THE NATION, August 05, 2014 by The Nation

$1b boost for gas supply NEWS

Page 4

•Power generation in focus

Newspaper of the Year

News Ag. governor appoints 50 advisers P61 Sports Ideye gets UK visa, work permit P24 Business Two firms to bid for NITEL-MTEL P11

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2928 TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

OSUN 2014

Boko Haram: Amnesty Int’l accuses troops of killing 600 From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

HE military was under fire yesterday, with Amnesty International (AI) accusing troops of extra-judicial killing of over 600 in the Northeast, especially Maiduguri and Bama. The AI also said it was in possession of video footage, imand testimonies to back up its claim. SEE ages The rights organisation also indicted the miliALSO tary for the killing of 33 people, including the chilPAGES dren of the Shiite cleric, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, durContinued on page 4

•Prince Oyinlola

N150.00

•’Rigging election ’ll backfire for democracy’ •APC: 500,000 voter cards cloned • AND MORE ON PAGE 7 •Minister says PDP on course •APC relocates to state

Oyinlola dumps PDP for APC

•DHQ rejects report

2&3

•www.thenationonlineng.net

CRACKDOWN on Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders may have started, the party said yesterday. It said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government, which vowed to militarise the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, had started acting out its plan, with the arrest of Hon. Wale Oke. Also yesterday, it was learnt that former Governor Olagun-

•Crackdown on party chiefs ‘begins’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

soye Oyinlola would defect to the APC from the PDP today at a mega rally in Osogbo, the state capital. Prince Oyinlola wrote last week to President Goodluck Jonathan about his plan to “think seriously about my political journey and take a firm decision”. “I’m not wanted by the

National Leader (President Goodluck Jonathan) of the party (PDP),” he wrote, adding that he was eased out of the PDP national secretary’s seat, despite a court order that he remained the party’s national secretary. The APC said: “Hon. Yemi Oke, a leader of APC in Obokun Local Government, Continued on page 4

Nigerian doctor contracts Ebola after treating patient

•SEE ALSO PAGES 8&10

Test results on eight others expected Death toll now 887 From Vincent Ikuomola, Faith Yahaya, Abuja and Wale Adepoju

NIGERIAN has tested positive to the deadly Ebola virus, the government announced yesterday. A woman doctor – one of the eight who had “primary” contact with Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer who died of the virus in Lagos on July 25 - is down with the virus, a test has confirmed. Sawyer, who flew into Lagos on July 20 to attend an international conference in Calabar, Cross River State, took ill aboard an ASKY Airline flight from Lome, Togo and was taken to the First Foundation Hospital, Obalende, Lagos Island where he was admitted. He died five days later. Tests confirmed that he was struck by Ebola, which is ravaging his country Liberia, neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said yesterday that the death toll from the virus had hit 887. Besides the doctor, three others have been tested for the virus, according to Health Minister Prof. Chukwu Onyebuchi, who spoke in

Abuja. “Three others who participated in that treatment who are currently symptomatic have had their samWHERE ARE ples taken and, hopefully, THE CHIBOK by the end of today we should have the results of GIRLS KIDNAPPED their own tests,” Chukwu ON APRIL 15? Continued on page 4

•Health officials wait to screen passengers at the arrival hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos…yesterday.

‘

PHOTO: AP

So, two cases so far. One is dead and one is alive...By the end of today, eight of those who have had contacts are under quarantine. So far, we have 70 persons on surveillance. By this afternoon, we should have the result of those under quarantine

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•PROPERTY P14 •TRANSPORTATION P16 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •ENERGY P47

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS

Amnesty: JTF

•Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire(left), Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry, Lagos, Seye Oladejo (second left), Group Managing Director, Ruff "N" Tumble, Nike Adelusi and Chief Executive officer, Auldon Toys Limited, Paul Orajiaka (right) during the 2nd Lagos Enterprise Day in Lagos.

There have been concerns about how the Joint Task Force (JTF) is carrying out the task of curtailing the Boko Haram insurgency. Allegations of human rights violations have been rife. Amnesty International, in a report issued yesterday, says it has evidence that the military is committing gruesome murder

G •From right: Brand Manager, Hot Robb PZ Cussons Ltd, Mr. Aro Olalekan, Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons Ltd, Mr. Charles Nnochiri, third to left Dr. Sekinat Adebukola with the company's Regional Sales Manager West, Mr. Oni Bashiru during the Hot Robb Activation at new Gbaji market in Ibadan... at the weekend.

•Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu ( middle) speaking at the Stakeholders' Forum on Mobile Phones Brand Owners in Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday. With him are (from right) Head, Inspectorate and Compliance, Bede Obayi, Head of Department, Trade, Mrs Oluremi Ayeni and Director, Special Duties, George Okere and Consumers Protection Council Scientific Officer, Umego Adaora.

•From left: Public Relations Manager, StarTimes, Mr. Irete Anetor, Beloved essay winner and student of Divine steps College Lagos, Ms. Chuks Udoh, essay winner and student of Landmark University, Mr. Okpata Daniel, another essay winner and student of Light House International School Lagos,I feoluwa Awodesu and Head, Business Development, R-Wells Media Limited, Michael Lestat during the prize presentation to winners of StarTimes Digital Migration and Me in Lagos.

RUESOME video footage, images and testimonies gathered by Amnesty International provide fresh evidence of extrajudicial executions and other serious human rights violations being carried out in north-eastern Nigeria as the fight by the military against Boko Haram and other armed groups intensifies. The footage, obtained from numerous sources during a recent trip to Borno State, reveals graphic evidence of multiple war crimes being carried out in Nigeria. It includes horrific images of detainees having their throats slit one by one and dumped in mass graves by men who appear to be members of the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), statesponsored militias. It also shows the aftermath of a Boko Haram raid on a village that resulted in almost 100 deaths and destruction on a massive scale. This shocking new evidence is further proof of the appalling disregard for humanity in north-eastern Nigeria, where war crimes are being committed with abandon by all sides in the conflict. What does it say about a country when members of its military carry out such unspeakable acts and then deliberately capture the images on film, said Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s Secretary General. These are not the images we expect from a country which sees itself as having a leadership role in Africa. The ghastly images are made worse by the numerous testimonies we have gathered which suggest that extrajudicial executions are, in fact, regularly carried out by the Nigerian military and CJTF. More than 4,000 people have been killed by all sides in the conflict during armed attacks this year alone. Civilians who are not directly participating in hostilities make up the majority of this death toll. In recent months, the conflict has intensified in north-eastern Nigeria, spreading to smaller towns and villages which are now increasingly on the front line. In July 2014 Damboa in Borno state became the first town to fall officially under the control of Boko Haram since President Goodluck Jonathan declared the State of Emergency in May 2013. The heavy-handed behaviour of

• A file photogragh of JTF men in Borno

‘

The footage, obtained from numerous sources during a recent trip to Borno State, reveals graphic evidence of multiple war crimes being carried out in Nigeria. It includes horrific images of detainees having their throats slit one by one and dumped in mass graves by men who appear to be members of the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force

‘

the military also caused shock waves in Kaduna state in July. A fatal crackdown was carried out in response to a peaceful protest by the Shiite Zakzaky sect in Zaria. Thirtythree people were killed, including two children; 12 were killed while held in detention. Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the military stops committing human rights violations. All reports of extrajudicial executions and other war crimes and serious violations must be investigated promptly, thoroughly, independently and impartially, with those responsible; up the entire chain of command brought to justice. Members of Boko Haram and other armed groups are responsible for a huge number of heinous crimes like the abduction of the schoolgirls in Chibok more than three months ago but the military are supposed to defend people, not to carry out further abuses themselves, said Salil Shetty. A state of emergency must not give way to a state of lawlessness. Sadly, the same communities are now being terrorised in turn by Boko Haram and the military alike.

Grisly extrajudicial executions The footage obtained by Amnesty International includes a gruesome incident that took place near Maiduguri, the Borno state capital,

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 20134

NEWS

F behind extra-judicial killings

•A file photogragh of Civilian JTF

on 14 March 2014. It shows what appear to be members of the Nigerian military and CJTF using a blade to slit the throats of a series of detainees, before dumping them into an open mass grave. The video shows 16 young men and boys seated in a line. One by one, they are called forward and told to lie down in front of the pit. Five of them are killed in this way; the fate of the remaining detainees is not shown on video, but eyewitness accounts confirmed that nine of them had their throats cut while the others were shot to death. Additional footage featuring some of the same perpetrators, taken earlier that day at the same location, shows two detainees digging a grave under armed guard before the killing is carried out. One is told to lie down in front of the pit, where his legs and head are held by what seems to be CJTF members. The individual who appears to be the commander of the group puts his right foot on the man’s side, raises his knife, kisses it and shouts and cuts the throat of the restrained young man. All other military and CJTF shout: “Yes oga (boss), kill him.” Amnesty International spoke to several military sources who independently confirmed that the armed captors in the video were indeed military personnel, and according to two credible sources, they may be part of the 81 Battalion, which is based in Borno State. No buildings, roads or other infrastructure can be seen in the video

but the noise of cars confirms that it is near a road. Several of the armed captors are wearing military uniforms, one of which has the words “Borno State Operation Flush” emblazoned on the front. The ID number on one of the guns is also clearly identifiable. Eyewitnesses also confirmed to Amnesty International that the videos were taken on 14 March 2014, the day of Boko Haram’s attack on the military detention centre in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri. Boko Haram forces reportedly released their members and told all other detainees to either join them or go home. After Boko Haram had left the town, more than 600 people, mostly recaptured detainees, were extrajudicially executed in various locations across Maiduguri. The detainees in the video were rearrested by the CJTF in Giddari Polo, near the Barracks, where various sources have confirmed that a number of them were shot and killed by soldiers after being handed over to the military. The military then took the corpses and the detainees to a location outside Maiduguri, near Giddari where the executions are reported to have been carried out.

Military roundups in Bama Further video evidence obtained by Amnesty International reveals atrocities carried out in Bama, a town 70km south-east of Maiduguri. Bama is one of the many communities that has been a focal point of the violence over the past two years. It has frequently been targeted in

armed raids by Boko Haram and has also been singled out at least twice by the Nigerian military for mass arbitrary arrests of people whom they allege are Boko Haram members. Residents told Amnesty International about a operation which took place on 23 July 2013. Scores of Nigerian military and CJTF from Maiduguri arrived in the central market around 11am and told all the adult men to gather in one area and take off their clothes. According to eyewitnesses, the men were then lined up and, one by one, told to close their eyes as they were pushed in front of a man seated in a vehicle. The man then indicated left or right. Up to 35 men who were sent to the left were alleged to be Boko Haram members. The remaining 300 or so were sent to the right, deemed to be innocent. The video evidence obtained by Amnesty International corroborates multiple eyewitness accounts of what happened next. The Nigerian military and CJTF members ordered those alleged to be Boko Haram members to lie down side by side on the ground, and then beat them with sticks and machetes. One eyewitness told Amnesty International the military officials shouted: “You have to beat, even kill these; they are Boko Haram.” The footage shows how during this operation, the military and CJTF fired celebratory shots in the air. Up to 35 detainees were then loaded onto a single military vehicle and taken away to the local military

PHOTOS: AFP

barracks in Bama. Several days later, on the afternoon of 29 July, military personnel took the men out of the barracks and brought them to their communities, where they shot them dead, several at a time, before dumping their corpses. One local resident told Amnesty International how the gunshots rang out from around 2pm into the evening as soldiers shot and deposited the bodies in different places around the town. A relative of one of the extra-judicially executed men described the aftermath: “At that time everyone was aware that these people (had been) killed, (and) started running to look. We found (our relative) near Bama bridge. Plenty of people were with us. They (had) shot five of them (in that location alone). There were five bodies including (my relative). He had a bullet hole in his chest and no clothes, only trousers. We took the body and buried it. There is no death certificate; Bama hospital is not functioning. There is no place to complain; the town has restricted movement. Everybody left what happened to God.

Deadly Boko Haram raid Like many other communities in north-eastern Nigeria, Bama’s residents have been living in constant fear of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups. These are sometimes believed to be in retaliation for what the armed groups deem to be the local residents; cooperation with the Nigerian military. Many of the attacks are met

with little resistance by the military. Boko Haram staged its most deadly assault on the town over the course of several hours early in the morning of 19 February 2014, which locals report left almost 100 people dead and more than 200 injured. Improvised explosive devices and grenades were used to destroy huge swathes of the town. The insurgents had a field day, killing, burning and demolishing, one Bama resident told Amnesty International. Video footage taken in the aftermath of the attack shows the charred remains of numerous cars and buildings, including fire damage to the top floor of the local Emir’s palace. Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that schools and other administrative buildings were also bombed or torched, and more than 100 residents’ vehicles were destroyed. The footage from the aftermath shows scores of corpses wrapped for burial. Amnesty International is calling for an immediate, independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the pattern of serious and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that is emerging in north-eastern Nigeria. The Nigerian government must publicly condemn such acts, including reports of arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detention, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, and extrajudicial executions carried out by the Nigerian military.

Okogie faults search for Chibok girls

HE Federal Government’s search for the Chibok girls is “more of a talk show”. “It is over 100 days now that our over 200 children, God’s special gifts to humanity have been abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents,” Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos Anthony Cardinal Okogie said in a statement yesterday. “Unfortunately, the search for these schoolchildren in captivity is more of a talk show and trading of blames than real action,” he said. On April 14, Boko Haram militants abducted 276 schoolgirls in Borno State’s town of Chibok, according to official accounts. Boko Haram kingpin Abubakar Shekau later claimed responsibility for the abductions, offering to trade the kidnapped girls in return for some of his fighters held by Nigerian authorities. Cardinal Okogie, one of Nigeria’s most

respected priests, faulted a decision by the Nigerian president to allow foreign military strategists and troops into the country. “The father of this state opened Nigeria to the comity of nations on the pretext of helping to rescue the children from captivity. With this decision, is our country still well-secured?” he queried. The archbishop’s position is in harmony with many Nigerian intellectuals who had warned that allowing western military troops to set feet in the country poses security risks. Cardinal Okogie also expressed doubts on the president’s request for $1 billion foreign loan to fight the insurgency in the northeast. “Some people are even insinuating that the president’s request could be in preparation for the 2015 elections,” he said. “On our part too, we are asking for the concrete explanation and the rationale for

this loan at this critical period,” added the revered priest. “Our military personnel need to be well mobilized before emphasizing on the hardware. No hungry and angry military can fight any war,” Cardinal Okogie said. The Nigerian parliament has gone on recess, and no indication the lawmakers would call off their holiday, ending in September, to consider the president’s request. Northeastern Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states have been under emergency rule since May of last year. Tens of thousands have died since Boko Haram launched its violent campaign in 2009 following the extrajudicial murder of its leader Mohammed Yusuf in police custody. The group has also been blamed the destruction of public infrastructure, private businesses and displacement of at least six million Nigerians.

•Cardinal Okogie

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Boko Haram: Amnesty accuses military of killing 600 Continued from page 1

ing a procession last week in Zaria. It demanded impartial and independent probe of extra-judicial executions in the country. But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday faulted the findings of the AI. The AI gave its verdict in a statement in Abuja on what ap-

peared about a four-month survey of the North East. The statement said: “Gruesome video footage, images and testimonies gathered by Amnesty International provide fresh evidence of war crimes, including extrajudicial executions, and other serious human rights violations being carried out in North-Eastern Nigeria as Continued on page 4

Oyinlola dumps PDP for APC Continued from page 1

•Minister of Works Mike Onolememen Presenting 60th Birthday Card to Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) at the Presidential Villa, PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN Abuja...yesterday.

Nigerian doctor contracts Ebola after treating patient Continued from page 1

said. The emergence of a second case raised serious concerns

about the infection control practices that were used while Sawyer was in Nigeria. It raised the specter that more cases could emerge. It can take up to 21 days after exposure to the virus for symptoms to appear. They include fever, sore throat, muscle pains and headache. Often more debilitating symptoms appear shortly thereafter. Nigeria is the fourth country to report Ebola cases after Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The minister said 70 people who had contact with the Liberian are under surveillance. Eight are already under quarantine. The minister added: “Earlier last week, two people with the symptoms were tested and they were negative but there were others whose samples have been taken and among them, the second case is one of them and it has been proven to be Ebola Virus Disease. “By the weekend, there were others who also participated in attending to that particular pa-

tient and these people who did not have symptoms at the time we addressed you, developed symptoms over the weekend and as at today, we have the test of those health personnel who have now become Ebola Positive and it is being treated as such. “As I speak, three others who participated in that treatment who are currently symptomatic had their samples taken and hopefully by the end of today (yesterday), we will have the result of their own tests. “So, two cases so far. One is dead and one is alive and he is being managed as a case of Ebola Virus Disease. The other issue now is that by the end of today, eight of those who have had contacts are under quarantine. So far, we have 70 persons on surveillance. By this afternoon, we should have the result of those under quarantine and anybody that becomes symptomatic is immediately quarantined. They are using the isolation ward as provided by the Lagos State government for the purpose of treating the disease.” The minister said the 70 do not include the patient who died. Once you have fever and

you had contact, we quarantine you. It is when we quarantine you that we will take samples to examine whether it is Ebola Virus Disease or not,” he said. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, at a joint briefing by the Federal Government and the Lagos State government at the Central Public Health Laboratory Services, Yaba, confirmed that the doctor who showed the symptoms, is a woman. He dismissed the rumour that two doctors had died as a result of their contact with the late Sawyer. The Ebola-positive doctor is being managed by a combined team of local and international experts, he explained. Idris said the government would not reveal the identity of the doctor because it is “unethical” to do so. The commissioner urged to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its strike, which entered 35 days yesterday. The Project Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Prof Abdulsalami Nasidi, and top officials of the World Health Organisation

(WHO) and the Red Cross Society attended the briefing. The WHO said the 887 death toll is the worst record of outbreak of Ebola. That is an increase of 158 since the global health body released figures on July 31. WHO said in a statement yesterday that there were more than 1,600 cases of Ebola since the disease emerged in Guinea earlier this year. According to WHO, there were 358 deaths in Guinea, 255 deaths in Liberia, 273 deaths in Sierra Leone and one in Nigeria The United States plans to send 50 health experts to West Africa to help contain the outbreak. “This is the biggest and most complex Ebola outbreak in history,” Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement. “It will take many months, and it won’t be easy, but Ebola can be stopped. We know what needs to be done. CDC is surging our response, sending 50 additional disease control experts to the region in the Continued on page 59

was arrested by ‘Special Forces’ from Abuja, led by local PDP leaders at about 2.30 am today (yesterday). “The ‘Special Forces’ had earlier in the night visited his IlareIjesa home to arrest him but he was not found. “The PDP leaders then led the Special Forces to his Osogbo residence where he was picked up and hounded into detention. At the release of this statement, the fate of Hon. Oke remains unknown while no security agency has explained the reason for his arrest and detention.” In another statement, Osun

APC spokesman Kunle Oyatomi alleged that security forces had started a planned lock-down of Osogbo, to prevent crowds of supporters from attending the APC’s rally slated for today. “Road blocks and checkpoints have been mounted on all roads leading to Osogbo from within and outside the state, causing traffic bottlenecks and logjams. This will also increase in intensity between today and tomorrow,” he said. It was gathered yesterday that Oyinlola would defect to the APC with his supporters. Sources said the former govContinued on page 59

Govt gives $1b to boost gas supply

AS supply has got a $1billion boost, in the country, with the Federal Government approving the cash for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). It is all in a bid to push up electricity generation. NDPHC Managing Director James Olotu broke the news at the end of a meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja. He noted that there was still a shortfall in the gas sector despite the concerted efforts by the government to address the issue. He said: “The board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company therefore met Friday and looked at additional strategies in which government again can move the sector forward. One of such strategies is to commit some funds out of

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

the expectations from the sale of power holding companies towards partnering with the private sector again in developing some hollow walls, identified certain portions where they have been proven gas availability. “This programme promises to unlock gas from these locations within a short time and then complement efforts currently being done by the Petroleum Ministry to ensure that we close the gap between gas requirement and gas supply. The sum of $1 billion out of the funds of NDPHC is being put on the ground to support this iniative and this will involve a lot of private sector investors who will be willing to partner and get this gas supply enhanced.”

Al-Makura at panel: I’ve done no wrong

OVERNOR Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has dismissed as spurious and unfounded the 16-count allegations of misconduct levelled against him by the House of Assembly. Besides, his lawyers have urged the panel probing the allegations to “enter a notice of dismissal of the impeachment notice served on the governor for want of proof”. Al-Makura, who appeared yesterday before the sevenman panel constituted by the Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, said appearing in person before the panel was to set the records straight and in line with his respect for the rule of law and the constitution. The governor, who arrived at the premises of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs at about 10am amist tight security looked calm. As soon as he was introduced to make his defence, Al-Makura told the panel headed by Yusuf Shehu Usman, that he had done nothing wrong. He noted that he was yet to be served any notice by the assembly. Said Al-Makura:” I must state, Mr Chairman, and panel members that making this ap-

Governor heads for court to challenge impeachment notice

ASARAWA State Governor Tanko Al-Makura has sued the state’s House of Assembly and its 24 members, challenging the competence of the notice of impeachment issued against him by the lawmakers. The governor, in a suit he filed before the state’s High Court, Lafia, seeks the interpretation and enforcement of sections 36(1) and 188(1)(2)(3)(4) and (5) of the Constitution. Al-Makura, in the suit filed for him by his lawyer, Udechukwu Udechukwu (SAN), leading Funke Aboyade (SAN) and seven others, argued that the lawmakers’ failure to serve him the notice of impeachment, as required by the Constitution, rendered the purported impeachment notice a nullity. According to a supporting affidavit deposed to by the governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, the governor made unFrom Blessing Olaifa, Lafia

pearance in person and for the records, I want to say I was not served any notice by the House of Assembly. I am appearing in response to the hearing notice served on me by the panel and my appearance is to defend myself and clear my name against these spurious and unfounded allegations made against me. “I intend to defend myself during the proceedings . I have already prepared my defence

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

successful efforts to obtain the impeachment notice when the House of Assembly failed to serve him as required by the Constitution. The governor, in the court processes made available to The Nation in Abuja yesterday, urged the court to either quash or set aside the impeachment notice allegedly issued by the House of Assembly. He asked the court to declare that the notice of impeachment published on July 17th, 2014 by the clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly was unconstitutional or invalid within the meaning of section 188 (2) of the constitution. Al-Makura is seeking a declaration that the notice was not served on him- in line with sections 36(1) , 188(2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution and, therefore, he was not obliged to respond to it.

and I have been informed by my counsel that it has been prepared and filed accordingly.” Al-Makura also hinted that those who accused him of misconduct not only erred in the ways and manner they pursued their goals but violated the constitution. “What this panel is doing today is a call to duty in compliance with the constitution of Nigeria. The activities and result of this panel’s proceeding will determine the wellbeing of

He wants the court to declare that having regard to the provisions of sections 36(1) and 188(1)-(9) of the constitution, the lawmakers have no authority to issue the notice of impeachment dated July 14th, 2014 wherein they purported to have found the plaintiff guilty of gross misconduct, even before any inquiry into the allegations made by them when no notice of allegations was served on him. It is also the governor’s prayer that the court hold that the publication “of a purported notice of impeachment dated July 14th, 2014 by the Clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in the Daily Trust newspaper of July 17th, 2014, or any other newspapers cannot amount to service of the same on the governor of Nasarawa State within the context of Section 188 (2) of the constitution.” The case is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.

the state. I pray that God guides the panel to do what is right for the people of the state, the constitution and the country,” Al-Makura said. However, shortly after the governor’s remarks, his counsel, led by U. N. Udechukwu (SAN), pleaded with the panel to allow the governor take his leave. He drew the attention of the panel to the absence of members of the Assembly before the panel and the fact that there was no representa-

tive as a disservice to the constitution and the state. Usman said the panel did not anticipate a situation where either of the parties would not appear before it, noting that the case had to be stood down for some minutes for members to consider the situation. By the time the panel resumed sitting at about 11.27am, Udechukwu argued for the dismissal of the impeachment notice served on the governor by the House, insisting that it was

•Al-Makura

evident by the lawmakers’ failure to appear before the panel that they had no proof of the allegations. Accordinng to Udechukwu, who led eight other lawyers, the allegations against the governor cannot be sustained by any proof from the lawmakers. He said the panel even though had three months to conduct its assignment, was not time bound to wait for the lawmakers before calling it a day. He urged the panel to dismiss the impeachment notice for want of proof from the lawmakers.

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THE NATION TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS Fed Govt not involved in Kaduna bombings, says acting IGP From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

CTING Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba has said police investigators on the July 23 twin bombings in Kaduna indicated that the Federal Government has no hand in the attacks. A former Head of State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, was said to be the target of one of the attacks. He escaped by the whiskers. His convoy, including the vehicle he was travelling in, was badly damaged by the blasts. Critics of the government, including the leadership of the APC, accused the Federal Government of alleged complicity in the attempt on Gen. Buhari’s life. But Abba dismissed the claims. The acting police chief explained that although a suspect was being held in connection with the blasts, there was no indication that the Federal Government was involved in the attacks. Abba said: “A competent team of police investigators, including forensic experts, visited the scene of the blasts. The investigators also visited the victims of the blasts in hospi- • Acting IGP Abba (left), showing police code of conduct at a meeting with senior police officers in Abuja...yesterday. With him are: Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Mr Mamman Tsafe (middle) and AIG, Intelligence Bureau, Mr tals and the mortuaries. PHOTO:NAN “They met with witnesses, including the highly respected Solomon Arase. General Buhari and his aides, who were with him on the day of the incident. But the report of the investigation absolved the Federal Government of any complicity in the attacks.” The new police helmsman spoke yesterday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja at his first meeting with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police from the 36 states. On Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, the poHE United States-AfBy Adebisi Onanuga rica, in an open letter on Au- lawyer disagreed with the lice chief assured the parties and other stakeholders that arrica Leaders Summit gust 1 by Pamela Timburwa issues tabled by the civil so“Civil Society Forum” at the rangements had been concluded to ensure the security of life opened yesterday in and addressed to the U.S. and cieties before U.S. and Heads National Academy of Sciences and property and integrity of the poll. Washington, D.C. and will Heads of African State and of African State and Governto discuss the role of civil sociAbba said: “Arrangements are on ground for adequate se- end tomorrow. Governments, urged the lead- ments. ety in Africa. curity for the election. We only need to make a few adjustBringing together nearly 50 ers “to ensure that serious conThe activist said the letter In his opening remarks, ments here and there. An advance team of officers and men leaders from across Africa, it sideration is given and firm was silent on the economic Kerry said the summit seeks have been on ground in Osun since last Saturday. We are is being hailed by the White commitments are made to en- system in the 54 memberto support the “empowerment going to deploy another team on Wednesday (tomorrow) to House as “the largest event sure an enabling environment states in Africa. of people, through their govjoin the personnel on ground.” any U.S. President has held for the participation of civil soHe said the African Union ernment, through their civil with African heads of state and ciety, women and youth in (AU) and the regional ecosociety” and noted that “we government”. Africa’s development”. nomic groupings had not adneed to invest in relationships Ben Rhodes, the White The 15 CSOs include Action dressed the empowerment of with not just those who are in House Deputy National Secufor Southern Africa (ACTSA), Africans, adding that withcharge today, but those who rity Adviser for Strategic Human Rights Watch, Interna- out addressing unemployare pushing for change”. Communications, spoke durtional Commission of Jurists ment, poverty and insecurity, ready weak health systems in HE World Bank yesLagos lawyer Mr. Femi ing a teleconference on the ra(ICJ), Africa Regional Pro- majority of Africans cannot the three countries,” World terday announced Falana has urged African Heads tionale for hosting the U.S.gram, International Federa- enjoy any human right. Bank President Jim Yong up to $200 million in of State and Governments to Africa Leaders Summit. tion for Human Rights (FIDH), Falana said: “Africa must emergency assistance to help Kim said in a statement. challenge the alleged manipuHe said: “We chose to do Lawyers for Human Rights, challenge the manipulation The global bank said its Liberia, Sierra Leone and lation of the continent’s this summit to send a very Regional office; Liga of the economy of the contiGuinea, to contain the spread money would go toward economy by the International clear signal that we are elevatMoçambicana dos Direitos nent by the IMF and the medical supplies, salaries for of the deadly Ebola virus. Monetary Fund (IMF) and the ing our engagement with AfHumanos (LDH), World Banký. The lower inThe funding will also help medical workers and to help World Bank as a summit of the rica. We see enormous opMozambique, Liga Guineense terest rates in the West and those countries to improve communities dealing with United States (U.S) and African portunities in Africa as it condos Direitos Humanos the very high interest rates their public health systems the financial hardship caused leaders opened in Washington, tinues to advance its eco(LGDH), Guinea Bissau. in Africa, being endorsed by and cope with the epidemic’s by the virus. DC, this week. nomic development and conOthers are: Open Society Ini- the Bretton Wood instituRural workers in the three economic impact, the WashAmerican President Barack tinues to develop capabilities tiative for Southern Africa tions, should be seriously ington-based lender said in a countries hit with Ebola have Obama is expected to host the as African countries continue (OSISA); Southern African Liti- challenged. Instead of aid, the fled affected areas, hitting statement. summit, which focuses mainly to develop their capabilities gation Centre (SALC), South emphasis should be on trade. The countries’ resources agricultural production, on trade and investment in as security partners of the Africa; Swaziland Coalition for After hundreds of years of and health systems have though the food supply has Africa. The theme of the sumUnited States and as demoConcerned Civic crude exploitation of her rebeen strained by the worst not been affected for now, the mit is: Investing in the Next Gencratic partners of the United Organisations, Swaziland; sources, Africa should no outbreak of the virus since its bank said. eration. A number of signatures Women and Law in Southern longer be a dumping ground. States.” The epidemic has also discovery four decades ago. and side events have been Africa (WLSA), Malawi; Having been on the receivThe theme of the three-day Guinea’s economic growth slowed cross-border commerce organised to acknowledge the Women and Law in Southern ing end, Africa should chamsummit is: Investing in the Next could fall by a full percent- and grounded flights across the role of civil society, women Africa (WLSA), Mozambique; pion the struggle for a new Generation. age point to 3.5 per cent due region, leading to lower revand youth in the development Women and Law in Southern world economic order based That future-oriented view to the epidemic, according to enues and financial inflows. of Africa. Africa (WLSA), Regional of- on justice and fair play.” reflects, said Rhodes, “our foMining production could the World Bank and InternaForty African Heads of Govfice and Women of ZimbaThe frontline lawyer noted cus on African capacity-buildtional Monetary Fund’s ini- also decline, if more skilled ernments are in Washington, bwe Arise (WOZA), Zimba- that apart from condemning ing and integrating Africa into expatriate workers leave the tial assessment. DC for the summit. bwe. the level of corruption in Afthe global economy and secu“I have been monitoring affected regions, the bank As part of the run-up to the Reacting to the letter, rica, the U.S government had rity order”. (Ebola’s) deadly impact said. summit, 15 civil society which was copied to him by not deemed it fit to ensure that U.S. Secretary of State John The World Bank’s execuaround the clock and I’m organisations (CSOs) from AfMs Timburwa, the Lagos the stolen wealth is repatriated. Kerry convened yesterday the deeply saddened at how it tive board must still approve has ravaged health workers, the emergency lending. Kim families and communities, said he would brief the board disrupted normal life and as soon as possible to seek has led to a breakdown of al- their approval. HE Centre for InterOkunubi, Romanus Undie, national Advanced Abbas Adesina, Christopher and Professional Orororo and David Obatusin. In a statement by From Bukola Amusan, OWN planners will Studies (CIAPS) has nomiIt is also an opportunity for to the works of exhibiting artOlumuyiwa Ayoola and Abuja meet in Abuja today nated Nigerian journalist talented emerging artists to ists. David Uduma (both students to discuss the spate of and arts critic, Steve showcase their works in an Security Challenges in Nigeria. Interested artists have till 30 of Banking and Finance), the Ayorinde, to chair this international context. The Commandant-General August to submit their works. insecurity in the Federal centre’s director Prof. Anyear’s CIAPS Arts Festival. CIAPS is the first paperless of the Nigeria Security and The event will showcase Capital city. thony Kila said: “The aims of The CIAPS 2014 Arts Festiinstitution in Africa and it is Civil Defence Corps paintings, drawings, sculpThe Public Relations Ofthe exhibition are to let literaval is an arts exhibition dedirunning career-oriented (NSCDC), Dr Ade Abolurin; tures, photography, among ficer (PRO) of the Urban and ture meet visual arts for the cated to the life and works programmes aimed at getting Dr Adamu Ahmed, of the Deothers, on themes from books, Regional Department in the benefit of the public and to let of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole graduates into jobs in their partment of Urban and Repoems, plays and essays of FCT, organisers of the event, CIAPS graduates put into pracSoyinka. chosen professions. gional Planning, Ahmadu Prof Wole Soyinka. Mrs Felicia Anthony, said tice the skills and knowledge The event, dubbed: WS in The main areas of study Bello University (ABU), Other members of the panel town planners in public and they have acquired in their Arts, will hold in the last week are: Journalism, Business AdZaria and Mr Yemi Omidji, are: Prof. Roberto Francavilla private sectors are expected professional programmes by of September at CIAPS. It will ministration, Banking and of the Federal Road Safety (Italy), Prof. Inocência Mata to contribute to the meeting. working with top internafeature artists and students of Finance, Office manageCorps (FRSC) are the re(Portugal), Dr Katarina Kort She said the event is an antional professionals.” Arts from Nigeria other Afriment, Education and Project source persons. (Germany), Dr Sandra Rowe nual meeting of town planThe exhibition is treated as a can and European countries. Management. Also, other professionals in (USA), Clearance Peters (Niers, where contemporary isproject and the newly nomiAyorinde will chair an interTalented artists and other the allied sectors, like architects, geria) and Frances Trought sues in the built environment nated international panel will national panel comprising of art lovers who wish to parbuilders and engineers will at(UK). The exhibition is manare discussed. be working closely with a searts critics, academics, artists, ticipate in the project are to tend the event. aged by scholars and students The theme for this year’s edilect team of students of Busiart dealers and art lovers who visit the centre website: The event will end on Friof CIAPS as part of their protion is: The Role of Physical Planness Administration, led by will evaluate and award prizes www.ciaps.org day. fessional training. ning in the Context of Emerging Oludewa Jemide, Olajuwon

U.S.–Africa Summit opens in Washington

• Falana urges African leaders to challenge IMF, World Bank on economy

World Bank gives $200m Ebola assistance

Centre announces Wole Soyinka arts exhibition panel

Town planners meet in Abuja

•Steve Ayorinde is panel chair

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS

Era of election manipulation gone, says Jonathan P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said the days of a few politicians hijacking voters’ cards and other election materials to manipulate the outcome of elections are over in Nigeria. The President spoke yesterday in Washington DC, the United States (U.S) at a meeting with Nigerian professionals. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan reststed his commitment to keep the promise he made in 2011 that he would ensure that the elections be-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

come free, fair and credible. The President, the statement added, said he had fulfilled his promise with the recent elections in Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states. He said the Federal Government would take necessary steps to ensure that no individual, group or political party is able to thwart the legitimate choice of genuine voters in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. Jonathan saiud: “The issue of credible elections must be in-

stitutionalised in Nigeria. Our electoral processes were not very good or credible when we came into office. But as I promised, we have been working very hard to change things and ensure that our elections are more credible, that every legitimate vote counts and that results are acceptable to the electorate. “I promise you that the Osun governorship election will be very free, fair and credible.” Responding to other concerns raised by the Nigerian professionals, the President said the Federal Gov-

ernment would continue to prioritise policies and programmes that can lead to the creation of more jobs for the Nigerian youth. “Job creation is a challenge to every government in the world. We are doing all we can to tackle the problem in Nigeria. This is because we know that we have a very youthful population. Besides, if we do not create enough jobs to meet their needs, the country will be in trouble,” he said. Jonathan also spoke on his administration’s efforts to improve standards and make ac-

cess to quality educational institutions easier. The President said his administration was addressing the national housing deficit and further empower of women. He thanked Nigerian professionals abroad for supporting his government. Jonathan urged them to continue to show love and concern for the well-being of their fatherland. He said: “We expect you continue to add more value to what we are doing and we will continue to engage your services and expertise when we can. This is because if we do not,

the valuable education and skills you have acquired will be of no benefit to the development of our country.” The President received and hailed young Nigerians who are participating in the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a leadership programme sponsored by the United States government to train young African professionals in American universities, government departments and the private sector. Of the 500 places on the programme, 45 were won by young Nigerians in a competitive selection.

NAFDAC arrests ‘counterfeiters’

HE agency also said yesterday it has arrested three suspects for illegal production and faking of regulated products. Orhii said one of the suspects, Mr Emmanuel Ume, of 9, Oshogbo Street, Itire, Surulere, was apprehended on a Sunday morning when he was allegedly producing a brand of Brandy 501, among other unregulated products, in his room. Others items, such as cake preservation, glycerin and corn flour, were allegedly recovered from his apartment. “Also arrested are two other suspects - Mr Otutu Fredrick, of Shop DO43, Akwa Ibom Plaza and Mr Okoye Chikeluo of Shop C004, Kaduna Plaza, both on Trade Fair Complex - for counterfeiting popular and fast moving cosmetic products,” Orhii said. Some faked products, the agency chief alleged, were also found in their possession. The products are: Dove Fair body smooth cream, Dove Essential nourishing body cream, Vaseline Coco Butter and Vaseline Intensive Care body lotion, among others.

46 NGOs get $352,696 U.S grant From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

•From left: Prof Pat Utomi; former Managing Director, GTBank Plc, Mr. Fola Adeola; the publisher, Ovation magazine, Otunba Dele Momodu and the Managing Director, Lotus Capital Limited, Mrs. Hajara Adeola, at the premiere/official screening of the documentary film, titled: Nigeria: Alternative Perspective, Inspirations and Lessons from Osun, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Obanikoro defends troops deploymnet for Osun poll

INISTER of State of Defence Senator Musliu Obanikoro spoke yesterday on Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. The minister addressed reporters in Osogbo, the state capital. He said President Goodluck Jonathan wanted one-man, one-vote. Besides, he alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was mobilising people from Lagos to ahead of the poll. But APC denied the allegation. Obanikoro said: “The people of Osun State should resist this invasion and we will support them to ensure that they did not succeed in achieving this. “There was no multiple voting, no ballot snatching in Ekiti. The military helped the process,” he said. On the constitutionality of military presence, he said Osun is bigger than Ekiti. “That is why the presence will be more. It is my responsibility to secure the

•PDP planning to unleash mayhem, says APC Stay away from Osun, acting IGP warns ‘trouble makers’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

THE Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has warned those he said may intend to cause trouble in Osun State to stay away from Saturday’s governorship election in the state. Abba addressed State House correspondents yesterday after a meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja He said only people who have official functions to perform in the state would be allowed to move freely within Osun during the election. To ensure peace in the state, the police chief said he had changed the operational guidelines of his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, who retired last week. Abba said the new operational guideline would ensure that his men get to Osun State on time to prepare for the election. From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

people, not to give advantage to the PDP, but to the people of Osun,” Obanikoro said. But APC denied the PDP’s allegation. The party said the PDP and Obanikoro were only

looking for how to use the security agents to unleash terror on Osun residents, particularly APC supporters. The party’s spokesman, Mr. Kunle Oyatimi said: “The security forces appear to have intensified their harassment of Osun people by in-

terfering in the movement of people in our cities and towns and arresting targeted individuals, including Yemi Oke, a leader of APC in Obokun Local Governmenet Area . “Early Monday morning, they created panic through rigorous searches in Osogbo and Ilesa, causing traffic to crawl for hours before relenting as the afternoon approached. Convoys of strange-looking people, believed to be militants from Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states, have been moving in and out of Ilesa. They were escorted by branded vehicles of the Omisore Campaign Organisation. “Speculation is rife that the security services may be rehearsing a lock-down of Osogbo and other cities on Tuesday (today) in what we have been informed is a desperate bid to whittle down the number of supporters expected at the final mega rally of the APC.”

PDP chieftain opposes zoning of governorship candidate

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, has opposed some elders of the party who are proposing the zoning of the governorship seat to Ibadan. The party chieftain said the move is unconstitutional. Olopoeniyan argued that the move is against the party’s constItution on how to

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

pick its governorship flag bearer. He said: “We have a precedence because in Ekiti State, there was a primary and there was no insistence that the candidate must come from AdoEkiti. The same for Osun State, where the candidate comes from outside of Osogbo,the

state capital. “In these two examples, there was no reference to either zoning or consensus because all the aspirants went to the field and there the governorship candidates emerged after the primaries.” Olopoenia cautioned that it would be inimical to the victory of the party, if some party elders insisted on an indigene of Ibadan as the gover-

norship candidate without conducting a primary. He debunked the claim that former House of Assembly Speaker Maroof Atilola; the PDP chairman in Oyo zone, Chief Sunday Ogunlade and another chieftain, Busari Moriyeba, insisted that the governorship candidate should come from Ibadan, if PDP would win at the governorship election.

ORTY-six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country have received $352,696 grants from the United States (U.S). The grant is for the funding of small community-based development projects to improve the conditions of people in towns and villages. The grant was presented to representatives of the NGOs by Charge d’ Affairs of the U.S Mission in Nigeria, Maria Brewer. Brewer, at the U.S Ambassador’s small grants signing ceremony in Abuja yesterday, said the grant represented the U.S Mission’s continued commitment to investing in Nigerians. She said the grant would complement the creative work the NGOs do in their communities. “For two decades, the U.S Mission in Nigeria, through our small grants programme, has partnered local NGOs throughout the country to fund small community-based development projects that include significant local contribution in land, labour, capital and expertise,” Ms Brewer said. The U.S Ambassador Small Grants Programme, she said, receives support from Special Self-Help Programme through the Department of State and from the U.S President Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR). She added: “Through these programmes, we try to respond to requests for small, community-based development projects to improve the living conditions of the people.”

1,000 Govt College old boys reunite From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

BOUT 1,000 former Old Boys of Government College, Ibadan (GCI), reunited at the weekend, at an event, tagged: A Day of Reminiscences. The event, organised by the Ibadan branch of the Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA), was held at the Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan. Among dignitaries on the occasion were the Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu; Bi-Courtney Chairman, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); former Managing Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, and Chief Olu Onakoya. The association’s Ibadan branch president, Prof Yemi Badejoko, hailed the old boys and the participants for organising and attending the reunion. He said the day was set aside to reminisce on the past and remind one another of what they cherished in their youthful days at the school. Badejoko said: “It must be clear that the issue of decay and stagnation in education are national issues. They are not only peculiar to GCI. “Remembrance of our youthful days are needed to brighten our focus and let the young ones know what they are missing in terms of boarding houses and moral development, with the fear of Boko Haram in the land.” Mrs Sunmonu said: “The state government is doing everything to promote the standard of education. It has been an effort to establish the core programmes of the administration, which are restoration, restructuring and reformation.” She stressed that the yearnings of the old boys would be conveyed to the government and steps taken to actualise them. Chairman of the Planning Committee Femi Babalola said the culture and tradition of academic excellence had been eroded by the inaction of successive administrators and poor education policies.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS OSUN 2014

Minister: expect PDP’s victory

INISTER of State for Works Adedayo Adeyeye has predicted victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. Adeyeye told reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, that the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, would win with a “landslide victory”. He said Ekiti people had opened the floodgates of victory for the PDP in the Southwest, adding that nothing would stop the victory ship from berthing in Osun on Saturday.

APC chieftain slams Jonathan From OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

500,000 voter cards have been cloned, says APC

BOUT 500,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been cloned in Osun State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday. It said the cards, which were either unclaimed, not handed over to the authentic owners or were obtained fraudulently, were cloned to rig Saturday’s poll. In a statement yesterday, APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “These cloned cards, mostly in the hands of persons from states other than Osun, are to be used along with the authentic PVCs issued to the electorate during Saturday’s election. “Already, we can confirm that the hundreds of thousands of people in possession of these cloned cards all over Nigeria, especially in states neighbouring Osun, are being induced monetarily and instructed to superimpose their photographs on the cloned PVCs. “The game plan is for them

Party moves administrative machinery to Osun

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has mandated all its elected members at the state and national levels to converge on Osun today and remain in the state until Saturday’s election. This, it said, was to support Governor Rauf Aregbesola. In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the directive covers political appointees in states controlled by the APC. Also expected in Osogbo are members of the party’s National Executive and the National Elders’ Caucus. APC said it perceives the election as a celebration of democracy and a harvest time for the party, “whose candidate has worked so hard to implement his mandate and make life more abundant for the people”. It urged its members in Osun to be vigilant of “desperate tactics being perfected by the to arrive early at polling booths on the election day, where conniving electoral officials will turn a blind eye to this fraud by not checking whether or not the names of these impersonators with cloned cards are on

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reap where it did not sow. The party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said APC would relocate its administrative machinery to Osogbo, the Osun State capital. During a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Odigie-Oyegun said: “We wish to inform the public and millions of our members and supporters that from August 4 (yesterday), the National Secretariat of the APC will relocate to Osogbo, Osun State. The national secretariat of our great party will continue to operate from Osogbo until after the governorship election.” He said the party was determined to protect its votes during the election and hailed Osun people for their steadfastness. Odigie-Oyegun urged the people to ignore any provocation and turn out massively to vote for the APC on Saturday.

the voter registers before accrediting them to vote at the expense of the genuine owners of the cards. “According to the dubious plan, unscrupulous security agents - both official and unof-

ficial - will be at hand to brutalise, arrest and detain any agent or voter who may want to challenge this illegality.” “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), if it is not part of this

diabolical plan, to ensure that only voter registers used to issue out PVCs to voters up till August 4 are used to conduct the election. “We demand that copies of these registers, which are already in possession of local government electoral officers, be made available to all political parties, at least, 72 hours before the election. Anything short of using the registers containing the names of the authentic voters will not be acceptable.” The APC thanked residents for providing information that will thwart rigging plans and ensure a credible poll. Urging the people to be vigilant, it said: “Their desperation knows no bounds, hence they will do anything, no matter how illegal, to thwart the will of the people. But no power is bigger than the people’s power and no inducement is worth anyone’s conscience. The votes of the people of Osun must not only be counted, but must count on Saturday.”

ORMER Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Legal Adviser Semwengie Osaro has slammed President Goodluck Jonathan for the militarisation of Osun State. Osaro was reacting to the President’s comments last Saturday that Osun would be militarised before, during and after Saturday’s governorship election. He said: “When the President spoke at the mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo, I was not bothered by the PDP’s threats to win or rig the governorship election because I know the APC is fully on ground and any attempt to rig the election will lead to political anarchy. “I urge Osun people to refuse to be intimidated, come out in large numbers to vote and stay behind to monitor the results to the points of announcement. They must defend their votes because the people’s power will speak clearly on Saturday. Jonathan boasted last Saturday, but we are warning him not to create a war he can’t win.”

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from a crowd during a one million-man march round Osogbo, the state capital, by youths from all the local governments to campaign for his re-election.

‘Distribution of rice to voters is open bribery’

‘Rigging Osun election‘ll backfire’

HE Director of Strategy of the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO), Chief Linus Okoroji, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against rigging Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. Okoroji said PDP’s plan to turn the country into a one-party state was a replica of what Nigeria faced in the dark days of the late General Sani Abacha. He said opposition is a norm in all civilised parts of the world, adding that any attempt to return the country to the ugly days would backfire. Okoroji said: “The position of the PDP in the evolving democracy in Nigeria is unfortunate. It is trying to hijack the present democracy with force. I know what it took to rescue Nigeria from military dictatorship. That PDP has been in government

By Musa Odoshimokhe and Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

for almost 15 years with nothing to show at the federal level is pitiable. The people are really worried about the PDP’s desperation to capture Osun State. They have made good their threat to capture Ekiti. “Reasonable Nigerians have not agreed on how the election in Ekiti was adjudged free and fair. The people have not accepted the results. It is a result that defied all predictions. This is not fair to the nation; it is a shame.” Urging the electorate to be vigilant, the PRONACO chieftain said: “President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Osun to campaign for the PDP candidate was to conclude the final plan to rig the election.” A social critic, Pa Adebiyi Odekanyin, also warned the

•Okoroji

PDP against rigging the poll, saying it would lead to anarchy. Speaking with reporters in Oyo, Oyo State, Odekanyin condemned the heavy deployment of security operatives in Osun and the wearing of masks by men of the Department of State Security (DSS). He urged politicians to allow the people’s will to prevail.

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kunle Oyeyemi, has described the distribution of rice, cooking oil, beans, kerosene and other food and household items to the electorate by a political party in Osun State as “open bribery”. Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, Oyeyemi said the trend should be discouraged because it poses great danger to democracy. He said: “This trend is more peculiar to Nigeria and I believe it is tantamount to direct and open bribery, which is against electoral and other laws of the land.” Oyeyemi urged the people not to be tricked into giving up their voter cards for a stipend, adding that their voter cards are “means to a profit-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

able political end”. He said: “It is common knowledge in Osun State that the campaign team of an opposition party is aggressively buying voter cards from potential voters. This is a manifestation of anxiety resulting from their realisation of the challenge they face in this election. “I warn the people of Osun State not to sell their voter cards. The card is their power to decide who rules them. People should also be advised not to engage in a fight or argue with security operatives invited to provide security during the election. “The party in question now resorts to all sorts of desperate efforts, including disenfranchising as many as possi-

ble members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It goes about buying voter cards. My warning to everyone is that under no reason - gift or threat - should any one give his or her voter card to anyone to take away or to copy personal information from the card. “The democratic process and electioneering activities in this country, including the so-called politics of stomach infrastructure, is getting to a dangerous state, which is unlikely to support the unity of the country. Distribution of campaign materials, such as T-shirts, caps, buttons, flags, etc, to people, especially a party’s supporters, is an international practice, but it is assuming a dangerous dimension.”

THE NATION TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS ‘No Ebola case in Ogun’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

•The scene of an accident at Idi-Arere in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in which one person was burnt to death...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Firm clarifies ownership of Omoluabi Garment

HE management of Sam and Sara Uniforms, a firm that specialises in making uniforms for schools and companies, has debunked rumours that its subsidiary, Omoluabi Garment, is owned by the Osun State governor’s wife, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola. The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Folake Oyemade, described the rumour as “malicious falsehood capable of misinforming the public”. Speaking with reporters yesterday in Lagos, she said Sam and Sara Uniforms bid-

By Jesutomi Rotimi

ed for the contract to provide uniforms for Osun pupils and won it.” Mrs Oyemade said her company was the most capable among the bidders, with the biggest factory and the lowest prices. She said: “After winning the contract, the government insisted that the company set up a factory in the state, so as to make indigenes the sole beneficiaries of the project. “We had to approach the Bank of Industry (BoI) to borrow money. The loan was collaterised by my own proper-

equity in the business. Through this project, the government has empowered a lot of women who sell our uniform on retail, and youths who work in our factory. When we won the bid, we brought about 500 youths to our factory in Lagos for training. We got expatriates from China to train them on how to use modern equipment for garment making. The training cost us enormous money and the BoI had to give us a special fund for it. At present, our factory has provided jobs for about 3,000 Osun youths.

“Must we suffer because some people are desperate to seize power in the state? We urge politicians to leave Sam and Sara and Omoluabi Garment out of Osun politics. We built this company from the scratch for over 20 years through the help of God. I have created jobs for more than 3,000 youths on the street. I am pained by this lies. If anybody is in doubt, such person should ask us for further clarification. And if the peddlers of this rumour are the types that aspire to leadership positions in Nigeria, then I am sorry for this nation.”

Daniel: I won’t engage in war of words

Buhari group slams Babatope

ORMER Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel has said he is a statesman and would not descend low to engage ordinary citizens in a “war of words” because of 2015 politics. Daniel, in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Mr Ayo Giwa, said he has observed the frustrated attempt by some politicians to drag his name into a desperate political chess game for reasons best known to them.

POLITICAL group, the Grassroots for Muhammadu Buhari, has condemned comments by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, that “Ekiti people rejected Governor Kayode Fayemi and that the Ekiti State election was the beginning of the recapture of the Southwest by his party”. In a statement by its National Chairman, Remi Oyebamiji, the group also faulted Babatope’s claim that Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola lacks the character of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It said the claims betray the integrity of a man once known as a progressive. The group said the truth about the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election would soon be unveiled. It said Ekiti people could not have voted against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in view of Fayemi’s “transformation of the state”. According to the group, Babatope no longer has a progressive mind since he joined the conservatives during the late General Sanni Abacha’s regime.

ty. These are verifiable facts. So all these lies that Omoluabi Garment belongs to the governor’s wife is falsehood. “Will I borrow so much money on behalf of the governor’s wife? Will I also put my personal property on the line for the governor’s wife or anybody for that matter? The Bank of Industry is there to prove me wrong if I lie. We built the factory. The input of the state government was only to give us land.” On how they came about the name “Omoluabi”, Mrs Oyemade said: “The name came up because they gave us land. That is the only state

HERE is no case of Ebola virus infection in Ogun State, the government said yesterday. The government was reacting to a rumour that two cases of Ebola had been discovered in the state. The rumour created panic in Abeokuta, the state capital. Residents refused to shake hands and eating in public. Commissioner for Health Olaokun Soyinka said two health workers, who had contact with the late Liberian victim of the virus, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, have not shown any symptom of Ebola virus infection. He said the health workers work in Lagos, but until their contact with the Liberian, lived in Ogun. Soyinka said the health workers were not in Ogun State and were being closely monitored. He said: “There are two health workers who had contact with the Liberian victim. They have been isolated and we are monitoring them. We are appealing to residents not to panic.” The commission urged residents to avoid eating bat, monkey and antelope meat; wash their hands with soap and water regularly and watch out for Ebola symptoms, such as fever, weakness and vomiting, among others. He said the state had trained health workers on how to handle Ebola cases, urging residents to be wary of visitors from countries battling Ebola outbreak.

•Buhari From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

It said: “Babatope has eaten the pie of untruth from the days of his romance with the late Gen. Abacha’s regime. He identified himself with the PDP, a place where he sits comfortably as a member of the Board of Trustees and Chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology - a reward for his betrayal of what he made people to believe he stood for many years ago. “Babatope belongs to Osun State where Aregbesola has recorded great achievements that have placed the state on the global mention and acclaim.” The group urged Babatope to have a rethink and return to “a position of equity, truthfulness, strong character and courage”.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The former governor, who was reacting to a report describing him as a political prostitute, said he would rather busy himself with policies and political administration to make life more meaningful for the citizens and improve the state than engage ordinary people in an unproductive war of words. The statement reads: “We note the frustrated attempt to

drag Daniel’s name into a desperate political chess game by some politicians for whatever reasons known to them, but definitely not far from seeking to perpetuate relevance. “We need to sound it that Daniel, after serving eight years of two terms as governor, has become a statesman and so cannot descend low to the level of engaging ordinary citizens in the war of words the originator of the story seeks to achieve.

“Let it be noted also that Otunba Gbenga Daniel is a businessman and engaging some of those who had been his subjects in the past would not compliment his busy schedule. “Rather, as a statesman, Daniel is more concerned about statements and issues of policies and political administration that will make life more meaningful for the citizens and move the state forward. From this, he will not be distracted.”

Ogbomoso didn’t adopt Alao-Akala, says senator

ENATOR Ayo Adeseun (Oyo Central District) said yesterday that Ogbomoso politicians have not anointed former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as the town’s sole governorship candidate for the 2015 election. The senator, who hails from Ogbomoso, said politicians in the town only

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

met and agreed to work together for progress of the town. Adeseun, who just decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recalled that members of the party earlier adopted Alao-Akala as their candidate before he joined the PDP.

He said Ogbomoso politicians decided to come together after discovering that they all suffered losses in the 2011 election, when they worked against one another on different political platforms. Adeseun said: “PDP in Ogbomoso met recently and adopted Alao-Akala but I was not in the PDP then. When I joined the

PDP, politicians came together and resolved to support whoever gets the governorship ticket of any party, because the meeting cut across all parties. “None of us emerged from the last political imbroglio in full piece. We all suffered some loss individually. Because of the realisation of that fact, we do not want a repeat of it.”

Ex-Governor Kalu commiserates with Ikorodu people

ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Kalu has sent his condolences to the family of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, who passed on at the weekend. In a condolence message, Kalu described the monarch’s passage as “a big blow”

to Lagos State and Nigeria. He said: “The Ayanguren was an exemplary monarch, whose tenure brought tremendous development to Ikorodu. His reign will linger forever in the minds of his people, owing to his forthrightness and fairness on community and national

issues. He lived a peaceful life dedicated to God and mankind.” The former governor said the traditional institution has lost a gem, whose advice will be missed by all and sundry. He urged the monarch’s family to take solace in the

fact that he lived an accomplished life worth emulating. Kalu commiserated with the Ikorodu royal family and the people and government of Lagos State. He prayed to God to grant the late monarch eternal rest.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Chief Imam goes home

g Girl with protruding tummy begs doctorss to end strike

OOKING frail and tired, a student stricken with abdominal inflammation has appealed to doctors to suspend their strike to save her life. Chisom Duruokpo, a finalyear Agriculture Economics student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in Imo State, was awaiting the result of her test when the doctors’ strike began. The test was done at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) at Idi-Araba. Chisom, 21, is begging the doctors to “have mercy” on her by calling off the strike. She told The Nation yesterday that her predicament started last year after an appendicitis surgery at LUTH. A few months later, her stomach began to protrude, even as she felt an “unusual sensation” within her. The protrusion, her doctors told her, can be corrected through surgery, but she cannot afford the bill. The Orlu, Imo State-born patient is appealing for assistance from Nigerians. Following another visit to

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

By Jude Isiguzo

LUTH during the ongoing strike, she was advised to visit a private hospital. Members of her family traversed many private hospitals but they could not afford the bills. Her Abdominal Ultrasound Report signed by a Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Igwilo J.U, revealed a large central complex mass in her stomach. However, her liver, kidneys and gall bladder are in good condition. Afraid for her life, she said: “The pain is severe; it deprives me of sleep at night. The only examination left for me to become a graduate is near. I can’t concentrate on reading my books. My legs are also swollen and hardly can I lift my feet. I beg the governor of my state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and President Goodluck Jonathan to help me out because the situation is becoming unbearable.” Her father, Mr. Ebere Paul Duruokpo, said the family had been to several private hospitals, but is hampered by funds. He said about N2 million is

•Chisom ... before the ailment

•Chisom ... after

needed to save the life of his first of two children, adding that the doctors’ strike hads worsened things. He said the financial requirement wouldn’t have been huge if clinical services were available at public hospitals. Amid tears, Duruokpo said: “I used to trade in tailoring materials but for now, I operate a commercial tricycle (Keke Marwa) for survival. There is no way we can raise such

money. This is why we are begging Nigerians to assist us so that my daughter can live and successfully finish her education which requires only one semester to complete.” The family, he said, could be reached on 08161184471 or 08055811404, adding that financial assistance could be sent through Fidelity Bank account number: 6016918387, under the account name, Duruokpo Ebere Paul.

HE Chief Imam of Ketu, a Lagos suburb, Alhaji Yakub Jimoh Balogun, died yesterday. He was 65. The late Balogun, a brother of Alaketu of Ketu Land, Oba Isiaka Balogun, was from Balogun Oyero Chieftaincy Family of Ketu. His death occurred after a brief illness that started towards the end of the last Ramadan. Hordes of clerics and prominent scholars joined the community at the Janazah (funeral prayer) held immediately after Solatul Asr (early evening prayer) before his interment behind his house. The deceased’s widow, Alhaja Afusat Balogun, described his death as “shocking,” adding: “His sickness was sudden; he never showed any sign of death and my expectation was to see him return home in good health; instead, it was his corpse that was brought home. I have accepted Allah’s wish. Nobody can be like him.” The first child of the deceased, Alhaji Adam Balogun, described his father as a disciplinarian, philanthropist and a man of the people. His daughter, Mrs Muminaat Itanola, described his demise as a great loss to the family. Chief Imam of Kajola Central Mosque, Alhaji Ismail Kajola, who delivered a sermon after the interment, enjoined the congregation to always embrace Godliness. Saying that death can come at any time, he asked rhetorically: “So, what are your preparations for the great moment?” •The late Balogun

How my brother recruited me, by robbery suspect

“I

T was my brother, Oche, who is our gangs leader who invited me to Lagos to take up an employment, unknown to me that the job he had in mind was armed robbery.” These were the words of 20year-old Morgan Udama, a robbery gang arrested by operatives attached to Okota Isolo Police Station in Lagos, yesterday. Udama, who hails from Oju in Benue State, said: “I finished Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) in 2010 at Otukpo, after which I was riding commercial motorcycle (Okada) before my brother, Oche, phoned me to come to Lagos, pledging that he would find me a better job that would fetch me enough savings for my university education. He also told me he was living in a three-bedroom flat, unknown to me

By Ebele Boniface

that the one-room apartment he inhabited with his elder brother belonged to the latter. “When I arrived last Monday, he asked me to follow him to take up an employment. When we got there, he snatched a woman’s car with pistol. I was surprised. When I asked him if robbery was the work he found for me, he said “yes,” assuring that very soon, I would be counting millions of naira. The mistake I made was that I still entered the snatched car. I should have left them because I was standing at a very good distance. But I feared that people at the scene might later lynch me if I did not follow them.” Other members of the gang are: Suleiman Abdullahi, 23, from Bida, Niger State; Samson

Oyebanji, 23, from Oro in Kwara State and John Oche, 26, from Benue State. Sources said the suspects snatched a Honda car belonging to a woman at Gbagada General Hospital Junction in Gbagada, Lagos suburb, on Saturday at 10am and drove it to an estate in Okota Isolo. When the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okota Isolo Police Station, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Adamu Ibrahim got a tip-off the gang was in his territory, he led a patrol team to arrest them. On sighting the police, the robbers sped off towards IreAkari Estate, parked the car and took to their heels. But, they were arrested at different locations in and outside the estate. Abdullahi named Oche as the owner of the pistol used in the operation, adding:

•The suspects ... yesterday

“We did not shoot the woman; we just collected her Honda car.” Oyebanji, who described himself as a technician, said: “I sat inside the car. We trekked to the junction and snatched the car. When we got to Barracks Junction, policemen tried to stop us, but we refused to stop.” Oche, who said he is a commercial bus driver on the Oshodi-Ajah route, said he pointed the gun at their victim. “My role was to drive the snatched car out of the

robbery scene. My brother (Morgan) is a big liar. I did not invite him to Lagos. He committed a serious offence in Otukpo and ran to Lagos,” he said. He added: “Samson’s master in Bariga, who is called ‘Campus,’ introduced me to him that I should follow them and do the job (armed robbery)”. •The car

Fracas ‘over plot to arrest pastor’

•Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State, Mr Mubashiru M. Hassan (middle holding an award plaque), with some executives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), at the presentation of the union’s Ambassador Award to him at his Ikeja office ... yesterday.

EMBERS of a church in Ikorodu, Lagos State, resisted on Sunday moves by the police to arrest their pastor. The police from Zone II Onikan, Lagos, were said to have visited Rev. Isaac Adeyemi’s home on Saturday. They arrested his 25year-old son, Peter when they did not see him. On Sunday, at the Living Spring Tabernacle of the Foursquare Gospel Church, the police ran into a brick wall in their attempt to take away the pastor. They were said to have been accompanied by offi-

By Hamed Shobiye, Assistant Editor, Online

cials from the church’s headquarters. The crisis, it was learnt, stemmed from the headquarters’ decision to suspend Adeyemi for abandoning a leadership conference for “Embrace”, a soul-winning programme organised by the Tabernacle. The church’s national officials claimed Adeyemi was suspended for six months. But the pastor is insisting that he is not on suspension. He claimed that the decision was pre-conceived because guidelines were not fol-

lowed. The church members rallied round him on Sunday, pelting the visiting officials with sachets of pure water. They locked the gate and warned the officials against stepping into the church premises. They also resisted the officials’ move to address them, accusing them of trying to destroy the church by removing Adeyemi and putting their own man in charge. The officer, who led the policemen rebuffed reporters’ attempts to talk to him.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS THE EBOLA VIRUS

’No proof of bitter-kola potency’

EALTH Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has said there is no scientific evidence to the potency of bitter-cola in the cure and prevention of the Ebola Virus Disease. The research people are laying claims to, according to the minister, is inconclusive. Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu, back in 1999, with some American researchers, did a research showing that extracts from bitter-cola tend to have some activities against the virus. But the research was not concluded. The minister said: “Information that is being circulated, especially through the social media and the rest of the Internet, tend to suggest that because right now, there is no known vaccine for EVD and there is no known specific drug as effective against EVD, if we

From Vincent Ikuomola and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

don’t streamline a lot of these information, the unwary will become so vulnerable. People have said that they know that a fruit is sufficient to cure EVD. “As I speak to you now, there is no proof yet of any such fruit. I repeat, there is no proof yet of any fruit. “One that has been mentioned is that just keep chewing bitter kola and you will be all right. There is no scientific proof yet to suggest that if you eat bitter kola you will prevent the disease or where you have it, it will help to cure it. “However, we are aware that in 1999, Prof. Maurice Iwu worked with an administration in the United States of America and conducted research which, at the level of the laboratory, is what we call invitro research, which means it is still in the test tube as it were

and it is not in any living body, which we call in-vivo. “This shows that some extract they had obtained from the bitter kola, which is common in West Africa and in Nigeria and which we use for so many purposes in Nigeria including social reasons which tend to have some activities against the virus but that research was not concluded and as of today, there is no evidence to link that as a cure or preventive measure against the Ebola Virus Disease. He said the ministryis encouraging research into the treatment of the disease by setting up a six-member working group on the treatment and research of the Ebola Virus. The committee, which included Prof. Iwu, is co-chaired by Innocent Ujah, director general of Nigeria Medical Research Institute and Director General, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research Prof. Kaniyus Gamaniel.

Anxiety over arrival of ‘suspected‘ victim

HERE was anxiety at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday, as Port Health and aviation security officials argued whether or not to allow an alleged passenger suspected to be infected with the Ebola virus into the country. The suspected passenger was said to have been discovered by officials of the Port Health Service attached to the terminal. A source close to the Port

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

Health said the passenger arrived aboard a Nigerian domestic airline from the West African coast. He said there was an argument between personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and health officials whether to allow the suspected passenger into the country or deny him access. “I don’t know where the plane came from, but the passenger was discovered during the screening of inbound pas-

sengers by the Port Health officials. Some officials want him returned to base while others are insist that as a Nigerian, he has the right to arrive into the country. “The aircraft was probably coming from Accra, Ghana. I just want our officials to be careful with the way they interact with passengers”, he said. But FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications Mr. Yakubu Dati, denied this.

NAFDAC warns those making HE National Agency cure claims for Food and Drug Ad-

ministration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned those claiming to have products that can cure the Ebola virus disease (EVD) to desist from making such claims. NAFDAC’s Director-General Dr Paul Orhii said anybody who has a cure should go through the normal “scientific” process without taking the “evidence-based procedures” for granted. Orhii, who spoke in Lagos, stressed that some unscrupulous people were trying to take advantage of the EVD outbreak in the West African sub-region to deceive vulnerable people by making “unconfirmed” claims that they

By Wale Adepoju

have a remedy for the disease. He said NAFDAC was working hard to ensure that dishonest people do not take advantage of the EVD outbreak to swindle Nigerians. Orhii said: “People or relatives can go the extra mile to save a sick relation. They can even sell their houses to get treatment. That is the extent to which people can go.” The agency chief said EVD has no known cure for now, adding: “It would be a good thing if the cure is found in Nigeria. But things must be done according to laid-down rules.” He said those who think

•Orhii

they have the cure should come forward with their claims for verification. Orhii added: “They need to do a peer review, efficacy and toxicity tests, among other authentication exercises.”

Emirates Airlines suspends flights to Guinea

MIRATES Airlines said yesterday it halted flights to Guinea, following concerns about the spread of the Ebola virus. The Dubai-based carrier said flights to Conakry, the Guinean capital, were suspended from Saturday. Guinea, with neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone, is struggling to contain the

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

disease, which has killed over 700 since March and infected more than 1,300. Emirates’ rapid growth has turned its Dubai base into one of the world’s busiest air hubs, funnelling travellers around the globe. The airline will continue flying to Senegal, which borders Guinea, saying it “will be

guided by the updates from international health authorities.” The International Air Transport Association last week said it would work with the World Health Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation to monitor fallouts from the outbreak, but that WHO is not recommending travel restrictions.

Uduaghan mobilises for voter cards ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged the indigenes to take the forthcoming collection of permanent voter cards seriously. He said top government officials and party leaders should be in the vanguard of the sensitisation campaign. The governor has begun sensitisation meeting with stakeholders to ensure that voters collect their permanent cards when the distribution exercise begins on August 15. In a meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders from Delta Central

in Warri yesterday, Uduaghan stressed that the collection of permanent voter card was as important as the registration exercise. “The collection of permanent voter card is a very serious exercise because your winning any election whether local government, state or federal depends on your voter card. So it is for us to mobilise our people, our community people, our families, our party members to go and collect their permanent voter cards. “I expect that the party at the senatorial level will also meet the council chairmen and map out strategies on how to ensure that people go and collect their voter cards,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos to step up anti-flooding battle By Muyiwa Lucas

HE Lagos State Com missioner for the Envi ronment, Tunji Bello, has said the state government will intensify and sustain its all-year de-flooding programme consisting of pre-rain, mid-rain and postrain strategies, even as the state has continued to provide relief to residents as a result of severe rains recorded in the state within the last one month. Bello said this feat has been achieved through intensification of its mid-rain cleaning and maintenance programme, which has reduced the incidence of flooding unlike the incessant flooding been experienced in other states of the federation. He stated that that the state government had kept faith with its de-flooding programme which had been sustained by the Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, and has continued to yield positive results across the state. He noted that while it had rained persistently in the last one month, the state has not recorded massive flooding and destruction of property that used to accompany past rainy seasons in the state. According to Bello, maintenance of primary channels, secondary and tertiary drains was carried out on 108 drains totalling 107,350.00m across the state. In Agege Local Government Area (LGA) for instance, seven drains of 4,438.00 metres were routinely maintained; three channels of 4,034 metres were maintained in Ajeromi / Ifelodun LGA, while channels making up a total of 8,671 metres were maintained in Alimosho LGA, among others. The Commissioner enjoined residents to cooperate with the state government by participating actively in cleaning of drainage channels in their immediate environment in order to allow for easy passage of rain water. He said: “We call on the people of the state to complement the effort of the state government by cleaning tertiary drains / gutters in their frontages and neighbourhood regularly and not only on monthly environmental sanitation days, but on all days.”

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb RATES Inflation -8.2% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $38.4b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively. They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

Two firms to bid for NITEL-MTEL

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday ap proved two companies to bid for the acquisition of Nigeria Telecommunication (NITEL)/ Mobile Telecommunication (MTEL) assets. The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada, Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen and Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, said the two companies were among the 17 shortlisted, which had shown interest in the government’s guided liquidation process. They spoke to State House correspondents at the end of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) meeting presided over by Vice President, Namadi Sambo at the State House, Abuja. Sada said the two successful companies, according to him, are Natcom Consortium and Lake Chad Consortium, which came tops with 90.7 and 90.2 per cent, respectively. Dikki said Council has also approved the transfer of government 51 per cent interest

• Govt transfers 51% shareholding in Stallion Property to NNPC’s Pensions Funds From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

in Stallion Development Property Company to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Pensions Fund and considered the report of the visit to Ajaokuta Steel Company of Nigeria (ASCON) based on the allegation of assets stripping that was reported to the Council at its last meeting. Sada said the government is taking painstaking efforts in the guided liquidation process to ensure that NITELMTEL are resuscitated. He said: “Of this evaluation of the 17, two are qualified for request for proposal issuance. And this what the council deliberated today and approved the qualifications of the two companies. The two companies are Natcom consortium and Lake Chad Consortium and they came top with 90.7 and 90.2 per-

cents respectively. “The target is to make sure that NITEL-MTEL comes back. It is a very robust assets, basically, you can hardly get any of the current ones that has as much assets as it has. And it is a very good thing to the country if we can have these assets. “Everyone of us in this country is aware that you can hardly talk of telephone landlines now and these are some of the things you cannot do without, mobile telephones or networks are not substitute.” As a way forward, he said that a committee has been constituted to be headed by him to come out with strategy to ensure that the entitlements of the workers were addressed, and come out with strategy to ensure that the company came back to provide services to its customers. Giving highlights of the

deliberations and decisions made at the meeting, Dikki said the request for the extension of the concession period by Associated Maritime Services Limited in new warri port was also considered. In the case of ASCON, he explained that based on allegation that there was assets stripping there, a committee was set up to investigate the matter but regretted that just as the work was on, a media report concluded that there was no assets stripping. He said: “Meanwhile the committee’s report had not even reached the Chairman of NCP and the NCP is yet to receive the report for consideration. It is the NCP that has the right to say whether there is assets stripping or not be caused the assets was transferred based on certain agreements. And the review of those agreements will informs whether there was assets stripping or not.”

Shell states actions on UNEP report

HREE years on from the United Nations Envi ronment Programme (UNEP) report’s publication, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of a joint venture (SPDC JV) between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporatio (NNPC), SPDC, Total E&P Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, has made progress in addressing all the recommendations directed to it in that publication. SPDC’s Corporate Media Relations Manager, Precious Okolobo, in a statement noted that majority of UNEP’s recommendations require multi-stakeholder efforts coordinated by the Federal Government. He however said it is important to emphasise that neither SPDC nor any other stakeholder is in a position to implement the entirety of UNEP’s recommendations unilaterally. The UNEP report stated: “Treating the problem of environmental contamination within Ogoniland merely as a technical cleanup exercise would ultimately lead to failure. Ensuring longterm sustainability is a much bigger challenge – one that will require coordinated and collaborative action from all stakeholders.” SPDC has an activity programme in place, focused on delivering improvements in the environmental and community health situation on the ground. “We continue to work with the government, communities and a number of constructive NGOs and civil society groups in the Niger Delta to accelerate progress,” Okolobo added.

Vandalism: EKo DISCO woos police • From left: Chairman, Board of Advisers, Niger Delta Legacy Engagement, Rev Fr Edward Obi; Nollywood Producer, Jeta Amata; American Consular General, Jeff Hawkins; Secretary Board of Advisers, Niger Delta Legacy Engagement, Debbie Effiong; and CEO, Financial Derivatives Co, Bismarck Rewane at the Dawn in the Creeks Viewing Party in Lagos.

NEPC, UK partner on exports from Nigeria

HE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the united Kingdom (UK) have agreed to collaborate in building capacity for acceptable standards of Nigerian exports to the UK. The Executive Director/ CEO of NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo said for Nigerian goods to compete in the international market, issues of packing and packaging, labeling among other requisite quality requirements of the importing countries must be met by exporters. He spoke while receiving the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Mr. David Heath in Abuja, assuring that the collaborative effort would help in promot-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

ing and increasing the volume of trade between both countries. He said: “For Nigerian businessmen in the UK, and other stakeholders who desire to invest in the Nigerian non-oil export sector, there is need for them to come under a veritable platform like the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) as a readily acceptable medium for engagement and support. “Towards this end, the Council is working on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NBCC to help interface between Nigerians in Diaspora and the Council, with a view to mapping out areas of col-

laboration for trade and investments.” Responding, Mr. Heath said the Trade and Investment Office observed that there was need to build on existing close cultural and historical ties between both countries by improving engagements in the area of trade and investments. He said there were many areas that could be explored to increase the volume of trade between both countries adding that where there are barriers to trade, both countries would partner to address them. For instance, there was opportunity for big retailers in the UK such as TESCO and Marks & Spencer to explore the Nigerian market , and at

the same time accommodate and further expose Made-inNigeria products. He identified areas of interest to include – establishing more partnerships at business levels, bringing in technology, value-addition and addressing barriers to achieving standards. On the issue of standardisation, Mr. Heath – a long standing Member of the British Parliament, said the UK was willing to partner the Council in providing capacity and training for exporters particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), stressing that more emphasis should be placed on providing adequate storage capacity for perishable goods in Nigeria to avoid wastage.

S part of efforts to tackle vandalism of electricity equipment and harassment of its workers by some customers, the management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), is soliciting the assistance of security agencies in Lagos State. Its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Engr. Oladele Amoda, who spoke when he led the company’s management team on the courtesy visit to Lagos State Commissioner of Police, commended the police for its good job at securing electricity installations against vandalism in the company’s area of operations. He solicited more assistance from the police in order to successfully combat the menace. Amoda said aside vandalism, the assistance of police and other security agencies would also be needed in preventing harassment and violent attacks on the workers of the company while on official duties by some people he referred to as criminally-minded people in the society.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS ‘Sahara Power employs 107 graduate engineers’

Business confidence down by 5.1%, says LCCI T HE Business Confi dence Index (BCI) in Nigeria has has dropped by 5.1 per cent, a survey conducted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has revealed. According to the report, it dipped in the third quarter of this year because investors and business leaders remained wary about the state of the economy and the challenging business environment. The survey showed that in the third quarter, aggregate BCI declined to 14.3 per cent from 19.4 per cent posted in the second quarter. This represents 5.1 per cent point drop. The BCI is a leading eco-

By Toba Agboola

nomic indicator designed to measure the degree of optimism on the state of the economy that business leaders are expressing through their activities of investing and spending. Decreasing business confidence is often a pointer to slowing economic activities because business owners are likely to decrease their investment. LCCI said the latest drop of the BCI suggested that business leaders remained largely pessimistic about expanding their investment over the next few months.

It said: “Nigeria’s BCI scores over the years continue to trail below the 50 per cent global business confidence threshold. Investors and business leaders remain wary about the state of the economy and the challenging business environment. “The key factors that mostly depressed the confidence level of business leaders at this time are: security challenges across the country, political transition/electioneering activities and associated risks, cargo clearing issues and access to and from the nation’s foremost ports – Apapa and Tin Can; policy uncertainties and regulatory

concerns; and worsening public power supply.” The survey added that all the sectors reported positive business confidence levels in the third quarter, adding that interestingly, the manufacturing sector posted a positive confidence level of four per cent for the second time over the last seven quarters. “This sector has consistently remained at the bottom of the BCI league table by steadily recording negative confidence levels. Medium and small manufacturing enterprises are the most hit by the lingering challenges constraining productive activities in the country “The most disturbing factor for manufacturers includes: power supply chal-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

• Yusuf

lenges, logistics challenges, the influx of imported and substandard products, preference for imported goods by Nigerians, poor access to credit, high cost of doing business, infrastructure shortcoming and inhibitive activities of government regulatory/monitoring agencies,” the survey said.

HE power sector has received remarkable boost in its human capital profile following the employment 107 young graduate engineers by Sahara Power Group, owners of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Egbin Generation Company. Speaking with The Nation at the induction ceremony held at National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Lagos, officials of the companies said the recruitment of the young engineers is in line with their commitment to youth empowerment and development of local capacity in the sector. They said Sahara Power is a leading player in the sector and comprises KEPCO Energy Resource Limited, New Electricity Distribution Company and NG PowerHPS Limited. These subsidiaries have stakes in Egbin Power Plc, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company and First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) respectively, they added. They said some of the young engineers who were sourced from the host communities where the subsidiary companies operate will commence a rigorous training programme that will equip them for their roles in IKEDC, Egbin and FIPL. The Managing Director/ CEO Sahara Power, Mr. Kola Adesina, said for the recruited engineers that the exercise was in line with the robust human capital development policy of Sahara Power aimed at ensuring enhanced capacity and seamless employee succession through knowledge transfer.

Rosabon Financial empowers SMEs By Tonia ‘Diyan

ITH a capital base of N671 million, Rosabon Financial Services, a financial services company, has re-affirmed its commitment to support the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the country. Its Head, Marketing and Strategy, Ms Chidimma Onyeokoro, said; “The financing of projects implemented by SMEs is the central focus of Rosabon Financial Services, as the SME sector represents the engine of growth, innovation and creation of new employment.” The firm provides flexible and convenient access to lease acquisitions, loan financing, financial planning, counselling and related services that enable long-term productivity, growth and better compatibility with a dynamic and complex economic environment such as Nigeria’s. The organisation prides itself in delivering value-added services to its customers and has set in place packages to facilitate the growth of young businesses in Nigeria. As a result, three financial products were carefully designed to meet the peculiar and specific needs of individual customers and business owners alike.

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•Adiyan Water works. Inset: Governor Babatunde Fashola flanked by Senator Gbenga Ashafa (left), House of Representatives member, Mrs Abike-Dabiri-Eruwa at the opening of the miniwater works.

Mega water supply for a mega city W

ATER is central to human existence.A populous city cannot do without this all-important commodity. To ensure free-flow of water in the mega city, the Lagos State Government has unveiled first phase of the Adiyan Water Works, with a capacity for 70million gallon of water. Work on the second phase which also has a capacity for 70million gallon of water delay begun. Other water works in EtiOsa, has to expand among others, have a combined capacity of 593million gallons of water by 2020 when the Lagos population suspected the hit 29million. If met, the target would give a surplus of 12 million gallons of water. Lagos State Water Corporation (LASWC) Group Managing Director Mr. Shayo Holloway, said the plan was aimed at meeting the water needs of the emerging mega-city, especially the first phase, which has 15 additional mini-water works, with only five yet to be inaugurated. According to Holloway, the expansion is influenced by population. “For example, the water needs in Lagos is 500 million gallons per day, whereas, we are able to provide above 200 million gallons, thus with almost 45 per cent deficit. However, this deficit is already being addressed

By Muyiwa Lucas and Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

with the construction of the additional water works, the provision of independent power project that was completed late last year.” He said the shortage in Lagos Island was as a result of collapse of transmission trunk under Carter Bridge in 2005. “But as a remedial measure then, what we did was the laying of two 600 mm pipes to serve the affected area. As a final measure, the corporation has embarked on the laying of 1200 mm pipe that can effectively serve the affected consumers in Lagos Island, “ Holloway explained. He further said the award of engineering design of Odomola Water Scheme that had also received the approval of the Governor “is the ultimate goal”. The scheme, when completed is to provide 210 million gallons daily and would serve Ikoyi, Lekki corridor, Epe and Ibeju axis, including the Export Process Zone (EPZ) on the EpeMaroko Expressway. “In essence, when this project is completed, Adiyan would be divested from serving several areas, but would solely concentrate in serving only one senatorial district. While Odomola scheme would be serving mostly Lagos East Senatorial District,

Adiyan would be serving the west, while the conglomeration of majority of the existing water works would be serving the central.” The corporation, however, urged consumers to tap into its mains instead of patronising water vendors. “Although we realised that there are some areas that are yet to be connected, by the end of 2015, when we must have fully completed the water mains expansion project, most of the areas that are yet to be connected would have the opportunity,” Holloway added. Governor Babatunde Fashola, during the inspection of the project, said his administration has planned steady water sup-

ply for residents till 2020. Fashola said the water projects, which the administration was implementing, would take the state to the level of sustainable and efficient water supply. “Currently, there are reticulation contracts that have been issued, including pipe networks and pipelines being laid across the state to receive the supply of water when it is done. The planned expansion at Adiyan, which has been on the drawing board since the 1970s, is expected to give the state 70 million gallons of water per day which is the combined capacity of all the mini water works and micro water works,” the governor said, adding that the Adiyan expansion would help

the government to serve areas, such as Iju, Agege, Mushin and Ilupeju. Besides, the governor hoped that the project would help relieve pressure from Iju Waterworks and Adiyan Phase One by implementing the expansion which was planned almost three decades ago and bring water to people in those areas. “It will also increase our capacity therefore to sustain life, prevent disease, provide healthy living at affordable cost, reduce the dependency that our people currently have in purchasing water, some of which is of questionable integrity,” the governor said, assuring that efforts were on to tackle lack of potable water in some areas.

Ogun advises industrialists on physical development

HE Ogun State Government has called on industrialists and other business owners in the state to support government policies and programmes, especially in physical development to ensure a healthy and conducive development. The state’s Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga spoke during a visit to the ministry’s Ilaro zonal planning office in Yewa. He also visited the Dangote Cement factory in the Ibese to

By Muyiwa Lucas

assess their compliance with specifications in their construction in the company. He said the monitoring was also to ensure that the wellbeing and security of the people were taken into consideration during construction, enjoining them to comply with the urban and physical laws of the state. “Operators of the industries should see the government as a working partner to make life better for the people of state

as the contribution of these industries to the economic status of the people are enormous and both partners should give them a better and friendly environment,” he said. He advised industrialists to consult the appropriate government’s agency before embarking on development, adding that this would afford the government the opportunity to update their data bank for development of a workable master plan for the state.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

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Work begins November on cable car W ORK on the first phase of the $500 million (N80.7 billion) Lagos cable car system will begin in November, according to sources. The project is being managed by a firm, Ropeways Transport Limited, which signed an agreement with the state government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), in 2012. A source said the clearing of the sites and the construction of the towers and laying of the cables for the cars would begin in November. Work is expected to begin with the Apapa Adeniji Adele route, where the firm is expected to open commercial operation next year. The 30-year long public-private partnership (PPP) initiative will be funded with a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The deal, which is public-private sector driven, will last 30 years. Lagos is the first city-state in Nigeria to adopt the cable car for commercial purpose as some states have adopted its use to drive tourism. The project is part of the reforms meant to reposition public sector transportation in the state. Under the agreement, LAMATA approved the Apapa -Oluwole-Adeniji Adele; Ijora/7upIddo-Adeniji Adele and Victoria IslandFalomo-Obalende-Adeniji Adele routes proposed by Ropeways. Ropeways Chief Executive Officer Captain Dapo Olumide said the cable car network would help to solve transport challenges in Lagos. He said: “By complementing existing transport modes, the Lagos cable car transit system will play its part in reducing the traffic congestion in the city.” Lagos is expected to have 25 million inhabitants by 2015, meaning that the current 12 million daily passenger movement is projected to increase by six per cent each year, a situation he said, would put pressure on the

• Cable cars Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

existing infrastructure. Those driving to work could take three hours to complete the journey, Olumide said, adding that 200,000 new vehicles are registered in the state yearly said. “Our proposal to work on the three routes is aimed at ameliorating the existing conges-

tion on the three bridges connecting Lagos Mainland to the Island and to provide a link between Apapa and the Central Business District on Lagos Island, and also to link Victoria Island with the Central Business District of Lagos Island. These are what we hope to achieve with the cable transit system,” Olumide added. Cable cars are being used for transport worldwide because they are green (uses no fuel) and

Lagos unveils new bus routes BOUT 11,000 commercial mini buses and 7,637 taxis have been allocated new route numbers following their registration, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Kayode Opeifa has said. Speaking in his office, he said: “We have completed the allocation of routes to the 11,000 mini buses that have registered. We currently have 7, 637 taxi registered.” According to him, only 944 mass transit buses, 13,839 buses; 7,092 taxis; 2,194 kabu-kabu; 221 car hire vehicles and 2,169 tricycles, totalling 26,459, have been registered, with more than an estimated 30,000 operators yet to comply. Records of commercial passenger vehicle licensing scheme, Opeifa said, showed that of the estimated 80,0000 commercial vehicles and drivers in the state, only 24,257 vehicles and 28,902 drivers had been registered as at June, while only 7,637 taxis complied with the documentation of commercial vehicles’ directive. Opeifa observed that the government had extended the commencement of the enforcement date since the initial deadline on December 1, last year on many occasions, due to pleas from the leaders of transport unions, “In spite of the extension, gov-

ernment is unimpressed and disappointed with the low level of compliance which of course has slowed down the needed reform in the public transportation sector. Hence, the full enforcement must commence immediately and we are ready to implement the policy to the letter having waited for another six months,” he said. Unlike what obtains in the past, the determination to enforce the law has led to a rush at the Oshodi headquarters of the Lagos State Drivers Institute, findings have shown. The rush for accreditation by commercial vehicle driver and conductors at the centre which was one of the five accredited centres approved by the state’s traffic law 2012, it was learnt was the resolve of the state government to enforce the law, which officials say, is aimed at repositioning the state for efficient and sustainable public transport management system as well as ensuring safety of road users and transport operators. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, LASDRI, Mr. Ayodeji Oyedokun, confirmed that the turn out since the announcement of the enforcement has been massive. He said: “The enforcement started in January, 2014. And

efficient. The Lagos Cable Car Transit system will be 12km long, with a journey from Apapa to Adeniji taking roughly four minutes. The fare is expected to be around N100 – N300. The project will have five sources of power; the Independent Power Project (IPP), on Lagos Island, gas, diesel, turbines and inverters.

Firm trains school bus drivers

• Opeifa

since then, the number of drivers and owners who have come for the recertification has been increasing monthly. At the moment in Oshodi, we are attending to 200 drivers and conductors daily. We have simplified the process to ensure that it is seamless. We have about two batches daily. While some are in the classroom, others are doing their test and biometric capturing.”

HE Auto mobiles And Road Safety Initiative (ARSI), a group campaigning for safe driving, is training school bus drivers on defensive driving. The four-day training will take place at its Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos office from August 11. ARSI’s President Mr. Samuel Oloyede Oriowo, in a statement, said the workshop is another first by the organisation to broaden the knowledge of school bus drivers and to equip them with safe driving skills necessary for their primary assignment of driving school children. According to him, his organisation decided to hold the workshop in August when schools are expectedly on holidays, to enable many drivers participate in the training. “We would teach them and further sharpen their life saving skills, saving for their respective schools, time, money and the buses,” Oriowo said. Oriowo, who lamented that many school bus drivers were not trained for the job they do, said most of the accidents involving school buses were found to have been caused by driver’s negligence of basic driving rules and skills. He said the training would ex-

pose drivers to defensive driving, and the culture of safe driving behaviours after being exposed to the six unsafe driving behaviours common with the “not-properly-trained” drivers. They will also among others be able to master the DDC Collision Prevention Formula; employ hands-on techniques to manage their emotions and behaviours while driving, be exposed to factors that can be controlled before driving, be made to be able to identify hazards, with instant recognition of same and how to avoid it, understand factors capable of challenging safe driving, develop the habit of regular inspection of their vehicle before embarking on driving daily and be exposed to how to prevent and fight vehicle fire outbreak, among others. Oriowo, said the courses would be handled by instructors drawn from various sectors of the industry who are passionate about the competence of drivers conveying students who are the future of the country from home to school and back. Oriowo said participants would be awarded certificates to attest to their driving competence and their school’s would be honoured.

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BUSINESS AVIATION To encourage unrestricted cooperation among nations, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has urged them to stop collecting air agreement royalties. To this end, Nigeria will stop collecting royalties on the 78 Bilateral and Air Services Agreements (BASA) it signed with other countries from October 27 KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR examines the implication of this policy for the economy.

BASA hits stormy weather F

ROM Otober 27, Nigeria will stop collecting royalties on bilateral air services and commercial agreements it signed with other countries – in deference to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulation, which is to encourage unrestricted agreements among nations. Nigeria signed about 78 bilateral air services agreements (BASA). It signed a dual designation agreement with Britain and also signed an open skies agreement with the United States and other countries. There are different categories of air agreements– dual designation, open skies and multi-lateral air agreements. Dual designation prescribes that there should be reciprocity and equality in agreements. According to civil aviation regulations, Nigeria collects royalties from countries which airlines fly into Nigeria without designation of indigenous carriers into such countries in line with the reciprocity clause contained in the deal. Should the government go ahead with the policy given the attendant loss of huge revenue that could have been used to fix critical infrastructure. A storm is gathering as many experts have faulted government’s action in abolishing royalties by foreign carriers . To drive home their agitation, they met in Lagos last week to discuss the issue, calling for a review of air services agreements. The President, Sabre Travel Network, Gbenga Olowo, said the way the government has handled BASA was detrimental to the development of the sector. He said a bogus commercial air agreements would not only destroy the sector, but give foreign carriers an edge. Multiple entry points granted to foreign carriers would not assist domestic carriers which are supposed to fly passengers to their destinations within the country. He said many foreign carriers enjoyed the multiple entry points in Nigeria, because indigenous carriers did not have the capacity to reciprocate the frequency of flights into their countries. This, Olowo said, skewed the Bilateral and Air Services Agreements (BASA) in favour of foreign carriers. Captain Dele Ore, who leads Roundtable, a thinktank group, said it was wrong for the government to abolish royalties. Such a move, he said, would further underdevelop the industry and affect the market negatively. He canvassed the cancellation of the open skies agreement with the US, claiming that, for over 13 years, Nigeria has not benefited from it. He said this should form part of the new assignment of the Avia-

tion Minister, Mr Osita Chidoka. Ore said it is unprofitable for the government to grant multiple entry points to foreign carriers, when their countries do not reciprocate, stressing that of the 78 BASA, only 12 were reciprocated. He said:“If the government goes ahead to abolish the payment of royalties, the sector would be affected in many ways. What we need to do is to ensure a review of bilateral air services agreements to pave the way for a single entry point into Nigeria by forign carriers. That is the only way to make some airports viable for domestic carriers. “Why should our bilateral services agreements not take care of the inadequacy in our air transport system. This is further affected by the lack of reciprocity, capacity and inability to compete by our domestic airlines." The Executive Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON), Captain Nogie Meggison, attributed the problem to the absence of a sound policy to address bilateral air services and commercial air agreements . He said the new directive by the government was another step to undermine the survival of domestic airlines. Meggison said the non-payment of royalties would cost the government significant revenue, noting that BASA funds and royalties had assisted to fund major projects. He said experts were not carried along before the government cancelled the agreements. Meggison said the government, through the Ministry of Aviation, only informed the umbrella body of domestic carriers after the cancellation. He said the Ministry of Aviation violated the regulation of notice of rule making, which requires that stakeholders be given a 90day notice to make their input on any matter before it becomes law. The AON boss said though the stoppage of payment of royalties is tandem with the Open Skies Policy, Nigeria was not ripe for it. The move is another attempt to further erode the market, he stated. Meggison said: " If something drastic is not done to correct these anomalies, the domestic carriers will be out of business in five years." He said with such waiver or stoppage of payment of royalties,

•Olowo

•Ore

•Meggison

how would the government raise substantial funds to liquidate the money it borrowed to fix airport infrastructure. With such a huge indebtedness, how will the government pay the loans used to fix the airports, when funds accruing from royalties could be utilised to offset such loans? he asked. “While some African and other foreign countries are slow in embracing the policy, Nigeria had rushed to approve of the decision without considering the economic implications on the industry. Aviation consultant and Chief Executive Officer, Belujane

Konsult Limited, Chris Aligbe, said Nigeria was being exploited by foreign carriers due to its unfavourable BASA policies and the failure of domestic airlines to run successful operation. Aligbe said: ‘’In the event where one party cannot reciprocate, it collects royalties from its 'performing' partner and when the other party indicates interest to reciprocate, it is expected to get equal treatment from its partner.’’ The former Nigeria Airways Public Relations manager added: ‘’That is why countries signing BASA deals assemble a crack team of aviation experts with vast experience in route designation/

evaluation, market analysis, aviation politics/law, at the negotiating table.” The Chief Executive Officer, PDT Consulting, Mr Taiwo Adenekan, said countries should try to protect their domestic carriers from bigger foreign airlines who capitalise on various air treaties to prey on them. He expressed disappointment at the government's generosity in granting both extra frequencies and entry points to foreign airlines at the detriment of domestic carriers. Adenekan, who is an aviation Consultant, said: ‘’Multiple entries gives more money to the foreign airlines at the detriment of the domestic airlines. ‘’However, with multiple entries becoming the order of the day, domestic operators have lost that juicy market to the European carriers that become stronger while Nigeria registered airlines become weaker.’’ Analysts have argued that the country is worse off if she does not protect her market.

‘If the government goes ahead to abolish the payment of royalties, the sector would be affected in many ways. What we need to do is to ensure a review of all bilateral air services agreements to pave the way for one entry point into Nigeria for foreign carriers. That is the only way to make some airports viable for domestic carriers’

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Ebola: Customs on red alert at borders T

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has placed its officers on red alert at the borders over the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Some of the borders are in Seme and Idi-Iroko in Lagos State, Saki, (Oyo) and Jibia (Katsina). For instance, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Border, Comptroller Willy Egbudin and his health officers, it was gathered, have met with border protection agencies on how to prevent those with the disease from entering the country as directed by Customs Comptroller-General (CCG) Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi. The CCG, sources said, gave the directive after the pan-African airline ASKY, suspended its flights into Liberia and Sierra Leone. The move also followed the death of one of its passengers from the virus after he landed in Nigeria from Liberia. Seme Customs Public Relations

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

Officer Mr Ernest Olottah said Customs officials were in touch with other agencies to ensure they work in concert to prevent border breach by carriers of EVD. The Customs, he said, took the proactive steps in the national interest, adding that the agency also took the step after the United Kingdom reported that a man from Nigeria via Paris was rushed to the hospital with Ebola-related symptoms. “Every Customs officer working at the Seme and other borders is on alert, and we have one of the best trained health officers for infectious disease system and they have been deployed to arrest the situation,’’ Olottah said. Ebola, he said, is a contagious disease, with 90 per cent mortality rate which deserves everybody’s attention and prevention

because there is no treatment for the virus. He said: “It has flu-like symptoms and a runny nose, then it develops into a haemorrhagic disease which includes bleeding in the eyes, internal organs and skin hemorrhages. “Ebola is transferred between humans via bodily fluids. It could be as simple as wiping a tear off a person’s face or as intimate as the transfer of saliva or semen.” Olottah added: “Frighteningly, the virus can still be transferred once a person has died and that is the more reason Customs at border stations cannot go to sleep. “As far as we are aware, no Nigerian living in the country is infected by the disease. “The Area Controller does not want Ebola to get into an urban hub, such as Lagos because it would be pretty difficult to stop if we fail to act now.”

Navy blames foreigners for sea crimes

HE Nigerian Navy (NN) has blamed foreigners for most piracy, illegal bunkering and other sea crimes. Speaking while receiving crew members of a visiting British ship, HMS Iron Duke in Lagos, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade, said NN would take control of the waterways and rid the place of criminals. “Given the occurrences at our waters, the NN is set to take complete ownership. A lot of people and nations have interest in our waters for obvious reasons. “With the decline of piracy in the Golf of Eden, it would not be wrong to say that most of the elements have left that area and found their way in the Gulf of Guinea, including our waters. “Some foreigners have been arrested in our waters for perpetrating illegalities. “Most of criminality in our waters is carried out by foreigners and not Nigerians. The era when the navy had challenges of platforms will soon be over because we will take delivery of some ships before the end of the year and command our waterways. “We will take full command once again and there will be no need for private security here and there because our water is not private. “We have some private security companies registered with the NN,

they have a memorandum of understanding with us like the Ocean Marine Company, we allow them operate with their vessels but normally attach our personnel to such vessels.” On allegations that multi-national oil firms engage in illegal oil bunkering, Alade said illegal bunkering had not been treated with kid gloves, adding that anyone arrested is being prosecuted. “Piracy and illegality at sea are not beyond us. The responsibility of ensuring the security of the Nigerian maritime domain is that of the Nigerian Navy and we are poised to take total control of the Nigerian waters and rid it of any form of illegalities,” he said. Speaking, Commanding Officer, Her Royal Majesty Ship (HMS) Iron Duke, Commander Tom Tredery said the ship came to Nigeria to work and train with the NN. His words: “We are looking forward to training and exercising together. The roles of the Navy are to work together and ensure that that freedom and safety is in place. “Our range of training includes navigation, engineering, damage control and fire fighting, boarding party and security operations. “The security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea are primarily piracy and maritime crime, which is clearly a threat to all countries and not just Nigeria. When there is a crime at sea, it affects every nation because so much of the world’s trade flows by sea.”

FRSC urges govt to relocate tank farms

• From left: Director Shipping Development, NIMASA, Capt. Warriedi Enisuch and Deputy Director, Public PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA Relations Mr Isichei Osamgbi at a press conference in Lagos.

Govt policy affects NPA operations

HE revenue accruing to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has dropped in recent times based on the policies of the Federal Government on cement, rice and other items, The Nation has learnt. Findings revealed that the restriction placed by the government on these items and others reduced the revenue base of NPA last year. The 2013 ports’performance report of the agency also indicated that market forces were part of factors that limited the activities of the NPA last year. A senior official of NPA who does not want his name in print said the research conducted by the agency revealed that each port is being shaped by the market forces dictated by the commodity demand and by the particular port user Also, the Assistant General Manager (AGM), Public Affairs, Musa Iliya confirmed that the decline experienced in some products can be linked to general economic factor. In dry bulk cargo, he said, there was ban on the importation of cement.

Iliya also said the increase in rice tariff has reduced the importation through Nigerian ports, but by smuggling through the land borders. Findings revealed that a cargo throughput, excluding crude oil terminals of 76,886,997 million metric tonnes was handled by the ports last year, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.042.6 per cent over the 2012 figure of 76,855,754 metric tonnes. A breakdown of the figure showed that container traffic amounted to 1,010,836 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), reflecting a growth of 15.2 per cent over the 877,737 TEUs posted in 2012. Also, a total of 291,824 units of vehicles were handled in the period under review, showing an increase of 8.9 per cent over the 268,026 units recorded in 2012. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipment handled in the period amounted to 19,341,663 metric tons, a drop of 12.7 per cent from the 22,146,908 mt posted in 2012. On the hand, refined petroleum shipment handled was in 2013 was 19,416,043mt, showing an in-

crease of 9.5 per cent over the 17,730,727 mt recorded in the previous year. Dry bulk cargo handled at the ports last year was 9,537,447 metric tonnes. There was a decline of 6.5 per cent from the 10,205,339 metric tonnes posted the previous year, even as general cargo handled was 11,964,978 metric tonnes, indicating a 5.8 per cent drop from the 12,702,826 metric tonnes recorded in 2012. Last year, investigation revealed that a total of 5,185 oceans-going vessels with a total gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 131,674,337 gross tonnes called at the ports. The Lagos Port Complex (LPC) also recorded 34,466,291GRT, reflecting an increase of 9.4 per cent over the 31,513,987 GRT posted in 2012, even as a total of 1,498 vessels were handled at same facility in 2013. While 1,725 ocean-going vessels were handled at the Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIP) last year, the statement added that the port recorded 42,758,161 GRT, which is 23.2 per cent increased over the 34,703,547 GRT of 2012.

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has urged the Federal Government to relocate the tank farms at Apapa in Lagos, to provide lasting solution to the perennial gridlock there. Its Lagos Sector Commander, Chidi Nkwonta, said the measures being taken at the moment to end the congestion were temporary. He said the increase in the number of tankers and trucks, the poor condition of the roads, and the negligence of the stakeholders in the oil and gas industry made it necessary for the tank farms to be relocated. Nkwonta said: “We expect the tank farms to be moved from Apapa; they cannot be on the port roads in Apapa; the location of the tank farms is inappropriate.

“It is in the heart of the town and it is unsafe; it is causing congestion. As such, it is endangering the environment. “So, the tank farms must move at the long run, while the roads must be fixed. “You cannot control the traffic on those roads when the roads are so bad. The number of vehicles on the roads is large and there is no parking space for the trucks. “Most of those trucks enter the potholes and they get stuck; some of the trucks lack maintenance; and coupled with the existence of the potholes it is difficult to move them.” He identified lack of functional loading bays and dishonesty among stakeholders in coordinating the movement of the tankers at the farms made drivers to queue on the access roads.

Customs seizes N2.1b goods

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized goods worth N2.1 billion between April and June. Most of them entered the country through illegal routes, The Nation learnt. The items included vehicles, rice, motorcycles, furniture, narcotics/hard drugs, pharmaceuticals, frozen poultry and petroleum products. The duty was N452.8 million. The breakdown of the impounded items showed that vehicles were 567, motorcycles, 93; arms and ammunition, 120 and 68,856 bags of rice. Also, 27,183 cartons of frozen

poultry were impounded and destroyed, while 1,661 cartons of beverages and confectioneries were seized. The service also impounded 1,023.10 kilogrammes of narcotics and 12,203 cartons of pharmaceuticals and medicament. Findings showed that a total of 962 cartons of wines and alcoholic beverages, 1,552 bales of textiles and 3,428 cartons of insecticides were impounded. Other items seized included bags, suitcases, machinery/mechanical parts, electrical, tobacco and cigarettes.

Okonjo-Iweala, others for induction

HE Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, is among the 10 influential women. Other nominees included the Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium Ltd Princess Vicky Haastrup and the Director, Technical Cooperation, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Mrs. Monica

Mbanefo. The ceremony is scheduled for September 23. The event is an initiative of Kings Communications Ltd and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. This edition, the third in the series, has the theme: ‘Building Capacity for Transformative Leadership’.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

COMMENTS

S the final countdown to Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State begins, global attention would once again be focused on Nigeria as the wobbling and fumbling continues in the nation’s quest to join the league of real democracies. And as had always been the case with elections in western Nigeria since independence, it is going to be a straight fight between federal might and the people’s will. Why the federal government or rather the party at the centre is always interested in controlling south west Nigeria against the wish of the majority beats one’s imagination. I don’t want to hazard a guess, but suffice to say that each attempt whether successful or not have always had grave consequences for the country. Attempt by the NPC/NCNC controlled federal government in the first republic to take over western region through its lackeys in the region led to the western regional crisis that later snowballed into the crisis that eventually ended Nigeria’s first attempt at democratic rule. Recall what happened to the second republic when the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) of President Shehu Shagari forcefully claimed vic-

‘Any parent or guardian that understands what it takes to buy whole set of books for their children or ward(s), buy their uniform, pay their school fees and above all feed them (at least once a day) will appreciate the burden that Governor Aregbesola has taken off his/her shoulders. And it is only right and even godly to appreciate the man by giving him another term in office. This is the least they can do for a man who has taken it upon himself to better their lot’

Osun on the march again tory in Ondo State. The only ‘successful’ takeover of political power in the south west by the party at the centre to date was in 2003 when ‘son-of-the-soil’ President Olusegun Obasanjo manipulated the process, using the federal might, to claim victory for his Peoples democratic Party (PDP)in all but one of the south west states. But not too long after, the people realized their mistake and took back what they lost to the PDP, safe Ondo State. Again, applying the federal might policy of intimidation, the federal government is on another mission to forcefully take over the south west targeting Ekiti and Osun states as a prelude to pocketing the remaining four states of the region in the 2015 general elections. And with Ekiti already in the bag, Abuja is full of confidence that Osun too will fall. In the last few weeks, the state has been fully militarized by the CommanderIn-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan, who in defiance of wise counsel has moved soldiers, State Security Service operatives and of course the police into Osun to ‘deliver’ the state to the PDP. Whether he succeeds or not and what becomes of our democracy after Saturday is in the hands of time. For Jonathan, securing Osun, Ekiti and the rest of the south west states is not so much for the wealth of the region, but the millions of votes he needs to secure a second term. Whereas his party men in the region are only interested in the key to the treasuries of the Yoruba states in order to squander the resources. With this premise, it is easier to understand the battle that lies ahead for the people of Osun State as the local ruling party,

NDEED, Nigeria is a blessed country and we, Nigerians, are blessed people. A country blessed by God needs to walk along God’s own path of Faith, Hope and Love. This is done through her citizens, though now, many Nigerians tend not to know the path they are following. The recent happenings in Nigeria give a responsible person serious concern and one feels terribly worried with the daily sad stories in our land. Apart from the war against the Boko Haram insurgency, we are also faced with the newly introduced war of impeachment as a means of capturing political power at all cost. Thus, from the different happenings in our land, we can now see that there are people in our nation today who, by their utterances and actions, are not happy to see the continued existence and growth of Nigeria. Such people have their script, their selfish and destructive agenda, and they are playing out this script ruthlessly without taking into consideration the generality of the people. We remind them that they cannot continue to have their way at will. Really, there is a limit to everything. Definitely, there is nemesis too. It is over 100 days now that our over 200 children, God’s special gifts to humanity, (now referred to as Chibok Girls) have been abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents. Unfortunately, the search for these school children in captivity is more of a talk show and trading of blames than real action. While all this is going on, some of the traumatised parents of these children are dying. There was a report that 11 parents have died already. Still on the search for the Chibok children, the father of this state opened Nigeria to the comity of nations on the pretext of helping to rescue the children from captivity. With this decision, is our country still well secured? Now, the same father of the nation is asking the National Assembly to grant his loan request of $1bn to fight insurgency. Different people and groups are asking the National Assembly not to grant the loan request of President Goodluck Jonathan. Some people are even insinuating that the president’s request could be in preparation for the 2015 General Elections. On our part too, we are asking for the concrete explanation and the rationale for

the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate Governor Rauf Aregbesola confronts the PDP and its flag bearer, Senator Iyiola Omisore stoutly backed by the government at the centre. Saturday’s election is not so much in the hands of Aregbesola or Omisore but the people of the state who must decide the direction they want to take their future. Where Osun State was before Aregbesola came in and where it is today should be their guide, and I will use education to illustrate my point here. As a beneficiary of the Bola Ige administration free education programme in Oyo in the second republic, I recall what most members of my generation then were going through to go to school and stay in school before the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) came to power in the region in 1979 and education was made free. No more school fees; no more buying of books, all our parents had to do was feed us and buy our school uniform. I can still recall the happiness on my parents’ face when newly sworn in governor Bola Ige announced this at the Liberty stadium on October 1, 1979. They both heaved a sigh of relief as they listened to the pronouncement on radio. Before then they had been finding it difficult paying the school fees of my siblings and I. Even though the skeptics, especially in the NPN said it wasn’t possible and derided the quality of education we were getting in public schools, millions of parents stood by the UPN and their governors defying the federal might to secure their children’s future. Today that decision has been well justified; their sacrifice have not been

Save this nation from collapse By Anthony Cardinal Okogie this loan at this critical period. Our military personnel need to be well mobilized before emphasizing on hardware. No hungry and angry military can fight any war. In the same way, some people are also alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo ordered his then Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd),to retire some military top brass on the pretext of curbing coup plotting and avoiding further coup in Nigeria. People are now saying that with the high degree of insurgency and their seemingly daily strikes, such military top brass would have been helpful in the war against the Boko Haram insurgency. On elections, the reported ‘landslide’ of the recent Ekiti State Governorship Election of Saturday, June 21, may be a gateway to mistrust in electoral process in this nation and it tends to be a gateway to bloodshed in Nigeria as well. Already, there are indications that Osun State people are getting ready for the Governorship Election of Saturday, August 9. They are not prepared to be intimidated nor short-changed. Also, we are surprised to be experiencing the frequent impeachment of state governors, particularly from one political party in the country just immediately after the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, is an invitation to chaos and anarchy. What is of great concern is the silence of the father of the nation in all these series of impeachment. All those concerned in the dangerous trend must be called to order. In fact, the present trend is a reminder of the ThirdTerm Agenda of former President Obasanjo. We remember the story of Dr Peter Odili, the former governor of Rivers State, who wished to be the President of Nigeria. President Obasanjo administration used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-

in vain, their children are now successful men and women in their various fields, thanks in no small measure to the free education programme of the day. The NPN federal government did offer rice and money that time but they rejected them. If one looks at the contributions of the Aregbesola administration in the last four years or thereabout to improving the standard of education in Osun State, one is tempted to say that if only for that he deserves, without blinking an eye, a second term in office. And that is the truth. I don’t want to talk about the beautiful schools he has built all over the state or even the reclassification of schools that he has done, as some are wont to argue that aesthetics are not enough to make good schools, what about the free feeding programme on which over N3 billion is being spent annually; free school uniforms. What about the tablet of knowledge or ‘Opon Imo’ (a miniature computer or tablet) containing the entire senior Secondary School syllabus, books and WAEC/GCE examination papers given to Senior Secondary School students to prepare them for their final exams. Any parent or guardian that understands what it takes to buy whole set of books for his/her children or ward(s), buy their uniform, pay their school fees and above all feed them (at least once a day) will appreciate the burden that Governor Aregbesola has taken off his/her shoulders. And it is only right and even godly to appreciate the man by giving him another term in office. This is the least they can do for a man who has taken it upon himself to better their lot. To Governor Rauf Aregbesola, serving the people (of Osun) is a commandment from God. I chose to dwell on his education programme (though a fraction of his achievements in this sector) because I believe, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo who saw the future of his Yoruba people in education far back in the 50s that it is the best foundation for the future. Aregbesola has laid a solid foundation for the future of his people in Osun, the people should allow him to build it further by rewarding him with a second term. Any other decision to the contrary could lead to eternal regret. A word is enough for the wise.

sion (EFCC) to intimidate Dr Odili out of the presidential race. The same style is now being used by the present administration. With the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State by the State House of Assembly, EFCC has declared Nyako wanted. The same EFCC which is supposed to be waging total war against corruption is busy withdrawing the cases against the people charged for corruption. This is for political reasons and it depends on the party such people belong. This means that if Nyako declares for the ruling party today, EFCC will close the case against him and he will become worthy ‘material’ for future election. Is this how to win a war against corruption? A stitch in time saves many, not just nine. Thus, the government must face the Boko Haram insurgency and the daily bombings with sincere mind instead of focusing its attention on the 2015 Election. Nigerians are getting tired of the various messages of condolence and sympathy by the government. Now is the time for real and purposeful action. We must note that if there is no Nigeria today, there can never be 2015 election. We have no other country, but this country, Nigeria. We must all salvage it together. We also enjoin those who think they can destroy this country through their selfish interest and action to desist. May God save this nation from untimely collapse. • Cardinal Okogie is Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos.

‘The same EFCC which is supposed to be waging total war against corruption is busy withdrawing the cases against the people charged for corruption. This is for political reasons and it depends on the party such people belong. This means that if Nyako declares for the ruling party today, EFCC will close the case against him and he will become worthy ‘material’ for future election. Is this how to win a war against corruption?’

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The creation of new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the Ekiti State Government represents a bold step to stimulate grassroots development and bring government nearer to the people. With the signing of a bill creating new 19 LCDAs into law by Governor Kayode Fayemi on July 30, the dreams of many people living in the grassroots were fulfilled as they have now been offered opportunities to feel the impact of the government more than ever before. The issue of creation of new council areas was one of the major requests of various communities in Ekiti State during Governor Fayemi’s village square meetings with the people for their inputs into the budgets that had so far been implemented during his adminis-

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Ekiti new LCDAs and development tration. The exercise which commenced in January this year with the inauguration of a committee which received memoranda from various communities and interest groups also passed through the stages of referendum, consideration and passage by the House of Assembly and assent of the governor of the enabling bill. Nobody can fault the fact that due process was followed in the steps

leading to the creation of the LCDAs as the communities which presented memoranda were visited by the committee to verify their claims while their representatives also defended their memoranda. Ekiti had been operating 16 local government councils since its creation on October 1, 1996 which are made up of 12 LGAs inherited from the old Ondo State and four new ones created by the military administration which decreed the state

into existence. Almost 18 years down the line, it is very obvious that the 16 councils are insufficient to cater to the needs of the people of the state as the population has increased and the available facilities and amenities already overstretched. For example, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital which used to exist as a single LGA now has additional three LCDAs as one local council can no longer cope with the demands of

We are living in troubled times IR: Aren’t we living in troubled times in the geographical space called Nigeria? The Boko Haram insurgents are killing innocent people in the north-east of Nigeria in order to create an Islamic State there. Kidnappers and armed robbers are having a field’s day in some cities of Nigeria. Daily, millions of unemployed youths throng companies and government establishments searching for jobs. Truly, this is not the best of times for Nigeria and Nigerians. It is not the best time to be a Nigerian. But, our leaders are telling us that we have never had it so good like now, that today’s Nigeria is better than Nigeria of yester-years. So, the minister of finance does read out statistical gobblegook to prove that our economy has improved tremendously. But, millions of Nigerians are living below the poverty. And, about 10 million children of school ages are out of school because their parents cannot afford to keep them in schools. Besides, yearly, our universities churn out graduates who are pushed into the already saturated labour market. For all our economic prosperity, as espoused by our leaders, the government has

not tackled the issue of unemployment effectively. An adage says that an idle hand is a devil’s workshop. The unemployed people constitute a ready pool from which Boko Haran recruits its foot soldiers and suicide bombers. And, most discontents in Nigeria who have taken to crime are unemployed people. There is always a connection between the high rate of criminal activities in Nigeria and our issue of unemployment. Now, Nigeria is racked with crimes. Kidnappers are having a field day in some states in the south-east and south-south. Rich people are seized and they would not regain their freedoms until and unless they’ve paid ransom. There are incidences of armed robbery operations in the country. The rich live behind fortresses, and drive in bullet-proof cars. It is that bad. Now, the north is a hot-bed of terrorist activities. The Boko Haram insurgents control a large swathe of the north-east; and they’ve hoisted their flag in the Damboa town. They carry out their bloody and murderous operations in Abuja and other northern towns, too. Aren’t the people of the north under siege? Until now, the fed-

eral government has not secured the release of the Chibok school girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents. But, the government’s responses to issues affecting us are tardy, uninspiring, and ineffective. It takes ages for the president to take a decision on an issue. The spectre of the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola disease looms over us. Given our porous borders, an infected foreigner can find his or her way into our country, and inadvertently infect our people with the Ebola virus. So, what is our country’s level of preparedness regarding how to tackle and contain the Ebola disease if we witness an outbreak of it in Nigeria? The dysfunctionality of our health sector is obvious and disheartening. Well-heeled Nigerians travel to South Africa and India to receive treatment for minor ailments. Doctors in the government employ are always embarking on industrial action to press home their demands. In the past, our hospitals were referred to as consulting clinics; today, they’ve morphed to mortuaries where people go to die. Against this background, the outbreak of the Ebola

disease will lead to the decimation of our population. So, we are really living in troubled times. But, our country’s future is a cause of anxiety and worry among Nigerians. The country is split along ethnic and religious lines. As the 2015 draws nearer, tension is mounting in the country. The Boko Haram insurgency, the issue of unemployment, our egregious variant of politics, and government’s ineptitude are factors that can trigger off conflict in the country. Indeed, we are living in troubled times. • Chiedu Uche Okoye Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State.

an ever expanding city. Ikole LGA before the latest LCDA creation exercise had 24 communities and a large land mass extending to the boundaries with Kwara and Kogi states. Creation of two more LCDAs from the old Ikole local council is expected to make administration of the communities easier and bring dividends of democracy closer to the people. The case of the people of the old Irepodun/Ifelodun was very pathetic as people in Igbemo, Afao, Are and Iworoko axis used to pass through either Ado, the state capital Ifaki/Esure before reaching Igede which hitherto served as their council headquarters. Although the last stage of the exercise now rests with the National Assembly which is expected to give the LCDAs the seal of LGAs, the benefits of their creation are enormous. Some of the expected benefits include provision of more social amenities, boosting grassroots economy, provision of more employment opportunities, avenues to generate more revenue and provision of more services to the people at the grassroots. All hands must be on deck to nurture the new LCDAs into maturity and make them fulfil the purpose for which they are created. This is not the time to play politics with the creation of the LCDAs as the people of the grassroots remain the ultimate beneficiaries of the new councils. •Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

INEC, where is my PVC? IR: I tried to collect my PVC at Oriade Local Government Osun State and I was told it was not ready. I believe that INEC and PDP are probably trying to discourage people from voting. INEC’s inefficient way of producing Permanent Voters Card (PVC) may disenfranchise so many people. Many people have been told that their voter’s card and which should

be the basis for collecting PVC so as to be to vote, would not be acceptable despite the fact that their PVC is not ready. Does that mean despite having a voter’s card they would be denied the right to vote? I want you to informe INEC, that people without PVC, but Voter’s Card should be allowed to vote. •Ayo Ajayi, Oriade Local Govt, Osun State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

COMMENTS

T was interesting how President a crime? Or just part of the Goodluck Jonathan and his Peoples Omisore-threatened federal Democratic Party (PDP) flexed their bully tactics? muscles on the hustings at Osogbo, on The federal authorities August 2: the sheriff is in town; opposhould provide answers and sition, dive for cover! fast. Otherwise, they face leSure, the president was all sanctimogitimate charge of trying to rig nious about security agencies enforcthe election. ing free and fair elections. But if the Still, mum is it from the camp Ekiti model is anything to go by, hardly of Prof. Attahiru Jega, the Olakunle anyone is fooled. INEC chairman. Prof. Jega had lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola Still, it is instructive: the eerie paraldefended the security over-kill lel between the build-up to August 9 in Ekiti, blissfully forgetting and the 14 April 2007 Osun governorsoldiers’ harassment of Rivers ship election; which the PDP stole and Governor Rotimi Amaechi was only retrieved after three long and other APC partisans, years of fierce legal battle. while other PDP partisans had A few days to that 2007 election, under President Olusegun steal. unimpeded passage, even if two, Jelili Adesiyan, Police AfAnother parallel: after that electoral heist, Ebenezer Obasanjo’s do-or-die electoral charter, soldiers staged an infairs minister and Musiliu Obanikoro, Defence minister of timidating drill, on Gbongan road in Osogbo. Viewed from Babatope, the famed Ebino Topsy and PDP chieftain, claimed state, had clear motives to put the state organs under their the then Action Congress (AC) Candidate Rauf Aregbesola’s that while AC won in urban centres, PDP won in rural areas, charge to partisan uses. four-storey Oranmiyan House campaign headquarters, the in a crass revisionism of the electoral trend of the Obafemi Even if voting appears “free” on election day, it couldn’t drill snaked for no less than one mile, a swash-buckling ma- Awolowo days. The snag was: Osun is a state of big towns, pass as fair — and ultimately free — if the process leading to the largest conglomeration of urban centres in the whole of noeuvre clearly designed to shock and awe. it was crooked. That is the point INEC should address, and A few days to August 9, under President Goodluck Yorubaland. make itself heard in the run-up to August 9, instead of clingOf course, the same Ebino is already talking of Mr. Omisore Jonathan’s electoral militarisation diktat, men of the Departing to the sophistry of soldiers not impeding physical votment of State Security (DSS) have staged a similar drill, some “surprising” Governor Aregbesola on August 9. ing, even if they were complicit in mass arrest of opposing But on what basis might he do that: superior articulation of of them hooded, firing into the air to scare people. leaders, as they did in Ekiti; and as Mr. Omisore is allegedly electoral manifesto? Superior record of meritorious public Are men bearing legal arms allowed under the law to wear threatening they would do in Osun. hoods? Then, the wanton shooting — is it allowed, and un- service than the governor’s? A PDP superior record of perBetween Aregbesola and Omisore, the choice for Ripples is formance, both in Osun or at the federal level? Or just a der what circumstances? very simple. Every politician claims popularity; but rightJust as well, even with cracking gunshots, some partisans hoped-for federal might’s guarantee to fiddle the vote? thinking members of society know, between the two, who is Still, no crime: everyone has a democratic licence to choose still trooped out, shouting party slogans and waving party popular and who is well and truly notorious. their heroes! symbols — in clear defiance of a perceived federal pacificaBut if the Omisore camp can lie that USAID conducted a Mr. Omisore, the PDP candidate allegedly boasted to rural tion force. poll that never was, have a straight face to insist on that Back in 2007, no less than 12 lost their lives in election- folks during his campaign that non-Yoruba but uniformed blatant lie even after USAID had dismissed that claim, and related violence, in perhaps the most egregiously rigged elec- goons would flood Osun during the election to aid his cause, thereafter go ahead to try, sour-grape wise, to discredit the tion in Nigerian history. Back then, the federal fist of mail suggesting such goons would be part of his federal armada. TNS/RMS poll which suggested Mr. Omisore would be guilFor all you know, that could well be empty bluff and bluscould not stop — but merely looked away from — the vote lotined, you could clearly see the manifest villainy of the ter. Still, it is worrisome that the DSS shooting ensemble robbers, in their widespread criminality on election day. Omisore ticket. But that is left for the Osun voters to decide. Still, the PDP lost the election. It would take three long involved some hooded folks. Is this a sinister confirmation Still, it is well and truly tragic that post-Awolowo years to prove it: and in those years, mandate thieves unof Mr. Omisore’s alleged boast? Yorubaland would suffer gladly the foolery of an Omisore Besides, DSS raided TSN/RSM office in Lagos. A few days leashed a reign of terror: the hideous rape of an Ilesa secondcandidature, even as a local government councillor! Yet, Ayo ary school girl; the murder, at an Ilesa fuel station, of a local later, the marketing research firm released figures of a study Fayose (Ekiti) and Iyiola Omisore (Osun) are Goodluck industrialist; the military occupation and pacification of Ilesa that suggests Governor Aregbesola would win by 73% and Jonathan’s model Yoruba leaders! Indeed, only the deep can and Osogbo, for daring to protest brazen electoral robbery; Mr. Omisore would trail with 19% of the votes. call to the deep! Between these two events, the Omisore camp had, through and the routine trotting, into the Ilesa gaol house, of opposiBeyond candidate preferences, however, a free and fair Osun tion leaders on trumped up charges, for the simple reason text messages and other means, circulated a claim that a USAID poll, both on the day as well as regarding processes leading poll had given Mr. Omisore the lead with 58%, with Goverthey were the teeth of the legal challenge to the electoral to it, is a vote for Osun, a vote for democracy and a vote for nor Aregbe credited with 30%. Nigeria. This claim, however, is a bare-faced lie, as USAID has disNigeria badly miscarried when its earliest rulers killed “A free and fair Osun poll, both on owned the purported poll. “No USAID poll was taken in and the succeeding soldier-politicians also the day as well as regarding proc- Osun,” Premium Times quoted Rhonda Watson, acting public democracy; slaughtered, on the altar of political poison, the military as a affairs officer of the US Consulate in Lagos, as saying. Braincredible and respected national institution. esses leading to it, is a vote for Osun, less lying, yet again, from the Omisore camp! A further smashing of democracy, ala a brazen steal at Osun, Now, why would DSS invade the premises of a private a vote for democracy and a vote for may well complete Nigeria’s unravelling process. That would marketing research firm doing legitimate business? Some be tragic, indeed. Nigeria “ intelligence suggesting subversion? Conducting polls is now

epublican ipples

For Osun, for democracy, for Nigeria

HESE days, it is doubtful that Nigerians still pay attention to the happenings in the cesspit of incompetence and graft described rather charitably as the power sector. I refer here to the latest report that the federal government has revised its power supply target to 5,000Mega Watts (MW) by the end of the year. Only last month, Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, had raised hopes while addressing a delegation of Indian investors that “Nigeria will hit 10,000MW by the end of 2014”. But at an inter-ministerial briefing last week, Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke would have no soothing words for Nigerians expecting the December turnaround: The best, she said, is “a generation capacity of at least 5,000MW within 4-5 months” – and “barring unforeseen circumstances”. So much for the plague of confusion ravaging Jonathan’s power sector. It’s certainly been a long, confounding exercise in the reducing arithmetic of Jonathan’s power sector where the more money they throw at it, the less the value that is delivered in return. Let’s see how we started. In 1999, the nation’s generation capacity was said to be 6,000MW (ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo would have us know that the actual deliverable was 1,500MW”). Even at that, Obasanjo summary of the state of the power sector as rendered to the Ndudi Elumelu panel of the House of Representatives which probed his administration remains instructive: Ijora and Oji River stations, both of which utilised coal, were down due to lack of coal production; Afam and Delta, both of which were gas thermal plants were obsolete. The hydro plants of Kanji, Jebba and Shiroro were no better. Apart from silting and/or inadequate flow of water into the dam, there was also the problem of poor maintenance. Egbin, the thermal plant suffered disruption of gas supply through vandalism and poor management and maintenance by staff. And so, the effective output was 1,500MW. What did he do and how far did he go? First, a new Afam 276MW thermal unit was installed and commissioned. This would be followed by Agip’s 480MW thermal unit at Okpai. Then Papalanto, Omotosho, Alaoji and Geregu plants each of which could provide close to 1000MW. The next would be the National Integrated Power Projects located at Sapele (Delta), Ehobor (Edo), Egbema (Imo), Gbaram (Bayelsa), Calabar (Cross River) and Omoku (Rivers). From this stage, the riddle begins. A total of 34 companies were awarded contracts to bring in turbines under the NIPP. By design, their output, combined with the four thermal plants was to deliver 10,000MW by 2007/2008. That is aside the existing 1,500 MW which Obasanjo claimed he met. Nearly

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Power sector: Lest we forget 10 years after, we are still struggling to hit 6,000MW by December! Where did the megawatts disappear to? What happened to the turbines? Is gas really the only problem; or is it merely a smokescreen covering an intricate web of criminality? Who are the contractors by the way? How many performed or failed to? In the confounding riddles which have brought the sector to this sorry pass, we may never get the answers. True, Obasanjo may have brought plenty of motion without locomotion to the sector; and methodical Yar’Adua, his signature inertia; with President Goodluck Jonathan, there has been neither rhyme nor method to the reign of abdication and the culture of criminal indifference that it has spawned! Where are the excuses for an administration – which, courtesy of the Gabriel Suswan committee on the NIPP – was allowed to warehouse the NIPP funds? Or have we forgotten so soon? For how long will the ancillary gas infrastructure remain in the pipeline? Between the grandmaster con-artist and his minion handmaiden in crime, there is a lot that needs finding out! By next year, the nation would mark the 10th anniversary of the much trumpeted Power Sector Reform Act (PSR 2005). Many – including yours truly, had welcomed the legislation convinced that it actually held the key to unlocking the potentials of the sector. Among the key expectations was that it would end government’s near-monopoly which had bred lethargy, corruption and inefficiency in the sector. The story was that because the sector was wholly in the hand of government, the incentive to align its business practices with the dictates of the market was simply not there; and so was the will and the discipline to anticipate future needs and plan appropriately

lacking – hence the steady decline into the moribund sector that we now have. Underlying the reform therefore was the need to liberalise the sector, to get more players on board in the spirit of true competition, and to ensure a steady flow of investment, which, no thanks to the erstwhile environment was stifled. And the result nearly 10 years after? The promises have since disappeared into the wind. It is still the same old wearisome excuses, of alibis being recycled or repackaged and sold to the weary electricity consumer with very little signs of impending change. Indeed, what we have is a new wine of instruments of legislation and regulation in the old wineskins of poor and ineffective governance. The old PHCN behemoth is gone for good; now we have a group of disparate club of players – that have demonstrated neither the financial muscle nor the business intelligence to suggest that they are able to get things going. The result is the endless promises as against actual delivery of electricity to homes and businesses just as the regulator appears clueless. Ten years during which the nation is supposed to have made some progress, we are only moved marginally from where we were 10 years ago. This is in spite of the massive investment sunk in to stabilise and upgrade the sector – an outlay known to have exceeded $20 billion under the decade. The explanations are not far-fetched: good as the principle of liberalisation is, in the hand of an utterly incompetent government, it becomes an exercise in abdication. For instance, how does one explain the fact that a government that has divested substantial interests in its erstwhile entities could still not muster funds to invest massively in gas infrastructure known to be critical to the reform package? And that nearly 10 years after establishing Letters of Credit for the NIPP plants, a good number remains uncompleted? The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) would rather we do not talk about the mess their messiah has wreaked on the power sector, the economy and the polity as a whole. Much as they try deodorising their principal, there are simply some truths that cannot be wished away.

‘Good as the principle of liberalisation is, in the hand of an utterly incompetent government, it becomes an exercise in abdication. For instance, how does one explain the fact that a government that has divested substantial interests in its erstwhile entities could still not muster funds to invest massively in gas infrastructure known to be critical to the reform package?’

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

25 people in authority trample the law and get away with ’ Here, it ... Untill we are able to shame corrupt persons, corruption will remain Nigeria’s undoing ’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo started it all in 2003. President Goodluck Jonathan has caught the bug of deploying soldiers for elections, despite its unconstitutionality. He did it in Ekiti State on June 21. He plans to do it again in Osun on Saturday. Is he right? No, say lawyers. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

LECTION is a civic duty, which the electorate are expected to perform freely. They are expected to exercise their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of intimidation and show of force. Election is not a war, warranting troops’ deployment. At most, the police are deployed to ensure orderliness. This is the practice in other democracies. But here, the deployment of troops for election by the Federal Government is gradually becoming the norm, the unconstitutionality of the practice. The practice, which was introduced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, who was once quoted as saying that election is “a do-or-die” affair, is gradually becoming a state policy under President Goodluck Jonathan. This practice reached a worrisome height during the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election when troops, military hardware, arms and ammunition were deployed. The soldiers paraded the streets in a manner intended to intimidate voters and paint a picture of insecurity and looming danger. About 36,790 armed soldiers, police, State Security Service and civil defence personnel were reportedly deployed for the Ekiti election. Many relived how soldiers allegedly interfered in the electoral process. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s right to freedom of movement enshrined in Section 41 of the Constitution was breached by the armed soldiers when he was prevented from entering Ekiti two days before the election. The governor and many other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who were billed to attend a political rally at Ado Ekiti last June 19, were forcefully turned back by the soldiers who claimed they were acting on “orders from above.” There were also reports that armed soldiers searched every hotel in Ado Ekiti,

Should soldiers be deployed for elections

Lawyers: NO

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The only inference that can be drawn from the deployment of massive security personnel into the state is that those who are responsible for that deployment intend to heat up the polity and aggravate the political tension in the state.

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the state capital at night, without warrant and ejected mostly members of the APC, who they claimed could not offer “satisfactory explanation” as to why they were in the state. The same soldiers provided cover for some non-indigenes, who are chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including two serving ministers and an influential chieftain of the party from Anambra State, who were allowed to “monitor” the election. There were also tales of unwarranted killings and displacement during the election. But while many thought the Jonathan government would have learnt from unsavoury experience brought about by the unwarranted deployment of soldiers in Ekiti, it is bent on doing the same thing in Osun State, where governorship election holds on Saturday. To observers Jonathan, who the soldiers allegedly was in Osogbo, the state capital, last Saturday to campaign for Iyiola Omisore, the candidate of the party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hinted

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The people of Osun should be given a free hand to choose their governor free from pressure, intimidation and threats from any quarter.

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that soldiers may be deployed for the election. Militarising election process does not only serve as a disincentive to voters, it is a form of rigging because innocent voters are scared away and their right to vote denied. They argued that such practice gives the international society a bad impression about the country, creating the impression of insecurity and painting the people as being incapable of managing their affairs. The unconstitutionality of the President’s capricious deployment of soldiers for election duties, critics argued, is supported by the provisions of sections 217 (1) and (2) (ad) and 218 (4)(a-b). Section 217(1) states that “There shall be and armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an army, a navy, an Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly. It states in Sub-section 2 that “the federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose

– See page 37

of -(a) defending Nigeria from external aggression; (b) maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea, or air; (c) suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly; and (d) performance such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. But while Section 218 (1) states that “the powers of the President as the Commissioner-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the federation shall include power to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation,” the Constitution, in Sub-section 4 (a) and (b) of Section 218 states that “the National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the regulation of - (a) the powers exercisable by the President as Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federation; and (b) the appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of members of the armed forces of the Federation.” Observers argue that, in view of the unconstitutionality of the President’s casual deployment of men of the armed forces in the absence of the situation envisaged in Section 217(2)(ac) of the Constitution, there is urgent need for well-meaning Nigerians to seek ways of halting this unconstitutional use of the armed forces by the President. This purpose may equally be served by a Bill now before the National Assembly that seek to review the deployment of armed forces for election duties. Titled: “A Bill for an Act to further amend the Electoral Act, No. 6, 2010,” sponsored by Hon. Daniel Reyenieju (PDP, Delta), it seeks among others to ensure a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process and for transparent process of conducting elections in the country, and for other matters connected therewith. A major contentious part of the Bill is contained in its proposed Section 8, which seeks to further amend the Principal Act in Section 29(1) by inserting a new subsection (b). The new subsection “b” seeks to ensure that INEC is “responsible for requesting and deploying security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters; assigning them in the manner determined by the Commission in collaboration with relevant security agencies, with the condition that the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall only be for the purpose of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials”. If passed into law, this amendment may likely stop the President’s casual deployment of members of the armed forces for election duties. It is however not sure if the proposal will not exacerbate the already bad situation as there is no guarantee that INEC, a federal establishment will not succumb under the pressure from the party at the centre. Lawyers, including rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), Joseph Nwobike (SAN), Emeka Ngige (SAN), Wahab Shittu, Ike Ofuokwu and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja, Monday Ubani are also of the view that the needless deployment of men of the armed forces for election duties amounts to a negation of the provisions of the Constitution. Falana argued that the deployment •Continued on page 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D

Lawyers kick against troops’ deployment •Continued from page 25

of the armed forces for the maintenance of law and order during elections cannot be legally justified in view of the provision in Section 215(3) of the Constitution, which vested the Police with the exclusive power to maintain and secure public safety and public order in the country. He relied on the Court of Appeal decisions in the cases of Yussuf v Obasanjo (2005) 18 N.W.L.R. (Pt 956) 96 and Buhari v Obasanjo (2005) 1 WRN 1 at 200. Then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi observed that “in spite of the non-tolerant nature and behavior of our political class in this country, we should by all means try to keep armed personnel of whatever status or nature from being part and parcel of our election process. The civilian authorities should be left to conduct and carry out fully the electoral processes at all levels”. The Supreme Court, in upholding the judgment in the Buhari v Obasanjo case, held that the state is obligated to ensure that “citizens who are sovereign can exercise their franchise freely, unmolested and undisturbed”. Falana argued that “under the current constitutional dispensation the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces lacks the power to involve soldiers in maintaining law and order during elections.” He noted that even in the Northeast states, a state of emergency had to be declared by the President to justify the deployment of members of the armed forces as part of the extraordinary measures he was required to take to restore law and order pursuant to section 305 of the Constitution. “Even then the President had to seek and obtain the approval of the National Assembly for the said deployment for a specific period of time,” he said. Nwobike, while addressing the deployment of armed and hooded security personnel to Osun, preparatory to the August 9 election, argued that such deployment will create tension because the state is not known to be prone to violence. “There are no security challenges in Osun State as to warrant the deployment of massive security operatives into the state few days before the scheduled election. “Osun is relatively a small and peaceful state. Therefore, the only inference that can be drawn from the deployment of massive security personnel into the state is that those who are responsible for that deployment intend to heat up the polity and aggravate the political tension in the state. “I, however, call on the electorate to go about their business and to come out en

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A state of emergency had to be declared by the President to justify the deployment of members of the armed forces as part of the extraordinary measures he was required to take to restore law and order pursuant to section 305 of the Constitution.

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•Ngige (SAN)

•Nwobike (SAN)

•Falana (SAN)

•Shittu

•Ofuokwu

•Ubani

masse to vote for the candidate and political party of their choice. “They should not allow themselves to be intimidated by the presence of security personnel,” he said. Ngige, said the security personnel should rather have been deployed to the Sambisa Forest, known as the notorious den of insurgents in the Northeast. “The militarisation of our democracy will do nobody, including the presidency, any good. People should be allowed to express their political wishes without fear of intimidation. “The deployment of high number of military personnel in an election is suggestive that we’re in a civilian rule, not democratic rule. “The soldiers and state security personnel they’re deploying in Osun are better needed in Sambisa forest and Borno and Yobe states, not for a peaceful state like Osun,” Ngige said. Shittu was of the view that the massive deployment of armed security personnel could send a wrong signal that Nigeria is incapable of conducting a peaceful election. He warned against militarising Osun in the name of ensuring a peaceful election, adding that voters could be disenfranchised by such massive show of force. “While there is a necessity to guarantee peaceful, fair and credible election, we should be careful not to militarise the polity. That could constitute a danger to the democratic process. “There are various ways of disenfranchising eligible voters. We should not give the impression to the international com-

munity and the rest of the world that we’re incapable of conducting a free, fair and credible election except the entire place is militarised,” Shittu said. Ofuokwu faulted the deployment of heavily armed security men for the Osun election “They have no bravery to display but instead what they have is cowardice clouded with professional timidity. Any bravery should be channelled to the Sambisa forest to rescue our girls. It shocks the conscience to hear that they are even hooded hence we must be sure that they are not armed robbers or even terrorists. Officials of DSS have no single justification being

hooded. “The people of the state should not be intimated with their presence but go about their lawful duty & on election day come out en masse to vote candidates of their choice, he said. Ubani particularly faulted the conduct of the SSS men deployed to Osun. “This is clearly a strange development. SSS men wearing masks and shooting into the air indiscriminately is scaring and irresponsible. Why the entire thing seems scaring is the idea of wearing masks. “You may want to know why and what they are trying to hide their faces for? It is obvious that their intention and motive is less altruistic and patriotic hence operating in masks. “My advice is that the political elite in collaboration with the security establishment should not truncate this hard won democracy even if what we have is not a full fledged democracy. “The people of Osun should be given a free hand to choose their governor free from pressure, intimidation and threats from any quarter. What constitutes free and fair election includes the events prior to the election date, the election proper and during the announcement of the election results. “If there are issues and deficiencies in any of these segments as mentioned then the election cannot be said to be free and fair in accordance with the Electoral Act. “Our political class should know that the entire world are keenly observing what is going on in our country. Our actions and deeds will either enhance our value in the eyes of the world or attract opprobrium from the same world. A word is enough for the wise,” Ubani said.

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The soldiers and state security personnel they’re deploying in Osun are better needed in Sambisa forest and Borno and Yobe states, not for a peaceful state like Osun,

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LAW PERSONALITY The courts were shut for about three weeks – July 11-31 – because of what workers under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) called the persistent refusal of the Executive, particularly in the states, to accord financial autonomy to the Judiciary. JUSUN President Comrade Marwan Adamu speaks with ERIC IKHILAE on the strike and other issues.

HAT is your take on the situation in Rivers State judiciary? We have been pushed to the wall. That was why we took the decision to go on strike in Rivers. We had embarked on strike in Rivers even before the nationwide strike. And even with the suspension of the nationwide strike, we are not going to suspend the strike in Rivers until the problems created by the two elephants are resolved. The two elephants are the state (JSC) Judiciary Service Commission and the National Judicial Council (NJC). We at JUSUN, have no power over the appointment of Chief Judges and whoever is appointed as the Chief Judge, we will accept him, we will work with him, we have no problem with that. So, why are your members on strike in the state? In Rivers, NJC appointed an administrative judge, they said we must work with him. We have no problem with that, we can work with him. But after the NJC’s appointment, another circular came from the state’s JSC and we, from the Chief Registrar down to the least person in the Judiciary are employed by the JSC of the state. So, if the JSC issued another circular, saying if anybody worked with this administrative judge, the person was on his or her own, and that such person would face disciplinary actions, there is a problem. Are we going to work with two masters at the same time? That was why we withdrew our services, coupled with the problems of security. You are a living witness to this. A particular court was bombed three times. On an occasion, the police confirmed a parcel found in the premises of the court as explosives. They did not remove it until it exploded and our members who reported it were arrested and detained for 21 days. When NBA and JUSUN took the matter up, our detained members were taken to court and terrorism charges were instituted against them. Up till now, the matter is still before the court. How do you think the logjam in Rivers’ Judiciary can be cleared? The way out is that both parties should do the right thing, which means they should do what the constitution says. There is no way you are going to appoint a Chief Judge in a state without the inputs of the NJC, state governor and the state House of Assembly. Let them do the right thing. Why did JUSUN embark on the nationwide strike? Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered judgment on January 13 this year in our favour in the case in which we sought the interpretation of sections 81(3), 121 (3) and 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution. The court ordered that the Accountants-General of the state and federation, Auditors-General of the states and the federation, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives be served with that court order for them to ensure compliance with those provisions of the constitution. We did. They were all served. Sometimes in February this year, the union had a NEC (National Executive Council) meeting and issued a 21-day ultimatum to embark on strike. Before the expiration of the ultimatum, we were invited to a meeting by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, who I must acknowledge and appreciate for his efforts in this matter. He has put in his best to ensure that this matter is resolved. At that meeting, we were persuaded not to embark on the strike on the understanding that we should give them time to study the court order and comply with it. We agreed. Towards the end of March, we issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum. The same thing happened. We were invited to a meeting. The NJC (National Judicial Council), the FJSC (Federal Judicial Service Commission), Wages and Salaries Commission and the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, were invited. When we saw they were still foot-dragging on their promise to abide by the judgment, we decided to go on strike. Do you mean most states are yet to obey the judgment? All the states are in default. None of them has complied with the judgment. Why we delayed before going on strike was to show that we are mature and not that we have interest in going on strike. We were interested in the amicable resolution of the issue. Before the federal judicial workers joined the strike, the Minister of Labour and Productivity called a meeting. The NJC was in attendance, with some directors and the Accountants-General of the Federation and we were asked to suspend the strike. We said JUSUN would sus-

•Adamu

‘Executive must accord fiscal autonomy to Judiciary’ pend the strike if we get a cogent, concrete, presentable commitment from the government We are not saying you should pay the money now. But let us assume that if both the representatives of the Federal and State governments say that we agree there is a court judgment, give us one week, give us two weeks, give us one month, to comply with it, that is acceptable. The commitment should be in written form. It can no longer be in verbal form because we have had a number of verbal assurances which have failed. We were even given written memorandum which failed and more importantly the Accountant-General of the Federation caused about 25 per cent of the problem. Because the Constitution, in Section 162(9) provides that he (the Accountant-General of the Federation) should deduct the funds standing to the credit of the Judiciary in the budget from the source and pay same to the NJC for onward disbursement. Was that what the court judgment of January 13 said? Yes, the judgment affirmed it. That was what we went to court to seek interpretation for and the court ruled in our favour, upholding the provisions of the constitution. Even, if the Accountant General of the Federation feels that there is a clash in Section 121 or whatever, it is not for him to say it because he is not a court. If he is contesting the judgment, the right thing for him to do is to go back to court to challenge the judgment. In as much as he did not challenge the judgment, he has no moral right not to comply with the court order. If he deducts the money from the state governments’ funds from the source and any governor complains, he only has to say that he is relying on the court order. It is now

for the state governors to accept it or go to court to challenge the judgment. If anybody is not happy with the judgment, the person should go to the Court of Appeal and if the court says stay action, so be it. Has the Attorney-General of the Federation been involved in this matter? He is affected directly and his representatives have been coming to all our meetings with the Minister of Labour, and the position of the Ministry of Justice is one. It is that since there is a court order, it must be complied with if there is no appeal. That is the position of the Ministry of Justice. Maybe what the Attorney-General of the Federation should have done is to go further to invite his colleagues in various states, the Attorneys-General of the states, with a view to resolving this problem. But right now there are some few states, two or three, who are making contacts with the union on how to resolve the problem. Have representatives of the states been involved in your earlier meetings to resolve the problem? They have not been participating. None of them has been participating. The Minister of Labour kept mounting pressure on the union to call of the strike, to show how concerned we are,we said the Commissioners of Finance have a forum, and they have a chairman; the Accountants-General of the states have a forum and they have a chairman, invite these two chairmen, let them come to the meeting. Let us meet with them and make a commitment. But we learnt that the Accountant-General of the Federation, because of the pressure on him, wrote a letter to the state governors, asking them to comply with the court order. My problem with this letter, though the content of the letter

‘The judgment deals with the procedure of budgeting for the judiciary and we will see whether the Federal Government and the state governments will be adamant ... There is no way democracy will thrive without observing the rule of law’

sounds good and looks beautiful, but the question remains, which, between the court order and the letter of the Accountant-General of the Federation has the greater binding effect? If a judge of competent jurisdiction makes an order and nobody is willing to respect it, should I as a unionist now rely on the letter of the Accountant-General of the Federation? What is the Accountant-General of the Federation expected to do as ordered by the court? What the Accountant-General of the Federation should do is to deduct funds meant for the judiciary directly from the state government’s allocation before releasing it to them. That is the position. Whether the court is correct or wrong, it is never my business, it is not the business of the Accountant-General of the Federation. It is the business of the person whose money is deducted to go to court to challenge it. It is a simple issue. Were you bothered about the impact of the strike on litigants and awaiting trial inmates who are in custody and in need of court services to secure their freedom? We have been thinking of them and that is why for the last 10 to 15 years, whenever the situation of this nature came up, we were asked to consider them and we have been considering them. And nobody after the suspension of our strike is looking at our situation to ensure our demands are met. There is no way a judge can work effectively and deliver a sound judgment without a conducive environment. My problem is that people have failed to understand that it is not only the superior courts are courts. Go and see our magistrate’s courts, see our Area Courts, our Sharia Courts, or our Customary Courts, they are using rented shops and parlours. In what states do we have courts using rented apartments? That is the situation in virtually all the 36 states. I challenge anybody to contradict me; that is what is happening in virtually all the 36 states. People do not even appreciate magistrates in the magistrate’s courts or sharia courts, and these are the people who can attend to 17 to 20 cases in a day. These are the people who take the cases of the ordinary men in the society. Do we then say that by this strike, the judicial workers are fighting the cause of judges and magistrates? We are not fighting for anybody. We are fighting for the system. We are in this struggle because we are employed as staff of the judiciary. So, how are your members going to benefit from the fruit of the struggle if the Executive eventually comply with the judgment? Our members will benefit from the fruit of the struggle immensely. We desire a conducive environment to work where we can give the best. The service I am delivering will be improved. I will do my work with sincerity, honesty and with the best effect. Again, if we achieve the financial autonomy or financial independence in the judiciary, my welfare will improve. When the environment where you are working has all that qualify it to be called a good office, especially a court, you will discharge your duties effectively and with joy. Today, a litigant comes to court, the court is being rented in the house of the person suing him, and you are expecting him to get justice. We are not fighting for our pockets; we are fighting for the system, for the structure, for the judiciary to be a strong institution that it is supposed to be. The issue has always been that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. How is the judgment obtained by a former NBA President, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), different from the one got by your union? We will come to the issues in the judgment obtained by Agbakoba anytime from October, November or December. That is when we will start seeing the effect of that judgment because that is the period budgeting processes will begin. The judgment deals with the procedure of budgeting for the judiciary and we will see whether the Federal Government and the state governments will be adamant. From this year, JUSUN will never accept, we will not allow anybody to compromise the integrity and independence of the institution we are serving. Everybody is crying for democracy, and there is no way democracy will survive where impunity reigns. There is no way democracy will thrive without observing the rule of law. All we are saying is that our patience has been taken for granted for too long. We have been mindful of the institution we are serving that is why we don’t make comments on every issue, we don’t make pronouncement on every issue we don’t even go on strike because of all issues we have been controlling ourselves.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY

Impeachment: Why chief judges must be cautious Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako was impeached a few weeks ago. His Nasarawa State counterpart, Umaru Al-Makura, is on the firing line. Media aide to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) AHURAKA YUSUF ISAH, in this article, examines the power of Chief Judges in the process.

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COUNTRY can still do well with bad laws but it cannot do well with bad judges. This is because if the judges are upright, they can mitigate the injustice, inhumanness created by people who made bad laws. But when judges are corrupt, even with good laws, development, justice cannot thrive’’ (Justice Akinola Aguda 1923-2004) The impeachment of the former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, may become a lead to the floodgate of impeachments of state governors and, perhaps, the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria. At the beginning, we heard through the rumour mills that some state governors, including those of Adamawa, Nassarawa, Rivers, and now Edo, Oyo and others yet to be named, would be impeached. The rumour of President Goodluck Jonathan’s impeachment also struck the airwaves, but fizzled out; perhaps because of the manner the move was crushed before it was hatched. But the case of Nyako is no longer rumour, he has been impeached, while Governor Al-Makura of Nassarawa State is currently facing the impeachment heat. Elections by their nature, serve as the means by which democracy is practised or fired into action. They confer legitimacy on some people to act as leaders or captain of their ship, sailing it through the tide of time. In contrast, impeachment or the removal of an official elected by the people is an exercise carried out by just a few, though representing the people. It is either a mark of sunset to crisis or convocation to crisis. Though the banished Duke in Shakespeare’s ‘’As you like it’’ opted to say that “there is the good side in every bad situation”, impeachment, in most cases amounts to sowing a whirlwind or dragon teeth that hatches into bad omen in the society. That informed why General Yakubu Gowon and Alhaji Shehu Shagari, at the prompting of General Ibrahim Babangida, moved in quickly to counsel former Speaker Ghali Na’aba and the former Senate President Pius Ayim not to pronounce the impeachment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002. The concern of this writer is the fate of the Judiciary in this comic dance of absurd in our nation’s democratic practice. Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) had sounded a note of warning to judges in his book, ‘’Legal system, corruption and governance in Nigeria,’’ saying General Babangida held the judiciary responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. In his annulment proclamation, General Babangida argued that ‘’the Judiciary has been the bastion of the hopes and liberties of our citizens. Therefore, when it became clear that the courts were intimidated and subjected to the manipulation of the political process, resulting in contradictory decisions and orders

•Nyako

•Al-Makura

by courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction, then the entire political system was in clear danger. Accordingly, it is in the supreme interest of the laws and order, political stability and peace that the presidential election be annulled’’. In the same vein, General Sanni Abacha blamed the Judiciary for sacking Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government, following Justice Dolapo Akinsanya of Lagos High Court judgment, declaring the government illegal and an aberration. The roles of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chief Judge of a state in the impeachment of either the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or a state governor are well provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The constitution asked occupants of these positions to constitute panels to investigate allegations of ‘‘gross misconduct’’ properly levelled against the President or the governor by either the National Assembly or the state Assembly as the case may be. Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution as (amended) for instance vested the powers on the state Chief Judge to appoint seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct of the Executive Governor of a State. While carrying out this function, the chief judges are also to be guided by other subsections of Section 188. The mere failure by some Chief Judges of states in the past, especially, since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 has left many a dent on the Judiciary as an institution. The National Judicial Council (NJC) which

is charged by the same 1999 Constitution to appoint and discipline judges have always taken it up, with utmost seriousness, with any Chief Judge that side-step this provisions of the constitution, which are crystal clear or unambiguous. NJC had, at its emergency meeting held at Abuja on December 20, 2006 and pursuant to the powers vested on it by Paragraph 21(d) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, suspended, with immediate effect, the Chief Judges of Anambra, Plateau and Ekiti states for the partisan roles played in the impeachment of their respective states. Those suspended were Justices Chika Okoli (Anambra), Ya’u Dakwang (Plateau), and both the Chief Judge of Ekiti state, Justice Kayode Bamisile and the former acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Jide Aladejana. Chuka Okoli, former chief judge of Anambra State, will not forget in a hurry the powers of NJC. He was placed on suspension by the council for what is considered to be his inglorious act in the controversial impeachment of Peter Obi as governor of the state. Justice Bamisile was also sanctioned for similar misconduct. He was accused of allegedly compromising himself by appointing on the investigation panel persons believed to be cronies of suspended Governor Ayodele Fayose, to probe the alleged misconduct of the governor. But Jide Aladejana, who stepped into Bamisile’s shoes without due process, goes with his boss in line with the council’s recommendation. Lazarus Dakyen, the chief judge of Plateau State, also lost his

job because of his reluctance to be guided by law in his participation in the processes leading to the removal of Governor Joshua Dariye. Before them were Okechukwu Opene and D. A. Adeniji, who were indicted for taking bribe on the matter of the senatorial election in Anambra State. While Opene allegedly took N12 million, Adeniji was said to have collected N15 million. Though Akin Olujimi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and then federal attorney-general, advised President Olusegun Obasanjo against their dismissal, the President upheld the decision of the NJC. Olujimi based his advice on the procedure adopted by the council in determining the case. They are not the only judicial officers who fell victims to the political crisis in Anambra State. Stanley Nnaji, then a judge of Enugu State High Court, was suspended in March 2004 for wrongly assuming jurisdiction on a matter outside his state. The judge had ordered Tafa Balogun, then Inspector-General of Police, to remove Chris Ngige, who was then the governor of Anambra State. Nnoruka Udechukwu, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, petitioned the NJC, complaining that the ruling was in bad faith and against the code of conduct of judicial officers. Nnaji was probably encouraged by the reluctance of the Federal Government to implement a similar decision of the council on Wilson Egbo-Egbo, another high court judge, for granting an injunction directing Ngige to stop parading himself as the governor. But shortly after Nnaji committed his own misconduct, Obasanjo approved EgboEgbo’s retirement. The latter is one of the nine judges so far retired for endorsing unnecessary ex-parte applications. They are not the only casualties of political cases. Five others were implicated in the 2003 Election Petition Tribunal in Akwa Ibom State. They adjudicated on the petition against the re-election of Governor Victor Attah by Ime Umanah, candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), at the election. By the time the NJC concluded its job, Matilda Adamu, a judge of the High Court of Plateau State, Christopher P.N. Senlong of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and James Isede, a Chief Magistrate in the Edo State Judiciary, had earned themselves dismissal from the judiciary. D. T. Ahura of the High Court of Plateau State and A. M. Elelegwu of the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State, were recommended for suspension. The Federal Government, after approving the verdict of the council on the higher officers in February 2004, sent their case files to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for trial.

Army-civilian clash: Falana seeks removal of panel chair

AGOS lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has said that Justice Ebenezer Adebajo (rtd.) is not competent to be the chairman of the judicial commission set up by the Lagos State government to investigate the army/ civilian clash which occurred along Ikorodu Road, Lagos on July 4, 2014. He has, therefore, urged Governor Raji Fashola to remove Justice Adebajo from the judicial commission to investigate the incident that led to the alleged burning of about 33 BRT buses belonging to the Lagos State Government and the alleged killing of a soldier. The request, which is contained in a letter addressed to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) also urged the governor to re-constitute the panel with the exclusion of Justice Adebajo and to replace him with another retired judge as the chairman of the commission. The letter which is titled, “Request for re-constitution of the Judicial

By Adebisi Onanuga

Commission into the army/civilian clash of July 4, 2014” and dated July 23, 2014 however clarified that the petitioner has nothing against the appointment of the other two members of the judicial commission, Nurudeen Ogbara Esq. and Jude Igbanoi Esq. Falana explained that his opposition to the inclusion of Justice Adebajo in judicial commission stems from the fact that his appointment is not in line with section 36(1) of the constitution which stipulates that a court or other tribunal established by law shall be constituted in such manner as to secure its independence and impartiality. He stated, “The ground of our objection is that Justice Adebajo has been listed as a prosecution witness by the Attorney-General of Lagos State in a criminal case pending before the Lagos High Court. His lordship had complained to the Police that while he packed his car to greet

a friend along Moloney Street, Lagos on March 1, 2012 he was hit by the driver of a commercial vehicle, Mr. Quadri Kasali. “Even though the allegation confirmed that it was a traffic offence, his Lordship caused the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to charge the suspect with attempted murder before the Lagos High Court. The case is currently being prosecuted by the Attorney-General of Lagos State on the basis of the complaint of the retired judge. “As Mr. Kasali could not afford the services of a legal practitioner for his defence our law office decided to defend him pro bono publico. But to our utter dismay, Justice Adebajo and the Ministry of Justice ensured that the poor defendant was denied bail by both the Magistrate Court (where he was initially arraigned on a holding charge) and the High Court where he is currently being tried. “However, we succeeded in persuading the Court of Appeal to ad-

mit the defendant to bail in the most liberal terms. Thus, Mr. Kasali was able to regain his freedom after he had been detained in prison custody for about 18 months”, he stated. Falana stated further, with respect to the substantive case, that two witnesses have given evidence for the prosecution while Justice Adebajo is due to testify in the matter any moment from now. Although the trial judge, Justice Balogun has withdrawn from the matter on personal grounds, the case file has been sent to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge who will commence the trial de novo. “To that extent, Justice Adebajo is disqualified from heading the aforesaid Commission of Enquiry into the army/civilian clash on the ground of likelihood of bias”, Falana stated adding, “being a complainant and the principal witness in a case of attempted murder arising from a traffic offence which is

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola

being prosecuted by the AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State, Justice Adebajo cannot be said to be independent of the Lagos State Government with respect to the conduct of the proceedings of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the army/civilian clash traceable to another traffic offence .

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

PAGE 29

Beggars invade Kaduna streets •PAGE 31

Crisis of confidence rocks Ilorin NBA

•PAGE 31

•Scene of bomb blast

Women suicide bombers on the rampage in Kano W

HEN the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, its membership comprised only men. The activities of the dissidents have taken a different dimension - they have introduced young women bombers into their fold. The suicide bombers are now on the prowl, especially in Kano. The feminine gender is known for its kindness and humane nature. These days, the traits have been undermined as many have learnt the art of killing and destruction. Recently, their target was the Kano State Polytechnic where some students were killed and others injured. One of the victims was 43-year-old Nurudeen Deneji, who had completed his course of study and was waiting to be awarded the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration by the Kano State Polytechnic. Indeed, Nurudeen was among those to be honoured. He was in high spirits on that fateful Wednesday, July 30, when graduates of Kano Polytechnic had gathered to check their names on the call-up list. But fate played a cruel trick on

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Nurudeen and others who did not survive the bomb-blast masterminded by a female teen-suicidebomber at 3:30 p.m. She sneaked into the crowd and detonated an Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that killed no fewer than three persons and injured seven, according to police authorities. The 43-year-old Nurudeen from Kano City left behind a young wife and five children. His first child, Najib, is just seven years old. Speaking to our correspondent, his elder brother, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Deneji, a Senior Reporter with Radio Kano described his late brother as peace-loving, amiable, easy-going and generous. Alhaji Deneji said: “I feel very sad, even though my belief is that life has its own destiny from God. We come to this world through the will of Allah and through the same means, we go. I believe this is part of pre-destination. We have lost a very great brother who was determined to excel in life. But God knows the best. He gives and He takes. “His dream was to live a peaceful, comfortable and Godly life

‘I feel very sad, even though my belief is that life has its own destiny from God. We come to this world through the will of Allah and through the same means, we go. I believe this is part of pre-destination. We have lost a very great brother who was determined to excel in life. But God knows the best. He gives and He takes…His dream was to live a peaceful, comfortable and Godly life with his family’ with his family; but death has snatched him away through a very tragic means. He left behind a wife and five children; and only God can take care of those he has left behind.” Speaking to reporters at the scene of the incident, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Aderenle Shinaba, condemned the act, saying: “We are in very difficult times. A situation that is assuming a new dimension of suicide bombing in the state is what we are witnessing. This one that happened here at the Administrative Block of Kano State

Polytechnic on Bayero University Kano Road is frightening. “This situation calls for vigilance on the part of every one of us because we have tried as much as possible for the deployment of police officers in every strategic location. ‘’ So, at this critical time, what is required is intelligence and vigilance on the part of everybody. Even when we have policemen everywhere, we require information as well as vigilance of everyone of us. A situation where somebody is •Continued on page 30

Lawmaker empowers constituents

•PAGE 32

Boko Haram: Army intensifies safety measures •PAGE 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Women suicide bombers on the rampage in Kano •Continued from page 30 carrying explosives, what business does such person has where graduates assembled to check their results of the Batch A NYSC deployment? It is disheartening to see somebody, looking like a primary or secondary school student, ladened with explosives and disguised in hijab in our midst without anybody taking note. “We have been telling people about female teenage suicide bombers, which calls for the law enforcement agencies to be on the alert. Look for hijab-wearing female suicide bombers. Sentiments and religion should not be the issue. We should face the reality of tackling it head-on so as to avoid future occurrences,’’ he warned. The Kano Polytechnic incident was not the first time female suicide bombers terrorised the ancient city during the Sallah festivities. On Monday, July 28, a female suicide bomber killed three persons at NNPC Mega Station at Hotoro Quarters. The suicide bomber joined the kerosene queue at the station and detonated the bomb minutes later. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Adenerele Tasheed Shinaba confirmed the blast, adding that three persons were killed and 10 others injured. On the same day, another female suicide-bomber hit Zoo Road, near Kano International Trade Fair. Though the 19-year old female bomber killed herself in the process, six innocent Nigerians sustained various degrees of injuries. According to an eyewitness account, the female suicide bomber dressed in a Hijab got to the gate of the trade fair, but just as she tried to gain entrance, security men at the gate insisted she must be frisked; and, in the process, she detonated the bomb and blew herself up. Two policemen were among those who injured in that incident. Before the Monday incident, there

was another bomb blast on Sunday, July 27 in Kano. In another suicide attack at Kofar Nasarawa area of the city, a female bomber, in an attempt to lure some security men who were stationed at the North West Gate with Sallah food, ended up blowing up herself. Also, it was gathered that the female bomber, who arrived at the scene under the newly constructed flyover at 12:30 p.m. made an attempt to deceive the security operatives that she brought Sallah food for them. But the security men, who were alert, suspected foul play, because of the female bomber’s desperation. The security operatives, it was further gathered, took to their heels when they noticed that the female bomber was fast advancing towards them, even as they threatened to gun her down. However, luck ran out on the bomber who concealed the explosives under her hijab. The bomb suddenly exploded and consumed her. On the same Sunday, St. Charles Catholic Church on Zungeru Road, Normansland in Sabon Gari area of Kano witnessed a blast that claimed the lives of seven worshippers and left 16 injured, while three suspects, including a cripple were arrested.

•Another scene of bomb blast

The suspected terrorists, at 1:29 p.m., according to eyewitness account, laid siege to a primary school, adjacent to the church, from where they threw the explosives on the innocent worshippers through the window of the school. Briefing reporters at the scene of the attack, Shinaba said the suspects had gone to a church on Zungeru

‘We have been telling people about the issue of female teenage suicide bombers, which calls for the attention of the law enforcement agencies to be on the alert. Look for hijab-wearing female suicide bombers. Sentiments and religion should not be the issue. We should face the reality of tackling it head-on so as to avoid future occurrences’

Road where they hid themselves at a primary school close to the church and threw explosives on the unsuspecting worshippers. The incident left no fewer than five people dead, eight injured, while three suspects were arrested. In a chat with our correspondent, The Catholic Bishop of Kano, Bishop John Namanza, said the community had protected themselves beyond imagination in the vicinity. Condemning the attack on his church members, Bishop Namanza described them as uncalled for. Although he commended the security operatives for their response, he lamented that it was belated, despite the early information passed on to them that the church was a target. He, therefore, called on security agents and the state government to beef up security around the vicinity. The scenario in the ancient city of

Taraba opens market

•A beggars’ colony

Kano is that residents are now scared of women dressed in hijab. Such incident was reported in Sabon Gari area of the metropolis which is mostly inhabited by non-indigenous. Some traders noticed a woman who dressed in hijab. She stood at the same spot for over 20 minutes. One of the brave traders walked to her and told her to keep moving, stressing that they are not comfortable with her presence; a situation that informed the decision of the women to leave the scene to avoid embarrassment. As she relocated to the ever-busy France Road, close to Galadima Junction, where vendors sell newspapers, she started flagging down some tricycle operators for an unknown destination. They zoomed off when they saw that she was clad in hijab. The woman was embarrassed and sneaked away without drawing attention to herself.

HE Taraba State government has inaugurated a modern market built by former governor of the state, Jolly Nyame seven years ago. Acting Governor Garba Umar had flagged off the allocation of shops at the market, which is located along Jalingo-Yola Road. The development is believed to be a boost to economic activities which, in turn, would shore up the revenue base of the state. Umar praised the state Chambers of Commerce, Traders’ Association and the Taraba Savings and Loans Limited that jointly facilitated the movement of traders to the modern market. He said government would evolve measures that would improve quality of life of all citizens. The acting governor stated that government will put in place infrastructural facilities and create enabling business environment. “The people must work hard, rededicate themselves to the service of the state and show patriotism through actions that are not inimical to the well-being of the state and its citizens and to avoid working for foreign interests to the detriment of the state. “I believe that the Jalingo mod-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

ern market will usher in a new era in the social, political and economic transformation of the state and serve as a vehicle for forging unity and integration,” he said. Umar donated one hilux van and a bus to the management of the market for surveillance, promising that government will ensure that lives and property at the market complex are protected. Chairman, Board of Directors of the Taraba Savings and Loans Limited, Umaru Baba said “the market will promote the social status and economic viability of the Jalingo community. “For this reason, no amount of government capital investment could be considered too much in establishing a market with modern structure and facilities as this one.” Baba assured Umar and the people of Taraba State that the Taraba Savings and Loans Limited will manage the market effectively to justify the purpose for which it was built. Highpoint of the occasion was the tour of the market complex by the acting governor and top government officials and the flag-off of the allocation of stores to traders.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Beggars invade Kaduna streets

HEY lined up the street along the busy Abeokuta Road, close to the Ansarudeen Mosque. They are in a sitting position, but not praying like many others who visit the Mosque. They seem to care less about the heavy traffic on the road and many other spots where they gather. These are aged people who have taken begging as a hobby and have refused to leave the streets. Many of these beggars have been on the street for several years and getting them off the street has become a difficult task. While many of them sleep on the sidewalk of major roads, others are brought out daily by their grand children to beg for alms, taking advantage of the fact that alms-giving is a mandatory obligation for both Islam and Christianity. While some of them are physicallychallenged, some others are healthy people who chose begging as a profession. Some of them are also found during heavy traffic hold-up; with little kids running after moving vehicles begging for alms. Many of them are also found in places of worship and special events begging. Many believe that they are encouraged to embark on the exercise since many people respond to their demand for alms. Those who hold this view argue that the kind-hearted nature of Nigerians has encouraged the phenomenon which they described as embarrassing to Nigerian society. Investigations revealed that several of them have fallen victim to some of the violence that have erupted in Kaduna in the past. After the unfortunate Sharia crisis in Kaduna State in 2000, the government decided to build a permanent structure for the beggars in order to enable them to stay away from the streets. It was also gathered that ef-

•Beggars on the street From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

fort was made to ensure that some of them who are strong enough go to the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Centre to learn some trade. Some rejected the idea while many of them chose to stay in the apartment provided for them inside the first-ever beggars’ colony which was provided for them along Kano Road in the heart of the city by a public-spirited Nigeria. It was further gathered that the state government supported the initiative and placed the colony under the watchful eyes of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. However, it was engulfed by fire a few years back. Some of the beggars died as a result of the fire outbreak.

But it was rehabilitated by Hajia Asmau Makarfi who was then the wife of the then Kaduna State Governor. The Senator representing Kaduna Central, our correspondent gathered, also donated a structure in addition of the existing one as part of efforts to keep them off the street. Even though the efforts yielded results, they were short-lived, as many of them have returned to the streets, refusing to stay there any longer. Some of the beggars who spoke to our correspondent argued that the place was only provided for them as a way of keeping them away from members of the larger society. They further argued that by keeping them in the colony, the usual alms they get from people would no longer be available. They maintained that very few people follow them to their new home to assist them. Others accused the state government

Crisis of confidence rocks Ilorin NBA

HE Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is engulfed in a crisis that is threatening its foundation. Rather than engaging in dispute resolution and arbitration, lawyers are at one anothers’ throats, following an attempt by the leadership to probe the immediate past executive. Besides, a group of lawyers plan to impeach the chairman of the branch, Mobolaji Ojibara. The lawyers, who are said to be loyal to the former chairman, were said to have served Ojibara a two weeks impeachment notice. The notice of impeachment is said to be sponsored by 16 members of the association and seconded by 18 others. They are accusing him of professional misconduct contrary to Article 14(a) of the NBA bye-law 2013, Section 9(a) (iv) of the NBA Constitution 2009, Article 22 NBA bye-law 2013 and NBA Guidelines and Timetable for 2014 NBA and abuse of office contrary to Section 14(c) of NBA Ilorin bye-law, 2013. They accused him of issuing a dud cheque of N300, 000 to Dr. J.O. Olatoke (SAN) and also replacing the name of Balogun with that of Salman Jawondo as a delegate to the just-concluded NBA national elections. They are also accusing him of using funds meant for the association to buy bags of rice for his friends and also sponsored the funeral ceremony of the association’s Vice-Chairman without due clearance from the association. According to those who want him

‘In the history of the bar in Ilorin here, there is no administration that can match ours. The records of our achievement are there. I am surprised that he is saying I am the one supporting the move…At our general meeting of April 18, the one we had at the Chief Judge’s Court, the secretary, Mr. Akande sat with the congress. He rose up and said the chairman is guilty of financial recklessness, abuse of office and unguarded statement’

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

out of office, Ojibara allegedly redeemed the sum of N3 million from pledges made at a recent NBA function without disclosing same to the executive council or congress of the association. Investigations revealed that the alleged disqualification of Balogun who sought to contest election as National Legal Adviser of the Association at the just-concluded NBA election may have been responsible for the anger against Ojibata by some of the members. Ojibara told our correspondent that those seeking his removal as the NBA chairman will not succeed; even as he allegedly blamed the development on the immediate past leadership of the branch headed by Balogun whom he claimed had allegedly refused to submit to the rule of accountability. While claiming not to have received any notice form impeachment as at the time of this report, his associates said only two third of financial members of the association can actually remove the chairman, stressing that those behind the move really do not have evidence to prove their allegations. Ojibara said: “The problem is that they have refused to be accountable to the association. When they left office, we decided to look into the account and that is the normal practice, but they refused. “For instance, they claimed to have spent N6.5 million on the Bar Centre and still left a debt of N7.7

of dumping them in the home and turning its back against them. One of them who identified herself as Maryam claimed that she has been behind the Kano Road Central Mosque for several years, adding that though they are physically-challenged, they are aware of the fact that there is limit to which they can go. She said: “We are physically-challenged and there is a limit to which we can go to cater for ourselves and our families. The government that brought us here has forsaken us. They only come to the house when they want to score cheap political points. We are left with no option than to come back to the streets and seek for a means of livelihood.” Former Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disability in Kaduna State, Rilwan Abdullahi Mohammed dismissed the claim that the beggars’

colony was set up to keep them away from the street. He said the colony was set up to provide accommodation for most of the beggars who have no home of their own. He told our correspondent that the Mohammed Namadi Sambo administration in the state made an effort to evacuate the beggars from the street. Even though that exercise was carried out by government, he said there was no official statement to that effect that they should stay off the streets and remain at home. He accused government of not being able to distinguish between beggars and those who are physicallychallenged, adding that a person can be physically-challenged and yet, not a bigger. He said: “All members of Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities are trained in different skills and some are happily settled with their families. So, it is the fault of government to take all physicallychallenged persons as beggars. If you go to Kano Road, the large number of people you see begging there are elderly people and the same thing applies to other spots within the metropolis. So, if the government is really serious, they should provide home for the elderly people as being done in advanced countries.” Some residents of the metropolis who spoke to our correspondent accused the government of not having the political will to rid the streets of beggars. Some of them noted that if government is interested in keeping the beggars off the streets, they should have made serious effort to make the beggars’ colony habitable for them. Investigation revealed that the colony where many of them are staying stinks and has remained largely unkempt and unhygienic. Some people, however, argued that it has been difficult for the government to keep them at the beggars’ colony to learn some trade at the rehabilitation centres largely because many of the beggars are either not indigenous to the state or are believed to be too old to learn any trade.

•Ojibara million. When they presented that report, members said the account should be audited and we set up an audit committee to do that but they went to court to stop the auditing. “In December, while that was going on, we had our dinner but they hijacked the programme and presented themselves with awards. If we had screened the accounts by then, we wouldn’t have presented them with awards. We also later decided to look into how they hijacked the programme and set up a committee to do that. Again, they went to court to stop the process. It was at that point that Balogun sought to contest for a post in the National Executive Council of the association. They then began to make various comments on the social media which attracted the attention of the National President. They claimed there was a state of emergency in the Ilorin chapter,

that the executive have been banned and other allegation. I had to talk with the President and I put down my position formally and they found substance in what I said and that was why they disqualified Balogun from contesting.” Continuing, he said: “The moment they returned to Ilorin, they launched this impeachment drive as an attack on my administration. Check the document and you will see that virtually all the lawyers that signed are from one chamber or the other where members of the past executives are working. Their campaign is that once Balogun was disallowed form contesting, then this executive must also go. But we are merely insisting on sanity in the branch because we believe that people should be accountable. They just want to negotiate knowing that they cannot get anything from the court process. They have done so much havoc to the association. “I urge you to go and see the Bar Centre and the level of work done. I am not begging anybody not to

go ahead with the plan to remove me if they think they have what it takes to do so.” One of the lawyers, Rafiu Balogun dissociated himself from Ojibara’s ordeal saying “I am surprised that a leader of the bar could go on this way when he knows the truth. I don’t know why some of them are being economical with the truth. The audit committee that was set up was manipulated by the chairman and one or two of his cohorts who are hell bent on destroying our credibility. “In the history of the bar in Ilorin here, there is no administration that can match ours. The records of our achievement are there. I am surprised that he is saying I am the one supporting the move. “At our general meeting of April 18, the one we had at the Chief Judge’s Court, the secretary, Mr. Akande sat with the congress. He rose up and said the chairman is guilty of financial recklessness, abuse of office and unguarded statement. That is coming from his sec•Continued on page 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Crisis of confidence rocks Ilorin NBA

•Balogun •Continued from page 31 retary and that is part of the grounds of impeachment. “Is that Balogun again? He should just leave me alone. This is what happened: after our tenure when we submitted our annual reports and accounts, we set out everything clearly. There was no issue at all. It was at the point of the report being adopted at the swearing-in of the new executive that Mr. Salman Jawondo, his godfather, raised up his hands that we must not adopt this report that day because the time was far spent. “The tradition is that we must adopt it but because we didn’t know they had their own plans, I said no problem; that we could adopt it at the next general meeting which is

the inaugural meeting of the Ojibara administration. But the day we were supposed to do that, Jawondo again raised an issue that the report had not been audited and therefore should not be adopted. “I was surprised. Meanwhile Ojibara began to read out a list of names of a committee on that. One of the elders objected to it because that was not the practice. How can you appoint committee for us to audit the report? There and then Jawondo raised his hands up again and nominated Dr. Adams whose name had earlier been read out by Ojibara, to head the committee. “Thereafter, they began to jubilate that they were going to deal with me. The secretary to that committee is in the same office with Dr. Adams. They wrote to me asking for records of the administration. I asked them to contact the secretary because as chairman, I don’t keep records. Let them write to all secretaries and financial secretary. “They wrote and those people responded. But the committee didn’t work at all. The chairman alone was looking at our record and was filing report because he was detailed to indict me because of my ambition. As a result of the practice in those days, the chairman must recommend you to say that you are in good standing, otherwise you will not be allowed to contest.” Balogun also said: “The plan was that they would use the report

‘We are saying that we are not going to get fair hearing from the committee and that the court should mandate the association to constitute an independent auditor from outside who will do the auditing’ against me; they were going to use two reports; the audit and the one on the plaque we were given at the end of our tenure which is a normal thing. They made it become an issue and set up another committee to probe me. “The audit committee was not working but they were preparing report. We have somebody there who felt it was all unfair and spoke out against what they were doing. We wrote them to hands off because we have seen that in law, they don’t even have what it takes to audit and account; it is the job of professional accountants. “We also said we have seen that they are not going to be fair to us because I had issues with the chairman of the committee, Dr. Adams. This is so because I didn’t allow

him to contest when I was secretary because he was not qualified. But they hid our letter whereas they ought to refer the letter to the congress; that we are complaining. “We are lawyers and I am surprised that they could keep that letter without referring it to the congress. We had no option again but to go to court. But before doing that, we went to our elders; we wrote to them to let them know what was brewing and asked for their intervention, that we have served so well and therefore do not deserve to be humiliated. “It was my administration that constituted the Council of Elders and we put it in the bye-law. We wrote to them and we even talked with some of them. But nothing was done. So, we had to go to court. You

should ask us what our prayer in court is. “We are saying that we are not going to get fair hearing from the committee and that the court should mandate the association to constitute an independent auditor from outside who will do the auditing. “So we are not saying our accounts should not be audited even though reports of the two past administrations of Jawondo and Akanbi were not audited. We are on trust; we are lawyers and if lawyers speak from the bar, there is no need to doubt them. We are not used to this kind of thing; we operate on trust.” He added that what was happening to him is pure “vendetta. I contested with Ojibara on two occasions and as God would have it, I defeated him both as secretary and chairman and he said I didn’t support him during time he won, adding that I was supporting my ViceChairman, Dr. Abikan. That was my offence because the elders had intervened on the matter earlier and they blamed him for taking such action. “I say it is vendetta or envy because they are marveled at what we have achieved so far. When I started, they said I was too young to do it but when we started to achieve so much, they were marveled. They accuse me of planning to turn myself into Saraki of NBA. But I tell them it is because I am popular and people like my style.”

Lawmaker empowers constituents

HEN Fatima Binta Bello was elected to represent Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, her promise was to offer the people of the area an effective and quality representation, while being accountable to them. So, when she decided to gather the people of her constituency inside the Olusegun Obasanjo Stadium in Kaltungo on June 7, 2014, it was to show of appreciation for electing her to represent them. She also used the occasion to empower many of them. The Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government Area, Musa Buba Awak described the event as “a demonstration of love, commitment and dedication by a daughter of the land. In her desire to better the lot of members of her constituency, she has embarked on these enormous programmes that aim at reducing the rate of poverty among members of her constituency. “It was a day that marked yet another milestone in the provision of democratic benefits in line with Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo transformation agenda. The governor has continually transformed the state from rural settlement to a modern state. Governor Dankwambo called on other members of the National Assembly from the state to shun political and other differences and pool their resources to assist the people of their constituencies. He reminded elected office holders not to look at the number of votes they got from some areas during their elections but to empower the people with love as a way of winning their hearts, noting that Binta Bello’s contribution to the development of her constituency and the state would ever be remembered. In her remark, the lawmaker said she was inspired by Governor Dankwambo’s commitment to developing the entire state to reach out to her constituents describing him as

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

a “role model, positive influence and ultimate transformer of the state”. She noted that the empowerment programme was her own way of keying into the transformation agenda in Gombe State, adding that she embarked on the empowerment programme “in order to reduce the level of poverty among the people in the area”. She further said apart from the empowerment programme, about 300 students in various higher institutions of learning across the country and the Fatima Bello ICT Centre in Kaltungo which has so far graduated 350 students, have benefitted from her scholarship scheme. The lawmaker said: “Boreholes have been sunk in all the 20 wards that make up my constituency. This gesture aimed at providing potable water for my people.” According to her, eight other communities benefited from solar-powered boreholes, in addition to solarpowered light in Kamu, Tungo, Ture, Burak, Jauro Sajo and Lalaipido communities. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal praised the efforts of colleague of his whom he said has performed well both at home and in the National Assembly. He called on the people to re-elect her in the 2015 general elections in order to continually witness quality representation at the House of Representatives. He asked other members of the National Assembly to emulate Bello’s example and remain focused in order to empower their constituencies. The Speaker said: “Legislators need to have the interest of their people at heart. Doing so will not only translate to proper and quality representation, but would also give their people sense of belonging and accomplishment anywhere they found themselves.”

•Hon. Bello introducing some of the items to the Tambuwal (extreme left), Governor Dankwambo and Ag Governor of Taraba State Umar Garba

‘Apart from the empowerment programme, about 300 students in various higher institutions of learning across the country and the Fatima Bello ICT Centre in Kaltungo which has so far graduated 350 students have benefitted from her scholarship scheme….Boreholes have been sunk in all the 20 wards that make up my constituency. This gesture aimed at providing potable water for my people’ Tambuwal challenged lawmakers to intensify their efforts in empowering their people in order to make them be self-reliant; stressing that it was their responsibility to empower them. He further said: “Our job is to see that members of our constituencies are empowered.” He, however, called on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of allowing parliamentarians to serve for multiple tenures as obtained in developed democracies. This, he believes,

would bring about the much-needed maturity of the country’s democracy, adding that “as you know, in the legislature, we don’t have term limit. A member can return for as long as he is doing what the constituency is happy with. “In developed democracies, there are parliamentarians who have been in the parliament for over 40 years and they are still there. I believe this is a good culture that should be promoted for our democracy to grow. A situation whereby more than 80 per

cent of members of the legislators lose their seats in any fresh election is not encouraging. “I plead with the Nigerian public and, in particular, our leaders to appreciate the fact that we need as many members as possible to be re-elected in next year’s election.” Some of the items donated were 100 hospital beds, 100 mattresses, 100 pillows and 100 bed sheets for the 200bed Snakebite Hospital at Kaltungo under construction; 11 maternity clinics and two cottage hospitals in Shongom Local Government Area with one examination bed, one stainless screen cover and one wheel chair in each of the 13 health facilities. She also provided 120 grinding machines, 200 sewing machines, 50 taliya making machines and 100 hair dryers to women in Shongom and Kaltungo local government areas to enhance their socio-economic life while male youths of the constituency received 52 Keke NAPEP tricycles, 20 car washing machines and 100 barbing machines. There were 10 wheel chairs for 10 crippled persons and 100 electricity generating sets for other members of the constituency. Dry season farmers were all smiles as they received 40 irrigation pumping machines.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

HE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a 25-member executive for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), even as it inaugurated its AMAC secretariat. While inaugurating members of the new executive, the chairman of the party, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman urged them to embark on mass mobilisation and registration of new members that will place the party in a good stead in future elections. He further said new members who will be issued the permanent voter’s card will bring about the change which Nigerians desperately need. Usman said the APC in the FCT will do everything necessary, be it room-to-room or house-tohouse campaign to ensure that residents, including those in the

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

APC inaugurates FCT executive committee From Grace Obike

most remote parts of the FCT, are mobilised for registration. His words: “Your task is to ensure that the slogan of the party which is change starts from you as a leader and it will be extended to your followers in all the wards. Your first assignment is to go around the wards, mobilising and sensitising the people, reminding them of the need to have their voter’s card. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will commence issuance of the new permanent voter’s card for those that were underage during the last registration and who have come of age now. It will be your job to encour-

age them to register. “Mobilising people to register for their voter’s card will be the weapon that we will use to effect the change that we yearn for. There will be no change without the voter’s card and the card remains the only weapon that we can use to change the government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “You will have to do whatever it takes; if it is a door-to-door or house-to-house campaign to mobilise our people at the grassroots to make sure that we come out en masse to get that weapon which is our voter’s card for use on Election Day to chase these people out of power, you have to do it.” On the Ekiti election Usman said: “The Ekiti election is a lesson to

both parties. We all know that during the Ekiti election, the PDP government used the military to make sure that they scare people from coming out to vote. In this particular election and the general elections, it cannot happen because the number of the military in this country cannot take the equal number of what was sent to Ekiti if sent to all states. So, there will be a free atmosphere for Nigerians to vote.” One of the members of the executive, Emma Ezeazu who donated cars and motorcycles to ward chairmen said: “I donated the cars and motorcycles to make the party stronger, to build it and to make it stand a better chance to perform well in future elections. We will mobilise our party members and

others to register and collect their cards. “Nigerians need to understand the need to have a strong opposition, without which our democracy will not grow. Whatever I’m doing is to strengthen the opposition so that there will be a great competition for the benefit of the people.” AMAC APC Publicity Secretary, Yunusa Hassan, explained that AMAC executive comprises 25 members drawn from the different wards. He also said there are areas where motorcycles are not permitted in the municipal council. This, he said, informed the provision of cars for some ward chairmen while others were given motorcycles.

•Emori

32-YEAR-OLD patient, Daniel Imo Emori, who is suffering from spinal cord injury since 2003 has appealed to First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan to come to his aid. His travail began when he was attacked by a mad cow that caused him to be bed-ridden since the incident. Prior to October 2003, Daniel Imo Emori was a normal young Nigerian, working hard to make ends meet and believing that he had his whole life ahead of him. Unfortunately, it took an attack by a mad cow to make these dreams seemingly deferred. The 32-year-old Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) holder from Cross River State has been bed-ridden for almost 11 years. His limbs are malfunctioned, his legs are swollen and like that of a cripple. He can only turn his head sideways, speak and direct with his hands. He has been passing urine with the aid of a urine cartulary attached to his system. A visit to Emori in his self-contained apartment revealed a swept and clean environment. Unfortunately, the apartment exudes malodorous smell of urine due to numerous bed sores and urine cartulary. Fortunately for Emori, all hopes are not lost because the accident which caused him cervical injury

Patient to First Lady: please, help me From Grace Obike

can be repaired. His hope is that, one day, he would be able to walk again, return to school and achieve his dream of being an accountant. Regrettably, he is from a poor family. In 2003, the 5th child in a family of eight, while delivering pharmaceutical products for his company, RICOL Pharmaceuticals in Onitsha, he was attacked by a mad cow. At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, the doctors discovered that he had sustained injury on the spine. He was not treated because his family could not afford the money. This necessitated his being taken to the village where he remained paralyzed for 10 years with no assistance or medication. He said: “One day in October 2003, I had just resumed work that morning. I was sent by one of my bosses in RICOL Pharmaceutical Company to supply drugs to one of our customers that had ordered for products at Fege Onitsha Anambra State. “As we were about to leave, a neighbour suggested that we sup-

‘As soon as it happened, we thought it was a minor injury. I was taken to a nearby clinic and the next day, they referred me to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. After examination by the consultant, he discovered that I had spinal cord injury which is called cervical injury’ plied the goods to her instead which we did. So, after the supply, I wanted jump down from the vehicle, a mad cow appeared from nowhere knocked me down. “As soon as it happened, we

thought it was a minor injury. I was taken to a nearby clinic and the next day, they referred me to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. After examination by the consultant, he discovered that I

had spinal cord injury which is called cervical injury. The most threatening at that time, according to him, was the internal injuries that I, sustained as there was no external injury. “After running tests and a little treatment, they requested for N75, 000 for the operation which my family could not afford. “After being in Enugu for a while and the hospital could not operate on me because we could not afford the over N100, 000 bill, a matron at the hospital offered to be a Shorty for us as they will deduct the money we owe them gradually from her salary. “So, my family took me back to the village, where I stayed with no treatment or drugs. By 30th October last year, on the 10th anni•Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW Boko Haram: Army intensifies safety measures

Patient to First Lady: please, help me •Continued from page 33

UBSEQUENT to rumours making the rounds that members of Boko Haram sect are planning to bomb another venue in Abuja, the military has intensified their efforts; searching every vehicle no matter how highly placed the owner may be. Major entries into and exits from Abuja are now under serious security watch in a bid to prevent probable bomb blasts. Our correspondent who observed the development said government, according to sources, is not leaving anything to chance as it is determined to fish out perpetrators of crimes, especially members of the Boko Haram sect. A source said the stop-and-search exercise will continue until situations are normal. Those in charge of motor parks around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have also put in place more security measures to forestall possible bomb blast. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared that it has the will, the resources and the strategies to win the war against Boko Haram and terrorism in the country. Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke-Akinjide told the women and youths who had staged a threeday protest against Boko Haram and terrorism at the Unity Fountain, Abuja to mark the 100 days of the abduction of over 200 girls from Gov-

•Scene of bomb blast From Gbenga Omokhunu

ernment Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State on April 15. According to her, the Federal Government has procured new equipment and technology towards strengthening the capability and support for Nigerian military and security forces, adding that a recent delivery of such military equipment include highly sophisticated fighter helicopters with in-built night vision technology. She said the Federal Government has a clear edge in weapons and reconnaissance capabilities. According to her, major break-

throughs recorded by the Nigerian military in the war against Boko Haram and terrorism include the capturing of many senior-level Boko Haram commanders who were used as spies and treasury officials by the Nigerian military and security operatives. She listed other achievements to include the arrest of Sadiq Aminu Ogwuche, one of the masterminds of the April 14, 2014 bombing of the bus station in Nyanya, an Abuja suburb, where several people were killed and others injured. Ogwuche, who was also accused of leading recruitment efforts of Boko Haram, was recently extradited from

Sudan where he ran to and is now in Nigerian custody preparatory to facing prosecution. She also recalled that Boko Haram Chief of Intelligence was picked up and is now helping security operatives in their investigation while one Mohammed Zakari, a Boko Haram leader known as the ‘Chief Butcher’ was captured when Nigerian military raided Balmo Forest, during which they expelled Boko Haram insurgents from the area. Mrs. Akinjide further revealed that a recent Boko Haram threat against the Abuja Transportation System was •Continued on page 36

‘Sign less-privileged commission bill into law’

GROUP, under the auspices of The Strategic Team (TST) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has called on President Jonathan to sign the Less-privileged Commission Bill into law. According to the group, the bill when established will take care of all matters relating to people living with disabilities (PWD) in the FCT and the entire country. The National Coordinator of TST, Daniel Ohiomoba, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja,

From Gbenga Omokhunu

praised “the dogged, tireless and uncompromising efforts of President Jonathan’s initiative and transformational strides in the area of people living with disability (PWD).” According to Ohiomoba, the PWDs have continually received support from the present administration, saying that in the past, they have been rejected and relegated to the background, sidelined and discriminated

against. “The present administration has brought succour and hope to this vulnerable group and as a result donations, support materials and grants are being given to them. A lot of them are being sent on entrepreneurship trainings to empower them. “Co-operatives have been set up for them and most importantly, lands for the construction of rehabilitation centres have been acquired. These projects are going through various stages of development.

•Jigawa Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud (right) with Emir of Ringim, Alhaji Sayyadi Maymoud during his visit to the emirate over flood disaster Jigawa State

“It is on this premise that The Strategic Team (TST) has keyed into the area of inclusion, by taking the transformational strides of President Jonathan, especially in the area of the physically-challenged to the grassroots in the FCT and in the Diaspora,” he said. The group further said a data base of PWDs, accessibility to free medical treatment, health insurance, not overlooking special schools, educational aids and materials for them and their children, must be top priority. The Regional Coordinator NorthEast USA of the group, Ambassador Grace Eke-Charrier, also said by doing this, the PWDs shall be given equity, dignity and equal opportunities in propelling Nigeria to greater heights as it obtains in other climes. “They will be carried along in the political and economic restructuring going on in the country as their constructive and meaningful inputs shall go a long way in contributing to the continued growth and development of this great nation,” she said.

‘The PWDs shall be given equity, dignity and equal opportunities in propelling Nigeria to greater heights as it obtains in other climes’

versary of my illness, after i had pasted my picture on Facebook, one of the journalists with National Mirror in Cross River State took up my case and brought the Reverend of the Damarismilla Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to my community. “The NGO arranged for me to be brought to Abuja to the Primos International Hospital Karu, February 1. On arrival at, the management of the hospital requested for N150, 000 for admission which the NGO paid. After that, they paid another additional N200,000 for the hospital to run tests after which they discovered the injury on my neck, a tear in my bladder due to the prolonged use of the urine cartulary and another injury on my rib which is a bed sore caused by prolonged lying on my back. “To effect the operation on my neck would cost N1.2 million. They carried out the operation on the 3rd and 5th. And I was discharged. The next stage was the physiotherapy which they could not be carried out immediately. The NGO got me this accommodation and paid a house boy that takes care of me while they look for a place that I can undergo the physiotherapy. “The problem right now is that, contrary to the NGO’s expectation that the problem would be over after the operation, based on the doctor’s advice, they said that my condition is not going to normalise immediately but as long as I’m taking the prescribed medication and going for physiotherapy, I will get better. But the NGO said it will need support because they are running out of funds. “My medication monthly is very expensive. The one for this month cost N99, 480 and I get new prescriptions every month which are also expensive. They doctors for now are not sure when I will get better. I’m begging for help from the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and all wellmeaning Nigerians to assist me to carry out the physiotherapy and buy my drugs so that I will be able to walk again and return to school to continue my education.” Emori’s medical certificate addressed To Whom It May Concern and signed by the Medical Superintendent and Head of Medical Services, Primos International Hospital Karu, Col. (Dr). E. O. Emodi (rtd) explained his medical condition. It states: “31-year-old male, presented in our facility on 3rd February, 2014 with 10 years history of old neck injury leading to weakness of all four limbs. He also presented with pressure sores and ulcer on his penis. “He underwent cervical spine surgery and Urethral repair on 10th February; he was discharged on 6th March, 2014 in a stable condition. He has been on a regular follow-up and he is advised physiotherapy and medication.” Kind-hearted Nigerians who wish to render financial assistance to Emori in order to have access to physiotherapy and his monthly medications could make their donations as quickly as possible to make live normal life again. This is his bank account details: Daniel Imo Emori, Fidelity Bank, account, 6160829205. You can contact Emori on these phone numbers 08098929156 and 08086387108.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•President Goodluck Jonathan right and the Executive Director, United Nation Population Fund, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin on a visit to the President at the State House Abuja.

•From left: Minister of Steel Development Mohammed Sada, Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda and Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House Abuja.

•From left: Kogi State Governor Capt. Idris Wada, Nasarawa State Governor Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, Imo State Governor Chief Rochas Okorocha, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed during the National Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

•From left: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Amina Ahmed at the signing of a one billion Dollar investment in rice production in Nigeria with Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the State House, Abuja.

Council chief sensitises residents on flood T

HE chairman of Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Yahaya Garba has called on residents of the council to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially in drainage systems. This, he said, is to prevent the area being flooded during the rainy season. Garba, who gave this advice at a sensitisation and enlightenment programme to educate residents on prevention of flood during rainy season, said the call became nec-

‘I want to challenge everyone not to build around riverside areas…I also believe that if residents desist from the habit of dumping refuse in drainage, there will never be threat of flood in Abaji’

From Gbenga Omokhunu

essary as the council is making frantic efforts to reduce the menace of flooding in the council area. While declaring the programme open, the council chief the sensitisation became essential in view of recent cases of flood in some parts of the country where several lives were lost and property worth millions of Naira destroyed. “I wish to urge residents of the council to be cautious of recent flooding that has displaced hundreds of people. I want to challenge everyone not to build around riverside areas. “I also believe that if residents desist from the habit of dumping refuse in drainage, there will never be threat of flood in Abaji. We should not allow our farms to be too close to riverside so that water can flow freely,” he said.

•From left: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed; VicePresident, Namadi Sambo; Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Taminu Turaki; former Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama and Muslims faithful led by Chief Imam of National Mosque, Ustaz Musa Mohammed to mark the Eid-el Fitri prayers in Abuja. PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

‘We are committed to developing rural communities’

HE chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba has re-affirmed his commitment to the provision of infrastructural facilities for residents of rural communities in order to enable them to develop and have improved living standard. Speaking with journalists in Abuja Jiba revealed that when he assumed duty in 2010 as the council’s chief, he made a promise to the people that, with the mandate given to him, he would not disappoint them, adding that as the council chairman; he will try to meet their immediate demands. He confessed that God has been helping him to fulfill

From Gbenga Omokhunu

the promises. The council chief, who is also the chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) FCT chapter, said since he made that promise to the residents, he has not deviated from his responsibility as the council boss, saying that improving the living standard of people at the grassroots is his priority. “I remember in May 20 this year when we celebrated one year in office of my second tenure, we inaugurated many projects, and at the same time distributed about 10 vehicles to the Nigerian Police

‘I have laid a legacy by building staff quarters for teachers and there are ongoing constructions of Jiwa Township and Damagaza Roads. It can be confirmed if there is any community that we have not sited a project during this tenure. We will do more in the rural communities because they deserve better things’ Divisions of the AMAC. “We have started with this number; we will do more for the

rest 22 police divisions in AMAC. “We also inaugurated a functional healthcare centre in Waru

community under Kabusa Ward. We equally inaugurated one of the 1.2 kilometre asphalt road at Abuja Mechanic Village. We sunk a borehole at Area 1, Section 1, at Tudun Wada, where I completed my secondary education. “I have laid a legacy by building staff quarters for teachers and there are ongoing constructions of Jiwa Township and Damagaza Roads. It can be confirmed if there is any community that we have not sited a project during this tenure. We will do more in the rural communities because they deserve better things,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

HE occasion for corporate bodies and wealthy individuals in the society to assist towards providing financial support for victims of terrorist attacks in the country on Thursday last week was not only filled with drama but also with some disappointments to many Nigerians. While other sectors and individuals made meaningful donations at the Banquet Hall venue of the fundraising dinner at the Presidential Villa, the total donation from the communication sector was not in the range of what Mr. President and many Nigerians expected. The communication sector, comprising many multi-billion dollar international telecommunication firms in the country, donated only N1 billion at the fundraising where oil and gas sector donated N17 billion, even as the banking sector donated N15 billion. Some individuals at the occasion donated more than the N1 billion which the communication sector donated. For instance, Tony Elumelu donated N2.5 billion and T.Y. Danjuma donated N1.6 billion. Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Wale Tinubu and Mike Adenugu individually donated the same amount of N1 billion which is the total contribution by the communication sector. While some corporate bodies have not meaningful identified with the fund, T.Y. Danjuma, who is the Chairman of the Victim Support Fund Committee and who made a personal donation of N1.6 billion at the fund-raising event was not happy that he was not invited as a stakeholder in the oil and gas sector to make more contributions. Other donations at the occasion included the Federal Government N20 billion, all states of the federation and the FCT - N3.7 billion; Arthur Eze and Mohammed Indimi N800 million each; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Abdul Samad Rabiu N500 million each and power distribution companies N500 million. Construction companies donated N300 million. Those who donated N100 million each at the fund-raising dinner were Capt Osa Okunbor, Oba Otudeko, Tunde Ayeni, Taiwo Afolabi and Thomas Atu. The Speaker of House of Representatives also announced N100 million on behalf of the

Fund-raising for Jonathan, Nigerians National Assembly, while Zinox donated N100 million. Coordinating the donations from the oil and gas sector, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke revealed that over 80 members of the oil and gas sector who responded to the donation request were only contacted about 10 days ago. President Goodluck Jonathan was impressed with the oil sector for the N17 billion donations it made. He gave each of the donors a handshake. He was also happy with the N15 billion donations from the banking sector, which was coordinated by CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. But before President Jonathan could say something about the N1 billion donation from the communication sector coordinated by the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, shout of ‘no’, ‘no’, ‘no’, ‘no’, rented the air as soon as the amount was announced for the sector. The President, turning to Johnson said: “You see, you can go back and consult with your people

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya again.” Those who shouted ‘no’, ‘no’ felt that the communication sector could have done better by giving more to the society. They believed that most of the telecommunication companies have never failed to seize any opportunity to rip off Nigerians with their products and services. At the occasion, President Jonathan maintained that the reason for setting up the Victim Support Fund Committee was to give

everyone the opportunity to reach out to the victims of terror attacks in the country. He said: “I want to challenge us to think deeply about how privileged we are to be able to give. It is a divine privilege that we cannot explain. The victims did not wish this calamity upon themselves. They did not pray for it. It could have been anyone. “But for the mercy of God, we could have been the ones needing support as a result of this insur-

gency. But in His infinite mercy and grace, the Almighty God has decided that we should be the ones giving support, not receiving it.” On his part, T.Y. Danjuma said: “All too often, the victims of terror are soon forgotten. The majority of the terrorist targets are those who could not fend for themselves. The funds being collected are not for combating terror or fighting terrorist organisations but for supporting victims of terrorist attacks.” Stressing that Naira and foreign currency accounts have been opened to receive donations from across the globe, he said the fund has been established as a fullyfledged company. He praised Jonathan for his wisdom in setting up the fund and his good policy of non-interference in the committee’s operation. With the fund’s management under the leadership of one of the topmost philanthropists in the country, it is expected that more corporate bodies will see it as part of their social responsibilities and give more to the society.

Boko Haram: Army intensifies safety measures •Continued from page 34 uncovered while the public was alerted and casualties were avoided. Equally, following a tip-off, the police uncovered and prevented a bomb attack near a school in Gombe. The minister said government recognises that soft power was crucial in the battle against Boko Haram, stressing that force alone will not defeat insurgency. “As a result, the Jonathan administration is implementing a comprehensive programme of assistance to support, protect and empower local communities with a special focus on the most vulnerable areas of the country.” She noted that some of the initiatives in this regard include the Safe Schools Initiative developed to safeguard school children in states under emergency rule, by strengthening the security of educational facilities, adding that government is working with state governors, community leaders, teachers and parents to identify and remedy the vulnerabilities that put

Nigerian children at risk. On the role of diplomacy, she said the Federal Government has been able to garner support from international partners, including governments and groups, particularly the international bring back our girls campaign that has successfully motivated global attention to terror in the West African sub-region. Olajumoke added that President Jonathan has initiated a number of strategies, which have generated international solidarity such as a meeting of Presidents of Chad, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, which was held in Paris. Closely related to that, she said, was the principled step taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on terrorism and cross-border crime, at its 45th ordinary session, where the authority of ECOWAS Heads of State endorsed the efforts of Nigeria and committed itself to helping the country in its fight against terror.

•People dancing during Galadiman Bauchi and District Head of Likan katagum, Alhaji Ibrahim Jahun official visit to the district in Bauchi

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY A retired judge of the Ogun State High Court, Justice Babasola Ogunade, believes Nigeria has tolerated corrupt public officials for too long. According to him, until they are shamed rather than celebrated, corruption will persist. He urges Nigeria to learn from the United Kingdom. JOSEPH JIBUEZE writes.

Shame high-profile convicts, says ex-judge W HILE reading the London Evening Standard in November 2009, a former Ogun State High Court judge, Justice Babasola Ogunade came across a story that struck him. It was the report (and pictures) of former deputy mayor of London, Ian Clement, repainting lavatories and changing rooms at King George’s playing fields in Sidcup, Kent. It was Clement’s punishment for fiddling £156 of his expenses. He was caught using his official credit card to pay for three lunches with his 23-year-old girlfriend Claire Dowson. After reading the story, Justice Ogunade carefully folded the newspaper cutout and saved it. Believing it is something worth learning from by Nigerians, he made cutout available to The Nation, five years after. He believes that until the country gets to that stage where corrupt persons, no matter how much they steal or how highly placed, are harshly dealt with, the problem of graft will persist.

The full story The online version of the story published on November 29, 2009, reads: “Public shame of Boris’s deputy mayor who paints loos. “The Standard’s exclusive pictures show (Mayor of London) Boris Johnson’s former right-hand man for the first time since he was convicted of fraud over his City Hall expenses. “Five months ago Ian Clement, 44, was one of the most powerful political figures in London. He flew around the world helping to plan the 2012 Olympics and represented the capital at the 9/11 memorial service in New York. “But in a sharp fall from grace, he is now completing 100 hours of community service and living with a suspended 12-week prison sentence, a 9pm curfew and an electronic tag. “Unemployed, Clement’s 27-year political career is over. He is pictured helping refurbish the lavatories and changing rooms at King George’s playing fields in Sidcup, Kent. “He spent more than an hour labouring outside with a handful of other offenders on community service, who were taken to the grounds by bus. “A friend today said Clement is ‘totally destroyed’ by the conviction. “Clement, a former Bexley councillor, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation after using his City Hall credit card to entertain his girlfriend and another woman. “He was given a corporate card to cover any ‘exceptional’ expenditure while abroad on City Hall business. But he used it to pay for two meals with 23-year-old Claire Dowson — for whom he left the mother of his son — and a dinner with PR assistant Joanna Laban. He lied and said he had dined with Tory council leaders. The three meals cost £156.70. “Clement was first suspected of impropriety last November when he started sending cheques to City Hall to cover personal spending he had made on his work credit card. “He initially used it to upgrade tickets for himself and a colleague on a flight to the Beijing Olympics. Clement then ignored a series of warnings and continued to use the card for more than £2,300 of personal spending, racking up bills in excess of £7,000. “His spending included £535 of work to his Jaguar and two £100-plus meals at Le Pont De La Tour restaurant at London Bridge, all of which he has since repaid. “When the spending was revealed, the Mayor initially decided his friend had made an error of judgment but, following warnings, demanded his resignation on 22 June. The Greater London Authority referred the matter to the police two days later. “Sentencing Clement, Judge Quentin Purdy said he had ‘flagrantly and arrogantly’ misused taxpayers’ money. “He told Clement he had come ‘very close indeed’ to being sent to prison. ‘You knew full well what you were doing was dishonest

and it is your fault and your fault entirely. I accept you have lost much as a result of your wrong-doing but you regarded yourself as above the rules. Your dishonesty is now clear for all to see and it is entirely your fault. You were in a position of considerable authority and you arrogantly and flagrantly abused that with meals at the public expense.’ “Clement, a former postman from Crayford, publicly apologised to Mr Johnson outside Westminster magistrates’ court, saying he was ‘truly sorry’. He admitted he had ‘let down’ taxpayers and colleagues. “‘I have failed to live up to the high standards of officer that were expected of me. I have given many years of dedicated public service to London which has been my pride, my passion and my life. That is over now. I very much regret and am truly sorry for my actions that have let down many good people, my family friends and colleagues including and not least the Mayor of London.’”

•Clement (right of group) with the rest of Johnson’s team of advisors standing on top of City Hall when he was deputy mayor

A lesson for Nigeria “Our society has gone to the dogs,” said Justice Ogunade in reference to the erosion of the country’s value system. To him, if it were Nigeria, the money “stolen” by Mr Clement would be considered too insignificant to warrant him being subjected to such public ridicule. He believes that apart from a change in the value system, it would require political will to shame corrupt officials. He noted that as the mayor right-hand man, Mr Clement he could easily have been shielded from prosecution, especially considering the amount involved. The case could also have been frustrated by the courts. Significantly, Mr Clement repaid the illegal expenses, but was still made to undergo community service. He admitted the wrongdoing, and never attempted to appeal against the verdict. He was given a 12-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work, stayed at home between 9pm and 6am and pay £1,000 costs. “Here, people in authority trample the law and get away with it. Until we’re able to shame corrupt persons, corruption will remain Nigeria’s undoing,” the judge said. Will Nigeria learn?

•Shame: Clement in bright orange high-vis jacket and holding a paintbrush as he carries out his community service for fiddling his expenses

•Clement painting a public building

NBA Owerri branch elects new exco

HE Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has, at the Bar Centre, Owerri, elected new members to pilot the affairs of the branch for the next two years. Consequently, Stanley Imo was elected to lead the new executive committee as chairman while Mr. I. F. Akponye and Mr.Chris Ihentuge were elected Vice Chairman and

Secretary respectively, Ndidi Anike defeated her opponent to emerge Publicity Secretary in a hotly contested electoral face-off. Others who were also elected are Ishmael Nkwocha (Financial Secretary), Nkechi Obioha Treasurer, Mazi Udegbulem (Assistant Secretary), and Ngozi Ihiekwe Welfare Secretary.The committee has since been inaugurated.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Democratisation of NBA

Benchers, a life member of the NBA NEC and the current chairman of the Council of Legal Education. The other member is the sitting President of the NBA. In the circumstance, the NBA has found it difficult to take a stand on any of the controversial decisions of the NJC. It is high time the trend was reversed in the overall interest of the legal profession. That is the only way to ensure that the slots allotted to the NBA in all statutory bodies are democratised in a manner that they reflect gender and other interests of the generality of the members.

Being the speech delivered by FEMI FALANA (SAN) at the Bar dinner of the Ibadan branch of the NBA in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Introduction

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is one of the oldest professional bodies in Nigeria. As the premier branch of the NBA, the Ibadan bar charted a course for the modern NBA. In fact, it was this branch that hosted the 1987 annual conference of the NBA which produced the Alao Aka-Bashorun leadership. It is generally agreed on all hands that it was during that glorious era that the NBA was reorganised and rejuvenated to champion the struggle for the rule of law and the restoration of democratic governance in the country. The NBA fought executive lawlessness that was the hallmark of military dictatorship and mounted a sustained campaign against preventive detention decree and other obnoxious legislations. In spite of official pressures, the NBA neither paid any courtesy call on the military president and state governors nor received any donation from the junta. Two prominent members of the Ibadan branch-Chief Priscilla Kuye and Mr.Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN served in that progressive Executive from 1987 to 1989. It is on record that both of them kept the flag flying and served creditably well when they subsequently became Presidents of the NBA. As the NBA is currently comatose, the Ibadan branch should team up with other branches to ensure its revival and vibrancy.

The commercialisation of NBA elections The NBA has a constitution and a code of ethics which guide the affairs of its members inter se and the practice of law in the country. But such rules of professional conduct are now observed in breach as bar leaders are no longer elected on the basis of their proven record of service, contribution to legal development, commitment to the bar and personal integrity. The NBA elections have been completely commercialised. The voters register is manipulated and filled with names of unqualified members including the practices and the manipulation of the electoral process. The Electoral Committee headed by a former NBA President, Lanke Odogiyan Esq which conducted the 2012 NBA election, rightly observed that “Elections into key offices in the NBA have become highly monetised and scandalously expensive. We can-

not continue this way. We must courageously address the problems and find solutions to them.” Although the Okey Wali Executive undertook to implement the report of the committee on electoral reform, no measure has been put in place to sanitise the corrupt electoral system. As members of the honourable profession, we must ensure that bar elections are not won on the basis of the size of the pockets of candidates. If the NBA cannot conduct credible elections, it has no moral right to monitor national elections managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It is however my submission that unless the delegate system is abolished and replaced with universal adult sufferage through the e-voting system the NBA is on the path of self destruction. Last year, the NBA leadership decided to increase the practising fees paid by all lawyers. But in spite of the astronomical rise in the said practicing fees the NBA goes around these days to solicit for funds from the federal and state governments to run its affairs. A few months ago, the sum of N70 million was donated to the NBA by one of the governors in the south/south region. The decision of the leadership to corner the entire gift was vehemently opposed by the local bar in that state. Although the crisis was amicably resolved, the NBA leadership has banned its 109 branches from receiving “donations” on behalf of the national body. It is pertinent to note that since strings are usually attached to such Greek gift the independence of the NBA has been compromised. The ugly development has been confirmed by the Chidi Odinkalu Committee which was set up in 2013 to investigate the affairs of the NBA. Without mincing words, the committee indicted the leadership of the NBA for “dangerously depending on big envelope donations from Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) who are now in a position to dictate the organisation’s programmmes or interfere in its processes.” Those who are familiar with the enormity of the crisis of integrity deficit in the NBA will not be surprised that the report has not been tabled for deliberation in any of its meeting.

On the imperative of democratisation In a letter addressed to the NBA President,

The independence of the bar

•Falana (SAN)

Mr. Okey Wali SAN on December 13, 2012, I was compelled to demand for the democratisation of the NBA. As I could not find any legal basis for conferring the life membership of any statutory body anyone in a democratic society I asked the NBA to demand for an amendment of the relevant provision of the Legal Practitioners Act more so, that some legal practitioners who are in their 40s and 50s have been appointed into the body. In opposing the headship of all NBA committees by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, I rejected my appointment as a co-chair of the NBA Judiciary Committee. Having been involved in the affairs of the bar for over three decades I have realised that there are many members who are not in the inner bar but who are more suited to serve the NBA in several capacities. For reasons best known to the NBA leadership my suggestions were ignored. Hence, the same set of SANs and a few other lawyers have been recycled to serve the NBA in all statutory bodies in a law society which boasts of over 100,000 members. In a demonstration of arrogance of power, the NBA does not take cognisance of the provisions of relevant laws in nominating members to serve in statutory bodies. For example, contrary to Part 1 of the 3rd Schedule to the Constitution which provides that the NBA shall nominate for appointment to the National Judicial Council five members “who have been qualified to practise for a period of not less than fifteen years, at least one of whom shall be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria” I have confirmed that all the five lawyers nominated by the NBA leadership as members the NJC are Senior Advocates of Nigeria. All of them are men. Furthermore, out of the five Bar representatives, three are former NBA presidents. Indeed, two are members of the same branch of the NBA. One of the two is a life member of the Body of

During the NBA NEC meeting held in AdoEkiti in February this year, the Chief Judge of Ekiti state, the Honourable Justice A. Daramola observed that “the Nigerian Bar Association has lost its voice”. The observation of his lordship cannot be faulted. Having compromised itself through corrupt practices it is not surprising that the NBA can no longer speak out on any major national issues. With respect to the massive infringements of human rights by law enforcement agencies and disobedience of court orders the NBA has been sitting on the fence. In a country where impunity has become the order of the day the NBA has not deemed it fit to join issues with the government on several complaints of executive lawlessness. Out of pure selfish consideration the NBA has only gone to court, in recent time, to challenge the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act that require certain professionals including lawyers to file returns to prevent the laundering of proceeds of crime. As far as I am concerned, lawyers who make money from legitimate transactions should not hide under the cloak of client/counsel confidentiality to avoid accountability. However, I must not fail to mention that the NBA leadership has made some interventions on certain issues of public interest. But some of them have further exposed the NBA to ridicule. For instance, the NBA teamed up last year with the minority who lost the chairmanship election of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). Like the Presidency which recognised the candidate who scored 16 votes as the chairman of the NGF in place of the candidate who won the election with 19 votes the NBA leadership called for the proscription of the NGF on the ground that it could not manage its own affairs. Convinced that the reactionary stance of the NBA leadership was totally uncalled for,- I was compelled to call on all progressive lawyers to “adopt decisive measures to free the NBA from the grip of anti-democratic forces and reposition it to resume its traditional role of defending the rule of law and the expansion of the democratic space in the country .“ •To be continued next week

Following the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Independent Television/ Radio v. Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, that tax authorities have the legal powers to seal off business premises and confiscate the properties of tax evaders after giving them sufficient notice of their tax obligations and opportunity to pay, a Lagos lawyer and legal adviser to West African Union of Tax Institute, CHUKWUEMEKA EZE, examines the decision. He concludes that the fear of the taxman remains the beginning of wisdom.

Seizure of tax evaders’ properties legal

RE you one of those who ignore tax payment notices from the Federal Inland Revenue Service or State Boards of Internal Revenue? If you fall into this category, you encounter very serious problem henceforth. This is because the Court of Appeal, Benin Division on May 28, 2014 in the case of Independent Television/Radio v. Edo State Board of Internal Revenue has declared that section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) (as amended), which authorises tax authorities to seize properties of income tax defaulters, is constitutional. The section also allows tax authorities to apply to a judge of a High Court ex parte (that is, without putting the tax defaulter on notice) for an order to levy warrant of distrain against an income tax defaulter. Upon the judge granting the order, the tax authority proceeds to confiscate or seize the property of the tax defaulter. It will hold or take charge of the property for 14 days before disposing same by another order of court. Provisions in other tax laws similar to that of section 104 of PITA (as amended) which allows for distrain of properties are as follows: a) Section 86(1) of the Companies Income Tax Act: Without prejudice to any other power conferred on the board for the enforcement of payment of tax due from a company, an assessment has become final and conclusive

and a demand note has, in accordance with the provisions of this Part of this Act, been served upon the company or upon the person in whose name the company is chargeable, then, if payment of the tax is not made within the time limited by the demand note, theb Board may in the prescribed form, for the purpose of enforcing payment of tax due: (a) distrain the taxpayer by his goods or other chattels, bond or other securities; (b) distrain upon any land, premises, or place in respect of which the taxpayer is the owner and, subject to the following provisions of this section, recover the amount of tax due by sale of anything so distrained. b) Section 3(1)(b) of the Petroleum Profits Tax Act: Whenever the board shall consider it necessary with respect to any tax due, the Board may acquire, hold and dispose of any property taken as security for or in satisfaction of any tax or any judgment debt due in respect of any tax and shall account for any such property and proceeds of sale thereof in a manner to be prescribed as aforesaid. c) Section 33(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) of 2007: Without prejudice to any other power conferred on the Board for the enforcement of payment of tax due from a company, where an assessment has become final and conclusive and a demand notice has, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant tax laws

in the First Schedule to this Act, been served upon the taxable person or upon the person in whose name the taxable person is chargeable, then, if payment of the tax is not made within the time limited by the demand notice, the Board may in the prescribed form, for the purpose of enforcing payment of the tax due:(a) distrain the taxpayer by his goods or other chattels, bonds or other securities; (b) distrain upon any land, premises, or place in respect of which the taxpayer is the owner and, subject to the following provisions of this section, recover the amount of tax due by sale of anything so distrained. d) Section 43(1) of the Capital Gains Tax Act: Capital gains tax shall be under the care and management of the Board and the provisions of the Income Tax Acts in the Schedule of this Act shall apply in relation to capital gains tax as they apply in relation to income tax chargeable under those Acts subject to any necessary modifications. e) Section 16 of the Casino Taxation Act: (2) If the licensee neglects or refuses to pay the sum charged upon demand made, a principal inspector of taxes shall for non-payment thereof distrain upon the premises in respect of which the tax is charged, without any further authority for the purpose than a warrant under this section issued for the pur-

•Eze pose by the Board. (3) The sum included in the demand shall be deemed to be a debt by the licensee as judgment debtor owing to the board as judgment creditor and payable under a judgment of a High Court in the Federation, and for the purpose of levying distraint under the foregoing subsection, the chairman of the board or, in his absence, his deputy, shall have the powers of registrar and sheriff of such a court; but any seizure and sale by way of distress may be enforced under the following provisions of this section by a principal inspector of taxes acting under a warrant signed by the chairman of the board or his deputy. (4) For the purpose of levying any such distraint, any inspector duly authorised by a warrant for that purpose, may break open in the daytime any premises, calling to his assistance any constable, and any such constable shall, when so required, aid and assist the inspector in the execution of the warrant and in levying the distress. •To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Court of Appeal declares title of Ajiwe land in favour of family

HE Olumegbon family of Ajahland, Lagos has lost the right to the title of the sprawling Ajiweland to the Ajiwe family, courtesy of the Court of Appeal. The appellate court sitting in Lagos reaffirmed the title of the descendants of Ajiwe family as the authentic owners of Ajiwe village. The appellate court, in a judgement delivered in the appeal between Taiwo Elemoro and Chief Fatai Abiodun, the Olumegbon of Lagos, upturned the judgment of a Lagos High Court on the matter. The appellate court apart from restraining the Olumegbon family against selling or doing anything to the land without first informing the Ajiwe family also awarded the sum of N50,000 to be paid as cost in favour of the Ajiwe family. The appellants as claimants had sued the respondent as defendant at the High Court of Lagos State along with other trespassers. The High Court of Lagos presided by Justice Beatrice Adesuwa OkeLawal had in her judgment delivered on February 2, 2012 in suit No. ID/2638/2001, in which Chief Olumegbon was sued as the second defendant, declared that the land measuring 21.886 hectares belong to the Olumegbon family. The lower court, while refusing the claim of the appellants, declared that the respondent is the overlord of Ajah and environ. But the Ajiwe family had through their lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Ojekunle, gone to Appeal Court to assert their rights following the forceful seizure of Ajiwe village land ,which the Lagos State Government had excised to the Appellants vide the Lagos State Official Gazette No. 9, Vol. 9, of 28th March, 1996, The appellants as claimants sued the respondent as defendant at the High Court of Lagos State along with other trespassers. However the Court of Appeal in its judgment delivered by Justice Abimbola Osarugue ObasekiAdejumo, Justice Amina Augie and Justice Y. B Nimpar set aside the lower court judgment.

By Adebisi Onanuga

The Appellate Court declared that the appellants have proved that they are entitled to a declaration of title over the land excised to Ajiwe village indigenes by the Lagos State government. “Following from the above resolution of issues one and two in favour of the Appellants, the appeal succeeds and the judgement of Hon. Justice Beatrice Adesuwa Oke-Lawal delivered on February2, 2012 is hereby set aside. The appellants proved that they are entitled to a declaration of title over the land excised to Ajiwe Village indigenes by the Lagos State Government.” The Court of Appeal declared. “The claim of the appellants succeeds and therefore, a declaration is hereby made that the land measuring 21.886 hectares of land which is the land area covered by the excision belongs to the claimants to hold same in trust for the descendants of Ajiwe village.” The Court of Appeal further declared. The Appeal Court upheld the argument of the appellants that the controversial land having previously been acquired by the Lagos State Government extinguished all previous rights over the land stressing that the alleged right of the respondent also went away with that acquisition. “It is beyond doubt that once there is a compulsory acquisition of land, the title of the former owner becomes extinguished by the reason of the acquisition and when the acquired land is returned as in this case, a new root of title by grant will be created. “This means therefore that the compulsory acquisition of the 823 square meters of land in the Lekki Peninsula by the government of Lagos State had extinguished the previous right of both claimant to the land. That furthermore, the excision of several villages including Ajiwe has created a new root of title for the people of Ajiwe village and those other villages and therefore the issue of having their root of title traced to

Ogunsemo and or Olumegbon is uncalled and ineffective as those roots are gone with the acquisition and the root of Ajiwe village is now rooted in the Lagos State government” the appeal court stressed On the claim by the respondents that they are indigenes of Ajiwe which the appellants denied, the court held that there is a distinction between residency and indigeneship pointing out that one can be an indigene of a place but not resident there and one can also reside in a place and not be indigenous to it. “On this score, the trial court erred when it held that the excision was not to the claimants after finding that there was indeed an excision. The gazette says to indigenes and that is not a single person’s name, that the names of the appellant can be said not to correspond. Indigene is a group of people who are natives to Ajiwe because it is a grant from government, it must not necessarily be to the original owners of the land but could be to strangers and in this case it was to the people who are native to Ajiwe. The claimants are native to Ajiwe”, the Appeal court further stated. The Appeal Court held that the appellants have proved that they are entitled to a declaration of title over the land excised to Ajiwe village indigenes by the Lagos State Government and issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from encroaching on the land and doing such acts as selling, building, developing any part thereof without the consent and permission of the appellants, i.e the Ajiwe family Restraining the respondents, the Court of Appeal stated: “Again a perpetual injunction restraining the Respondent, his agents, servants, assigns, successors in title or anybody whosoever, claiming through, by or for him from trespassing on the Appellants’ land and from disturbing the appellants from peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their excised land. The appeal succeeds. Cost of N50,000.00 to the Appellants”

•From left: Secretary, Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC), Mr. Felix Ota-Okogie and UNICEF Project Coordinator, Mrs. Vernice Guthrie at a workshop on Child Rights Law in Lagos.

Lawyers praise ex-Lagos CJ Phillips

ORMER Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Ikeja branch, Monday Onyekachi Ubani has showered encomiums on the former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips as an excellent woman who raised the status of the Lagos judiciary to enviable height during her short stay in office. Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Ubani said lawyers in Lagos will particularly be grateful to Phillips for bridging the wide gap that has always existed between lawyers and judges, adding that Phillips was the first Chief Judge of the state to attend the meeting of the NBA. While expressing gratitude to the

By Adebisi Onanuga

Chief Judge for the cooperation given to the NBA during his tenure as chairman, Ubani added that he believed the incoming Chief Judge who is the sibling of Phillips will continue the good work, adding that lawyers will always be ready to offer their support in improving the judiciary and promote the cause of justice in the state. Lagos lawyer and activist, Ikechukwu Ikeji also described Justice Phillips as one of the most amiable and accommodating judges ever in the Lagos judiciary. Said Ikeji, “my first appearance before her was against a SAN and she was surprisingly in control of the

proceedings in spite of the obvious attempt of the SAN to intimidate everybody on the day. She gave me the chance to express myself and in the end one was satisfied that there was justice delivery proceeding from her.” Ikeji noted that the era of Justice Phillipsas Chief Judge of the state also marked the beginning of the modern era of the Lagos judiciary. “I am aware that she is computer savvy as you could see her often with her iPad and you were confident that she flows with modern trends. Her relationship with lawyers was excellent with a motherly tilt that calls for emulation. She shall surely be missed,” he said.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Chime’s political legacy

S Nigeria gets close to another general election in 2015, a number of the final-term political office holders are beginning to worry about legacy. For those of them who live the lie that a legacy can be concocted by propaganda and subterfuge, you hear them parroting such things as ‘His Excellencies legacy projects’, when they are referring to mundane things like a monthly stipend paid out to a few political thugs in the name of youth employment program. Those who have been serving themselves and their cronies instead of those that elected them are hoping to hoodwink posterity, that they also left legacies. But regardless of the shenanigans of the officials, they must note that legacies are the enduring projects and initiatives that are handed over to future generations. A legacy can be positive or negative. It can also be tangible or intangible. Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state has a number of enduring physical projects that can appropriately be classified as legacy projects. The new state secretariat complex is unarguably one of them. But what of the intangibles like political legacy. My colleague on the Editorial Board of this paper, Mobolaji Sanusi, in his column last Friday took a snap from his podium on the political legacy of Barrister Sullivan Chime, over the ill-mannered decision to sponsor the impeachment of the deputy governor of the state, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, ‘for keeping poultry in government house among other puerile allegations’. Hear Sanusi’s well considered advice to Governor Sullivan Chime, ‘His imperial Majesty Chime must watch his back for there is something called the law of Karma. It is inescapable. His predecessor, Chimaroke Nnamani, fought his godfather and benefactor, Jim Nwobodo. Chime has repaid Nnamani with an overdose of tyranny and treachery. He should not think that he has immunity against being paid back in his own coin. If he likes, let him pick his own biological son as successor’. Sanusi went on an on with historical anecdotes, in the hope that Governor Sullivan would halt his local version of President Goodluck Jonathan’s nationally orchestrated political impeachments, in some states controlled by the opposition, All Progressive Congress (APC). I commend Sanusi’ counsel to Governor Chime, hoping he is not too far gone in his magisterial imperialism as not to give a hoot, like that fly feasting on a corpse, not realizing that the coffin would soon close in on it, for mutual burial. Just like Chime’s secretariat stands out among his physical legacy, his determination to champion the impeachment of Sunday Onyebuchi, for unjust cause, will stand out as his major political legacy. To make the matter worse for the Governor, the reasons for the impeachment is as puerile as it can ever be. But the shame for accepting those silly reasons belongs to the rag-tag members of the state house of assembly, who by their own choice are not better than the houseboys and housemaids of the executive arm of the state government. The Governor’s own shame is that he is doing the young man in, to create an opportunity for his Chief of Staff, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo to have an un-impeded access to run for the Enugu-west senatorial election, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in 2015. Just as I had argued on this page in February, when the Governor started this journey to politically strangulate his deputy, all the political actors who are suffering humiliation in the hands of the state governor, should move over to APC. The victims of Governor Chime’s political legacy as I argued in that piece are many, considering that he had ordered that all two-term office holders, including the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, should prepare for retirement. The Governor’s present undemocratic maneuvers against his deputy, is one of the similar reasons why this column canvassed for the emergence of two nationally strong parties, so that when temporal political office holders or party henchmen turn to imperial majesties, there will be the opportunity to help them realize that empires are anachronistic and anathema to democracies, however inefficient our democracy may be. So if Governor Chime is determined to keep the PDP for himself and his cronies; those who are aggrieved should be bold enough to jump ship, and move over to the APC. As I have also previously complained on this page, Governor Chime’s other political legacy, is the imposition of local government chairmen across the states. Since his ascendency, well just like his colleagues, what passed off as party primaries where charades. So the context was to get his nod for the party’s ticket, while the state electoral commission complete the hatchet job, by ensuring that the ruling party ‘wins’ all the positions that are contested. The result is that most of the ‘locally elected officials’ are not prepared for the offices they occupy. The trickle down effect is that most local government officials come and go without any impact, not to talk of any legacy. Unfortunately, political office is like alcohol. The more you abuse it, the more you are hooked-on to the substance. The chance is that Governor Chime will see all the advice against substance abuse, as the idle talks of the uninitiated. In his state of intoxication, he will believe that he can not suffer the faith of his predecessors in office, particularly former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, who was defeated by ‘a neophyte’ in the senatorial election, despite the concentration of his legacies as Governor, in that senatorial zone. A final word of advice for my state Governor; he should allow the opposition APC, to flourish, as that may be the platform for him when the man he will install as Governor, settles down to politically deal with him, in accordance with tradition.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LAW REPORT

Appeal Court reinforces precedent on suing of non-juristic parties

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL

IN THE BENIN JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT BENIN CITY ON WEDNESDAY, THE 9TH DAY OF JULY, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS HELEN MORONKEJI OGUNWUMIJU, J.C.A. PHILOMENA MBUA EKPE, J.C.A. UGOCHUKWU ANTHONY OGAKWU, J.C.A. SUIT NO. CA/B/356/2006 BETWEEN SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CO. & ORS. ………………….…… APPELLANTS AND DANIEL PESSU …………………………………………………………….……. RESPONDENT LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY UGOCHUKWU ANTHONY OGAKWU, J.C.A.

HE Respondent in this appeal was a supernumerary police officer working at the Nigeria Police (SPY) Shell Police Command Ogunu Warri. He was posted to work on night shift at one of the 1st Respondent’s Offices on 27th August 2000. At the close of his shift that night he went home but upon returning to the office on 28th August 2000 to collect his keys which he forgot, he was arrested on the allegation that there was an attempt to break into one of the offices the previous night that he was on duty. He was eventually released on 30th August 2000 after an orderly room trial which recommended his dismissal. Peeved by the turn of events, the Respondent instituted proceedings at the the Warri Judicial Division of the High Court of Delta State, the Respondent herein, as Plaintiff before the lower court claiming a declaration that his purported discharge and dismissal from service by the Respondents/Defendants was illegal; a declaration that the Plaintiff is still in the service and still in the employment of the 1st Defendant; payment of all the Plaintiff salaries and all entitlements from September 2000 till date; and the sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) for his unlawful, illegal and wrongful detention by the Defendants. The parties filed and exchanged pleadings and the action was contested on the pleadings as filed. The Respondent testified for himself in proof of his case and did not call any other

Dean of law is Chief of Staff

HE Dean of the Faculty of Law Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Maxwell M. Gidado has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Prof. Gidado was born in Sugu, Adamawa State in 1960. A 1983 graduate of the University of Maiduguri , he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He obtained he Master of Law (LLM) degree and Ph. D from the University of War wick in England. He did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1984-85 at the law firm of A.O. Arulogun & CO in Port Harcourt during whic time he was engaged in serious law practice and became a Professor of Law in 2011 at Department of Private and Business Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi before he was an Associate Professor. He was a Deputy Dean of Law and was made Dean Faculty of Law in 2009, a position he occupied till his appointment as the Chief of Staff. Gidado was Senior Special Assistant Le-

•Gidado

witness while one witness testified for the Appellants in defence of the action. In its judgment delivered on the 11th day of November 2005, the High Court of Delta State entered judgment in favour of the Respondent with a declaration that the purported discharge and dismissal of Plaintiff from the services of the Defendants was illegal, null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever; an award of the sum of N85,000,000.00 (Eighty Five Million Naira only) to the Plaintiff, as damages for his unlawful, illegal and wrongful detention by the Defendants from 28/8/2000 to 30/8/2000. The Appellant being dissatisfied with the judgment lodged an appeal against the same at the Court of Appeal. The Appellants distilled three issues as arising for determination in their brief of argument, the Respondent also distilled three issues for the determination of the appeal. The Court after duly considering the issues as formulated by the parties considered and determined this appeal on the following issues: 1. Whether or not the learned trial judge had the jurisdiction to entertain and determine the suit of the Respondent? 2. Whether by the evidence before the trial court, the Respondent proved his case so as to entitle him to judgment? In arguing issue number one, the Appellants presented their postulations in two facets, viz., absence of jurisdiction on account

By John Austin Unachukwu

gal and Constitutional Matters, to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from 2003 to 2007 and Senior Special Assistant Legal and Constitutional Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2003. He was Secretary, Presidential Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution from 1999 to 2001, a former Assistant Director (Academic) at the Nigerian Law School Bwari from January 1999 to June 1999. Gidado was also Special Assistant to the former Chairman Constitutional Debate Co-ordinating Committee Justice Niki Tobi JSC (rtd) which midwifed the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from November 11 to December 31 1998. A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adamawa State from 1995 to 1997 and former, Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Leader to the 1995 Christian Religious Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Gidado, a Fellow, Certified Institute of Management (FCIM) since July 2011, was made a Grand Patron, Certified Institute of Management in July 2011. He was Decorated with National honour of the Officer of the Order of Republic of Equatorial Guinea (ORG) in 2004, Was the Best Law Student of University of Maiduguri at 1984 Convocation Ceremony and numerous other awards. He is a Director of Research, Institute for Oil & Gas Law, Abuja; member, Committee on Nigeria’s Extended Continental Shelf clai, 2004-date; member, Legal/Expert team of the International Boundary dispute case between Cameroun & Nigeria at the International Court of Justice, Hague – 19992002,Member, Ministerial Team on JDZ, Nigeria/Sao Tome & Principe (2001-2007), Member, Oil & Gas Reform Sector Committee (OGIC) of the National Council on Privatisation (N.C.P) of Nigeria.

of the action being against the Nigeria Police Force which is an agency of the Federal Government and lack of jurisdiction on account of the Appellants as sued not being juristic persons. The contention of the Appellants was that the Respondent’s claim falls within Section 251(1)(q) and (r) of the 1999 Constitution which vests exclusive jurisdiction in the Federal High Court in respect of civil causes and matters dealing inter alia, with interpretation of the Constitution as it affects the Federal Government or any of its agencies and for any action or proceedings affecting the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision by the Federal Government or any of its agencies. On the issue of the juristic capacity of the Appellants, it was submitted that the names of the Appellants as reflected in the Writ of Summons are not persons known to law, in consequence of which the court did not have the competence to adjudicate between the parties. The Appellants argued that the name of the 1st Appellant as disclosed in the writ does not disclose that the 1st Appellant is a legal person and that being a limited liability company registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, the 1st Appellant cannot be sued except in its incorporated name which by Section 29 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act must end with the word “Limited”. It was then contended that the 1st Appellant as sued lacks the capacity to be sued, consequent upon which the action was liable to be struck out. The case of ATAGUBA vs. GURA (2005) 126 LRCN 982 at 985 ratio 1; (2005) LPELR584(SC) was relied upon. It was submitted that the Respondent purporting to regularize the name of the 1st Appellant in the Further Amended Statement of Claim without leave of court to amend the process did not confer on the 1st Appellant the status of a legal person to be sued in law. The Appellants concluded that since they were nonjuristic persons the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. In reply, the Respondent submitted that it is the claim before the court that determines the jurisdiction of the court and that the reliefs claimed were predicated on contract of employment between the 1st Appellant and the Respondent, damages resulting from breach of the contract by the 1st Appellant and the tortuous liability of the Appellant for the wrongful and unlawful detention of the Respondent. It was posited that the reliefs claimed were outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. The case of ONUORAH vs. KRPC LTD (2005) 6 NWLR (PT. 921) 392; (2005) LPELR-2707(SC) was referred to. The Respondent maintained that the reliefs claimed did not fall within Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution and that the fact that a party to an action is an agency of the Federal Government cannot ipso facto clothe the Federal High Court with jurisdiction; and that all matters which did not fall within Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution were still within the jurisdiction of a State High Court. On the submission that the Appellants were not juristic persons, the Respondent contended that the Further Amended Statement of Claim had referred to the 1st Appellant’s name with the word “Limited” added thereto

and that though the word “Limited” was inadvertently omitted in the writ of summons, the defect was cured in the Further Amended Statement of Claim which supersedes the writ of summons. The Respondent stated that the Appellants did not oppose the amendment to the pleading and that issues were never joined as to whether the 1st Appellant was not a juristic person, The Respondent maintained that the Appellants can therefore not be heard to complain about the legal status of the 1st Appellant on appeal since they failed to object to the amendment to cure the omission at the trial court. The case of N.U.B. LTD vs. SAMBA PET. CO. LTD (2006) 12 NWLR (PT 993) 98 at 123; (2006) LPELR5974(CA) was relied upon. On the question of whether the cause of action falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, the Court held that as rightly submitted by the Respondent’s counsel it is the claim before the Court that determines the jurisdiction of the Court. See OLORUNTOBA-OJU vs. DOPAMU (2008) 7 NWLR (PT 1085) 1 at 23; (2008) LPELR2595(SC). The Court having given an insightful consideration to the reliefs claimed by the Respondent, was satisfied that they are not in respect of matters that fall within the provisions of Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution, wherein exclusive jurisdiction has been vested in the Federal High Court. On juristic capacity, the Court held that neither of the Appellants is a juristic person and the Respondent did not commence the action against proper parties. The Court held that it is hornbook law that a Court cannot engage in adjudication when the proper parties are not before it. The Court held that there was absolutely nothing to show that either of the Appellants, in the name sued, is a juristic person and their lack of jural capacity robbed the Court of jurisdiction to entertain the action. See OLORIODE vs. OYEBI (1984) 1 SCNLR 390; (1984) LPELR-2591(SC) and ZAIN NIGERIA LTD vs. ILORIN (2012) LPELR (9249) 1. This issue was partly resolved in favour of the Appellants as it relates to their juristic capacity. On issue two, the Court held that an appellate Court is duty bound to interfere with and reverse the decision of a trial Court arrived upon a wrong premise or which is otherwise perverse. See ADEGOKE vs. ADIBI (1992) 5 NWLR (PT 242) 410; (1992) LPELR95(SC). The decision of the lower Court was held to be neither founded on sound legal principle nor supported by the facts on record. The Court held that the lower Court got it wrong on the existence of an employer/employee relationship between the 1st Appellant and the Respondent. And the lower Court equally got it wrong on the liability for unlawful arrest and detention. The Court held that the decision of the lower Court was clearly perverse and cannot be allowed to stand. Accordingly, issue two was resolved against the Respondent. In a summation the Court held that the appeal was immensely meritorious and it was allowed. The judgment of the lower Court delivered on 11th day of November 2005 was set aside. The Respondent’s action was thereby dismissed. Edited by LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR23325(CA

•Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (second left ) with officials of the Little Saints Orphanage, Akowonjo during a visit to the home as part of the activities marking her retirement.

TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PLATEAU POLITICS Plateau Central District is a politically conscious zone. The struggle for its senatorial ticket has generated interest, owing to the calibre of politicians in the race. Who represents the district in 2015? Correspondent YUSUFU IDEGU examines the battle of the gladiators.

Dariye, Mantu battle for Plateau Central ticket T HE senatorial election in Plateau Central Zone has always been the toughest in Plateau State. Next year,’s election may not be different. The zone parades many vibrant politicians. Therefore, constituents are anticipating an epic battle. The aspirants include former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu, former Speaker of theHouse of Assembly and House of Representatives member from Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Constituency Hon. Emmanuel Goar, Senator Sati Gogwim and former Governor Joshua Dariye, who is the senator representing the district. Mantu lost the seat in 2007. But, the ebbulient politician wants to stage a comeback. He is the first senator to represent the zone in this dispensation. He was in the Senate between 1999 and 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was the Deputy Senate President for six years. But, his attempt to return to the Senate for the third time failed when he lost to Major Sati Gogwim, a less popular candidate, who contested on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Since his defeat in 2007, Mantu appears to have gone into political oblivion. He did not feature in the 2011 election. But, he was always at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja, on party assignments. His bid to return to the Senate did not come as a surprise to political observers. He has revived his political structures for this purpose. He is believed to have the backing of prominent party leaders. Since Mantu lost the senatorial election in 2007, the PDP has lost control of the zone to opposition parties. When the ACN candidate won the poll in 2007, the party failed to manage the opportunity. In the 2011 election, the Labour Party (LP), fielded Dariye. The ACN lost the seat to the LP. Thus, there is doubt over the PDP’s popularity in the district. Mantu’s motive is to reclaim the zone from the LP. But, other aspirants claim that they have the same goal in mind. Hon. Goar has declared that he has the strategy to recapture the zone for the ruling party. He spoke on his new formula on the day he declared his intention to run. “I have concluded plans to run for the Senate in 2015. I need to recapture my senatorial zone for the PDP. We lost the zone to the opposition in the two previous elections, but I believe I have all it takes to bring it back under the PDP fold,” he said. The legislator added: “At the moment, I am the most experienced legislator from that zone. I started from the grassroots by representing my people at the state constituency, where I became the Speaker of the House. I left there for the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly where I am representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Constituency. The people will prefer someone that is so close to them; someone who they can access and someone who will be humble enough to render account periodically. “The zone does not lack politicians in top places with national recognition, but what the people require is someone who has grassroots acceptability and well experienced in legislative system. I am not lacking in the area of legislative experience, having served in the House of As-

• Dariye

sembly and the House of Representatives. Hence, I consider myself good enough to serve my zone and my state at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.” Goar said that the senatorial election might be a walkover for the PDP, if the party fields an experienced aspirant like him. “The ruling party lost the zone because it did not field experienced candidates. But, I am confident this time around that the party will not regret when I emerge as its flag bearer in the zone. I can assure my party that I have began to work towards giving them that victory because what the people want is an experienced man like me. The people of the zone has lost out. As a result, they could not get their dues from the national cake. The same people have cried to me to come to their rescue and I have made up my mind to heed their cry by offering myself to serve them in the senate,” he said But, Mantu also believes that he is the right person for the job. He said it would be easy for the PDP to recapture the zone, if he is the flag bearer. The former Deputy Senate President said that since he decided to keep a low profile in the last seven years, the PDP has not found a credible replacement for him. Mantu has begun consultations with stakeholders on how to realise his ambition. However, Goar and Mantu will face a tough battle. Dariye of the LP is not ready to take a rest. Dariye has remained popular in the zone. Although he defected from the PDP, his influence has not waned. A source said that PDP leaders have been mounting pressure on him to

• Mantu

return to the fold. He left the party, following his misunderstanding with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Sources confirmed that PDP national leaders are optimistc that he will return to the party before the election. President Goodluck Jonathan, added the sources, is expected to receive him at a rally in Jos, the state capital. “If not for the bomb blast of May 20 in Jo,s which killed scores of people, the reception for the former PDP stalwart, including Senator Dariye, would have been held,” added the source. Senator Gogwim, who represented the zone between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the ACN, is also on his way to the PDP. He lost the 2011 poll to Dariye. The retired soldier has not hidden his ambition to return to the Senate. His campaign posters and hand bills flood the zone. Gogwim said he has experience for the job, urging the people to give him a second chance. The primaries will be tough because the gladiators are not ready to step down. At the shadow poll, delegates will vet the condenders and make up their minds. A party chieftain, Mr. Joshua Nanle, said that Goar may have an edge over Mantu and Dariye because of his grassroots appeal. Goar is believed to be closer to the masses than the two senior politicians. He is also said to have come from the Angas ethnic group, which is the most populous in the district. “In Plateau Central Zone, Angas is the largest ethnic group. But, we have been patient and the minorities have been ruling the zone. The only Angas man,

‘The senatorial election in Plateau Central Zone has always been tough. It is always the toughest in Plateau State. Next year,’s election may not be different. The zone parades many vibrant politicians. Therefore, constituents are anticipating an epic battle’

• Goar

who went to Senate in 2007, ran on the opposition party. This time around, we expect other tribes in the zone to respect our wish to take our turn in the ruling party. The Angas tribe cannot remain in the opposition for too long. And for the Angas, turn, we have no other candidate than Hon Goar. He has done well in the House of Representative. We want him to go to the Senate on the platform of PDP,” Nanle added. . Another factor that may count against Mantu and Dariye is the fact that voters will prefer to vote for candidates, based on their local government of origin. The zone comprises five local governments; Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam. In 1999, the people voted for Mantu, who hails from Mangu. After completing two terms in the Senate, he was succeeded by Gogwim from Kanke. Later, Dariye from Bokkos was elected. Ahead of next year’s poll, there is the agitation for power shift to either Pankshin or Kanam, the two local governments that are yet to take their turns. Alhaji Salisu Shehu from Kanam said: “In the 2015 election, I don’t think the likes of Mantu and Dariye will have a chance. I will advise them to allow other local governments have it. We have Pankshin and Kanam that are yet to take their turns. We are looking for candidates from the two local governments. In Kanam, we have resolved to vote for candidates from these two councils.” No doubt, Goar is popular. He may be the voter’s favourite. But, can he withstand Dariye’s asernal? The former governor is a factor in the zone. He has proved that he is the leader the district, both as governor and senator. His followers love him. Many chieftains across the parties are also loyal to him. Mantu is also a clever politician. He is highly connected. He is respected in the zone. In fact, observers believe that Dariye and Mantu can spring surprises. The question is: Can Goar beat these gladiators at the primaries? Time will tell.

THE NATION TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2014

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS Legal luminary and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in this interview with BISI OLADELE, reflects on the recent Ekiti State governorship election and contends that the outcome of the Osun poll will be different.

‘PDP can’t defeat APC in Osun’ W

HAT is your reaction to the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship poll? Well, the Ekiti State election appears to all of us as the harbinger of the major elections in 2015, although we had the Anambra State election before it. But, the Ekiti election served as the opener and the Osun election is fast approaching. These two elections are key to what will happen in 2015 and this worries someone because there is probably something that happened that is not clear to everyone. That result, to people like us, who have had the opportunity to go to Ekiti from Ondo State, and are also neighbours to Ekiti, will agree that the result of the election is not a true reflection of the people’s wish. People have come up with several ideas as to what went right and what went wrong. But I think people are not deceived as to lose sight of the impact of what good governance has done to Ekiti State with Fayemi as the governor it does not follow reason. Or how logical is it that people will push aside achievements as Fayemi has made and vote against him in all local governments? The APC has lost the governorship election in Ekiti. What does this portend for 2015? Well, that was why I said the Ekiti election was a forerunner to the 2015 election for the APC. One can still live by and accommodate the Ondo State election. The ACN then, was not the party in power. It is still tolerable in spite of the fact that the voters’ register was injected with over 160,000 names. The incumbency, we can still say, is one of the major factors. But, here in Ekiti, it does not stand to reason, it is not logical. Those indigenes from Ekiti through the media have just woken up from a bad dream to say this is not possible. What does this now portend for the APC? Of course, it is a dangerous trend, which is why the Osun State election has become one to prove that the APC is still in total control of the Southwest, in spite of whatever has happened in Ondo and Ekiti. What is the chance of the APC in the Osun governorship election? Osun State is a different place, no doubt. The governor is a grassroots person. Luckily, that was what probably people did not realise when he started and he talked about “Walk to Live.” That is a mass mobilisation kind of event and this happened every month. I have attended a couple of them and you need to be there to see how people trooped out to follow him. So, in Osun’s case, you need to have attended the rallies. I was at the one in Ile-Ife to see the way people turned out. I am talking about the multitude. You would have seen that it is not one in which they are pretending, people are showing true love to their candidate. So, in Osun’s case it is neither like Ondo nor like Ekiti. Whether we like it or not, Rauf Aregbesola is enshrined in the minds of the people, not like Ekiti. He is a grassroots person, he has organised programmes which he uses to relate with the people and people still respond. Many SSS men and other security forces have been deployed in Osun. What is the APC’s view on this? The APC’s view on this has been clear and said over and over again; that the over-militarisation of a civil event like an election is not welcome by us. It is an attempt to subvert the will of the people and that was what was done in Ekiti. They carried the militarisation in Ekiti to an extent that the party itself is trying to take up a suit. You do not come in the wee hour of the election and arrest the opposition. You are scaring them and their leadership so

that you can perpetrate all sorts of illegalities. This was what happened in the Ekiti State election. Do not bring soldiers. We do not need military men during elections. It is not a war situation. What do we need military men for during elections? If the Nigerian police cannot mobilise enough men and officers during election, then, there is a problem. So, what will happen during the general elections? They will deploy the entire military force across the country, painting a bad picture for the general election? Our party has said: “No.” We tried in Lagos with some actions saying no to militarisation in election, before election or after election. It is unwarranted, it is dehumanising. Incidentally, when Rotimi Ameachi was harassed out of Ekiti, I was one of those that went to meet him. The soldiers were clear in their words that they had orders not to allow him interact with anyone. You restrict people’s movement. Is that normal? Is it constitutional? He did what he could do, explained himself that he knew the governor. But, he was denied entrance into Ekiti State. They did not allow the plane of Gov. Oshiomhole to take off from Edo State. The planes of Rabiu Kwakanso and others from Kano State were not allowed to land. The plane of others from Ondo could not take off from Akure back to Ekiti because the airport was closed by the military. You cannot adopt this method and still say that the election was free and fair. It was not. So, these are the examples of unfairness that happened in Ekiti State and we are saying it loud and clear that they should not repeat it in Osun State. But it appears that they are determined to go ahead to militarise the process, prior to the election and during the election. What I am sure of is that they will be biting more than what they can chew in Osun because people are wiser. They had it in Ekiti, but the Osun people are wiser, they will react to it. Of course, any chaos will disrupt the election, so it will be wise enough if they allow the police to man the civil event. What is your reaction to the militarisation of elections? I have said it over and over again that we should now back up our complaints with action. I think our party should start with civil disobedience, if we say no election should hold, especially now that we have military men around. It is not wrong at all. All we have to do is mobilise the people for a peaceful protest. We are not going to burn houses or cause any chaos. We just need to sit down, stage a protest before the elec-

• Akeredolu (SAN)

tion. That is a way to say that this cannot continue. I will advise my party not to take things lightly because you might be here for good, but the military is not here for good. They are not there for good because what has happened in Ekiti State is a signal to us, where Daramola and others were taken from their houses and arrested. We do not want a repetition of that in Osun State. The time has come for us to back our words and complaint with action. The election must not hold, unless the military is taken out of the picture. For someone like me, I believe we do not need the military there for anything. I believe anything the military wishes to do, the police can serve that purpose. Controversy has trailed the achievements of Governor Aregebesola. Is this not a minus as the state goes to poll? I think the APC is going to win the election in Osun State. I have no doubt. I travel there often and I can see the things on ground there already. You know, some matters are based on fallacy and rumour by the PDP candidate and other parties. Let’s ask ourselves, which government is not owing? Even, the Federal Government and the American government is in debt. They are still paying the money. There is no country in the world today that is not in debt, probably not China and that is because of their approach. But there is no country that is not in debt. Even in Nigeria, there is no state that is not in debt. Even Lagos State is in debt. Borrow money to do good things for your state. You have men and material, you have the capability to build. So, there are one or

‘Do not bring soldiers. We do not need military men during elections. It is not a war situation. What do we need military men for during elections? If the Nigerian police cannot mobilise enough men and officers during election, then, there is a problem’ two things you can borrow money and do and people now come up and say he borrowed money for some things. He borrowed money for necessary things and people can say this is what the money was used for. The great schools he built, the Opon Imo device, the uniforms he introduced, the greatest of them is feeding in the schools. It is a known fact that there are several children who attend school today who their parent cannot afford proteinous food for them. This is what is being done in the primary and secondary schools in Osun State. It is a great thing that is being done. It allows the mental development of the children. If he is borrowing money to feed the children so that at the end of the day, he can have good brains who will excel in their primary, secondary and tertiary schools and come out and make the state proud; they will be able to come and bail the state out. It is just pure politics that people are shouting about his borrowing. Which state does not borrow money? Which of his achievements do you consider the greatest? The roads. This just did not happen overnight. It must have come from years of researching and travelling. For you to construct the roads, the drains, he has shown that he was truly the Commissioner for Works in Lagos for good eight years. And he has made significant impact on roads. You need to see the good road network here and there. Not just any road, but also the interior ones that can be seen by the people here and there. Those who go to the farm use the roads to go to their farms and also to transport their crops here and there to sell. It

becomes easier for them. They do not take short cuts that are stressful and take their time again, and they transport their goods in less than two to three hours. So, it saves them time. It is a great achievement. He has done a lot also in the area of farming. Before, there were some farmers who just get their land, plough the land, plant and leave. But now, there are mechanized ways of farming. Most of them have harvested a lot. Aregbesola also engaged thousands of youths. People were complaining. They would have been on the road, but now, a lot of them have turned the money they are being paid round and use it to earn more income. There are lots of them who have testified that with the money they were being paid, they have become employers of labour. Some have become self employed. So, when you employ thousands of people, as he has done, it is commendable. Whether anybody likes it or not, the Opon Imo too is a big project. So, apart from feeding and the welfare among countless things he has done, I think Rauf Aregbesola has shown that he is a visionary leader. The vision he has for Osun must be allowed to blossom. I call on the people of Osun not let anybody cut short that vision because the State of Osun is marching forward with him as the governor. In less than four years, Osun will be another Eldorado. The APC has lost Ekiti and Adamawa states. Now, they want to impeach the Nasarawa State governor. Will this not affect the party in next year’s elections? It will certainly affect the election. It all depends on what happens in the state. Take Adamawa, for instance. That is not to say that the APC will not win in that state. Assuming they have managed to remove Nyako, we have people like Atiku there, who should be able to work towards producing the next governor. Until we see the final result, we cannot say the APC does not have a chance. With the calibre of people in Adamawa APC and also Atiku, if they put in their best, I think the APC will emerge as the winner in the next election. I want to believe Ekiti is temporary. The APC will come back, we are in the tribunal and we have our facts. I do not think we have lost those two states. I think we can salvage the elections, salvage through the court process. At the end of the day, we will have the states back. As for Nasarawa, I am sure that, reason will prevail. I am sure that if they set up a panel they will find him not guilty and we will still have Nasarawa. And in 2015, if election is held in February, he is going to come back.

CODER: Don’t militarise Osun

• Opadokun

HE Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) has decried the deployment of a large number of security agents to Osun State, ahead of the governorship election.

The group said that it smacked of militarisation of the election. CODER said in a statement by its Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, that the presence of soldiers and men of the State Security Services (SSS) may create fear and tension. He said: “Elections and voting are civil rights of the people to periodically elect those that will govern them. Elections need not be under great tension, fear, intimidation and violence. Nigerians need not to be under any apprehension during election. “CODER therefore, wishes to state with emphasis that the media report about the recent Ekiti governorship election, which witnessed the pursuit and detention of key APC leaders and stalwarts overnight before the election will not be acceptable this time in the State of Osun.” Opadokun noted that President Jonathan has promised to ensure free, fair and credible elections, urging him to fulfill the promise.

He added: “He should act the talk. Democracy, its culture and practice has no place for brigandage activities of law enforcement agencies in favour of the political party at the centre whose nominee as per the present constitution has operational control over the coercive agencies of government. “CODER wishes to remind the political operators at every level of government that the current political space, which they are now lavishly enjoying and abusing, was not given to Nigerians on a platter of gold. A few of us lost our sweat, our blood, our liberty, our personal possession while some even paid the supreme sacrifice for the public good. “Most of the professional politicians as at that time of our democratic campaign for the restoration of democracy were hands in gloves, as confederates, loyalties, and surrogates of the General Abacha’s government and his five political parties of a leprous hand for his transmutation.” Opadokun urged the political class

to learn from the lessons of the first and second republics. He recalled that the governments fell because of electoral malpractices. He added: “The annulment of the victory of Basorun M.K.O Abiola eventually forced the military out of power. “Those who are gloating over their political opponents because they are in the PDP that is controlling all agencies of coercion should re-think of possible people’s reaction particularly in the South West Zone of the country. “We have passed through this way before the Northern People Party, NPC, the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, awarded themselves “landslides victory” which on each occasion led to “gunslides”. There is always a limit to political chicanery and shenanigans. “CODER wish to advise all observers to ensure that they monitor both urban and rural centres and collation centres so that the election can be relatively free and fair and meet with international best practices in elections.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

•A cross section of members of GPCIN at the event.

How to stop blindness, by ophthalmologists Medical experts call glaucoma the “silent thief of the eye” because it deprives people of their sight quietly, without many knowing. To check the upsurge in the disease, some people have formed the Glaucoma Patients Care Initiative in Nigeria (GPCIN). WALE ADEPOJU reports.

ANY people are losing their sight to glaucoma, a disease known as the “silent thief of the eye”, without

knowing. A consultant ophthalmologist at the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL), Dr Adeola Onakoya, said patients often do not pay attention to the disease because they believe they can live through it. Dr Onakoya, who spoke at the Glaucoma Patients Care Initiative in Nigeria (GPCIN) monthly meeting at the Guinness Eye Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, described glaucoma as an eye disease, which gradually causes vision loss. She said no fewer than two million people are living with the disease in Nigeria, adding that adults, especially those above 60, are more prone to it than youths, although “everybody is susceptible to the disease”. Glaucoma, she said, usually occurs when the optic nerves which carry images from the eye to the brain become damaged, adding: “It is the second leading cause of visual impairment after cataract.” Dr Onakoya said people must examine their eyes to check the pressure and the health of their optic nerve regularly. “Glaucoma results in gradual vision loss. It usually begins in the side vision before slowly moving inward until the vision is lost completely, if left untreated. In most cases, the optic nerve becomes damaged by the pressure inside the eye called intraocular pressure (IOP). “When the pressure in the eye is too high, it pushes on the cells that make up the optic nerve. Over time, this pressure damages the cells and causes them to die eventually. This is what causes permanent vision loss. Damage to the optic nerve can happen slowly, so it is difficult to notice,” she said. Every month, she said, over 2,500 glaucoma patients visit the centre for treatment, stressing that most of them usually present late. She said nobody is above the ailment but the condition is more common in older people. The ophthalmologist said people with IOP and those with family history of the condition are predisposed to the ailment. “Also, black Africans and Asians, people who are very near-sighted and those who use steroids to treat conditions such as asthma and people who have had eye injuries or eye surgery, which can damage the pressure-regulating system of the eye,” she said. Patients, she noted, can use medications, such as eye drops to lower the pressure of the eye, adding that more advanced therapy, such as, laser therapy or surgery can be used if the medications are not enough to provide relief. She said people with the ailment should begin treatment immediately because once their vision is lost, it can never be recovered, adding: “People with eye problem must always keep to doctors’ appointment and must complete treatment. Do not lie down with your eyes faced

down, because this would bring up the eye pressure and thus damage the eye.” She advised patients to use their medications as prescribed by their caregivers, stressing: “This is important because of the need to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Too high and too low blood pressure levels are bad for glaumomatous eyes.” Onakoya said water was good for the body but advised that a glaucoma patient should not take more than half a cup at a time, adding: “ This can be repeated every 30 minutes than gulping down two cups and more at a time”. She advised patient of the correct and timely use of anti-oxidants, eye drops and eating of raw fruits and vegetables, such as, cabbage, garden egg and grape. Patient, she said, should be mindful of what they eat because too much of high calorie diets, particularly where the patient is not active, is

detrimental to their health. She told the members that the ailment can be a tradition in the family and as such, people should get their children examined to establish their eye status. The Head of Department, Ophthalmology, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola, advised patients to keep their appointment date in the clinic and use their medications correctly. She said: “When applying the eye drop, it should be dropped on the lower part of the eyes and the eyes should be closed for a moment to allow the substance sink in”. Akinsola urged people living with eye problem to take medications appropriately. She advised that no drug should be taken late at night, especially shortly before bed time to avoid it having adverse effect on the eyes. Eye drops are to help stabilise the eye pressure, she added.

Chairman, GPCIN, Chief Adesiyakan Adeduro, enjoined members to embrace regular eye check and prompt treatment to prevent losing their eyes. He noted that the best way to handle glaucoma is to treat it early and not allow it to lead to blindness, adding that medications such as eye drops are essential to prevent going blind. “The condition is hard to manage because of the funds involved as eye drops are quite expensive and not many patients can afford them,” he stated. The association advises members of the public who have relatives living with glaucoma to seek evaluation of their status by the ophthalmologist, or report to The Glaucoma Patients Care Initiative in Nigeria (GPCIN) at the Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, or call 08052355878, for advice and assistance.

Lagos, doctors to collaborate on maternal death

HE Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has promised to collaborate with the government to reduce infant and maternal deaths. Its chairman, Dr Tope Ojo, said the government must be supported to reduce the rate. Ojo told reporters in Lagos that NMA is against what he called the unacceptable figures. He said: “We shall institute an Ad-hoc Committee to look into all cases of mother and child deaths in the state and give periodic

By Wale Adepoju

report that is accessible to the public. This will be an avenue to influence government policies positively.” NMA, he said, would like the government to consider a robust public-private partnership to create and spread patient care. This, he said, would alleviate challenges of coping with the teaming population of patients in the general hospitals, adding: “This initiative has proven to produce gross reduction of patients’ waiting-time for consultation, procedures and surgeries in public hospitals.

Ojo said NMA would facilitate collaborative auditing of health institutions to create international best practices and standards. Praising government for infrastructural development, he called for Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians irrespective of age and creed, adding that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) currently covers only 30 per cent of the population. This, he said, should not be because everybody should have an opportunity to access treatment, demanding 100 per cent coverage. “Affordable domestic health care is non-negotiable for the people,” he said.

From left: Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Chris Bode; Dr. Olugbenga Olusoji; Chief Medical Director Prof Akin Osibogun; Director of Administration Mr Ayo Olagunju and Head, Department of Medicine, Dr Habeeb Tijani during a briefing on LUTH’s successful cardiac and kidney transplant.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

HEALTH

Ogun scores high on routine immunisation

GUN State has recorded 100 per cent coverage on routine immunisation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka has said. According to him, this is an achievement compared to the previous years. Soyinka, who spoke to reporters at a public sensitisation programme in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said the figure surpassed the national target of 85 per cent set by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with development partners. He said a coverage of 171,359, which represented 100 per cent, was recorded last

By Wale Adepoju

year while 149,048 (82 per cent) was recorded in 2012 on routine immunisation (RI) for children under one month and 11 months. He said: “This analysis shows that tremendous improvement has been made in the state to free children from vaccine preventable diseases, especially poliomyelitis that causes paralysis.” The state, Soyinka said, was able to achieve the feat due to the commitment and support of the government towards the provision of qualitative healthcare. He praised the support of partners, the state’s social mobilisation activities, commu-

nity participation; outreach services, and improve coordinated team work with border countries and states. “The last case of polio virus in the state was in 2009 and since then we have been free,” he said. The commissioner said 2, 195, 314 children under five were immunised during supplementary immunisation last year against wild polio virus (WPV). Soyinka said: “At present, the state had successfully immunised 2,113,504 under-five children in the first quarter of this year while it would strengthen the routine and supplementary immunisation activities to capture children who might have missed out in the exercise.”

‘Improved health facilities‘ll reduce maternal deaths’

HERE has been a call for improved access to health care facilities in rural areas to reduce malaria-induced mortality among expectant mothers. A medical researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Dr Bamidele Iwalokun, made the call. He said: “Malaria has become a major public health issue in the country. It remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among expectant mothers and it accounts for 11 per cent of maternal deaths in the country.” The researcher said there was need for improved access to healthcare facilities and strengthening of the National Anti-Malarial Treatment Policy (NATP), especially in the rural areas, to reduce maternal deaths arising from malaria. Iwalokun said expectant mothers are vulnerable to malaria, saying pregnancy makes women more susceptible to malaria infection and increases their risk to illness, especially severe anaemia. He said: “Malaria in pregnancy can also pose a threat to the unborn child as well as increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.” He recommended prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria as a part of effective management of malaria in pregnancy. “Having access to prompt and proper health services remains a major problem in the effective management of malaria during pregnancy. Improving access to skilled attendants and promoting cost-effective

By Inimfon Otung

intervention will help reduce maternal deaths and morbidity caused by malaria,” he added. Iwalokun said access to health facilities in rural areas is difficult because of limited healthcare providers and trained personnel. “There is need for the government to provide continuous training for the lower level health cadres and informal providers to improve healthcare coverage in the rural areas,” he said. Besides, there is need to intensify awareness campaign on the dangers of malaria in pregnancy. Iwalokun said the effects of malaria in pregnancy can be reduced if expectant mothers adhere to treatment guidelines and attend antenatal clinics regularly. He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) of malaria for reduction of negative effect of malaria on mother and unborn child. “IPT requires that every pregnant woman takes anti-malaria drug whether or not they have symptoms of malaria. It involves administering full dosage of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine which should include a minimum of three doses from the second trimester till delivery. “No hospital should run out of supply of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine,” he said. Other measures to prevent malaria in pregnancy include the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by mother from the first-trimester of pregnancy.

Women advised on heart problems

A •From left: Emeritus Professor, University of Ibadan (UI) Oladipo Akinkugbe; Cardiology Professor at the University of North Carolina, United States, Ross Simpson Jr; Director, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof Adesola Ogunniyi; Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Amam Mbakwem and Regional Medical Director for Cardiovascular Pfizer Nigeria and East African Region (NEAR) Dr Iqbal Omar at the seventh Cardiovascular Summit by Pfizer NEAR in Lagos.

Commissioner canvasses robust reproductive health policies

OLICY makers have been urged to take security and health of women and children seriously to make life better for them. Governments should also pay adequate attention to reproductive health problems. The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Mr Ben Akabueze, made the plea at the World Population Day (WPD) organised by the state government at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo. Its theme was : A time to reflect on population trends and related issues. He said reproductive health problem is the leading cause of ill-health and deaths in expectant mothers across the world. Akabueze said there was need to increase the knowledge and skills of women on productive health, especially on family planning, adding that this could be achieved through the provision of universal access to voluntary family planning and reproductive health services. The commissioner, represented by the ministry Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bayo Sodade, said there are over 100 million women across the world who are interested in spacing their children but lack the knowledge or access to family planning services, thus limiting the application of the knowledge. The application of this knowledge, according to him, is limiting simple

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

strategy, which is capable of saving many lives and strengthening families; reducing poverty and helping the entire world population enjoy peaceful environment. On the challenges, he said, Lagos State with an estimated population of 22.3 million is deficient in housing, health and infrastructure. It also lacks jobs for such a rapidly growing population of young people, he said. He, however, said the population of the state can be harnessed for greater potential if properly managed. Head, Lagos Office , United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr.Omolaso Omosehin , in his paper entitled: Investing in young people, said healthy, educated, productive young people can help break the cycle of inter-generational poverty. This, he said, is because they are more resilient in facing societal challenges. Omosehin described young people as “adolescents and youth ranging between 10 and 24 years”, saying their ability to safely and successfully navigate their transition to adulthood is separated by age, sex marital status, residence and socioeconomic status. He said: “Today, adolescents and youths represent the biggest generation in human history. One third

to almost one-half of the population in developing countries is under 20 years. “In Nigeria, 46 per cent of the population is under 15, their transition to adulthood needs to be understood in the larger developmental context because increased poverty, social inequalities, low quality education, gender discrimination and wide spread unemployment.” Omosehin reiterated the need to invest in youths by enabling them to exercise their talent to benefit their lives and their countries especially if the demographic dividend provides proper public sectors policies are in place. “Today’s 1.8 billion young people are a powerful force, individually and collectively. They are shaping social and economic relationship relatives, challenging norms and values and building the foundation of the world’s future,” he added. Advising the government to investing more on young girls, he said: “For youths, puberty brings not only changes to their bodies, but also vulnerable, particularly in the areas of sexuality, marriage and child bearing. Omosehin said many young girls are forced into unwanted marriage, thereby increasing the risks of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, death or disability because of childbirth.

PAEDIATRICIAN at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Funmilayo Adeyekun, has urged women to get screened for heart diseases to prevent them. According to her, it is sad that many women still die from the disease because they are not conscious of their health. Adeyekun spoke during Annual General Meeting (AGM) of International Women’s Society (IWS) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Library Trolley. She said a lot of women died of heart disease, adding that it is the number one killer of women across the country. She said: ‘’It is very important that women become more conscious of their heart, especially when they are between 40 and 60 years because their chances of coming down with heart disease increase.’’ To reduce the risk of getting this disease, she urged women to follow healthy diet habit, limit salt intake and lower intake of beef as well as maintain a good exercise routine. Adeyekun said some women do

By Balikis Moyosore

not take action against heart diseases because they believe they are too young for it. Others complain of too busy schedule attending to the family, thereby ignoring the symptoms of these diseases, she added. This, she said, puts them at a risk of having high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, anaemia, among other deadly ailments. The event also witnessed a health programme, visitation of wards, launch of Apron 2014, and a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director office. The President of the International Women’s Society, Mrs. Folasade Oyeniyi, said since the inception of the organisation in 1957, the IWS has embarked on series of laudable projects to empower and improve the lot of the people. Oyeniyi said IWS has been consistent in discharging numerous charity projects social services. “We are glad to be able to fill people’s need and our membership is open to women from different professions,’’ Mrs Oyeniyi said.

‘Babies need good nutrition’

ESTLÉ Nutrition Institute Africa (NNIA) has stressed the need for best nutrition during the first 1000 days of babies’ lives. This was made known at the sixth African Nutrition Epidemiology Conference in Accra, Ghana, during the company’s presentation of a paper with the theme: Maternal and Infant Nutrition, the first 1,000 days of life. Chief Dietician, Dietherapy Unit, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana, Mrs Gladys Peprah Boateng, said malnutrition remains an issue of immense public health concern across the world. She spoke on the theme: Food and Nutrition Security in Africa: New Challenges for Sustainability. The member of the NNIA said: “Globally malnutrition claims the lives of 2.6 million children annually. Malnourished children who survive are more frequently sick and suffer the life-long consequences of impaired physical and cognitive development. The first 1000 days of life, which covers

By Inimfon Otung

pre-pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life, has been identified as a unique window of opportunity to maximise the potential of lives; adequate nutritional care during this period has proven to have long term benefits both for the individual and the nation”. She said the company is committed to promoting healthy nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child. The company, she said, would continue to collaborate with stakeholders in academia and the healthcare sector to identify and provide preventive solutions and strategies to promote optimal maternal and infant nutrition. The institute, she said, engages healthcare professionals, scientists and nutrition communities to share leading science-based nutritional education, resources and research. “Its work in Africa focuses on maternal, infant and young child nutrition and health,” she said.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

BPE, bidders meet on assets sales T

HE Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) has met with the preferred bidders for seven of the 10 National Independent Power Plants (NIPPs) to ensure a smooth exercise, its Director-General, Benjamin Dikki, has said. He said the Abuja meeting became imperative for BPE and the investors to look at issues vital to the plants’ sale. The issues were shares purchase

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

agreement (SPA), performance agreement and shareholders agreement, among others. The forum, Dikki said, was also an opportunity for BPE and the firms to look at the terms governing sale and purchase of the plants. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, approved the

sale of the seven plants, following successful financial bids opening last March. At the meeting were EMA Consortium which is hiding for (Benin Generation Company and Calabar Generation Company), Dozzy Integrated Power (Egbema Power Generation Company), Seoul Electric Power Limited (Geregu Generation Company), ENL Consortium Limited (Olorunsogo Generation Com-

pany), and Omotoso Electric Power (Omotoso Power Generation Company). Alaoji, Omoku and Gbarain power plants’ prospective buyers were not represented at the meeting because of of litigation. Dikki said the court has restrained the government from selling the three plants. According to him, the sale of the 10 plants is on course, adding that no problem would be allowed to hinder the privatisation. Dikki said: “The government has slated 10 power plants for privatisation, but a company went to court to stop the sale of three of the plants. The government believes in the rule of law and has gone to court to reverse the injunction in order to privatise the plants soon. “The seven firms have submitted the preferred bidders guaranteed forms. Based on this, they are qualified to discuss the sales’ document with BPE. The document contains the Shares Purchase Agreement, the Performance Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement, which have been discussed at the meeting. The meeting was called to negotiate and agree on the document.

“Once agreement is reached on the document, it would be executed. From the day of execution, the preferred bidders are obligated to pay 25 per cent of the bids’ price within a particular period of time. Thereafter, they would be given six months to pay the balance. They have the option to pay early and take over the plants. That is where we are on the privatisation of the plants.” The spokesman of NDPHC, Yakubu Lawal, said he was aware that BPE and the seven preferred bidders had a meeting. He said the meeting was organised to finalise the sales and purchase deal. He said: “The meeting was organised to examine issues relating to Shares Purchase Agreement, Shareholders Agreement and others that need to be signed in order to achieve the privatisation goals. I think the two parties need to go through the agreements to arrive at a consensus on the issue of selling the plants.” The 10 midsized power plants built under the NIPP Plants, which are supervised by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NPHDC) are expected to generate combined 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

‘No plan to stop fixed tariff’

•From left: Chief Financial Officer, Oando Energy Resources (OER), Adeola Ogunsemi; Chief Executive Officer, Pade Durotoye; Chief Technical Officer, Seyi Adeleye; and Head Investor Relations, Tokunbo Akindele, at the handover of ConocoPhillips' (COP) Nigeria headquarters to OER in Maitama, Abuja when the firm concluded the $1.5 billion acquisition of COP Nigerian business unit.

SMEs to invest in solar energy

O boost the renewable energy policy of the Federal Government and reduce dependence on the national grid, all the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country are planning to invest in solar energy. The policy was introduced to increase accessibility to power via production of solar, wind, biomass and other forms of renewable energy. Introduced as part of the power reforms, the policy is aimed at boosting electricity supply in the country. The Director, Membership Services/ Spokesman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nerus Ekezie, told The Nation that the association is planning to set up a body on renewable energy before December, this year. He said the body would serve as

a platform for the 17.5 million registered SMEs in Nigeria, adding that they manufacture products and render services to the public. He said: ‘’Plans are underway to form a body on renewable energy by December to increase SME operations. Specifically, we are trying to invest in solar because of its reliability. Biomass and wind energy are quite new in Nigeria, and we do not want to go into it now. Through solar, we hope to cut the cost of production. Research shows that 40 per cent of the cost of production in the manufacturing sector goes to power. This is one of the factors that led to the closure of many companies.” He listed other factors as financial and succession problems, occasioned by the death of the owners of the companies. ‘’Many firms

have closed, while others are on the verge of collapse. This makes it difficult to know the number of SMEs that have closed shops,’’ he added. He said the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) was promoting renewable energy in Nigeria and beyond, stressing that UNDP has promised to support the association. Ekezie said the use of renewable energy is optional, noting that operators are allowed to use methods best suitable to them. ‘’We cannot force SME operators to use renewable energy. We can only appeal to them on the issue. Our appeal to them is premised on the fact that renewable energy offers value. It is environmental friendly, clean, and reliable There is no combustion, implying that users are free from dangers,’’ he said.

IKEDC unveils online bill payment platform

HE Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems Plc (NIBSS) have created an online platform to facilitate payment for post-paid customers in both energy and non-energy-related bills. NIBSS is central switch for interconnectivity & interoperability of payment schemes. The new regime would ensure that post-paid customer accounts are credited promptly. The platform, which took off last Friday, according to IKEDC’s Head, Communication and Strat-

egy, Pekun Adeyanju, is available via the following: IKEDC website (http://webpay.ikedc.com/pay) who those using credit and debit cards; Internet Banking portals of financial institutions with NIBSS e-BillsPay platform, and banks in Lagos State. The Chief Executive Officer, IKEDC, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, said the initiative represents another milestone for the company as it continues to enhance customer experience within its network. “This upgrade of our electronic bill payment process has been designed to deliver a more conven-

ient, efficient and seamless experience for customers whilst paying their IKEDC bills. We urge all our esteemed customers to embrace the platform as we continue to work on ensuring enhanced power supply to our customers,” he said. He added that customers that encounter challenges should contact IKEDC contact centre on 0800-225545332 or 0700-2255-4532 or send an email to: customercare@ikedc.com. The IKEDC boss said customers can also visit the company’s website (www.ikedc.com) for more information on steps for payment online and in bank branches in Lagos.

HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will not reverse the payment of fixed tariff by customers, its Chairman Dr Sam Amadi, has said. Last May 1, NERC ordered the Electricity Distribution NERC Companies (DISCOs) to stop collecting N750 monthly fixed charge in any area without power supply for 15 days in a month. The directive was given to make the DISCOs more responsive to the plight of consumers and ensure that the comission is fair. The order followed complaints from the DISCOs, which complained that it was affecting their revenue. Amadi told The Nation that NERC was working on issues, such as Transitional Electricity Market (TEM), fixed charge policy, among others, which are crucial to the growth of the sector.

He said: “There is no timeline as regards the reversal of the directive on fixed charge policy. We are still working on modalities to ensure that various policies achieve their desired objectives. After the declaration of the Transitional Electricity Market, we would tell the public our position on the issue.” But a top official of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) told The Nation in confidence that he was not aware of any decision by NERC to reverse the directive on fixed charge policy. The source said IKEDC had never complained that the directive was affecting its operations. “To the best of my knowledge, I’m not aware that NERC is planning to reverse the directive stopping DISCOs from collecting N750 monthly fixed charge in areas without electricity for 15 days,’’ he said.

How oil theft law can be effective

LANS to enact fresh law against energy theft will be effective when the government shows “strong commitment’’, stakeholders have said. The Federal Government through the Office of AttorneyGeneral of the Federation is scrutinising a bill that would provide legal framework for companies to operate in the oil and gas sector and collect their revenues without hindrance. The bill, when passed into law by the National Assembly would help check crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other activities in the industry. The President, International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE) Nigerian Chapter, Prof Adeola Akinnisiju and President, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Emeka Ene, said implementation is key to the success of any law. Akinnisiju said it does not make sense to make laws that would not be implemented. He said laws made in the past are not well implemented, giving the

criminal activities in the industry. He said: “The issue of providing new law against oil theft among other incidents is a good one. It is one thing for the government to enact a law that would help both local and International Oil Companies (IOCs) operate well, it is another thing to implement the law. I hope the law would not be one of those that are not executed in Nigeria. “If the law is implemented, it would curb crimes in the industry. It would send signal to the perpetrators of evil. They would know that it is not business as usual. They would weigh the cost of committing the crime, and once they know that the consequences are grave, they would stop.” Ene said stiffer regulation is required to make the sector more vibrant and rewarding to operators irrespective of the areas they operate. He said the industry has lost heavily to oil theft, urging the government to fully implement laws to encourage industry’s growth.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

HSBC bank’s half-year profits fall by 12% H SBC’s pre-tax profits fell by 12 per cent in the first half of the year compared with the same period a year before. Profits were $12.34billion (£7.33billion), from $14.071billion twelve months earlier. During the half-year, the bank also put aside some $234million for its “customer redress programmes”, to cover the cost of things such as mis-selling Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Europe’s biggest bank said that it hoped to reduce the “severity of future customer redress” costs. As well as covering mis-sold PPI, HSBC customer redress costs include such matters as disputes over advice given by its wealth management arm, and for mis-sold interest rate swaps. The redress figure for the first half of this year is down from the $412m set aside in the first half of 2013. Stuart Gulliver, HSBC group

chief executive, said: “These results demonstrate the resilience of our business model. Whilst regulatory uncertainty persists, our balance sheet remains strong and our continuing ability to generate capital supports both growth and our progressive dividend policy.” But the bank did say it was facing challenges from regulatory reforms around the world. “The demands now being placed on the human capital of the firm and on our operational and systems capabilities are unprecedented,” it said. “The cumulative workload arising from a regulatory reform programme that is unfortunately increasingly fragmented, often extra-territorial, still evolving and still adding definition, is hugely consumptive of resources that would otherwise be customer-fac-

ing.” HSBC says it spends £750million to £800million per year on regulation and compliance at the moment and suggests “there may be more money that needs to be spent on this area” despite almost getting to the point of a “steady run rate”. The half-yearly profits fall was mainly due to a weak first quarter. Profits for the first three months fell by one-fifth from last year, when the bank’s revenues had been boosted by asset sales. HSBC, which does most of its business in Asia, says it is looking to make the bank less complex, more efficient and able to deliver better returns for shareholders. So far it has shed 40,000 jobs and sold or closed 60 businesses, which it says has resulted in savings of more than $5billion. In London trading after the profits announcement, HSBC’s share price was up by 1.68 per cent to 639.90 pence.

Portugal unveils bank rescue plan

ORTUGAL’S central bank has announced a plan to rescue the troubled lender Banco Espirito Santo (BES). The group will be split into two a “good bank” with the healthy assets and a “bad bank” with the riskier ones. The “good bank”, which will be called Novo Banco, will be loaned 4.9bn euros ($6.6billion; £3.9billion) from what is left of Portugal’s bailout fund. The move had been expected after BES on Friday reported a record loss of 3.6billion euros for the first half of the year. Since June, when concerns about the financial health of the company first came to light, its shares have plunged 89 per cent. The company, which is Portugal’s largest listed lender, will be delisted from the stock market on Monday, with shareholders set to lose almost all their investment, says the BBC’s Alison Roberts. All of BES’s depositors will be

protected. “The plan carries no risk to public finances or taxpayers,” said Carlos Cosa, Portugal’s central bank governor at a late night news conference in Lisbon. “There was an urgent need to adopt a solution to guarantee the protection of deposits and assure the stability of the banking system,” he added. Carlos Costa, governor of the Bank of Portugal, details the rescue plan at a press conference Novo Banco will consist of the bank’s core business of taking deposits and lending to home-buyers and companies. It is so far unclear what will happen to the “bad bank”, most of which relates to other businesses in the Espirito Santo Group, which include tourism, health and agriculture. The cash injection for Novo Banco comes from a so far unused part of Portugal’s bailout fund from the EU and the International Monetary Fund.

China boosts emerging stocks, Russia steadies

• Chairman, Salt & Einstein MTS, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe flanked by Group Head, Strategy, Royal Exchange, Mukesh Malhotra (left); Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Pius Ofulue (right), and its Group Head, Nelson Ake.

Sanctions ground Russian tycoon’s US-made jet A RUSSIAN billionaire businessman close to President Vladimir Putin says he cannot use his luxury American Gulfstream jet because of United States sanctions. Gennady Timchenko, reckoned to have a fortune of $14.4billion (£11.4billion), owns big stakes in gas and infrastructure firms. He is among dozens of Russians hit by sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. Some 27,000 Russian tourists have reportedly been stranded abroad without return tickets after a tour company went bust. Mr Timchenko told Russia’s ItarTass news agency that Gulfstream was no longer servicing his jet and the pilots were not allowed to use its navigation equipment. He added that he was used to flying worldwide to do business and had lived abroad for long periods

in the past 25 years, but “now in effect I’ve stopped travelling abroad”. He was a founder of Gunvor, a global commodities trading firm, but sold his 43 per cent stake just before he was hit by sanctions in March. Mr Timchenko has a 23.5 per cent stake in Novatek, Russia’s second biggest gas producer, as well as controlling stakes in Volga Group and Stroytransgaz Group, which carry out major infrastructure projects. EU-US financial sanctions are also affecting his business, he said, explaining that he no longer uses Visa or Mastercard credit cards. “I’m left with my Swiss medical insurance card, international driver’s licence and Finnish ID card, which is like a passport. Also now I’ve got a Chinese Union card. As

soon as the sanctions came in I got myself that card... and it works brilliantly!” he said. The EU and US have blacklisted dozens of Russian individuals and firms considered to be undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. The first round of sanctions was imposed in March after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. Top pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine are also blacklisted, hit by Western visa bans and asset freezes. Meanwhile, a Russian tour operators’ association says that as many as 27,000 Russian tourists need to be evacuated from abroad because the Russian tour firm Labirint has suspended operations. An agency assisting Russian tourists, Turpomoshch (Tour Help), said in a statement (in Russian) it is now trying to book Russians onto return flights in various countries, including Bulgaria, Egypt and Tunisia.

Ghana to seek help from IMF

HANA has said it will seek financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help strengthen the West African nation’s currency. The cedi has fallen 40 per cent against the United States dollar this year, making it one of the world’s worst-performing currencies. Ghana, once seen as a shining example of economic strength in the region, is also struggling with high inflation. The country last went to the IMF for help in 2009, when it secured a $600billion (£360billion), three-year aid package.

Despite being a major exporter of gold, oil and cocoa, Ghana is struggling with large current account and budget deficits. Last week, the country’s finance minister told the BBC the country would fix its currency problems itself and only go to the IMF as a last resort. Many experts see the decision to go to the IMF as the first admission by the government that the economy is in bad shape. Commentators said the move would force the government to take stronger action to tackle rising deficits and inflation. “An IMF programme is likely to give to investors that addi-

tional level of confidence that fiscal consolidation might be pursued more seriously,” said Razia Khan at Standard Chartered bank. “However, news of potential talks with the IMF is unlikely to be enough, on its own, to make a meaningful difference to the cedi just yet.” Mark Asibey-Yeboah, spokesman for the opposition New Patriotic Party, said the IMF would insist on the government introducing measures to tackle inflation, including a freeze on wages. “But all in all, the benefits will still outweigh the downside, so it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

MERGING stocks recovered from one-month lows yesterday, lifted by a rally in Chinese stocks to their highest this year, while Russian stocks stabilised above three-month lows. Chinese stocks rose around two percent to the year’s highs, boosted by comments about the market from the country’s top securities regulator. Upbeat data on China’s economy and the opening up of its markets to foreign investors have boosted its stocks this year. That helped emerging stocks to test three-year highs last week before strong U.S. data and a hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve took some of the shine off higher-yielding assets. “The MSCI emerging market (index) still trades close to the top of the trading range over the past two years,” said Citi analysts in a client note. “If the short end of the U.S. rates curve finally incorporates the risk of a more decisive shift of stance by the Fed - that can be the ultimate move to unlock a stronger

momentum in the dollar.” The MSCI emerging equities index rose 0.54 per cent, recovering from one-month lows set on Friday. Growth in China’s services sector slipped to a six-month low in July, however, according to data released late on Sunday. Russian stocks were steady above three-month lows set last week and the rouble edged up against the dollar. The European Union (EU) and United States ratcheted up their economic sanctions on Russia last week over Moscow’s backing for pro-Russian rebels fighting in eastern Ukraine. Brussels and Washington have left the door open to more sanctions if Russia does not help to cool the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow denies arming the rebels there. Central European currencies were largely steady. The Romanian leu was steady near recent one-week lows after the central bank cut rates by 25 basis points to a record low of 3.25 percent yesterday, helped by falling inflation.

Lonmin Mine recovery experts resign

WO Lonmin Plc (LMI) executives who led a recovery in operations from a strike in 2012 have resigned, less than two months after the platinum producer began restoring output at South African mines disrupted by a walkout. Mark Munroe, executive vice president for mining, and Executive Vice-President for Processing Natascha Viljoen have left “to pursue new opportunities,” the world’s third-biggest platinum producer said in an e-mailed statement today. Lonmin appointed Johan Viljoen as chief operating officer, a post that replaces the two vacant roles, it said. Munroe and Natascha Viljoen were the most senior executives in charge of operations as Lonmin ramped-up to full production

ahead of schedule after a six-week 2012 strike that included the deaths of 34 workers in a clash with police at its Marikana mine. Financial Director Simon Scott acted as chief executive officer at the time. “The people who are leaving are quite highly regarded,” Michael Kavanagh, a metals and mining analyst at Noah Capital Markets in Cape Town, said by phone. “Natascha was particularly strong on the processing division. That is easy money and adds to the bottom line if you can get the recoveries up.” Lonmin has said it aims to achieve full production capacity by the last quarter of this year, following a five-month pay-strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union that ended June 24.

India bank chief arrested for bribery

NDIAN police have arrested the chairman of state-run Syndicate bank, Sudhir Kumar Jain, and several others over allegations of bribery. Mr Jain has been accused of taking bribes to raise credit limits of firms. The Central Bureau of Investigation said it recovered 5million rupees ($82,000; £49,000) allegedly paid to Mr Jain. The raids are being described as the first large scale anti-corruption

moves since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office earlier this year. “We are determined to fight corruption at high levels,” Ranjit Sinha, director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. The CBI said it had seized cash, documents and computer records after conducting raids across 20 different locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Bhopal.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Ahmed Yerima’s The Wives comes to MUSON

ITH a never-saydie attitude, former General Manager of National Theatre of Nigeria, Professor Ahmed Yerima, has continued to promote the stage play culture, going by his latest work, The Wives, scheduled for performance in October. The show, which is planned as a continuum of the October 1 Independence Day celebrations, will feature veteran artistes such as Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Jide Kosoko, Iretiola Doyle and Lala Akindoju. Presented by The Make it Happen Productions, producers of Open Mic Theatre and V-Monologues, the play will be showing at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on October 9, 10 and 11. Ther Wives, in the words of the producer, Kemi Lala

him, many are now rapping in indigenous languages. “It is a plus, which means we are doing more. I started rapping in Igbo when nobody was doing it. It wasn’t that easy then for people to accept it; but now, it makes a whole lot of sense. I actually feel entertained seeing other artistes do what I started. I feel great when I see people like Phyno doing what I started,” he was quoted to have said.

The Winner Is: Teacher who quit job for show makes semifinal

ENSATIONAL Yoruba rap star, Olamide Adedeji, famously called Olamide, has disclosed that he is done with collaborations with other artistes for the remaining part of the year. The rapper, who in recent times has been doing collaborations with other Nigerian artistes, said, via the social media, that he wanted to face his personal career as a solo artiste. He made this known after his recent collaboration with the duo, Skuki, adding that it was his last for the year. Olamide has done collaborations with other artistes like Wale, Falz, Illbliss, KWAM 1, Lil Kesh and Patoranking, among others.

Icon Weekly begs Tuface

KEJE Okechukwu Edward, aka Mr. Raw, has broken the silence on why he has been off the music scene for some time. According to the Igbo rap artiste, his silence was as a result of his desire to give room for budding singers in the industry to make headway in their careers. He also attributed his absence to the need to grow his new record label, Raw Deal. “My major project right now is the artistes I want to push out on my label, Raw Deal. I will release their names when the time is right. I am trying to assist other up-and-coming artistes to make it, entertainmentwise,” he disclosed. Formerly known as Nigga Raw, the artiste also expressed joy over the new development in the industry where, according to

Akindoju, focuses on the intriguing character called Chief Theophilus Gbadegeshin Olowookere, his sister and his three wives, Angela, Cecilia and Tobi. “We are excited about this play,” said Akindoju, who is also the Creative Director of Make it Happen. “These are immensely talented members of cast and the audience is going to leave the play thoroughly entertained,” he added. According to Akindoju, “The question: ‘can a man keep his most cherished secrets forever?’ is the central theme of the play,” she said, adding that “there lies a sordid little secret and no one wants to talk about it. It is a dark comedy rich in sensuality and scathing humour.” The author, Yerima, is also a former Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria.

I’m done with collaborations, says Olamide

CON Weekly, a Nigerian soft-sell publication, has retracted its story concerning sensational pop singer, Tuface Idibia, who was alleged to have been involved in an adultery mess. In March, the weekly magazine literally sparked off some controversies when it reported that one Teniola, a Lagos-based banker and graduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, was pregnant for the award-winning music superstar. In its reaction, 960 Music Group, Tuface Idibia’s management, released a statement refuting the report. Obviously miffed, the artiste later sued the publication for N100 million. However, as the publishers of the magazine seemed to desire an out-of-court settlement, they wrote a letter of apology to the

Mr. Raw breaks silence on music career

artiste’s management. Upon receipt of the letter, Tuface Idibia’s management released it online for public consumption. The letter reads in parts: “On behalf of the Management of Tegs Icon Ventures, publishers of Icon Weekly Magazine, I write in respect of our publication of (Vol. 01 No. 09) March 3, 2014 alleging that you were involved in an adultery mess with a Lagos banker. “We admit that we failed to verify the source or contact your team (960 Media Group) for a response before printing the fabricated story. We have since discovered that the story was( false) and regret the embarrassment it has caused you and your family. “We regret the indiscretion and hereby sincerely apologise for our errors as our reporter was completely misinformed. “We hope you would accept our apology and forgive us.”

ROM indications, Hapiness Ayomide, a 28-year-old English school teacher, who resigned her appointment to contest the reality show, Star The Winner Is, knows her onions. Ayomide, with poise and melody, has moved a nitch closer to the grand prize of N10million and a brand new car, joining previous winners, Philip and Brenda of episode 1 and 2, respectievly. The teacher, who was most cheered by the studio crowd during last weekend’s game show, proved in more ways than one that, apart from her academic profession, her melodious voice is an added asset. Clad in a dazzling black and gold dress, Ayomide delivered a vocally outstanding performance of ‘At Last’ by Etta James, making her win the first

round duel against opponent, Michael, with a whopping 99 votes from the 101 jury. “I had to resign my job to come for this show, so that my kids won’t suffer. I am absolutely glad that this has paid off,” she said excitedly. The final duel round of the episode between Happiness and Chize Ordu gave the judges a tough time selecting a winner. However,

Happiness emerged victorious with an impressive soulful rendition of Alicia Keys’ ‘Brand New Me’. With great songs from astounding artistes such as 2face Idibia, Onyeka Onwenu, Praiz, Barrywhite,Whitney Houston and others, all the contestants, Ayomide, Chize, Oluwaseyi, Micheal, Victoria and Brigid had delivered a thrilling show that

kept the jury members and audience at the edge of their seats. Sponsored by Star Lager, a brand of Nigerian Breweries Plc., The Winner Is airs on Saturdays on African Magic at 10:00pm; Sundays on AIT Network at 10:30pm; Sundays on WAP TV at 10:30pm; Thursdays on ONTV at 10pm, as well as other stations nationwide.

Del-York offers training in capacity building

EL-YORK Creative Academy (DCA) has commenced its 2014 hands-on intensive filmmaking workshop tagged Film Made in Nigeria. Tailored towards improving the skills and creative capacity of filmmakers and broadcast journalists in Nigeria, the fourweek programme, which holds at Digital Bridge Institute, Lagos, will feature intensive hands-on courses on producing, directing, acting, digital

film-making and broadcast journalism, among others. According to the management, only select members from the Directors Guild of Nigeria, The Nigerian Society of Editors, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria, Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Cinematography, Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) will enjoy first-class training from tutors of the Del-York Creative Acad-

emy. “With a penchant for quality training, the Academy engaged trainers from Los Angeles and New York who have since arrived Lagos and are excited and overly ready to impact the students and expose them to high-tech equipment and methods that will make them equal contenders with their international counterparts,” said Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del-York International. Del-York international in

partnership with the New York Film Academy has, so far, trained over 650 aspiring and professional filmmakers, some of whom have either received or been nominated to win several local and International awards. This year’s programme is supported by the Project Act-Capacity Building Fund, which is dedicated to supporting skills acquisition along the entire value chain of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Wizkid’s promise to fans

RESH from touring the U.S., where he performed with international acts like Akon and Wale, Nigerian music sensation, Wizkid, has revealed that he has some cards up his sleeves. The hit maker, who has been basking in the euphoria of his successful tour, announced at the weekend, via his twitter handle, that he had a surprise for his fans. He tweeted: “I’ve got a big, big surprise for my fans in Lagos come December! Big show! Big sur-

prise!” Immediately after he made the announcement, twitter fans bombarded the artiste with predictions on what his intention might be. Many, however, were of the opinion that the music rave might be releasing his long- awaited album. But, of course, Wizkid is keeping his plans close to his chest and only time will tell, if some of his fans were actually right about their predictions.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS

Tears as Ekwunife quits APGA

EMBERS of Anambra State All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), especially the women, were in tears yesterday as the lawmaker representing Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Uche Ekwunife, submitted her resignation letter to the party. Ekwunife then announced her formal defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after many weeks of speculations. She is expected to be joined by Victor Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Chris Azubogu (Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency), Cyril Egwuatu (Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency) and Emeke Nwogbo (Awka North and South Federal Constituency). Their dumping of APGA is generating anxiety in the party’s state chapter, as it continues to dip in crisis. Ekwunife, whose supporters trooped out from the three local government areas to her party office on EnuguOnitsha Expressway, told them that every political party belongs to Ndigbo. She added that no party “is spe-

cifically for Igbo.” She praised the people for their support and urged them to continue the same way, irrespective of party affiliation. Ekwunife said Igbo party should be founded on peace, equity and fairness and not marginalisation of some people. “This is the time for me to continue to pursue my political career. I’m still young and I will not want anybody to destroy my political career. I want to go to where I will express myself. I will not be in a place where I will be unhappy. “Political party is not a cult group, but only a vehicle where people can air their views. I will continue to be grateful to APGA, but the time to move on is now,” Ekwunife said. As she submitted her resignation letter to the Nri Ward I Chairman, the women began to cry, openly, begging her not to quit APGA. Ekwunife, who consoled them, said life must go on, adding that she would not quarrel with any of them as they continue to be brothers and sisters.

had embarked on construction of drainage within the Works Layout, through Imo State University to Amakohia, which will be channelled to the Nworie River. Okorocha added that the measure would bring a permanent solution to erosion problem in the area. He urged the contractor to hasten up the job in order to ensure its completion before December. He stressed that his administration has made remarkable achievements in the infrastructural development of the state capital in order to position it as a tourist haven. He also disclosed plans for the creation of a new city road network to help improve traffic situation.

Abia APC crisis deepens as faction threatens to defect

HE leadership crisis of Abia State All Progressives Congress’ (APC) deepened yesterday as a group opposed to the inaugurated state executives renewed its call for a fresh congress, starting from ward to state level. The group’s leader and former interim party chairman, Donatus Nwankpa, who spoke in Umuahia on the crisis, said the “Fabian Okonkwoled executive has no democratic basis to operate.” He called on the party’s national leadership to state its position on the issue for peace to reign. Nwankpa said anything to the contrary would lead to a break-up of the party into factions or mass exodus of members to other parties. The politician decried the inauguration of the APC executives along with other state executives by the party’s former national interim leadership

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

‘Befitting capital city underway for Imo’ MO State has restated its resolve to give a befitting capital city to the people. Governor Rochas Okorocha said over 60 per cent of the government’s capital projects are sited within the Owerri territory to achieve this objective. Okorocha, according to a statement by Unadike Williams on behalf of his Senior Special Adviser (Media), stated this while inspecting the ongoing construction of drainage within the Works Layout and Amakohia in the state capital. The governor, who said erosion had remained a major challenge in the areas, pointed out that some houses were threatened following several years of neglect by previous administrations. He said his administration

Okorocha hails Owerre people over festival

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

under Chief Bisi Akande in Abuja. He insisted that the state executive body was never inaugurated, adding that his interim leadership was still intact. He added that the state’s APC members loyal to his leadership represent over 85 per cent of the party’s membership and have waited long enough for the national leadership “to correct the aberration” watch them join another party in droves. Nwankpa said: “We have decided to call on the substantive national chairman of the party to make a pronouncement on the correct status of the executive in Abia State. Anything short of that, we will have no other option than to take our destiny in our own hands. “We don’t want to lead our teeming supporters into political oblivion unless pushed to the extreme.”

•Ekwunife consoling one of the women after quiting APGA in Awka...yesterday.

Anambra’s students demand bursary

TUDENTS of Anambra State origin in tertiary institutions have called on Governor Willie Obiano to pay them bursary. The students said the bursary would encourage their parents, guardians and younger ones in their quest for higher education. They spoke yesterday in Awka, under the aegis of the National Union of Anambra State Students

(NUASS). It was during the union’s convention to elect a new set of executives to run its affairs for the next one year. The students said they had tried to get the attention of the governor to pay the bursary to no avail. NUASS’ outgoing President Comrade Israel Anozie said his ultimate goal would be to see the government pay members

of the union, the same way other states pay their indigenes in higher institutions. Anozie said: “Within my tenure as the president of this union, I was able to achieve recognition for the group. “Initially, the body was not recognised by the state government. But during my tenure, I was able to get recognition for the group”.

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has praised the Owerre people for sustaining their yearly Oru-Owerre cultural festival. Okorocha, who spoke at the festival held at Ugwu Ekwema, Egbu road, Owerri, urged them to continue to preserve their cultural heritage. He noted that the state has a rich culture that could be harnessed and showcased to the outside world. Okorocha, who disclosed that he was attending the event for the first time, hailed the people for consolidating on the gains of the festival. The governor called on Imo people not to allow a bad leader to take over the state’s affairs in 2015. He said his coming into governance was to ensure the state’s transformation. Okorocha, who mentioned some of his achievements in the last three years, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the state was better. The Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, praised the people for the peaceful way they organised the event. He described OruOwerre festival as a monumental activity, which is reverred by sons and daughters of Owerre. The traditional ruler of Owerre, Eze Emenyonu Emmanuel Njemanze, said the event was aimed at promoting peace and harmony as well as showcasing their rich culture. Eze Njemanze hailed the governor for his transformation programmes, which according to him, had given Owerri, the state capital, a new look. The President General of Owerri Community Assembly, Chief Felix Chidi Ngoka, said Oru-Owerre was a period for the celebration of peace and tranquility.

New twists to Ilorin NBA chairmanship tussle

HE crisis rocking the Iloring arm of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) took a new dimension yesterday, as two factions made claims and counter-claims to the status of its chairman, Mobolaji Ojibara. An anti-Ojibara group, which filed a notice of impeachment against him two weeks ago, claimed to have successfully removed him from office at a congress held yesterday. But Ojibara and his group addressed reporters in the state capital to denounce the claim, alleging instead that those behind the move had been suspended indefinitely. Former chairman of the branch and one of those affected by the alleged suspension, Mr. Rafiu Balogun said he was disturbed with what was going on in the association. He claimed that contrary to claims by the Ojibara’s group, Article 25 of the NBA Constitution

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

clearly states that congresses cannot be held in August and December. Ojibara added that contrary to the claims by his opponents, the congress of the association passed a vote of confidence on him and recommended members of the immediate past executive council of the association, led by Balogun, who are believed to be behind the impeachment moves, for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The “sins” of the allegedly suspended members, the resolution said, include “suspected false and fraudulent accounting and for their respective roles in causing the branch unprecedented financial embarrassment and loss in the guise of reconstruction of the Bar Centre of the branch and or for any other wrongs or offences that may be discovered that have been

perpetrated by them. The resolution also agreed to forward their names to the association’s disciplinary committee for their alleged conduct in the impeachment saga. According to the resolution of the congress, which was read to reporters, members of the association also agreed to forward the names of the suspended members to the association’s national secretariat and security agencies for “notification, record and surveillance”. But earlier, the antiOjibara group had issued a statement after the meeting to announce that it had succeeded in ousting the chairman. The four-paragraph statement signed by Assistant General Secretary, Yahaya Alajo, reads: “The impeachment proceeding against Mr. Mobolaji Ojibara as the NBA Ilorin chairman was considered and resolved today in a General Meeting held at the Bar Centre. The meeting was attended by over 50 members of the

association. “Dr. Ibrahim Abikan, while at the meeting, addressed the congress, adding that the motion for impeachment earlier moved by 16 members and seconded by 18 members was not opposed by Mr. Ojibara or any other member of the association. It was accordingly resolved that since there was no response to the allegations of financial recklessness, abuse of office and subversion of the bye-law of the association, Mr. Mobolaji Ojibara thereby stand impeached. The session, though rowdy, Mr. Ojibara was successfully impeached. “It should be recalled that the grounds of impeachment borders on abuse of office and professional misconduct concerning the misappropriation of the association’s funds among others. It is hoped that with the impeachment of Mr. Ojibara, peace and sanity would be restored in the NBA, Ilorin branch.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS Asari-Dokubo’s groups warn Boko Haram From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

HE Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) and the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front (NDPSF) have warned Boko Haram insurgents to desist from opposing President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid. A spokesman for the groups headed by Alhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo, Mr. Jones Ufot, spoke yesterday at a news briefing in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The groups urged politicians in the North not to use Boko Haram and other acts of terrorism to distract and frustrate the Jonathan administration. They absolved Asari-Dokubo of complicity in the Kaduna bomb blast and enjoined Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to stop linking their leader to the incident. Ufot, the Akwa Ibom Zonal Leader of the NDPVF and NDPSF, said freedom fighters in the Niger Delta would support and defend the political and economic interest of the area, which, according to him, had been threatened by the North. He advised northerners to reciprocate the support the Niger Delta gave their presidential candidates by backing President Jonathan for a second term. His words: “We assure our brother, Mr. President, of our readiness to defend our own. We are speaking the minds of our brothers and sisters in Akwa Ibom and our compatriot in the Niger Delta, who voted for him and are eager to do so again.”

Jonathan accused of aiding ‘environmental terrorism’ From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

HE Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of aiding ‘environmental terrorism’ in Ogoniland. It said the Jonathan administration refused to implement the recommendations in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland, three years after its release. The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people noted that since August 4, 2011 when the UNEP report was released and presented to the President in Abuja, the Federal Government had done nothing to ensure the implementation of the recommendations. It said the Ogoni people were dying from pollution and environmental degradation caused by the activities of an oil company (name withheld). The Ogoni urged President Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in Ogoniland. MOSOP President Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, at a seminar to mark the three years of the release of the UNEP report, in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland and the seat of Khana Local Government, said the Federal Government last week raised billions of naira to fight terrorism and support the victims, but was unconcerned about the plight of the Ogoni. The seminar, attended by eminent Ogoni people and their friends, had as theme: “Ogoni, UNEP Report and the Search for Environmental Justice”. Prof. Lucky Akaruese was the guest speaker.

OUR ERROR IN yesterday’s IN TOUCH, we mistakenly published that Lafiagi, instead of Lafia, is in Nasarawa State. The error is regretted —Editor

Gunmen abduct Bayelsa Speaker’s brother

NKNOWN gunmen have kidnapped the younger brother to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker, Kombowei Benson. Iniokpoemi was abducted about 3am yesterday. The incident occurred a few days after Florentina, the nonagenarian mother of Senator Emmanuel Paulker and Pa Benson Adigio-Eseni, the octogenarian uncle to

From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

the former Governor Timipre Sylva were kidnapped. The police and other security agents were still trying to rescue Adigio-Eseni and Paulker when the abductors of Benson struck at Korokorosei in Southern Ijaw Local Government. The hoodlums were said to have shot into the air before

whisking away Iniokpoemi, the past chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in the area. The Speaker’s younger brother is the second victim of abduction in the Benson extended family. His 86-year-old motherin-law, Ogboru Orumo Dark, popularly called Obololo, was kidnapped in March from her home. A source, who preferred

anonymity, said: “They came in a speedboat, bundled him and ferried him away through the waterways. They must have taken him to the creeks.” Police Commissioner Hilary Opara confirmed the incident. He said: “We have got information on the incident. The District Police Officer (DPO) and the Assistant Commissioner of Police

have briefed me. The good thing is that we know the direction the hoodlums took. So, we will arrest them and rescue the victim.” Opara said they were also working to rescue Paulker. “We have made progress in that incident. We arrested one of them within hours and the next day we apprehended three more suspects, who are helping us in our investigation.”

Council poll: Defection fear grips Delta PDP From Shola O’Neil, Regional Editor South-south

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole greeting Mr. Williams Aziegbemi. With them is Mrs. Priscilla Aziegbemi, at her swearing-in as a permanent secretary... yesterday.

Ijaw youths reject NYSC postings

JAW youths under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, have supported Bayelsa State women, who protested the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) postings of their children to the North. The Udengs Eradiri-led IYC rejected the postings, urging the NYSC to review it in the interest of peace. The group, in a statement by its spokesman, Eric Omare, said it was dangerous for the NYSC to post youths from the South to the North. He said it should have considered insecurity in northern states before taking such action. The youths said: “IYC maintains its earlier position that Ijaw graduates and anybody from the South should not be posted to the North and that the NYSC scheme should be reviewed to

•Support Bayelsa women From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ensure that youths serve in their region. “The idea of national integration, which necessitated the posting of youths to different parts of the country, cannot be used as a justification to post Ijaw youths to the North, considering the insecurity.” Omare said IYC would retaliate the death of any Ijaw youth arising from the posting. He said they would not accept a situation where Ijaw youths were killed in the North, while northern youths were enjoying in multinational oil companies in Ijaw land and in the Niger Delta. Concerned parents and guardians in Bayelsa State on Sunday

rejected the postings of their children and wards to the North. The protesters, who visited the offices of national newspapers, including The Nation, said following the insecurity, especially the Boko Haram onslaught, no part of the North was safe for their children and wards. They wondered why the NYSC was bent on endangering the lives of their children. “We don’t want to bury our children. The North is not safe. We cannot allow our children to be killed. The bodies of the children killed in the past are yet to be seen,” the tearful protesters said. They said since the security agencies were yet to secure the release of the Chibok girls, their children should not be exposed

to kidnapping and death. The agitators implored the Federal Government to prevail on the NYSC to change their children’s postings to the South. They said they were still mourning youths from their areas, who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents while serving a few years ago. The protesters vowed to continue their protests until NYSC changes the postings. They said their children and wards were posted to Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi and Adamawa. “Whether Northeast, Northwest or Northcentral, no part of the North is safe for our children. The Boko Haram insurgency is spreading. We want our children to be posted to the Southeast, Southwest or Southsouth states pending when Boko Haram problem will be solved,” the agitators said.

Thugs invade council to stop chair’s impeachment

team of thugs stormed the secretariat of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday and stopped the impeachment of the council boss, Mr. Osaro Obazee. The hoodlums were said to have invaded the secretariat, following last week’s removal of the leader of the legislative arm, Mr. Monday Oboigba, by eight of the 12 councillors. A new leader, Nohayi Obaseki, was elected. It was learnt that Oboigba’s removal was to pave the way for the removal of Obazee, perceived as a loyalist of Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu. Sources said Obazee and other council bosses were referred to as ‘batch b’ waiting to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When The Nation visited the council secretariat yesterday, suspected thugs were sitting with the policemen drafted there to prevent a breakdown of law and order. It was gathered that an attempt by the councillors to resume sitting was prevented by the hoodlums and the councillors ran away. The council boss, however, denied the impeachment plot.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

He said he was surprised to see “boys” at the secretariat. Obazee said he was not aware of any leadership change by the councillors, because, according to him, a letter from the clerk said the councillors’ meeting ended in chaos. He said: “My detractors wanted to create distraction by penetrating the councillors to create an impression before their master that they were the people who effected leadership change in the House. It is not an issue that cannot be resolved. We are meeting the councillors and we will resolve the matter. “I have a letter written to me by the clerk, informing me of what happened at the councillors’ meeting. I have not received any letter saying the leadership of the House has been changed. As far as I am concerned, Oboigba is the leader until I am informed that the leadership has been changed. The letter by the clerk stated that the sitting ended in chaos and one of the councillors left with the mace. “I don’t stand on the fence. I’m a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I don’t have the membership card of the PDP and Pastor Ize-Iyamu remains my friend but with a different political ideology. We only disagree on political ideology. I’m a member of the

APC.” The leader said they made a change because the people who imposed them have defected to the PDP. He told reporters that the action was not to impeach the chairman but to appoint those they trusted. Said he: “We went to the office to conduct our oversight functions today (yesterday), but we were blocked at the gate by youths who sang war songs. We ran. Later we learnt the chairman addressed them behind the council telling them to take positions in the council. But we don’t know why he is doing that because the change in the legislative arm is our legislative duty. It has nothing to do with him. So there should be no interference. “The members said we want a change and that was what happened. We are even surprised that the people asking us to rescind the removal are PDP leaders and we wonder what their business in the matter is.” It was learnt that some council bosses perceived to be loyal to Pastor Ize-Iyamu are finding it difficult to convince APC leaders that they are loyal. A source named the council bosses under watch, besides Oredo, to include that of Orhiomwon and Igueben.

EAR of the mass exodus of members has gripped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, ahead of the local government elections. The anxiety rose yesterday after Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan met the aspirants and leaders from the eight Urhobo local governments in Delta Central. One hundred aspirants are jostling for the party’s tickets in 25 local governments. The party leaders are worried that the plethora of aspirants may spell doom for the PDP after the primaries slated for Saturday. A leading member of the party said: “Some politicians become disgruntled when they fail to clinch the party’s ticket. We anticipate that this may lead to carpet-crossing. “We are aware that some of the aspirants have started hobnobbing with the opposition parties so that they can pick their tickets and run against the PDP. “While we are not bothered about this because we are sure of victory, these people usually turn to opposition or become enemies within. That is the concern. We don’t want our people to fight us.” Governor Uduaghan appealed to the PDP aspirants to abide by the party’s decision. He urged all aspirants to remain in the party. Uduaghan said their interests would be best served in the PDP, adding that the party would win the elections. One of the dissatisfied aspirants said he was considering other options. The Nation’s investigation showed that despite the governor’s optimism, there are concerns that Saturday’s primary election may unravel a prevailing crisis in the party. Already, there have been divisions between core PDP members and notable defectors from opposition parties, particularly the Democratic People’s Party (DPP). In Udu Local Government, it was gathered that the growing influence of the House of Representatives member, Mr. Austin Ogbabourhun, who defected from the DPP on the eve of the senatorial election last October, is a cause of concern for other members.

•Dr. Uduaghan

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

SRAEL’s prime minister has vowed the campaign in Gaza will continue “until quiet and security are returned to the citizens of Israel”. Benjamin Netanyahu issued the statement after Israel’s seven-hour “humanitarian window” for parts of Gaza closed. The truce slowed violence in Gaza, although Palestinians said Israel broke it by hitting a house in Gaza City. Two attacks on Israelis were reported in Jerusalem and Israel said militant rocket fire from Gaza had continued. Health officials in Gaza say 1,868 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed and some 9,470 injured since the conflict began nearly four weeks ago. Sixty-seven Israelis have died, all but three of them soldiers. A Thai national working in Israel was also killed. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said aerial operations “against terrorist infrastructures in Gaza” were being resumed. He told the BBC: “The mission is not time bound, but rather goal bound.” Hamas said Israel was using the truce, which ran from 10:00 local time (07:00 GMT) to 17:00 (14:00 GMT), to “divert the attention from Israeli massacres”. There have been several truces called during the conflict but none has lasted, with each side accusing the

James Brady, former Reagan press secretary, dies

Gaza conflict: Israel ‘to pursue campaign’ as truce ends

•Palestinians accused Israel of breaking its own truce with an attack on Gaza City, another ceasefire is set for this morning.

PHOTO: AFP

other of violations. Israel’s military at the Gaza border - Israel says the campaign goes on Rafah, in the south, was not included in the truce Palestinian health officials said Israel carried out an air strike on a refugee camp inside Gaza City just minutes after the latest ceasefire began. Reports suggest the strike killed a young girl and in-

jured at least 15 others, many of them women and children. One local, Ayman Mahmud, told AFP: “There is no truce. How could there be a truce? They are liars. They don’t even respect their own commitments.” Israel’s ceasefire otherwise generally slowed the violence, although it insisted it would not apply to Rafah in the south, where there was still an Israeli military pres-

ence. The BBC’s Mark Lowen asks what Egyptians make of the crisis in Gaza Palestinians in many areas of Gaza headed out to markets and there were long queues for money. Israel said a number of rockets had been fired from Gaza during the window. Meanwhile in Jerusalem, a construction vehicle driven by a man, identified by

police as a Palestinian from east Jerusalem, overturned a bus in an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood. A passer-by was killed and several people were injured before police shot dead the driver. Later one person - reportedly a soldier - was seriously injured in a suspected drive-by shooting in Jerusalem’s Mt Scopus area.

Former enemies unite for WW I commemoration

ORMER enemies united yesterday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, with Belgium, France, Britain and Germany standing together in a spirit of reconciliation.Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde welcomed German President Joachim Gauck under cloudy skies for the late-morning ceremony at the Cointe allied memorial amid pomp and military honour. During the ceremonies, the former enemies sat united, listening and applauding each other’s speeches.Germany invaded neutral Belgium on Aug. 4, 1914, as part of a planned

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attack on France. By nightfall, Britain had joined the war.”It opened Pandora’s Box,” said Gauck who acknowledged that it “is anything but self-evident to stand and talk to you on this day.”The war wasn’t expected to last long. But instead of weeks, the continent was plunged into hardship and misery for more than four years.Gauck will join British Princes William and Harry at the Saint Symphorien cemetery late Monday for a similar remembrance. In Britain, there was a ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, and a late-evening candlelit vigil at London’s Westminster Abbey.The Great War, as it came to be known, is now often depicted as senseless slaughter without a big moral cause that claimed an estimated 14 million lives, including 5 million civilians as well as 9 million soldiers, sailors and airmen from 28 countries.

•Britain’s Prince William, his wife Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge and French President Francois Holland attend a ceremony at the Conte Inter-allied Memorial commemorating the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I (WWI) in Liege...yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

At least 7 million troops were left permanently disabled.British Prime Minister David Cameron sought to debunk that notion.”Although there was an enormous amount of waste and loss of life, there was a cause that young men rallied to at the beginning of the war, which was the idea that Europe shouldn’t be dominated by one power. That a country, a

small country like Belgium, shouldn’t be simply snuffed out,” Cameron told the BBC. On Sunday, an intense hug between Gauck and French President Francois Hollande during a remembrance ceremony in eastern France close to the German border sealed again the friendship between the two neighbors, who have become the cornerstones of the European Union.Monday’s cer-

emony in Liege was significant since the battle for the forts around the city meant the first delay for Germany’s enveloping move through Belgium, the socalled Schlieffen Plan strategy to defeat France in a matter of weeks. Liege held much longer than expected and allowed the allied forces to gather strength and keep Germany at bay within dozens of kilometers of Paris.

South Sudan peace talks resume in Addis Ababa

EACE talks between South Sudan’s government and rebels have

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resumed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The regional bloc overseeing the talks, Igad, has set a 10 August deadline to agree on a transitional government and implement a ceasefire. The last round of talks between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar stalled in June. Conflict erupted in December after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar - his sacked deputy of plotting a coup. Mr Machar denied the allegation, but then marshalled a rebel army to fight the government.

More than 1.5 million people have since been displaced and the UN has warned that the country is on the verge of famine. “This session of negotiations must make progress, we must end the war,” said chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin at the resumption of talks in Addis Ababa. He said that if war continues “it will have serious consequences” and added: “Those that insist on continued fighting must be held accountable.” As the talks resumed, the UN said it was “deeply con-

cerned” about the deteriorating security situation in the town of Bunj, in Maban County, Upper Nile State. The UN says a humanitarian worker was killed on Monday morning and there have been clashes between a local militia and deserting soldiers, who are suspected of links with the rebels. An aid worker said thousands of locals had fled into camps already housing refugees from neighbouring Sudan. South Sudan is the world’s newest state and became independent in 2011.

AMES Brady, a former press secretary to Ronald Reagan who was severely wounded in a 1981 assassination attempt on the President and later became a prominent gun-control advocate, has died, the White House said on Monday. He was 73. Brady was one of four people hurt in the shooting outside a Washington hotel. Shot in the head, it was erroneously reported at one point that Brady had died. He was, however, left partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. After leaving the White House, Brady launched the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which pushes for stricter firearms laws. He inspired the so-called Brady Bill, which was a fiercely fought over 1993 measure that requires background checks for gun purchases. The White House confirmed Brady’s death and praised his legacy. “He is somebody who I think really revolutionized this job and even after he was wounded in that attack on the president, was somebody who showed his patriotism and commitment to the country by being very outspoken on an issue that was important to him and that he felt very strongly about,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. The Brady Campaign also acknowledged his death in a tweet: “We are heartbroken over James Brady’s passing. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Sarah, and their family.” We are heartbroken over James Brady’s passing. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Sarah, and their family. Brady was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award. The White House press briefing room was named in his honor. Marlin Fitzwater, Reagan’s longest-serving press secretary, remembered Brady as an enormous talent. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I have several stands around here. - James Brady “He knew how information flowed in the city of Washington and he had a great sense of humor that the press liked and respected,” Fitzwater told CNN. “He is a remarkable guy who will be remembered well by everyone who knew him.”

•The late Brady

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS Kwara APC, PDP trade words over ‘billboards’

•Northern Youth Coalition protesting over impeachment notice served on Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO:NAN

Adamawa constitutes panels to probe Nyako

DAMAWA State Acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has appointed a renowned jurist, Justice Bobbo Umar, as the chairman of a judicial panel to probe former Governor Murtala Nyako. It will undertake a comprehensive assessment on governance under Nyako from June, 2007 to June this year. Another committee was constituted on the operations of the Adamawa Homes and Savings Limited. This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur. The membership of the panel of inquiry on governance (2007-2014) also include Deputy Inspector General of Police Philemon Leha (rtd), Mr. Zira Maigadi, Suleiman M. Naiwa (an engineer), Abubakar Abdullahi, Samuel L. Kyenson and Dedan Nyari, as secretary. Members of the panel on the operations of Adamawa Homes and Savings Limited are Mr. Joshua Atiku as chairman, Saidu Babikkoi and Adamu Moh’d Inuwa. Others are Mohammed Usman Galadima and Mahmud Bindir as secretary. The terms of reference of

•Ex-governor’s aide dismisses action From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

the investigative panel on governance, according to the statement, are to investigate financial accruals to the state from June, 2007 to June, 2014, investigate disbursement and application of funds to ministries, boards and agencies over the period June, 2007- June 2014, and determine the appropriateness or otherwise of disbursements and application of funds over the period in reference. Other references are to identify those involved in inappropriate financial disbursement and application, investigate recruitment, deployment and administration of human resources, including the setting up, financing and operation of extra-ministerial units and investigate any other issue that the panel might find relevant to its assignment. It was also directed to make recommendation to government on all issues investigated and submit reports within four weeks. But the investigative panel on operations on the Adamawa Homes and Savings Limited has the following terms of reference: to investigate the conducts and opera-

tions of the company, its financial sources and the management of such finances, and investigate housings development allocation and management/ administration. The panel will also investigate the current standing and immediate need of the Adamawa Homes and Savings Ltd, any issue associated with operations of the financial institution, make recommendations to government on its findings and to submit reports within two weeks. But Nyako’s Adviser on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Ahmad Lawal, who reacted on the panels, dismissed the action as “an afterthought.” He said such alleged financial sleaze could not be carried out without the consent of the Speaker been the person mandated by the constitution to checkmate the excesses of the former governor. Lawal expressed dismay on how, in less than three months, the State House of Assembly took too extreme decision in rapid succession by passing a vote of confidence on Nyakoled administration and then accused him of financial sleaze. “Three months back, they said Nyako was the most pa-

Assembly approves 50 special advisers for Fintiri •‘ INEC not notified on Nyako’s impeachment’

HE Adamawa State House of Assembly has approved 50 special advisers for the Acting Governor, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri. Fintiri, in a letter read to the House yesterday by the Acting Speaker, Kwamoti Laori, requested the House to approve the list he sent. A motion was moved by the member representing Gombi Constituency, Jerry Kumdisi and seconded by member representing Mubi North Constituency. The House subsequently directed the Clerk to forward a letter of consent to the Acting Governor for the approval. But the Chairman on the House Information Services, Adamu Kamale, has confirmed that the lawmakers were yet to transmit a letter to the Inde-

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it that former Governor Murtala Nyako was impeached. Nyako was impeached on July 15th and according to the Nigerian Constitution, elections are to be held to replace the vacant seat in 90 days. Kamale told reporters that the delay in transmitting the letter to the electoral body was because the House went on recess since July16th and coupled with the fact that some of the lawmakers went for a conference of parliamentarians in Tanzania. He said that the House, being under obligation constitutionally, would transmit the notification letter to the elec-

toral body as a matter of urgency in the collective interest of the state. The committee chairman also used the forum to debunk the allegation in some quarters that the lawmakers decided to embark on Nyako’s impeachment because of his failure to release statutory constituency project funds as demanded by the lawmakers. Kamale said the process of impeachment embarked upon was a statutory function and not for vendetta as alleged. He also debunked the insinuation raised by the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Madam Binta Masi Garba, that the sum of N350 million was released to the legislators as part of the constituency projects in the course of the impeachment process.

triotic, most accountable and most discipline as well as most frugal governor. But so shocking and in less than three months that the speaker got the exalted seat, he has recanted. “Is he now telling us that he didn’t know what he was doing then or are the lawmakers ignorant? I think they should know where our monies are, because no Kobo is spent in Adamawa without their consent,” he noted.

Lawal, who is also the state APC Organising Secretary, buttressed that since Nyako and his deputy were nowhere to be found, the probe panel should extend the invitation to the Acting Governor since he should know the whereabouts of the said stolen money. He said the Nigerian Constitution is very explicit on Adamawa situation as he said Fintiri could only assume Acting Governor’s Office and superintend the conduct of another election within three months after which he must leave the scene.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State yesterday said thugs allegedly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had demolished its billboards in parts of Ilorin, the state capital. APC urged the state police command to fish out and bring alleged perpetrators to book. The State APC Chairman, Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani, who addressed reporters in Ilorin, said his party had lodged a formal complaint about the development with the Department of State Service (DSS). He added that the party would without delay officially write the state police command on the issue. He listed the areas where the APC’s bill boards were destroyed to include General Hospital area, the Queens School area, Garin-Alimi Roundabout and Offa Garage and other parts of Ilorin metropolis. Balogun-Fulani alleged that after the failed attempt to instigate the impeachment of the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, “as the PDP did in Adamawa State, events in Kwara State in the past few days point to a desperate attempt by the PDP and its sponsored political thugs to make Kwara State ungovernable through PDP-instigated political unrest and crises.” But the state PDP Spokesperson, Chief Rex Olawoye, dismissed the APC’s allegation, adding: “That is what they have always been saying. They are not yet aware that they are becoming unpopular even among their members.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2,929

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

Problem:

OLATUNJI DARE

OU have some time-sensitive documents to rush to a foreign destination. Only originals accepted; no scanned documents attached to e-mail, and no facsimile (fax, for short) and no photocopies of any description whatsoever, please.

AT HOME ABROAD

Solution

Take them to any of those global courier services promising delivery anywhere in four or five working days. For a package containing just four sheets of copy paper, the price will be close to, if not exceed, Nigeria’s minimum monthly wage of N18, 000 that some state employers are yet to honour. But you will have the satisfaction of getting what you paid for. Until two months or so ago, that would have been my advice to anyone seeking to rush time-sensitive material to a foreign situation. Now, based on a recent personal experience, I would have to say: Beware, sender.

olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Beware, sender: A UPS experience

‘

Perhaps they were looking for something that might help them figure out how Nigeria leaped from the bottom ranks of the world’s least developed nations to the League of the Top 20 in a matter of months

Let me explain.

Just before the United Parcel Service (UPS) Business Office along Oworonshoki-Apapa Expressway, Lagos on June 6, I handed to the clerk a package containing some notarised documents for transmission to my home address in the United States. The official papers, all eight pages of them, had no commercial value whatsoever. Unlawful interception would have breached my privacy somewhat, but would not have redounded to the financial advantage of any Four-One-Niner. I was assured that the package would be delivered within three working days. The transaction took place on a Friday. Saturday is a working day for UPS, but even granting that it is not, and allowing for Sunday, which is definitely not a working day, the package was set to be delivered Wednesday of the following week, latest Thursday. Given the time-bound nature of the documents, I could live with the N14, 600 I was invoiced. Wednesday came, but no package was delivered. Thursday came, no delivery. The week ended on the same disobliging note. By the middle of the following week, delivery would have been too late to serve the purpose of courier freight. But there was nothing to indicate that it was even imminent. Armed with the payment receipt and other documents relating to the transaction, my assistant went to the UPS office to demand an explanation. He was told that the parcel was being held up at a Customs and Border Protection post in the United States and would be forwarded to its final destination as soon as the officials were done. Why had they not told me this at the point of transaction?

RIPPLES

I\VE NOT SEEN WHAT I WANT IN A MAN, says Nollywood Actress

Never worry, by the time you’re 50 YEARS, you will see ‘MR. AVAILABLE’.

That is the practice now, and UPS could only urge the relevant agency to clear it not a moment later than was absolutely necessary, my assistant was told. By now, the addressee was thoroughly frazzled and had begun to doubt whether I had actually couriered the documents. So, I sent down an electronic copy of the shipment transaction, to be used to petition the nearest UPS office to find out what was going on. Same reply. The parcel arrived in the U.S. within three working days, and has since been in the custody of the Customs and Border Protection agents. For how much longer? They could not tell. They could only promise that it would be rushed to the addressee as soon as it was officially cleared. Was there a phone number or some other contact information through which one could reach the agency in question to have some idea of how soon they will be done inspecting the parcel? None that they knew of, the UPS people said.

’

In the event, the parcel was delivered 14 working days after it was accepted for transmission, when it could no longer serve the purpose for which I had been charged an amount close to a monthly minimum wage. My layman’s sense of the law tells me that a breach of contract has occurred, for which I should be able to recover at law. After all, the contract was for delivery to the addressee within three working days, not to some inspecting agency. But the claim will immediately collide with, and be vapourized by considerations of “national security,” the “doctrine of necessity” and “raison d’état” and all that. At any rate, what were they looking for in a parcel containing printed matter and weighing all of 0.5 kilograms? The Ebola fever scare was still some seven weeks away. So, they could not have been subjecting the parcel to microscopic analysis just to be sure it did not harbour the deadly Ebola virus. Boko Haram had stepped up its nihilist

HARDBALL

T’S E –Day in Osun State on Saturday. In just 48-hours, all the huffing and puffing; all the stomping about the state in the last few weeks will be over. Hopefully the people of Osun, the Omoluabis, would have made their choice and the initial winners and losers will emerge. The electoral battle between incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Iyiola Omisore promises to be one of the most keenly contested in Nigeria’s recent history. Were it in those days when the world wrote on scrolls and in long hand, Hardball would wager that a whole library of scrolls would have been filled with verbiage on the Osun election. In other words, there is hardly anything left to be said in this epic battle. All the boastings have been boasted, all the posturing have been postured; all that is left is for all parties to keep awake and ensure that the voting and collating processes are truly free, fair and without any glitch. It may well signpost one of the most significant battles between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) behemoth and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

campaign of murder and mayhem, the sophistication of which has led to widespread belief that it must be enjoying foreign logistics and financial backing, and to fears that it might be seeking new operational theatres aboard, perhaps in the United States itself, the bulwark against international terrorism. Could it be, then, that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were scouring the parcel for coded messages that might on deconstruction lead them to pre-empt a Boko Haram strike in the homeland or on the soil of any of its NATO partners or, horrible thought, its eternal ally, Israel? Again, could it be that they were looking for something that might help them crack what they call “the Nigerian Connection” here, the network of persons engaged in syndicated crime covering credit card fraud and advance-fee fraud, the type that has brought to grief many Americans who believe that staggering wealth can be conjured out of nothing? Perhaps they were looking for something that might help them figure out how Nigeria leaped from the bottom ranks of the world’s least developed nations to the League of the Top 20 in a matter of months. I am told that the United States and its European allies are deeply troubled by this quantum leap, and are fearful that two more of that kind would push them out of their accustomed places and take away the obscene benefits they have been reaping from such positioning. Or something that might help the international community understand why, more than 40 days after Boko Haram abducted more than 200 girls from their school hostel in Chibok; President Goodluck Jonathan had not deigned to meet with their parents and had instead been demanding that they “cooperate” with his administration. They might for all I know have been looking for hints about where the girls are being kept, a secret that the combined intelligence services of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Israel have been unable to prise from the Nigerian authorities. I wish I could say exactly what the U. S. inspectors were looking for or indicate where to turn for answers. What I can say at this time is that since the parcel was released without inviting me or the addressee for questioning, we have not been declared “persons of interest.” But that is not to say that the story is ended, given the mysterious ways “security issues” move here and everywhere. There was no sign that the parcel had been tampered with or its contents compromised. But that is poor comfort, knowing that I could have had the same parcel delivered for N1,000 in less than 10 days by regular mail. Remember the good old post office. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Osun: The CAN-didate you know Whichever party wins this will gain an important edge over the other. If PDP’s Omisore wins, it would amount to a most momentous victory for his party and may have set up a groundswell for the re-capture of the Southwest by the PDP, considering that Ondo and recently, Ekiti had been lost by APC. It is indeed a must win for Ogbeni and his party if only to stem the recent losses and imbue reassurance. Ogbeni had put up a modest performance in the past three and a half years, surpassing the record of most of his predecessors. He is a man of the people, a man who cares passionately about the welfare of the people. He is the direct antithesis of Omisore, who could be appropriately qualified as a member of the conservative old order. He was a deputy governor and then he has been a senator since 2003. That is about all for his achievements and claim to leadership unless you want to recount the unfortunate incidence of the gruesome killing of Chief Bola Ige of which

Omisore was seriously linked, though a court discharged and acquitted him. Great leaders and politicians would naturally seize the grand pedestal of the Senate to define themselves and their raison d’etre. But it is sad to admit that Omisore’s time in the upper chamber remains an insignificant blip in the annals of his people. A man who could not manage to be a great senator, how can he deign to seek to make a good governor? Most notably, one would have thought he would run an intellectualised campaign, carefully articulating his ideas; sadly, it has been a puerile outing, with the electorate not knowing neither what Omisore stands for, nor what he seeks to offer. Finally, it has been widely conjectured that the Osun election may be crucially decided by the votes of Christians led by members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). If that truly be the case, then one can be sure that the best candidate would be victorious because CAN is a most rational entity.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14 Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

COMMENTS

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS Experimental drug likely saved Ebola patients

Boko Haram: Amnesty accuses military of killing 600 Continued from page 4

the fight by the military against Boko Haram and other armed groups intensifies. “The footage, obtained from numerous sources during a recent trip to Borno state, reveals graphic evidence of multiple war crimes being carried out in Nigeria. “More than 4,000 people have been killed this year alone in the conflict by the Nigerian military and Boko Haram, including more than 600 extrajudicially executed following the Giwa Barracks attack on 14 March in Maiduguri. The Defence Headquarters yesterday faulted a report of the Amnesty International on alleged extra-judicial executions by troops the North-East, especially Borno State. It said the scenes depicted in the videos released by AI were alien to the operations and doctrines of the Nigerian military. It however said it has raised a team of legal and forensic experts to study the videos released by AI to identify those behind the executions. It vowed to take legal action against any personnel or anyone found culpable in accordance with the provisions of the law. The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris

Olukolade, who made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said the Nigerian military cannot condone any action or inaction that tramples on the right to life of any Nigerian The statement said: “The Nigerian military takes the issue of Human Rights seriously and will never condone any proven case of abuse by its personnel. Military authorities are deeply concerned about the set of video footage being circulated and which unfortunately has also become reference data for Amnesty International in its report. “Much as the scenes depicted in these videos are alien to our operations and doctrines, it has to be investigated to ensure that such practices have not crept, surreptitiously into the system. “The Defence Headquarters considers these allegations too grievous to be associated with Nigerian troops, considering the doctrinal and operational contents of the training imparted to personnel on a continuous basis; emphasizing the importance of respect for Human Rights and dignity of human person as well as observance of humanitarian laws. “Notwithstanding the cases of impersonations that have pervaded the counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria and

many other related issues which cast doubts on the claims made in the video, the military authorities view those grave allegations very seriously, more so as it borders on the integrity of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation, which must be sustained in the interest of our national survival.” The DHQ said a team of senior officers and legal cum forensic experts had been set up to probe the allegations and examine the videos with the AI. The statement added: “Consequently, the Defence Headquarters in addition to the already existing Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has constituted a team of senior officers and legal cum forensic experts to study the video footage and the resultant allegations of infractions in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims with a view to identifying those behind such acts. “ This will further determine and stimulate necessary legal action against any personnel or anyone found culpable in accordance with the provisions of the law. “The Nigerian Armed Forces cannot condone any action or inaction that tramples on the right to life of any Nigerian.

“The ultimate objective of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operation is the complete cessation of the heinous and barbaric activities of the terrorists and to stamp out every vestige of terrorism in our country with the application of international best practices in such operations. “It will therefore, be absurd for the Nigerian Armed Forces as an institution to perpetrate such unprofessional acts in the manner and level depicted in that video as alleged by Amnesty International. Indeed, that level of barbarism and impunity has no place in the Nigerian military. “Respect for the sanctity of life is always boldly emphasized in our doctrinal trainings. It must thus be reiterated that the Nigerian military is a very well organized professional body of troops whose conducts in war and peace times are guided comprehensively by law. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is conscious of the nation’s obligation to observe all rules, regulations and commitments in all activities, and wishes to reassure all Nigerians, the civil societies and the international community that it will not encourage or condone any form of human rights violation as depicted in the said video.”

Nigerian doctor contracts Ebola after treating patient Continued from page 4

next 30 days.” Frieden said the 50 experts from the CDC would work to combat the outbreak and help implement stronger systems to fight the disease. The Ebola virus causes viral hemorrhagic fever, which refers to a group of viruses that affect multiple organ systems in the body and are often accompanied by bleeding. Early symptoms include sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat. They later

progress to vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function — and sometimes internal and external bleeding. Though the U.S. had not treated an Ebola patient until last week, the CDC has spearheaded efforts to prepare for the deadly virus. It helped create an isolation unit at Emory University Hospital, which is being used to treat American doctor Kent Brantly, who contracted Ebola in Liberia and was evacuated to the facility in Atlanta over the weekend. A second American patient, Nan-

cy Writebol, is being evacuated from Liberia to the same isolation unit. She is scheduled to arrive today. Emory is one of four U.S. institutions capable of providing such treatment. But in the nations hardesthit and not as prepared, the reality is grim. Even in the bestcase scenario, it could take three to six months to stem the epidemic in West Africa, Frieden said. In Sierra Leone, where government officials have asked citizens to stay away from

work, the military has deployed at least 750 medical officials to 13 locations, military spokesman Col. Michael Samura said. Health officials are screening incoming and outgoing passengers at the country’s main international airport with a device that takes people’s temperature from their eyes at a distance. Anyone showing signs of fever is taken away to have their blood tested for Ebola.

HREE vials containing an experimental drug stored at subzero temperatures were flown into Liberia last week in a last-ditch effort to save two American missionary workers who had contracted Ebola, according to a source familiar with details of the treatment. The drug appears to have worked. Dr. Kent Brantly’s and Nancy Writebol’s conditions significantly improved after receiving the medication, sources said. Brantly was able to walk into Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after being evacuated to the United States last week. On July 22, Brantly woke up feeling feverish. Fearing the worst, Brantly immediately isolated himself. Writebol’s symptoms started three days later. A rapid field blood test confirmed the infection in both of them after they had become ill with fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s believed both Brantly and Writebol, who worked with the aid organisation Sa-

maritan’s Purse, contracted Ebola from another health care worker at their hospital in Liberia, although the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case investigation has yet to be released. A representative from the National Institutes of Health contacted Samaritan’s Purse in Liberia and offered the experimental treatment, known as ZMapp, for the two patients, according to the source. The drug was developed by the biotech firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., which is based in San Diego. The patients were told that this treatment had never been tried before in a human being but had shown promise in small experiments with monkeys. According to company documents, four monkeys infected with Ebola survived after being given the therapy within 24 hours after infection. Two of four other monkeys that started therapy within 48 hours after infection also survived. One monkey that was not treated died within five days of exposure to the virus.

Oyinlola dumps PDP for APC Continued from page 4

ernor made wide consultations among his political supporters across the state before taking the decision to join the APC. Oyinlola and some of his political associates took the decision to dump the PDP last Saturday at a marathon meeting reportedly held at his Okuku country home in Odo-Otin Local Government Area. It was said that Oyinlola found it very difficult to take the decision because of pressure from some bigwigs from both the PDP and the APC. Some of the chieftains of the APC expected at today’s mega rally include: National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Head of State Gen. Mu-

hammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other political big wigs. “He (Oyinlola) declined the proposal to quit the PDP because he was hoping his matter would be revisited by the leadership of the party. He so much believed that his reinstatement as the National Secretary would be effected as ordered by the court of law. Some of Oyinlola’s associates including a former PDP secretary Chief Yinka Adeojo, former Osogbo Local Government Chairman Teslim Igbalaye and others joined the APC at arally in Ilesa about three weeks ago.