challenged on diligence

Nzeribe, ex-minister Anenih disagree on one term tenure for president, governors A

ILING senator Arthur Nzeribe and former From Kamarudeen Minister of Women Ogundele, Abuja Affairs Josephine Anenih yesFOR smooth administration of terday disagreed on the proposed single tenure for presijustice, the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has urged bailiffs dent and governors.

Nzeribe said it is an attempt and process servers to show to give legitimacy to tenure diligence and honesty in their elongation. duties.

He spoke in Abuja at an inThe NJI Administrator, teractive session with reportJustice Umaru Eri, who spoke ers. He advised the President yesterday at the opening of a to jettison the idea, stating that two-day national workshop such a bill ought not to be sponorganised for them in Abuja sored by the Presidency. said “it is only by doing this Though he said he was comthat miscarriage of justice can pelled to appear in public to be prevented”. dispel news of his death folThe theme of the workshop lowing his long battle with an is: “The role of Bailiffs and undisclosed ailment, Nzeribe Process Servers in the also used the opportunity to Administration of Justice”. speak on some national issues The court bailiffs effect the including the Boko Haram criservice of writs of summons, sis and the disruption of the petitions, pleading, orders, zoning arrangement in the warrants and similar Court Peoples Democratic Party processes.

(PDP) with the emergence of Justice Eri said: “This Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker therefore means that the role of the House of Representaof Bailiffs in our justice tives. delivery system is enormous But Mrs. Anenih asked Niand quite daunting. This is because failure to serve process gerians to rise above partisan politics and allow a robust where service is required is a debate on the single tenure failure which goes to the root option. of the case. Indeed, it deprives She said it is too early to the trial Court of the necessary competence and jurisdiction to throw away the president’s proposal. hear the suit.

Mrs. Anenih, who made her “Without your services, the position known in a statement administration of justice will in Abuja, said there is no way be meaningless. I therefore implore you all to be diligent, the President can impose the option on Nigerians as being honest and perform your alleged. duties to the glory of our Nation”.

UNIBADAN is best in IT From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

THE University of Ibadan has been ranked the best Nigerian university in the building and use of information resources, structures and technologies on the web drawing on bibliometric and informetric approaches.

The new position was contained in the ranking released at the weekend by Webometric, a web-based world ranking of universities organisation. The institution was also ranked 41st in Africa and 3,499 in the world.

On its website, http:// www.webometrics.info, the ranking also places the University of Ilorin and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in the second and third position respectively. While Ilorin came 42nd in Africa, ABU was placed 43rd in the continent.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was placed fourth, University of Lagos was fifth, University of Benin was ranked sixth while the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, was ranked seventh in Nigeria and 44th, 46th, 55th and 60th in Africa respectively.

Webometric ranking began in 2004 as a study of the quantitative aspects of the construction and use of information resources, structures and technologies on the web drawing on bibliometric and informetric approaches. It is an initiative on the ranking of 20,000 higher educations worldwide based on web content to improve the presence of academic and research institutions on the web and to promote the open access publication of research results.

From Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

Struggling with words and speaking in low tone, Nzeribe, who wore a white caftan, dismissed the argument that the single tenure would curb huge spending by politicians every four years as unrealistic. He declared: “I don’t support the single term, reason is that it is political and anything political is doable, money cannot be ruled out, it will be spent.’’

He, however, said it was too early to determine whether Jonathan would be running for re-election in the 2015 election should the single tenure proposal scale through.

Reminded of the role he played during Obasanjo’s failed third term project, he said the current political scenario cannot be compared to what obtained in the past.

On Boko Haram, he said it was a very simple matter that the government of the day can handle if there is a will to truly nip the crisis in the bud.

He said: “I find it strange that the government can’t pinpoint the people causing the problem. I don’t believe it is a problem they cannot solve if they want to.”

He stressed that the problem posed by the Boko Haram sect cannot be any worse than what the government experienced in the hands of the

former Niger Delta militants, even as he said that what was missing on the part of the Federal Government was the lack of the political will to confront the problem. What is required to address the problem was not the use of force. But he was quick to say he was not averse to amnesty if it would solve the problem, adding, “I am for whatever will bring peace.’’

He also spoke on the emergence of Speaker Tambuwal, saying that he was opposed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call on Tambuwal and his deputy to resign after two years.

Debunking insinuations that he was booted out of the Senate, the former senator disclosed that the circumstances that led to his inability to return to the National Assembly in 2007 was a notorious fact, adding, “did I really contest in the primaries? I saw what was coming. I am getting old, and my shock absorbers were getting weak politically. I know when to dive and when to punch, so it was a good thing.”

When asked on the salaries of members of the National Assembly, Nzeribe said: “Nobody has challenged it; it is not for me to say whether they are over paid or underpaid, but how much they are paid is entirely according to the law.

There is a process, they do not pay themselves; they are paid

from the treasury.”

On the appointment of Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nzeribe, who was suspended indefinitely by Anyim over an allegation of a N22 million fraud and alleged impeachment motion against Anyim, said, ‘’I wish him luck, above all, good health.’’

Describing himself as a calculative person, Nzeribe said he had no regrets for any of his actions, including the role he played in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, adding, “if I do it, I do it because I want to do it.”

He also attributed his rumoured death to the handiwork of the “evil-minded persons” just like those who were behind same rumoured death of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe before his death.

However, Mrs. Anenih said: “Partisan politics should be set aside .To those who posit that it is too early to start this discussion because we have more serious issues besetting the nation I would ask them to also think about what could be the root cause of most of our problems now.

“I believe the President is looking at ways to tackle the causes of our problems, and not just the symptoms.

“Moving forward, I want to enjoin everyone to embrace the

idea and culture of debate. We should be able to robustly discuss any issue without the threat of violence or even national disintegration hanging over our heads.

“I still believe in President Jonathan and his vision for us as a nation. We are barely three months into this current Administration; let us hold onto the hope we had in him when we voted him into office as our President.

“We should all start thinking through the proposal to know whether that is what we want so that we will know what to answer when the question is put on the floor of the National Assembly.”

The ex-Minister insisted that the proposal is not the making of the President.

She added: “I know that the idea of single term is not original to President Goodluck Jonathan. The suggestion was mooted in the past but was overtaken by events. You don’t always have to start from scratch, or re-invent the wheel in a bid to deliver sustainable development.

“For a President who is thinking transformation, I believe it is a natural thing for him to consider every possible means of turning things around for the better for us.

“The number- ‘4’ -holds no special democratic significance; it was chosen by men and women, and can similarly be changed by men and women.”

Fashola signs bill to regulate govt’s borrowing

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AGOS State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday assented to a bill geared towards curtailing the powers of his administration to borrow funds for implementation of capital projects.

The bill titled; ‘Bill to Regulate Financial Management of the State, Local Government and Local Council Development Area’ will also help checkmate the spending power of the state government, local governments and local council development areas as well as hold public officers accountable for funds placed in their trust.

Fashola in signing the law at the Conference Room, said it was in consonance with the problems besieging the nation today.

The law seeks to regulate the state and local governments in the way funds put in the trust of public officers are managed and to the extent that it seeks to utilise those funds to the manner that gives greatest value for money. The challenges before us, is the urgent need to renew decadent infrastructure and provide new infrastructure in many places where they are not in existence”, he said.

“That should be the test for any law that parliament or government is either passing or championing”, he added.

Fashola, who also assented a Bill to establish Customary Court said the law would help to regulate and promote the administration of justice with regards to customary courts and practices.

“It helps us to promote the values that are essentially ours,

By Miriam Ndikanwu

that defines our origin, but perhaps more importantly, it helps the executive arm give meaning to the outlook of government. It will help us complete the administration of justice, not just the apprehension of offenders we are concerned about or the management of civil order, but also, where there are disputes, offenders are apprehended, they get justice very quickly and efficient time and you need good courts to do that, including civil disputes”, Fashola added.

Presenting the bills to the governor, Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Ajibayo Adeyeye explained that the Customary Court Law also empowers the Judicial Service Commission to establish Customary courts in the state.

On the Financial Management Law, Adeyeye said it seeks to legitimise modern day financial best practices that the state government has brought to fore in the last four years.

“All revenues henceforth shall be deposited in the State Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) except for funds set out for specific purposes. The bill also prescribes the process for withdrawal from the CRF and also establishes the Development Fund from •Fashola... yesterday which all capital expenditure in the state shall be PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES paid”, Adeyeye explained.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (third left), his Deputy Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (second left), Executive Secretary, Nigerian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy (left), President, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh (second right), Deaconess Adefemi Taire (right) and others during their visit to the Governor's Office, Abere, Osogbo, Osun State… yesterday

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

5

NEWS Babatope, Sarumi, Olu-Ojo in race for PDP secretary

THEY had all smiled home last weekend with their salaries, but they resumed work yesterday to face the reality that the employer who signed the cheque on Thursday would not be seen again, reports Abike Hassan

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

THREE frontline members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest are in the race for the position of the party’s National Secretary.

In the race are two former ministers - Chief Dapo Sarumi (Information and National Orientation) and Chief Ebenezer Babatope (Transport)-as well as the Chairman of the party in Ekiti State, Chief Bola OluOjo. The trio are taking advantage of the rezoning of the position to their region.

The leadership of the PDP had at its 56th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last week, approved dates and guidelines for the conduct of congresses from the ward to national level which would culminate in the party’s National Convention on February 25 next year.

The enlarged national caucus of the PDP had earlier rezoned the position of the National Secretary to the Southwest to placate it over the lost of the Speaker of the House of Representatives’ position to Aminu Tambuwal from the Northwest on June 6.

Handbills and flyers of the aspirants are already being circulated all over the National Secretariat of the PDP in Abuja.

Sarumi is a founding member and financier of the PDP in Lagos State and lost the contest for the governor of the state to former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 before former President Olusegun Obasanjo gave him a ministerial appointment.

Lagos warns developers

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst. Editor

HENCEFORTH, developers in Lagos State, who indiscriminately stack heaps of sand, gravel and other building materials on the road, pedestrian walkways or on drainage paths, would be sanctioned.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Aderemi Ibirogba, who gave the warning in Lagos, said the government’s clampdown became necessary to check the lackadaisical attitude of developers who block the drains with materials.

He warned that government will not hesitate to seal up properties of erring developers, besides their prosecution.

The commissioner appealed to residents to discontinue this act and as a matter of importance, abide by the rules and regulations governing building construction in the state to avoid sanctions.

He informed that officials have been deployed to fish out such properties and identify their owners across the state, adding; “we have enough men and the right equipment to achieve results in this regard”.

•Rescue officials at the scene of the crash on Saturday.

‘She signed cheque for our salaries a day before her death’ •Employees grieve after loss of CEO

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OUSE No 19, Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos Mainland, headquarters of Josepdam Group of Companies, was without its usual traffic yesterday. The feelings were reflections of the fate that befell the consortium.

It was the first working day of the week, but the workers, wearing mournful looks, were in no mood for business. They needed time to grieve over the loss of their employer, Mrs. Josephine Kuteyi.

Until her death in an ill-fated helicopter, which crashed into a rock at Ife Odan, a rustic community in Osun State on Friday, Mrs Kuteyi was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the consortium.

As if she had a premonition that she was embarking on a journey of no return, Mrs Kuteyi had signed the cheques for the employees’ salaries on Thursday.

When The Nation visited the company’s head office yesterday, all the workers wore sober looks. The sprawling premises that used to be a beehive of activities, were deserted. The main entrance was shut against visitors and customers.

Fear of arrest ‘delayed’ help for crash victims

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WO peasant farmers, a septuagenarian, Pa Agboola Atanda and a 50-year-old Samuel Oyewole, were the first to see the crashed helicopter at the hilly side of the Government Reserved Forest in Ife-Odan, a boundary community between Ola-Oluwa and Ejigbo local government areas of Osun State.

According to the duo, they saw the chopper before the crash and the deafening sound that followed the mishap last Friday.

According to them, they ran away in fear, rather than alerting the police, who possibly would have initiated help for the victims. The farmers, out of ignorance, said they were afraid the police would hold them accountable for the crash. But the flames from the crashed helicopter forced the whole village with about 40 houses to start running helterskelter, a development which eventually aroused the suspicion of motorists along the road leading to Iwo town.

However, it was learnt that the victims, the chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Josepdam Group of Companies, Mrs. Josephine Damilola Kuteji, a senior pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Adedoyin Okubanjo and the Filipino pilot, Catameo Arnold, trapped in the ill-fated chopper were not likely to have been rescued alive even if help had come in good time. It was said that Workers in the management cadre locked themselve up in rooms all day, having emergency sessions. The junior workers were seen in groups, having hushed conversations.

One of the workers, who pleaded not to be identified, said of the former CEO:

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the impact of the crash was fatal because the chopper suddenly hit the tree on the mountainous hill and lost balance.

The head of the Disaster Management Unit of the Osun cammand of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Olaniyi Babalola, blamed the crash on poor visibility caused by fog that enveloped Ikonifin community on that fateful day.

Babalola, and his team got to the scene of the crash around 1am the following day, more than 12 hours after the aircraft owned by Ogedengbe Air Services (OAS) had crashed.

They were later joined by sister agencies, including the National Emergency Mangement Agency (NEMA), the State Security Service (SSS), led by the state Director, Mr. Adeboye Olusegun, the Poilce, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. O. Henry and the Fire Services in Osun and Oyo states.

Segun Ajayi, an engineer and the director of Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), said his team got to the scene shortly after the NSCDC team’s arrival. He said N49,000 cash and some foreign currencies, five cell phones, two of which belonged to the pilot, three bags containing personal belongings, including the Bible, a hymn book, anointing oil and some documents were recovered from the scene.

“She was last seen in the office on Thursday. She came along with her personal assistant, Mrs. Adedoyin Ogunbanjo, to sign our salaries.

She then left for the airport on Friday to keep an appointment with a high-ranking Kwara government official in Ilorin.”

But for a last-minute change in plans, the late Mrs. Kuteyi was billed to travel with the company lawyer and its head of Human Resources.

Those who spoke on the life and times of the late Mrs. Kuteyi, described her as a very tough and strong-

•The late Mrs Kuteyi

willed woman, who was not only regular, but punctual at work.

“She was a disciplinarian and had a cordial relationship with her staff. I can’t believe madam is gone. She was such a force to reckon with and she had so much energy for her age.

She was regular at work and was a disciplinarian” one of the workers said.

Another employee said of her late boss: “Madam is about 58, but she worked like somebody in her early thirties. Her personal assistant was about 36. Words can never be enough to quantify the loss and vacuum created by their exit. Their demise is indeed painful to us as workers here. They were both loved by everybody.”

An employee at Josepdam Port Services Limited, Tincan Island Port, a subsidiary of the consortium, told The Nation: “I don’t really know madam on a personal basis.

But her death is a great loss and we are devastated by it.”

A condolence register has been opened at the company’s reception for the late Mrs Kuteyi and her personal assistant.

FRSC to revoke vehicles’, drivers’ licences

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LL existing vehicle and drivers’ licenses are to be revoked, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said yesterday.

Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, who dropped the hint in Onitsha, Anambra State, said the move is in line with the Commission’s drive to have a data base of vehicles in the country and ascertain the fitness of drivers.

Chidoka spoke during a courtesy visit to the Onitsha monarch, Igwe Alfred

From Adimike George, Onitsha

Achebe. He was on official tour of FRSC Commands in the Southeast.

According to him, the visit was to solicit the support of the monarch in building a robust and cordial relationship with Nigerians who are yet to fully understand and appreciate the efforts and functions of the Commission.

While commending Achebe for showing strong

interest in the affairs of the Commission, Chidoka disclosed that the FRSC has been able to reduce the number of deaths on Nigerian roads to about 14,000 annually, assuring that the figure will be reduced by half in 2015.

Commenting on the new drivers’ license, Chidoka, disclosed that the new license will cost N6,000.00 and will contain biometric features that are missing in the current license, stating that vehicle owners and drivers have about twelve months to recer-

tify their vehicles and obtain the new driver’s license.

“The planned vehicle license will ensure that the identities of vehicle owners are comprehensively captured and this will aid in tracking vehicles back to the owners in the case of eventualities and reduce car theft and other security hazards”, he said.

Responding, Igwe Achebe, who was decorated as honorary Corps Marshal by his guest, com-

mended the FRSC for its laudable achievements, while urging it to remain steadfast and not to relent on its efforts until 100 per cent safety had been achieved on Nigerian roads.

The monarch, who also called for the introduction of driving and road safety courses in the school curriculum, added that to completely rid the roads of mishaps, the coming generation must imbibe safety regulations and driving etiquette much earlier in life.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

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NEWS ‘Six-year single term is a distraction’ From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

THE Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Emele Mba Uka, yesterday said the controversy on the six-year single tenure being proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan was a distraction from the real issues affecting the country.

Uka also noted that the proposed Islamic banking would infringe on the constitutional rights of other religions, adding that attaching the name of a particular religion to non-interest banking was an attempt to Islamise the country through the back door.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna, the clergy said the issues affecting the nation were the implementation of the new minimum wage, unemployment and provision of amenities.

Uka said since the President “has already said that he wants a single term,” there was no basis for the current debate.

He said: “Why are they pushing him to extend it to six years? I think that is not the issue that is facing us now. The issue that is facing us now is that of the minimum wage. We want to know what the maximum wage is. Even what they have put as minimum wage cannot even cater for a man with four children.”

UNILORIN to pay N20m damages A for delaying results FEDERAL High Court sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday ordered the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to pay N10million each as damages to Olufemi Dunmade and Demola Jolayemi, both lecturers at the university.

The court also ordered the university to release the duo’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree it withheld since 2001.

The university authorities had refused to award the plaintiffs their Ph.D degrees since 2001, claiming that they overstayed their period of study for the degree.

Through their counsel, Dayo Akinlaja, the plaintiffs had approached the court seeking: “A declaration that the defendant has no justification in law or in equity to, for whatever reason, withhold the award of the Ph.D degrees in

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the entire circumstances of this case; “A declaration that the plaintiffs were not responsible for any delay that attended the administrative processes leading to the completion of his Ph.D programme in the defendant university; “By the reasons thereof, it is unlawful, inequitable and unjust to deny them the award of the Ph.D degree on the alleged basis of overstaying same; “A declaration that having awarded the same Ph.D degree to candidates or students who had spent longer years on the programme, the defendant should be stopped

from claiming that the plaintiffs are not entitled to be awarded the degree on the premise that they ‘overstayed’ on the programme; and “A declaration that the defendant has unjustifiably caused the plaintiffs career stagnation or retrogression, academic misfortune, untold agony and emotional distress by reason of the unlawful, unjust and inequitable withholding of the Ph.D degrees sequel to which the plaintiffs deserve to be assuaged in damages.”

Others reliefs sought by the plaintiffs include “an order commanding the defendant to award the Ph.D degree due to the plaintiffs to them forthwith and N50million each as aggravated and/or exemplary dam-

ages for the career-stagnation or retrogression, academic misfortune, untold agony and emotional distress caused by the defendant to the plaintiffs on the footing of the unjustified denial of their Ph.D degrees over the years”.

Justice Bilikis Aliyu said the delay in the ruling on the case was as a result of a transfer from the Ilorin Judicial Division to the Jos Division of the Federal High Court in March, last year.

In her ruling, Justice Aliyu said: “The defendant is not justified in law and equity to withhold the award of the Ph.D degrees to the plaintiffs on the grounds of overstay, having duly conducted examinations for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs’ case is not different

‘Prosecute Boko Haram members’ •Nation online readers give verdict on sect’s activities

By Hamed Shobiye, Assistant Editor, Online

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‘Allegation against AGF baseless’ From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

A GROUP, Move Nigeria Project (MNP), has debunked allegations of corruption against the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN) by the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL).

In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, CACOL had urged the President to sack Adoke.

It also urged the President to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate him over an alleged $26 million bribery deals in the Siemens, Halliburton, among others.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, MNP Coordinator Dr. Godwin Dabo said the allegations against Adoke were “unfounded and baseless”.

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi congratulating the Executive Chairman, Board of Broadcasting Corporation of Ekiti State, Mrs. Ronke Okusanya at the inauguration of the new chairmen and members of the boards of parastatals and agencies in Ekiti State... yesterday.

‘Adoke, Waziri truce shouldn’t be at nation’s expense’ A POLITICAL pressure group, Clean Nijaa Campaign (CNC), yesterday said the reconciliation of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), and the Chairperson of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, should not be at the expense of Nigerians.

After almost two weeks of crossfire, Adoke and Mrs Waziri at the weekend met and decided to sheathe their swords.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

It was learnt that the reconciliation was at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Osita Okechukwu, the CNC called for an effective antigraft agency, which Adoke and Waziri promised.

The statement reads: “In doing so, the first litmus test

is the total repeal of the GagGazette; for it is not only killing an ant with a sledgehammer, but obstructing the activities of the EFCC.” It said the concern of many Nigerians was how to eradicate corruption.

CNC noted that “the bane of our development, the cause of epileptic electricity delivery, decayed infrastructure, gross unemployment and mass exodus of Nigerian

youths” is corruption.

The statement reads: “We of the Clean Nijaa Campaign (CNC) are happy to learn that Adoke and Mrs Waziri have reconciled the conflict tearing both of them apart, a conflict which unfortunately undermined the war against corruption.

“We appeal that their reconciliation should not be at the expense of the country; a scenario where, instead of a more robust and open war against corruption, it will become covert and a shield for looters.”

Forum warns agency, oil firms over community’s neglect

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GROUP, Niger Delta Peoples Forum (NDPF), yesterday warned that it would mobilise its members and Ologbo community in Edo State against the state Oil Producing and Development Commission (EDOSOADEC) and the oil companies for neglecting the area.

The group declared the stance at its Southwest office in Lagos.

In a statement, its president, George Utomhim, said EDOSOPADEC and the oil companies have failed to provide basic amenities to

from the other candidates of Ph.D, who overstayed in their Ph.D programmes and were still awarded their degrees, having passed same.

“The defendant is hereby ordered to award the plaintiffs with their Ph.D degrees in Literature due to them upon the fact that they have passed their examinations which it conducted; N10million each is awarded to the plaintiffs as exemplary damages for the wrongful and oppressive manner in which the defendant deprived them of their Ph.D degrees till date.”

Justice Aliyu also ordered the defendant to “set up a panel of examiners, within six months of this judgment, to examine the plaintiffs of their Ph.D theses, which they have submitted to the defendant for examination since November 2001”.

the community despite the huge resources the community give them.

Utomhim said: “In Ologbo, we have communities where oil companies such as Mobil Exxon, Shell BP and Agip Oil are involved in oil prospecting and production activities.

“There is an oil revenue derivation that should accrue to the people of these areas.

But what EDOSOPADEC and the oil companies are doing is that they set up structures to cater for the welfare of the people. These structures never go far enough in their responsibilities.

“They manipulate the people, and government always tells us that they are doing enough. That enough we are not seeing physically. They give it to us on the pages of newspapers; whereas physically, we don’t see anything.

They are only doing popular propaganda.

“As a result, the people are suffering and crying over the painful neglect and deprivation they have been subjected to since their land became polluted through oil exploration and production activities.

“The people suffer from

deprivation and degradation of their land. What they need in return for the use of their soil is the provision of schools, good roads, hospitals, pipe-borne water and other infrastructure and social services that could enhance their welfare.

“But since government agencies and oil companies have failed to provide the infrastructure, we are going to take massive actions that will direct the attention of relevant bodies, locally and internationally, to the plight of the neglected Ologbo people.

“We are ready to mobilise

our people on the streets, and we may even go as far as forcing the oil companies to stop production –in our effort to ensure that the people’s demands are met.

“We will use non-violent demonstrations. We are going to sit in front of the oil companies and let them bring all the soldiers and military tanks. We have seen that before and we are ready to die.

“Until we are able to bring their production and government activities to a standstill, serious attention may never be given to us.”

ANY online readers of The Nation have called for the prosecution of members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the alleged masterminds of bombings in parts of the country.

Boko Haram has been demanding the imposition of Shariah law in the northern states and undefined the structure and chain of command in the North.

The group, whose local name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad), has the literal translation: “Association of Sunnis for the Propagation of Islam and the Holy War.” But residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, where it was formed in 2002, dubbed it Boko Haram, a loose translation from the local Hausa, meaning Western education is forbidden.

Residents gave it the name because of its strong opposition to Western education, which it sees as corrupting Muslims.

Since its leader, Muhammed Yusuf, was killed in July 2009, the group has resumed its hostilities, carrying out deadly attacks in parts of the North.

The highlight of the group’s violent campaign was a bombing attack on the Police Force headquarters in Abuja on June 17.

About 3,441 readers responded to the topic: “What do you think is the solution to the spate of bombings by Boko Haram?”

The readers were required to pick one of the four available options namely: (i) I don’t care (ii) Blame the Federal Government (iii) Prosecute the sect; and, (iv) Dialogue.

While 2,069 readers or 60.1 per cent urged the Fedral Government to prosecute the sect, 623 or 18.1 per cent blamed the government for the sect’s violent activities.

At least 683 readers or 19.8 per cent urged the government to use dialogue, and 66 readers or 1.9 per of the total respondents said they were “undecided.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

7

NEWS Boko Haram: Oyo police, community disagree From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

• •The protesters at the Assembly gate...yesterday

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Relief Camp residents protest alleged maltreatment

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ESIDENTS of Agbowa Relief Camp in Ikorodu, Lagos, at the House of Assembly yesterday protested their alleged maltreatment by the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oke Osanyitolu.

The protesters, who were resettled after last October’s flooding in Ajegunle, Ikorodu, brandished placards with inscriptions such as, “Osanyintolu treats us like prisoners;” “Give us better treatment for God’s sake;” among others.

Their spokesman, Mr. Rocky Lepe, said, last Friday, Osanyintolu informed them that the government had decided to close the camp and would give the inhabitants a stipend to reintegrate into the society.

He said some residents were given N25,000 but

25 arraigned for alleged attempted mass murder

By Joseph Jibueze

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OR allegedly attempting to commit mass murder, 25 persons were yesterday arraigned at a Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja, Lagos.

They were alleged to have attempted to set fire on the Lagos State Temporary Resettlement Camp, Agbowa in Ikorodu, where victims of flooding and the displaced were provided shelter by the government.

The police said they could have committed mass murder by torching the camp.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate, O.A Isaac granted each of them bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that they be remanded in prison custody until they meet their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till August 31.

•LASEMA: we followed due process

By Oziegbe Okoeki

many could not find their names on the list of beneficiaries.

Lepe alleged that Osanyintolu later invited armed mobile policemen, who forcefully dislodged the in-

habitants by beating them and shooting into the air.

“In the ensuing stampede, a lot of people were injured.

About 69 inhabitants were arrested and are currently being prosecuted on Osanyintolu’s instruction,” he alleged.

The Deputy Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru, who stood in for Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said the House will look into the matter. He thanked the protesters for the confidence reposed in the House and urged them not to indulge in acts that could contravene the law.

Osanyintolu denied the allegations saying the protesters were not among the legally enumerated victims of the flood accommodated by the government at the relief center.

He said 254 families benefitted from the government’s stipend.

Osanyintolu said the victims demanded a compensation of N250, 000 and land each, but the government gave them only money because they were not land owners but tenants.

He said: “Those that were not enumerated before turned up when they heard that government was giving out money. We had to follow due process. Since we knew that people would still complain, we opened a complaints centre for them to seek redress and get listed.

“This enumeration was not done by us alone, but in conjunction with the Ministry of Rural Development and other stakeholders. We told them it was not compensation but an assistance to cushion the effects. They were fed for 10 months and during that time, there were no complaints.”

Demolition as Ekiti begins urban renewal

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HE Ekiti State Government yesterday kicked off its Urban Renewal project with the demolition of some illegally situated private structures.

The demolition began at about 10am.

Some affected shop owners watched in tears.

The traders, who had been given three months notice, were rushing out of the shops with their wares.

The demolition, which was condemned by the victims, was commended by other residents of the city.

Places touched in the first phase of the demolition included Atikankan and FajuyiBasiri road.

Some victims claimed that they were not given any notice, while others said they were notified.

The fence of the State High Court was also

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

touched.

Commissioner for Physical, Urban and Regional Planning Kayode Olaosebikan said the project wouldcost N2 billion.

Debunking claims of lack of due notice, Olaosebikan said: "I wonder why people tell lies so effortlessly. There was more than sufficient notice to everyone affected. How possible is it to demolish unmarked structures in an informed society like ours.

"Quit notices were issued to all affected and it was explicitly stated that it would lapse on July 31 and demolition would commence yesterday."

He said those who contravened the Urban and Regional Planning law would not be compensated.

•The Atikankan demolition site

Two killed in Mushin violence

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WO persons were killed yesterday in a violence that broke out in Mushin, Lagos.

No fewer than 20 vehicles were vandalised and six stalls burnt in the violence which lasted for almost an hour.

It was gathered that at about 10am, gunmen suspected to be from the notorious Akala Street unleashed vio-

By Titilayo Banjoko

lence on residents of Railway line, New Balogun, Yuba, Ikeolu streets and Coker Lane.

An eyewitness/pools operator, Mr. Jacob Ibidun, said: "I was inside my shop when they came with their guns. Immediately I saw them, I jumped out of the window. Eventually they made away with about N182, 000.

"It's unfortunate that these young guys would perpetuate such an evil act on the first day of Ramadan."

Another eyewitness, who pleaded for anonymity, said the hoodlums were carrying out a reprisal attack on members of a rival gang.

He said: "The violence started on Sunday evening. There was a fight around Adeshina

Street which resulted in the death of some guys from Akala.

"The streets affected are believed to be hideouts of the enemies of the boys from Akala Street."

Recounting their losses, residents of No.6 Ikeolu Street, which houses about seven families, said: "These guys are heartless! They broke into our

homes, collected our phones, money, gold and other valuables. This is not a reprisal attack; this is sheer armed robbery."

A trader along the Railway line said after collecting N28,000 from her, the criminals burnt her shop and five others.

Another member of the community, who doesn't

THE Police in Oyo State and members of Omitowoju community in Ibadan Northwest yesterday disagreed on the arrest of a suspected member of the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic Sect, Aremu Kanunu.

Kanunu, a Nigerien, was arrested at Omitowoju last Friday by members of the community and handed over to the police.

While Police Commissioner Moses Onireti claimed that the suspect, who is in police custody, is a beggar, members of the community insisted that he is a member of the sect.

They accused the police of covering up activities of the sect.

Onireti told our reporter that after thorough investigation, there was no evidence linking the suspect with the sect.

A member of the community, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Those who understand Hausa heard his conversation on the phone and alerted others.

“Since Kanumu claims to have been living in Ibadan for over two years, then somebody should be able to locate his address at Sabo, but that is not the case.

“We heard that the police have contacted Seriki Sabo and he said nobody could locate Kanunu’s address within the community.”

Ondo ACN lawyer’s home invaded From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HOODLUMS, on Sunday, invaded the home of the lawyer of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Charles Titiloye.

Titiloye said when he returned home from church at about 10am, he discovered that his house had been broken into.

The house, located at Ilula Quarters, off Oda road in Akure, the state capital, was ransacked.

The hoodlums were suspected to have been searching for documents relevant to ongoing election petitions in Akure.

Titiloye said: "They gained entry into the building by breaking the burglary proof of my bedroom's window.

"Nothing was however removed from the house; I'm so happy that they could not find any document relevant to the election petitions I'm presently pursuing at the Appeal Court."

He said the case had been reported at Oda Police Station.

Police spokesman Aremu Adeniran confirmed the incident.

want to be named, said the violence in the area was too intense for the Police to curb.

He said: "I'm over 40 years old and I have lived in Mushin all my life. This problem has gotten out of hands.

Just last week, three innocent people were killed. Today, about five have been killed. I think soldiers should be deployed in Mushin."

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

NEWS

Assembly workers lock out Edo lawmakers E

DO State lawmakers were yesterday locked out of the Assembly premises by protesting members of the Parliamentary Staff Association.

The workers said they would embark on a strike to protest their exclusion from the new minimum wage.

The entrance to the complex was barricaded by the workers, who sat on the floor.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association Adebo Andrew said the weorkers were demanding their last month salary and asking to be implemented in the new minimum wage.

Andrew said the law establishing the House of Assembly Commission, which was passed in 2001, empowers the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) to fix salaries and allowances of Assembly workers.

•Workers protest exclusion from minimum wage From Osagie Otabor, Benin

He said: “We were surprised when our vouchers sent to the Accountant-General’s office were returned.

We were told that we are not in the catchment area for the implementation of the new minimum wage. The question we are asking is this, where do we belong?

“Before now, we have had series of problems that we have been itching to solve.

“We are going to use this opportunity to solve the problem of promotion.

“Since 2009 when the purported internal promotion

was conducted, some workers were not promoted, and they have not been promoted till today. Last year, it was said that the promotion examination was conducted.

“Out of 127, only 16 wrote the exam. By our own judgment, that promotion exam is a failure.

“As I am talking to you, the 113 who refused to participate in the exam are still not promoted. By January, over 100 workers are qualified, but were not promoted.

“There are about five groups who are qualified for promotion, but are still not promoted. They still insist on

forcing the promotion examination on us but we are ready to resist it.”

Andrew said they refused to participate in the promotion exam because the civil service rules does not provide for that.

“The examination that is provided for is well spelt out in chapters six and seven of the constitution.

“As far as the civil service rule does not provide for it, we see it as illegal.

“If they address one of the problems and leave the others, we are not going to call off our protest. We are going to be here until they address all the problems.

“We are not afraid of what anybody is going to do to us.

We are going to stand our ground until our demands are met.”

Speaker Uyi Igbe and other lawmakers could not be reached for comment.

Robbery suspects, victims meet

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HERE was a drama yesterday at Rukpokwu in Obio/Akpor Local Government near the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State.

Two burglars with stolen goods met with their victims at the police station.

Sources said policemen at the Special Area Division Patrol Team on “pin-down” at Rukpokwu stopped two vehicles, trying to avoid a check.

The policemen pursued the suspects and one of the vehicles, without a registration number, was impounded.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

The vehicle was later found to be loaded with assorted cloths, provisions and jewellery.

The suspects and the goods were brought to the station, only to meet the owners of the goods lodging a complaint. The victims identified their goods.

Police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam, who confirmed the incident, said efforts were being intensified to arrest others.

Police to pay cyclist N.5m From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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DELTA State High Court has ordered the Police to pay N500,000 damages for assaulting a motorcyclist, Iroroevun Isiapkere, at a checkpoint.

The incident, which took place in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government in April, last year, resulted in the loss of the victim’s teeth.

Joined in the suit are Constables Peter Jatto; Victor Obalor; Emoghene Reuben and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vincent Ossai.

The Divisional Police Officer, Isiokolo is the fifth respondent; Commissioner of Police (sixth), while the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Police Service Commission are the seventh and eighth respondents.

Justice A.O Omoamogho said: “I herein award N500,000 as general damages against the first, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants jointly and severally for the callous act of the first respondent.

The applicant is also entitled to N50,000 as cost for this action”

Kidnappers demand N300m

T

HE Akwa Ibom State Police Command yesterday said it had

launched a manhunt to rescue the kidnapped Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government, Godwin Ekpo.

Ekpo was kidnapped at the weekend by five gunmen, who disrupted a football tournament, which Ekpo was part of and took him with them.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

They shot dead his police orderly, whose name could not be ascertained.

Police spokesman Onyeka Orji said the command would soon rescue the council chairman.

A source said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded N300million before Ekpo could regain his freedom.

Amputee sues former lawmaker •The workers in front of the complex....yesterday

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

I remain Rivers ACN chair, says suspended official HO is the chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State?

This is the question stakeholders are trying to figure out as Uche Okwukwu says he remains the chairman of the party.

Okwukwu had urged party members to vote for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) less than 48 hours to the April 26 governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Okwukwu yesterday said his integrity is intact and that he was not bribed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to abandon the party, but

W

•Sekibo: we have another chair From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

consulted widely before taking the decision.

But the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, said Okwukwu should never be taken seriously for betraying the party.

Sekibo said the opposition party had moved on, with a new chairman, Chief Esuku M. Esuku, who was the former Deputy Chairman.

He urged all ACN members to disregard Okwukwu’s attempt to

destabilise the party and drag its dignity in the mud.

The governorship candidate said Okwukwu’s action was a betrayal of trust, and lack of integrity.

Okwukwu said: “I was the only officer of the party that delivered my ward in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government during the National Assembly elections.

“Sekibo lost in his polling unit and his ward 4 in Okrika. He promised to deliver Okrika and Ogu-Bolo local governments, but he could not.

“I found myself morally-

licensed to urge those who believed in me to vote for Governor Amaechi. Most Rivers people said they would vote for Governor Amaechi because of his impressive performance.

“From the onset, very unserious characters, who have no understanding of elections, found themselves around Sekibo.

“They lacked the required depth. Dr. Odili asked Sekibo not to run, that Rivers people would prefer Amaechi, but he refused.”

Okwukwu further stated that he never mismanaged the party’s funds, as being insinuated.

Alleged forgery: I’ll be vindicated, says Senator

T

HE Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Domingo Obende, has said he would be vindicated by the court on the allegation of certificate forgery levelled against him.

Obende, who was reacting to the certificate forgery allegation, said he did not forge certificates.

Speaking to reporters during a thanksgiving service at Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government, Obende

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

accused Senator Yisa Braimoh of abusing court process by instituting two cases in Abuja and Benin.

“I learnt they said I forged my certificate, some people said I did not go to school.

For those of you from Edo State, I have never seen nor heard that a child is born and is given one name.

“I was born a Muslim, my Islamic name is Saliu and

my name is Domingo, my mother had twins and I am the Alaba after the twins and when I got baptised, my name became John, so what is their problem?

“As far as I am concerned, I do not have any case, the onus is on them to prove that I am not Saliu, the onus is also on them to prove that I am not Domingo so if they choose to now give me the name they gave that is their responsibility. “ I am also waiting for the

person to come up to say he is Obende Saliu, I do not see any case in this issue.

“We are ready to meet in court, the hearing is coming up and let me also tell you that there is an abuse of court process in the issue, he is claiming that he is suing me for legitimacy in Benin and you have taken the same case to Abuja, the court knows that there must be due process and that due process must be adhered to.”

TWENTY-SEVEN-year-old unemployed amputee, Friday Eki, has approached a court in Sapele, Delta State, to restrain a former Senator, Adeghor Eferakeya, from ejecting him from his one bedroom apartment.

He is also seeking N5 million in damages.

Eki urged the court to restrain the defendant from any further forceful ejection from his apartment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He alleged that Eferakeya, in a bid to forcefully eject him, ordered his orderlies to get him out of the property.

But Eferakeya said Eki broke into the apartment and started staying without his consent.

Justice G.E Gbemre said since“the rent of the applicant has expired and the defendant has not initiated proper legal measures to eject the tenant, the tenant shall pay the rents due as a result of his occupation of the property to the registrar of this court.”

He adjourned hearing till August 28 and 29.

A

13 drug suspects paraded

T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State yesterday paraded 13 suspected drug traffickers.

State Commander Mrs. Ruth Obi said 52.755kg of Cannabis Sativa was recovered from a suspected drug peddler, Ifiok Essien, a.k.a.

“OTTO”.

Mrs. Obi said Essien was on a watch list before he was arrested.

Also paraded were 12 others, including a lady.

According to Mrs. Obi, 28.351kg of Cannabis Sativa was seized from the other suspects.

Her words: “The command had recorded the con-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

viction of one drug dealer, Hamed Badmus, who was arrested with 12.2gms of Cocaine on March 21 at Umoren Street, Uyo. “Badmus had been sentenced to five years imprisonment without the option of fine.

“In the case of Essien, our operatives raided his home on October 6, last year and recovered 20.55kg of Cannabis Sativa but he escaped.

“On February 9, our operatives raided his home and recovered 4.450kg of Cannabis Sativa yet again he escaped. In all, the total quantity of Cannabis Sativa recovered from the suspect is 52.755kg.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

9

RAMADAN NEWS

•From left: Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Commissioner, Hon Musbau Oyefeso; Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oluranti Adebule during Ramadan Lecture organised by Unversity of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) at Akoka, Lagos.

FCT Minister calls for spiritual renewal From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

F

EDERAL Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has called for spiritual renewal among the Muslim faithful.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Hazat Sule, the minister charged Muslims not to forget to pray for Nigeria and its leadership.

He felicitated with the Muslim Ummah across the globe especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory on the commencement of the month of Ramadan.

Senator Mohammed noted that Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam and admonished Muslims to take advantage of the holy month to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and the betterment of humanity.

E

KITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun have enjoined Muslims in the country to use the period of this year’s Ramadan to preach against racial and religious discrimination and all forms of vi-

Group advises govt to honour pledge to workers

Pray for peace, progress, Jonathan urges Muslims

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged all Nigerian Muslims to seize the opportunity of the Holy Month of Ramadan to offer prayers for peace, unity, stability and rapid socioeconomic development in the nation.

In his goodwill message to Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan, President Jonathan described the Holy Month as a most favourable period for such prayers since Muslims believe that God answers prayers more during Ramadan than at any

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

other period.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said while increasing their acts of worship as enjoined during the month, Muslims should also rededicate themselves to projecting the Islamic virtues of brotherly love, peaceful coexistence, honesty, tolerance, piety, fairness, equity and justice for all in their dealings with others.

Assuring them of his solidarity with them as they up-

hold one of the pillars of their faith through the observance of Ramadan, President Jonathan pledged that his Administration will continue to do all within its power to give all Nigerians a true sense of belonging in the country.

He urged all Nigerians, in the spirit of the Holy Month, to embrace peace and join hands with the Government to build a more united, progressive and prosperous nation for the benefit of all.

President Jonathan prayed that Almighty God might grant Muslims in the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

T

•Jonathan

country the strength and will to successfully undertake the Ramadan fast.

Fayemi, Amosun, Ajimobi preach tolerance

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•Fayemi

•Former Special Adviser to Governor of Lagos on Political and Legislative Matters, Alhaji AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef (right) and Executive Secretary, Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Rajee Adenowo at a Pre-Ramadan Lecture organised by Fatima Charity Foundation at City Hall, Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

olence.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, urged Muslims to live exemplary lives, stressing that the greatest lessons from the Ramadan fasting include discipline, respect for constituted authorities, tolerance, honesty, sincerity of purpose and peaceful co-existence.

He enjoined Muslims to uphold the tenets of Islam, adding that by so doing, some of the societal illness would be corrected.

“Islam is all about love, honesty and cleanliness, both of the person and the society,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to provide basic social amenities that would improve the well-being of the entire people of the State.

He said his administration has embarked on various policies and pro-

grammes, aimed at improving the welfare of the citizens and called on the people to continue to support the government in realizing its developmental goals, as spelt out in the eight-point agenda.

Amosun, on his part, asked Muslims to use the period of the Ramadan to re-dedicate themselves to Almighty Allah, and reflect on His injunctions in their dealings with fellow citizens and the government.

He said the fasting period teaches all devout Muslims the virtues of discipline, honesty and empathy in their relationship with fellow human beings.

“Therefore, it is important for all Muslims to display these virtues in their daily endeavours. Those who are fasting should present themselves to other citizens as models of good behaviour.

That is the essence of Ramadan.

“The denials that Muslims will experience during the

next one month should forever make us to be law abiding, honest, patient, maintain good relationship with fellow citizens and perform our civic responsibilities as good Nigerians,” he said.

The governor further advised religious leaders to use the period to preach unity and co-operation among citizens who belong to other religions so that peace can continue to reign the country.

Similarly, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State urged Muslim practitioners to use the period to rededicate themselves to the cause of Allah and intercede for the country for peace and good governance.

The governor said this in a message he sent to Muslims through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Festus Adedayo.

According to the governor, the holy month is a period when Muslims offer supplications on behalf of

the nation and themselves before the Almighty Allah so that peace and tranquility would reign in their fatherland.

He urged Muslims to intercede for the country in the attempts by some unscrupulous people to rewrite the history of the country from a peace-loving, friendly people to a violent, bomb-throwing nation, stating that Muslims owe it a duty to ask Allah to return Nigeria to the good old days when peace was synonymous with the nation.

“We should take the opportunity of the month of Ramadan to ask Almighty Allah to stop this spate of bomb-throwing and violence which are very alien to the Nigeria that we have always known. Let us use this period of fasting to ask God for the forgiveness of our sins and rededicate our lives to the cause of a peaceful and God-fearing nation,” Governor Ajimobi said.

Fashola implores Lagosians to seek Allah’s favour

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has enjoined Lagosians to use the holy month of Ramadan to seek God’s favour in their individual and collective dealings.

Governor made the remark during the First Tarawih prayer session to

By Miriam Ndikanwu

usher-in the Ramadan in Alausa.

He was represented by state Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Hon Oyinlomo Danmole thanked all the Islamic Clerics for their

support.

Danmole assured them of government’s commitment to continued good governance and the promotion of religious harmony in the State.

The prayer session was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos Alhaji Garuba Ibra-

him assisted by other prominent Muslim scholars drawn from all divisions of the State. Also present at the prayer session were Alhaji Ibrahim Fashola; the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Idiat Oluranti Adebule; the Chief of Staff, Mr Mu-

kaila Babalola; Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Lateef Ibirogba; Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed; the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure Mr Ganiyu Johnson and members of the State House of Assembly.

HE Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated Nigerians for witnessing this memorable spiritual season.

A statement signed by MURIC’s director, Dr Is-haq Akintola, charged President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to be Allah-fearing.

“The present furore over wages between FG and labour is borne out of an acute lack of Allah-consciousness in government circles. Those who fear Allah will honour their covenants. Those who are Allah-conscious will realise that pledges must be fulfilled.

“It is indeed sad that our leaders enter into agreements with workers without fulfilling their agreements.

This has happened over and over again. Today it is happening to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). It is also happening to the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU). Lecturers are complaining that FG is reneging on agreements signed five years ago. Yet the same agreement is due for review in a few months from now. Nigerians should hold FG responsible for the continued decay in the education sector,” he warned.

Akintola pleaded with Muslims to seize the opportunity of Ramadan to beckon on Allah to make FG to honour its pledges to Nigerians especially on minimum wage to avert another strike.

“NLC is already threatening to go on strike this week unless FG honours its pledges. It is a big shame that we are being led by people whose stock-in-trade is lip service. Leadership demands some modicum of integrity. What labour is demanding is not too much.

What is N18, 000 monthly compared to N10 million and N15.5 million per month which members of the House of Representatives and senators receive respectively? Why should our leaders continue to deceive us?” he said.

10

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

NEWS

81 police officers get new ranks

Okorocha urged to rebuild Imo

I

NDIGENES of UmumaEbenmano community in Ideato-South, Imo State, who are resident in Kano, have urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to initiate good policies and programmes that will transform the state and make it regain its lost glory.

They said Okorocha should sustain the confidence the electorate reposed in him when they voted for him in the April election.

The Imo indigenes, who spoke in Kano, urged the governor to create more jobs; strengthen security; and establish industries, to accelerate the development of the state.

Hundreds of UmumaEbenmano indigenes gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, on Sunday, to celebrate Okorocha’s victory at the April polls.

President of Umuma-Ebenmano Development and Cultural Union (UDCU) Chief Aloysius Okwara said his people were elated over Okorocha’s election.

He urged the governor to

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

be a good ambassador of the community by running a transparent, accountable and development-oriented government.

Okwara said: “Rochas Okorocha is our own. He hails from our community and we are proud of him. That is why you see us here today to thank God for bringing him forward to salvage Imo from long years of maladministration and underdevelopment.”

He urged the governor to tackle ghost workers, saying it is wrong to use the meagre resources of the state to pay those who never worked.

Okwara said Okorocha should identify ghost workers in the civil service, arrest and prosecute them.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, anyone who reaps where he did not sow is a criminal. I want to call on the governor to take drastic action towards the reformation of the civil service.

“It might interest you that I know of some people who re-

side in Lagos, Enugu, Abuja and Port Harcourt but would return at the end of the month to collect salary. Their names are in the payroll but they are not working for the state.

“You are aware that Imo is among the states that accepted to pay the N18,000 minimum wage without hassle.

We know that Rochas will implement it but I want to tell you that it would be wrong to use the state resources in paying people that never invested their time and resources working for the state. The governor must review the number of workers in the state and make sure that salaries are not entering the pockets of the wrong people,” Okwara noted.

A former president of the union, Chief Ugo Pascal Nwosu, urged Okorocha to create jobs through establishment of small and large scale industries.

In his sermon, Rev. Paul Jatau advised politicians and leaders to shun corruption.

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

•Ringim

B

AUCHI State Police Commissioner Ikechukwu Aduba yesterday decorated 81 police officers with new ranks.

They include Assistant Su-

perintendent of Police (ASP) and Superintendent of Police (SPs).

At the ceremony in Bauchi, Aduba said: “As you wear the ranks of ASP, you are now superior police officers.”

He noted that the new ranks meant more responsibilities for the police officers, saying: “You now have the responsibility to do your best to secure the state and the

Jang seeks support for ACN council chief

P

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang yesterday urged the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in Wase Local Government to support the new council leadership under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Jang spoke at the swearingin of Mohammed Zakari, the ACN candidate who became the chairman of the local government after a protracted legal battle.

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

The governor praised the ACN candidate for his patience and respect for due process, urging him to be the father to all, irrespective of political and other affiliations.

He advised Zakari to align with the development plan of the state and initiate projects that would add value to the lives of the residents at the grassroots.

Police arrest nine suspected vandals

T

HE Bauchi State Police Command has arrested nine suspects, who allegedly vandalised Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) cables.

The arrest, police spokesman Mohammed Barau said, was made with the assistance of a vigilance

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

group.

Barau told reporters yesterday in Bauchi that the suspects specialised in vandalising NITEL underground cables.

Eight were initially arrested. The ninth suspect was apprehended during investigation.

Barau said: “All the suspects said they came from Jos, Plateau State, to carry out this act. But we have recovered the stolen cables and cutting implements. All together, we recovered 19 bundles of NITEL cables and one typhoid jack.

Investigation is ongoing.”

Adamu Garba, leader of the vigilance group, said

country.”

Aduba urged the police officers to be loyal and disciplined in discharging their duties.

He praised the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Ringim for approving the promotions.

Aduba restated the commitment of the Police to reduce crime and criminality.

He assured the residents that the Force would protect them.

members of his group hid near NITEL office in Bauchi where the suspects attempted to steal the cables.

“It did not take long before two of the suspects appeared and we arrested them when they attempted to cart away the cables,” Garba said.

During interrogation, the suspects said they were at NITEL premises to steal its

cables.

It was gathered that five other suspects showed up in two groups at the premises.

They were arrested on interrogation.

Among the suspects are soldiers, who allegedly offered to bail the suspects. But their request was denied and they were arrested as‘ accomplices.

Jang said: “I congratulate you on your victory at the tribunal. I commend your patience and respect for due process in pursuing this mandate.

As you assume office, this is now time for governance and not politics.

“It is time to embrace all: the peace and unity of Wase Local Government and indeed that of Plateau State is not negotiable.

“To the former leadership of the local government, I urge you all to accept this change of guard as the will of God and equally appeal to you to cooperate with the new administration for the overall good of the people.”

Zakari said: “I appreciate everyone. I thank my supporters for not taking the laws into their hands but waited for justice to take its course.”

Zakari promised that he would ensure that “peace and unity reign in Wase Local Government”.

11

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

With the launch of Nigerianowned communications satellites, the revenue made from Nigeria on bandwidth from other countries will be retained in Nigeria and used for our development. This will reduce our over dependence on oil and create additional revenue streams for the nation.

-Prof Ita Bassey-Ewa, Minister of Science and Technology

SIM card: NCC to prosecute unregistered card owners From Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Commu nications Commission (NCC) has said it will prosecute SIM card vendors, retailers and subscribers over the sale or use of preregistered new SIM cards in the network.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by NCC’s Head, Media and Public Relations, Mr Reuben Muoka, he specified that the act of selling pre-registered new SIM cards to the public, by vendors or retailers, and use of such cards by anybody, contravenes the Regulation on Registration of Phone Subscribers.

It reads in part: “Such person or persons shall be liable on conviction to a fine, or imprisonment, or both, in line with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

According to the Commission, any telecommunications network service provider found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

The Commission will also hold network service providers liable: “When such cards are found to be in use as they are expected to ensure that new SIM cards are not preregistered before they are sold to members of the public through their various channels.

“The Commission wishes to use this opportunity to reiterate the prescription in the process of the current ongoing SIM card registration exercise in the country, which presupposes that all newly purchased SIM cards can only receive calls while the buyers are expected to go to their particular network provider of that SIM to register his or her SIM card.

“Those found to be involved in this illegality will face arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and sanction in line with the provisions of the Communications Act.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$119.8/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.82 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.2% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -8% Foreign Reserve -$34.4bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 210 £ 241.00 $ 150.00 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 241.5 RIYAL 39.3

• Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke, cutting the tape to declare open the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 35th International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja ... yesterday. With her are Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Petroleum, Mr Goni Sheikh (left); Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mr Austin Oniwon and Chairman, Nigeria Council of SPE, Mr Adeyemi Akilawon.

PHOTO: NAN

gains on Govt to raise refineries capacity Naira oil firms’ dollar sales to 95% T T O make petroleum products available in the country, the Federal Government has said it is committed to raising the capacity of the four refineries in the country to 95 per cent.

Currently, the refining capacity of refineries (Port Harcourt (old), Port Harcourt (new), Kaduna and Warri) is 60 per cent.

These were disclosed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, who stood in for President Goodluck Jonathan at the opening ceremony of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) conference and exhibition in Abuja yesterday.

She said: “The nation’s refining capacity would receive sig-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

nificant boost in the next three years, with the coming up of three new refineries and the TAM of the traditional refineries, which is now being handled by the companies that first built them to ensure that this time, the facilities will actually give us the result that we desire in this country and take us to 95 per cent capacity utilisation in all our traditional refineries.”

Alison-Madueke in the keynote address also said: “The overall thrust of our energy policy is in the optimal utilisation of the nation’s en-

ergy resource mix for sustainable developement. These policies include increasing the pace of oil and gas exploration, development and production to continually increase the nation’s reserve base and productivity, liberalise and deregulate the downstream sector and progressively privatise the oil and gas industry to bring in private sector efficiency that will engender sustainability.

“We will also monetise Nigeria’s gas resources for economic growth and development and encourage indigenous and foreign participation in upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry, on a level playing field.”

The Group Managing Direc-

tor of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Austen Oniwon, said the corporation has given itself 24 months to fix the old refineries.

He said a team of experts from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will be going to United Kingdom next month to meet with the consultant on the three Greenfield refineries.

The team will review the detailed feasibility study of the refineries, which was completed in July. Thereafter, it will engage the financiers and the contractors – the Chinese to also examine the feasibility study to determine appropriately the size and configuration of the Greenfield refineries.

Operators give conditions for air fares reduction

A

IRLINE operators have given the Federal Government some conditions before they could reduce air fares on domestic routes.

They listed these to include regular supply and reduction in aviation fuel price, removal of payment of value added tax, which they contend is not applicable to other modes of transportation as well as reduction in rent payable at the airport.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella of local airlines, disclosed

T

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

these yesterday during an emergency meeting with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) on how to reduce air fares.

The airline operators, who spoke through their Secretary-General, Captain Mohammed Joji, explained that they would want the government grant their request.

The operators, urge the government to consider these requests, to eneble them review air fares

diownwards. At the moment, air fares oscillate between N24,000 and N30,000 on a one hour domestic flight.

“Once these requests are considered, the operators would stand a chance to bring down fares to government’s demand of about $100 or its equivalent for a one hour flight, as was the practice in the not too distant past,” he said.

The operators, it was learnt, are also asking government to start the allocation of plots of land to en-

able them to build their aircraft maintenance hangar.

It was learnt NCAA promised to get back to the Federal Government, even as he demanded that the operators should consider not only price reduction, but the need to render prompt and quality services devoid of unnecessary flight delays or cancellations without prompt refund.

NCAA had said the government would like to see passengers getting value for their money whenever they fly on domestic routes.

NUPENG alleges plot to sabotage supply of petroleum products

HE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Kaduna Zone, yesterday raised the alarm over an alleged plot by a ‘’cartel’’to sabotage the supply of petroleum products to the North.

The union said the cartel is unhappy that a black market does not exist in the region again.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

In a statement in Abuja by the Senior Assistant General Secretary of NUPENG, Kaduna, Comrade Adamu Song, the alleged disgruntled elements have been spreading misinformation to cause panic in the

region.

The statement said: “The Kaduna Zonal Executive of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), while reviewing its activities at a meeting in Minna, has painfully discovered a grand design by a group of dis-

gruntled elements who are not happy with the free flow of petroleum products in the entire Northern States .

“We understand this disgruntled group has resorted to misinformation about allocation of petroleum products, namely kerosine, diesel and petrol in Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Kaduna.

HE naira strengthened against the US dollar on the interbank market on yesterday after sales by three oil multinationals boosted dollar supply.

The local currency closed at N152.60 to the dollar on the interbank market, firmer from Friday’s close of N153.05 due to increased dollar supply from energy firms.

Traders according to Reuters, said three oil firms, units of Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron had sold dollars to selected lenders yesterday.

Most of the oil companies operating in Africa’s top energy producer sell dollars to some lenders on a monthly basis to obtain naira for their local obligations.

On the official window, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $400 million at N150.62 to the dollar, short of the $443.95 demanded and compared to $400 million sold at 150.26 to the dollar at the previous auction.

Governors urge Fed Govt to exploit bitumen From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

G

OVERNORS from Edo, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo and Ogun states have urged the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to exploit the bitumen in their states.

The Minister, Musa Sada, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja yesterday while inaugurating a 10- member committee on bitumen blocs.

He said there would be little or no encumbrances in terms of community relations because some of the governors are already looking forward to seeing the resource exploited.

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

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 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 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. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

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5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

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 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

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LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 07.30 Arik Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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4.

5.

6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana 1. IRS 2. Arik

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

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

Sambo satisfied with progress on power projects

V

ICE-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has ex pressed satisfaction with the progress of work done at the Mambilla, Zungeru and Kaduna Power Plants.

Sambo, who spoke yesterday during a briefing with the Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, and consultants handling the various power projects across the country at the State House, Abuja, commended the progress made in Mambilla on the geological and topographical survey and also the report of the Consultant on site reconnaissance repairs performed in June this year.

He acknowledged the progress on

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the preparation of project review report and final design for the tendering of the construction of Mambilla Power Project.

On the Zungeru Power Plant, the Consultant has completed studies in hydrology and overall energy generation.

The preliminary environmental impact assessment has been performed for 28 villages with 45,000 inhabitants, while full impact assessment is on.

On the Kaduna Power Plant, the engineering design has progressed satisfactorily while the transport study for the move-

ment of gas turbines currently at the Onne Port has been completed.

On completion, the projects would have a combined capacity to generate over 3,000 megawatts of power, with irrigation facilities and dams constructed to provide potable drinking water.

These are the necessary ingredients required to boost economic corridors.

Earlier, Nnaji expressed the readiness of his ministry to properly inspect all power projects under to ensure timely completion to fast-track the transformation process of President Janathan’s administration.

Dangote Cement to begin production in Ivory Coast D

ANGOTE Cement is set to start production in Ivory Coast.

This coincides with the Dangote Group’s signing of an agreement to site a cement company worth N329 billion in Edo State.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr Louis Odion, who spoke about the factory at the weekend in Benin City, said the economy of the state would improve.

Odion spoke during a stakeholders meeting with proprietors of the hospitality industry to acquaint them of the law imposed on goods consumed and services rendered in hotels, restaurants and events centres.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Donald Osikhena said the next phase of Oshiomhole’s administration is industrial revival after road construction and changing the face of infrastructure in schools.

He disclosed that over 50 bags of cement have been produced at the Okpella Cement factory since test

•Floats factory in Edo From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja and Osagie Otabor, Benin

running began.

“Edo State is the gateway of the nation. That is why we are striving to improve on our infrastructure, which were dilapidated before the Comrade Governor took over the mantle of leadership. If we have availability of funds, we will improve the infrastructure and the hospitality industry will thrive well,” he added.

In a related development, Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, dropped the hint about the take-off of the Ivory Coast Cement Plant at a meeting with the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire, Alassane Quattara, in Abuja.

He said investment outside the country would boost Nigerians foreign earnings through repatriation of proceeds.

“We have got approval from the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to invest about $3.9billion outside Nigeria, especially in neighbouring African countries, and Ivory Coast is one of them.

“The cement factory was almost starting in Ivory Coast, but because of the war, we had to abandon it. Now that the war is over, we will start the business all over again.

“We will have a discussion with the Cote D’Ivoire minister of Trade and see how we can go back there to commence the process of building cement factory in the country.

“The company will look at other areas of investment as President Quattara has requested. Now that some of the French business businessmen have left Ivory Coast, Nigerians will use the opportunity to invest in the country.

Speaking, the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire Alassane Ouattara called on Nigerian businessmen to come and invest in Ivory Coast, assuring that the just ended Cote D ‘Ivoire war has created business opportunities for investors from all over Africa.

• From right: Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, welcoming the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Mahmoud Lai Alabi, during the bank’s management team courtesy visit, to the minister in Abuja.

Intercontinental Bank makes N3.3b profit

By Akinola Ajibade

I

NTERCONTINENTAL Bank Group has recorded a posttax profit of N3.3billion for the unaudited half-year periodwhich ended on June 31, 2011.

This depicts an increase of 43.5 per cent over the corresponding year’s N2.3billion.

A statement from Intercontinental Bank also revealed a pre-tax of N3.5billion during the period under review.

During the period, the group recorded gross earnings of N40.6billion, while the bank accounted for N29.93billion of the total earnings for period.

Speaking on the group’s performance, its Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mr Mahmoud Lai Alabi, revealed that the profit level was driven by adoption of efficient banking operations model, reduction in administrative overheads, among other costs.

Alabi said the bank’s recapitalisation plan would be concluded before the next month’s deadline. He said the bank recorded a huge progress in the transaction by signing the Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA), and optimistic that the various other milestones would be met soon.

Shell allays fears on fresh gas flare in Bayelsa

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ONTRARY to insinuations that the Shell Petroleum De velopment Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), might have started a fresh flaring of gas from one of its facilities at Opolo-Epie in Bayelsa State, the company has clarified the situation.

It said the flare at Opolo-Epie is a temporary well test flare and not routine.

“This is about a flare associated with testing of a well for which SPDC has the necessary permits from the Department of Petroleum Resources,” said Tony Attah, VicePresident, Corporate Affairs for Shell Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Well test flares are common and accepted practice globally. In this case the flare will only exist for about a week. The gas well was drilled early last year, and we engaged the communities on the extent and duration of flares associated with drilling and tests.”

He said as the brief flare is within the regulated limits. It is not true to suggest that the flame is emitting toxic fumes and damaging the environment, he added.

SPDC has continued to make progress on efforts to reduce routine gas flares in its operational areas. By mid-January this year, the company had implemented projects at 36 facilities in different parts of the Niger Delta.

The plan is to extend coverage to over 90 per cent of the associated gas produced in SPDC operations.

The programme would cost about $6 billion.

Why Ekiti is raising N25b bond, by Fayemi

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OVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has explained his administration’s decision to raise a N25 billion bond from the capital market. It is to accelerate the development of the state in key sectors of the economy, he said.

Dr Fayemi, who was responding to questions on his monthly media chat “Meet the Governor” Sunday evening, said the bond would help finance capital projects in tourism, agriculture, and infrastructural development, among others.

Fayemi said his office complex, which houses the offices of the governor and some principal officers, would be transformed into an hotel

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

to boost tourism and generate revenue.

The governor, who explained that his administration met “a mountain of indebtedness” inherited from the ousted Segun Oni regime, said the Ekiti people won’t listen to excuses on why projects have not been executed, hence his resort to be bond.

Fayemi recalled that the administration of Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo raised a bond from the capital market to execute some projects which, according to him, are still generating revenue into

government coffers.

“This government met a mountain of indebtedness and we have an agenda for transformation.

“Ekiti people don’t believe in excuses; they believe Fayemi is a magician. I believe we can approach the capital market, like my predecessor Otunba Adebayo, who was the first governor to take a bond from the capital market.

“We are reconverting the Governor’s Office back to its original hotel status because we need a hotel in the state that can accommodate between 100 and 120 people at a time in Ado-Ekiti.

“We are converting Ekiti House

in Abuja to a hotel and we are going to get a new liaison office and this is intended to bring more money into the government purse.

“We are going to do agric projects with money raised through bond and we also intend to carry out about 15 road projects from the bond money”, Fayemi said.

Speaking on the dividends of his recent visit to the United States, Fayemi revealed that he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State of Maryland on exchange of technical expertise and education.

13

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

MARITIME

Jonathan urged to dissolve security committee PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged by stakeholders in the maritime sector to dissolve the Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMSS) to thwart the alleged plan by some individuals to transform it into another maritime security agency.

The Bill to change PICOMSS into a security outfit is at the National Assembly and the maritime workers’ union has vowed to close the ports if the bill is passed.

Addressing reporters at a seminar organised by the stakeholders in Lagos last Friday, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Funtos Maritime Services, and maritime lawyer , Albert Olaniyan, said if the Senate passes the bill, it would create additional problems in the ports, and urged members of the National Assembly not to allow the bill to sail through.

The presidential committee, The Nation was told, is dominated by serving and retired military officers whose motives, the union suspects.

The proposed Maritime Security Agency, if created, would be a Coast Guard and could become more influential than the Nigerian Navy in terms of money that would accrue to it, but without qualified and assets in the first few years.

The stakeholders noted that the new bill, if passed into law, would create legislative chaos, infringement on the Navy Act, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Police Act. The stakeholders said PICOMSS by its terms of reference ought to have been rested since July 1, 2004 after the ports met the International Maritime Organisaton (IMO) condition on International Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.

The lawyer said there is no need for the Federal Government to create another agency to supervise the maritime industry. He pointed out that there are so many government agencies at the ports that are delaying cargo clearance.

Another Speaker, Joseph Ibikule, condemned the ongoing plans to pass the Maritime Security Agency (Establishment) Bill 2009 into law, sayng the passage may spell doom for the country as it would cause a setback for the maritime sector.

Ibikunle said the passage of the

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Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

bill would create additional problems in the ports, and urged the National Assembly not to allow such a thing to happen.

He pointed out that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) codes and convention did not permit any country to establish specialised agencies to handle the International Ships and Port facility Security (ISPS) code.

The maritime expert argued that Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Malta, India, Brazil and Mexico did not establish parallel agencies on their maritime safety administration. Rather, Solomon said they left it within the framework of the existing maritime safety administration to handle.

The United States, which has the US Department of Coast Guard, Olaniyan said, still has the safety and security administration role in one organisation.

“If government intends to create maritime security agency for us in the industry, then it may also consider creating the land security agency, rail security agency, and transport security agency to compound the transportation problems of the country,” the lawyer said.

In his speech, a Law lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Mr Dipo Alaka, noted that the proposed agency was not relevant and that the Senate should throw out the bill.

The don said most of the roles and functions proposed for the new agency had been assigned to the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, Marine Police, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) by the constitution, Nigerian Defense Policy and the Armed Forces Act Cap A20, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Other speakers at the event explained that to take up the function of NIMASA, the PICOMSS members carved out the core functions of NIMASA verbatim in a proposed bill as contained in Section 23 (5), which empowered NIMASA to, demand the production of relevant documents for inspection; cause investigations, exercise right of hot pursuit, examine, seize and dispose of goods; enter ports to investigate matters related to maritime labour, safety and security.

Also Section 40(1) further empowers NIMASA to detain a ship that is

• Apapa port

• President Jonathan

unsafe and security risk. Section 1(i) (ii) emphasised that NIMASA shall “regulate and promote maritime security.

Section 22 (i) (g) also provided that NIMASA shall: i. Provides directions and ensure compliance with vessel security measures. ii. Establish the procedures for the implementation of conventions of IMO and international Maritime Labour Conventions to which the

M

“It is evident that the non-availability of a modern and wellmanaged truck terminal, holding bay in and around the port vicinity has created serious challenges in both traffic management, safety, security of life and property and a demand for the regulation of the traffic created by the movement of laden and empty trucks,” he said.

The minister praised the idea by the association to establish a modern truck terminal, holding bay at Ilu-Eri, Ijora in Lagos.

He said his ministry would support the initiative since his predecessor initiated it with the letter sent to the Lagos State Government to secure land for the construction of a dedicated modern truck terminal within a proximate location to the port.

public hearing that the Maritime Security Agency will operate under the umbrella of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President.

But the office of the NSA is not a statutory office that should appropriate the power to set up, monitor and oversee an agency as the bill is proposing.

He accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), of alleged hidden agenda over the issue.

He said the functions canvassed for the proposed agency were traditional roles of the Navy and that the Navy is already working with NIMASA. “There is no reason the bill should be passed. It will only create more problems for operators in the maritime industry and make our ports unattractive for business. The seeming gaps and perceived nonperformance of existing maritime security agencies were largely due to inadequate funding and lack of synergy.”

‘If government intends to create maritime security agency for us in the industry, then it may also consider creating the land security agency, rail security agency, and transport security agency to compound the transportation problems of the country’

‘More training coming for seafarers’

Minister assures of port reform INISTER of Transport Idris Umar has assured stakeholders in the maritime industry that he will evolve a robust and sustainable port reform programme that will create the enabling environment at the ports.

Speaking at a one day workshop organised by the Association of Maritime Trucks Owners (AMATO) in Lagos last week, Umar said his reform programme for the sector would meet with global best practices.

Umar, who was represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Omar Suleiman, added that the Ministry of Transport is committed to the completion of on-going projects started by his predecessors.

Federal Government is party to, on Maritime Safety and Security, Implementation, commercial shipping and for the implementation of codes, resolutions and circular arising thereon. e. Section 22(2) empowers the Agency to: i. Inspect ships for the purpose of maritime safety, Maritime security, maritime labour etc. ii. Generally to perform any other duty for ensuring maritime safety and security or do all matters incidental thereto. iii. Section 22 (5) provides that search and rescue services Contributing, the Executive Secretary, Sunlight Maritime, Abel Gbadamosi, said that NIMASA had the responsibility for supervision and control of maritime affairs.

Apart from the responsibility of NIMASA, Gbadamosi noted that the new bill would create legislative chaos, infringement on the Navy Act, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Police Act. His words: “It was argued at the

• Akpobolokemi

HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will soon extend its National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) to individuals and corporate organisations in its attempt to raise the profit of shipping as a vibrant industry that is capable of providing a long-term career prospect for Nigerians.

Director-General,NIMASA, Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, made the statement while speaking with The

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Nation in his office last week.

The NIMASA boss also talked of his preparedness to support any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that will assist the country to evolve cleaner territorial waters, in line with directives of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marpol 73/78 Convention.

NIMASA had before Akpobolokemi’s appointment restricted the seafarers’ programme to state governments, many of which have failed to key into the scheme despite the huge number jobless youths.

Under the new arrangement, Akpobolokemi said NIMASA would open a new window under the programme, so that many youths and corporate organisations could be given opportunity to enjoy the training.

But individuals and corporate organisations willing to enjoy training facility under the new ar-

rangement might need to contribute 60 per cent of the cost of training, while NIMASA would take up the remaining 40 per cent training bill at a foreign maritime institutions.

Although, the Director General did not mention when the opportunity would be opened, but he said, it was one of the option being considered to train many Nigerians.

Only about eight states like Lagos, Ondo Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Benue, and few others have enrolled their youths for the programme.

Youths from these states, Akpobolokemi said, are now undergoing training at an Indian university, where many of them have proceeded to Europe for further training as cadet seafarers.

He urged Nigerians to support the programme to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country.

14

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

MARITIME

How to tackle piracy T

HE Trawler Owners Association of Nigeria (NITOA) has urged the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, to adopt best practices that can be implemented in developing strategies to protect marine resources and facilitate the use of water ways for legitimate purposes.

The minister was also urged to formulate policies that would protect the nation’s territorial waters from illegal fishing and piracy.

Speaking with The Nation in Apapa, Lagos yesterday, a member of the group, who does not want his name in print, observed that illegal fishing combined with technological innovations have seriously depleted fish stocks.

He advised the government to adopt best practices that can be implemented in developing strategies to protect marine resources and stop the use of water ways for illegitimate purposes.

NITOA pointed out that security experts around the Horn of Africa have developed theories over the increasing piracy cases and urged the government to wake up to its responsibility.

Both coastal and inland states, NITOA said, have seen their vital trade links threatened by pirates, a situation that led to rising costs of fish in the market.

The fisher said insecurity in Africa’s waterways has forced insurers to hike rates

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

for ships passing through the region with the resultant effect of increased prices on consumers.

He urged the government to develop a naval capability to deal with the hazardous of waste dumping and piracy on the nation’s territorial waters.

He said the dumping of toxic waste in the maritime domain and the increasing crimes in the coastline, require commitment on the side of the minister to provide capability and co-operation with foreign partners to build its maritime capability.

He said Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand have set the stage for cooperation between states, both in information exchange and mobilisation of resources.

“The Minister of Transport has a lot to do in piracy and illegal fishing on our territorial waters. As at now, there are no clear answers as to the best the ways to ensure maritime security, nor are there clear answers as to what percentage of resources nations should allocate to maritime security to best facilitate the goal of furthering development of the fishery sector,” he said.

He said maritime security forces can help to provide a safe environment where sustainable growth and development can occur.

The forces, he added “fight piracy, enforce regulations protecting fish and other marine resources, combat drug trafficking and other illicit commerce, perform search and rescue operations, prevent illegal immigration, and uphold safe shipping practices, among other duties.

Without these activities, he said, national and regional economic development suffers due to denial of the benefits and opportunities presented by the sea, lakes and rivers,” he said.

Speaking in a separate interview, a ship master, Fred Olushola-Abati, said trawlers from distant countries often enter the nation’s waters without paying licensing fees or observing conservation laws, looting resources and denying legitimate revenue to the people of this region.

Olushola-Abati said the Africa had failed to protect its water territory not only on the Somalia Coast but also in West Africa.

“Going by United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) report, Africa is losing billions of dollars a year from illegal fish grabbing. The report cited a growing trend of illegal fishing in eastern, western and south western Africa.It was revealed that Guinea in West Africa was the most affected from illegal fishing,” he said.

Olushola-Abati said the country loses about $100 million annually. Senegal and Liberia are also severely affected while Angola from the SADC region loses over $50 million.

In the eastern Africa region, Tanzania was listed as the most invaded.

The FAO reports explained that some 80 per cent of glo-

Maritime Watch Huge market awaits boat builders Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

•Umar

bal fish stock was consumed in the last one decade. Currently, 50 per cent of global fishing is illegal.

“Nigeria lacks efficient port state control. Our water ways are not safe. It is the duty of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to impose sanction on any ship or trawlers doing illegal business on our waters. But it lacks facilities to discharge its responsibilities. For instance, NIMASA suppose to have boats with functional laboratory to carry out some test regarding toxic waste but the agency needs serious support from government to perform its duty. There is no stability in the agency that is expected to discharge its responsibilities in line with the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) convention. It does not have Automatic Identification System (AIS), coastal radar. But it is only when all these equipment are available that we can combat illegal fishing and piracy on ou waters,” Olushola said.

SON urged to check influx of fake products at ports

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HE Electronic Consumer Association (ECA) has challenged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to check the influx of sub-standard products at the ports.

It urged the body to arrest and prosecute importers of fake products to serve as a deterrent to others.

A spokesman for the group, Agboola Agbabiaka, said it is worried over the importation of sub-standard electronic products, stating that dealing with offenders is necessary to save final consumers from the uncharitable attitude of shylock importers who are bent on turning the country into a dumping ground.

He said: “Most average Nigerians are spending a lot of money to buy these fake products that are imported into the country. The rich

By Uyoatta Eshiet

don’t have problems because they buy directly from the open market in Europe and America where little or no fake products exist.

“But here in Nigeria, majority of our importers don’t care if you buy a television set, radio, refrigerator, air conditioner and any other product with your savings and the product goes bad within the first two to three months.

“Instances abound in every average home where people have been so cheated and that is why we are calling on SON to perform its duty to the nation and the people.”

Agbabiaka said he has no doubt that the leadership of SON would bring all law breakers to book.

Also speaking, an importer and a member of the

Maritime Traders Association, Raphael James, said the level of importation of fake electronic products is high and that the leadership of SON needs to square-up to stop the menace.

Raphael told reporters that genuine importers are spending a lot of money in policing their products from being faked.

The importer also urged security agents at the borders to check the influx of fake products in their areas of operation.

Raphael said his association does not support the importation of prohibited goods and urged SON to arraign any importer found guilty.

Majority of their members, he said, are law abiding citizens.

He bemoaned the high cost of doing business at the

nation’s seaports and urged the Federal Government to make the ports attractive for business.

The delay in cargo clearance, Raphael said, is not good for the economy. He suggested that it has become important for all importers to come together and do thing correctly.

“Now is the time for stakeholders to collaborate and for importers to do the right thing as laid down by the government. The stress in cargo clearance is unwarranted. With e-clearance, there is no reason why goods should not leave the ports within 48 hours.

He called on the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service, to embark on trade facilitation scheme, rather than subject every container to 100 per cent examination.

IMO canvasses collaboration with neighbouring countries

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HE International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has asked other West Afrcan countries to emulate Nigeria based on the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Navy.

IMO also commended Nigeria for effectively operating the Regional Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center RMRCC in Kirikiri.

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

The RMRCC centre located on the Premises of the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Center in Kirikiri covers the central and west African countries of Togo, Benin, Sao Tome and Principe, Equitorial Guinea, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo Brazaville, Democractic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.

It praised NIMAASA for its efforts by the Sub-Regional

Representative for African Anglophone countries at the IMO, Mr Michael Luguj . “ I think that NIMASA’s example of fruitful collaboration with the Nigerian Navy is a good example worthy of emulation by other neighbouring countries” he said.

Luguj said plans are on for the Maritime Administrations in Togo, Benin and Nigeria to meet with relevant stakeholders to delibrate on ways of enhancing maritime

safety in the region.

The Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre, (RMAC) is equiped with the the Automatic Identification System, AIS, the Radar, and the Camera.

The AIS easily identifies all vessels with the AIS gadgets onboard. Those without the AIS are tracked at the RMAC with the Radar while Video Cameras, which provide live pictures of vessels along the coastal waters are also in the RMAC.

NIGERIANS have been urged to invest in boat building to harness the huge opportunities in the sector.

Speaking with The Nation in Lagos last week, the Vice President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin-can Chapter, Mrs Ada Akpunonumade, said opportunities in boat operation exist in areas such as passenger ferry services, leisure, haulage operations and boat ambulance service.

The clearing agent, said entrants into the boat building and boat design industry stand to enjoy huge financial returns because of traffic problems in Lagos.

She, however, said there are only five licensed boat operators in Lagos at present and there is room for those that are interested in the business..

“With the traffic situation in Lagos growing everyday, the Lagos State government has no alternative than to open up the water ways to make things easier for Lagosians. The man hour lost on the roads each day is annoying and solutions must be found to it. The best that can happen is for local competences to be developed for us to be building boats locally,” she said.

Tin-Can Customs makes N90b THE Tin-Can Area Command of The Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) said it has recorded N90.437 billion in the first six months of the Command’s operations this year, compared with N71 billion it made in the corresponding period of last year, representing an increase of almost N20 billion.

Speaking with The Nation last week in his office, the Command’s image maker, Chris Osunkwo, said the Command made more money in the first six months this year than it made in the corresponding period of last year.

The report shows the Command generated the highest revenue in May while the least amount was made in the first month of the year. It made N336.706 million in May while for January, it recorded N124.292 million. January, being the first month of the year recorded a slower tempo of activities. From the report, the Command started recording incremental revenue from February and it ran through to May. The revenue profile of the Command shows that the Command received N237.494 million in February. For March, it recorded N226.945 million and in April, it received N228.867 million while the month of June witnessed a collection of N270.036 million.

The report further shows that the import duty fees for the period reviewed stood at N48.052 billion; other fees contributed N147.776 million. From the CET Levy, the Command recorded N2.623 billion while the mandatory five per cent VAT amounted to N21.816 billion within the period. Other sectoral contributors to the total revenue profile of the Command were the seven per cent charges which amounted to N3.694 billion; the one per cent CISS charges that resulted to N4.619 billion; the 0.5 per cent ETLS charges that generated N2.807 billion. The 10 per cent Rice and 10 per cent Steel charges contributed N545.372 million and N2.164 million.

20 vessels for cabotage THE Federal Government may be set for a major breakthrough in the maritime industry as a public-private partnership (PPP) synergy is set to produce the nation’s first functional 20 ships in more than 30 years.

The PPP synergy, resulting from a collaboration between the Indigenous Ship owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), aims at identifying 20 vessels from the ISAN fleet which can be repaired, put in a class and made available for employment.

A member of the agency, who confirmed this under anonymity, told The Nation that the funding would be sourced from the Maritime Fund under conditions to be subsequently agreed on.

ANLCA inaugurates complex The Kingsoo multifunctional global maritime office, Port Harcourt has been inaugurated to promote the freight forwarding business in the country. The complex was inaugurated last week by the National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANCLA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu.

The complex is located in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.

At the event were senior Customs officials, clearing agents, and friends of the industry.

During the inauguration, Customs officials undertook a tour of the complex, and commended the professional struc-

NCMDLCA VP appointed THE National Vice President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mallam Chuks Agoha, has been selected as the scribe of Conference of Alumni Association of Nigerian Universities.

The association said Agoha has contributed greatly to the development of the maritime industry.

Agoha, also the secretary of the Alumni Association, Bayero University, was described as an effective, vibrant personality with great vision.

Maritime operators said they have no doubt that he would excel in his position.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

16

AVIATION

Airlines devise survival strategies as aviation fuel price soars •Passenger traffic drops H OW can airlines survive under the high cost of aviation fuel (JET-AI)?

This poser remained unanswered, last weekend, despite the survival strategies evolved by the airlines, which have increased fares to remain in business.

JETA-I, which sold for N22 per litre in 1999, now cost N200 per litre where available, amid the spiralling airfare.

The fare ranged between N23,000 and N30,000 (economy class) for one hour flight, depending on when the ticket was bought, passanger traffic and route. The fare was N17,000 last year.

Airlines have resorted to combining flights because of low passanger traffic.

Domestic airlines, including Aero Airlines, Air Nigeria, Arik

Air and DANA Air which operate online booking and reservation, are using their portals to reach out to passengers. They offer cheaper rates on major routes, such as Lagos - Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna, to block some seats; the remaining are sold at the counter.

Tickets bought at the counter cost between N23,000 and over N30,000, those bought online at least 48 hours before the flight cost between N20,650 and N24,000.

The chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr Steve Mahonwu, said: “As far as aviation fuel price continues to increase, air fares will naturally be on the increase.”

Statistics made available by the

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) indicate there was a considerable drop in traffic volumes for domestic flights between January and June.

The statistics showed that 5,178,296 passengers travelled through the airports last year, but the number dropped by 1,288,625 in the same period this year, with 3,889,671 using the airports.

Aviation Minister Mrs Stella Oduah Ogiemwonyi has described the development as unacceptable and convened a meeting of some stakeholders to find a way out.

At the closed-door meeting attended by representatives of Arik Air, DANA Air, IRS Airlines, Overland Airways and Director-Gen-

eral, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), officials of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), among others they resolved to mitigate the rising cost of aviation fuel and its effects on the sector.

The minister said: “This memorable concourse was arranged to collectively resolve the issue of scarcity and high cost of aviation fuel which have resulted in unacceptable increases in domestic air fares. The average domestic fare for economy class in January 2011 for one-hour flight hovered around N17,000, all taxes included.

“This has jumped to an average of N27,000 by July 2011 which is

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

FAAN chief identifies causes of infrastructure decay

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IRECTOR of Operations of the Federal Airports Au thority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mr George Uriesi has identified lack of planning, funding, poor maintenance culture and personnel as factors that have led to the infrastructure decay at the airports.

He cautioned that FAAN should refrain from just toeing the slogan: ‘The best Airport in the World’ without actually doing anything concrete to improve on itself and be among the best airports.

He made this known at the Aviation Infrastructure Summit at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex. The FAAN director said the airport buildings were run down and lack of planning has prevented proactive and timely budgeting thereby causing a huge backlog in maintenance and replacement of vital assets He said: “Lack of planning has also prevented the adoption and application of modern airport solutions and international best practices in the airport environment.”

Uriesi said the reason is because of severely diminished organisational capability arising from l lack of commitment and proper investment in people development resulting in widespread ignorance of modern airport management practices and

processes He said: “Structural deficiencies are impeding focus on the ‘right’ things.

Top-down and down-up apathy and disinterest led to a lack of ownership and an established norm of doing things the wrong way- a complete transformation is required.“ He said FAAN would soon commission a master plan for the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

The conveyor of the Summit Mr. Albinus Chiedu in his welcome address said the theme was inspired by constraints of airport growth and development and how this lack of infrastructure poses problems to airline operators, airport users and service providers.

He said funding and management of aviation infrastructure has become more demanding with advancements in technology According to him, challenges associated with infrastructure exist in varying degrees at many airports in Nigeria including and not limited to irregular power supply, poorly maintained runways, controversial Public –Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, obsolete weather forecast and air navigational facilities.

He said: “Massive maintenance, acquisition and replacement backlog in infrastructure is required across

‘Lack of planning has also prevented the adoption and application of modern airport solutions and international best practices in the airport environment’ the industry. This will take huge funds injection or massive private sector investment in aviation infrastructure because government cannot do it alone.”

He also called on the government to create a conducive environment that would attract local and foreign investors.

“Government on its part must create a conducive environment that could attract local and foreign investment.”

over 100 per cent increase with the likelihood of further increments and attendant effects on flight delays, cancellations, down turn in passenger traffic and overall survival of the Nigerian aviation industry”.

Sabre travel solutions enters South African market

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• Asaba Airport Site Engineer Augustine Ilenbarenemen (right) and others on tour of the airport.

• Mrs Oduah-Ogiemwonyi

N line with its expansion plan, Sabre Travel Network has entered the South African market.

Sabre Travel Network handles most of the foreign airlines that provide reservation systems for travel agencies in Nigeria.

Its entrance into the market is a fallout of years of planning. The company, which operates the world’s largest global distribution system for leisure and corporate travel agencies, will be based in Bedfordview, Gauteng.

Its vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Dean Bibb, said: “Sabre is a strong global brand, and today we enter the market as a fresh alternative for travel companies who want a partner that can provide global expertise, local knowledge, innovation and a passion for customer service.”

Sabre’s South African operation has been launched in conjunction with its partners EmQuest - part of the Emirates Group - and Africabased Rogers Aviation, which will act as the main distributor in the market. The partnership allows Sabre to combine its global expertise with local experience and knowledge - an essential requirement for Sabre to meet the needs

of the local market.

“Our collaboration with EmQuest and Rogers Aviation means South African agencies will profit from Sabre’s global reach and the partnership of a local specialist. We want to work with travel agents whose priority is impeccable customer service and sustained growth.

“The travel industry in South Africa has grown in recent years, and travellers have a burgeoning appetite for new tools such as mobile services and social media. Every year Sabre invests hundreds of millions of dollars in developing and delivering innovative technology that helps agencies accelerate their business and enhance customer service”, said Bibb.

Sabre entered the market with its award-winning Sabre Red total travel solution, designed for corporate and leisure travel agencies to manage every part of their business. At the heart of this is the Sabre Red Workspace, a highly configurable platform for travel agencies to shop, book and manage travel, while delivering excellent customer service.

Sabre will also make South Africa the first country to launch its new graphical view in the Sabre Red Workspace.

Minister orders rehabilitation of INISTER of Aviation hajj camp Mrs. Stella Oduah-

M

Ogiemwonyi has ordered the rehabilitation of the Hajj Camp at the Kaduna Airport.

She gave the directive during a tour of facilities at the airport. She expressed shock at the dilapidated camp, saying it was not habitable for humans, especially those about to embark on a journey of spiritual cleansing.

According to her, it is not right to keep those about to embark on spiritual purification for days, sometimes, weeks in decrepit condition.

She also ordered the contractor handling the new Control Tower at the airport to complete the job on schedule or face the consequences of default.

Under the terms of the contract, the job is to be handed over to the ministry next month.

But a representative of the contractor, who briefed the minister, said the job may be completed by December.

Speaking in Abuja, when she received Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in her office, Mrs Oduah Ogiemwonyi promised that the Enugu International Airport would be rehabilitated and expanded.

The ministry, she said, was still studying the details of the proposed expansion and would do the needful to bring the airport to international standard.

Obi said the airport was crucial to the growth of economic activities in the Southeast and should be given attention to compete favourably with others within and outside the country.

BA puts customers first in business

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HE central tenet of British Airways’ business plan for the next five years, 2011-2015 is the satisfaction of its customers through outstanding service and

insight.

The aim of the plan is to position British Airways as the world’s most admired airline in the markets it serves.

“To achieve this, we’re putting

the customer back at the heart of everything that we do, thereby reigniting the passion and belief in British Airways,” said Kola Olayinka, the airline’s Nigeria Country Commercial Manager.

17

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Obasanjo, PDP and ghost of zoning Last week, former President Olusegun Obasanjo called for the resignation of some key officials of the National Assembly as a precondition for re-visiting its zoning arrangement. The fresh call has been generating ripples and is seen as an attempt to distract the Assembly from its job. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE writes.

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TIME-tested popular maxim is: A house divided against itself cannot stand. It perhaps aptly summarises the condition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it is again washing its dirty linen in public on zoning of political offices, an issue that has for long remained the party’s major albatross.

At every major moment of decision in the life of the “largest African party,” especially during both intra and inter-party elections, zoning has always featured.

Just recently, especially prior to the April 2011 election, the party had held the country by the jugular when it almost succeeded in turning it internal problem to a national phenomenon. It was enmeshed in zoning battles to the discomfiture of many a Nigerian. The ‘war’ rage and raged.

Even political parties which internal arrangement never indicated an iota of zoning had to tow the PDP’s line in attempts to nominate their flag bearers. It was a bug that affected all and by that, the country’s political dichotomy became worrisomely wider and very visible.

The North insisted that there was an agreement to that effect and would produce the PDP presidential flag bearer. However, the kite flown by the Mallam Adamu Ciroma-led prozoning agitators failed to fly; President Goodluck Jonathan emerged the party flag bearer for the elections.

The debate on zoning resurfaced again when PDP was to fill some offices after the elections.

They included the President of the Senate and his deputy; Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy as well as other key positions which threw the country into another round of frenzied debate and unhealthy wrangling.

It was said that the PDP went back to the pre-zoning arrangement which saw the emergence of Senator David Mark from the North Central as Senate President; Senator Ike Ekweremadu from the Southeast as Deputy President as well as other key positions, all based on zoning.

The House of Representatives, however, jettisoned the formula as it insisted that only popular candidates would be given the opportunity to call the shots there. The fallout was the emergence of Mallam Aminu Tambuwal from the Northwest and his deputy Hon. Emeka Ihedioha from the Southeast who were subjected to electoral verdicts, right inside the chamber.

The reactions that followed the arrangement, particularly from the PDP camp, were seen as easing out the Southwest from the political equation of the country.

This, the party had tried to man-

•Obasanjo

age through some alignments, re-alignments and negotiations.

However, the old wound was re-opened recently when Chief Obasanjo, the chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), stirred the hornet’s net. It was during the BOT meeting that Obasanjo declared that Hon Tambuwal and other should step down by 2013 to pave the way for re-visiting zoning formula.

Even the deaf could ‘hear’ it that the statement credited to the ex-president has sent the fragile internal harmony of the PDP on instant sabbatical. It is believed by some that the development has further reinforced the party’s alleged lack of direction as the ruling party, which, to many, has left the country rudderless; suffocating under corruption, infrastructural decay and unmitigated security failure.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar was among the earliest Nigerians to condemn the exPresident’s comment. He described President Obasanjo’s warning on the likely demise of PDP if zoning was not re-visited as sheer display of hypocrisy. He reiterated that the formers president’s call for the speaker and his deputy to resign as a precondition for revising zoning was an insult on the intelligence of Nigerians.

He said: “It is surprising that

•Tambuwal

former President Obasanjo is now posturing as the apostle of zoning when indeed, he was the one who did everything to destroy that equitable means of power sharing among all sections of Nigerian. Obasanjo’s arbitrariness and despotism were largely responsible for the destruction of the noble objectives of zoning,” Chief Femi Alafe-Aluko is a PDP chieftain in Osun State and one of the governorship aspirants in the last election. To him, the ex-President’s comment leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

He said there was no need meddling in the affairs of the National Assembly at a time there was too much to address by the legislators. He believes that Hon Tambuwal and his colleagues in the House were brought forward on merit and should be allowed to function properly in people’s interest instead of distracting them.

Hear Alafe-Aluko: “I believe in the independence of the House and it should be allowed to function as such. Hon Tambuwal received overwhelming support from members of PDP and even the opposition. What goes on in the House is beyond the prerogative of PDP.” Corroborating the position, Senator Domingo Obende of the

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said the claim by Obasanjo that he was trying to save the party from collapse was a misplacement of priority. This, he believes, was not the best way to go about it.

He said: “The only thing that can remove Hon Tambuwal is through impeachment which is not feasible for now because he commands the support of majority of the legislators, his colleagues. The House should be left alone to perform its legislative functions instead of distracting it.

“PDP should leave the House alone. In the House, there is no politicking; we work like a family in the interest of the country and no single or selfish agenda can supersede the general interest of Nigeria.”

But in a statement at the weekend, a chieftain of the PDP in Lagos, Ladipo Johnson, said criticisms over Obasanjo’s comments were misplaced because they did not address the fundamental issues behind his position on the matter.

He said: “This is not the time for sentiments and emotions.

They would do better to listen to Obasanjo and rethink their position on the issue because Obasanjo’s comments are that of a statesman who is looking beyond the current sentiments.

‘Even the deaf could ‘hear’ it that the statement credited to the ex-president has sent the fragile internal harmony of the PDP on instant sabbatical. It is believed by some that the development has further reinforced the party’s alleged lack of direction as the ruling party, which, to many, has left the country rudderless; suffocating under corruption, infrastructural decay and unmitigated security failure’

The election of Tambuwal and Ihedioha has clearly distorted the PDP zoning and rotational arrangement which has now become a difficult issue and except there is a conscious effort to re jig the arrangement by respecting Article 7 of the PDP constitution, there is likely to be some commotion within the party (at various levels) come 2015.

“Obasanjo probably spoke with a vision of carrying along the South West and North East as a way of restoring the equilibrium, fair play, equity,justice and peace within the PDP as a political party representing all the geopolitical zones and nationalities in the country. As President Jonathan said at the NEC of the party, it is hoped that our party can enforce its rules on all its members.”

He further said that Tambuwal’s decision to contest the election, like that of his deputy was against Article 7.2 (c)of the 2009 PDP constitution which established the rotation and zoning policy between the North and South geopolitical zones and enforceable by the appropriate organs of the party.

“For the ranting by some in the party, they are best ignored as they probably have axes to grind with the former President and have not looked at the issue dispassionately. Yet, the situation is a serious one, requiring that we sit down and ponder on Obasanjo’s submission to avoid possible commotion ahead of 2015 in view of the delicate balance in the polity with regard to aggrieved entities in the affected geopolitical zones”, he stated.

Many other analysts believe that PDP is, out of sheer confusion, seeking solutions to its numerous internal problems where they don’t exist. Rather, they believe it should dash back to the drawing board and re-define its focus if it is serious at surmounting the heavy load of problems heaped on its shoulders.

Now, as the PDP gropes in the dark in search of a panacea for its ever-recurring policy summersault, Nigerians who are often at the receiving end of the policies foisted on them by its leadership, especially at the national level, are preaching sanity.

To them, the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government must eschew political partisanship and do a quick re-evaluation of the situation for national interest rather than narrow party gains.

If that is done, they reasoned, it will save the country from its multi-dimensional headaches.

Interestingly, Tambuwal has restated many times over that he remained committed to pure national interest for which he was elected. And as the ex-President seems to be ‘alone’ with the comment, there may not be any cause for alarm after all!

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

18

POLITICS Since assuming office, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly has been swimming in storms that have come in forms of controversies and allegations bordering on fraud. OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE examines the development.

Delta Speaker and his controversies

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ELTA State Speaker, Hon Victor Ochei has had a tough time since assuming leadership of the state legislature. In fact, he had hardly settled down when he was jolted by reports of the nullification of his election into the State House of Assembly in the 2007 by an Abuja Federal High Court.

He represents Aniocha North Constituency. Added to this is the furore over what many termed a “jamboree” by Delta lawmakers at a retreat in faraway Abuja. It was said to be at great cost to tax-payers despite the fact that the state has several highprofile resorts.

The public has also been fed with the alleged N27 billion IPP project involving his erstwhile company, Davnotch Nigeria Ltd, in June 2009.

Ochei claims to have divested his interests in the company since June 3, 2011, handing the reins of power to an able hand. There are also speculations over the multi-billion street lighting contract awarded to Davnotch Nigeria Ltd by the State Government.

Davnotch was said to have installed and is currently saddled with the maintenance contract of the dieselpowered street lighting projects in Asaba and Warri, the state commercial capital.

The Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduagahan, at a press briefing two years ago, put the cost of powering the street lights at between N60 and N70 million monthly.

But many analysts wonder whether his legacy as Speaker will not be defined by this litany of controversies than by the quality of laws made under his tenure for the good governance of the state.

However, Ochei, at a recent press conference in Asaba, dismissed the allegations, accusing his traducers of “casting aspersions on his person as well as impugning his integrity as Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly.”

But analysts wonder if no conflict of interest exists in the IPP contract award, considering his position as a public office holder, party chieftain and as a major investor in Davnotch Nigeria Ltd. But in stout defence on the alleged N27 billion contracts, Ochei said due process was adhered to in the award of the Delta State Independent Power Plant (IPP) project, explaining that

• Ochei

the entire process and contract sum are captured in the Delta State Due Process Journal of January-March 2010.

He denied allegations that he was ever Chairman, Committee on Power and Energy.

According to Ochei, the reviewed contract sum is N23, 207,826,566 as against the oft-quoted N27 billion in the media.

Ochei said contrary to media reports, Davnotch Nigeria Ltd was registered on July 4, 1997, pointing out that the company’s registration was 12 years old when it won the IPP contract.

He also said engineering design at the IPP project had progressed beyond 80 per cent, stressing that in six weeks, the turbines would have arrived Nigeria.

Ochei denied ever being questioned or invited by the anti-graft agency over the issue.

Responding to a question on what major projects Davnotch had executed before landing the IPP project, Ochei said the age of a company counts for little in business with a focused engineering firm like his.

His words, “It is not what you have done that matters, when we talk about improving our local content .I tell people openly that nothing stops me if I have all that influence, from bringing a foreign company and hide under their cover and do

the project and nobody know any better. I believe in the integrity of Davnotch Nigeria Ltd as an indigenous engineering company that has distinguished itself in engineering projects in Nigeria. “There is nothing wrong in taking the challenge of being one of the indigenous companies’ engaged in power plant installation, and there is nothing wrong in taking the bull by the horn to be one of the indigenous companies that can improve our local content.”

Ochei blamed the delay in the completion of the IPP project on non release of funds by the Delta State government, adding that the reviewed contract would lapse in 24 months after the initial 60 per cent payment had been redeemed.

His words, “I appeal to faceless petitioners to turn a new leaf in their unenviable career, aimed at smearing my image and also to the media to cross-check their facts before publishing stories on any issue, particularly those emanating from petitions most of which are politically motivated and fictitious.”

But in a swift reaction by Delta State Elders and Stakeholders Forum led

by Ijaw National leader Chief Edwin Clark, the group slammed Ochei”s dismissive attitude of the N27 billion IPP project.

In a signed statement by its Secretary, Eddy Abangbou and Publicity Secretary, Prince A. Abugo, it urged: “Ochei knows his hands are not clean and that is why he had resorted to pages of newspaper to garner unmerited sympathy.”

They claimed Ochei was part of the political troika of the IboriUduaghan dynasty that had been used to loot Delta State through illicit contracts to Davnotch Nigeria Ltd amounting to N27 billion.

The group alleged: “There is no doubt that Hon Ochei’s contracts awarded to his company were awarded at a time he was a member of the Delta State House of Assembly and a kitchen cabinet member of the Ibori-Uduaghan dynasty.

Where else can he win such jumbo contracts except in Delta State?

Although the group admitted that it takes time to manufacture gas turbines, they wondered what is holding the other engineering aspects of the IPP from taking-off. Now, how he will successfully weather the scene is waiting to be seen.

•From left: Adamawa Deputy Governor, Mr Bala Ngilari; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina and Adamawa State PDP Women Leader, Hajiya Fadimatu Maiha; discussing in Yola when the minister paid a visit.

PHOTO: NAN

Sylva plans for 2012

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S the 2012 governorship elections draw close, Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva is strategising. He has said that his administration would not execute new projects until after the elections.

The governor and his new Executive Council members are, however, poised to complete and commission the various ongoing projects in the state without delay.

Sylva who gave the hint at his inaugural meeting with the newly sworn-in nine commissioners in the state on Wednesday charged them to focus on the completion of ongoing projects.

“We are fully on course on the completion of what we started. The focus of this administration is to complete all on-going projects,” said Sylva.

He said that the government had drawn up a list of priority projects for inauguration later in October, including some internal roads within Yenagoa, Yenagoa main jetty, the craft centre in Elebele, some housing estates, the state library complex and the shrimps’ farm.

He emphasised that areas of focus by the Ministry of Works and Transport, will be on the internal roads within Yenagoa, the INC building, Kaka Farm, 500-housing estates, Melford Okilo Hospital, Library, BDGS, Commissioners and Assembly Quarters,” Sylva said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, according to the governor, expected to draw up modalities for the distribution of the N1 billion Agric loans already received for the farmers in the state, saying that injecting of the money into food production would empower the local people.

He advised the state Commissioner for Sports Development to also ensure the timely completion of projects in the Sports Complex, and further advised the directed the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning and Finance to work “closely with all the ministries that have projects on the priority list as to make funds available”.

Government, he added, would work in line with the approved budget for the year to ensure financial discipline and transparency • Sylva

Bamidele: Reps will confront security challenge

By Emmanuel Oladesu

H

OUSE of Representatives member Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele has called for political solution to the raging Boko Haram violence in the north.

He said: “Boko Haram should be treated with as a crime with a variance. It has political connotation. We must address it as a mpolitical issue, as socio-economic problem and as a religious manipulation.

“We need high security intelligence and this should be merged with social, economic and political justice”.

The legislator spoke with reporters in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on national issues during his 48th birthday. He said violence may not stop the on-going carnage, advising that a political solution should be explored.

Bamidele said that he has fulfilled his promise never to draw salary to his constituency. He explained that his salary is being paid into an account administered for the benefit of his constituents by a management team mandated to identify projects that can be funded by the account.

He added: “I have also come to Ekiti Central with a team from the Federal Ministry of Environment to assess the erosion damage here in a bid to come up with a bill and for inclusion in the 2012 budget”.

Bamidele declared that the Speaker, Hon. Bello Tambuwal, would not quit in 2013 because of zoning, urging former President Olusegun Obasanjo to allow democracy and rule of law to reign in Nigeria.

The legislator from Ekiti Central Constituency said that the speaker was elected by various legislators from the country as the number four citizen and not Speaker of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Bamidele, who chairs the House Ad Hoc Media Committee, maintained that Tambuwal enjoyed the confidence of the entire Lower Chamber.

He said: :The call by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo that the Speaker, Hon. Bello Tambuwal, should quit was extremely unfortunate. What Obasanjo said was not in consonance with the position of the PDP leadership. The statement was in direct confrontation with the popular feelings of Nigerians. It was an affront on the independence of the National Assembly. 360 members of the House should be able to decide who their leaders should be.

“PDP is lucky that that Hon. Tambuwal enjoys the confidence of the entire House. Some PDP leaders prefer someone they can manipulate. Tambuwal has been in the House since 2003. He understands the workings of the House.

We have found him to be above board and he is a member of the civil society.

The speakership is not about the North, East, West and South. It is about credibility”.

Bamidele described Obasanjo as an inconsistent leader, recalling that, while he jettison zoning when he supported President Goodluck Jonathan in the last general election, he has turned around to preach zoning during the in-house election of the Speaker.

He said the prediction of Obasanjo about the likely eclipse of the PDP is a good development, adding that Nigeria has not felt the positive impact of the ruling party.

The legislator said that Nigerians would believe Obasanjo’s pontification on zoning, if he is bold to call for the resignation of Dr Jonathan and Secretary to the Federal Government Senator Pius Ayim because they are not products of zoing.

Bamidele added: “Tambuwal has a double mandate. He was elected by his constituency and the entire House. Obasanjo has shown disrespect for democracy, rule of law and legislature”.

The legislator said that leaders of the country should focus on pressing challenges, instead of seeking tom pull the Speaker down by hiding under zoning.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION COMMENT

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Gun control at the border

Crying wolf?

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•Is Farida Waziri crying wolf, or are there powerful interests after her job?

S Farida Waziri, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair, crying wolf, by claiming some powerful interests were after her job?

If you were to peer into her rather bumpy ride so far as EFCC chair, you would notice that early in the Umaru Yar’Adua Presidency, Mrs. Waziri cried out, that certain interests in government were after her; and were trying to tar EFCC under her leadership with a view to undermining her and eventually taking her job. And if you recall too, there was a lot of hoopla back then, comparing her style and the result she was getting, to the mercurial Nuhu Ribadu, the somewhat unorthodox pioneer EFCC tsar, that nevertheless grounded out sensational results.

Now, would it be right, on this track his-

‘Indeed, there would appear some legitimate grounds to suggest that the federal attorneygeneral and minister of justice, as the EFCC supervising minister, appears interested to weaken the EFCC, just as Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, President Yar’Adua’s justice minister did, on the James Ibori affair ...

Could Mrs. Waziri therefore be having a running battle with him, the result of which is the counter-campaign against her in the media?’

tory, to dismiss Mrs. Waziri as crying wolf just as she did at the advent of the Yar’Adua Presidency, thus repeating the same histrionics, just to grab attention, at the beginning of the Jonathan Presidency? If that were true, it would be condemnable, for Mrs Waziri would have been guilty of culpable paranoia, just for the sake of keeping her job at all cost, even if she is perceived not to be doing it well.

But what if the manoeuvres against here were real? What if indeed some powerful forces within government, for reasons best known to them, really want to put her nose out of joint? What if the recourse to her crying wolf at the beginning of the Yar’Adua Presidency to give a dog a bad name to hang it was the result of the hostile and unfair moves against her?

Mrs. Waziri’s current odyssey must, therefore, be judged solely on its merits.

And indeed, there are grounds to smell a rat, with the sudden activism of Mohammed Adoke, SAN, federal attorney general and minister of justice. Out of the blues, Mr. Adoke has come with the proposal that the two graft-fighting agencies, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should be merged. Pray, what is the compelling reason for that, given that both agencies have their duties and functions clearly delineated?

It could well be to save costs, which is reasonable. But saving cost at what expense – muddling the operational waters, so that the focus of each body is lost

in the labyrinth of cross-agency bureaucracy, not to talk of cross-agency envy and mutual mischief by the operatives? Indeed, to hone this argument, perhaps the ultimate solution would be to graft the two agencies with the Nigeria Police!

That would save a lot of cost!

Then, out of the blues, came some controversy over Mrs. Waziri’s last post as a Police officer – Police Commissioner (PC) or Assistant Inspector-General (AIG)?

Suddenly, what a routine check could establish became a budding subject of sensational probe hugging newspaper headlines!

Indeed, there would appear some legitimate grounds to suggest that the federal attorney-general and minister of justice, as the EFCC supervising minister, appears interested to weaken the EFCC, just as Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, President Yar’Adua’s justice minister did, on the James Ibori affair. Mr. Adoke, for instance, would appear to have tactically killed the Halliburton case, which involves the high and the mighty in the Nigerian corrupt establishment. Could Mrs. Waziri therefore be having a running battle with him, the result of which is the counter-campaign against her in the media?

But fact: the anti-corruption war appears to have lost steam. But it would lose more steam, and even stutter to a halt, if the agencies continue to be distracted from within (as it appears now). That is why Mr. Adoke (read the Federal Government) must leave the agencies to function unhindered. That is the only way for them to rise or fall on their own merit.

Norwegian nightmare •Terrorist attacks require international co-ordination

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HE murder of over 70 youths at a summer camp in Norway by Anders Behring Breivik is a brutal reminder of the multiply-manifested nature of contemporary terrorism, and by extension, the pressing need for multidimensional strategies in combating it.

Perhaps the most shocking thing about the Norway killings is the ease with which they were carried out. Ostensibly acting alone, Breivik was able to detonate a bomb in downtown Oslo, the nation’s capital, and proceed from there to the holiday island of Utoya, disguised as a policeman. Having assembled the youths who were staying there, he calmly drew his weapons and began to shoot them.

Over the course of some 90 minutes, he was able to kill about 76 persons before the authorities could halt his killing spree.

Breivik’s politics were of the extreme right-wing variety, and comprised a virulent xenophobia, fear of Islam and a heavy dose of racism. Just before the attacks, he had uploaded a 1,500-page manifesto in which he discussed his ideas at length. Even after his arrest, he was reportedly unrepentant, characterising his actions as harsh but necessary.

The most obvious feature of this savage act of terrorism is its relative uniqueness. The attacker was not an Islamic fundamentalist of Middle Eastern or North African heritage; he does not seem to have been part of a terrorist network or political group; in selecting Norway for the perpetration of his crimes, he chose a country that has not been within the sights of militant groups. Indeed, when

news of the attacks first broke out, it was widely assumed that it was another AlQuaeda operation.

Such assumptions must change if the world is to make significant progress in its fight against terrorism. It is wrong to assume that terrorism is inherent in any particular race, region or religion. Indeed, this is a fact that Europe should have taken to heart, given the activities of home-based militant groups like West Germany’s Baader-Meinhof gang, Italy’s Red Brigade and France’s Action Directe.

In recent times, too much attention has been given to the problem of Islamic militancy, thereby diverting attention away from other terrorist groups that can be just as dangerous. In the United States, extreme right-wing groups are becoming increasingly bold in their denunciations of the Federal Government, the United Nations and immigration. They are heavily armed and have organised training camps. In Europe, far-right political parties have become less toxic, and even have members in the European Union Parliament.

The terrorist attacks in Norway are a sobering reminder to all nations that they are vulnerable to domestic terrorism, regardless of what their international politics are. Norway is a Scandinavian nation, renowned as a bastion of political tolerance and socially liberal attitudes.

While it has generally followed the western line in the international campaign against Islamic militancy, it was not particularly prominent in that regard. As Breivik tragically demonstrated, it is not

a heavily-policed society; policemen are often likely to be unarmed, and top government officials usually do not have police escorts.

For Nigeria in particular, the lesson of the Norway killings is especially resonant. For one thing, there are too many militant groups whose activities are not properly monitored by the authorities. For another, the inflow of weapons into the country is a major cause for alarm. Added to these is the increasing intolerance of the country’s politicians and their growing willingness to make inflammatory statements.

The country must increase its efforts to monitor threats to its security and enhance its emergency response capabilities. The lamentable events in Norway have shown that no country can take its security for granted.

‘For Nigeria in particular, the lesson of the Norway killings is especially resonant. For one thing, there are too many militant groups whose activities are not properly monitored by the authorities. For another, the inflow of weapons into the country is a major cause for alarm.

Added to these is the increasing intolerance of the country’s politicians and their growing willingness to make inflammatory statements’

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HE Obama administration took a concrete step toward curbing the flow of semiautomatic weapons to Mexico last week when it adopted a new regulation mandating the reporting of multiple sales of long guns to federal authorities.

Under the regulation, some 8,500 licensed gun shops in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas will be required to inform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a customer buys more than one semiautomatic that is .22 caliber or greater within a five-day period.

The regulation is a small but significant tool that could help federal authorities keep weapons sold in the United States out of the hands of Mexican gangs and drug cartels. Rather than tracing an AK47 after it has been recovered from a crime scene, ATF agents may be able to intervene before the weapon is smuggled across the border.

The National Rifle Assn. is, not surprisingly, denouncing the modest rule as encroaching on Americans’ 2nd Amendment rights; in fact, it is already threatening to sue the federal government, contending that only Congress can impose such rules. And some Republicans have noted that the decision to impose what they consider unnecessary reporting standards on Americans comes in the wake of a bungled ATF operation called Fast and Furious. That operation was designed to track illegal straw purchases of guns destined for Mexico, but the agency lost track of the guns and some of them ended up at crime scenes, including at the site of the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent last year.

The ATF should be required to explain how Fast and Furious was botched. But that failure shouldn’t be used to derail a perfectly sensible plan that is, if anything, too modest. The new rule doesn’t impinge on anyone’s right to own a gun. It doesn’t even prohibit individuals from making multiple purchases. It simply requires that licensed gun dealers report such sales.

Dealers are already subject to the same reporting requirement for multiple handgun sales, and in states such as California, a customer can buy only one handgun a month.

Military-style weapons are fueling the violence in Mexico, where nearly 40,000 people have died in the last four years.

The new rule won’t stop the bloodletting.

It will, however, provide agents in this country with tips that could help rein in the illegal movement of weapons and save lives on both sides of the border.

– Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

“GOOOODLUCK!... unto thy hands i commit my SPIRIT”!

Calling for EDITOR’S MAIL BAG S attention of RCC/ Fed. Min. of Works No to single term proposal IR: The bill for the amendment of the existing constitutional provision to accommodate the new proposal of single term of office for the executive arm of government has been forwarded to the National Assembly. President Goodluck Jonathan said he was proposing the amendment because of the rising cases of violence and tension across the country during elections.

He noted that political violence was always caused by the resolve of incumbent governors and president to run for a second tenure of office. One notes that this is not the first time President Jonathan would propose a single-term tenure for public office holders, the only difference is the number of years.

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

In the build-up to the 2011 presidential primary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last December, Jonathan announced that if elected president, he would spend a single term of four years which would terminate by 2015 He arrived at this having failed to push through legislations that would have ensured that his ministers,

advisers and the army of aides become delegates to the PDP presidential primaries. But his proclamation then was based on the fact that he was almost helpless as the opposition to his contesting the election was fierce. The President was eventually offered what analysts consider a face-saving, one-term of four years by the governors with

20 of them reportedly endorsing him. This is why the president is rooting for a single-term presidency. He is doing it not because he loves Nigeria so much but because he lacks the courage to pursue his heart’s desires.

• Atanda Oyebanji jideolade@yahoo.co.uk

The Islamic banking controversy IR: The battle line has been drawn on the proposal by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Lamido Sanusi to establish Islaimc/Sharia Banking in Nigeria. Sometime ago, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) dismissed the Anglican Bishops’ declaration against the establishment of Islamic banks as parochial, mischievous and baseless. The group’s director, Dr Ishaq Akintola said in a statement that the threat by the bishops to go on

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demonstration if their position was ignored is not only callous, but shallow and provocative.

Bishops of the Dioceses in the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion had urged the Senate and the House of Representatives not to pass any bill that would make the proposed Islamic banking to see the light of the day.

According to the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the emergence of a re-

ligious bank “would pose serious threat to the unity of the country” and that they oppose the move because of its “religious connotation.”

Other Nigerians for and against Islamic Banking have marshalled their arguments. What then is Islamic Finance or Sharia Banking?

Central to Islamic finance is the fact that money itself has no intrinsic value. Islamic finance mainly differs from Orthodox finance in that earning interest is illegal under Sharia

banking. However, on closer examination, care should be taken before establishing this banking practice in Nigeria. Lamido Sanusi might well consider this question: will the establishment of Sharia banking violate Nigeria’s constitution and its laws?

I believe Lamido Sanusi is being economical with the truth when he proclaimed that there is nothing called Sharia banking.

• Daniel Elombah is a web analyst.

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IR: The attention of the Reynolds Construction Company and Federal Ministry of Works is being drawn to a certain anomaly on the newly constructed Ogbomoso/Ilorin section of the Ibadan/Ilorin expressway.

The problem is absence of road signs at an area like the roundabout near the new ultra modern market in Ogbomoso, directing motorists going towards the North. In the absence of this, many motorists mistook the main road leading back to Ogbomoso as the one leading to Ilorin and in full speed often entered developing sites with devastating consequences for the houses, drivers and vehicles.

This observation needs to be given urgent attention by the authorities concerned to alleviate the sufferings of motorists on this very important and busy way.

• Adewuyi Adegbite wrote in from Apake, Ogbomoso.

Boko Haram as national crisis?

IR: The government of Goodluck Jonathan is facing internal conflict on two fronts - from the Niger Delta in the south east, and from Boko Haram which emerged in 2004 and whose base is in Borno State, north east of Nigeria. Since 2009, Boko Haram has engaged in series of bombings, assassinations and armed attacks against the police and other security forces mainly but not exclu-

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sively in Borno state. The most recent of these was last Thursday’s bombing of the Nigerian police headquarters in Abuja. Two aspects of the successive bombings are particularly disturbing: The suspected use of a suicide bomber and secondly the arrest of 58 suspects in Maiduguri (Borno state capital), including Sudanese and Somalis as well as Nigerians, according to a national daily.

Max Siollun posts three video reports on the bombings, including a statement by the police. In more detail, al-Wasat has an article on state responses to the Boko Haram, which have ranged from killings and arrests, to ‘shutting down inflammatory rhetoric by controlling who could preach education - and even a suggested amnesty which the group declined.

It is a mistake to make compari-

sons with militants in the Niger Delta, as the differences far outweigh any similarity. Boko Haram is based on a fundamentalist ideology which rejects the legitimacy of the Nigerian state, rejects Western education and insists on an Islamist state. The communities of the Niger Delta have been peaceful for over 25 years prior to the rise of militancy; they are calling for an

equity share in the oil revenue, an end to environmental pollution, employment and development of the region.

It is unfortunate that the Boko Haram problem has outgrown the militancy problem. In fact, it has assumed a national problem.

• Sokari Ekine, Abuja.

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THE NATION TUESDAY,AUGUST 2, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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R

OOK at the latest campaigns of Godfather Olusegun Obasanjo and Godson Goodluck Jonathan, and you would probably see why Nigeria had a wasted past; and might yet endure a forlorn future.

With all the pressing problems plaguing the land, both Olakunle presidential godfather and godson have put forward weighty Abimbola lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) nothings as their grand theories of political development.

Olusegun Obasanjo has lent his trademark pious but empty sanctimony to resurrecting zoning – the zoning that he burlegalistic laundry of that fraud, and continue with the old, ied with equal sanctimonious vehemence to clear the way ruinous electoral path? Why did he make that admirable for the Jonathan presidency. campaign for the 2011 elections to be credible, if really he Also with Boko Haram and allied poverty-induced chaos, felt insulted that a fraud was called a fraud – not necessarily Goodluck Jonathan’s grand theory of political stability is a because he hated voodoo elections but because he felt the reconstituted six-year, one presidential term! Isn’t it simple? dam might break and sweep into oblivion all holders of Would stability not come when a dysfunctional presidency, voodoo mandates? Talk of legitimate fear being the beginwhich stagnates instead of advancing the polity, is spread ning of electoral wisdom! round with predictable regularity?

But really, the idea is not to castigate the president for That is top-grade thinking from the GEJ School of Politimaking a false move – everyone does, almost all of the time. cal Rigour! Problem is: the president, assailed with serious It is rather to sound the alarm at his wilful refusal to learn flak, has disowned his own political theory, saying the idea from obvious mistakes from the past. That does not portray was not his but that of some combined opposition parties, him as an astute power student. reacting to the rotten election that brought him and the late Take the Obasanjo example. All his power life, he has said Umaru Musa Yar’adua to power in 2007. But as the Yoruba one thing and meant the other. Still, he feels others are so would taunt whoever tries to mouth an excuse after comwoolly brained that he would profess his good motive with mitting an avoidable error: so if you are told to dip your his annoying but trademark sanctimony. finger into a flame, would you?

The zoning question is the latest example of culpable volteBut even at that, the president and lover of free and credible face that Obasanjo would serve as noble reversal. But believe polls betrayed a Freudian slip: each time he went abroad it: there is nothing to it. It is just that the old man wanted a with the stolen mandate of 2007, under which he was vice result he has not got, and he felt compelled to change his president, he felt “insulted” when people related to him, as if strategy. That is all there is to Obasanjo’s latest zoning he had stolen that mandate. But was that not so, with the campaign for a Speaker of South West extraction! instrumentality of Obasanjo’s “do-or-die” electoral code?

Sure, you cannot blame the old fox, then a Young Turk, if And if that was true, why did the president feel insulted Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) failed but Obasanjo Farms when told he harboured a stolen item? And in any case, of Nigeria (OFN) succeeded beyond everyone’s dream. why did he not make his peace with the Supreme Court’s Nigeria is a vast graveyard of failed public policies. But it is also a thriving megacity of private initiatives, erected on the grave of those policies. Still, it would appear there are legitimate grounds to suggest that to every mouthing of noble intentions by Obasanjo, there is buried in there hidden gravy, exclusively his.

When he declared in South Africa the late MKO Abiola was not Nigeria’s messiah, secret fingers of his own pointed to him as one. Eventually, when put to test as two-term Nigerian president, he failed the muster.

When he orchestrated a grand constitutional amendment, many clauses were on the cards. But the grand clause, and Obasanjo’s grand gravy, was term extension that would have

epublican ipples

seen him enjoy presidential lolly without responsibility for 12 uninterrupted years – if not for life.

Now, with all grand piety, he is telling Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to step down in 2013 for a South West (read Obasanjo’s private) candidate, or else zoning in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be finally buried. But don’t be starry-eyed about any phantom altruism – Obasanjo is only battling creeping political irrelevance which he has justly earned, by wilfully throwing away rare opportunities: both as a Young Turk (as military head of state) and as an old fox (as two-term Nigerian president). So, his image is writ large on Nigeria’s wasted past.

Still, Obasanjo has got his comeuppance. In his Not My Will, he mocked Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first ceremonial president, from falling from the Great Zik of Africa to Owelle of Onitsha! Now, Obasanjo judged too soon: for his has been a free fall from grand international statesman, to detribalised nationalist and Founder of Modern Nigeria, to cheap agitator for Yoruba rights under a zoning formula, barely a year hence, he helped to kill with flourish!

The emerging tragedy of President Jonathan is that he is failing to learn from Obasanjo’s mistakes. In 1999, the president was an insignificant “spare tyre” to the Great Alams, the famed Governor-General of Ijaw Nation; and sitting governor of Bayelsa State. But in 2011, Goodluck Jonathan is president and commander-in-chief – a position many, including the Great Chief Obafemi Awolowo, laboured for all their lives but could not attain.

Like Obasanjo, Jonathan got the presidency too easy. That is why, like Obasanjo, he is journeying to tragic dreamland, when there are serious work to do to fix the country and make it take off after too many false starts of the last 50 years; or prepare for avoidable break-up.

Surely, the president could not have forgotten the latent volcano of his native Niger Delta, the ethnic bitterness of zoning that plagued his emergence as PDP presidential candidate, the Boko Haram menace of deliberate underdevelopment and neglect, and the grinding poverty all round – and his grand theorem of political stability is increasing presidential tenure to six years from four; reducing presidential term from two to one; and serving it, ala carte, round greedy power elite in the six geo-political zones?

By the way, Jonathan would not benefit. The law could not be backdated. But what happens to his God-given and law-sanctioned right to contest?

God save Nigeria!

Correction: Gen. Buhari was Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, not January 1985 to August 1986, as mistakenly published on this page last week. The error is deeply regretted.

Between godfather and godson

‘Like Obasanjo, Jonathan got the presidency too easy. That is why, like Obasanjo, he is journeying to tragic dreamland, when there are serious work to do to fix the country.’

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RITICISM, according to the late British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, is necessary because “like a pain in human body, it calls our attention to an unhealthy state”. But in a situation where the object of criticism is helpless because his accusers are not only cog in the wheel of redemption, but are also solely responsible for societal wrongdoings, criticism loses its essence. The PDP has been persistent in its criticism of Governor Aregebesola for not constituting his cabinet eight months after getting to power even when its criticism is mischievous and destructive.

PDP will readily cite relevant sections of the constitution to prove to any one who has the patience to listen that it is unconstitutional for Aregbesola not to have constituted his cabinet eight months after taken over power. It is no longer news that the then PDP dominated House before the April elections made it impossible for the governor to constitute his cabinet because he finds it difficult to meet their selfish demand of equal slot of cabinet members for PDP with the ruling A.C.N as a pre-condition for approving his nominees.

The foregoing was the same tactics used by PDP to foist its members on the hapless people of Osun state as members of the Local government care taker committees before giving its approval to the governor’s nominees. It is on record that south west region under late Chief Awolowo was a model of purposeful administration for the seven years he spent in government and almost 20 years of influence in the region after he left. One of his secrets is the caliber of people he put in his cabinet.

For the seven and half years it spent at the helm of affairs, Oyinlola led PDP government in Osun state has sufficiently demonstrated that quality leadership is a virtue that is not in abundant supply amongst its members. In view of its unreasonable and immoral demand for the inclusion of its members as members of the state executive council, many will agree with this writer that PDP forfeits the moral high ground to accuse Aregbesola of not constituting his cabinet.

Even though he is yet to constitute his cabinet, it is an indisputable fact that the governor has achieved in seven months what the illegal Oyinlola led PDP administration can not achieve in seven and half years. We judge the performance of a government, either positively or negatively, by what that government had been able to achieve in the particular area of adding value to human existence. For example, twenty thousand jobs were created by Aregbesola in his first hundred days in office; N500 million loan was given to farmers; drastic reduction in outrageous school fees charge by the ousted PDP government; free eye surgery was done while agreement was reached with Korean investors to set up a company that will create 127,000 jobs for the citizens of Osun state. All the above verifiable achievements of Governor Aregbesola after spending just seven months in office are no mean feat.

More than that, Aregbesola has introduced frugality, trans-

Between Aregbesola and his critics

By Lanre Aminu parency and integrity in the management of public resources, which invariably distresses the beneficiary of the old order but gladdens the heart of the silent majority. Aregbesola led ACN administration has succeeded in restoring faith in government, maintained security, empowered the people, invested in physical and human development and have ensured due process and attitudinal change.

There is no gainsaying that members of the expired Oyinlola administration are pre-occupied with primitive accumulation. Many will agree with this writer that his administration is dominated by moral and spiritual Lilliputians. It is a known fact that PDP members’ basic motivation for joining politics is self-interest. Consequently, they are not interested in the noble use of political power as a means of serving the people.

It is on record that for seven and half years of his lack-luster leadership, there is nothing like selfless service on the agenda of the Oyinlola led PDP government. All actions, programmes and policies are motivated by the desire to fleece the state.

The foregoing explains why Oyinlola’s profligate and visionless administration’s predilection for white elephant projects. The foregoing also explains the decrepit state of the health sector, why the education sector is in shambles and why abandoned projects in all sectors littered the state. Before the activist judiciary under Justice Ayo Salami came to their rescue, the long-suffering people of Osun state have been pushed to the wall because of several atrocities of the Oyinlola led PDP government, namely to wit violence, corruption, intimidation, assassinations and negation of all positive values of society.

In Osun, under Oyinlola led PDP government, leadership had been totally discredited, institutions had stopped providing relevant services to the people and public interests were compromised. The economy of the state was in shambles and all indicators of growth and development were in the negative. The values of probity, social justice, transparency and accountability had all become compromised. Creativity had been pushed aside as the state celebrated mediocrity and terror. The creative and productive energies of our people were constrained by the repressive and contaminated environment. It is shameless and morally reprehensible for such a purposeless administration to stand on a moral high ground to continue to mischievously criticize every step the Godsent messiah to Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is taking

to clear the Augean stable.

Morality and legality are two sides of a coin. If one side of the coin is defaced, it ceases to be a legal tender. Morality and legality (constitutionalism) are both very essential for the smooth running of any nation. A nation without morals is a soulless nation and constitutionalism can hardly thrive in such a society. Every impartial observer of political events in Osun knew that incessant criticism of Aregbesola by the PDP is a calculated attempt to regain political relevance and win the heart of the people. In its desperation to garner cheap support, hoodwink the people and rekindle its drowning image, Osun PDP is struggling feverishly to deny Aregbesola’s good intentions and distract him. “All critics are ignorant people” says Benjamin Disraeli.

If Aregbesola’s critics knew he was made of sterner stuff, just like his role model, the immortal Awo, who in his glorious life time had to adopt a personal motto of “Eebu dola” (abuses became wealth) to make the point that he could never be distracted by negative views, they would not have been wasting their time and resources to demonize him. “Any revolutionary programme often meet with violent opposition from those who does not want it to succeed” says Chief Obafemi Awolowo. When he first introduced free education in 1955, he said and I quote, “We even had to quell riots engineered by political opponents who did not want us to succeed” Like Winston Churchill, Aregfbesola might be vilified for his principled position, but you can not fault the altruistic and patriotic motivation for his actions.

It is heart warming that the appreciative people of Osun knew the tireless efforts Ogbeni Aregbesola is making to clear the mess of the Oyinlola led PDP government era. To say that our determined Ogbeni is laying a solid and irreversible foundation for the transformation of Osun is just saying the obvious. Let Aregbesola’s critics, especially the PDP that has no moral basis be told in no mistaken terms that their shenanigans of propaganda is yet to detract the governor’s focus.

• Aminu is the National Coordinator of Oodua Youth for Good Governance.

‘Aregbesola led ACN administration has succeeded in restoring faith in government, maintained security, empowered the people, invested in physical and human development and have ensured due process and attitudinal change’

THE NATION TUESDAY,AUGUST 2, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

HOSE who know President Goodluck Jonathan very well claim the man is a patriot. He loves his country, they say, and wants the best for her. But since there is no art in knowing the mind’s construction from the face, the president’s love for Nigeria can only be measured, not by what he has in mind for her, but by his utterances and actions in respect of the country.

Though some of his utterances and actions or inactions since he assumed duties at the Villa have not really proved conclusively what they claim he is, they have also not put a lie to that assertion. The latest of these is the plan announced last week by his spokesman to send a bill to the National Assembly seeking to amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to replace the four-year two-term tenure of the executive with a one-term six years tenure? Now whether this is patriotic or self serving, time will tell, but the preponderance of opinion out there seems to suggest that the president is alone on this matter.

And to compound his troubles, the man has distanced himself from the one term tenure issue saying it wasn’t his original idea but a proposal made sometime ago by an all party body (excluding the Action Congress of Nigeria though) put together by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Whether this was a wise thing to say or not remain to be seen, but what this has shown is that Jonathan, as a leader, can not withstand pressure and he’s more likely to give in when the heat is on him.

Those who are putting the pressure on him are only being hysterical, making a mountain out of a molehill, while the reasons put forward by the president for his proposed constitution amendment do not hold water.

The critics main line of argument is that tenure reduction or elongation should not be the priority of government for now giving the number of other serious problems confronting the nation.

Others who also condemned the president’s move see it as another name for a third term for Jonathan, even though the man has denied he would be a beneficiary when it takes off in 2015. I’ve not heard any serious argument being put forward by the

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Waiting for Jonathan’s bill opposition in particular for shooting down the single tenure proposal other than giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. But the president and his men are not also helping matters. Their reasons for putting up the proposal are so hollow that one begins to think if that was the best they could give.

The argument that holding election every four years costs a fortune is neither here nor there. The huge amount spent every election cycle we all know need not be that much if our infrastructural base is ok; if our electoral officials are less corrupt and are honest with their assignment; if the electorate don’t demand for and receive monetary inducement from political parties and candidates before voting; if political parties run their affairs, especially nomination of candidates for elective offices more transparently; if INEC can source most of its needs locally etc.

For as long as the situation remains like this, the cost of organizing a general election will continue to go up even if we hold election once in ten years.. Why can’t we print our ballot papers locally? Did I hear you say the same reason why we are still importing fuel; why the Nigerian Railways has not worked; the same reason why they killed Nigeria airways; why we don’t have a national shipping line. It is a long list. We all know the problem and perhaps the solution. Who got the contract for the printing of the almighty form EC8 that never arrived on time and caused the postponement of the National Assembly election on April ///?

Who are those prominent Nigerians that engaged in double registration during the

last voter registration exercise? If everybody had registered just once the cost of conducting that exercise would have been considerably less.

As long as political parties remain less transparent in the conduct of their primaries acrimony would always accompany any such exercise. As long as candidates, especially incumbents see winning as a matter of life and death and refuse to use fair means to victory, such victories will always be contested, whether we hold election every year or every decade, it does not matter.

The argument that a single term of six years would allow the president or the governor to focus on governance and not accumulation of wealth to fight a second term, since he/she would not have to seek a re-election to me is not it. A president or governor that is inclined to stealing would be glad to do just that knowing full well that there is no other opportunity for him to line his pocket.

He can damn the consequence and go on a looting spree. He would have enough to buy the silence of the assembly, national or state, especially where the lawmakers remain financially dependent on the executive. An opportunity for a second term could be a restraining influence on the governor or president from looting the treasury.

Instead of constitutional amendment on tenure of elected executives, what we need are strong institutions and legal framework that would make corruption of whatever type difficult, dangerous, unattractive and severely punishable for all categories of public office holder.

If acrimony over the second term is truly the problem as identified by Jonathan and his ‘wise men’ why not amend the aspect of the constitution on tenure to read that an incumbent shall not be eligible to succeed himself/herself until at least four years after leaving office. This may focus his/her mind on governance during the first term and the four years that followed his exit would afford the electorate to properly assess him without being under his influence, and deliver their verdict on his performance if he came back for another mandate. After all, Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano state was just re-elected for his second term last April eight years after he completed his first term.

The problem with Jonathan is that he doesn’t seem to know what he wants and where he knows he lacks the courage to pursue it. If he wants to amend the constitution, it should not be piecemeal or by stealth. It should be a total package and must be done in consultation with ‘we, the people of Nigeria’. Did I hear you say Sovereign National Conference?

As the president prepares to send his controversial bill to the National assembly in the next few weeks, let’s use this Ramadan season to reflect on this and even the now controversial interest free banking erroneously called Islamic banking. I wish you all Ramadan Kareem.

‘Instead of constitutional amendment on tenure of elected executives, what we need are strong institutions and legal framework that would make corruption of whatever type difficult, dangerous, unattractive and severely punishable for all categories of public office holder.’

Nigeria’s intractable health problems

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ESS than five years to 2015, Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent global infant, child and maternal mortality. These are some of the public health challenges Nigeria is facing. Many multilateral as well as bilateral government agencies have invested so much in dropping the number of women dying each year from pregnancy and childbirth. Despite the annual decrease of 1.3 percent in maternal mortality ratio from 181 countries according to a study conducted

by The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at Washington University, Nigeria had a 1.4 per cent increase each year. For every woman who dies, 20 will face serious or long-lasting medical problems. Women who survive severe, life threatening complications often require lengthy recovery times.

This is the current situation in Nigeria. A report by UN and World Bank says that 144 women die in Nigeria every day from pregnancy and child birth complications. It is generally believed that these deaths could be prevented with the availability of resources and services. High quality and accessible health care has made maternal death a rare event in developed countries. But infant, child and maternal mortality has continued to increase due to the inability of primary health care centres to serve the purpose for which they were established. Primary health care centres are not adequately equipped to provide the services which are essential to the health of Nigerians. Many pregnant women do not have access to health services due to geographical, financial and cultural barriers.

The essence of re-orienting health services towards primary health care is to provide essential health care that are universally accessible and with a cost that is affordable.

We cannot achieve the goal of health for all when resources for health are not evenly distributed. Curative services get over 70 per cent of health budget while only about 1 per cent is allocated to preventive services. Also, over 70 per cent doctors are in urban areas where only 48 per cent of the populations live leaving 52 per cent of the population who live in the rural areas at the mercy of

By Bolaji Aregbeshola inadequate health personnel. These are the problems Nigeria faces and something must be done urgently to improve our health indices.

Women and children are high risk groups due to pregnancy complications as well as growth and development of the child and our failure to provide essential services to this group has led to high maternal, infant and child mortality. If we get it right at this level, then our health indices will improve.

These deaths are preventable if only we allocate resources and provide services for all pregnant women. An effective primary health care system will no doubt help to reduce maternal, child and infant mortality.

The 2011 World Health Statistics by WHO puts births attended by skilled health personnel in Nigeria at 39 per cent. This means that 61 percent of births in Nigeria are attended to by unskilled health personnel.

Many pregnant women go through child delivery without the help of skilled attendants such as doctor, midwives or nurses due to cultural beliefs and lack of women empowerment. Besides, a pregnant teenager and her child runs a high risk of illness, injury and death more than a mature woman in her 20’s.

It is estimated that over 600,000 Nigerians seek abortion each year. One-third of women obtaining abortion were adolescents and up to 80 per cent of Nigerian patients with abortion related complications are adolescents according to a report by UNFPA. About 12 million girls are married before age 15 and in most cases to older men in the northern part of the country. This is due to poverty and cultural values.

Reduction of poverty, promiscuity and the likely shame a girl brings to the family when pregnant out of wedlock has been cited as the advantages of early/child marriage and early child bearing. But little do these people know that the disadvantages of denying girls of school going age their rights to education and marrying them off around 13-14 years far outweighs the advantages. According to UNFPA, 45 per cent of women in northern

Nigeria married by age 15 in a study conducted among women between the ages of 20 to 24 years and 73 per cent were married at the age of 18 years unlike in the SouthWest where there is delay in marriage (median age in marriage among 25 to 29 years old was 20.5).

Sadly, this trend is continuing. There have been efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy and discourage child marriage in Nigeria but despite this, the adolescent fertility rate (per 1000 girls aged 15-19 years) in Nigeria was reported to be 123 per 1000 by the 2011 World Health Statistics while the HIV infection rates among young people aged 15-19 was put at 3.3 per cent by UNFPA. The adolescent health is a major issue that needs to be addressed. There are 1.2 billion adolescents across the world, 9 out of 10 of these young people live in developing countries says UNICEF besides just 26 per cent girls in northern Nigeria make it beyond primary school.

Undoubtedly, the disadvantages of child marriage and early childbearing include vesico vaginal fistulae, HIV, prostitution, poverty, death, long-term disability, illiteracy, infringement on the wishes/right of young girls’ etcetera. This shows that child marriage and early childbearing causes more harm than good hence it should be discouraged so that we can make much faster progress on maternal and child health indicators.

According to USAID, Nigeria is making much slower progress on maternal and child health indicators than most other African countries. About 1 million children die each year before their fifth birthday. The 2011 WHO World Health Statistics reports that Under-5-Mortality rate per 1000 live births in Nigeria is 138. This is unacceptable. The Africa regional average was 142 per 1000 live births.

Indeed in the words of the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon during his two day working visit to Nigeria “the world must rise up against deaths of 22,000 children and maternal death of 1000 daily”.

Long before his visit, it was estimated that approximately 52,560, 000 women and girls die each year due to pregnancy related com-

plications. Additionally, another 1,080,000 to 1,620,000 Nigerian women and girls will suffer from disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy and child birth each year says the USAID. A woman dies approximately every 3 minutes from childbirth in Nigeria.

Statistics are there for all to see. The susceptibility and vulnerability of pregnant women and children calls for more action on the part of governments to make sure health care is affordable and accessible to all pregnant women and children in the country. Our inability to reduce the high rate of maternal and child mortality has been partly due to lack of affordable and accessible health services to mothers and children as well as primary health care that is poorly equipped to deliver maternal and child health services needed by both mothers and children.

However, it is hoped that the visit of the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon to encourage Nigeria towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would bring about a reduction in child mortality rates and the improvement of maternal health. President Jonathan and the Minister of Health must make concerted effort to reduce Under-5-Mortality rate, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio and adolescent birth rate and increase measles immunization coverage among 1-year-old children, proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel, contraceptive prevalence rate, antenatal care coverage and unmet need for family planning. These targets if achieved during the life of the present administration will be a landmark achievement in the history of Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan must work towards strengthening the health system with a view to providing quality and accessible health services which will in turn improve the country’s health status and those of her citizens especially the mothers and children.

• Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola is a graduate student of Public Health at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

No easy World Cup Good draw for foes —Onigbinde Eagles —Adepoju

Pg. 41

Pg. 41

Nation Tuesday, August 2, 2011

PAGE 23

2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

I’ll axe unserious players Pg. 24

•Siasia

—Siasia FLYING EAGLES VS GUATEMALA FALLOUTS Pg. 24

Obuh regrets missed chances World fans tip Nigeria for glory

Pg. 24

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

24

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

FLYING EAGLES VS GUATEMALA FALLOUTS

2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Obuh regrets missed chances F

LYING Eagles coach John Obuh rued missed chances by his team as Nigeria boss Samson Siasia demanded more from them at the U-20 World Cup. African champions Nigeria led from the front as they became the first team from the continent to win at Colombia 2011 following a 5-0 thumping of debutants Guatemala Sunday in Armenia.

A first-half brace by Edafe Egbedi and goals from Abduljaleel Ajagun, Olanrewaju Kayode and Ahmed Musa completed the rout after the interval as Nigeria got off to a flying start.

“We had chances to have won this game 7-0 even though we had two goals

FOOTBALLVIOLENCE

disallowed,” said Obuh.

“We have taken the first step in our mission and now we’re looking forward to the next game because winning our first game does not qualify us for the next round of the tournament.”

Obuh said Guatemala are a decent side who with a little more exposure could be a force to be reckoned with soon.

“They are a good team but we had to beat them to get our campaign on track,” he said.

“I believe that lack of exposure may be their problem, but at the same time I believe they could still do well in this tournament if only they could put behind them the result against us.”

Eagles handler Siasia arrived in time from the 2014 World Cup draw in Brazil to watch from the stands of the Estadio Centenario in Armenia as the African

champions simply outclassed Guatemala.

“It’s a good start to win 5-0 in any match, not to talk of at the World Cup,” said Siasia, who will be in Armenia till Friday when he will jet out to London ahead of the Ghana friendly.

“But we need to try and retain possession more as we were losing the ball once too often and we played a bit apart. I have spoken to John (Obuh) about these and I hope that in the next game they would have corrected these.”

Guatemala coach Ever Almeida conceded defeat, admitting the speed of the Nigerians was a great source of concern.

“We knew that it will be a tough match because of the speed of the Nigerians. This was always going to be a problem for us,” he said.

F

“If they keep up the same disciplined approach like they did against Guatemala I think they will go far with a bit of luck too. The team needs to show consistency in their other games.

“And they need to know that their next opponents will be tougher because as the competition gets older the opponents get tougher. So they will need to step up,” Ugbade said.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face Croatia in their second game at the Estadio Centenario in Armenia on Wednesday.

NFF to partner with 1 GAME –Maigari Ugbade thumbs up Guatemala routing

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IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari says the nation’s football governing body will join forces with anti-violence initiative, 1 GAME to stamp out violence in Nigeria football.

Maigari told 1 GAME’s Chuma Nnoli in Abuja that a collaborative effort between both organisations will be key in the fight to keep Nigeria football free from violence.

“1 GAME is an institution that everyone must respect because it’s a voluntary organisation that seeks to educate Nigeria football fans on how to conduct themselves and how to contribute in moving the game forward.

“I must appreciate 1 GAME and I must say more grease to its elbow. I will continue to urge it to keep up the good work it is doing.

“The Nigeria Football Federation will collaborate with 1 GAME as we seek ways of eradicating violence from the game,” he said.

The Aminu Maigari-led board of the NFF had previously endorsed the 1 GAME initiative during the Annual General Assembly of the Glass House held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in December 2010.

1 GAME seeks to address the problem of violence in football and the society nationwide through collaborative and systematic effort.

ORMER Nigeria youth international, Nduka Ugbade has heaped plaudits on the Flying Eagles for defeating Guatemala 5-0 at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

The 41-year-old said: “It was a good start for the Flying Eagles. For the boys to win five-nil speaks volumes of their character and quality as a team.”

Ugbade, who was part of the Nigerian Under-17s and Under-20s in 1985 and 1989 respectively, is hopeful that the Flying Eagles can go far in the world championship in Colombia.

But the former El Kanemi Warriors’ man said a consistent and disciplined display in subsequent games will ensure that John Obuh’s men go places at the Under-20 tournament.

The Under-17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets of 1985 also advised that the next games of the Under 20s will present different opposition.

I’ll axe unserious players –Siasia N

IGERIA coach Samson Siasia has expressed delight with the 2014 World Cup draw, but has also threatened to drop any player who fails to show commitment in the team’s quest for a ticket as he feels the

other teams in the Eagles’ group should not be underrated Nigeria were Saturday drawn in Group F alongside Malawi, while there will be a play-off between Seychelles and Kenya and also

between Djibouti and Namibia to decide the remaining two slots in the African qualifying series for the 2014 World Cup to be hosted by Brazil.

However, Siasia told

World fans tip F/Eagles for glory

F

OOTBALL fans from around the world are tipping the John Obuh-led side to win the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Reacting after watching the African champions thrash debutants, Guatemala 5-0 in the opening Group D match in Armenia, the fans posted their views on FIFA’s official website which are published below.

Castro Lebanos from Guatemala

By Segun Balogun said: “With the way Nigeria demolished Guatemala and diminished even their slightest chances of being the best loser, I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria will win this tournament.

I will like them to meet Argentina in the final to revenge the 2005 U20 World Cup final in Netherlands.

Another Guatemalan, Legionle Garcias said “This is a historic day.

For the first time Guatemala’s National Anthem was heard at the World Cup Finals. I have already predicted Nigeria will beat us. I know that Nigeria is a strong team, and I don’t expect Guatemala to win, but I expect them to play with honour, to give everything they got on the field which they did despite the score line.”

MTNFootball.com exclusively from Brazil early Sunday that though he was happy with the draw that placed Nigeria in Group F, he warned that the teams in Nigeria’s group should not be underrated.

“We could not have asked for a better draw than this, but we all know that there are no easy matches any more,” said Siasia.

“All matches will be played like our lives depend on it. Only seriousminded players will prosecute our World Cup qualifiers and we need the support of all Nigerians.

“Thank you Nigerians for this great opportunity to serve our nation. With the support of Almighty God and soccer-loving Nigerians we won’t disappoint.”

Nigeria have featured at four World Cups thus far – 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010.

F •Ugbade

By Akem Lawal

last and all the other teams we played with, we beat them very well and convincingly. Though we lost to them by about 11 points, we were leading in the first and second quarter but they came over in the third and won the fourth and that was what happened.

But we are going to do the best we can in the second phase to see how we can achieve our aim. Right now on points, we are on top of the league, we are the reigning champions and still on top of the league.

“Talking about motivation, we have bought a brand new bus for them which will take them to Akure.”

First Deepwater Basketball Club is in its third season in the Zenith Bank league finishing second it her first outing and going on to win the FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier same year in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire and were seventh over-all at the final round of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The Coaches Lateef Erinfolami and Shola Ogunade-tutored side departed Lagos for Akure on Monday ahead of the 2nd phase which is expected to run from August 3 - 14 in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Flying Eagles diary: August 1

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ODAY is a new day, a new hope caused by the Flying Eagles’ emphatic 5-0 demolition of debutants Guatemala in the opening Group D match the previous day.

The boys knew they had no excuse if they did not win very well. That was the message they got from a highly-charged NFF technical committee chairman, Chris Green, just hours to kick-off.

“I want you to beat them well and put fear into the other teams. Winning 3-0 will not be news in Nigeria,” said Green, who along with NFF marketing chief, Idris Adama, joined in the team’s gospel chorus in the team bus on the way to Estadio Centenario.

“If I could roll back the years and be 20 again, I will play this tournament and win it for Nigeria.

“God will change your destiny and you will achieve what you set out to achieve and nothing you do here will go unnoticed.”

Talking about notice, the Flying Eagles can now catch the eye as the Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, as he was in the crowd that saw them outclass Guatemala.

He is already very much aware of the jet-heeled Ahmed Musa, who caused the other team all kinds of bother and even helped himself to a goal.

But central defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Gani Ogungbe could well have impressed him on the first day even though he would need another game against a team who will attack a lot more than Guatemala did on the night to really assess them.

Siasia will again be in the stands for the second game against Croatia on Wednesday night, which will be early morning Thursday Nigerian time, before he heads off to London for the Ghana friendly on August 9.

The Flying Eagles stayed back after the Guatemala game to watch the first

half of the other group game between Croatia and Saudi Arabia. There would be no goals in the first half of a very cagey game.

“Both teams are very tactical and tried to retain possession. We also have to do same when we meet them,” chorused coaches Yakubu Maidajin and Sule Shuaibu.

But after the interval, the team watched on TV from their hotel as the Saudis put through two goals past the highly-rated Croats, who now have their backs to the wall.

The friendly and warm atmosphere at the Estadio Centenario was equally something to behold.

There were only two Nigerian fans in the 10,000-strong crowd, one was a young woman Stella who proudly took some pictures with her Nigerian brothers, while the other waved a big green-white-green flag from start to finish and was almost manhandled by the stadium stewards when he ran into the tracks to celebrate with the Flying Eagles the opening goal against Guatemala.

Guatemala, who are nearby to Colombia, were represented by no less than 2,000 fans all proudly wearing the country’s white and skyblue colours. They were upbeat, full of voice and warm before the big kickoff even taking snapshots after snapshots with some Nigerian team members in the stands.

But after the goals, they simply shut down.

There are a few knocks from the game – Omeruo, Ajagun, Ramon Azeez and Emmanuel Anyanwu – but the medical staff have assured everything is under control.

The other thing is that the holy month of Ramadan is upon us and the Muslim players in the team like Ajagun, Azeez and Sani Tahir will comply with the obligation of the faith to go without food and water for most of the day for 30 days.

No easy World Cup foes –Onigbinde

First Deepwater set to maintain dominance

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M

UTIU ADEPOJU has described the FIFA 2014 World Cup preliminary draw that pit Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Group F of the African zone as favourable.

The former Nigeria international told SuperSport.com that drawing Malawi as well as the winners of Seychelles or Kenya and Djibouti or Namibia looks easy on paper.

“It’s a good draw for the Super Eagles.

Our boys are rated ahead of the other teams in their group,” Adepoju said.

However, the 40-year-old 3SC technical director was quick to warn that football matches are only determined on the pitch and hopes that the Super Eagles raise their game when the qualifying begins.

“But the Super Eagles must be careful when they play their group opponents.

This is because every team will want to beat Nigeria in every match. So our boys should be ready and not underrate any of their opponents,” the former Racing Santander man told SuperSport.com.

Adepoju believes that total focus and commitment by the Super Eagles during the qualifying games can ensure easy passage to the next round.

“They just need to give 100 per cent concentration to all their matches and not underrate any of the teams. With that they will qualify for the next round without stress,” said the ex-Super Eagles midfielder.

•Adepoju

ZENITH BANK WOMEN BASKETBALL 2ND PHASE

HEAD of the second phase of the 7th edition of Zenith Bank Women Basketball league which dunks-off on Wednesday in Akure, defending champions, First Deepwater Basketball Club have expressed confidence of retaining the title this season.

The team currently leads the nine (9) other teams in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised league thanks to a game forfeited by First Bank BC over the usage of ineligible players against Dolphin Basketball Club.

In a chat with NationSport at the team’s send-off ceremony in Lagos on Monday, Chairman, Engr. Babatunde Babalola said the team is highly motivated to retain the league title it won last year after stopping First Bank’s dominance of the Nigeria women league for 10 years. Among the motivating measures, Babalola says, is the acquisition of a brand new Coaster bus for the team.

“We have to be aware of the fact that First Bank will not just go to sleep. If you are a champion and somebody all of a sudden takes over from that championship feat, you should expect that such team will comeback and fight very hard and that was what they did even at the first phase.

“In the first phase, we played them

Good draw for Eagles –Adepoju

41

•Nigeria's Abdul Ajagun, right, celebrates after scoring against Guatemala during a U-20 World Cup group D soccer match in Armenia, Colombia

ORMER Nigeria head coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has advised the Super Eagles to treat their 2014 World Cup qualifying opponents with mutual respect.

“There are no easy teams when it comes to the World Cup nowadays. So it will be wrong to say there are soft or hard groups for the coming qualifiers because in my career as a coach I’ve never gone into any competition with that kind of attitude,” Onigbinde told SuperSport.com while speaking of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been drawn in Group F of the African qualifying zone alongside Malawi and the winners of Seychelles or Kenya and Djibouti or Namibia.

Onigbinde used the upset of France

by Senegal in the opening game of the FIFA 2002 World Cup as an example in warning the Super Eagles.

He added that he has never been an apostle of spying on opponents’ style of play and will not encourage or discourage the present coaching crew led by Samson Siasia on it.

“I’d use the 2002 World Cup upset of France as an instance on why we no longer have soft or hard groups.

Nobody gave the Senegalese team a chance on that day but they went ahead to beat their more acclaimed opponents.

“If you say that there are soft or hard teams or you say there are soft or hard groups, then no team will enter for a competition. I will tell you that every team that enters into every competition does so with the aim to win.

“And add to that, I don’t belong to that school of thought that you need to spy on your opponents to make a headway. Before the 2002 World Cup I remember Argentina sent an analyst and a cameraman to watch our friendly games. “At the end of that spy mission they got nothing because we were always discussing and they realised that it was a futile venture. They were

confused with the contrasting styles adopted by the team for every friendly before that World Cup, as they feared we will adopt another approach at the World Cup proper,” the 73-year-old CAF instructor said.

The one-time administrator of 3SC also reminisced his experience with the English media before the 2002 Mundial.

He tied the experience to the fact that his team at the 2002 World Cup were not given any chance against England’s Three Lions before their clash.

“Before the World Cup in 2002 the English press asked me how my team will handle David Beckham and co. In

turn I told them I’d only get worried if the opposing team uses 12 players. What do I mean here? No team parades more than 11 players at a time in a game. And I have never seen any player with more than two legs play the game.

“And we all saw the outcome of the game against England which was determined on the field. In essence the English must have learnt that in World Cup games there are no soft or hard teams. So our boys should also have that in mind when they face their opponents,” Onigbinde, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee said.

Port Harcourt bubbles for Gulder T was three days of fun and 5-A-side football excitement as the ultimate in beer,

I

Gulder gathered football lovers in and around the Garden City of Port Harcourt for the zonal elimination contest in the annual Gulder 5-A-side Football competition.

The action-packed encounter that had over 400 registered football teams that came in from four main Southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers was held at the practice pitch of the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Commending Nigerian Breweries Plc, a resident, Mr. Ifeanyi Aniche said Gulder 5 A-side Football competition is a very good platform to engage the youth in the country especially the youths in the restive regions. He was of the opinion that such football competition with such a whooping financial reward would be mindengaging while the N8 million ultimate prize can create a financial empowerment for the overall winning teams.

“I believe this competition is very good and I really want to thank the organizers of this programme. As you can see, the number of

•As fans storm Liberation Stadium participants in the game and the large number of spectators here alone is a testimony that the Nigerian youth really need something to engage them.

“The Gulder 5-A-side Football competition is not only engaging the Nigerian youth; it is also a platform that Nigerian Breweries Plc is using to develop football which is the ultimate in sports in Nigeria. Some of these boys will definitely get exposed to both local and international scouts who are everywhere looking for raw football talents,” Aniche stated.

Meanwhile, in the quarter finals played last Thursday, Bethlehem FC defeated Galaticoz FC by 3-0 while Majeff FC also defeated Bala FC by the same margin. Other quarter final matches played saw Lasers FC lose 12 to Jamel FC. With those results, Jamel FC, Bethlehem FC and Majeff FC are through to the semi while Laser FC will join the other three teams in the semi-final as the best loser.

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•Luxury flats at Parkview, Lagos

Flood no threat to high rent in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki The July 13 17-hour downpour in Lagos, caused severe flooding, which sacked many from their homes.The rains, described as "the most devastating so far this year in Nigeria", impacted negatively on homes in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki, leaving untold hardship and destruction of lives and property. Some observers fear that the situation may lead to an exodus of people and the off-loading of houses onto the market with the resultant depression in rental values and increase in rents on the mainland.

Experts disagree. OKWY IROEGBU reports.

•Continued on page 26

•Nigerite, UNILAG partner •‘Lagos calls for Fed Govt’s on N35m architecture studio assistance against flooding’ - PAGE 26

- PAGE 27

•Stakeholders canvass dialogue between Ogun, Bi-Courtney - PAGE 28

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

26

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Nigerite, UNILAG partner on N35m architecture studio

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HE Masters in Environment Design (MED) studio of the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos (UNILAG), remodelled with a N35 million donation from Nigerite has been inaugurated.

This followed the launch of the firm’s The Youth, our Future initiative aimed at assisting institutions of higher learning. The company deployed some of its products, such as Autoclave sidings, PVC flooring and acoustic ceiling tiles for the project.

At the unveiling of the studio last week, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, said the institution was lookinf up to its architecture department to project the school as a global player. He commended Nigerite for living up to its corporate social responsiility through the investment and promised that the standard would be maintained.

He said: “The university is ready and willing to partner to make education available and worth its while because the cost of acquiring good one is enormous”, He encouraged the department to make its mark on the new buildings to planned for the campus by coming up with outstanding.

Sofoluwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. R. A. Bello, challenged other corporate bodies to emulate Nigerite and invest in the younger generation for them to have a brighter future.

The Head of Department of Architecture, Dr. Mike Adebamowo, praised Nigerite for equipping the MED. Executive Programme Studio which, he said, was established because of the cosmopolitan nature of the university. He said the high demand for the programme by products of other universities was in tan-

•R-L: Luc Viatour, Bello, Ajayi, Sodimu and Bolu, at the event last week.

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

dem with the current international trend. He urged the school authorities to work speedily to implement the conversion of the department to a faculty of architecture in line with the National University Commission’s (NUC) directive.

The Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Niyi Okedele, lauded Nigerite for its support for the study of architecture and asked on the university authorities to part-

ner with relevant stakeholders to assist in the conversion of the department of architecture to a faculty.

He said the university has admitted over 700 students from other universities for its Master’s programme.

Okedele said though the university had raised the bar for admission into the department, the authorities could complement the its effort by upgrading it to a faculty.

Nigerite Managing Director Jean-

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU

Luc Viatour said in line with his organisation’s corporate social responsibility objective, the company was partnering with not just the UNILAG, but also with select schools under its The Youth, our Future scheme.

The project, according to him, is aimed at empowering youth, through the provision of a conducive learning environment that would engender creativity, innovation and competitiveness on the world stage.

He said: “The academic environment is a place where innovation should be rife. It is our desire to see our youths practise the art of utilising creative imagination, questioning and rewriting of old rules and thinking out of the box; these and more are the tenets of today’s competitive world. In fact, the word “innovate or die” is more real today than ever before”.

Viatour observed that the strength of an institution is not measured only by its physical structures, but also by the tenacity inculcated in the students to do the unimaginable. According to him, the youth have a responsibility to provide solutions to the problems confronting humanity and, therefore, institutions must be built to enable them to utilise their talents.

The Nigerite chief reiterated that the nation is at the dawn of a great transformation, which has necesssitated his company’s partnership with goverment’s institutions.

He said: “All our products are environmentally friendly, and in conformity with our worldwide objective of a safe environment for all, we recycle all our products and some are even biodegradable. Our power station is positioned to ensure that our personnel do not have to deal with noise pollution problem usually experienced with manufacturing process worldwide. ‘’In the same vein, we have started a dry building construction system called ‘Building System Homes’, directed towards speedy housing delivery at affordable budget in the country”.

He urged the university to make good use of the studio to train bright minds, adding that Nigerite is always ready to partner with forwardlooking institutions to build a new Nigeria.

Flood no threat to high rent in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki •Continued from page 25

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HE aftermath of the massive flooding on July 14, resulted in the loss of lives and properties worth billions of naira.

The flooding left in its wake a trail of sad stories. Many expected the experience to lead to relocations to safer places and the crash of property prices in affected areas but, so far, except for buildings marked for demolition by the state government, the status has remained, especially in high brow areas where housing stock has remained limited compared to needs.

The price of properties in high brow areas has remained relatively stable as demand outweighs supply.

A past National Secretary of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Mr Samuel Ukpong, said those in high brow areas would consider other factors aside flooding before relocating.

He said: “Flooding only happens at a particular period of the year and so it’s not perennial. Besides if those affected decide to move out from their abode, especially the high brow areas of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki , where will they move to.

“In the first place, many of them are living where they are because of its proximity to their offices and business places and these are fixed assets that you can’t just dispose of.”

He went on:“Besides, they are wealthy and people of means and they can’t just move out and move into any neigbourhood that does not meet their status and requirements.

“The fear entertained in some quarters about rental fall in the highbrow areas of the state is therefore unfounded and may not happen”, Ukpong added.

He pointed out that housing supply on the island and other part of Lagos was in short supply and the best anybody could do is to improve on his surroundings, as people can only leave if they run foul of town planning rules such as building on drainage channels and are forced to relocate by government.

He maintained that property prices cannot drop as they are propelled by the forces of demand and supply.

Ukpong also said that because rent’s was paid annually it would be difficult for people to take a remain decision of changing residence.

President, FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation), Chief Kola Akomolede, observed that, ordinarily, one would expect people to move from areas that experience flooding like the recent one in parts of Lagos which will lead to more vacant houses in such areas thereby reducing rents in line with the law of demand and supply.

But he argued that this can only happen where people have alternatives.

He said: “The areas worst hit by the flood were Ikoyi, Victoria Island and the Lekki axis. In the absence of any alternative high brow residential area, where will the occupiers of these areas move to?

They are, therefore, stuck to their fate. The net effect is, therefore, minimal on rents in these areas.

“Even on the Mainland, the effect on rent cannot be noticeable; because of the scarcity of accommodation people do not have many choices, therefore, they are forced to hold on to what they have.”

Akomolede said though the condition may not lead to any reduction in rents capital values may be

•A luxury mansion at Oniru Housing Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

affected.

According to him, nobody wants to buy a house in an area that is prone to flooding. But, at the same

time, many will want to sell their houses and move on to areas less prone to flooding. And with in-

crease in the number of properties for sale in such areas due to less demand, the prices will be lower.

For sale Location

type

Lekki Phase 1 Water front plot 30000m2 Lekki expressway 30 hectares opposite Abraham Adesanya Street VGC 3 bedroom luxury apartment Gbagada by General Hospital Block of 4-2 bedroom flats

Price N230m N1b N37m N45 million

To let Banana lsland Queens drive Ikoyi

3bedroom serviced flat + boy’s qtrs 4 bedroom townhouse with swimming pool, fitted kitchen

$80,000.00 N10m

The above illustrates that rent has not crashed due to the flooding from the beginning of the year to this point in time.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

27

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Ikeja Plaza II coming

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N exquisite commercial cen tre to be known as Ikeja Plaza II will soon be built in Ikeja, Lagos.

The project is the brain child of IHL Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Ibile Holdings Limited (IHL). It will be located on a prime corner-piece of land between Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Kodesoh Street by the Ikeja General Hospital (Ayinke House).

It is conceived to complement Ikeja Plaza I, a high-profile structure also developed by Ibile Holdings and managed by IHL Properties, said the company’s Managing Director, Mr Adeyinka Onigbanjo.

Ikeja Plaza I is a four-storey commercial building with a penthouse.

It comprises a banking floor and 94 office suites spread on the remaining three floors.

It is close to the local airport and about 10 minutes drive from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). It is bound by the Police Barracks on the right and the Computer Village at the rear.

Onigbanjo said the project is aimed at developing a premium commercial property in a prime urban location, such as Ikeja, the gateway of the state.

The idea is to have a development that fuses simplicity, functionality, flexibility and aesthetics. The project provides for banking facilities, food court, retail shops/mall and office suites.

The project is designed as a purpose-built commercial complex on eight floors and three basement

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

floors, which are covered with a flat roof.

It is being developed on a welldrained plot of approximately 4,300sqm. The ground floor has facilities for banking, restaurants and eatery; flexible office shops on upper floors.

There are parking spaces for about 300 vehicles on three basement floors and adequate provision is made in the design for amenities/services, such as access, passenger and goods’ lifts, electricity from public source and standby generators, water from public source through underground and overhead tanks with treated borehole to supplement, firefighting equipment, refuse handling bay, circulation and landscaping.

There is segregated area for proper traffic management.

IHL Properties Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ibile Holdings, the Investment Company of Lagos State Government. It was incorporated in June 2002 to handle property business. Its core objectives are the development of new properties; management of tenanted properties; third party procurement/brokerage and property renewal/renovation.

The company, according to Onigbanjo, has plans for mass housing, which it hopes to execute with a building technology conceived and developed in the United States.

The system, which combines

•Ikeja Plaza 1

speed with efficiency is currently being used in the construction of Platinum Rows, a housing estate in Lekki, Lagos by IHL Properties.

Though the Platinum Rows are upscale town houses, the idea of

introducing the form technology is to execute IHL Properties’ vision to undertake the construction of affordable housing, Onigbanjo said.

The technology has steel reinforcement with all the mechanical

and electrical facilities embedded in the wall, which gives it a fine finishing. The technology guarantees early completion and could save about 15 per cent on the cost of construction.

‘The idea is to have a development that fuses simplicity, functionality, flexibility and aesthetics. The project provides for banking facilities, food court, retail shops/ mall and office suites’

‘Lagos calls for Fed Govt’s assistance against flooding’

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HE Permanent Secretary, Of fice of Drainage Services in Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mr Muyideen Akinsanya, has called on the Federal Government to assist the state in the fight against flood in the state.

He stated this while leading a team of senators in the opposition political parties from Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Anambra, Katsina, Benue, states on a tour of flooded areas in Lagos State.

The sites visited included Old Abeokuta Expressway, Elere Channel on old Abeokuta Expressway, Arigbanla channel downstream, Okooba channel, Joshua street / Olanrewaju Adebayo Street, Ijegun, Second Rainbow and Kirikiri Junction on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

Akinsanya stressed the need to build more channels to meet the growing challenges of floods in the state. He added: “The drainage system in Lagos is well-planned and the Federal Government’s assistance is needed for further implementation.”

The visiting senators, were led by Senator George Akume of Benue North, Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos West), Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Oluremi Tinubu ( Lagos Central), Femi Ojudu (Ekiti Central), Femi Lanlehin (Oyo State), Chris Ngige (Anambra Central), Mudashiru Hussain (Osun West), Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East), Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South), Augustine Adikpe (Benue).

Akume said the law makers were on a condolence visit to Lagos and to assess the level of damage done by the flood. He said: “Calamities cannot be eliminated as long as we live, but can be controlled.”

He said though the projects were Federal’s and that Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of the country, whatever affects ‘Lagos affects all of us. We are here to assess a way of assisting Lagos.”The team leader said the team would write a report on their findings, which

‘We need to save life first before dealing with the issues of structures that rain that came in 16 hours should have run for four to six weeks’

•A group of senators on a fact- finding mission to Lagos after the devastating flood early last month.

would be submitted on the floor of the Senate.

The senators representing Lagos State had earlier visited the flooded areas before President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit. The assessment was a follow-up on the earlier inspection.

Obadara, who represents Ogun Central, said the team would make “a case for Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Edo and other states affected by flood. His words: “We are senators representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not a particular state. ‘’The tour will be a continuous one to other states. We definitely want to represent our people who put us

there. We are passionate about them. A report will be put together on the outcome of the tour.”

Ashafa of Lagos East said the visit was necessary to see the level of damage, and that their findings would enhance their presentation on the floor of the Senate. He stated that “the report of the visiting senators would be encompassing, taking the roads into cognizance”.

Solomon said: “a situation where motorists spend a whole day should not be acceptable by anybody.” .

He said it was necessary for the Federal Government to assist Lagos with the Ecological Fund. He said: “The Federal Government dis-

burses the fund and it is our duty to tell them where the Ecological fund is necessary. Lagos is the economic nerve centre of the country and former capital territory.”

Oluremi Tinubu thanked her colleagues. She said every Nigerian is a stakeholder in Lagos. “We should move beyond politics and do what is right for our people. President Jonathan has seen it himself. He is a listening president, but we want the Federal Government to respond very soon.”

Omoworare of Osun East appealed to Lagosians to be hopeful, adding that the issue was “not political and not sectional, it is just to ensure that necessary things are

done”.

According to Ngige of Anambra Central, “Lagos is more sensitive than all other flood cases. Lagos is the economic hub of the country.

The damage is colossal. We need to come and see what is happening ourselves. We will ensure that Lagos is given special attention in the disbursement of ecological fund”.

At a meeting with the lawmakers, Governor Fashola praised the delegation for its “leadership and public service spirit”. He added that any investment in Lagos is an enlightened investment in the interest of the whole Nigeria.”

“A problem in Lagos is a problem in Nigeria. The drainage system in Lagos is not enough to match the growing urbanisation in Lagos.”

He blamed the flood-induced disaster on those who built on drainage channels.

He said government would no longer tolerate people who build on drainage channels.

He, however, said: “We need to save life first before dealing with the issue of structures. The rain that came in 16 hours should have run for four to six weeks.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

28

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Building Issues

Why we lack maintenance culture

By Kola Akomolede OHN arrived at the Murtala Mu Earlier on, he had asked question hammed International Airport at on why people should queue for petabout 6:30pm on board a British rol in a country that is blessed with oil Airways Plane. free from the soil. He was told that the He had hoped to collect his baggage crude is available in abundance; the within a few minutes and dash off to shortage is that of refined oil. Then the see his parents he had mission for over refineries? He was told they were wait10 years. ing for TAM. Who is TAM and why But he was expecting too much for has he decided to refuse to visit the the luggage would not come out until refineries thereby causing all these about two hours. What’s up? he exhardship? he queried. He was told claimed. that TAM means “Turn around MainThe conveyor belt was not working. tenance.”

The luggage had to be manually carJohn shook his head and was lost in ried from the plane to the baggage thought for a few moment then he exclaim hall. claimed- all my problems since I came While waiting, he suddenly discovback have been due to refusal or neered that not only that he was back in glect of maintenance. From the Airthe tropics but he had to unbutton his port experience to PHCN black out, jacket first, then his waist coast and later lift in 1004, National Theatre, fuel the shirt. Why? The hall was no better queue, bad roads, etc. mention it, they than an oven. The air-conditioner was are all due to our lack of maintenance not working. culture.

While the waiting continued still, he Why should we build the best Airfelt like answering nature’s call and folport in Africa but allow it to malfunclowing the sign and arrows he arrived tion because we won’t maintain the faat the Gents but he quickly rushed out. cilities? Why do we put up a multiWhy? The water closet (wc) was brostorey apartment without maintaining ken. There was no water, yet some sons the lifts? Why should of Adam had eased we build thermal stathemselves there and ‘This is why our tions and dams withso the place was stinklifts don’t work, our out maintaining them? ing! Waoh! he exclaimed. refineries can’t refine Why should we refineries and As they drove oil, our turbines and build refuse to maintain through the streets thermal plants can’t them? Why should we heading towards Surulere, John had generate electricity, construct roads and refuse to maintain noticed that every our transformers them? Questions, quesplace was dark but he can’t distribute elec- tions, I can’t hear any could locate the street light poles win the aid tricity, our conveyor answer.

What then is mainteof the car head lamp belts won’t convey nance?

What does it but there was no anything, air-condi- demand that we canlight! What’s happening men? Haven’t you tioners won’t condi- not meet? Do we lack the fund or the experpeople got electricity tion any air, our tise or are we just bein this Godam city? roads, won’t be ing irresponsible?

He was told that it is Maintenance works normal to be in darkmotorable etc. when can be described as ness for days without we refuse to maintain those works necessary light here. The only them’ or carried out in order abnormal thing is to to keep or restore every see street lights on facility or every part of when the houses have

J

• FHA hydroform house, Lugbe, Abuja

Stakeholders canvass dialogue between Ogun, Bi-Courtney

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N the heels of altercation be tween Bi-Courtney Highway Services Ltd. and Ogun State Government community leaders in Magboro, Warewa and Arepo communities on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway have urged for peace in the interest of the public.

They observed that the problem will only prolong the sufferings of the public.

In a statement signed by Alhaji Wasiu Akogun, they called for caution, especially as the Federal Government has given 60-day ultimatum to the concessionaire to complete palliative works on the highway.

They decried the level of insecurity on the road and the number of accidents recorded and asked that the firm be given all encouragement to discharge its contract with the government without any reason for failure.

Akogun said his group has noted with displeasure the distractions that are brewing concerning the road and pleaded with relevant government authorities and other stakeholders to support the concessionaire in all its effort to make the 60 day ultimatum a reality.

The community leader who spoke

By Okwy Iroegbu Asst. Editor

on behalf of his colleagues also commended the company on the installation of its N1billion asphalt plant that will take care of a greater per cent of the materials required by the company in the actual construction.

He advised Bi-Courtney Highway Services Ltd to work speedily to contain the negative activities of tanker drivers on the road by relocating them in purpose built park that will contain them.

He regretted that countless number of people that have lost their lives as a result of illegal parking by trailer and tanker drivers and called for greater supervision and sanction to put them in tow with modern practice to save lives and properties of the ordinary Nigerian.

A member of the group Pastor Israel Olu while commending the government on the reactivation of work on the highway urged the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, to fulfill his pledge on the successful delivery of the road by hastening his pledge to involve army engineers in some aspects of the project, in order to quickly secure the Right of Way

(ROW) to enable the work go unhindered and unscheduled.

In a related development, a highway engineer, Mr. Afolabi Adedeji said the public is concerned about the safety record of the expressway. He recalled how people commuted between Ibadan and Lagos daily to work in just about an hour some years back unlike now that it has become a death trap and very insecure for the travelling public.

He urged for support for the concessionaire in order for them to deliver on the contract stipulation in their bid to turn the tide of what is easily the busiest highway in the country.

He stressed that Public Private Partnership (PPP), is the way to go as government cannot do it alone and therefore canvassed support for the concessionaire to be able to rebuild and rehabilitate the highway in record time as Christmas is around the corner for those who may want to travel for the season or those who commute daily on the highway for their businesses.

Adedeji also said encouraged dialogue between the Ogun State Government and the concessionaire in order to smoothen the grey areas and move forward.

Enugu okays N89m for construction, renovation Executive Council also apHE Enugu State Government of buildings the proved the establishment of Service has set aside about N89 mil

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lion for the construction and renovation of buildings at the State Sports Council and completion of work on an administrative block acquired from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC).

Briefing the press at the end of the State Executive Council members, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said N41, 593,937 would be spent on the construction of an administrative block for the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a building to house two indoor halls as well as renovate offices at the Sports Council.

The balance of N47, 516,730, he said, would be spent on the completion of the second arm of the

building, formerly owned by the defunct Cooperative and Commerce Bank (CCB) to cater for office accommodation for some Ministries, Agencies and Departments of government in the state.

The project, according to the Commissioner, will be executed through direct labour by the Project Development and Implementation office.

Mr Ugwuoke, who was flanked by his counterparts from the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Okey Ani, that of Water Resources, Mr Kanayo Ajah and SPA Project Development and Implementation (PDI), Mr Uchenna Nwobodo, said

Charter Policy for the implementation of the State Public Service.

He said the service charter is the instrument of Servicom designed to ensure best practices in service delivery in the civil service and elicit trust of the citizens on government service.

The council also approved that government as shareholders should give facility to enable the Polo Park Development Company to begin the installation of entertainment facilities at the Enugu shopping Mall at the park.

He said although some of the tenants would resume business soon, the inauguration of the shopping mall has been slated for October, this year.

Agip flyover’ll be ready soon, says Amaechi

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HE Rivers State Government says it is putting measures in place to ensure that the Agip Flyover, assumed to be the longest in the state, isput to use by the end of this month.

The State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, told newsmen

while on an unscheduled inspection of some road projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas that some of the road projects are being slowed because of the rains, however.

He promised that some remedial measures would be provided for the Elimgbu, Emeka-Igwuruta

road as that of the Obiri Ikwerre flyover to ease movement.

He noted that contract for the Rumuokrushi, Eneka, Igwuruta road was awarded in 2009, but consequently the job was been abandoned. as a result, the state Executive Council has resolved to re-award the contract.

not even got light, for where?

Back at home they had to make do with hurricane lamps and candle. His hope of watching his famous stars, the Williams Sisters, played on Super Sports that night was dashed!

The following day, John set out to deliver the numerous messages he had brought from the USA His first port of call was the 1004 Flats in Victoria Island. He had looked forward to see the magnificent structures he used to see in the early ‘80s when his cousin, a senator lived there. What a disappointment! He had to climb twelve floors.

The lifts had stopped working a few years back, he was told. Even if the lifts were working, there was no light as the generator that served the estate had packed up few years back. (This was before the sale of the flats).

Then he had to see somebody in Festac and Apapa before returning to Surulere. He had thought he could dash from Victoria Island to Festac and Apapa within one hour since it is all on express road! He was disappointed. It is no longer the express road he knew!

The service lanes are impassable, while you have to meander and look for solid areas to drive on what is supposed to be the express lanes. Then he was to see a relation in Ibadan. There again, the expressway he knew in the ‘80s is no longer the same! Where is the ministry of works he asked? He was not even aware that there is FERMA whose responsibility it is to maintain the roads.

All these did not amuse John, but he was yet to complete his experience.

The following weekend he decided to visit the National Theatre to watch a film which had earlier been advertised.

Yet, again, he had to abandon the film half way unless he was ready to suffocate! Why! The air-conditioners had ceased to work several months ago.

a building or machinery to an acceptable standard. What is acceptable standard is however subjective. In developed countries, the acceptable standards are set by law although these are primarily directed to health and safety of occupiers of a building, or operators of a machinery. The main purpose of maintenance is to preserve a building or machinery in its initial stage as far as practicable so that it can effectively serve the purposes for which it is built or made. Additionally, maintenance is meant to retain or preserve the value of investment and present a good appearance. From the foregoing, it is clear that without maintenance, a building or machinery will not be able to serve the purposes for which it is made.

This is why our lifts don’t work, our refineries can’t refine oil, our turbines and thermal plants can’t generate electricity, our transformers can’t distribute electricity, our conveyor belts won’t convey anything, air-conditioners won’t condition any air, our roads, won’t be motorable etc. when we refuse to maintain them.

It is difficult to decipher how and why we came about this lack of maintenance, especially of all our public utilities. Because in our individual lives, we do maintain our properties! For example, we all know we have to maintain our cars by regular servicing if we want it to continue to function. I wonder how many people wait until their cars break down before they know it is necessary to service it! Why then do we not apply this same when we are in charge of public utilities such as the ones mentioned earlier on.

• Chief Akomolede is President, FIABCI •Contributions, questions? e-mail: quichi3cities@yahoo.com

29

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Barely 24 hours after it received a report on the crisis in the judiciary, in which the feuding Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, were cleared of any wrongdoing, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up a panel to review the Justice Umaru Abdullahi Fact-Finding Panel’s report. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) set up a committee of eminent persons, which has also released its report. Before those was the Babalakin Panel. The last, therefore, has not been heard of this biggest crisis of confidence rocking the Bench. The Justice Auta Panel is expected to examine the NJC panel’s report and make specific recommendations.

But, can Justice Auta determine the fate of his superiors? Is the motive behind the panel pure? JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, ERIC IKHILAE and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report.

Can Auta probe Katsina-Alu, Salami?

•Judicial integrity at stake over investigation

•Cont’d on page 31

•’ Problems of Corporate Nigeria’ - P.30 •’We are ready for conference’ P.34 – P.37

30

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

LAW PERSONALITY Mr Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) is a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). He holds an LL.M and an MBA from IESE Business School, Barcelona. Ajogwu is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CiArB), Nigeria. He sits on the board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration and is a member of the London Court of International Arbitration.

Recently, he was appointed member, Council of Legal Education. He shares his views with JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU on criminal justice sector reforms, insecurity, arbitration, corporate governance and governing codes.

‘Behavioural problems, theft bane of corporate Nigeria’ T

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is championing the crusade for criminal justice reform. What is your take on this?

First of all, criminal justice system is one of the most important aspects of our legal system and the basis of society. You must also understand that the Constitution in seeking to protest the citizen, gives a presumption of innocence to every citizen until proven guilty.

What this means is that the process of proving a person guilty or otherwise, needs to be efficient, otherwise, many people will suffer. They suffer from non incarceration awaiting trial. They suffer from all kinds of congestion and dehumanising treatment as suspects. Now, I have no doubt that this administration is mindful of reforming the criminal justice system, particularly the Attorney-General of the Federation. I am confident that he will put this to action.

How do you see the intervention of the NBA in the reforms?

Obviously, the NBA has a stake in seeing to it that the system works. We, as legal practitioners, also have a stake. The ordinary citizens have the greatest stake. The reforms, as far as I would like to see, should cover from the time of arrest to the time of charging someone. The Constitution has provided clearly what a reasonable time constitutes. We urge the law enforcement agencies to bear this in mind in the treatment of suspects.

The next part of it will be prison decongestion. By this we are looking at truly bringing down the number of inmates to what the facilities can bear; reducing the length of time one has to wait for his trial and this can be done both administratively and legally.

Therefore I urge and advise that a combination of the administrative approach to prison decongestion and the legal approach be put in place.

Who should be released?

Those who have stayed longer than they would have served if convicted should be released from incarceration. The other aspect of the actual adjudication and the criminal Justice process should be made efficient. The court system should be strengthened.

A lot of our courts still don’t have stenographers, these structures should be put in place in order to reduce the time that is wasted in the procedural aspect of the law and concentrate more on the substantive aspect of the trial.

If this is done, we will see a fair and quick trial for citizens, and if our criminal justice system is good, it is good for everybody. Today, it seems to appear to everyone that we are just talking about the ordinary person in the street, but don’t forget that a governor, a minister,

bank managing director – all of these could easily become first line beneficiaries of a reformed criminal justice system.

What is involved in legal aspect of criminal justice reform?

The legal aspect involves expediting the process of trial. A fair trial embodies a quick and easy dispensation of justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.

What about the administrative aspect?

The administrative aspect of prison decongestion means to take the statistics. Who are really the people inside the particular prison.

It may shock you to see that about one third of them are people who have now stayed beyond the length of time that were they found guilty of the alleged offences, they wouldn’t have remained in prison till now.

They might have been in prison for three years for an offence, which even if they were convicted, might not have been for more than one year. Administratively, these people should be released from incarceration because they have over stayed. So, this is what we mean by a combination of legal and administrative approach to prison decongestion.

There seems to be insecurity in the country. How can the situation be improved?

First of all, there is always a tendency to focus on the immediate, which could make sense especially in a situation like this. But there has been general insecurity across Nigeria and this has been with us.

There has been kidnapping for ransom in the Southeast, militancy in the Southsouth; and the spate of armed robbery and so on. And now the more imminent and deepening crises of the Boko Haram and their attacks. This should be a source of primary concern for the government because providing security is the primary responsibility of any government anywhere in the world.

How do you see the government’s efforts in tackling this?

I know that they are doing things to tackle them, but my view is that there should be a combination of the hard approach, which is dealing with the violence and the terrorism for what it is, a criminal act, and also looking to find out the root causes. It should be combined with intelligence and tackling of the violence.

We should start to unveil those who are behind it and prosecuting them; we should start to have dialogue with those who are still half ways into the process to see how we can deal with the immediate violence, keep it under control, find the root causes and tackle them and then to get a lasting solution. But the government should first of all

•Ajogwu SAN

restore calm and normalcy before everything else.

Is that all we need to do?

I think that it is also important for us to keep tab on the inflow and outflow of materials and resources across our borders. The ingress and egress of people across our borders is very crucial for us maintain peace in this country. When the United States (US) saw that they were vulnerable to attack, they did something about their home land protection; they increased their border patrol.

I would advise that we do something immediately about access into the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be able to take stock of what comes in and what goes out of the country. That is another area of primary concern. Our borders at the moment, I am afraid, are not secure as they ought to be.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria recently conferred its fellowship on prominent Nigerians. What were the criteria?

We organise professional training to teach people skills necessary to make them good arbitrators. At the end of the exercise, people who go through this write exams after 10 days of the training. Those who pass are admitted as members.

Depending on their categories, some are admitted as fellows into the Institute. We have honorary fellows and these are people who in our opinion and the opinion of the Governing Council, after having an assessment based on their curriculum vitae, based on their professional lives, or their training or by what they currently do, have sufficient basis to be

able to practice arbitration in disputes.

Who are these people?

Some of them are either retired and serving Judges or Justices, bankers, quantity surveyors, and people who have been in public service. We do this with the utmost consideration of promoting the practice of arbitration and strengthening the institute.

Do you foresee the resolution of political disputes through arbitration?

I do not want to sound negative and say no, but it is difficult because, arbitration is founded on the consent of parties, either upfront before the dispute arises or by submission when the dispute just arose. That is why you find it in commercial cases.

The issue with political cases handled by election tribunals, is that it will be difficult to find people from two different political parties to sign consent that they will refer their electoral disputes or differences to an arbitration.

It is even more difficult to see them agree to such arrangement at a time when one is already declared a winner, and possibly sworn in and one is out there, asking for them to come to an agreement to refer their dispute to arbitration. For this reason, I will say that it is very unlikely.

But just to keep an open mind, I don’t want to say it is impossible.

How do we improve our corporate governance culture?

I happened to do a thesis on what the main corporate governance is in Nigeria, especially in companies that are run within the group structure. So, I will tell you what it is.

You need to look at that company

and see whether the returns on investment to dominant shareholders are structured for the residual, meaning they get what is due to them by way of dividends after you have taken away expenses from income and you get profit and pay taxes. When you do that, the people managing will have the highest incentive to see that the bottom line is good.

However, where through contractual and structural dealings the interest of the dominant owners are contractual or they can be taken out in the form of expenses or expenditures, then they will take their returns on investment from inflated rents, or from high and outrageous salaries or contracts for which they are now suppliers and creditors to the company. It doesn’t matter to them whether they take their returns on the bottom-line or above in expense.

What happens when they take it above the bottom line?

What happens is that there is maladministration, theft in simple words, deception of the whole. That is what the crucial corporate governance problem is in Nigeria.

How comprehensive and effective is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) code on corporate governance?

The April, this year corporate governance code of SEC has no problems. I worked on drafting the first SEC Code for Nigeria in 2002/3, and I can tell you that companies did not go down for absence of codes.

What happened was simply due to behavioural problems. There was simply dishonesty and theft.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

31

LAW COVER CONT’D

•Salami

•Kastina-Alu

•Abdulahi

•Justice Auta

Can Auta probe Katsina-Alu, Salami?

•Continued from page 29

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HE panel’s report was supposed to end the matter. But the National Judicial Council (NJC) ruled otherwise. Apparently not satisfied with the job done by the Justice Umaru Abdullahi FactFinding Panel on the rift between Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and President of Court of Appeal (PCA) Justice Ayo Salami, NJC raised another panel to look into the case.

The constitution of the new panel is generating heat in legal circles because it is headed by a “junior judge”. Justice Ibrahim Auta, who heads the panel, is the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

He is to probe his seniors, the CJN and PCA. In the legal profession, where seniority is strictly upheld, it is unheard of, for “juniors” to sit in judgment over their “seniors”. The rift between the CJN and the PCA has virtually put the judiciary itself on trial. Ordinarily, the judiciary is expected to serve as an unbiased arbiter in disputes. By so doing, its sanctity and integrity come into focus. Many venerate the judiciary because they believe it could always be relied upon to dispense justice without fear or favour.

This belief is unfortunately being eroded by the crisis of confidence in the judiciary.

Allegations abound that, in most cases, rather than act as a true arbiter, some courts, actuated by extraneous motives, stray into the arena to join the fray.

The Katsina-Alu-Salami case is obviously threatening the future of the judiciary.

Analysts are of the view that the disclosures made by the two most senior members of the Bench, at the Justice Umaru Abdullahi panel, betrayed the level of weakness in the system.

To them, this is also discernible in the conduct of the panel, which after months of “rigorous investigation”, chose not to rock the boat. It simply maintained a middle ground.

This assumption is strengthened by reports that representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in NJC were asked to leave the venue of a meeting where the Abdullahi panel’s report was considered before it was made public.

Unfortunately, the NJC has decided to spread the acrimony to the third level of the court system by raising the Auta panel.

Observers believe that this development could further polarise the judiciary because no one is sure of what the Auta panel can do. The question remains whether a junior officer can try his superior.

Before he became Chief Judge, Justice Auta hugged the limelight with his role

in the killing of the “Ogoni Nine.” He headed the tribunal that recommended the hanging of the globally acclaimed environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others under the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

To critics, the Auta panel was set up with ulterior motives. They wonder who the target is this time. “Is Justice Auta meant to play the undertaker?” they asked.

But why would a panel headed by a junior judge be saddled with the responsibility of recommending punitive measures for his seniors? Why will the new panel not pander to some interest when the constituting authority is headed by a party to the dispute? These and many more are the questions seeking answers as the new panel settles down to work.

There are, however, divergent views on the unfolding development.

A member of the NJC, who pleaded not to be named because of what he called the sensitive nature of the issue, wondered why the Abdullahi Panel failed to make recommendations.

He said in an ideal situation, the report should have been sent back to the panel to conclude its job. He noted that, for instance, if a High Court gives a judgment or ruling that is inconclusive, the Court of Appeal will return such judgment or ruling and ask the court to complete its job.

“Or could it be that both parties have realised their mistakes and want the general public to believe there is now no more war? It is not proper for the matter to be assigned to a lower court’s judge to determine.

“But maybe it was given to Justice Auta because of his antecedent, like the way he handled the Ogoni-Nine case and the Waziri case. Salami may not be the target because the Abdullahi Panel’s report did not indict him at all.

“Anyone desirous of knowing the truth should read the report of a panel set up by the NBA on the issue. It is best described

as the alternative report,” he said.

To Joseph Nwobike (SAN), the steps taken by the NJC are in the interest of the iudiciary. “I believe that whatever damage that had been done to the image of the judiciary would be healed over time, in view of the steps taken by the NJC. We urge all the stakeholders to support the new panel.”

A Lagos lawyer, Nojim Tairu, observed: “We may be expecting too much to assume that these representatives of the appellate institution of our court system will toe the standard line as in other climes. Ironically, the key to resolving the issue is between them.

“One of them just has to yield and do the honourable thing in the circumstance without necessarily being told. Honour is greater than title. The lingering issue will continue to rub badly on the very sensitive system, as it is already.

“Their speeches are expected to give policy direction down the judicial hierarchy without being the subject of unspoken ridicule. Panels have their ideals, but some issues need not be allowed to drag because of their serious implications on the system, the nation and the people – which should be the overriding consideration. It is a test of courage, integrity, selflessness. A precedent is unfolding anyhow.”

A director of Access to Justice (AJ), a rights group, Joseph Otteh, urged the NJC to release the Justice Babalakin Committee report on the same issue instead of setting up a committee to recommend punishment.

Otteh said: “While Access to Justice commends the NJC for sitting to consider the Report of the Justice Abdullahi Committee, media reports of the contents of the report have created considerable confusion amongst Nigerians and stakeholders in the justice system, and there is a lack of clarity as to what was recommended by the Committee and what was decided by the NJC.

‘The NJC needs, as a matter of public interest, to publicly release the report of the earlier committee that investigated similar allegations last year (the Justice Babalakin Committee) to avoid doubts and growing perceptions that there is an attempt to cover things up or take down a particular protagonist’

“Given the public interest in the allegations made against the CJN and the PCA, there is the need for the NJC to clarify the facts and set them straight.

“The NJC needs, as a matter of public interest, to publicly release the report of the earlier committee that investigated similar allegations last year (the Justice Babalakin Committee) to avoid doubts and growing perceptions that there is an attempt to cover things up or take down a particular protagonist.

“There is a huge public interest in knowing how both committees reportedly came to different conclusions on a single issue, and how, as the media reported, another committee has been set up to recommend punishment in relation to the work of one committee and not the other.

These questions will be cleared if the public better understands the process leading to the respective outcomes.”

“The NJC must understand that the extremely damaging allegations made against key officers of the judiciary and the manner these allegations have been treated have scandalised the judiciary and brought it to much lower estimation in the eyes of Nigerians as well as the international community.

“No effort must be spared now to convince everyone that the judiciary wants to rebuild its respect and image,” Otteh said.

Constitutional lawyer Mr Jonathan Iyieke said: “It is not surprising to learn that Justice Katsina-Alu and Justice Salami were cleared by the NJC. What do you expect would be the consequence of the ‘trial’ in the light of the facts revealed in the suit filed by Salami against his ‘boss’ and the apex man in the judiciary?

“I will be highly disturbed, if it turns out that the only and inescapable ratio decidendi in the panel report is anchored on the fact that ‘big men’ are involved; then justice would have been made nebulous, and the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man would become a mirage and deceit in Nigerian context.

“It is time Nigeria took a bold step to stem the entrenchment of corruption, favouritism and nepotism. Why would a common man die in jail for misappropriating N5,000 to feed his family but the rich and powerful go scot- free with billions of our money?”

“I opine that relevant laws should be made to apply in situations such as this with clear pronouncement made. Crime is crime and it does not matter who committed it, big man or poor man. The sanctity of the Constitution must prevail while moral decadence should be checkmated. Otherwise, we have no choice than to crash; God forbid,”Iyieke added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

32

LAW & SOCIETY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA

•From left: Chief John Ochoga, NBA President Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) and Emeka Ngige (SAN)

•National Publicity Secretary NBA, Emeka Obegolu and Senator Osunbor

•Director-General NIALS, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and a participant

•From left: Welfare Officer NBA, Sule Usman,

•From left: Hon Vitalis Okafor, Femi Falana and Chairman NBA, Aba Branch, Uche Awah

•President, Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association Boma Ozobia (left) and Onuku Hauwa Oseyi

•Former Chairman NBA Ikrorodu Branch Nurudeen Ogbara (left) and former 1st Vice President Akaraiwe Ikazor

•Former Chairman NBA Kaduna Branch, Anozie Obi (left) and Director of Studies NIALS Prof Deji Adekunle

•Director Citizens’ Right Anambra State, Nnedi Okechukwu and DPP Anambra State Azubike Okeke

•Cross section of participants with EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

33

LAW & SOCIETY DINNER IN HONOUR OF JUSTICE IDRIS AUTA BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE MARITIME 36 SEMINAR FOR JUDGES HELD AT SOUTHERN SUN HOTEL, IKOYI, LAGOS

•From left: The Honouree Justice Idris Auta of the Federal High Court; L. Mbanefo (SAN) and Secretary to the Board of Nigerian Shippers Council

•Dele Belgore (SAN) and ThisDay Law Editor, Funke Aboyade

•Justice J.T. Tsoho and Justice P.I. Ajoku

•From left: Gbola Akintola, Oritsematosan Edodo and Emeka Akabugu

•Denis Anekwe and Maureen Ihejetoh

•Chidi Iluogu and Zainab Ibrahim Auta

•T. O. Daniels and Alhaji Bala Adamu of Nigerian Shippers’ Council

•Secretary to the Committee, Emeke Okereke (left) and Chief Registrar, Federal High Court, Ayo Emmanuel

•Deputy Director, NIMASA, Mayem Obi •Mrs Maryam Uwais and Justice A. M. Liman

•Doyin Rhodes-Vivour PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

34

NATIONAL BAR

‘We are ready for conference ‘

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ITH 21 days to the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Secretary to the Conference Planning Committee (CPC) Mr Seun Abimbola has said that Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital, the host city, is ready for lawyers.

Coming from a person who has been part of previous NBA conferences, the news is something to cheer for lawyers.

He served twice secretary to the conference Planning Committees in the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) presidency. They in organised the Lagos 2009 Conference, seen by some as the best conference in the history of the Bar, and the Kaduna 2010 Conference, which is also a benchmark for Bar Conferences.

Abimbola told The Nation: “The committee is on course, everything is almost ready for the lawyers’ conference in the Garden City.”

He said the conference would be held at the same place where the National Sports Festival was staged, adding that arrangements have been concluded for buses to take lawyers from the airport to the conference venue and to their hotels.

On the unique features of this years’ conference, Abimbola said: “One of the things in organising conferences is to make one conference unique and distinct from the previous ones because people attend conferences for various reasons, which include networking,

‘We have selected very interesting topics to make this conference a memorable one. Such topics as noninterest banking, its constitutionality or otherwise will be dismissed at the conference’ •Okey Wali

meeting with old friends, interesting sessions, opening and show case sessions etc.”

He stated that topics to be discussed, speakers, social events, among others are also important elements that attract people to conferences.

“So, the NBA has taken time to package this conference using Lagos and Kaduna Conferences as the benchmark,” he said.

He stated that the NBA has widened the scope of sessions beyond

the usual approach. The sessions now partner other institutions and stakeholders to make them rich and worthy of attendance.

“We have selected very interesting topics to make this conference a memorable one. Such topics as non-interest banking, its constitutionality or otherwise will be dismissed at the conference.

“We have added a lot of features to this conference, which our members will find very interesting,” he said.

•From left: Lagos State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Inumidun Akande (third left) with the Chairman NBA Lagos, Taiwo Taiwo when Taiwo led his exco to pay courtesy visit to the CJ in her office at Ikeja

•From left: Director of Studies, NIALS, Prof Deji Adekunle; Ag. Head, Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Dayo Ayoade and Dr Abubakar Momoh of Lagos State University (LASU).

•Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba of Partnership for Justice

Lagos NBA elects new chair Mr Taiwo Taiwo has been elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch.

He takes over from Mr Chijioke Okoli and will serve next two years.

He led the new executive members on a courtesy call on the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Mrs Inumidun Akande, last week.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Between rotarian Kennedy, chairman Ayodele

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WONDERFUL synergy is about to play out in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area. It is a partnership for public good, and it will be between the foremost international service organisation, Rotary, and the local government council. The setting for that possibility was when Comrade Ayodele Adewale, the council chairman, played host to the Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Rotarian Kennedy Ejakpomewhe at the council headquarters in Festac Town, last week. As the chief facilitator of that visit, being the President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, I was deeply impressed by the unalloyed commitment of the two personalities to their responsibilities.

I had early last year written on the impressive service credentials and achievements of Comrade Adewele as a public official, comparing him with Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State. The comparison was because of their common commitment to building roads and other physical infrastructure in their area of authority. In that write up l also commended the calm, unassuming but highly cerebral presence of the local council chairman, on few occasions when l saw him at a public function. Not much had changed, as the young man still resists the urge for most public officials’ effusive swagger.

This time, Governor Kennedy’s visit put me at the ring side, and it was my first close contact with the Council chairman. While receiving his visitors, but for the fact that Comrade Ayodele sat behind the big table, you would think he is the chief marketing officer and public relations officer of the council rolled into one. He was sharing with his guests the needs of the local government, areas for collaboration, challenges and achievements of the council. He particularly mentioned health concerns and youth empowerment, as areas for collaboration, noting that rotarians who are doctors and motivational speakers could donate some man hours for the council’s health centers and youth empowerment programmes.

The chairman also told his guests of the challenges facing the council in providing amenities for people living along the river banks. It was interesting to hear that medical doctors who work in the remote areas are better paid than those who work for the council in the city. While thanking Rotarians for the amenities and several boreholes they have sunk in the urban parts of the town, he requested for a shift of emphasis to these challenged areas. After the courtesies in his office, he took Kennedy and his entourage on a tour of the council.

He showed off his primary health care facilities, including the sick bay, women and children’s ward, doctors’ consulting rooms, and the pharmacy. We heard of his partnership with private concerns for regular supply of drugs, free medical treatment, and how the doctors are organised to consult for 24 hours. He also took his guests to the new office extension, and proudly showed off his marriage registry and offices for various categories of staff. While moving from one facility to another, the chairman kept on talking of his vision for the local council, including the planned new council headquarters and accompanying five star hotels to be developed through public private partnership (PPP).

Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, a redoubtable sales man of Rotary ideals, having served rotary in several capacities before he became the District Governor in charge of clubs in Lagos and Ogun States, immediately invited the chairman to join his host club, the Rotary Club of Festac Town. He reminded him that what he preaches is no different from what he and his colleagues are doing in rotary. He gave the chairman branded copies of the Four Way Test of the things Rotarians think, say or do, which asks the poignant questions: is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendship and will it be beneficial to all concerned.

The projects executed by the host club were also inaugurated by the District Governor with the assistance of the local government Chairman, Past District Governor Richard Giwa Osagie and assistant Governor Richard Oguai. The projects done by the Rotary Club of Festac Town included the donation of food and other provisions to members of the spinal cord injury association and another charity home, the donation of a set of oxygen masks to the council’s health center, a sowing machine and baking oven to persons trained under the club’s partnership with the district in the last rotary year.

The district Governor also promised better collaboration with the local council in the new rotary year which started on July 1. He also used the occasion to invite members of the public to donate to the rotary foundation, which has proved to be the source of fund for many of the programmes executed by rotary across the world. He mentioned the eradication of polio as the flag ship of the many activities of the rotary foundation, and also water and sanitation programme, health and hunger initiatives, poverty eradication and micro credit, and education and community development programmes.

As members of my club were warming up for the exciting partnership with the local council, the news broke that the Labour union’s strike action averted the previous week may start this week. That unpalatable news once again put a slur to our common hope for a brighter and more rewarding future as promised by governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, and l guess many of the other Governors and the President during their campaigns. As Nigerians, it is our common hope that the issue of the minimum wage will be resolved to the satisfaction of all interests; since the pursuit of peace is very dear to the rotary movement.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

LAW REPORT

Appeal against concurrent decision of the lower courts show perversion of facts, miscarriage of justice IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA ON FRIDAY, THE 24TH DAY OF JUNE, 2011 SUIT NO: SC.26/2008 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS DAHIRU MUSDAPHER CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA-ENEH OLUFUNLOLA OYELOLA ADEKEYE SULEIMAN GALADIMA BODE RHODES-VIVOUR BETWEEN 1. WAHABI ADEJOBI 2. STELLA OLUGBENJO AND THE STATE

....APPELLANTS

....RESPONDENTS

(LEADING JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY SULEIMAN GALADIMA, JSC)

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HIS is further appeal against the judgment of the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal delivered on July 14, 2006 which allowed the appeal against the decision of the trial High Court in part and confirmed the conviction of the 1st Appellant but reduced his sentence of 4 years imprisonment without an option of fine to two years imprisonment without an option of fine on both counts to run concurrently. The undisputed facts of this case leading to the judgment of the court below are hereunder set out: By an information presented on 6/4/2000 by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution Oyo State Ministry of Justice, for leave to prefer charges of conspiracy and stealing, the learned trial Judge, M. O. Adio, J, (as he then was) gave consent pursuant to Section 240(2)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Law, Cap 31, Laws of Oyo State 1978, for preferment of a single charge of stealing against the appellants and another accused, one Sulaimon Adeyemi who later died during the trial at the Oyo State High Court.

By an Order of trial court of 23/04/2001, made pursuant to a Motion On Notice dated 20/04/2001, the Respondent amended the existing charge to include a “Fraudulent False Accounting.” Thereafter the trial commenced and the Respondent called 3 witnesses (PW1, PW2, PW3. The 2nd Appellant gave evidence for herself and called no other witness. After listening to the addresses of the respective counsel, the learned trial Judge, convicted the 1st appellant of the offences of Conspiracy and Stealing. He was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment on each of the counts without an option of fine. The 2nd Appellant gave evidence for herself and called no other witness. After the address of her counsel the learned trial judge convicted her and was sentenced to four years without an option of fine.

Dissatisfied with their conviction, the appellants separately filed a Notice of Appeal to the court below. After the exchange of briefs by both parties to the appeal, the appeal was argued. The lower court delivered its judgment on 14/07/2005 in which it unanimously allowed the appeal in part, confirmed the conviction of the Appellants but reduced their sentences to 2 years without an option of fine on both counts, ordered to run concurrently.

Aggrieved with the judgment of the court below the Appellants appealed further to this Court and filed separate Notices of Appeal.

Each contained 7 Grounds of Appeal. Parties filed and exchanged their briefs of argument and same were adopted and relied upon at the hearing of this appeal on 07/04/2011.

From the 7 Grounds of Appeal contained on the 1st appellants’ Notice of Appeal the following 2 issues are distilled for the determination of the appeal as follows: “1. ISSUE ONE

Whether, having regard to the totality of the surrounding facts and the evidence adduced by the prosecution, the conviction of the 1st Appellant of the charge of Conspiracy by the trial court is sustainable as to warrant its affirmation by the court below?

(Grounds 1, 2 and 5).

2. ISSUE TWO Whether the lower court was right in affirming the conviction of the 1st Appellant for the offence of stealing N7 million, property of “Trans International Bank, Iwo Road Branch, Ibadan” (a non juristic person) and which the learned trial Judge suo motu altered to be a juristic person and therefore unilaterally amended the charge sheet without due process? (Ground 3).”

On her part, from the 7 Grounds of Appeal the 2nd appellant identified 3 issues for determination of the appeal as follows:“1. Whether in law the 2nd Appellant was properly convicted on the offence of conspiracy having regard to the totality of the surrounding facts and the evidence adduced when same was not proved beyond reasonable doubt? (covers grounds 4, 5 and 7).

2. Whether the lower court was right in affirming the conviction of the 2nd Appellant for the offence of stealing N7,000,000 property of “Trans International Bank, Iwo Road Branch, Ibadan” (a non-juristic person) which the learned trial Judge suo motu altered to be a juristic person and therefore unilaterally amended the charge sheet without due process? (covers ground 3. In view of the irreconcilable, contradictions and unresolved piece of evidence regarding the actual sum of money allegedly stolen by the 2nd Appellant in this case, whether the lower court was right in affirming his conviction for the offence of stealing N7,000,000.00 when same was not proved beyond reasonable doubt? (covers 4, 5 & 7).”

Now to the issues raised for determination by the parties. It was the submission of the learned counsel for the appellants that the affirmation of the conviction of the appellants by the lower court for the offence of conspiracy was fundamentally erroneous since the said conviction emanated from a charge not before trial court by due process of law. In other words, that the learned trial judge did not give consent as required by law to the Respondent for the preferment of the

offence of conspiracy on 23/05/2000 against the Appellants. That it was shown on page 22 of the record that the consent the learned trial judge gave was for the preferment of the offence of stealing only. In other words, until the required statutory leave is granted by the trial court the prosecution of the appellants cannot be said to have been initiated and proper trial held leading to their conviction and sentence.

Finally, on this issue relying on the authority of MADUKWE v C.O.P (1987) 1 CLRN 92 at 100, learned counsel submitted that it is undesirable to charge the offence of conspiracy along with a charge of the substantive offence of stealing which the conspiracy is said to have led to, especially where there is no independent evidence of conspiracy.

On this first issue, the learned counsel for the Respondent explained the circumstances leading to the charge of conspiracy against the appellants. That the Respondent before the trial of the Appellants filed a motion on Notice supported by a 10 paragraphed Affidavit and an amended charge all dated 20/4/2011. The motion which was moved on 23/4/2001 was not opposed by the learned counsel, thereupon the learned trial Judge granted the order.

In the case at hand the procedure that must be followed to quash the information or count is as provided under the provision set out above. Failure to apply to quash it at the trial court renders both the grounds of appeal on this point and the issue raised thereon incompetent and I so hold and resolve this issue in favour of the respondent.

Issue No. 2 is distilled from Ground 3 of the Appellants Notice of Appeal. The pith and substance of this issues is that the ‘TRANS INTERNATIONAL BANK two ROAD BRANCH IBADAN as contained in the charge sheet at pages 1 -2 and 27-29 of the Record of Proceedings from which N7,000,000 (N7 million) was allegedly stolen by the Appellants is not a juristic person known to law in accordance with the provision of Section 382 of the Criminal Cap.38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. It is submitted that from the provision of this law, ownership of a thing capable of being stolen like the N7 million , in the case, it is a vital ingredient of the offence of stealing which has not been established by the prosecution during trial of the Appellants. In other words the Appellants are contending that since the identity of the owner of Seven Million Naira allegedly stolen is not established by the three prosecution witnesses, it was not just to base their conviction on that. The sum total of the submission of the Appellants is that their conviction and sentencing for the offence of stealing N7 million, the property of a non-juristic person, is fundamentally a travesty of justice and failure to afford the Appellants an opportunity to plea to amended charge is a violation of their constitutional right of hearing as provided in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice regardless of the fact that the Appellants did not raise this fundamental issue at the trial court. Relying on the cases of ONYIA v. ONYIA (1980) 1 N.W.L.R. (Pt.99) 514, AT 540; ATTORNEY GENERAL OYO STATE v.

FAIRLAKES HOTELS LTD (1988) 5 N.W.L.R (Pt.92) at 59; NDIC v. CBN (2002) 7 N.W.L.R (pt.766) 272 at 293 - 294 and OKORO V. THE STATE (1998) 12 S.C. (pt.11) 83 at 89.

It is submitted that from evidence led at the trial court the Respondent was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt, contrary to the impression created in the 2nd Appellants’ briefs that the three essential elements of the offence of stealing have not been proved . It is further submitted that the fact that, at the trial court the respondent did not call the customers whose accounts

‘In the case at hand the procedure that must be followed to quash the information or count is as provided under the provision set out above. Failure to apply to quash it at the trial court renders both the grounds of appeal on this point and the issue raised thereon incompetent and I so hold and resolve this issue in favour of the respondent’

•Justice Galadima

the 2nd Appellants claimed that they used to defraud their employer is immaterial and neither is it fatal to the case of the Respondent. That it has called the number of witnesses required to prove its case. What is more, there the so called customers’ accounts were part and parcel of the account of the Bank and the money belonged to the Bank. It is observed that the 2nd Appellant in Exhibit ‘F’ admitted that she approached the 1st Appellant; whom she supervised, for assistance and collected N900,000 from him as loan to give to her friend that needed help. .

Finally it is submitted that from the totality of the evidence led at the trial court, by the prosecution, it has been proved beyond all reasonable doubt that the Appellants conspired to steal and did steal from the vault of their employer, that is, Trans International Bank Plc. Concluding further, the learned counsel for the Respondent has submitted that there are concurrent findings of the Courts below that the prosecution prove its case. That where there are concurrent findings of the lower courts, the Supreme Court will not disturb such findings unless they were perverse. Citing BAKARE v. STATE (1997) 1 N.W.L.R. (pt. 52) 597; OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION LTD v. GREEK ENTERPRISES LTD (1985) 3 N.W.L.R. (pt.13) 407; ONYEJEKWE v. STATE (1992) 8 N.W.L.R. (pt.230) 444 at 447. It is accordingly urged that this appeal be dismissed for lacking in merit,Conviction for Conspiracy The offence of conspiracy is complete when two or more persons agree to do an unlawful act by an unlawful means.

Concluded agreements can be inferred by what each person does or does not do in furtherance of the offence of conspiracy. It is immaterial that the persons had not met each other. See Okosun & ors v. A.G Bendel state 1985 Vol.16 N.S.C.C. pt.11 pg.1327, Onochie & Ors v. the Republic 1966 Vol.4 N.S.C.C. pg.73, Ligali & Anor v. The Queen 1959 Vol.1 N.S.C.C. pg For this, and the reasons given in the leading judgment I would dismiss the appeal, and confirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

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TUESDAY,AUGUST 2, 2011

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Oando begins work on gas supply to island T

HE Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, has said the company has begun the design for the Phase four segment of its gas pipeline construction and supply, which will supply gas to power plants and business concerns on the Island and Lagos Business District on completion.

Tinubu, who also is the Chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), has described the allegation that major marketers divert kerosine and sell same as aviation fuel for a higher price, as sheer falsehood.

Tinubu, who was fielding questions from the media on the current problems of kerosine, said it was untrue that members of MOMAN were selling household kerosine as aviation fuel and challenged anyone who knows a marketer who was or still doing that to come and report.

He said that the reason for kerosine scarcity is because the product is still being regulated and besides, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has the monopoly of importing and subsidising the commodity.

He said if the commodity is being subsidised by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) just like premium motor spirit (PMS), anyone can import and the product would be available. But NNPC has the sole power to subsidise, therefore, whatever the corporation gives the marketers, is what they sell.

He said: “As chairman of MOMAN, I must confirm that

• Says marketers don’t divert product

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

members don’t take kerosine and use it as jet fuel. I dare anybody who knows a marketer that engages in that to mention the company. There is no need making unfounded comments.

“There is need for us to back our statements with facts. The reason for fluctuations in kerosine supply is because it is a subsidised product. The supply is not constant because the NNPC has a monopoly of supply. If the supply is available in PPPRA, it will always be available because everybody will be importing.

“The private sector imports 60 per cent of petrol consumed in Nigeria. Imagine if it’s NNPC that imports the entire national demand. It is the same thing when NITEL and other corporations are controlled by the government.

Look at electricity generation today, over 50 per cent of electricity generated in the country is done by private sector generators.

Let’s not deceive ourselves, the private sector runs Nigeria. The private sector is 10 times larger than the public sector but we underestimate the impact of the private sector. If NNPC subsidises kerosine, we (major marketers)

will wait and whatever they can give us is what we sell because we know they (NNPC) cannot give us what we need, and that is the scarcity you see. When it (kerosine) is fully liberalised, there will be no problem.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), during the inauguration of the Phase 1 10MW Island Power Plant, which has ample room for expansion, had opted to build gas pipeline that would supply gas from Ijora to Marina to power the planned second phase of the Island Power Plant, which will generate 114MW of electricity estimated to fully power the entire Central Business District (CBD).

Fashola said the seemingly

obstacle to achieving the 114MW generation for supply to the CBD within the estimated time of 24 months, would be gas. But to overcome this, his government will take the gas across the lagoon.

He said: “We need 114mw to power the entire Lagos Island Central Business District and it is possible to deliver this in 24 months. The only thing that stands in our way is to get gas across from Ijora to the Lagos Island. But whatever it is, I will take that gas across the Lagoon.”

With the design of the project ongoing, the 24-month target for additional 114MW supply to the island might be achieved.

INSIDE • ‘Lagos should review waste-to-power system’ •••Page 39

• Operator gives tips on field development

• From left: Charles Adeniji, Managing Director, Mrs. Harriet Wereko-Brobby, General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Aderemi Oladapo, General Manager, Operations, all of West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, during a briefing by the company in Lagos.

West African Gas Pipeline to extend to Cote d’Ivore

•••Page 40

• Oando Marketing,MTN in strategic partnership •••Page 41

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HE West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo), it was learnt, is planning to extend its network to Côte d’Ivoire.

The management of the company said the discussion is ongoing but there would a regional conference this year where the issue would be holistically discussed as well as other current issues.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Charles Adeniji, said this at a media interaction in Lagos.

The project currently is in four countries - Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo and if the discussion becomes fruitful, Côte d’Ivoire would make it the fifth country.

Adeniji said there was need for more customers as the facility is being grossly under-utilised because out of 474 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of gas capacity the pipeline has only 134MMscf/d is scheduled for transport.

OIL PRICES JULY 8 - JULY 15

Light Crude

Source: Rigzone.com

Brent Crude

The company also listed four significant challenges it faced during construction including vandalisation of the Escravos Gas Project, which caused zero supply of gas to the project but Adeniji said since the implementation of amnesty, the company had not had issues with supply. Also in 2007, unknown vessel damaged the pipeline in Cotonou and a similar one at Takoradi. Last year, when the company was ready to commission the project, the fire and shut down system was tested and it was discovered it was not working. The equipment is indispensable and a new one was procured and installed. The company had a contractor issue. One of the contractors defaulted and his contract was terminated. The process of getting a new contractor, among others mentioned earlier led to elongation of the project contract period and consequently the cost of construction, the company said.

The WAPCo chief also said the company has observed strict safety measures noting that by end of this

year, the company could have done two million man-hours of work without incident.

His words: “In line with WAPCo’s commitment to protect the environment, the health and safety of its employees and the public, the company has put in place systems to provide and sustain injury and incident-free operations.

“WAPCo has trained and continues to train and resource employees and contractors to promote safe operations at all its facilities. To ensure safety on roads and improve raod safety performance, the company has equipped its vehicles with special gadgets to monitor driver behaviour.”

He said the construction and inauguration of the project have been completed and the facilities including the pipeline system, the metering devices and compressors were ready to be handed over to the operators by March 16 this year but all the contract terms and con•Continued on page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

38

ENERGY Oil price drops over US debt limit

O

• From left: Tokunboh Akindele, Head, Investor Relations; Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive; Meka Olowola, Head, Corporate Communications; and Bambo Ibidapo-Obe, Group Office Manager, all of Oando Plc during a briefing on the company’s activities and roadmap by the Oando Group Chief Executive in Lagos.

‘Lagos should review waste-to-power system’

T

HE Lagos State government has been tasked to adopt an effective approach that would ensure that the generation of electricity from waste is done in the most efficient and quickest way possible.

An environmentalist, Prince Segun Okedele, who said this decried the current approach where the waste has to be transferred to a dumpsite, buried for a long period of time and left to decay before electricity can be generated from it.

He said this approach is capable of posing some health challenges to residents of the area where the dumpsite is situated.

He said: “I am quite aware that the state government through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been in the forefront of waste collection and disposal in the metropolis. The agency has even gone a step fur-

By Bidemi Bakare

ther by informing people to bring their solid wastes and other medical wastes in exchange for some token. This, the agency is doing to have enough waste to generate electricity. As far as I think this electricity generation initiative is commendable, I believe the current approach where the agency is transferring all the wastes being collected by it to a site and dumping them for a long period may not be healthy.

This is because these wastes from the dumpsites after some time may start to release toxic gases that may be injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the area where the site is located. In fact, one can hazard a guess that such areas are likely to be susceptible to the outbreak of epidemic.

He said in most countries where the conversion of wastes to energy

is gaining currency what is being employed is a technology that utilises high temperature combustion to convert these wastes to energy instantaneously without any need for dumping of the wastes at a site for a long time.

He stated that this strategy provides solution to the issues of safe disposal of waste and the generation of clean electricity.

According to him, the combustion of these wastes done at high temperature ensures that emissions are properly monitored unlike the use of incinerators which burns at slightly less temperature without recourse to the protection of the environment.

Besides, he said because of the sophistication of the plants, the electrical energy produced through the heat from the combustion is always clean and ripple free.

He asked the government to consult with foreign firms who may

Total, Eni earnings drop in Q2 on weak dollar, Libya crisis

F

RENCH and Italian oil majors Total and Eni reported lower second-quarter profits due to a weak dollar and the fighting in Libya which shut down fields.

Paris-based Total, according to Reuters, said second-quarter net income, excluding one-offs and non-cash gains due to changes in the value of fuel inventories, fell six percent compared to the same period last year, to 2.8 billion euros, broadly in line with forecasts even as higher crude oil prices and the integration of Novatek’s production failed to offset lower overall output and weaker refining margins.

The company reported EUR2.79 billion in the closely-watched adjusted net profit figure, somewhat short of the EUR2.84 billion projected by analysts. That was also lower than last year’s result of EUR2.96 billion.

The French oil giant also became the latest European oil major to report weaker year-on-year oil and gas production, with seasonal maintenance and the loss of Libyan crude some of the common themes to affect the sector.

Total Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie acknowledged the impact of weak refining margins and

Libyan oil outages, he expressed confidence in light of strong oil prices due to geopolitical tensions and strong energy demand. The company announced it will pay a second-quarter interim dividend for the first time of EUR0.57 a share.

“With a strong balance sheet and dynamic pace of execution in all of the group’s segments, Total begins the second half of 2011 very confident in its outlook for profitable growth to benefit all of its stakeholders,” de Margerie said.

Total said the European refinery margin indicator averaged $16.3 per metric ton in the second quarter, down 48 percent from $31.2/ ton a year earlier, even though the group had said in the previous quarter that the margin should improve following the start-up of the new deep-conversion unit at its Port Arthur refinery in the U.S. Unadjusted net profit came in 12 percent lower at EUR2.72 billion from EUR3.10 billion in the same quarter of 2010.

The group’s hydrocarbon output over the period dropped two percent to 2.31 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from 2.36 million of boe/d a year earlier. Analysts expected production to drop

2.4 percent to 2.30 million barrels per day Eni said profits calculated on the same basis fell 14 percent to 1.67 billion euros as Libyan outages pushed production down 12 percent to 1.49 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).

A 13 percent weakening in the dollar hit both companies as the price of the crude they produce is denominated in the U.S. currency.

In dollar terms, Total’s underlying net income rose seven percent, while Eni’s fell just two percent.

By comparison, Europe’s largest oil company by market value, Royal Dutch Shell Plc reported a 56 percent rise in underlying net dollar income.

Eni said it could quickly restart output at its Libyan fields when the fighting there ends, as no damage had been reported to its facilities

be willing to export this technology to the country for the state to derive benefits from its heaps of refuse.

“When sometimes ago, I stumbled on a report that LAWMA had no option than to carry out the project by itself because it found it difficult to attract foreign bodies for assistance on the technology I was challenged. But I think things have changed now.

At least, I am aware now that there are foreign investors who are ready to transport this technology to Nigeria if only the government can show interest. I want to urge the state government to get in touch with them so that they can discuss the terms of agreement for the take off of the technology. We cannot afford to deprive ourselves of an opportunity to make productive use of these waste materials that are produced in abundance in Lagos, he said.

IL prices fell below $97 a barrel on Friday in Asia as U.S. leaders failed to agree to lift the government debt limit just days from a deadline, leaving investors to mull worst-case scenarios if a default occurs.

According to Associated Press, benchmark oil for September delivery was down 62 cents to $96.82 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Crude rose four cents to settle at $97.44 on Thursday.

In London, Brent crude rose 10 cents to $117.46 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

Investors are closely watching negotiations among U.S. lawmakers today when the government will run out of money to pay its obligations unless its $14.3 trillion debt limit is raised.

Most analysts say a U.S. debt default is still very unlikely, but if it happened would devastate the economy. Credit Suisse said Thursday a default would likely trigger a five percent contraction of U.S. gross domestic product.

Crude has traded near $97 for the last few days as investors wait for an outcome of the debt limit talks.

“Crude prices are generally in a holding pattern ahead of further guidance regarding the debt ceiling agreement or lack thereof,” energy consultant Ritterbusch and Associates said. A difficult trading environment still lies ahead until the U.S. debt situation acquires some clarity.”

Investors will also be eyeing U.S. GDP growth for the second quarter which is scheduled to be announced later Friday.

Some analysts expect that once the U.S. debt issue is settled, investors will focus on strong crude demand in developing countries, particularly China, and push oil prices higher by the end of the year.

“Hard though it may be to see through the currently negative headlines, there is the potential for a positive economic outcome, particularly for oil,” J.P. Morgan said in a report. “The removal of policy uncertainty offers a constructive sign for the fourth quarter.”

West African Gas Pipeline to extend to Cote d’Ivore •Continued from page 38

ditions will be in force by October this year.

On security issues, he said the company did risk analysis and marine tests to ensure prevention against vandalism.

Adeniji also listed the benefits of the project. He said it is a source of cost-effective, clean and environmentally friendly energy, provides a foundation to facilitate regional economic growth and development, proves that economic integration can work for all, and provides an infrastructure to stimulate further foreign investment WAGP is the flagship infrastructure in the drive to accelerate economic integration in West Africa.

It has contributed to the harmonization of regional, institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks in the four participating countries.

It complements the West African Power Pool (WAPP) project, to pro-

mote increased electricity trade among the 15-member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is part of the action plan of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

The idea of a sub-regional natural gas pipeline is an initiative of the ECOWAS. ECOWAS in 1982 proposed the development of WAGP as a means of promoting regional integration and economic development in the sub-region.

This idea was supported by the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo.

WAPCo is owned by Chevron West Africa Gas Pipeline Company Limited (36.7 percent), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (25 percent), Shell Overseas Holdings Limited (18 percent), Takoradi Power Company Limited (16.3 percent), Societe BenGaz S.A. (2 percent) and Societe Togolaise de Gaz S.A. (SoTo Gaz) (2 percent).

Oil firms restore operations in GoM after storm

O

FFSHORE oil and natural gas producers re-staffed their production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, the day after Tropical Storm Don made landfall on the south Texas

coast.

According to Reuters, Don, the year’s first major Gulf of Mexico storm, was nearly dissipated by Saturday morning after weakening to a tropical depression as it made landfall late on Fri-

day near Baffin Bay, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The storm’s path took it well to the west of the largest concentration of offshore oil and natural gas platforms and onshore refineries along the Gulf Coast.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

39

ENERGY

Operator gives tips on field development

• Jide Ojo, NAPE President

O

IL and gas industry opera tors advanced their knowl edge on effective and successful oil fields development at the July technical meeting of the

Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) held in Lagos.

The technical presentation made

by Senior Hydrocarbon Systems Consultant and Integrated Reservoir Performance Prediction, ExxonMobil, Mr Vitor Abreu, highlighted the importance of understanding reservoir compartmentalisation and distribution of reservoir physical properties.

He said such understanding is based on a combination of stratigraphic, structural, and attributes analysis.

The presentation entitled “Stratigraphic Compartments, Reservoir Connectivity and Production Performance in Deltaic Environments: A Case Study of South Timbalier 26 Field, Gulf of Mexico.”

Abreu said: “The key to successful development planning is an understanding of reservoir compartmentalization and distribu-

tion of reservoir physical properties. Such understanding is based on a combination of stratigraphic, structural, and attributes analysis.

“This paper presents a methodology that to integrate geophysical, petrophysical and geological data to delineate the geometry and properties of the reservoirs in the South Timbalier Block 26 field (ST26 field) through use of advanced computational tools and current conceptual geologic models. These tools maximize the potential of 3D seismic data to resolve both stratigraphic and structural compartmentalization.

“The ST26 Field is located in the Gulf of Mexico about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans, on the southern flank of the Bay Marchand salt dome, which is the largest and easternmost of a series of domes that forms a salt ridge that extends some 30 miles to the west.

“The ST26 field was originally part of the large Bay Marchand

Field that is on the north and east side of the Bay Marchand salt dome. As of 1999, the cumulative production from the Bay Marchand field was 705 MMBO, with an estimated ultimate recovery of 736 MMBO from Pleistocene, Pliocene, and Upper Miocene sands. The reservoirs were developed since 1965.

“The principal reservoir in the ST26 field is the Upper Miocene “O” sand, a unit of deltaic origin that includes up to 200 feet of net sand reservoir. Well logs from the “O” sand show patterns that can be interpreted as shelf-margin delta.

“The Lagniappe Delta is one of the best-described examples of shelf-margins deltas in the literature. This delta consists of a prograding system with lobes and channels developed in the shelf margin during falling of sea level.

An important characteristic of this system is the presence of sandy highstands represented mostly by

shoreface facies of the prograding delta.

“An unconformity (sequence boundary) separates these shoreface deposits from coarser fluvial sediments related to the lowstand. This model implies abrupt changes in depositional anisotropy between two system tracts within the same sequence and even within a single system tract.

“Highstand sands would have orientation roughly parallel to the lobe configuration and lowstand sand would probably have orientation approximately perpendicular to the highstand deposits.

Moreover, highstand sands would tend to have smaller lateral continuity than the fluvial deposits, due to the prograding character of the system.

“Depositional facies maps of these units derived from seismic facies analyses were tied to the available well information to build lithology distribution maps.

“Drive mechanisms vary between reservoir compartments and include partial to strong water, solution-gas, and depletion drive.

“Waterflooding has been the preferred secondary recovery technique at Bay Marchand Field. Since the early 1960s, six major Miocene sand reservoirs on the eastern flank of the structure have been subjected to seawater injection. This is one of the oldest seawater-injection projects in the world.

“Many problems were encountered during the early stages of the injection programme and lessons learned were later applied to other fields.”

Pemex posts $775m

M

• From left: Chukwuka Okaze, IPMAN Zonal Chairman, Eastern Zone; Chief Bestman Anekwe, Chairman, NIPCO Plc; Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu, IPMAN National President and Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, National Vice-President, at the event

IPMAN to develop host communities

T

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Ni geria (IPMAN) said it is committed to developing communities where it does business.

The President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aminu, said this in Port Harcourt, when the association opened its ultra-modern secretariat worth N150 million to business and the public.

The IPMAN chief also used the platform to restate the unity in the association and debunked the insinuation that the group is factionalised. The maintained that there is only one IPMAN in the country and if there is any other, it is illegal.

Aminu commended the initiative of Port Harcourt executive members of IPMAN in constructing the secretariat, which he described as a symbol of unity among members and a veritable window for business transactions.

Aminu said the newly commissioned IPMAN secretariat would also enhance the socio-economic development of the people of Emele community in Port Harcourt, where the building is sited. He added that the secretariat

• Builds N150m secretariat in Port Harcourt

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

would stand as a collective and common interest among members in fast tracking business ideologies.

He said: “I am extremely glad today that we are making another history in Emele kingdom by having their son as the chairman so as to fast track the socio-economic development of the community.

“This is an indication that the present IPMAN is poised for the growth of host community and a clear indication that we are not factionalised. Port Harcourt refinery is the oldest refinery in the country, and IPMAN had never had the opportunity of having an edifice so close, which will boost synergic relationship between the association, management of the refinery and the government. Therefore, this ultra modern business and secretariat building, will afford members a lot of opportunities.”

Aminu also lauded the support of the royal majesty and the people of the community in making the

commissioning of IPMAN secretariat a massive outing. He added that no individual can achieve the laudable project without the support of everybody and the host community and assured the people of Eleme community of IPMAN’s total support in assisting to develop the community through its social corporate responsibility.

The Chairman, IPMAN Port Harcourt Depot, Mr Samuel Osaroejor, said the ultra-modern business secretariat would stand as a symbol of unity and good transformation in IMPAN Port Harcourt branch.

Osaroejor said the building stands as good intention of members towards moving the association forward, adding that it also stands as a solid business transaction point for IPMAN in general.

“The construction of this building could not have been achieved without the full support of the management of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) area office and the host community.

“We are convinced that the secretariat will now offer IPMAN Port Harcourt depot a pride of place among the comity of depots,” he said.

Osaroejor assured indigenes of the Eleme Kingdom of IPMAN total support to contributing its quota to the development of the community.

The monarch of Eleme Kingdom, King Samuel Ejire, said the initiative of IPMAN in building the ultra modern secretariat in the community, would foster growth and unity among IPMAN and the people of the community.

The king urged IPMAN to engage in more socio-economic development projects to aid the development of the kingdom.

“We are happy today that another milestone is being made in the history of our kingdom. I urge you to engage our people in the activities of the association.

We will continue to support IPMAN in our community and we pray that you transform the community into business-oriented one to fast track socio-economic development,” Ejire said.

EXICO’s national oil com pany Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Latin America’s largest oil producer, posted its biggest profit since 2008 in the second quarter as crude prices surged and Mexican oil traded with a premium over the US crude benchmark.

Second-quarter profit, according to Bloomberg report, was 9.1 billion pesos ($775 million,) the Mexico City-based company said in a statement to the Mexican Stock Exchange.

The previous year, Pemex reported a net loss of 20.1 billion pesos, according to Bloomberg data.

The state-owned oil company has benefited from the rising price of oil over the past year. The quarterly average price of Mexican export crude jumped 51 percent to $105.33 a barrel.

US oil futures traded in New York averaged $102.34 a barrel in the quarter, 31 percent higher than the $78.05 a year earlier. The Mexican mix of oil for export was an average of $5.67 a barrel higher than West Texas Intermediate in the period, the first quarter that oil exported by Pemex traded with a premium over the U.S. crude benchmark.

Oil exports from Mexico, the second-largest oil supplier to the U.S. after Canada, rose 28 percent to 1.43 million barrels a day in June from the period year-earlier, Pemex said.

Pemex taxes represent about a third of Mexico’s public budget.

Heavy, sour oil typically sells at a lower price because it is more expensive to refine into products such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Refineries that have invested in equipment to process these grades benefit when the discount for heavy crude widens. Sour refers to the oil’s sulfur content, while heavy refers to its density.

Worldwide demand for crude gained about 3.2 percent from a year earlier in the three months that ended June 30.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

40

ENERGY

Oando Marketing partners MTN on customer care

O

ANDO Marketing Plc has entered into a partnership agreement with MTN Nigeria to jointly improve customers’ experience through the provision of Walk In Service Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) kiosks at selected Oando service stations nationwide.

The partnership, according to Oando, aligns with Oando Marketing’s vision of making its retail outlets a one stop centre where customers can do more than just refueling their cars. At the W.I.S.E kiosks, Oando customers who are MTN subscribers can now enjoy a complete customer care service like SIM swaps, bill payments, SIM registration, query resolutions, sale of airtime and other bouquet services.

In the first phase of the project, MTN will deploy 100 W.I.S.E. kiosks to select service stations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt while further spread would be covered in Phase two. Some of the nonfuel revenue offerings at Oando service stations include Oando PayAs-U-Gas, a retail innovation for dispensing precise measure of gas into customer’s cylinders using a pump meter, Oando Autocare – quick car wash and service centres, eat-in or out restaurants, ATMs and grocery stores.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Commenting on the partnership, Yomi Awobokun, the Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing PLC, said: “As the largest petroleum marketing company, Oando Marketing is constantly seeking opportunities to improve customer experience at its retail outlets through the provision of value add services. The partnership with MTN reinforces that vision whilst affirming the vastness of our retail network which has endeared us to MTN. With this partnership, our customers who are subscribed to the network will be able to reduce commuting time and cost in attending to their telecommunication requirements.”

Also commenting, Customer Relations Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr Akin Braithwaite, stated: “Today heralds a new partnership between MTN and Oando and a milestone in our efforts to delight our esteemed customers. The MTN Connect Point forms a strategic part of our comprehensive customer outreach programme known as ‘Walk-in Service Everywhere’. In the next few months, we will rollout MTN Connect Points in 200 strategic locations across the country, with 100 spread across select Oando service stations

OPEC oil output nears three-year high in July

T

HE Organisation of Petro leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil output is expected to rise in July to its highest in almost three years, mainly due to extra oil from Saudi Arabia and Angola, a Reuters survey found.

Supply from all 12 members of the Organisation is expected to average 30.07 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, up from a revised 29.81m b/d in June, the survey of oil companies, OPEC officials and analysts found.

Output this month is the highest since October 2008, according to Reuters estimates. June’s total was revised up to reflect higher production in Saudi Arabia and Iraq than initially thought.

OPEC supply is higher than before the war in Libya halted exports from what used to be Africa’s third-largest producer. Analysts said the extra barrels should help lower prices, which are trading above $118 a barrel. “This should close the gap between OPEC output and the call on OPEC, which was visible in the last couple of months due to the Libyan supply shortfall,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank. “Higher supplies from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members should help to increase output to levels which lower

prices.”

Saudi Arabia and fellow Gulf OPEC countries also raised their output in June after the group’s meeting on June 8, when seven members of the 12nation OPEC blocked a Saudi-led proposal to increase output targets.

The International Energy Agency last month ordered the release of oil from emergency stocks for only the third time in its 37-year history after OPEC failed to agree to a formal output increase.

The IEA, which advises 28 industrialised countries, decided last week against making a second release, saying extra supply from OPEC and the IEA reserves had made the market outlook more comfortable.

Commerzbank expects Brent to fall towards $100 by the end of the year, although the risk of supply disruption from a Gulf of Mexico storm prevented a price fall for now, Fritsch said. The biggest change this month is in Angola, where supply has rebounded because of a reduced impact from oilfield maintenance. BP said on July 1 it had restarted the 170,000190,000 bpd Plutonio oilfield in Angola after a more than twomonth partial outage for maintenance work.

• From left: Mrs. Mariam Lawal, Dealer, Oando Filling Station, Secretariat Road, Alausa, Ikeja; Mrs. Funmi Omogbemigun, General Manager, Corporate Communications, MTN; Rabiu Umar, Head, Retail, Oando Plc and Meka Olowola, Head, Corporate Communications, Oando Plc, during the launch of MTN & Oando Refuel, Recharge partnership in Lagos at the weekend.

across Nigeria. This is yet another demonstration of MTN’s commitment to bring value added services closer to its customers.”

With this partnership, MTN will be the first telecommunications

C

company to join the confectionary brands that have partnership deals with Oando Marketing, such as Chicken Republic, and Tasty Fried Chicken.

Oando Marketing Limited has

Chevron’s second quarter income jumps by $2.3b

HEVRON Corporation has reported earnings of $7.7 bil lion ($3.85 per share - diluted) for the second quarter 2011, compared with $5.4 billion ($2.70 per share - diluted) in the second quarter of 2010 indicating an increase of $2.3 billion.

Sales and other operating revenues in the second quarter 2011 were $67 billion, up from $51 billion in the year-ago period, mainly due to higher prices for crude oil and refined products. Upstream earnings of $6.9 billion increased by $2.3 billion on higher crude oil prices.

Commenting on the result, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Watson said: “Our second quarter financial performance was very strong. Earnings gains versus last year’s quarter were primarily in our oil and gas exploration and production business, resulting from higher crude oil prices on world markets.

“We continued to advance our major capital projects, resumed important exploration and development drilling activity in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and acquired new upstream resource opportunities in the second quarter.

“These achievements include: Kazakhstan/Russia - Marked the start of the construction phase for

expansion of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s pipeline, which carries crude oil from western Kazakhstan to a dedicated terminal on the Black Sea. The design capacity of the pipeline will increase to 1.4 million barrels per day from its current capacity of 730,000 barrels per day. The project is planned to be implemented in three phases, with capacity increasing progressively from 2012 to 2015.

“Australia - Received recommendation of conditional environmental approval for the Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) project from Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority. The company will continue negotiations to finalize the permit conditions as it works toward a final investment decision on the project in the second half of this year.

F

IVE large Iraqi oil cargoes are heading for Europe this and next month in a rare development that is the opening shot in a

Energy & Oil Prices OIL ($/bbl)

PMS

AGO

DPK

Conoil

65.00

160.00

140.00

AP

65.00

160.00

140.00

Total

65.00

160.00

140.00

Oando

65.00

160.00

140.00

Mobil

65.00

160.00

140.00

Texaco

65.00

160.00

140.00

Energy

65.00

160.00

140.00

Fagbems

65.00

160.00

140.00

Nipco

65.00

160.00

140.00

INDIGENOUS

Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot OIL (¢/gal) Nymex Heating Oil Future Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

95.70 116.81 95.70

-1.74 -0.33 -1.74

-1.79% -0.28% -1.79%

07/29 07/29 07/29

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

309.94

-1.50

-0.48%

07/29

305.79

-0.59

-0.19%

07/29

PRICE* Nymex Henry Hub Future 4.14 Henry Hub Spot 4.26 New York City Gate Spot 4.58 ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour) PRICE*

Australia - Signed binding Sales and Purchase Agreements with Tokyo Electric for Wheatstone LNG. Bulgaria -Awarded an exploration permit for a prospective shale gas block of more than 1 million acres in northeastern Bulgaria.

United States - Returned to work in the Gulf of Mexico with three rigs active in the deepwater, drilling the Moccasin exploration well, the Buckskin appraisal well and the Tahiti 2 development program. The company is also drilling on the Gulf of Mexico Shelf to test the ultra-deep gas play, and acquired additional acreage in the Marcellus Shale, including from Chief Oil and Gas LLC and Tug Hill, Inc., primarily in Pennsylvania.

“We reached an important milestone in streamlining our downstream asset portfolio with receipt of government approval for the planned sale of our refining and marketing assets in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Russia faces price battle as Iraqi oil production grows

Energy prices

Domestic prices of petroleum products Companies

over 600 retail outlets and numerous commercial customers cutting across the different geographical zones in Nigeria and operations in Ghana, Togo, Liberia and Republic of Benin.

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

-0.10 -0.15 -0.15

-2.33% -3.40% -3.17%

07/29 07/29 07/29

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

Mid-Columbia, firm on-peak, spot 39.56 4.65 13.32% 07/29 Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot 45.31 -1.03 -2.22% 07/29 BLOOMBERG, FIRM ON-PEAK, DAY AHEAD SPOT/ERCOT HOUSTON 96.38 44.15 84.53% 07/29 Source: Bloomberg.com

pricing war with rival Russia and could help to bring down high oil prices.

According to Reuters the exports of Iraqi Basra oil, an unaccustomed guest in Europe, were triggered by a US oil stocks release in June and a strengthening of Russian crude values, traders and analysts said, adding they would have longer-term implications.

As Iraq is building export facilities and ramping up production, it could often compete with rival OPEC members and Russia, the world’s top oil producer, for market share.

“For us Iraq is absolutely one of the best parts of the global oil supply story for the next twofive years,” said Nic Brown from Natixis.

“Iraqi exports are being constrained at the minute by the lack of export capacity but once new facilities come on stream, including in November this year, it has the scope to improve substantially.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

43

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

25 years after, LUTH records breakthrough in kidney transplant T

WENTY-FIVE years after its first-trial, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has recorded a breakthrough in kidney transplant.

With the successful operation performed on a 38-year-old female patient, LUTH has joined the league of hospitals that can handle kidney transplant. Breaking the news at LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Akin Osibogun, said the feat was achieved in collaboration with Egyptian doctors.

“The feat is LUTH’s first and it was achieved after about 25 years of attempting kidney transplant. It was in collaboration with some Egyptian colleagues,” Osibogun said.

The mood at the briefing was convivial. Osibogun and those with him beamed with smiles.

With him were the leader of the team that undertook the operation, Dr Habib Tijani and LUTH’s Director of Administration Ayo Olagunju.

Osibogun said with LUTH joining hospitals capable of performing the operation, Nigerians with end stage renal diseases requiring transplant will have improved access to such service in a culturally acceptable environment.

The price too would be affordable, he said.

Kidney failure has been on the increase in recent times, with men and women suffering from the terminal ailment.

Its management is expensive and unaffordable to many patients.

Before transplant, patients need to undergo dialysis to stay alive.

They may have to undergo such dialysis either twice or thrice a week. The price for the dialysis, which is the removal of waste from the patient’s system through a ma-

•From left: Prof Osibogun; Mr Olagunju and Dr Tijani at the briefing

chine ranges between N27,000 and N50,000 per session.

In most cases, those who need a transplant are flown abroad, most times on the advice of their doctors.

The cost of the operation runs into thousands of dollars.

Noting the stress many patients

go through, Osibogun appealed to public spirited Nigerians and companies to support LUTH in consolidating on its gain.

He also sought support for other projects aimed at ensuring the availability of “super speciality health services in LUTH.” “Their efforts will complement

People Living with HIV/AIDS cry out over Global Funds’ grants

T

HEY sat in a cluster, wearing long faces. They are the People Living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWH/A). They have a complaint: They want the Federal Government to take action against the Country Co-ordinating Mechanism (CCM) – the body that oversees and manages Global Fund grants, for lack of transparency and accountability.

This effort is to avoid the danger the mismanagement of the fund would pose to the prevention of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the country if the grants are stopped.

The PLWHA came under the umbrella of the Civil Society Organisations Health Watch (CSOHW). It was organised by Positive Action Treatment Access (PATA).

CSOHW alleged that CCM had misappropriated the Global Fund grants. This, the group said, runs contrary to the objectives of Global Fund established in 2002 is to increase global financing for interventions against the diseases.

According to the Civil Society Health Watch (CSHW), the grants

By Wale Adepoju

have not been well utilised.

They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to set up a committee to investigate the activities of CCM and prosecute those found guilty.

The group said over 60 concerned civil society oganisations held various consultative meetings and workshops in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu from last September to last June to fashion a way forward to ensure a more efficient and better performing HIV/ AIDS, malaria and TB response in the country.

These meetings led to the establishment of CSOHW in March aimed at monitoring health response in Nigeria and raise its voice for equitable, transparent and accountable programming.

The body’s objectives were to increase transparency and accountability in the country’s AIDS, TB and malaria (ATM) programmes, improve feedback mechanism in health prevention and to promote effective utilisation of health resources in Nigeria.

Their findings include the stockout of essential commodities and life-saving commodities. Others are non-implementation of agreed interventions and activities stated in the grants proposals coupled with cases of conflicting interests in the Nigerian CCM. They claimed out of the 24 Nigerians on the CCM 12 are grant recipients, which implied that a group of people write the proposal, selects itself as grant recipients, and also implement activities and oversees its own performance.

To ensure transparency in the implementation, the CSOHW recommended that all grant recipients should step down as voting CCM members and take on observers’ status.

Also, they urged that a strong mechanism should be put in place to ensure the physical verification of reports of activities sent in by principal recipients as well as minutes of CCM meetings, constituency representatives’ reports and updates on CCM membership should be posted on the CCM website.

the efforts of the government,” he said.

Two teams, it was gathered were involved in the operation.

The first team harvested kidney from the donor, the second team did the transplant.

The five-hour operation was performed last Tuesday and the pa-

tient is in stable condition.

She can live up to 80 years, sources said.

Hospitals that achieved the feat before LUTH are: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife; University College Hospital, Ibadan; St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

Fed Govt advised on health care

T

HE Federal Government has been advised to focus on Community Based Social Health Insurance (CB-SHIP) as the structural framework for taking the primary health care programme to the grassroots.

Premier Medicaid International (PMI), a frontline Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), gave this advice at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Hypertension Clinic, Government Reservation Area, Iyaganku, Ibadan last Tuesday. It was presided by its chairman, Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe.

PMI urged the National Assembly to pay special attention to the full implementation of the National Health Insurance Act to accelerate the universal coverage of the scheme, which was expected to have been attained by 2015.

In a communique issued at the end of the AGM, signed by Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive, Premier Medicaid Dr Kayode Obembe observed that the situation whereby only Federal Government employees were enjoying the National Health Insurance Scheme was not good enough. It called on the administrators of the scheme to review its strat-

egy to ensure that states and local governments take up health insurance for all their employees.

The organisation also challenged the National Assembly to find ways of ensuring that people in the informal sectors were also accomodated in the scheme as every citizen of the country deserved to benefit.

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the National Health Bill into law without delay so as to remove obstacles experienced by Nigerians in accessing adequate and qualitative health care.

The organization commended international donor agencies who had been funding the programmes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adding that their contributions had made significant impact in the reduction of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in the rural communities.

It noted that inadequate funding was a major constraint to the achievement of the programmes of the MDGs in the health sector and called on state governments to rise up to the challenge of their obligations to provide the necessary counterpart funding for such programmes.

44

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

HEALTH

Nigerians urged to donate blood

W

IFE of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola has urged Nigerians to donate blood to save lives.

According to her, voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are needed to save lives.

Mrs Fashola made this known during the 2011 World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) in Lagos. The theme is More blood donated more lives saved.

She said safe and adequate blood supply could help reduce untimely deaths among infants, children and women during pregnancy and childbirth. “Victims of road traffic accidents, patients with sickle cell anaemia and cancer among others need safe blood to be alive,” she said.

Mrs Fashola said the Day is essential to raise awareness on the importance of blood donations.

“My husband and I donate blood and we will continue to donate blood voluntarily to help the needy and save human lives,” she said.

She praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health, particularly its Blood Transfusion Committee (BTC) for organising the annual event which started in 2004.

She appreciated the donours for their benevolent act of willingly saving lives. “They are ‘heroes for life.’”

She praised the members of Club 25 which was inaugurated in 2009for their practice of regular non-remunerated blood do-

By Wale Adepoju

nation. “I learnt some members of this club have donated blood 10 times each and are committed to donate blood 25 times in their lifetime. I hope they will form a pool that will provide the safest blood for those in need of blood,” she said.

Mrs Fashola thanked the state BTC for the honour of Special Blood Donor Ambassador conferred on her. She said: “Voluntary blood donation is the safest and as such should be encouraged.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said the Day highlighted the contribution voluntary unpaid blood donors make to public health.

‘Less than 10 per cent of blood transfused in the state are from voluntary blood donors which is very low compared to some smaller African countries such as Zimbabwe, Kenya and Zambia’

Idris said: “Voluntary unpaid blood donors are vital for ensuring a sufficient, stable blood supply.

“Lagos State recognises the special life-saving role of the ‘unsung heroes’, the voluntary nonremunerated blood donors. Less than 10 per cent of blood transfused in the state are from voluntary blood donors which is very low compared to some smaller African countries such as Zimbabwe, Kenya and Zambia.”

He said there is the urgent need to encourage voluntary blood donation so as to promote constant availability in the blood banks to ensure prompt provision in times of mass casualties.

Idris said: “Health security is a fundamental and indispensable pre-requisite to global, national and individual development. For any meaningful growth, the workforce must be healthy.”

Idris noted that Lagos as a megacity with a population of about 18.5 million has to increase its voluntary blood donation base to cope with demand for blood.

“In developing countries, 10 to 15 per cent of infections with the Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) are acquired through transfusion of unsafe blood and blood products. New infections of HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other transmissible infections can be reduced to a negligible level through the provision of safe blood,” Idris said.

DSFN celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day

By Evelyn Osagie

•Mandela

T

HE Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) joined the world to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday and the Nelson Mandela International Day with funfair.

Staff of the UN Information Centre, Nigeria, were part of the funfair at the DSFN Resource office. They

called on individuals across the world to donate 67 minutes of their time to changing the world for the better.

According to the team leader, Mrs Olajumoke Araba, the objective of this year’s celebration of Mandela’s Day was to affect humanity. “The overarching objective is to inspire individuals to take action and in doing so, empower entire communities and build a global movement for good,” she said.

The campaign slogan for this year’s celebration is Take Action, Inspire Change: Make Every Day a Mandela Day. In line with the United Nations (UN) resolution A/RES/64/13, the day recognises the contributions of Nelson Mandela to democracy, racial justice, reconciliation, and his dedication to the services of humanity.

Ogun trains workers to prevent malaria

O

GUN State in partnership with Support to National Malaria Control Programme (SUNMaP), a non-governmental organisation, has trained 68 Chief Executive Officers of state–owned hospitals on “enhanced capacity management” to increase efficiency in malaria prevention and control.

The participants including the Chief Medical Officer, General Hospital, Iberekodo, Ogun State, Dr Nurudeen Akindele, were trained on general management, planning and budgeting, integrated support supervision, monitoring and evaluation, and on the job–training.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Director of Public health in the state Dr Kehinde Fatugase, said malaria is a major culprit in infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria, and advised the participants to effectively deploy the knowledge gained from the training to check malaria scourge in the state.

SUNMaP Senior Technical Malaria Officer, Mr Tunde Adesoro, said the training was based on the knowledge gap carried out among health workers, adding that no fewer than 1,500 others would receive same training across the state.

How to avoid hepatitis The liver is one of the body’s powerhouses. It helps it process nutrients and metabolises medication. It also clears it of toxic waste products.

OYEYEMI GBENGA -MUSTAPHA writes on the disease - Hepatitis that can damage this respiratory organ.

H

EPATITIS means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by one of the following factors — including a bacterial infection, liver injury caused by a toxin (poison), and even an attack on the liver by the body’s immune system. However, the condition is usually caused by a virus.

The three most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Two other types of hepatitis virus, D and E, are rare in Nigeria.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, 25 per cent of carriers die from severe liver disease such as chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

In Nigeria, Chronic carrier rates ranges from 15 per cent (Benin) to 25 per cent (Ibadan).

Chronic carriers constitute an enormous reservoir of the virus and are a source of infection for others. Have high morbidity and mortality from chronic liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Among the Yoruba, it is called jedojedo, while the Igbos call it, iba ocha n’anya. Some hepatitis viruses can mutate. That can make them hard for the body to fight because they change over time. In some cases, hepatitis B or C can destroy the liver. The patient then will need a liver transplant to survive, which is not always available or successful.

On the Epidemiology of Hepatitis, especially Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection which is more prevalent in Nigeria, a Consultant Physician/Gastroenterologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Olufunmilayo Lesi, said, Hepatitis may start and resolve quickly (acute hepatitis), or cause long-term disease (chronic hepatitis). In some instances, progressive liver damage, liver failure, or even liver cancer may result.

She said: “The disease can be caused by infections from viruses (such as Hepatitis A, B, or C), bacteria, or parasites; liver damage from alcohol or poisonous mushrooms; medications, such as an overdose of acetamijnophen, which can be dead and immune cells in the body attacking the liver and causing autoimmune hepatitis. The severity of hepatitis depends on many factors, including the cause of the liver damage and any underlying illnesses a person has. Hepatitis A, for example, is generally short-lived, not leading to chronic liver problems.”

She said Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is highly contagious – between 50 and 100 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – and can survive outside the body for at least seven days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not infected.

“HBV is highly contagious – between 50 and 100 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – and can survive outside the body for at least seven days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not infected.

The virus incubation period is 90 days on average, but can vary from about 30 days to 180 days. HBV may be detected in the body 30 to 60 days after infection and persists for widely variable periods of time. The virus incubation period is about 90 days, but can vary from about 30 to 180 days. HBV may be detected in the body 30 to 60 days after infection and persists

for widely variable periods of time.”

Explaining Hepatitis B, the Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (CMUL), University of Lagos, Dr Lesi, said Hepatitis B is a more serious infection. It may lead to a condition called cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) or liver cancer, both of which cause severe illness and even death. HBV is transmitted through blood or other body fluids.

On the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis, Dr Lesi said. “Hepatitis infection causes inflammation of the liver and damaged and begins losing its ability to function.

People with hepatitis often get symptoms similar to those caused by other virus infections, such as weakness, tiredness, and nausea.

Because the symptoms of hepatitis are similar to other conditions, it’s easy for someone who has it to confuse it with another illness.

“In addition, people with Hepatitis A may

not show any symptoms, so the infection can go undiagnosed. People with Hepatitis B or C infection also may not show symptoms right away, but can develop health problems from the infection many years later. Even when infected people don’t have any symptoms,they can still pass the disease on to others.”

She said the basic symptoms of Hepatitis include: yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, fever; nausea, vomiting, and lack of appeti; abdominal pain (on the upper right side); light-coloured bowel movements; and dark-coloured urine. “The incubation period (how long it takes between the time someone becomes infected and symptoms first appear) for hepatitis varies depending on the type a person has. Somebody may not feel any different than before, or may notice these symptoms anywhere from 15 days to four months after getting the disease, depending on the type of hepatitis,” she said On how Hepatitis is diagnosed and treated, the Associate Professor said a blood test is usually needed to determine if a person has hepatitis.

“Doctors don’t prescribe medications to treat Hepatitis A. They usually recommend resting until any fever and jaundice are gone and the person’s appetite has returned to normal. It is also important to stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

“Hepatitis B and C can sometimes be treated with medications, although some forms of medication used to treat Hepatitis C are only approved for use in adults. Although treatments for Hepatitis B and C are becoming more effective, a cure cannot be guaranteed.”

On how to protect onself, Lesi said vaccines can protect people against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. In principle, all kids are expected to be routinely vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth and against hepatitis A between the ages of one and two, but it is not so. Concerned parents only obtain for their children at private hospitals.

“Doctors recommend that the hepatitis A vaccine be given to anyone who wants to be immunised against the condition. If a person has been recently exposed to Hepatitis A or B, a doctor may recommend a shot of immune globulin containing antibodies against the virus. This can help prevent the person from coming down with the disease.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

45

HEALTH

Don’t sign Health Bill, workers tell Jonathan H

EALTH workers have expressed displeasure with the provisions of the National Health Bill passed by the National Assembly.

They are not happy that non-medical consultants are not recognised under the bill to head departments such as laboratories, radiology and dental.

Rising from their quarterly sectoral council meeting at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, they urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to sign the bill into law.

They met under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hos-

From Dele Anofi and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

pitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institution (SSAUTHRIAI).

Their president, Comrade Chijioke Joshua, in a communique issued after the meeting, said: “In view of so many controversies surrounding the bill, the council urges President Jonathan not to assent to the bill until the views of all stakeholders are taken into consideration.”

The heath workers said the government’s approach towards addressing insecurity should also be reviewed to ensure safety of

innocent citizens.

Joshua noted that the rate of bombings in the country is becoming too alarming and needs government’s fast intervention.

He urged the government to look into affairs affecting the association by maintaining the status quo of officers moving from Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) 09 to 11 on workers promotions.

While describing government’s attempt to introduce CONHESS 10 into public service as a misnomer, Joshua called on the government to address shortage of equipment and manpower in government hospitals.

The association at the end of the meeting resolved: “That the government should train and retrain staff to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It frowns at government’s (FMOH) attempt to exclude some basic allowances payable to its members.

It said: “That the association condemns the non-recognition of non-medical consultants to head departments such as laboratories, radiology, dental, among others and called on the government to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to refrain from its present policy of urging medical doctors to take over every department in the hospitals”.

Coca-Cola initiates fitness programme

IVF centre ‘records high pregnancy rate’

By Wale Adepoju

A

C

OCA-COLA Nigeria Limited has launched the EVA Fun Walk, a community based weekly exercise and fitness programme aimed at fostering healthy and active lifestyle among Nigerians as well as building more inclusive and connected communities.

The EVA Fun Walk, which was unveiled at a press conference held at Omole phase I Estate in Lagos, is promoted by EVA, the company’s brand of premium table water as part of the company’s Live Positively initiative and is endorsed by the Lagos State Government.

The campaign, which seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle by engaging communities in regular cardiovascular exercises, will be activated in estates and neighbourhoods across Lagos and beyond. It also seeks to encourage walking, the easiest form of exercise, as the first step to developing a healthy

•From left: Assistant Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Ruth Ode; Oyo, Ufomba and Asset Protection Manager Amali Amali at the event PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

lifestyle, while helping to build more inclusive and connected communities in the state.

Addressing journalists at the event, Brand Manager, Stills, CocaCola Nigeria, Otome Oyo explained why the company is committed to the health and wellbeing of the society where it operates.

She said: “The launch of Eva Funwalk is in line with our com-

mitment to promote healthy active living in the society. We will continue to drive our vision of building sustainable communities through economic development and community involvement. This is largely expressed through our ‘Live Positively’ initiative which is our commitment to make sustainability of our communities a part of everything we do.”

Commenting further, Mr. Austin Ufomba, the Marketing Director of the company said: “Eva Fun Walk seeks to create an attitudinal change towards exercise as a stress-free and fun activity. CocaCola is using this platform to kick-start a movement that will encourage Nigerians to move from passive to active and healthy lifestyles.”

Rotary deworms pupils, donates to hospital

P

ARENTS have been enjoined to de-worm their children to curb malnourishment.

According to District Governor, Rotary District 9110 Nigeria, Mr Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, the children need to be free from worm infestation for healthy grow.

Ejakpomewhe spoke at deworming exercise organised by

By Wale Adepoju

Rotary Club of Gbagada for students of Ifako Comprehensive Senior High School, Lagos State.

It was part of its activities to welcome the governor to the zone.

He said: “Worms are responsible for why children eat and don’t get satisfy because they deprive the children of the food as soon as

they consume them. Our children need to be free from worm infestation so that they can grow appropriately. Worms cause stunted growth because they derive them of nutrients.”

Ejakpomewhe also visited the General Hospital, Lagos where he donated two suction machines, six trolleys, two wheel chairs and three blood pressure

•From left: Director Disease Control Dr. Femi Taiwo; PS Dr Femi Olugbile; Special Adviser, Dr. Yewande Adesina; Ag Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Dr Folake Majekodunmi, Medical Director (FMC), Ebute Metta Dr Yewande Jinadu and Dr Yemi Ogun of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, during the presentation of relief materials by FMOH to the Lagos State Government for the July 17 flood victims.

machines worth N200,000 on behalf of Rotary Club of Gbagada.

On the General Hospital, he said the health care system needs strengthening, adding that people should support the hospital to ensure patients’ care. “What the club gave the hospital is small, but are basic for the treatment of patients,” Ejakpomewhe said.

He also said the General Hospital needs renovation, adding that the government, companies and individuals should match their words with action to ensure the progress of the hospital.

“Our people would not travel abroad for treatment if the hospitals here are well-equipped,” he added.

He said the donation was a tip of the ice-berg, noting that the Club would always extend its goodwill to the hospital.

Ejakpomewhe also paid a visit to the Adult Literacy Centre, at the Mechanic Village, Gbagada, where he presented certificates to 22 graduates who completed a nine-month course in Arithmetic and English Language.

He and members paid a courtesy visit to the monarch of Oworonsoki, Oba Bashir Oloruntoyin Saliu’s palace.

President, Rotary Club of Gbagada, Mr Tayo Lawal said the activities were to mark the visit of the governor to the club.

Lawal said the club would soon improve the lot of the people and society at large, adding that it is living up to the club.

LAGOS in-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centre, Medical Art Centre, says it has recorded the highest pregnancy rates in the history of IVF in the country.

According to its Medical Director, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, the accomplishment was due to the effectiveness of the stimulation protocol, the efficacy of the laboratory especially with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), staff and quality of embryos coupled with the use of ultrasound guided embryo transfer.

Ashiru disclosed this during the clinical presentation of the centre. It was tagged high incidence/ order of multiple pregnancies and multiple births in the last two years.

He said during an 18-month period from 2009 to 2011, 20 women within the ages of 30 to 35 had multiple pregnancies from twins and quintuplets, adding that of those women, one delivered a singleton, six twins while three delivered triplets. Another woman also delivered quadruplet while two delivered quintuplets.

In addition, three women are currently carrying singleton, two twins, one expecting triplets and two women quadruplet pregnancies.

Ashiru said: “We recognise the role of our pre-IVF evaluations such as hysterosonography, ovarian improvement regime and the use of immune support as contributory factors to the success.”

He praised the quality of embryos, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and blastocyst transfer for the successful pregnancies.

Ashiru said many of the women before their successful IVF treatment had psychosocial and emotional issues. “For example, many marriages were saved,” he added.

He said it is left for couples to narrate their stories, adding that people are still skeptical in our society to share their personal experience after a successful IVF treatment.

Ashiru said: “It is important to dispel the myths around IVF treatment and IVF babies. IVF produces normal babies who grow up to be bright and intelligent children.”

He said people should be encouraged to share their stories which may help other couples find succour.

“We believe the more people talk about their success openly, the better it would be for those who need such services and the more acceptable the process would be,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

46

NEWS

Report of NBA Committee on crisis in the Judiciary Presented to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) on July 8, 2011 at the NBA National Secretariat, Abuja

the Sokoto Appeal The decision of the CJN to invite the PCA and to request him to disband the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal Panel which heard the appeal on 18/1/2010 is predicated on the CJN’s assertion that the petition or petitions he had received contained an allegation that the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto on the Election Appeal yet to be delivered had leaked?

The two petitions in question were the ones attached to the CJN’s query dated 18/2/10 issued to the PCA. Both petitions are dated 15/ 2/10.

• Continued from yesterday

I

T is not for the Committee to probe how the Sokoto Governorship Election ap peal was brought to the Supreme Court or question the Supreme Court order dismissing an appeal which it did not hear.

So much is the background to the crisis which has engulfed the Nigerian Judiciary and the Legal profession in our time. This crisis would appear to have gone to the very root of the administration of justice in Nigeria.

The Committee believes that unless and until the truth is known, the problem of loss of confidence in the populace and the hostile press attack on the judiciary is not likely to go away any time soon.

Specific Terms of Reference The CJN and PCA face-off

The crisis of confidence between the CJN and the PCA can be understood only on a very thorough and meticulous examination of the materials and facts available to the Committee. These materials include: (a) The CJN’s query dated 18/2/2010 issued to the PCA and the Justices on the Sokoto Governorship Election Appeal and the PCA’s answer thereto. (ANNEXTURE - 9) (b) The Court processes filed against the CJN in the originating summons filed by the PCA in Suit NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/159/11.

(ANNEXTURE - 10) c) The affidavit sworn to by the CJN on 7/3/11 and the PCA’s affidavit in response thereto. (ANNEXTURE - 11) d) The conclusion of the NJC Committee in respect of the Petition on the Sokoto Governorship election. (ANNEXTURE - 12) e) The judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja in Suit No. CA/ABJ/276/08.

Origin of the Face-off From the documents before the Committee, the problem between the CJN and the PCA arose out of the election appeal filed by the unsuccessful candidate in the fresh Sokoto State governorship election held on 24/5/08.

The case history is concisely set out in Part II of this report. From the records, both the CJN and the PCA agree that the problem arose from the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Appeal in respect of the fresh election held on the 24/5/2008.

The dispute came out into the open, when the CJN claimed that he had received two petitions in respect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto on the Gubernatorial Election Appeal arising from the fresh election and called the PCA to his office. The CJN and the PCA both agree that they met in the CJN’s office in the presence of Mustapher.

The PCA said the meeting took place on 8/ 2/2010.

CJN’s Account The CJN’s account as to what transpired at the meeting is deposed to in paragraph 7 of the affidavit in denial of various allegations in the petitions in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Appeal sworn to by the Hon. CJN at the Supreme Court on the 7th of March, 2011, wherein his Lordship deposed on oath, as follows: That for record purposes and setting the facts right, I hereby state as follows: (i) That I did not at any time whatsoever interfere in any form or manner with the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal. (ii) That at some stage, while the appeal was pending at the Court of Appeal, in my capacity as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, I received written Petitions addressed to me pertaining the said appeal. (iii) That one of the complaints in the petitions was that the judgment about to be delivered by the Court of Appeal in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal had leaked. (iv) That is called Honourable Jstice Dahiru Musdapher, the next most Senior Justice of the Supreme Court and Deputy Chairman,

•Justice Katsina-Alu

•Justice Salami

National Judicial Council to my Chambers and showed him the petitions and sought for his advice on how the matter could be handled. (v) That Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher suggested that we call the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Isa Salami to inform him of the petitions. ((vi) That I therefore, called the Hon President of the Court of Appeal by telephone to come to my Chambers. (vii) That when Hon. President of the Court of Appeal came to my Chambers, in the presence of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, I told him I had received a complaint that the judgment to be delivered in respect of the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal had leaked. (viii) That the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice I. A. Salami, OFR admitted that the judgment had leaked. (ix) That I showed him the petitions I had received in respect of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal and told him that the only way to maintain the integrity of the Court was to reconstitute the panel, as that was the proper cause of action to take.” (x) That I even reminded him that his predecessor in office, Honourable Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON, had a similar problem in the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division and had to disband and re-constitute another Panel which was presided over by Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, himself. (xi) That after our advice to Hon. Justice Salami, he left us with the impression that he would disband the Panel, having admitted that the judgment had leaked. (xv) That at no time whatsoever did I request the President of the Court of Appeal to instruct the Sokoto Gubernatorial Petition Appeal Panel to ‘dismiss’ the appeal. (xvi) That as a Judicial officer of many years standing, I know as a fact and as a matter of law that any such instruction was not within the purview of my Constitutional powers. (xvii) That the only step I took in my capacity as the Chairman, National Judicial Council, was to direct, vide letter No. NJC/CA/ DM/IV/48 of 19th February, 2010, that the judgment that was to be delivered in the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal ‘be put on hold’ pending the investigation of the petitions I had received. That I did not, in the letter under reference, direct the Panel on the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal not to deliver judgment. (xviii) That as regards the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal that was before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, I was neither on the Panel nor did I direct the Panel on the judgment to give. (xix) That when Hon. Justice I.A. Salami sent his response to the Petitions and the allegations against him, the National Judicial Council could not deliberate on same because the matter was sub-judice. (xx) That on the allegation about my date of retirement from Judicial Service, I abide by the detailed Press Release, hereto attached, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme

Court of Nigeria. (xxi) That I will retire from Service as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of National Judicial Council on 28th August, 2011. (xxii) That the foregoing represents my response to all the Petitions and allegations leveled against me, including those contained in Hon. Justice Ayo Salami’s reaction to the Petition forwarded to him by the Council on the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal.”

PCA’s Response

In responding to the CJN’s averments in an affidavit sworn to at the Court of Appeal, Abuja on 31/3/2011, the PCA in paragraph 4(1) admitted that he was indeed called to the CJN’s office and explained what transpired in paragraphs 4(iii), (iv) and 5(i), (ii), (vi) and (vii) thus: That with reference to paragraph 7(i) to xix of the said affidavit, I state as follows: iii) That to my knowledge, there was no allegation of judgment leakage and no judgment, whether actual or leaked was shown to me by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria. iv) That with particular reference to the deposition in paragraph 7(viii) of the aforesaid affidavit of Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, I did not admit (to the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria) that the judgment in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal had leaked. v) The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria actually instructed me to direct the Panel of Justices hearing the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal panel to dismiss the Appeal which I told him I could not do. vi) That there was no advice given to me

by Honourable Justice Dahiru Musdapher although instruction was given to me by the Honourable Chief Justice to disband the Sokoto State Gubernatorial appeal panel after the situation mentioned in paragraph 4(iv) above. vii) The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria instructed the justices of the Court of Appeal in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal panel not to deliver judgment which had been reserved.

That still on the issue of leakage of judgment, I further state as follows: That it was on the 8th day of February, 2010 that the Honourable Chief Justice invited me to his office.

That the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, wrote me a query on the 18th day of February, 2010 in which he said that two people had complained to him in writing against me.

That each of the petitions Annexures 2 and 3 is dated 15th day of February, 2010, seven (7) days after the Hon. Chief Justice called me to his office in the presence of Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

That as at 8th day of February, 2010 there was no petition against me on any issue.”

The PCAs’ affidavit is attached to this as (ANNEXTURE - 13) Alleged Leakage of Judgment in Respect of

Petition of Alfred N. Agu, Esq. Petition No. 1 was signed by Alfred N. Agu, Esq. an Associate Partner of the Law Firm of Renaissance Practitioners. He is Counsel for Governor Wamakko. In paragraph 2 of the Petition dated 15th February, 2010, it was stated thus: Our client’s petition was premised on an imminent miscarriage of justice that may occur should judicial discretion and exclusive jurisdiction allowed to be exercised in a manner that will override/suppress justice as envisaged by the letter and the spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”

As to what the complaint is, the Petitioner stated in paragraph 9 as follows: Our client having suffered a similar injustice on other grounds during the previous appeal where an interested party, the wife of the Democratic Peoples Party’s Gubernatorial candidate for Gombe State in the 14th April, 2007 elections presided over the appeal panel that gave judgment on the 11th of April, 2008.

Now again, similar thing is about to occur as the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal did not exercise his discretion judiciously in the composition of the panel for appointing yet another justice who is married to an influential politician on the panel.”

As to the demand of the Petitioner and the justification for same, it was stated in paragraph 10, inter alia, thus: This, our client will no longer fold his arms to be robbed of the mandate of his people by the Court on arbitrariness and undue influence manifested by the apparent interest shown by the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal. It happened the previous time and must not be allowed to happen again as our client’s right to fair hearing as enshrined under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. Now therefore, due to evidence of bias which is imminent, our client respectfully urge your Lordship to use your good office to ensure that justice is done by causing the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal to judiciously exercise his powers to disband and reconstitute a fresh and impartial panel.”

This petition made no reference to any “leakage of the judgment” of the Court of Appeal of the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal Panel.

Petition No. 2 by Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. of Arewa Chambers The second petition is by Arewa Chambers and is signed by Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. who wrote as Solicitor for the INEC. In paragraphs 10 and 11, Mr. Mahmood stated thus: On his assumption of office, ISA AYO SALAMI PCA, the new President constituted a panel for the Sokoto Appeal. Senator Umar Dahiru and myself met him to find out if he was aware of why the decision to await the Supreme Court judgment was taken by his predecessor to wit, TO AVOID JUDUCIAL ANARCHY. He said he was aware.

Just to find out motives, if any, we met him again and tried to convince him why his decision was not appropriate. We had a 2½ hour discussion and his Lordship was only trying to explain to us that Court of Appeal Kaduna Division judgment, subject of the whole controversy, was wrong. We were apprehensive for 2 reasons. Why he ignored the decision of his predecessors, and why he was so forceful in his argument. We left him convinced that he has more than official interest in the matter. All we wanted was some conviction that there was no foul play.”

After referring to various matters and stating clearly in paragraph 15 that he did not want to make a formal complaint to NJC, Mr. Mahmood concluded in paragraph 16 as follows: We wish he did not create any bad impression. We wish the Panel did not create any •Continued on page 47

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Report of NBA Committee on crisis in the Judiciary •Continued from page 46

wrong impression. We wish the withdrawal of the appeal before the Supreme Court did not create the impression that they have advance knowledge of the judgment to be hurriedly delivered on the 23rd of February, 2010. We wish the Motion on Notice filed on Thursday was taken seriously by the Panel and since time was not against them, exercised their discretion judiciously by giving a date for the Motion instead of having a conference in Abuja”.

Again, Mr. Mahmood made no reference to any judgment leakage in his petition.

Committee’s Finding on allegation of judgment leak in both petitions dated 15/2/2010 The Committee having carefully considered the foregoing materials finds as a fact that: i) neither Mr. Agu in his petition nor Mr. Yahaya Mahmood in his petition each dated 15/2/10, made any allegation that the judgment of the Court of Appeal yet to be delivered in the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition leaked. ii) the two petitions relied on by the CJN as alleging leakage of the judgment of the Court of Appeal Election Panel in Sokoto did not support as no allegation of judgment leakage was made in the two petitions. Thus, there does not appear to be any fact and or law upon which the CJN predicated his directive that the PCA disbands the Sokoto Gubernatorial Appeal Panel either on the two petitions or any purported allegation of judgment leak. iii) There was no leakage of any such judgment and neither Agu nor Mahmood one made any allegation of judgment leakage.

Having further examined the affidavit of the CJN as set out in paragraph 3.02 of this report, the affidavit of the PCA set out at paragraph 3.03 of this report and the contents of the two petitions attached to the CJN’s query to the PCA, the Committee finds as a matter of fact that: (a) Petition No. 1 by Governor Wamakko’s Counsel, Alfred N. Agu, Esq. and Petition No. 2 by INEC’s Counsel, Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. did not appear to have allege that the judgment of the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal Panel of the Court of Appeal had leaked. (b) At the time the PCA met the CJN on his invitation on the 8th February, 2010, the two petitions were not yet in existence. (c) No one petitioned and Counsel did not appear to have made any allegation of leakage of judgment against the PCA or any Justices of the Court of Appeal on the Sokoto Election Appeal Panel in which the CJN purported to act when he directed in his letter of 18/2/2010 and 19/2/2010 that further action in the appeal in Sokoto be put on hold. (d) The CJN knew that the two petitions each dated 15/2/10 were not in existence on 8/2/10 when he invited and met with the PCA in his office on 8/2/10 when he directed the PCA to disband the Sokoto Election Appeal Panel. (e) The CJN knew that the two petitions each dated 15/2/10 did not contain any allegation that any judgment of the Court of appeal in respect of the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal had leaked. (f) The CJN cannot be presumed not to have read the two petitions he forwarded to the PCA and members of the Panel of Justices on the Sokoto appeal and directing further action on the appeal to be put on hold. (g) The admission of the CJN that he directed the PCA to disband the Sokoto Appeal Panel on the basis of an alleged leakage of the judgment of the Sokoto Court of Appeal which allegation did not appear to have been contained in the two petitions the CJN relied on appears to be an interference with the proceedings of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto.

Accordingly, the Committee accepts as true and correct, the depositions of the PCA to wit: That with reference to paragraph 7(i) to xix of the said affidavit, I state as follows: iii) That to my knowledge, there was no allegation of judgment leakage and no judgment, whether actual or leaked was shown to me by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria. iv) That with particular reference to the deposition in paragraph 7(viii) of the aforesaid affidavit of Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, I did not admit (to the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria) that the judgment in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal had

•Justice Katsina-Alu

•Justice Salami

leaked.

on clear manifestation of the Hon. President to make the panel to review or set aside the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna on the previous Governorship election for Sokoto State. This tendency was manifested on several occasions when the Hon. President had told some individuals that the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna was wrong and with greatest respect, we wish to state that we take strong objection to that opinion, needless to say no person or authority have the power to alter judicial determination of a matter

by COMPETENT Court and details could be given of individuals that he had spoken to if so required, this is in addition to summoning the panel to his office to have a conference twice in Abuja which is a clear manifestation of an administrative interference in judicial matters.

Our client having suffered a similar injustice on other grounds during the previous appeal where an interested party, the wife of the Democratic Peoples Party’s Gubernatorial candidate for Gombe State in the 14th April, 2007 elections presided over the appeal panel that gave judgment on the 11th of April, 2008. Now again, similar thing is about to occur as the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal did not exercise his discretion judiciously in the composition of the panel for appointing yet another justice who is married to an influential politician on the panel.

This, our client will no longer fold his arms to be robbed of the mandate of his people by the Court on arbitrariness and undue influence manifested by the apparent interest shown by the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal. It happened the previous time and must not be allowed to happen again as our client’s right to fair hearing as enshrined under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. Now therefore, due to evidence of bias which is imminent, our client respectfully urge your Lordship to use your good office to ensure that justice is done by causing the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal to judiciously exercise his powers to disband and reconstitute a fresh and impartial panel.”

Committee’s comment on Mr. Agu’s Petition A careful perusal of these paragraphs, show that the complaints are that: A panel was constituted by the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal to hear the Sokoto appeal on his assumption of office when his predecessor did not do so.

The PCA did not exercise his discretion judiciously in the composition of the Sokoto Appeal panel because one of the Justices on the Panel is married to an influential politician.

The PCA allegedly showed bias or interest in the case because he expressed an opinion on the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna in respect of the April, 2007 election appeal.

The Justices held their conference in Abuja instead of Sokoto.

The PCA did not accede to the request to disband the Panel of Justices and or was insistent that he will do nothing to halt the hearing of the appeal.

The CJN’s depositions in his sworn affidavit of 7/3/2011 – (i) That I did not at any time whatsoever interfere in any form or manner with the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal.”

Appears to be in conflict with the directive contained in the CJNs’ letter of the 18th and the 19th of February, 2010, that: “You are to ensure that further action on the appeal is put on hold…”

Having thoroughly examined the contents of the two petitions attached to the CJN’s query to the PCA, the Committee is satisfied that: a) there are no allegations of judgment leaks in any of the two petitions attached to the CJN’s query to the PCA. b) the CJN’s request that the PCA disband the Sokoto Court of Appeal Panel on the Gubernatorial Election Appeal had no basis in fact or in law. c) the CJN’s action in respect of the Sokoto Election Appeal amounts to interference. d) the petitions relied on by the CJN each dated 15/2/10, could not possibly have been available and to have been shown to the PCA on 8/2/2010 when he met the CJN in the CJN’s office. e) if the Hon. CJN had other information that the judgment of the Sokoto Court of Appeal had leaked, that other information did not appear to have emanated from the two petitions attached to his query to the PCA dated 18/2/10. f) it is the refusal of the PCA to accept the CJN’s said requests to disband the panel demands that finally erupted into the open faceoff between the CJN and the PCA, a development which has gravely tarnished the image and reputation of the Nigerian Judiciary and the legal profession as a whole.

CJN’s duty to Protect Judicial Officers against frivolous and or malicious accusations By letter Ref. No. NJC/CA/DM/IV/44 dated 18th February, 2010, the CJN forwarded to the PCA, two petitions both dated 15/2/10 written by Solicitor for Governor Wamakko of Sokoto State and the Solicitor for INEC. In the last paragraph of the letter, the CJN directed: “That further action on the appeals be put on hold pending the determination of the “serious allegations leveled against you and the justices on the Panel.”

The question is what are these “serious allegations” against the PCA in the two petitions?

The content of Mr. Agu’s petition is quite clear to the Committee. In paragraph 1, petitioner expressed his apprehension about an imminent miscarriage of justice that may occur if judicial discretion is exercised in a manner that will over-ride or suppress justice. The only paragraphs of the numbered petition in which the PCA is referred to, are paragraphs 7, 9 & 10 wherein the petitioner stated as follows: In the appeal before the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division which is the subject of this petition, a panel was constituted by the Honourable President of the Court of Appeal to hear the appeal which clearly is predicated

The Committee notes that: (a) long before the petition was written, the parties to the Sokoto Governorship Election appeal have filed their processes, exchanged their respective briefs of argument and the appeal was duly argued on the 18/1/ 2010 and judgment adjourned to a date to be communicated to the parties.

In the Court of Appeal in Sokoto, the Petitioner did not object to the participation of any of the Justices on the Panel before or after the appeal was heard. The Sokoto Court of Appeal proceedings in the Election Appeal of 24/2/10 attest to this fact. (b) the PCA did not sit as a member of the Appeal Panel of five Justices drawn from three different Judicial Divisions of the Court of Appeal. The duty and power to constitute a Panel of Justices for the hearing of appeals is vested in the PCA by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Laws. (c) the choice of Conference venue for appellate Panels to consider their decision, is a matter for each of Panel constituted to hear an appeal. The PCA specific examples of conferences being held outside the seat of the court where the appeal is heard attests to this fact.

Having regard to these matters set out in paragraphs 3.05.1 and 3.05.2.1 of this report, the Committee finds as a fact that nothing said in the petition of Governor Wamakko amount to “serious allegation” against the PCA. There is no substance in any of the allegations in the said petition: The PCA has the constitutional power to constitute appellate panel. The exercise of his undoubted constitutional power cannot be questioned by either the CJN or the Petitioner.

The exercise of the PCA’s discretion as to the composition of the panel is not a matter to be questioned by the Petitioner especially when the parties have argued their appeal on 18/1/2010 and the Petitioner did not object to membership of the panel. In any case, the petition stated no valid ground of objection to the participation of any member of the Panel.

The Petitioner did not provide facts to support his reference to “bias”. That the PCA did not accede to Yahaya Mahmood’s request that the Appellate panel be disbanded is not evidence of bias. The opinion expressed on the long decided Kaduna case by the PCA to one member of the Panel is not evidence of bias.

The matter of venue for conference of participating justices is a matter for the Panel and the CJN must know this practice as a matter of fact.

Petition No. 2 written by Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. for INEC In paragraphs 8, 9, 10, 11, 14 & 15 of the petition where the PCA was mentioned, petitioner stated thus: There were thus 2 appeals, one before COURT OF APPEAL, ABUJA, one before COURT OF APPEAL, SOKOTO from decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja and Election Tribunal Sokoto on the CONSTRUCTION OR INTERPRETATION OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL, KADUNA. To avoid conflicting decisions which will cause JUDICIAL CONFUSION AND ANARCHY, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN wrote a letter dated 22nd April, 2009, drawing the attention of the President of the Court of Appeal (Umaru Abdullahi, as he then was). We were to await the outcome of the Supreme Court decision to settle the matters once and for all.

On his assumption of office, ISA AYO SALAMI PCA, the new President constituted a panel for the Sokoto Appeal. Senator Umar Dahiru and myself met him to find out if he was aware of why the decision to await the Supreme Court judgment was taken by his predecessor to wit, TO AVOID JUDUCIAL ANARCHY. He said he was aware.

Just to find out motives, if any, we met him again and tried to convince him why his decision was not appropriate. We had a 2½ hour discussion and his Lordship was only trying to explain to us that Court of Appeal Kaduna Division judgment, subject of the whole controversy, was wrong. We were apprehensive for 2 reasons. Why he ignored the decision of his predecessors, and why he was so forceful in his argument. We left him convinced that he has more than official interest in the matter. All we wanted was some conviction that there was no foul play.”

• To be continued

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How Oyinlola, Oni lost at NJC panel •Continued from yesterday

T

O the challenged authenticity of exhibits 4 and 5 attached to Chief Oni’ s petition, counsel for the Petitioner in their address embarked on a cross referencing exercise intended to show that some calls made

by Justice Salami to and from other numbers in Etisalat and Glo and recorded by the other service providers are recorded also in Exhibit 4. Based on this exercise it was submitted that it has been established that the call logs Exhibits 4 and 5 are-authentic.

It was further submitted “that the frequency of telephone communication between counsel of ACN and party chieftains of ACN, who were parties to the proceedings only permits of one inference which in the eye of the reasonable man is synonymous with perverting the course of justice and establishes beyond reasonable doubt the existence of a relationship between Justice Salami, Ijaya and leaders and lawyers of the ACN.” Further, it was submitted that “it is instructive that no leader, or counsel to the PDP is established to have called Mr. Ijaya.”

On behalf of the PDP Osun State Chapter: Counsel on behalf of the PDP Osun State Chapter puts the only issue thus: Whether Justice Salami and members of the panel constituted by him “engaged in telephone interactions with agents, counsels and chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before, during and after the hearing of the Osun State Governorship Appeal and whether such telephone interactions and the constitution of the Panel of “trusted allies” accords with Judicial Oath of Office and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

As to the authenticity of Exhibits 9 and 10 the argument went thus: Since Justice Salami had admitted a call made by one Lateef Yusuf to him and recorded in Exhibits 9 and 10 and also Senior Advocates of Nigeria who had at various times represented. the Action Congress of Nigeria at Election Petition Tribunals and whose telephone numbers are revealed in the call logs accompanying the petition demurred in joining issues or giving evidence in rebuttal the genuineness of the call logs had not been rebutted.

In addition, as in the case of Chief Oni, the PDP Osun State Chapter sought to prove the authenticity of the call logs by making cross references to entries on the logs provided by the office of the National Security Adviser, the Police and State Security Services “where necessary”.

In regard to the composition of Tribunal Panels it was submitted that the response of Justice Salami contained in a letter dated 25th February, 2011, shows that he had been recycling his “trusted allies” in the composition of the Osun, Ekiti and Ogun Panels.

On behalf of the Respondents Counsel made submission in substance as follows: First, the authenticity of the call logs relied on by Chief.

Segun Oni are substantially flawed.

Second, the credibility of his expert witness is “highly unreliable because he does not possess the necessary qualifications in telecommunications to give ‘an expert opinion on a field that he lacks requisite knowledge on.”

Third, on the issue of communication between Justice Salami and Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Yusuf Ali, SAN, Rickey Tarfa, SAN, Adeniyi Akintola, SAN and Emeka Ngige, SAN, it is submitted that “there is nowhere in the rules of ethics of this noble profession that prevents a legal practitioner from communicating with a judge, especially Senior Counsel in this legal profes-

• Oyinlola

sion. We have perused numerous election Petitions involving the Peoples Democratic Party and the Action Congress of Nigeria and we have observed that all the names of Senior Counsel mentioned above, none of them have appeared for Action Congress of Nigeria to refer to them as “Action Congress of Nigeria Lawyers” except Yusuf O. Ali, SAN who appeared for the (sic) Dr. Fayemi in the Ekiti Governorship Election petition appeal.”

Fourth, there was no proof of the contents of all the communication the petitioners alleged was made. On the fact that Justice Salami disclosed at a press interview that Lagos State Governor or Government was supplying diesel to the Appeal Court Lagos Division to power their generator, it was submitted that the practice had been in existence in that Division before Justice Salami became the President of the Court.

In addition to all of these, note is taken of the submissions made in regard to the affidavit of Sen. Umaru Dahiru which suggested relationship between Justice Salami and Sen. Tinubu, that it is speculative; in regard to the newspaper publications of 4th October, 2010, 6th October, 2010 and 14th October 2010, that it has no logical link between the newspaper publication and this present case and should be discountenanced; on Tunji Ijaya, that his identity had not been proved and he was not called; in regard to the petitions by Prince Oyinlola, that his petitions dated 2nd December 2010 and 7th February, 2011 respectively are outside the mandate of the Panel and that “the content of the petition and all the oral testimony of the petitioner” should be discountenanced “as they are mere speculations that goes (sic) to no issue”; and, in regard to the interview granted in a national daily wherein the PCA stated that he only empanels justices he trusts in election petition cases’, that the schedule of the various panels empanelled by the PCA for election petitions belies their assertion.

Submissions made in regard to the petitions of Chief Oni and Prince Oyinlola were adopted in regard to the petition of Otunba Ojo-Williams.

• Oni

Deliberation It is expedient to recall that this Panel is a fact finding Panel and Pronouncements on legal consequences of those facts found are not within the mandate of the Panel. However, there is nothing that precludes the Panel from being guided by the law in determining the admissibility or probative value of evidence.

The facts to be found are as they may relate to what the parties have identified as the issues raised by the petitions.

Common issues in the petitions of Chief Oni and Otunba Ojo-Williams on behalf of the PDP Osun State Chapter are “Communication between the justices, counsel, agent and chieftains of the ACN”. Otunba Ojo-Williams put it this way: Whether Justice Salami and members of the panel constituted by him “engaged in telephone interactions with agents, counsels and chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before, during and after the hearing of the Osun Governorship Appeal”. All these can be subsumed under what has been described in the relevant petitions as “unethical communications”.

To prove unethical communications through call logs, first, the call logs must be sufficiently authentic to be acceptable as testimonial material and, secondly, evidence must be proffered of facts that would make the communication unethical in character.

As to authenticity of the call, logs, there are several sets of call logs that have been produced. One set, Exhibits 4 and 5 attached to Chief Oni’ s petition, a second set, exhibits 9 and 10 attached to Otunba Ojo-Williams petition both relating, respectively to, telephone numbers 08034004887 and 08034010700; a third- set, Exhibit 12(1) - 12(13) downloaded from flash drive sent to the panel from the Office of the NSA; and, a fourth set, Exhibit 15 relating to numbers 0805600287, 08077706556 and 08055790298.

The testamentary value of Exhibits 4, 5, 9 and 10 has been attacked by the respondents on the ground that it has not been shown to be produced by an

‘‘Counsel made submission in substance as follows: First, the authenticity of the call logs relied on by Chief. Segun Oni are substantially flawed. Second, the credibility of his expert witness is “highly unreliable because he does not possess the necessary qualifications in telecommunications to give ‘an expert opinion on a field that he lacks requisite knowledge on...’’

authentic source, namely MTN the service provider.

Since call logs are electronically produced, the best evidence of their authenticity is that of the service provider or acceptable secondary evidence resulting from their due authentication by the service provider confirming it as its product.

In this case there is no evidence to show that Exhibits 4, 5, 9 and 10 were produced from an authentic source or confirmed by that source to be so produced. In the result the testamentary value of those exhibits is nil.

Exhibits 12(1) - (13) fall into a different category since they are shown in our opinion to have been produced from authentic sources, namely, the service providers, through the Office of the National Security Adviser who has the right to request for them. The same is true of Exhibit 15(a) which has been produced through recognized procedure, In regard to MTN call logs in the Exhibit 12 series they cover only an insignificant fraction of the relevant period mentioned in the evidence of the petitioners.

Apparently recognizing the need to repair the lack of authenticity of Exhibits 4, 5, 9 and 10, the petitioners tried to compare some entries in those exhibits with entries in Exhibit 12 by a process of cross referencing. However, it is futile to build up the authenticity of a document that on its own lacks testimonial value by cross referencing it with another that may have such value had it been produced as evidence of the truth of its contents which is not the position in this case. The lack of proven authenticity of the former cannot be supplied by the latter.

In the same vein, absence of denial of the contents of a document that has not complied with an authenticity requirement will not supply the deficiency as to confer on it testamentary or evidential value. For that reason the submission that Justice Salami did not deny the- relevant phone calls would make no difference.

The evidence cannot be ignored, backed by demonstration before the Panel, that it is possible to use another person’s number to make a call without the subscriber whose number is being used knowing or permitting it.

Furthermore, as demonstrated in evidence several errors were shown on some of the call logs produced in evidence by the petitioner. Beside, the authenticity question it may be unsafe to rely only on a call log to find that everything in the call log reflects the true position.

All these raise reliability issues concerning the call logs, quite apart from the authenticity issue. However, where call logs are produced from authentic sources success of a challenge to the reliability of the entries depends on the evidence in relation to the impugned entries.

Flowing from all the findings made in regard to the call logs, the Panel considers it unsafe to come to a conclusion that Exhibits 4, 5, 9 and 10 the authenticity of which has not been established and any analysis based on them have any evidential value in this fact finding exercise and is unable to rely on those call logs to make a finding of unethical communication.

Another aspect of the matter in respect of the alleged unethical nature of the communication is the need to produce facts that make the communication unethical. Such facts may consist of the contents of the communication or it may be by circumstances in which right thinking persons will consider the communication unethical.

In this case, the contents of the communications have not been disclosed.

However, the petitioners relied on cir• Continued on page 49

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NEWS

How Oyinlola, Oni lost at NJC panel •Continued from page 48

cumstances that they urge should make the communication unethical, notwithstanding the non disclosure of the contents, consisting of: (i) As alleged in the PDP Osun State address, one Tunji Ijaya, described as “a well known associate of Justice Ayo Salami and an ACN sympathizer”, between 11th and 13th November, 2010 received several calls from Lai Mohammed, described as “ACN chieftain and spokesman” and also between 11th and 24th November, 2010 Justice Salami called or sent text messages to Ijaya several times.

As alleged in the closing address on ‘behalf of Chief Oni: in the Ekiti matter, Mr. Titus Ashaolu who was one of the counsels to Dr. Kayode Fayemi in that Ekiti matter presided over by Justice Salami sent an SMS to Tunji Ijaya on two occasions; Mr. Lai Mohammed ACN publicity secretary called Tunji Ijaya on two occasions; Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN lead counsel to Dr. Fayemi in the matter called Tunji Ijaya; Philip Oyinloye described as the Chairman of the ACN in Kwara State called Ijaya and also Justice Salami called Tunji Ijaya at 16:45 pm. (iii) As-alleged in the same address: incidents of leakage of the Judgment delivered by the President of the Court of Appeal evidenced (a) by Lai Mohammed being reported in newspapers as saying that PDP was trying to use what was called the “Sokoto Option” to arrest the judgment which, it was argued “indicates positively that ACN had foreknowledge that the judgment was already in their favour.” (b) by “the elaborate way and manner in which the Tribunal declared winner was sworn-in and the fanfare associated with the swearing in of Dr. Fayemi less than 12 hrs after the Judgment was delivered” Ijaya was described in Chief Segun Oni’s petition dated 14 February 2011 as Justice Salami’s “known agent and go-between AC leaders and the lawyers of the ACN in the unholy business of miscarriage of justice.” However, there is no evidence of facts in support of that bare assertion, boldly made, but unsupported by any fact.

Also, in the petition of the PDP Osun State Chapter dated 16th February, 2011 Tunji Ijaya was described as “obviously the go between in many of Justice Salami’s judicial deals”; but there was no evidence of fact in support of that assertion.

In the absence of evidence that Justice Salami was privy to other persons calling Ijaya, or that such persons were calling Ijaya to his knowledge or on his authority, or were all calling him on the same subject matter, the evidence, even if it is true, that the other persons mentioned called Ijaya on the dates mentioned does not lead to a reasonable inference either that they ‘were acting in concert, and not as independent actors, or that if the other persons who were calling Ijaya were acting in concert, Justice Salami was part of that group. The evidence adduced presents an incomplete picture when the expert witness called at the instance of these petitioners admitted that he chose and picked subscribers and phone numbers that appeared in his analysis.

Furthermore, in the Osun PDP matter there is no reasonable ground to draw an inference that any unethical communication or any communication occurred between Ijaya and the Justices on the panel or, even, that the PCA exerted any influence on the Justices on the panel.

Much issue has been made of the reported remark credited to the PCA that he had been using people he trusts to sit on election appeals. It has been prayed in Prince Oyinlola’s petition

• Oyinlola

that the NJC should examine the statement “with a view to knowing what he meant by trust and also, trust to do what?” No adverse inference can be drawn from a statement that is capable of an inoffensive or innocuous interpretation as in this case. Besides, it has been demonstrated in the response of 25th February, 2011 by the PCA that it is not true that he limited the Justices handling election appeals to only 9 Justices.

As regards the alleged fact of leakage of the judgment, two brief observations are pertinent. First, there being no direct evidence of leakage of the judgment reliance is placed on circumstantial evidence Preparation for the swearing in of Dr. Fayemi and the statement credited to Lai Mohammed have been proffered as circumstantial evidence of leakage of the judgment.

However, both are as well reasonably consistent with a genuine and honestly held expectation of success in the case based on their perception of the merits of the case. Secondly, assuming that there has been a leakage there is no evidence of circumstances or fact of that leakage to justify a reasonable conclusion that such was traceable only to the telephone calls about which evidence has been led in this matter.

Allegation of Disregard of Sokoto Petition Pending before the National Judicial Council: This issue raised by counsel for Chief Oni in his closing address did not form part of the petitions referred to the Panel when it was set up. It is, therefore, inexpedient to visit the issue.

In the circumstances, the Panel is unable to admit the belated attempt of counsel for Chief Oni to raise a fresh case referred to the Panel by Council.

Findings: Upon the totality of the evidence and the material placed before the Panel, it finds: i) That the call logs relied on by the petitioners lack authenticity and therefore have no evidential value; ii) That there is no sufficient evidence to establish the alleged unethical communication and to make a finding of fact that there was such communication; iii) That there is nothing to show that the statement credited to Hon. Justice Salami, that he makes use of judges trusted is indicative of an adverse connotation. iv) The Panel took exception to the hard and insulting language used, by the Justices against the principal petitioners namely; Chief Segun Oni and Prince Oyinlola in their replies Judges are not known to allow emotions to take charge of their action even at the

• Oni

face of provocation.

Section Iii - Petitions not’treated by the panel This Panel went through the lists of the petitions and discovered that some of them were clearly outside the mandate of the Panel. There are also others that were merely lifted from the petitions of others and had nothing original to offer.

The petitions the Panel considered outside the mandate were those that attempted to involve the Panel in a futile exercise of reviewing of proceedings and judgments particularly of the Court of Appeal.

It may be helpful to set them out as follows:Petitions against the CJN Undated Petitions Against The CJN

by Comrade Prince Collins Eselemo This petitioner claimed to be writing on behalf of the Great People of Niger Delta. He alleged that the CJN was influenced with several Billions of Naira by the powerful sources within government who were desperate to subvert judgment in the Sokoto appeal case which they perceived would be unfavourable.

The task that was assigned to the CJN was simple to scuttle the appeal case in Sokoto and ensure judgment was never delivered in. the case. The sum was distributed to the Panel of Justices that sat on the case at the Supreme Court in collaboration with the CJN. In another paragraph, the writer alleged that there were clandestine moves by the CJN and the Attorney-General of the Federation to extend the retirement age for Judicial Officers particularly Supreme Court Justices to 75 years old. This is a deliberate ploy to extend the retirement age of the CJN and keep him in office for another 5 years to continue his evil act in favour of the PDP. These are just few of the highly damaging allegations made by this writer.

The Panel appreciating the seriousness of the allegations, sent out two invitation letters to the writer, if he ever exists, to appear before the Panel to give evidence, but he did not show up.

The Panel therefore recommends to the NJC, to forward this petition to the Police or other competent security agencies to locate this person, if he ever exists with that name to provide proof of these serious allegations.

Petition By Joseph Otteh, Director Access to Justice dated 18/02/2011 This writer did not write his own petition, but was requesting that an urgent, full- scale, impartial investigation into allegations that the CJN sought or made overt efforts to interfere with the proceedings pending before an Election Appeal Tribunal. He was relying on

the contents of the affidavit in a suit filed by the PCA against the CJN (now withdrawn). He did not make his allegations independently.

Petition By Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo Onwa Nnobi dated 24/02/2011 The writer is demanding the NJC to probe the allegations of influence, abuse of power and corruption levelled against the CJN by the PCA. These allegations are also linked to the allegations made by the PCA against the CJN in his reply to the latter’s letter dated 18/02/2010. The writer gave the NJC two weeks to meet his demand. He did not make his own allegations independently.

The Duo of Emeka Umeagbalasi and International Society For Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law dated 24/02/2011 The writers lifted all the materials in their write up, from the allegations made in the affidavits of the PCA against the CJN as well as the allegations of misconduct made against the PCA in the Osun and Ekiti States presentations, particularly with regard to telephone calls allegations.

The writers did not make any fresh allegation of their own, but urged the NJC for sound, ethical and administrative investigation and appropriate sanctions against the CJN and the PCA, if culpable. They wrote to the Panel, requesting for audience, but the request was not granted on the ground that they did not submit any fresh allegations or petitions apart from what they lifted from other peoples’ petitions.

Besides, the Panel assured them that their requests for thorough and unbiased investigation would be made.

Petitions against the PCA 6.02.1 Petition by Segun Ilori & Co on Behalf of the Registered Voters of Ido Osi Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria dated 03/01/2011.

The petition was based on the alleged cancellation of votes and disenfranchisement by Justice Isa Ayo Salami, President of the Court of Appeal and four others.

The Panel has no difficulty in deciding that this complaint is outside its mandate.

Petition by Umar Farouk, National Coordinator of Transparency Centre Network dated 08/02/2011 The petition was based on the interview granted by the PCA in a newspaper. The Panel found no substance in the petition.

Petition dated 23/11/2010 against Hon. Justice Momica DongbanMensem, Court of Appeal Benin Division now Jos Division by Chief (Barr.)

Peter Nwaboshi, Joshua Yarhere, Esq, Chairman and Lega; Adviser on behalf of PDP, Delta State .

The issues raised in the petitions were based on point of law a letter written

by Prince (Hon.) A.S Abimbola (JP) dated 11/02/2011 This letter has no bearing whatsoever to the mandate of the Panel. All that the letter asked for is that the Council should sanction Hon. Justice I.A Samuel for refusing to be promoted to the Supreme Court Bench.

Appreciation We are under an obligation to thank the National Judicial Council for giving us the opportunity to serve as member of this Panel. We thank the highly resourceful Secretary of the NJC, Alhaji Danladi Halilu, Esq. OON, who has made arrangement to ensure a successful execution of our assignment. We also thank the highly diligent Secretaries of the Investigation Panel, Mr. E. I Odukwu and Mr. M.A Tambawel and their support staff for their hard work and dedication which made a smooth competition of this assignment.

•Concluded

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MONEY LINK

Banking, economic crises inevitable, says NDIC T Stories by Collins Nweze Senior Correspondent

HE Managing Director, Ni geria Deposit Insurance Cor poration (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim, has said the 2008 crisis that affected banking sector was inevitable.

He said the most important thing is not if crisis would occur, but when and how to handle it when it happens.

Speaking during the 2011 Examiners Conference in Lagos, Ibrahim, said the ability to respond to future crisis will depend on how adequately prepared the regulators and supervisors are, particularly in the areas of regulatory tools and proactive actions, stating that although banking sector regulators were commended both nationally and internationally for the quick and effective response to the financial meltdown, that performance could have been better if certain necessary actions were taken at the right time before the crisis manifested.

He said the outcome of the joint efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria and NDIC in resolving the crisis in the banking sector, have once again brought to the fore, the need for proper collaboration between regulators and supervisors to achieve the desired macroeconomic stability.

Abdulahi stated that banking is getting more complex with daily introduction of new products/services, changing financial landscape, as well as advancement and widespread use of information communications technology, saying the development has given rise to systemically important financial Institutions, “too big to fail or manage”.

“The global financial crisis had made it clear that all countries, including the most advanced ones, lacked a coherent regime for resolving either a purely domestic, systemically important financial

institution (SIFI) or a cross-border SIFI. Thus, more effective approach to supervision has to be devised by financial safety net (FSN) players in their discussion about preventing systemic risk and protecting consumers,” he said.

He said to ensure financial sys-

lem here is the tendency to withhold bad information at all levels particularly from managers to supervisors and even from primary supervisor to other domestic supervisors. In that regard the adoption of risk-based supervision (RBS) on a consolidated basis is a step in the right direction,” he said.

tem stability, there is the need to adopt a Macro Prudential Regulation by the regulatory/supervisory authorities so as to ensure effective resolution of systemically important financial institutions. “One of the imperatives of effective resolution of SIFIs would be the issue of data integrity. A major prob-

GTBank introduces fast-track for customers

A

S part of efforts to continu ally reposition its services for enhanced and efficient customer service delivery, Guaranty Trust Bank has introduced an exclusive in-branch banking service for all its customers, called ‘FASTTRACK’.

The FastTrack is a fast, secure, innovative in-branch banking service

munication and External Affairs, Lola Odedina, said the FastTrack service is set to revolutionalise service delivery by significantly reducing turn-around time for walk-in customers who wish to conduct cash based deposits and withdrawals.

She stated that the PIN-PADS have been implemented to ensure seam-

exclusive to GTBank customers that allow them perform all cash based banking transactions with only their debit cards and the PIN-PADS, a new, secure technology available in all GTBank branches. The service has been described as convenient, secure and efficient.

General Manager and Head, Com-

T

HE Chairman, Federal Mort gage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Deda Atta, has stressed the role of entrepreneurs in nation-building.

Atta, who spoke at a one-day summit of civil society organizations hosted by CITRA NGO in Kaduna, said the entrepreneur has been acknowledged around the world as the “driver of economic growth and technological advance-

ment.” The entrepreneur, he stated, creates jobs, spearheads innovations and encourages capital formation, thereby propelling social and economic growth.

“This is why it is generally believed that the extent of growth in a nation’s economy is directly dependent on the number and quality of its entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that the evolution of the Asian Tigers is a story that illustrates the place of the entrepreneur in eco-

nomic advancement of nation states.

He observed that research has shown that in Nigeria, the informal sector spearheaded by entrepreneurs, accounts for 65 per cent of the Gross National Product and 90 per cent of all new jobs.

Atta remarked that in Nigeria, just like in many other countries, the government has made deliberate efforts to encourage entrepreneurial development through the provision of facilities like electricity, le-

G

ROUP Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, has called for a shift in approach in handling compliance issues by banks.

He called for a proactive method that places emphasis on ethics, trust and vigilance.

Presenting a paper titled,

“Compliance Culture of the past and the future: What options are available to Banks? Durosinmi-Etti, canvassed for the adoption of best practices which focus on four critical activities of establishing the compliance culture from the top, clear role definition and responsibilities, establishing accountability and reinforcing change

with communication and training.

He said banks should establish the compliance culture from the top where senior management must move away from thinking about compliance as a cost centre, but instead, consider the benefits of compliance in protecting against legal and reputational risks that could negatively impact the bottom line.

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 ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 01-8-11 SYMBOL NAHCO ETERNAOIL UBA DIAMONDBNK ECOBANK WAPCO OCEANIC ASHAKACEM TOTAL GUINNESS

O/PRICE 7.00 4.08 5.15 4.75 2.90 43.71 0.96 21.12 195.50 230.85

C/PRICE 7.35 4.28 5.40 4.98 3.04 45.80 1.00 21.99 203.32 240.00

CHANGE 0.35 0.20 0.25 0.23 0.14 2.09 0.04 0.87 7.82 9.15

LOSER AS AT 01-8-11 SYMBOL SCOA STARCOMMS REDSTAREX RTBRISCOE AIRSERVICE AGLEVENT EVASMED INTERCONT NEIMETH POLYPROD

O/PRICE 6.43 0.61 3.49 1.86 2.50 2.09 1.05 0.86 1.540 1.10

Specifically, he stressed the fact that the Board of Directors and senior management of banks must set ‘the tone at the top’ and develop the compliance culture, adding that they are obligated to deliver a strong message to employees about the importance of integrity, compliance with the law, and overall good business ethics.

DATA BANK

Amount N

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

gal and regulatory infrastructure, subsidies, among other incentives.

However, he noted that the most critical challenge facing the entrepreneur in Nigeria is access to finance.

“Despite huge government efforts particularly through the Central Bank of Nigeria, financial offerings to the micro, small and medium enterprises sub-sector are grossly inadequate,’ Atta remarked.

Banker advocates shift in compliance approach

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

less operations of the Fast track service and is exclusive only to GTBank account and Naira MasterCard holders.

To utilise the FastTrack service, any GTBank customer can simply walk into the nearest GTBank branch with a Naira MasterCard and perform a cash deposit or withdrawal using the PIN-Pad.

FMBN boss makes case for entrepreneurship

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

He said the agency has a five – year strategic plan to ensure that it achieves its set objectives. The plans are focused on operational readiness, building strategic partnerships and ensuring effective collaboration, implementing and sustaining a culture of continuous performance improvement.

C/PRICE 6.11 0.58 3.32 1.77 2.38 1.99 1.00 0.82 1.47 1.05

CHANGE 0.32 0.03 0.17 0.09 0.12 0.10 0.05 0.04 0.07 0.05

Amount Sold ($)

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

400m

467.7m

400m

153.59

25-5-11

400m

452.3m

400m

153.4

23-5-11

500m

499,8m

499.8m

153.45

16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

21-07-11 N7.606tr 23,787.31

22-07-11 N7.650tr 23,925.72

% Change +0.58% +0.58%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

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% 11.3%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.62 1,586.00 0.80 0.99 0.99 1,586.00 9.55 1.39 1.87 8,827.74 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.16 1,576.75 0.78 0.99 0.98 1,576.75 9.09 1.33 1.80 8,557.25 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 MAR, 2011

07, MAR, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 01-08-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name CAPITAL OIL PLC JULI PLC SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 1 1 5

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.90 1.04

Quantity Traded 402,000 800 500 403,300

Value of Shares (N) 201,000.00 2,208.00 545.00 203,753.00

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 7.50

Quantity Traded 1,427,496 70,000 113,821 1,611,317

Value of Shares (N) 713,748.00 35,000.00 854,197.50 1,602,945.50

Quotation(N) 2.38 7.35

Quantity Traded 148,650 596,583 745,233

Value of Shares (N) 353,787.00 4,310,057.45 4,663,844.45

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.77

Quantity Traded 1,712,621 159,689 1,872,310

Value of Shares (N) 856,310.50 299,172.31 1,155,482.81

Quotation(N) 6.71 0.70 4.98 3.04 6.26 2.03 12.13 0.50 14.41 9.20 0.82 1.00 0.57 6.34 0.86 1.55 5.40 2.30 0.74 0.86 14.80

Quantity Traded 9,971,043 5,309,844 4,719,308 850,294 4,249,879 8,293,252 16,516,254 2,616,040 27,799,202 310,458 8,642,204 5,060,937 3,637,144 4,696,523 723,494 1,723,880 18,442,944 4,511,765 1,491,388 1,305,625 49,179,905 180,051,383

Value of Shares (N) 67,876,593.10 3,942,251.51 23,184,263.87 2,525,433.95 26,529,822.52 17,545,328.49 200,653,568.98 1,308,020.00 404,789,065.55 2,848,861.44 7,164,582.54 5,060,937.00 2,165,361.08 30,122,004.59 619,607.11 2,599,686.40 99,063,728.66 10,350,907.46 1,108,412.96 1,131,072.51 728,867,121.91 1,639,456,631.63

Quotation(N) 4.46 240.00 6.00 2.37 90.57

Quantity Traded 200 247,170 202,800 21,000 682,605 1,153,775

Value of Shares (N) 892.00 59,095,477.07 1,222,323.00 47,460.00 61,818,315.20 122,184,467.27

Quotation(N) 21.99 8.00 120.00 45.80

Quantity Traded 1,068,060 23,566 189,744 358,334 1,639,704

Value of Shares (N) 23,212,587.92 190,507.60 22,754,123.65 16,227,965.29 62,385,184.46

Quotation(N) 8.80 28.90 1.38 0.91 10.53 5.11

Quantity Traded 500,276 33,661 1,000 100 250 500 535,787

Value of Shares (N) 4,212,017.70 962,060.70 1,320.00 91.00 2,502.50 2,430.00 5,180,421.90

Quotation(N) 0.50 3.32 3.82

Quantity Traded 315,400 649,589 450 965,439

Value of Shares (N) 157,700.00 2,164,809.39 1,633.50 2,324,142.89

Quantity Traded 20,000 9,716 6,140 35,856

Value of Shares (N) 10,000.00 12,825.12 18,972.60 41,797.72

Quotation(N) 1.99 7.22 7.21 43.50 6.11 1.04 39.30 28.00

Quantity Traded 122,364 21,890 20,890 665,328 100,000 5,201,151 204,734 64,434 6,400,791

Value of Shares (N) 243,504.36 150,165.40 143,096.50 28,964,765.52 611,000.00 5,320,724.56 8,026,456.20 1,801,219.48 45,260,932.02

Quotation(N) 2.66 50.82 0.50

Quantity Traded 101,155 3,965 138,500 243,620

Value of Shares (N) 258,271.75 197,603.84 69,250.00 525,125.59

Quantity Traded 26,795 101,000 127,795

Value of Shares (N) 60,588.89 54,540.00 115,128.89

Quotation(N) 45.00 19.15 16.00 10.90 85.00 4.00 5.10 43.25 402.00 24.70 0.50 0.65

Quantity Traded 4,901 766,581 389,820 2,594,327 137,091 134,905 305,633 47,647 126,690 27,495 55,100 190,450 4,780,640

Value of Shares (N) 227,072.25 14,837,769.02 6,237,120.00 28,233,337.25 11,678,401.10 538,271.55 1,537,325.96 1,968,300.39 51,048,939.60 664,108.69 27,550.00 123,792.50 117,121,988.31

Quotation(N) 5.31 1.00 1.94 25.09 3.88 1.47 0.50

Quantity Traded 162,763 173,180 221,760 40,232 176,074 182,050 2,586,000 3,542,059

Value of Shares (N) 863,751.53 176,235.00 409,306.60 965,337.05 679,098.82 267,613.50 1,293,000.00 4,654,342.50

Quantity Traded 2,234,895 1,023,500 3,258,395

Value of Shares (N) 14,551,231.95 1,494,310.00 16,045,541.95

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 5 6 15 AIR SERVICES

Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 45 49 AUTOMOBILE & TYRE

Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 10 13 23 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 179 43 62 39 47 101 557 25 660 34 64 80 41 128 30 25 272 128 16 47 323 2,901 BREWERIES

Company Name CHAMPION BREWERIES PLC GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC JOS INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 53 11 3 112 180

NSE marks down Niger Insurance, ABC for dividend, bonus

A

T the close of business yesterday, the Nige rian Stock Exchange (NSE) marked down the prices of two equities for dividend and bonus considerations as recommended by the board of the companies.

According to the corporate action recorded by the exchange yesterday, Niger Insurance gave a script of one new share for every ten already held, while ABC transport gave two kobo dividend to it shareholders.

However, the market returned to positive after the brief drop of Friday with the key indicators appreciating by 0.4 per cent each.

Market capitalisation improved by N27 billion to close at N7.650 trillion, while the All-Share-Index appreciated by 89.91 points to close at 23,916.90 points.

Specifically, investors traded 268.295 million shares worth N2.143 billion across 5,073 deals.

Banking, normally ranked as the dominance sector, recorded 180.051 mil-

No of Deals 66 15 38 34 153 CHEMICAL & PAINTS

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC I. P. W. A. PLC NIGERIAN-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 30 11 3 1 1 1 47 COMMERCIAL/SERVICES

Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 13 2 21

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name OMATEK VENTURES PLC THOMAS WYATT PLC TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 6 6 13

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.38 3.25

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC CHELLARAMS PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 2 5 86 1 157 32 36 323 CONSTRUCTION

Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 10 6 25

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 2 7

Quotation(N) 2.30 0.54

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 65 15 70 52 12 20 12 42 6 5 5 313 HEALTHCARE

Company Name EKOCORP PLC EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 9 17 8 21 9 7 77 HOTEL & TOURISM

Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 10 17

Quotation(N) 6.51 1.46

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 1 17 4 25

Quotation(N) 7.45 0.50 6.00 2.88

Quantity Traded 5,000 100,000 142,775 188,580 436,355

Value of Shares (N) 37,222.15 50,000.00 843,257.00 543,110.40 1,473,589.55

Quantity Traded 374,000 2,000 483,000 859,000

Value of Shares (N) 187,000.00 1,000.00 280,690.00 468,690.00

lion shares worth N1.639 billion in 2,901 deals.

This was distantly followed by the insurance sector with 46.462 million shares worth N30.657 million in 282 deals.

Other actively traded sectors were the conglomerates, packaging, food beverages and healthcare with 6.401 million shares, 5.754 million shares, 4.781 million share and 3.542 million shares respectively.

On the price movement table, NAHCO led the list of gainers with an increase of N0.35 or five per cent to close at N7.35.

The company yesterday notified the exchange of its interim dividend of 15 kobo and it’s expected to close its book to members on August 16-19, while payment date will be August 31, 2011.

Also, the company formally informed the exchange of its extra ordinary meeting (EGM) date of August 18, 2011, for its corpo-

No of Deals 4 1 13 18

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 0.58

No of Deals 2 79 7

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.69 1.10

12 16 13 1 5 3 3 1 3 10 6 7 3 21 18 6 9 13 7 9 4 1 19 4 282

0.50 2.76 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.44 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.50 0.50 1.69 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51

1,139,186 241,596 1,174,000 1,000 1,060,159 11,100 1,110,000 132,400 328,757 2,350,000 566,097 831,000 550,500 8,558,609 625,349 702,650 369,573 4,285,477 707,872 973,333 213,000 2,000 3,484,400 61,600 46,461,577

569,593.00 658,344.40 587,000.00 500.00 530,079.50 16,419.00 555,000.00 66,200.00 164,378.50 1,175,000.00 283,048.50 415,500.00 275,250.00 4,445,383.07 312,674.50 351,325.00 621,283.39 2,169,224.22 353,936.00 486,666.50 106,500.00 1,000.00 1,742,200.00 31,416.00 30,657,299.48

Quotation(N) 0.91

Quantity Traded 2,027,126 2,027,126

Value of Shares (N) 1,844,704.66 1,844,704.66

Quotation(N) 1.05

Quantity Traded 2,224,651 2,224,651

Value of Shares (N) 2,306,409.15 2,306,409.15

Quotation(N) 0.51 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,600 51,500 57,100

Value of Shares (N) 2,856.00 25,750.00 28,606.00

Quotation(N) 1.38 0.50 0.50 0.52

Quantity Traded 1,500 1,000 12,000 336,085 350,585

Value of Shares (N) 1,980.00 500.00 6,000.00 174,409.20 182,889.20

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.15 0.50

Quantity Traded 127,547 500 37,252 165,299

Value of Shares (N) 63,773.50 550.00 18,725.81 83,049.31

Quotation(N) 6.57 2.25 1.05 2.92

Quantity Traded 47,260 5,552,081 153,760 700 5,753,801

Value of Shares (N) 295,375.00 12,554,743.87 161,448.00 1,946.00 13,013,512.87

Quantity Traded 143,260 17,794 43,492 486,974 94,203 56,720 307,499 164,800 1,314,742

Value of Shares (N) 71,630.00 1,196,112.68 1,545,601.37 1,985,774.47 1,816,233.84 8,656,409.54 12,575,946.20 33,381,688.04 61,229,396.14

Quotation(N) 3.17 5.35 4.50

Quantity Traded 38,193 9,200 466,927 514,320

Value of Shares (N) 115,342.86 46,860.00 2,089,719.89 2,251,922.75

Quotation(N) 18.41

Quantity Traded 32,097 32,097

Value of Shares (N) 579,191.02 579,191.02

Quotation(N) 0.51

Quantity Traded 222,200 222,200

Value of Shares (N) 113,322.00 113,322.00

Quotation(N) 0.59

Quantity Traded 113,335 113,335

Value of Shares (N) 66,867.65 66,867.65

Quotation(N) 14.99

Quantity Traded 395,900 395,900

Value of Shares (N) 5,912,753.82 5,912,753.82

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 21 21 MARITIME

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 84 84

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 9 12

MEDIA

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 1 3 13 19

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 1 11 20 PACKAGING

Company Name AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS PLC. NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC POLY PRODUCTS (NIGERIA) PLC. STUDIO PRESS (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 133 3 2 139

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 7 22 37 15 22 69 26 206

Quotation(N) 0.50 67.22 36.01 4.28 19.28 157.50 40.50 203.32

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 7 30 41 REAL ESTATE

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 13 13

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4 TEXTILES

INSURANCE Company Name AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

‘Banking, normally ranked as the dominance sector, recorded 180.051 million shares worth N1.639 billion in 2,901 deals’

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 01-08-11 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANY PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC MASS TELECOM INNOVATION NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

rate bond issuance.

The Nation learnt that the EGM could be a prelude for a possible increment of the amount needed since it already has the shareholders approval to go to the market for bond issue for its various projects. This, operators said, is responsible for the gain recorded by the company.

Others on the gainers table were Eterna oil, UBA, Diamond Bank and Ecobank, while on the losers table, are SCOA, Starcomms, Redstarex, RTBricoe and Air service.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

By Tonia Osundolire

Quantity Traded 7,455 8,365,164 8,609,300

Value of Shares (N) 3,727.50 5,690,626.40 9,045,024.00

Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4 THE FOREIGN LISTINGS

Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 16 16

5,073

268,295,492

2,143,133,934.49

58

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NEWS

Four killed in soldiers, robbers shooting in Anambra

Three millionaires to emerge weekly in Star promo

T

HREE millionaires will emerge every week for seven weeks in the Star TV game show, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Jacco Van Der Linden has said.

Thirty consumers will win cash prizes every week, he added.

Linden said Star is rewarding loyal consumers of the beer brand, drawn from selected bars around the country.

Consumers are to ensure “they are caught drinking Star” and they stand a chance to be selected to participate in game show in Lagos.

This year’s edition will be broadcast on NTA network, AIT and DBN, Lagos. To encourage TV participation, it will feature a TV Trivia.

A question will be shown and viewers will text their answer to a short code. Correct answers will be entered into an electronic raffle draw. Winners will be rewarded with gifts.

Linden said: “This year, Star, Nigeria’s favourite beer, has again chosen to reward loyal consumers in the Star TV Game Show. That decision to drink Star beer may just earn you a mouth-watering sum of money.

“Consumers of Star nationwide should continue enjoying their favorite Star in their choice bars. There they stand a chance of participating in a lucky dip which may qualify them to compete in the Game Show, and afford them the opportunity of winning up to one million naira.”

Viju introduces new milk

L

OCAL manufacturer of milk and related products, Viju Industries Limited, has introduced a new milk product - pulp milk drink – into the Nigerian’ market.

The product which comes in three variants of apple, orange and pineapple, is said to be fortified with all the necessary vitamins necessary to enhance consumers’ wellbeing.

The company’s Marketing Manager, Sulaiman Aliyu, said the products launched at the last Kaduna and Enugu trade fairs, is the first of such products manufactured in the county.

He said the overwhelming acceptance of the product by consumers has encouraged the company to increase its production volume.

T was a bloody day in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday after a gang of armed robbers engaged some soldiers in a gun duel.

Two soldiers and two members of the gang were allegedly killed while others sustained injuries.

It was gathered that the hoodlums could not with-

I

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

stand the shooting power of the soldiers in the incident that occured at Nnobi junction.

Following the incident, members of the community now live in fear.

An eye-witness said of the incident: “the armed robbery gang had passed the

Nnobi junction and suspected that the soldiers were monitoring their movement which could render their mission impossible. They turned back and opened fire on the soldiers.

“But the soldiers responded and gunned down two of their members.The hoodlums equally killed two soldiers after the sporadic shooting.

Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Ibrahim, said the Anambra State Police Command and the army would carry out a mop up operation in the state.

He confirmed the death of the two members of the gang, adding that ammunition was recovered.

Following the incident, soldiers have been deployed in strategic areas in the state.

40 injured as taskforces clash in Onitsha

A

BOUT 40 people and two policemen were injured at the weekend in a clash between members of two Anambra State Taskforces.

According to an eyewitness, the clash which occurred at Upper Iweka , was between the Anambra State Traffic Agency (ASTA) and the Taskforce Against Street Trading ( Ndi Mpiawaazu).

Trouble started when the newly retrained ASTA allegedly raided the office of the Special Task Force against Street Trading.

According to a victim, who pleaded anonymity, ASTA raided the Ndi-Mpiwazu on the strength of a directive the Commissioner for Special Duties and Transport, Robert Okonkwo,that no other taskforce should operate in the state.

“When we got there, we

From Adimike George, Onitsha

did not know that they were fully prepared to attack us, they wielded dangerous weapons and swooped on us like hungry lions, they attacked us with bottles and machetes” he said.

But the Chairman of the taskforce, Ikonso

Onuora,said his men were rather attacked by the (ASTA), adding that they came to their office and attacked them.

He blamed ASTA for attacking his men,saying his men were over powered by (ASTA) because of their numerical strength.

But a source said ASTA lost about six vehicles, as Ndi

Mpiawaazu was said to have regrouped and attacked ASTA office at Bridgehead.

It was gathered that about 30 members of the NdiMpiawazu had been arrested by soldiers in connection with clash.

Police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident.

MASSOB expels 60 for extortion

T

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has expelled 60 of its members over extortion and antigroup activities.

MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, said in a statement in Onitsha yesterday, that the decision to expel the erring members

From Adimike George, Onitsha

was taken at the monthly meeting of the movement at Okwe in Onuimo Local Government of Imo State.

He said: “The 60 members were expelled because of antigroup activities and the use of MASSOB’s identity cards and flags to extort money from traders at Onitsha. They

conducted themselves as a taskforce to intimidate and kidnap traders and transporters who refused to pay them illegal levies.

“They used the name of MASSOB to impose monetary levies on oil dealers at Ose Nku ship post.

“After reviewing the illegal and criminal activities of this gang, MASSOB announced their expulsion.”

FOREIGN France hands Libya rebels $259m in unfrozen funds

Egyptian Army retakes Tahrir Square

E

GYPT’s army has violently retaken Cairo’s Tahrir Square from protesters, less than 48 hours before the former president Hosni Mubarak is to stand trial in the capital.

Armed riot police and soldiers fired into the air as tanks moved in on Tahrir, which has been occupied by demonstrators for more than three weeks. Witnesses said some protesters were taken away.

Activists accuse Egypt’s ruling military generals of dragging their feet on any meaningful reform in the country and warned that the revolution that toppled Mubarak earlier this year was in danger of being hijacked by conservative forces.

Eyewitnesses reported swarms of security personnel storming the square from several directions, smashing tents and stalls before dragging away some protesters into military detention. Egypt’s cabinet office said “thugs” had been arrested.

Some locals cheered as the sit-in was dispersed, highlighting a growing division over tactics at the heart of the protest movement. Around 30 of the political forces participating in the occupation had decided to suspend their involvement throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on Monday.

•President Goodluck Jonathan with visiting Cote D’Ivoire President Alhassan Quattara at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO:STATE HOUSE

T

25 Libyan migrants found on Italy-bound boat

HE bodies of 25 African migrants trying to reach Italy from Libya have been found in the hold of a boat so packed with people it was difficult for them to breathe.

Hundreds of migrants fleeing unrest and conflict in Libya and the Middle East and famine in the Horn of Africa are believed to have died since the beginning of the year in desperate journeys across the Mediterranean.

The Italian coastguard said the 50-foot boat was carrying

296 people, including women and children. Some were stowed in the hold, which also served as an engine room, according to the ANSA news agency. As the air became unbreathable from exhaust fumes some tried to escape but the boat was too packed for those standing above to move aside.

“From what they told us upon arrival there was no air

to breathe, apparently they were so crammed there was nowhere to go,” said Laura Boldrini, a spokeswoman in Italy for the UN High Commission for Refugees.

At least some of the migrants may have died from asphyxiation, she said.

Boldrini added that the desperate conditions apparently led to tension and scuffles on board as people struggled to survive. An in-

vestigation is under way.

Officials found the bodies – all young men – after boarding the boat a few miles off Lampedusa, the small island closer to north Africa than to the Italian mainland. One photograph in Italian newspapers showed the lifeless body of a man being pulled out of the boat by rescuers.

Survivors were taken ashore and moved to an immigrant shelter on the island.

All those who died are believed to be of sub-Saharan origin.

FRANCE said yesterday it was handing over $259 million in frozen Libyan funds to the country’s opposition and allowing the rebels’ new ambassador to use the country’s mothballed embassy in Paris.

The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the money — currently frozen in French banks — must be used for humanitarian purchases, in accordance with European law.

The announcements came after French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe’s meeting Monday with Mansour Seyf al-Nasr, the Libyan opposition’s new ambassador to Paris.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Al-Nasr said he would urge the NATO-led coalition to continue its air campaign against embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s forces through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that began yesterday.

France has been a top backer of the Benghazibased National Transitional Council rebels and has played a key role in NATO’s 4-month campaign mandated by the U.N. to protect civilians from a crackdown by Gadhafi’s forces on an uprising against his four-decade rule.

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http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY,AUGUST 2, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 6

NO.1,840

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘What, on its own merits, is potentially a substantial economic palliative for the broad spectrum of Nigerians ...has been turned into a looming Armageddon out of polished ignorance and petty resort to primordial sentiments.’

DELE AGEKAMEH

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F

ROM February through March of 2006, nothing filled me with so much dread as taking a telephone call from Nigeria, or from a fellow expatriate Nigerian in the United States.

My discomfiture stemmed from the speculations swirling that President Olusegun Obasanjo was angling to fix the Constitution so that he could seek a third term in office.

What had begun as an idle rumour quickly crystallised into policy. And it was pursued with a desperation that turned off many who would ordinarily have been prepared to examine the proposal on its merits.

When it was smothered in a procedural ambush in the National Assembly, Obasanjo said he had never contemplated such a thing in the first place.

Just five years later, Nigeria is almost back at the same conjuncture.

The aide says extending the tenure for presidents and governors from four to six years and limiting each incumbent to a single term was a product of President Goodluck Jonathan’s “painstaking study” (ha!) and “patriotic zeal,” and that Jonathan was set to send a Bill to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to that effect, in keeping with his agenda of transformation.

Not so, says the principal, before you could quip “transforwetin?” and before you could look up, just to be sure, what Ralph Waldo Emerson said of those who make patriotism their last refuge. The idea, he says, emerged from a committee on electoral reform that he had chaired as Vice President. He thought it had great merit, and was consulting major political actors about it when it “leaked.”

A large section of the attentive public had meanwhile framed the whole thing as a project of “tenure elongation.”

There is something insidious about that term, creepy even, compared with “third term” which sounds somewhat overreaching but does not provoke visceral antagonism. No wonder Jonathan moved with unusual swiftness to deny ownership, even while embracing its essence.

I have never met nor talked with Jonathan, not even through a proxy. So, I feel mightily relieved that I will not be bombarded with telephone calls from all kinds of persons seeking information about his thinking and intentions, as was the case during the “third term” debacle on account of my well-known friendship with Obasanjo – a relationship that goes back to the time when he was safely out of power and was in no danger of returning to it.

On account of that relationship, some people believed that if I was not actually one of the hidden promoters of the “third term” project, I must at least have endorsed it. And they badgered me day after day.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

From ‘third term’ to ‘tenure elongation’

•Dr. Jonathan

So, whenever the phone rang and I identified a Nigerian voice at the other end, I began to have that sinking feeling that the caller had nothing on his mind but the so-called “third term.”

The call usually began on a casual, even languid note, with “Bawo ni?” or “Hao nao?” But I had learned not to be fooled by such a gambit, nor by the preliminaries that followed, no matter how long-drawn.

Not a moment too soon, the caller got going.

The conversation usually went this sway: Caller: “How is Baba these days?”

Me: “Which Baba?” spoiling for an opening to play interrogator.

Caller: “Baba President. OBJ.” Me: “How would I know from this distance?”

Caller: “You haven’t talked with him lately?”

Me: “No.”

RIPPLES EBONYI DROPS NOMINEE OVER FAILURE TO RECITE NATIONAL ANTHEM-News

Tough question...tell him to spell EBONYI

A second invocation of that name was usually enough to dissuade the caller from pursuing this line of inquiry.

The conversation - such as it was - with the caller who opened with a “Hao nao?” usually took a somewhat different tack.

Caller: “When did you last talk with him?

Me: “Sometime in August 2002. Why don’t you direct your questions to Femi FaniKayode?”

Caller: “Ah! “He will curse the daylight out of me” Me: “No, he won’t. As a born-again Christian and an ordained deacon, he doesn’t curse. And if you are only asking after Baba’s health and not dabbling into the great issues of state, he will thank you for your interest in Baba and praise you for your patriotism. He might even pencil you down for a major federal appointment.”

Caller: “I want nothing to do with the fellow.

Anyway, sha, this third term thing na wah o.”

Me: “There is no third term in my school.

We operate a semester system, not a quarter system.”

Caller: “Why don’t you quit stalling? You know that’s not what I am talking about.”

Me: “What are you talking about then?”

Caller: “The plan to amend the Constitution by hook and crook so that Baba and his governors can continue to hold office for another term of four years or even longer.”

Me: “I too have read about it in the papers,” Caller: “Does Baba think he can pull it off?”

Me: “Pull what off?”

Caller: “This third-term plot.”

Me: “From all that I have read and heard, Baba has not said he is interested in a third term.”

Caller: “If he is not interested, why hasn’t he come out straight to say so and thus put an end to all the terrible things people have been saying bout him?”

Me: “I can’t speak for Baba. You really must ask Chief Fani-Kayode. I can give you his phone number.”

HARDBALL

W

HILE the United Nations is frantically searching for about $2.5 billion to tackle the effects of the famine ravaging the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea), the African Union, which should be more concerned than any other organisation with the human and political catastrophe in that region, is perhaps too preoccupied with the mini disasters in some other parts of the continent and too numbed by the weight of the challenges it faces to lift a finger. But it wasn’t just wars and political conflicts that have destabilised the Horn, their regressive and comatose economies have now engendered a debilitating famine that is now threatening the lives of about 10 million to 15 million people. Somalia is worst hit; but Kenya and Ethiopia also have large swathes of territories ravaged by food shortages.

Since Somalia lost the ability to govern itself 20 years ago as a result of civil war, it was all but inevitable that the country would continue to experience recurrent famine. For a country that is virtually culturally and religiously homogenous, it must amaze observers that Somalia has been unable to overcome its differences and unite for the common cause of promoting the well-being of its people.

Somalia has a population of about 10 million

The shame of Africa people. More than 85 percent of them are ethnic Somali and Sunni who speak both the mother tongue and Arabic. If African countries are capable of learning lessons from the tragedies of their neighbours, they will appreciate that homogenous existence does not in itself guarantee stability, national cohesion and economic development.

Siad Barre’s regime, which was the last Somalia had, was tyrannical. But its successor clan autocracies, including the alQaeda affiliate and militia terror group, alShabab, are even more irrationally, retrogressively and vengefully tyrannical.

Somali militias have between them strangulated the economy and rendered the country completely ungovernable even in the foreseeable future. Whatever food aid programme the world will embark on will, therefore, be a temporary solution. As the world is gearing up to tackle the food challenge in the Horn of Africa, Nigeria and

Caller: “Nna, this third-term thing is now spreading like bush fire. What’s the latest?”

Me: “My brother, this avian ’flu is a really terrible thing,” I would reply. “Just imagine, our people can’t even eat ordinary chicken again. Our poultry farmers are finished.

Hundreds of thousands of birds dead. And now there is the fear that humans may be afflicted too. It is really terrible.”

Caller: “Na so we see am o,” my brother. Very depressing. But let us talk about Obasanjo’s third-term plot.”

Me: “Alleged plot.”

Caller: “Alleged, my foot,” aspirating with a vehemence that almost blew out my eardrum. “Your Yoruba people have endorsed it. Are you saying they endorsed a mere allegation?”

Me: “It’s the governors of the Yorubaspeaking states that endorsed it. The SouthSouth, South-East, and North-North governors have endorsed it too, more or less. Even Ohanaeze has embraced it. And it cannot be long before the Arewa people follow suit.

Senator Ibrahim Mantu, who coordinated consultations across the country, says everywhere he went, he found a strong national consensus favouring a third, and possibly a fourth term.

Caller: “The whole thing began like a crazy joke. And now, it looks as if they just might pull it off, like this is some banana republic.

How did they do it?”

Me: “You must ask Andy Uba.” Caller: “That spectral fellow?”

Me: “Then ask Anenih. Chief Tony Anenih.”

Caller: “The Fixer?”

Me: “The same. “Would you like to have his GSM number?”

At this point, the line usually went dead, my caller having terminated the conversation the moment I invoked that dreaded name.

All this happened n the twilight of Obasanjo’s second term. From that point until he left office, he accomplished little.

Fortunately, he could point to a raft of solid achievements during his first term.

In contrast, Dr Jonathan’s “tenureelongation” controversy broke at the very start of his first term, when he has not found his feet or rhythm. If he insists on pursuing the scheme, it will consume his presidency.

Whether he stands to profit from it or not will make no difference.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above other African countries must rise up to be counted. But the more realistic long term measure to deal with the recurring tragedies in those countries is for the AU to become more practical and serious in dealing with the instability in the region. Without stability, there will always be food shortage, and that shortage will be aggravated every time there is climatic adversity such as many parts of the world are witnessing.

It is of course shameful that many African countries depend on Europe, America, and even sometimes Asia for help almost on a permanent basis. Yet, because of the continent’s good climate and arable land, its people have no reason to be hungry. Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth.

It should naturally provide leadership for the continent and help its governments to address the factors that predispose them to disunity. Unfortunately, Nigeria is also ranked high among states likely to fail for reasons that are not too different from the factors that destroyed Somalia. If Africa does not put an end to poor leadership, unending conflicts and tragic food crisis, there is no way the continent can compete with the rest of the world or put an end to the shame it feels anytime its stories make headlines.

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