The Nation August 08, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

News Jonathan suspends single tenure bill amid protests P2 Sport England will fall, Flying Eagles coach Obuh boasts P24 Business Rivers, Oando seal agreement on gas distribution P11 http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 1846 MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

B

OARD chiefs were named yesterday for the three newly formed banks. The banks are Keystone Bank Limited, Mainstreet Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited. They were acquired by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) last Saturday.

These appointments came on a day the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suspended

AMCON appoints boards for new banks Bank Keystone Bank Mainstreet Bank Enterprise Bank

MD Chairman Ofi Ikomi Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe Mrs Faith Tueodor-Mathews Falalu Bello Ahmed Kuru Emeka Onwuka

By Ayodele Aminu and Tonia Osudolire

trading on the shares of Afribank Nigeria Plc – formerly now known

as Mainstreet Bank , Spring Bank Plc (now Enterprise Bank) and Bank PHB (Keystone Bank), following the nationalisation of the three lenders.

In a bid to protect investors, the commission also approved a technical suspension on the trading of Finbank Plc, Intercontinental Plc,

N150.00 Oceanic Bank Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc shares, pending the completion of agreed recapitalisation deals.

A technical suspension means that trading on the shares can continue without any change in price.

Full suspension means that there will be no trading on the shares of the said companies.

The SEC, in a statement, said it supports the establishment of Continued on page 2

al-Mustapha’s trial: NSA returned cash to CBN Adesanya, Ige got no bribe, CBN papers reveal

Sam Loco Efe is dead

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Mercy Michael, Ahmed Boulor and Emma Mgbeahurike

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

A

CE actor and comedian Sam Loco Efe – one of the best known faces on television soaps and Nollywood – died yesterday. He was 69.

He was found dead in his Rapour Hotel room in Amaakaohai on Orlu road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The late actor’s body was found in his Room 204 in the hotel.

An actor, who declined to be named, said in Owerri that he accompanied the late Efe to his room at about 11 pm on Saturday. He said at about midnight, the late actor called to remind him of an appointment for noon yesterday.

He said he was astonished to be invited by the hotel management yesterday afternoon when Efe’s whereabouts became unknown, yet his room was locked.

A peep after a climb through the window

F

ORMER security chief Hamza alMustapha’s claim that Yoruba leaders got bribe is a big lie, it emerged at the weekend. al-Mustapha said the late Chief Abraham Adesanya and the late Chief Bola Ige were bribed by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar government to kill the June 12 struggle.

But, The Nation discovered at the weekend that the cash al-Mustapha claimed the leaders got was, in fact, returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Adesanya was leader of Afenifere and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

Ige, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, was deputy leader.

The cash was used for what a security source described as “sighting” in order to recover looted funds from some key aides of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, when they were not being cooperative with the government.

The state may testify against al-Mustapha at a Lagos High Court to prove that no bribe was given to any Yoruba leader, it was learnt.

Continued on page 2

INSIDE •Adesanya, Ige didn’t compromise, say Tinubu, Falana •Adesanya’s son: al-Mustapha should be ignored •There’s plot ‘to kill’ ex-CSO, his alleges family •SEE PAGE 3

•The late Efe

Continued on page 3

•SPORTS P24 •CITYBEATS P25 •MOTORING P47 •MONEY LINK P56

2

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

NEWS Continued from page 1

•From left: FirstBank Group Managing Director Mr. Bisi Onasanya, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and First BankGroup Head, Public Sector, Agodi Ibadan Branch, Mr. Timothy Arowoogun, during the FirstBank team’s visit to the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo ... at the weekend

Jonathan suspends single tenure bill

P

UBLIC opinion seems to have carried the day in the single tenure controversy.

The Presidency has pulled the plug – on its proposed bill on single tenure and other amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Besides, it was also learnt at the weekend, the government is actually proposing a single tenure of seven years, instead of six years, as being widely reported, for the President and governors.

The single tenure being proposed by the government is the French model, which will replace the present presidential system imported from America.

President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be unhappy that his well-thought out intention is being enmeshed in controversy, with “mischief-makers” taking undue advantage to score political points.

It was also learnt that the President has been disturbed that his administration is being distracted by reactions from some Nigerians, who have not seen the bill.

To avoid the proposal being hijacked by anti-government elements, the Presidency has de-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

cided to suspend the presentation of the bill to the National Assembly this year.

Instead, according to a source, the government is working out modalities on how the single tenure plan will be subjected to a thorough debate for Nigerians to weigh the pros and cons.

The source said the planned nationwide debate will also affect other constitution amendments, which the Presidency may initiate.

His words: “The single tenure will be a seven-year model as applicable in France before a referendum in 2000 shortened it to five years. The 2008 Constitutional reform in France imposed a maximum of two terms.

The President has confided in his team, associates and party leaders that he does not intend to benefit from the single tenure proposal. He almost came near swearing to support his intention.

“In fact at a point, he told members of his kitchen cabinet and trusted aides that he is promoting the latest tenure option to avoid re-election distraction for President and governors and to

check stealing of public funds by office holders.”

The source quoted Jonathan as saying: “I am just out to transform. After my tenure, I know we will all want to go back and write our memoirs.”

The source added: “The single tenure bill is not ready, it has been suspended till next year and this development will affect all amendments being proposed by the government.

“We have stayed action till after Nigerians have debated the bill. Modalities are being worked out by the government for the debate.”

But the source could not immediately confirm who will coordinate the debate or how it will run its course.

He said: “Nigerians will freely contribute to the debate, after which the government will take a decision based on popular opinion. It is after the debate next year that the government will send a bill to the National Assembly on constitution amendments.

“The opportunity of the debate will enable Nigerians to appreciate the merits of the single tenure proposal.”

al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State Gen. Abacha, last week alleged that a former National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed, to exHead of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, had withdrawn $200million, £75million and N500milion from the CBN in 1998.

He alleged that the strange withdrawal was meant to bribe Yoruba leaders after the death of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief M.K.O Abiola.

Investigation however revealed that the controversial sums had been returned to the CBN by the former NSA. According to documents obtained by The Nation, the return of the controversial sums was duly acknowledged by the CBN. Some of the documents contained three letters exchanged between the ex-NSA and the CBN. In an August 11, 1998 letter (NSA/A 320/S) to the Director of Exchange of the CBN, the ex-NSA conveyed the return of the said sums.

The letter, titled FOREIGN EXCHANGE, said: “Returned herewith are the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars (US$150m) and Seventy Five Million Pounds (£75million) cash.

“This office hereby undertakes to indemnify the CBN of any discrepancy Please.”

In a letter of August 11, 1998 to the ex-NSA, the CBN acknowledged the receipt of the said funds.

The CBN letter was signed by its Senior Manager (Collection Officer), Dr. A. Yabagi and Manager, I. Nnaji.

The letter of the apex bank said: “We write to confirm the receipt of the following: (i) One hundred and fifty(150) boxes said to con-

al-Mustapha’s trial: NSA returned cash to CBN tain an initial sum of US$150million in $100 denomination; and (ii)One hundred and fifty(150) boxes said to contain total sum of GBP 75million in GB150 denomination.

“The two receipts were delivered to us on 10th August 1998.

“Finally, we also note the fact that you have undertaken to indemnify the CBN of any discrepancy that may occur during the counting of notes.

“In the meantime, all the 300 boxes have been sealed in the presence of your officer, Mr. S. Haliru, who delivered the consignment to us.”

In a follow up letter to the ex-NSA on September 17, 1998 by the CBN, signed by a Senior Manager and titled “RE: CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT OF FUNDS, the apex bank said: “We refer to our letter Ref. No. FODMBCO/ ABUJA/ BJHO/ CTM.155413/Vol II dated 11th August, 1998 and hereby inform you that we have counted the currency notes in the (i) 150 boxes of the US $ notes; (ii) 150 boxes of the GBP notes and confirm the exact amount as follows (i) US$150,000,000, (ii) GBP 74,999,950.00.

“Therefore, we hereby acknowledge receipt of (i) US$150,000,000 and ii) GBP 74,999,950.00.

“Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter on the attached copy sir.”

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “No bribe sum was offered Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige or any of the chieftains of Afenifere and NADECO to compromise on June 12 an-

nulment and the death of Chief Abiola.

“The truth is that when Gen Abdulsalami came on board, a mass looting of the treasury by government officials who served Gen. Abacha was detected. Those officials were not ready to part with their loot.

“What the government did was to play a fast one on the officials by using a security decoy to retrieve the loot.

“The ex-NSA came up with an idea which was approved by the government.

The idea was to retrieve money from the CBN for what we call sighting in security parlance. The sums were put in a vault and these ex-officials in Abacha’s administration were invited one by one to see how their colleagues had been refunding looted funds.

“With that, the affected officials, including a security chief, offered to return their share of looted funds. That was how the government of Abdulsalami was able to recover substantial sum from these ex-officials.

“What al-Mustapha did was to touch on critical security matters which may force the government to open up or ask those involved to speak no matter how sensitive their assignments were.

“It is unfortunate that the revelations may touch on security matters but some of the actors are died and nobody can speak for them.

“At the appropriate time, the state may be willing to respond to al-Mustapha through appropriate channels. No one will cover up anything.”

AMCON appoints board chiefs for three new banks Continued from page 1

bridge banks for the suspended banks, adding that it believes these actions will accelerate the recovery of the Nigerian capital market.

It said the actions of the NDIC, the CBN and the AMCON are significant steps towards the resolution of the banking crisis.

Given this scenario and to maintain market integrity, the SEC said it has approved the placement of the shares of Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc and Spring Bank Plc on full suspension. Full suspension means that there will be no trading on the shares of the said companies.

“The Commission remains committed to its mandate of investor protection and market development,” the statement said.

The banking watchdog revoked the licences of Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB last Friday because it said they did not show the capacity to recapitalise following a N620billion bailout of nine lenders in 2009.

The apex bank set up “bridge banks” to acquire the assets and liabilities of the trio, which were then sold to AMCON. All the board members of the newly created banks have

experience in managing banks.

Keystone Bank board members are Mr Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe (Chairman); Mr Oti Ikomi (Managing Director); Mr Shehu Abubakar (Executive Director); Mr Demola Adewale (Executive Director); Mrs Yvonne Isichei (Executive Director); Dr Shehu K. Mohammed (Executive Director) and Mr Raphael Ereyi (Executive Director).

Mainstreet Bank has Mr Falalu Bello as chairman; Mrs Faith TuedorMatthews as Managing Director, and five Executive Directors – Mr Kola Ayeye; Mr Abubakar Sadiq Bello; Mr Bolaji Shenjobi; Mr Anogwi Anyanwu and Mr Roger Woodbridge.

For Enterprise Bank are Mr Emeka Onwuka as its Chairman: Mr Ahmed Kuru as Managing Director and five Executive Directors – Mrs Louisa Olalokun; Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Mr Aminu Ismail; Mr Niyi Adebayo and Mr Audu Kazir.

AMCON said it was ready to inject N679 billion into the three banks via bonds today.

MainStreet Bank will receive N285 billion to bring it to over 15 per cent capital adequacy and a minimum of N25 billion capital base; Keystone Bank

•Falalu Bello

will secure N283 billion. Enterprise Bank will get N111 billion.

Besides, the CBN has granted the same interbank guarantee as it did to the banks that have signed Transaction Implementation Agreements (TIAs), until December 31.

“The banks are, therefore, fully capitalised, strengthened and well positioned for future growth,” AMCON said.

It added: “The newly appointed boards are entrusted with the mandate to manage these banks along best commercial practice to compete effectively in the Nigerian banking sector and provide quality service to customers. Depositors are again assured that their deposits are safe, and employees are also assured of seamless continuity of business operations and job func-

•Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe

tions.

“Other members of the board will be announced imminently.”

AMCON said on Saturday it planned to recapitalise the failed banks and run them for two-three years before finding suitable investors.

AMCON was set up last year to absorb bad bank loans, exchanging them for government-backed bonds, with the aim of rebuilding commercial banks’ balance sheets.

The CBN and NDIC in July 2009 carried out a special examination of all the 24 banks, to assess their health, with particular focus on liquidity, capital adequacy, risk management and corporate governance practices. Ten banks were adjudged to be in grave states with deficiencies in capital adequacy.

•Emeka Onwuka

Of these, eight also had significant deficiencies in liquidity, risk management practices and corporate governance policies. The 10 banks got a lifeline of N620 billion in the form of Tier 2 Capital.

After all the eight rescued banks have been brought to zero capitalisation by AMCON through injection of fresh funds, the lenders are expected to repay the N620billion bailout funds, a top AMCON source explained to The Nation yesterday.

“The N620billion is a tier 2 capital long term loan, which will be paid back as soon as AMCON brings the banks to ground zero. So, the N620billion bailout of the CBN is not lost. In fact, the three banks are likely to repay the loan today as soon as AMCON injects money into these insti-

tutions” she said, pleading not to be named because he is not to comment on the issue.

He said closing down the three banks became necessary because they had not made much progress in their recapitalisation and obviously could not meet the September 30 deadline. She said apart from not having credible core investors to conclude the recapitalisation, time was also not on the side of the trio to get both regulatory and shareholders’ approval, which would take at least two months from date of signing an agreement with an investor.

Besides, two of these banks had been making losses monthly and were losing large volumes of deposits daily, as customers were taking a flight to safety. “If the Federal Government had not taken over the banks, the losses that would have been made by these banks would have been enormous, meaning that AMCON would have injected much more funds than it did,” he said, adding: “With the transfer of the assets of the old banks to the new banks, which have been fully recapitalised by AMCOM with N790billion, depositors have guaranteed the safety of their funds and the recapitalisation process has been fast- tracked for the three banks.”

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

NEWS

Hamza al-Mustapha’s evidence diversionary, say Tinubu, Falana F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu and activist lawyer Femi Falana yesterday reacted to Major Hamza alMustapha’s testimony in court last week, describing the evidence as a tissue of lies.

Tinubu, National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said al-Mustapha is suffering from “detention hallucination syndrome”.

Falana advised the Major, who is standing trial for the alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, “to confront the testimony of Sergeant Jabila (aka Rogers) of the Strike Force, at the Oputa panel, that alMustapha gave him the two guns with which he (Rogers) killed Mrs Abiola”. al-Mustapha told a Lagos High Court that former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftains, the late Chief Abraham (SAN) and the late Chief Bola Ige, among others, were induced by government after the death of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola , to abandon “the struggle”.

The democracy activists, he said, left the Presidential Villa, Abuja, happy after a meeting with former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. They had come wearing a sombre look, he said.

But when the video clip of the activists’ leaving the Villa was played in court last Thursday, it gave the lie to al-Mustapha’s claim.

The clip neither showed Adesanya nor Dr Arthur Nwakwo of the then Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) happy as they left the Villa amid questions from reporters.

Adesanya only smiled after the interview when he said: “Journalists can now disperse” and everyone laughed.

Yesterday, Tinubu said nothing on earth could have made Adesanya and Ige to compromise their stand on the June 12 struggle.

He said: “We care about the integrity of Adesanya, Ige and others associated with the struggle”.

“They shunned all entreaties by the military to be compromised”, Tinubu added, noting: “al-Mustapha has no respect for the dead”.

He said when al-Mustapha appeared before the Oputa panel, the Major did not “say a single word about them”, adding that they were alive then and would have defended themselves.

Adesanya, Tinubu recalled, refused the military’s offer to treat him when he took ill, adding that they (Adesanya and Ige) also refused to be conveyed in a Presidential Jet to Abuja.

Tinubu said Adesanya was devastated when his daughter accepted appointment from former President Olusegun Obasanajo.

He wondered why al-Mustapha didn’t go and exhume the public fund he claimed Gen. Abubakar buried on his (ex-head of state) farm since he knew where the money is.

“He (al-Mustapha) should also tell the world where Adesanya and Ige kept the money he claimed they collected”, Tinubu added.

Also yesterday, Falana, in a statement entitled: “The diversionary story of al-Mustapha”, said as counsel to the Abiola family at the Oputa panel, he led evidence to establish the remote and immediate cause of Chief Abiola’s death in custody.

He said Abiola’s personal physician, Dr Ore Falomo, accused alMustapha of preventing him from attending to Abiola’s health while the late business mogul was “held in dehumanising detention condition for four years.”

•Family alleges assassination plot Adesanya’s son attacks ex-CSO

R

ATHER than take al-Mustapha seriously, Nigerians should ignore him. His long years in detention has affected his mental functioning. He has lost touch with consciousness. Naming my father in a bribe scandal is the naked evidence of his pitiable state of mental health.”

Mr Bayo Adesanya, eldest son of the late Afenifere leader, Pa. Abraham Adesanya stated this at the weekend while reacting to last week’s allegation by Major Hamza al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha.

Al-Mustapha, who is standing trial for alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, at a Lagos High Court, alleged that some Southwest leaders including Pa. Adesanya were bribed by the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar administration to appease them on the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Adesanya said: “My father never took a bribe all his life. I was close to my father, even in the tough anti-June 12 annulment days. He would never bend in matters relating to principles.

He went on: “What he (al-Mustapha) told the court is not only false but laughable. When I heard it, I shook my head in sheer pity for him because no sane person would have told such blatant lies against a patriot in my father’s ilk. How could somebody who nearly lost his life in spirited fight for democracy during the June 12 struggle take a bribe to scuttle the same struggle?” he asked.

Describing Gen. Abubakar as a unique military leader who could not have given bribe to anybody in such circumstances, Adesanya added: “At the 80th birthday of my father in Lagos, Gen. Abdulsalami said it openly that my father was forthright and incorruptible and that he was one person that would not be bribed by anybody. Even when my father died, he visited our family to commiserate with us and he wrote in the condolence register that he had never seen a man as decent and straight-forward as Pa Adesanya. So, al-Mustapha’s head needs to be checked.”

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor and Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

The statement reads: “We also proved, through the Chief Security Officer of Gen. Abubakar , who testified at the Oputa panel, that Chief Abiola gave up the ghost upon taking the tea served by Ms Susan Rice, a member of the United States Delegation that visited him in detention at the Akinola Aguda House. It is pertinent to note that he never linked Pa Adesanya and Chief Ige with the killing of Chief Abiola or the betrayal of his mandate while both of them were alive on November 27, 2000 when he gave his evidence. As Major al-Mustapha was then in Enugu all he said regarding the killing of Chief Abiola was discountenanced as it was based on hearsay.

“However, upon a critical evaluation of the oral and documentary evidence of the witnesses as well as the consideration of our written submissions, the Oputa panel found

inter alia: “In the case of Chief Abiola, we are of the view that the government of the day knows much more than it has admitted. We believe that the denial of Chief Abiola’s mandate was a violation of the rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. We regard this as serious infringement…

“We also believe that Chief Abiola’s death was the result of his incarceration and the denial of access to adequate medical attention.

The testimony of the Chief Security Officer to the then Head of State, Gen. Abubakar, was full of contradictions. From the evidence before us, Chief Abiola died in suspicious circumstances. The Commission, therefore, recommends a thorough investigation to throw light to and inform the Nigerian people on what killed Chief Abiola”.

“Although the Obasanjo administration refused to implement the recommendations of the Oputa panel, I strongly believe that a thor-

ough investigation will be conducted, at the appropriate time, into the dastardly assassination of Dele Giwa, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Abiola and Bagauda Kaltho and several others. But for now, Major alMustapha should be advised to confront the testimony of Sergeant Jabila (a.k.a Rogers) of the Strike Force who had confessed at the Oputa panel that he (al-Mustapha) gave him the two guns with which he (Rogers) killed Mrs. Kudirat Abiola on the street of Lagos”.

The family of the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Gen Sani Abacha, Major Hamza alMustapha yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plot to assassinate him in prison.

They pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to beef up security around him. al-Mustapha last week said his continued incarceration and trial are as a result of the alleged role he played shortly after the death of the late Gen Abacha.

The family spokesman, Alhaji Hadi al-Mustapha, spoke with reporters in Kano. He said alMustapha’s life is now under serious threat with the shocking revelations.

He said: “There have been rumours that he would be killed and with the revelations he made in court, we are now at a heightened state of fear. Truly, we are worried because in every rumour, there is an element of truth.

“Our major worry now is about the health and safety of Maj alMustapha. We have been receiving messages that there are plots to assassinate him in prison. We, therefore, urge the Federal Government to beef up security around alMustapha, who has been in incarceration for more than 13 years.”

Hadi said al-Mustapha was being persecuted not prosecuted, as those who were charged to court alongside his brother for the same offence, have since been discharged and acquitted.

Declining comments on the court proceedings, Hadi said “there is no reason for keeping him in prison. It is no longer prosecution but persecution.

“And there is this allegation that he was being tortured in prison. He was taken to prison along with four others but the others have been released ,” Hadi lamented.

•Founder and chairperson, Board of Trustees, Legacy High School, Akuwanjo, Lagos, Mrs Pauline Oshunrinde (second left), MrsDele George, Founder, Little Saints Orphanage, (right) with Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Photonews Mr Sunmi Smart-Cole congratulating the best graduating pupil, Miss Bukola Yeku, at the school’s 15th valedictory at Protea Hotel, Ikeja...at the weekend

Sam Loco is dead •Fashola mourns •Continued from 1 revealed Efe’s lifeless body “without his shirt on. His inhaler was by his side and we had to call in the police,” he said.

The body of the deceased was removed and taken to the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, he said.

At the hotel premises yesterday, there was calm but people were seen discussing it in groups.

A socialite, Efe was seen within his group of friends cracking jokes on Saturday night.

Although the hotel management declined to speak on the tragedy, Imo State Police spokesman Linus Nwaiwu said, “We have received the information on the death of Sam Loco Efe from the hotel. Our homicide unit is still working on the information.”

“Yes, it is true that Sam Loco passed away tragically in his hotel room. I will be making a statement on Monday (today). I can’t say much now because I want to verify the detail, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President Segun Arinze said yesterday.

National Secretary of the AGN Chuma Onwudiwe also last night confirmed Efe’s death.

Onwudiwe described him as, “a polyglot, actor extraordinaire, father to many of us, intellectual and a man of immense stature.”

Efe spoke Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa fluently, though he hailed from Benin, Edo State.

He once told an interviewer: “I seem to have a knack for languages.

I had the interest to learn the languages as well. There is no language that is not important. I can speak Hausa 40 per cent; Igbo and Yoruba, 100 per cent. Of course, I can speak Benin language 100 per cent.

“I am from Benin. Most people keep saying I am from Benue. Some say I am an Ogbomoso man. Others feel this is ‘Omo Ibadan.’”

Efe performed on stage and Television for over 47 years, 35 of those years were in the movies.

The thespian, who became an instant hit when he was voted the best actor for his role in Lagbodo, Nigeria’s only drama entry at the historic FESTAC 77, died.

A few month after the passing on of another veteran actor Ashley Nwosu, and about a month after another legendary entertainer Christy Essien-Igbokwe.

For many years, he distinguished himself as a rare talent for both television and stage drama. In the 70s, he acted the lead character, Picado Suberu in Hotel De Jordan - a live drama series - and later acted Chief Ukata Biribiri, the only Ibo Chief in the play.

He also played a lead role in Langbodo during the Festac 77.

He was born in Enugu, but spent his childhood in Abakaliki. A modest attempt at becoming an actor was what triggered his passion for the stage. While at school, he produced William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in which he acted Caesar and also directed it without any formal training.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described Efe as an extraordinarily gifted thespian whose mastery of his craft on both stage and screen was unrivalled.

In a condolence letter to the President of AGN President, the governor said. Efe was a cultural model who truly belonged to the class of greats in the world of creative arts, “It is indeed heart rending to think that the very familiar face and very likeable humour merchant whom I had known since my teenage years has taken a final exit from life’s stage”, the letter stated.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

4

NEWS NANS seeks enforcement of retirement age

By Adegunle Olugbamila

THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called for the implementation of the 70 years retirement age and other agreements government entered with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) . It also warned governors to stop playing politics with the N18,000 minimum wage.

Rather than focus attention on the agreement, NANS said governors and politicians have heightened debates on the proposed single term for president and governors. NANS said the 70 years retirement age will “put a stop to the brain drain in the system.’

The statement signed by its Chairman– Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Lagos Axis, Comrade Bello Ibrahim Adesegun, said, Nigeria: Stranded Amidst Abundance’ frowned at the Federal Government’s indifference to the agreement with ASUU since it was signed nearly two years. “This should have been passed into law in order to maintain the relative academic peace in Nigerian universities,” NANS noted.

ICPC recovers N216.7m unspent funds T from RMRDC

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered N216.7 million from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council as unspent recurrent funds be‘The review report howtween 2006 and 2010, it was learnt yesever confirmed that only terday.

N30.9 million has so far The commission said that RMRDC been remitted to the fedhas not been remitting is unspent funds to the treasury as statutorily reeral government account, quired. leaving a short fall of A statement by the Resident Media N24.7 million as un-remitConsultant to the commission, Mr. Folu Olamiti said the discovery of the ted before the study was unspent funds was part of a system carried out’ review exercise carried out by ICPC. The statement said: “This discovery was contained in a report of the old generation banks in the country. system study review exercise carried “Besides, the backlog of un-remitout by the anti-graft agency meant to ted taxes (VAT & WHT) amounting to ensure full compliance and strict ad- N21.9 million for the periods of herence with government policies on October 2009 to December 2010 has also remittance of unspent balances at the been remitted directly to Federal Inend of financial year. land Revenue Services by the council “The total recovered from the coun- as directed by ICPC. cil had been paid into the ICPC recov“The report indicated that “during ery account domiciled with one of the the same period, 2006-2010, the coun-

cils total Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the various sources amounted to N69.5 million, from the IGR, the council was expected to retain 20 percent for its operations and remit 80% to the Federal Government, consolidated revenue fund account.

“The review report however confirmed that only N30.9 million has so far been remitted to the federal government account, leaving a short fall of N24.7 million as un-remitted before the study was carried out.

“It was in the course of the review exercise that operatives of the ICPC discovered that the council has not been remitting its unspent balances under the personnel and overhead cost at the end of each financial year, instead such balances were unusually rolled over to the following financial year in gross violation of the extant rules and regulations. “ The statement gave details of unspent

Minister pledges prompt passage of Railway Bill RANSPORT Minister Senator Idris Umar has pledged to ensure an urgent passage of the Railway Act Amendment Bill before the National Assembly.

He also stressed the need for the Federal Government to carry through its plans for a vibrant railway system, without which the nation’s economy is doomed.

Umar spoke in Lagos at the weekend when visited to the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC’s) facilities at Ebute Metta in Lagos. He spoke of Federal Government’s determination to make the railways work again.

Stressing the need for a new law for the rail trans-

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COSEG seeks Special status for Lagos A Pan-Yoruba political pressure organisation, Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Group (COSEG), has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to expedite action on granting special status to Lagos. It said: “our people are running out of patience,” in a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman and Secretary, Dayo Ogunlana and Razaq Oloko-Oba. COSEG urged Jonathan to do something very urgently about the matter.

“The Yoruba are law abiding people who believe in the due process and rule of law to demand for what constitutionally belongs to them.

The special status being asked for, the statement explained “is not a selfish demand but a reasonable request that is in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians both at home and abroad.”

The group said: “if not a God-sent leader like Governor Babatunde Fashola, system collapse would have been the order of the day.”

The statement said the governor needs to be assisted to enable him spread more dividends of democracy to the state that witness population increase on daily basis.”

While enthusing that Jonathan would give the call a deserved attention, COSEG was of the strong conviction that “this request is more germane and more fundamental than the proposed term elongation,” asserting that “while our request is about further growth, progress and development, the latter is not.”

balances uncovered by ICPC team.

It added: “At the end of the system study review exercise, the following amounts were confirmed as unspent balances under the personnel and over head cost. Accounts as well as the outstanding credit balance under the internally generated revenue account (IGR) respectively all amounting to N217, 606,106.08 as at 31st December 2010. “The report showed.

“The review exercise which was carried out between April and July this year also indicated that the sum of N33.1 million was paid to the council by the NDIC through Ecobank Nigeria Plc as part payment of money trapped at the defunct All states Trust Bank Nigeria Plc. This money, the report said was subsequently transferred to the over head account where it was utilized alongside with other allocations.

“A total sum of N11.7 billion was received by the council as allocation for its activities under personnel and over head costs between the periods 2006 and 2010 reviewed by the ICPC.”

•From left: The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Adeseyi Sijuwade (left), Senator Umah and Director, Electrical, Signals and Telecommunications, Fidet Okhiria during the minister’s visit to Lagos... at the weekend PHOTO:SOLOMON ADEOLA

By Eric Ikhilae

port sector, Umar said it would be impossible to attract private funds into the NRC if the extant Railway Act was not repealed to allow for private sector investment.

The minister said government alone cannot provide sufficient resources to effectively revive the NRC in view of other pressing infrastructure needs that it has to address.

Umar expressed satisfaction at the rehabilitation of NRC facilities across the country and tasked the staff to be more dedicated to duty.

He pledged government support to the staff in terms of welfare.

Why we are converting Governor’s Office, Ekiti To many, the imposing House to hotels, by Fayemi structure accommodating the Ekiti State Governors’ office and those of his aides is befitting.

But the chief tenant, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has another view. Rather than spending a fortune to maintain the edfice, he said it should be turned to a pot of cash, write BUNMI OGUNMODEDE and SUNDAY OMONIYI.

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ORE facts emerged at the weekend on why the Ekiti State

Government is toying with the idea to commercialise the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti and the Government House in Maitama District, Abuja.

The motive behind the planned conversion of the two state-of-the-art structures to hotels is borne out of a desire by the government to shore up its revenue generation base.

As of the last count, the state’s monthly earnings from the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) stood at

•The Governor’s Office

about N300 million.

Besides, the state is taking advantage of the increasing hospitality business in the state capital.

It was learnt that of all the existing hotels in the Fountain of Knwoledge, none can accommodate 60 guests at a time.

In the past, the state had relied on facilities outside its shores for programmes like the retreats it organised for elected officials at the state and national levels.

The thinking is that such events, if hosted locally, would not only stimulate the state’s economy, but

help in widening the scope of internal earnings.

Governor Kayode Fayemi gave more insight to the motive behind the proposed commercialisation, in an exclusive chat with these reporters in his office at AdoEkiti. He said the decision is in the overall interest of the state.

He said the conversion of his office and the Ekiti House in Abuja is at no extra cost to the state as the preferred concessionaire would be saddled with the responsibility of operating and paying to the government.

According to him, an ad-

vertisement for the expression of interests by willing investor-managers would soon be published, preparatory to a competitive bidding.

Fayemi, however, said that world-class players in the hospitality business with proven records of successes would be franchised to run the hotels.

The governor said there was no economic sense in keeping an expansive office as Governor’s Office when there is a facility for such at the State Secretariat.

His words: “I don’t need a football field as an office to perform my functions as the

governor. We have a Liaison Office in Abuja and we have the Ekiti House. A state that is struggling to be economically viable cannot afford such luxury.

His words: “We are not going to spend a dime in converting the structures.

All we are doing is to give them out to those with capacity to manage them and pay the state its due.

“A lot is being spent to organise workshops and retreats for indigenes at venues outside the state. The money we pay, if spend locally, will help our economy and raise our IGR.“

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

5

NEWS Mbadinuju extols Ume-Ezeoke

Saraki urges Fed Govt to secure investments

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

FORMER Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki has advised the Federal Government to formulate policies that will guarantee the safety of investments and attract foreign investors.

He noted that President Goodluck Jonathan’s priority on job creation and youth empowerment would boost the economy.

Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central, addressed reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital.

He noted that the President has taken the right approach in identifying job creation, saying his good intention could only be translated into reality if such policies are in place.

The former governor attributed the recent rating of Kwara State as No 7 in job creation to deliberate efforts by his administration, between 2003 and 2011, to create an enabling environment for private investors.

Aspirant gets death threats From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

A PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Dr Umar Ardo, has raised the alarm over alleged threats to his life.

He also complained about the destruction of his campaign billboards by the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

Addressing reporters in Yola, Ardo said he had petitioned the police commissioner.

He said in the past two months, officials of the Urban Planning have been removing and destroying his campaign billboards, adding that this could cause a breach of the peace.

Ardo urged the police to intervene in the matter since his campaign organisation had paid for the billboards till December.

IGP declines comments From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

INSPECTOR-General of Police Hafiz Ringim yesterday in Sokoto declined comments on the nation’s security situation.

“I will not comment on anything because my visit is strictly personal. May be when I come on official visit,” he said.

Ringim said his visit to Sokoto was not official, adding: “I am here just to pay respect to the Sultan as a father, leader and guide to us.”

The police chief held a private discussion with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. The private chat may not be unconnected with security matters.

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right) consoling from left Seun, Seyi, Sayo and Seye, children of the late Mr. Segun Adetayo, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwart at he burial of their father in Ago-Are, Oyo State...at the weekend.

PHOTO: OYO STATE HOUSE

ORMER Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, at the weekend extolled the virtues of the former All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) chairman, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke.

Ume-Ezeoke died last weekend after a brief illness at an Indian hospital.

In a statement, Mbadinuju said: “Among Chief UmeEzeoke’s virtues was that he was fair-minded and just, with Christian virtues of faith and kindness.

“After I was rigged out in the Anambra Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in 1999, my team went to Ume-Ezeoke’s Nnewi home and complained to him. He immediately gave us a note to Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, who honoured the note and passed it on to Chief Solomon Lar, then National Chairman of the party. Lar consulted and cancelled the cooked-up primary result and ordered a fresh election, which I easily won...”

How to tackle Boko Haram, by Gambari

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IGERIA’S United Nations (UN) Under Secretary-General Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari yesterday urged the Federal Government to address the Boko Haram crisis with the same zeal it deployed to its international peace-keeping operations.

Gambari spoke in Abuja at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) where he said the solution to the Boko Haram crisis required a holistic approach.

The envoy urged the Federal Government to tackle unemployment and address sectarian crises because of Nigeria’s status as an international peacekeeper.

He said: “We are trying to bring peace to other parts of Africa but charity must begin at home. We must develop mechanism where we are able to address our own problems that are sometimes sim-

•Nigeria loses 27 soldiers in Darfur ilar in nature to those of the problems outside that we try to address.”

Gambari stressed the need for Nigeria to urgently find a lasting solution to its internal security challenges considering its position as a candidate for a permanent seat of the UN Security Council.

He said: “It will be a shame that we are so good at helping others to find peace if we ourselves are not addressing issues at home that have the capacity of actually undermining our social cohesion, our unity particularly at a time when we are an aspirant for a permanent member of the UN Security Council.”

Gambari, however, said Nigeria had the capacity to surmount the problems fac-

ing it based on its antecedent in dealing with similar volatile issues such as the Niger Delta crisis and the Maitatsine crisis of 1980.

Speaking on Nigeria’s peacekeeping operations, Gambari said Nigeria contributes the largest number of troops to the troubled western region of Sudan with four battalions.

He said Nigeria’s police personnel were the second largest in the mission.

“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troops contributing country to UNAMID with about four battalions and we are also the second largest police contributing country to UNAMID. “So our country’s view has to be also taken into account because not only are we the largest troops-contributing

country to UNAMID, we have also taken the moves.

“We have made the most ultimate sacrifice from the time of the African Mission in Sudan till now. Nigeria has lost 27 soldiers in Darfur.’’

On government spending, he said: “We must find ways to cut down on the expenses of government.

“If we are spending most of our resources paying salaries, paying the National Assembly, that’s less money available to put into infrastructure, capital projects, power, roads railways that have been dead for a while now and investment in productive enterprises that will employ the masses of our young people.’’

Gambari admitted that

Strange disease hits Adamawa community

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STRANGE disease has hit Jada town and some other communities in Adamawa State.

The disease, which is suspected to be cholera, has killed one person in Alarraba village, Verre District of Jada Local Government.

About 30 others, showing symptoms of the disease, have reportedly been admitted at a private clinic in Chigari.

Those affected, mainly

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

women and children, are said to have cough, fever, nauseau and diarrheoa.

According to the Village Head of Alarraba, Mr Enoch Ya’asoli, the disease was first noticed last Thursday when some residents were vomiting and stooling.

He told the local radio, ABC-Yola, that the outbreak

had been reported to the Health Department of Fufore Local Government.

Ya’asoli said health workers from the district had visited the area to administer first aid.

He noted that the matter was compounded by the ongoing strike by local health workers.

Efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawan Hamidu, proved abortive. His lines were switched

off.

Prominent indigenes of the town, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, were expected to assist the residents with medication.

An outbreak of a disease, suspected to be cholera, was said to have killed many residents in Mubi South and Maiha local governments.

Several others were critically ill in health centres.

Group solicits minister’s support for victims of Jos crises

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FULANI socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed and other wellmeaning Nigerians to provide humanitarian support to displaced persons in the Jos crises.

The National President of the group, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, spoke at the weekend at the group’s national headquarters in Masaka, Karu Local Gov-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ernment Area of Nasarawa State.

Hundreds of displaced Fulani from Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Bauchi states had stormed the office to show their plight during the Ramadan period.

Bodejo said: “I was touched when I saw my kinsmen in this type of condition as a result of the crisis (in Plateau). When most of them visited our national

headquarters at Masaka to seek help on food, cloth and money, I called on our brother, Senator Muhammed, to assist us so that we can help them, especially the children.”

According to him, Fulani are hard working and have contributed so much to the development of Nigeria.

Bodejo said they should be treated with respect, adding that Nigerians should look into their plight in the spirit of oneness.

He urged Muhammed to

assist the group to get a plot of land in the FCT to enable it build it permanent national headquarters, instead of operating from a suburb.

One of those affected, Musa Umar, said he was facing the worst condition of his life because of the crises.

He urged Nigerians to support the group through its national office at Masaka, saying it is the only place it could voice out its complaints.

while democracy was expensive, there was the need to invest in the future of the nation.

“We recognise democracy is expensive; we recognise that it costs money to have a functioning National Assembly, an efficient civil service, efficient government but also we must have a balance between that and invest in the future of our country.”

He noted that unemployment is among the causes of the crises in Africa, urging governments to ensure that employment of youths was tackled effectively.

He added that the delusion of: “It can’t happen here,” was a mistaken idea, saying: “It can happen anywhere, if we don’t attend to the fundamental needs of the people.

“I pray it doesn’t but we must address it very seriously,’’ he said.

Oshiomhole to sue Fed Govt over N43m monthly deduction From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Edo State Government may sue the Federal Government over the monthly deduction of N43million from the 18 local governments in the state.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said he had not seen any project by the Federal Government in the councils to warrant such deduction.

He said: “I asked the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to get a court order to stop the Federal Government from deducting local government funds at source. The Federal Government purported to have awarded contracts for the building of health centres and I have not seen any that has been built.

“They claim to have a court order that the Federal Government was right to award contracts and build health centres running into billions of naira.

They have been deducting at source N43million from the 18 local governments.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

6

NEWS ‘Research will aid development’ From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

THE Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, has urged academics to proffer solutions that would aid national development.

He spoke at the 2011 Honours Award/Dinner/Fundraising of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, which took place at the institution’s Conference Centre at the weekend.

Bello, who received an award of “Worthy Ambassador of the Institution,” said the university can solve many of the government’s challenges through researches.

He said nations, whose economies are considered as emerging markets today, built their successes on academic research.

The commissioner said the success story of Lagos State is built on a rich academic research.

He said: “Beyond rhetoric’s, we must go beyond the conduct of research within the walls of our citadel of learning. The gown must meet the town. What this simply means is that research must not just be an academic exercise.

“When I say the ‘gown,’ I mean members of the academia must be seen providing solutions to social problems.

“The ‘town’ in this sense is our social stratosphere. The university should provide consultancy services to government at all levels as well as private enterprises.

“This will eliminate the perceived disconnect that may have arisen in the past.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Adewole said the strength of the institution can be seen in the number of distinguished achievers it has produced.

Balogun’s faction suspends Akala as Oyo PDP crisis grows T

HE crisis unsettling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State seems to be growing.

The faction led by Senator Lekan Balogun and others expelled former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala from the party at the weekend.

At a meeting held at Balogun’s home in Ibadan, the state capital, the factional leaders said the expulsion was to prevent Alao-Akala from finally nailing the party’s coffin.

Former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi was at the meeting.

The group maintained that Alao-Akala is an embodiment of indiscipline and recommended his expulsion by the party’s national leaders.

But Alao-Akala said he would not engage Balogun and others in a media war. The decision of the national leadership that all those who worked against the party in the April election remain suspended, he said, reigns supreme.

In a statement, Balogun’s group said: “We viewed with outrage last week’s purported expulsion of the authentic party leaders by an illegal execu-

•Ex-gov: they’re renegades From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

tive council that is alien to the law as established by the court injunction of February 27, 2008.

“The authenticity of our members was upheld by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in several correspondences to the National Secretariat of the party as well as the Ike Nwachukwu-led Committee’s report findings among others.”

The faction said it was not aware of the ex-Governor Olusegun Agagu-led panel’s report, adding that any panel set up to resolve differences would listen to all feuding sides before making recommendations.

“Last week’s expulsion is most absurd and amounts to a futile effort to build something on nothing, as the imaginary executive council is nothing but outright illegality-another demonstration of their lawless and fraudulent disposition.

“It is strange and ludicrous for a group of party members to hold other members responsible for their failure to be re-elected or for exercising their basic democratic right to demand intra-party democracy; and transparent, selfless and accountable governancenow labeled as anti-party activities and collusion with opposition party-contrary to the popular notion that they deservedly suffered defeat at the recent polls for their inability to deliver good governance in the state,” Balogun’s group said.

Alao-Akala’s spokesman, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the purported suspension of former Governor Alao-Akala from the PDP by a renegade group.

“This action is not worth responding to as the aim is to engage in a media shouting match.

“Suffice to refer any objec-

ACN accuses Ondo of recklessness •Govt: allegation spurious From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

tive observer to the decision of the PDP National Secretariat that ordered those who worked against the Party during the last election to go back to their wards and seek reconciliation before they can be considered as members.

“That is the status of Lekan Balogun and his group. We do not wish to make further comment after this.”

Another factional leader of the party, Elder Wole Oyelese, said: “Two wrongs do not make a right, but that does not mean what Akala and his people did was right. It was a wrong approach to resolve the problem.

“I was not informed about the meeting, but however, we the authentic party leaders, who brought the PDP to Oyo State in the first place, are already making moves to rebuild our party.

“Such moves would be allinclusive. I appeal to both Akala and the Balogun sides to allow peace to reign while our efforts continue.”

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, at the weekend, criticised Governor Olusegun Mimiko for spending N92 million on towing vehicles.

ACN Director of Publicity and Media, Gbenga Akinmoyo, said the price was outrageous.

Akinmoyo said: “This is the height of financial recklessness.

“This kind of programme is ill-timed at a period when the people’s frustration is illustrated through public demonstrations and strikes.”

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kolawole Olabisi, described the allegation as spurious.

He said: “Road traffic has increased significantly in the state, and if not properly managed, can lead to systemic failure and impact negatively on our economy through loss of productive hours.”

Last Tuesday, the governor inaugurated three towing vehicles to ease traffic and promptly remove vehicles involved in road accidents from the roads.

“We will dig further to know if Olaoye operated alone because what he was caught with is too enormous for an individual to carry.

“We do our bit by arresting and charging him to court, but it beats us how he makes it out soon after.”

Police spokesman Mohammed Jimoh said if Olaoye had been properly prosecuted in the past, he possibly

would still be behind bars.

He urged people to cooperate with the police by exposing criminals.

“Without evidence, we cannot successfully prosecute.

“That is why we are pleading with the people to come out and give evidence. That way, we can rid the society of crime and criminals,” Jimoh added.

Serial burglar caught with loot in Ado-Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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SUSPECTED serial burglar, simply identified as Olaoye, was yesterday arrested in AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Olaoye was caught selling stolen items at his shop at Oke Bola.

The items included clothes, shoes, musical gadgets, a half bag of rice, plasma TV sets, laptops, standing fans, refrigerators, electriciFrom Sulaiman ty generating sets and a botSalawudeen, Ado-Ekiti tle of (Hennessey) brandy.

GOVERNOR Kayode Fayemi Policemen from Oke Ila has appointed the Ekiti State Police Station said the susChairman of the Nigeria pect had been arraigned sevUnion of Journalists (NUJ), eral times for house breakAkogun Tai Oguntayo, and the ing/burglary, but he always immediate-past State Chairreturned to stealing. man of the Nigeria Labour It was gathered that Congress (NLC), Joseph AroOlaoye’s motorcycle was regundade, as his aides. cently stolen at the station Oguntayo is Special Assistand policemen bought him ant on Political Matters, while a new one.

Arogundade is Senior Special The source said all policeAssistant on Labour Matters. men on duty the night the Until his appointment, motorcycle got lost paid Oguntayo was the Southwest N5,000 each; while others Regional Editor of the National paid N2,000.

Daily and National Standard, But it was later discovered The governor’s Chief Press that Olaoye was responsible Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, for the theft. said five Special Advisers, 10 When asked to return the Senior Special Assistants and new motorcycle, Olaoye said 12 Special Assistants were he had sold it. appointed at the weekend.

Olaoye, who confessed to Others include Directorsthe crimes, said he operates General of some government alone. “I don’t know why I parastatals and two special steal. I always burgle and I coordinators. am always caught,” he said.

Fayemi appoints more aides

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•Olaoye with the loot...at the weekend

Olaoye hails from Iresi, Osun State. He said his father is a cab driver in Ado-Ekiti and his mother sells food in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Describing how he was arrested, he said: “Some people just came to my shop and started laying claims to the items on display.”

Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Segun Atanda said:

“This is not the first time we are arresting this man. We have charged him to court before on more than two occasions, but he always returned, riding Okada (motorcycle) about town again in no time!

“The last time we arrested him, we made him sign an undertaking of good behaviour, but four days later, we caught him stealing again.

Ladipo traders protest alleged police harassment

RADERS, under the aegis of Aguiyi Ironsi Spare Parts Dealers’ Association, Ladipo Market, Lagos, at the weekend stormed the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Alausa to protest alleged harassment of their President, Mr. Jonathan Okolie, by a senior police officer, Mrs. Sherifat Faponda

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Disu.

They sang solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Governor, arrest CP Sherifat now,”; “Please, Fashola, we need your help,”; “CP Sherifat, leave our president alone,”; “traders in Aguiyi Ironsi market are law

abiding citizens,” amongst others.

The traders alleged that Mrs. Disu; her son, Mr. Ajibade Olajokun, and two others, Okechukwu Imoh and Obinna Umezinwa, invaded the market in a bid to take over its leadership.

They urged the governor to

intervene to allow them carry out their business without fear.

Their letter to Fashola reads: “On June 18, our president, on his way home, was doublecrossed by a white Toyota Hilux and six armed policemen opened fire on him, killing one man and injuring several others.

“Area D Police Station was alerted but policemen from Oloosa came and towed the vehicle to their station. The next day, we reported the matter at the State Security Service (SSS) office, but till date, nothing has been done.”

“We urge your Excellency to call the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Babatunde

Adepitan, and Mrs. Disu to order. This is because if our union president is assassinated, the traders of Aguiyi Ironsi complex, Ladipo will revolt.”

Mrs. Disu refused to comment on the matter and referred our correspondent to Police spokesman Sola Amore.

Amore could not be reached at press time.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

7

NEWS

20 vehicles, hotel, recreation park, schools submerged in Ebonyi flood

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THREE- star hotel, a recreation park, schools, about 20 vehicles and property worth several millions of naira were at the weekend submerged by flood on Ogoja road, Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, following a heavy downpour.

One of the schools is owned by the wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs.Eunice Egwu. Also affected were a pentecostal church, a Catholic school and a two- storey building owned by a widow.

The widow’s son, Igodo Uchechukwu, attributed the flood to the blockage of a water channel along Iyiudele and Iyiokwu River by residents.

He said: “It rained so heavily at the weekend that water from Iyiudele and Iyiokwu River could no longer flow freely and the water subsequently flooded the houses in the area.

“This constant flooding,

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakiliki witnessed every year in the area, has been attributed to the blockage of the water channels which prompted the state government to commence plans to dredge the river to mitigate the problem faced by residents. But a lasting solution to the problem has not been found.”

Igodo called on the government to rescuef the residents, adding that if steps were not taken to address the constant flooding on Onwe road and other parts of the state, some of the residents would be displaced.

Another victim, the priest in- charge of Catholic schools , Monsignor Mary Muo, said the Reverend sisters in the area had been relocated.

Monsignor Muo called for a more serious approach to the problem.

Commissioner for Environment and Urban Development Paul Okorie said

the state needs about N2 billion to control the flood.

Okorie said the state has solicited the assistance of the Federal Government.

He said: “For the state government to control the flood in this area, the state would require about N 2 billion. The amount is above what the state government gets in a month. That is why we have been crying to the Federal Government to do something about the flooding.

“Around August begin last year, the Federal Government advertised for a tender for the channelisation of a section of Iyiokwu and Iyiudele River, but up till now, nothing has happened.

We have been asking questions, but the Federal Ministry of Environment has not given us an answer.”

Okorie said the state would soon begin the demolition of all illegal structures in the area.

Ebonyi PDP won’t recall ex-members

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HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has said it will not bring back its members who defected to other political parties during the last general elections.

The party said reconcilliation came into play in the first term of Governor Martin Elechi’s administration, adding that it can erode the gains of the party and political mindset of its members.

At a news conference in Abakiliki, the Chairman of the party, Ugoji Ama-Oti, said those who defected to other parties were the members who failed in the primaries.

He said the party enjoyed the support of about 95 per cent of the entire population of the state during the last election even as he emphasised that the window of reconciliation would no longer be opened to erring members.

He said: ‘The PDP in the

state is now reformed. We are not concerned about those who left the party. Those who left are people who can no longer cope with the transformation in the party. They are the ones who lost in the last primaries. They are not disciplined. It was in the years gone by that after election you begin to embark on reconciliation. Our members are well over the 95 per cent of the population of the state.

“So, we don’t need them. We don’t want them to come back and pollute the party anymore. So, on the issue of reconciliation, the party will not embark on it again. We encourage them to consolidate in their opposition. The window of reconciliation cannot be opened again for the next four years.

“Those who were appointed worked for the party. Their appointments confirmed that one way or the other they worked for the party. We were sure that they have all it takes to occupy the positions they

•Elechi

now occupy.”

Chairman of the Chapel, Kenneth Ofoma, urged public office holders to engage the media in their day-to-day activities, adding that the chapel was committed towards improving the living standard of the people.

‘I ‘m still in court against Andy Uba’

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HE Director General of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu Campaign Organisation for the April 2011 National Assembly election, Chief Ozoigbo Fabian Ukachukwu, yesterday faulted claims by Senator Andy Uba that issues surrounding the Anambra South Senatorial election had been resolved.

Ukachukwu said his principal has two preelection and post-election cases before a Federal High Court Asaba and the Election Petition Tribunal in Awka.

He said all the cases, bordering on who was duly nominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (CDPD), had not been heard or determined by the courts.

Ukachukwu said: “The main cases have not even been considered by the Federal High Court and the Tribunal. The tissues of lies being dished out to the public over the two cases are the cries of a drowning man who is aware of the fact that the party did not sponsor him for any election whatsoever.

“The matter is very simple and it is ongoing. Our party, the PDP nominated Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as its Senatorial candidate for Anambra South. The PDP stated through its counsel at both the election Tribunal and the Federal High Court that Ukachukwu is its candidate for the April National Assembly election.

“It is sad that we still have in this country an individual that was not sponsored by a political party for an election but is presently sitting in the Senate of the Federal Republic . It is very terrible.

“It is on record that the last meeting of the National Working Committee of the PDP before the closure of nomination by INEC, also adopted the nomination of Ukachukwu as its candidate and sent his name to INEC as the duly nominated candidate.

“The ground of the case at the Federal High Court is that party primary was conducted and Ukachukwu won and his name was submitted to INEC by the party. The question now is, does INEC posses the power to reject the name of a candidate submitted to it by the party?

He said that the name of any candidate was not announced and declared as winner of the April election by INEC after the compilation of election results.

He added that only the name of PDP as a party was announced as winner of the election.

“Our prayers, is that having been sponsored by the PDP as the duly nominated candidate in addition to an earlier court order that also affirmed Ukachukwu as the candidate of the party for the election, we want the court to order INEC to issue Certificate of Return to Ukachukwu.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

8

NEWS

Five prisoners escape in Rivers jail break

Bayelsa gets minimum wage committee

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AYELSA State Governor Timipre Sylva has inaugurated a 10member committee on the implementation of the minimum wage.

Sylva, represented by Deputy Governor Werinipre Seibarugu, said the task before the committee was important not only to the state but also to the Federal Government.

He said the members were chosen based on their competence and experience.

Sylva hailed Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for the manner Labour has conducted itself and for not embarking on strike as witnessed in some states.

The committee Chairman, who is also the Special Adviser to the governor on Labour and Productivity, Jackson Suokiri, said the committee would do a thorough job and conclude its assignment soon.

•Sylva From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

Other members are representative of the Head of Service Bio Ben Basuo; representative of the Commissioner for Budget; representative of the Accountant-General Ebiouwou Koku-Obiyai; Ayibatari Collins Yekorogha, Patrick Weridonghan; Josiah Joy Bio and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment.

•Two arrested •Amaechi urges calm From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Gboh, a convicted kidnapper, and Anthony Akanimo, who is awaiting trial for kidnap, were arrested.

The Prison’s spokesman, Alphious Ottah, confirmed the incident.

It was learnt that the police, operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and other security agencies are on the trail of the prisoners.

Police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam assured that they would soon be arrested and returned to the pris-

on.

Heads of security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, State Security Service (SSS) and JTF visited the prisons and were conducted round.

Ugwuegbulam said: “Order has been restored and patrol sustained. Census and further investigation have commenced.”

Governor Rotimi Amaechi urged residents and visitors to Port Harcourt not to panic as the situation is under control.

In a statement by his spokesman, David Iyofor,

Amaechi said security agents moved in and have been able to restore law, order and security.

“The Police commissioner and the Prison chief have assured me that order has been restored to the prison.

Security agents have further assured me that there is no cause for alarm as they are on top of it and have launched a manhunt for the fleeing prisoners.”

“Although security and the management of prisons are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we will meet with the police and prison authorities to look at what happened and how we can help to forestall a recurrence.”

Fed Govt to provide water for oil spill victims

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HE Federal Government is to provide alternative water supply to victims of oil spillFrom Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo age in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

THE lawmaker representing Director-General of NaUyo Federal constituency in tional Oil Spill Detection the House of Representatives, and Response Agency (NOSEmmanuel Ekpenyong, DRA) Sir Peter Idabor broke yesterday decried the spate of the news at the weekend armed robbery; kidnapping when the Minister of Enviand political assassination in ronment, Mrs. Hadiza Akwa Ibom State.

Mailafia, visited him.

Ekpenyong, an Action He said the Federal GovCongress of Nigeria (ACN) ernment would partner relchieftain, urged Governor evant agencies and the Godswill Akpabio to appeal Cross River State Governto the Federal Government ment to provide accessible for assistance. water supply in the area.

He said: “In the ACN, we He said their water had accept and embrace what is been contaminated with good and criticise what is benzene molecule, which bad. I am not criticising, I just could infect the people with want the government to do cancer. what is right for the people “We will carry out a strucbecause when you govern the tured environmental awarepeople, you give them protec- ness campaign and we will tion and without it, there is also endeavour to shutdown bounds to be problem.”

Lawmaker decries insecurity

IVE inmates of the Port Harcourt Prisons, Rivers State, yesterday escaped after a jail break.

Twenty three others, who attempted to escape, were held inside the prisons.

The break was achieved with the use of iron beds as ladder, to cross into the Bundu and Abuja waterfront.

Sources said the incident took place around 10am. Officials of the Nigeria Prisons Service reported the incident to the police.

It was learnt that the Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Abba, ordered the deployment of his men and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the area.

Two of the escapees, Egbe

•Spillage may cause cancer, says NOSDRA DG Panel to appraise water and sanitation

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HE Federal Government is set to ensure a thorough review of water supply and sanitation by raising a 17-man panel to appraise the report on change agenda.

The Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said the team’s emerging report would guide implementation and effect change in the sector.

She said: “The report would also be a reference work to guide the design of technical assistance, aid coordination in the water sector as well as encourage investment.

“The Constitution accords concurrent status to water supply and sanitation services. The FedFrom Dele Anofi and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

some wells. We will label them and shut them down to prevent people from drinking from them.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

eral Government would play the role of policy development, coordination, standard setting and monitoring as well as providing common frameworks within which state legislation could be derived.

“One of the terms of reference was to ascertain the extent to which states and the Federal Capital Territory have put in place the enabling environment needed to meet water supply and sanitation targets through assessment of the sector institutions, structures and financial provisions required for improved access and sustainable service delivery.”

“We will see how we can coordinate with the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and some relevant agencies, including Rivers State Government to provide alternative sources of drinking water for the people in that area.

“We have examined the report submitted by the United Nations Environ-

ment Programme (UNEP). It revealed that the clay layer in the soil horizon is discontinuous.

“It is suppose to hold back the oil because it is resistant but since we have discontinuous entities of clay, the oil was able to penetrate up to six meters in depth to the ground water. These compromise the drinking

water and ground water.

“They actually found molecules like benzene, which is a cancer causing element. It is present in drinking water in some parts of the Ogoni area.”

He added that Ogoni would be a template for the cleaning exercise after which it would be extended to other parts of the region.

Explaining why UNEP conducted the assessment, he said it was to create transparency because it is an international issue.

In her remarks, the minister said it was time for the government to work, stressing that such responsibility is expected to be carried out by the agency.

While stating that every activity is tagged with a timeframe, she said laxities and excuses would not be permitted in her administration.

She said Nigerians are tired of waiting. Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia advised the agency to act, instead of making promises.

Battle in Edo as Labour refuses to suspend strike

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ABOUR has rejected the government of Edo State’s plea to stop its strike today.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) have vowed to continue the action setting the stage for a clash.

Last Friday, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: “If the strike is what you want, everybody will count the cost. I assure you that. I am already counting my cost. From Monday, you will begin to count your cost. You call it battle field; we shall meet at the battle field.

“By today, if the workers have not resumed work, I will begin to implement the counter actions I have.

“I have not called you to beg, I am saying that the strike is ill conceived and therefore should be called off and if you don’t by today, I will begin to carry out my actions.”

But a statement by NLC, TUC and JNC Chairmen Emma Ademokun; Joe Aligbe and Shaka Otoide called on citizens to prevail on the governor to listen to and

•NUJ faults action From Osagie Otabor, Benin

meet their demands.

The statement urged the striking workers “to ignore any form of threat, intimidation, propaganda and illmotivated statements against Organised Labour as we remain resolute to be apolitical but steadfast in achieving our demands for workers.”

Clarifying the issues it raised on the reasons for embarking on the strike, the labour leaders said the government cannot run away from salary relativity and that it must be addressed.

It said the government decided to blackmail Organised Labour when it demanded explanation on the method of tax deduction from workers’ salary.

The statement further stated that government must comply with the law by remitting 10 per cent of its monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to local governments before disbursement.

It said: “This has not been done till date and Organised Labour is asking govern-

ment to comply with the law.

Is this why we have been called rascals?

“We wish to inform workers and the public that Organised Labour is aware of the deliberate falsehood and campaign of calumny which the government has embarked on in a bid to gain public sympathy.”

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has faulted the strike.

It said it is surprised that two weeks after signing an agreement, Labour went on strike.

National Vice Chairman, Zone F Pius Ede said this when the zone‘s leaders, comprising Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom visited the governor in Benin.

He said: “We are surprised that just two weeks after an agreement was signed, labour went on strike. It is not only that an agreement was reached, but workers have confirmed that they have received the new minimum wage and their arrears for June.

“The government deserves to be commended for being the first to implement the new minimum wage.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

9

NEWS Ohanaeze Ndigbo inaugurates Kano chapter

‘Saraki’s stay in Govt House is politics of impunity’ T •Govt: ACN needs update HE Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described the continued stay in the Government House (Presidential Lodge) by Senator Bukola Saraki as politics of impunity.

The party noted that the senator representing Kwara Central, “is simply telling Nigerians and indeed Kwarans: ‘I can do whatever I like and I don’t care what anybody thinks.’ That is the politics of impunity we are trying to stamp out of Kwara State.”

In a statement by its Chairman, Kayode Olawepo, the ACN said: “Despite the gale of denials and contradictory statements of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government and Bukola, the former governor was again at the Presidential Lodge throughout the weekend, where he treated his PDP supporters to vainglorious merriment.

“This bizarre habit underscores the contempt with which the former governor

From Adekunle Jimoh Ilorin

holds our people.

“It is noteworthy that while this unlawful occupation of the Government House and the attendant cost to Kwara tax payers continues, the PDP government has strangely kept sealed lips on the plight of Kwara pensioners who, in spite of a court compelling the government to pay their arrears, are still being denied their lawful and legitimate right.

“While felicitating with Muslims all over the world on Ramadan, we urge all our compatriots in Kwara, especially our Muslim brothers who are fasting, to use this special month to pray for positive change in our dear state.”

But the government said the ACN needed to be updated on the issues happening in the

state. It defended Saraki and spoke on the payment of pensions, among others.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, the government said: “Since 2003, when Saraki became the governor, Kwara State remains one of the few states, if not the only state, where workers retire with immediate payment of their benefits.

“Since 2003, a monthly allocation of more than N100million has been earmarked for monthly gratuity of pensioners, a tradition diligently adhered to by the current administration.

“The case in question is still before the Supreme Court.

Therefore, the issue of ‘compelling government to pay their arrears’, as insinuated by the ACN, is misleading.

The issue before the Supreme

Court emanated from accumulated pension arrears from previous governments before the immediate past administration of Saraki, which he, recognising that governance is a continuum, agreed to pay at negotiated terms with the pensioners.

“After government honoured the agreement, as endorsed by the pensioners, a splinter group of pensioners took the government to court, after they had collected their entitlements. However, as a responsible government that respects the rule of law, as soon as the Supreme Court disposes of the case before it, government shall abide by the rulings.

“The welfare of the citizens, including the legitimate entitlements of the workforce, shall continue to be the centrepiece of the administration.

No amount of propaganda shall distract government from meeting its obligations to the people.

“The ACN is, for the umpteenth time, advised to update

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•Saraki

itself with the developmental strides of the current administration rather than ride on the unprofitable route of calumny, deceit and propaganda.”

Fresh elections in five Sokoto wards

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HERE were a fresh elections at the weekend into five councillorship seats in Sokoto State.

The state Independent Electoral Commission (SSIEC) conducted the election, which recorded a large turnout of voters.

The fresh election fol-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

lowed the cancellation of the poll in the affected wards election on July 23 due to violence and electoral malpractices.

The wards are: Kambama, Tozai, Kamarawa, Tsitse and Kalanjeni which cut across four local government coun-

Falsehood won’t deter me, says Suswam From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam has said no amount of falsehood would distract him from providing infrastructure to the residents.

He spoke at the funeral of the late Madam Victoria Atorough at Agbeede, Konshisha Local Government.

The governor condemned the rumours of his arrest, saying this would not deter him from completing the rehabilitation of Makurdi streets.

He announced the construction of classroom blocks in primary schools near the deceased’s home to fulfil the request she made before her death.

Suswam said the road being built in the area would be completed soon, promising to provide electricity for the community.

He said the alleged falsehood against him would be defeated at the tribunal.

The governor said there must a winner in every election, adding that he won the last governorship contest.

Suswam urged the residents to disregard those he alleged were out to deceive them.

The governor urged the residents to cooperate with his administration to deliver democracy dividends.

Benue tribunal set to deliver first judgment

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HE Benue State National/State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal will soon deliver its first judgment.

It is in the case between Comrade Daniel Onjeh of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Hassan Saleh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Onjeh is contesting the election of Saleh as member of the House of Representatives for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

He alleged that Saleh was not the PDP candidate for the election.

At the resumed hearing of the case in Makurdi at the

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

weekend, the tribunal adopted the final written addresses of the counsel, but gave no date for judgment.

The tribunal said the date would be communicated to the petitioner, the respondent and their counsel.

Addressing reporters at the court, a student leader, John Oga, hailed the tribunal for its speed.

He said students and youths were eager to know the judgment because the petitioner is a former president of NANS and West African Students’ Union (WASE).

cils of Shagari, Isa, Gada and Tangaza.

Accreditation and voting began at 10am. Security agents kept watch over the election materials.

At Basharu Primary School’s Polling Unit 01, accreditation and voting were carried out simultaneously to reduce stress because of the Ramadan fast.

The Presiding Officer, Garba Umaru, told The Nation that the poll was with the consent of party agents.

The wards are in four local governments of Shagari, Isa, Gada and Tangaza.

It was gathered that the

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, Bello Umar, withdrew at the last minute for the PDP candidate.

Commissioner for Health and PDP agent in Tangaza, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, and the council chairman, Alhaji Muhmaad Sabiu, described the election as free and fair.

They praised the SIEC for the prompt arrival of election materials and the security arrangement.

Sidi, who is also an opposition election monitoring official of the Conference of National Political Parties (CNPP), expressed satisfaction

with the conduct.

“All arrangements, including that of security by the SIEC, are commendable,” he said.

According to him, whoever wins will get the other parties’ support to ensure peace and stability of democracy.

Sidi said: “We in the opposition have been following the process and arrangements for the conduct of the poll and have led to commend both journalists and security agents for their job towards the success of the exercise conducted under free and fair space.”

Counting had begun in some polling units.

THE pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at the weekend inaugurated its Kano chapter, with a pledge to foster unity among the ethnic nationalities within and outside Nigeria.

The 23-member chapter has Chief Tobias Idika as its Chairman, and Ikenna C. Ekpunobi its Secretary.

Others are: Chief Friday Onele, (Treasurer); Nze Emeka Nnaji, (Organising Secretary); Comrade Jerry Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, (Public Relations Officer); and Chief Reginald Ozoemena, (Legal Adviser).

Idika told reporters after its maiden meeting that Igbo-speaking people would be united in Kano.

He said the pivot of the meeting was the proclamation of Igbo unity under Ohanaeze Ndigbo through its Kano State chapter.

Idika said the highest policy making body is the Imeobi (Inner Caucus), which will be serviced by the Executive Committee, adding that the membership of the chapter consists of five Igbo-speaking states and Igbo indigenous communities in Rivers, Cross River and Delta states.

The Eze Ndigbo in Kano, Igwe John C. Nnaji said the formation of the Kano chapter was timely.

He urged the Igbo to resolve their differences and unite under one umbrella.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

10

RAMADAN NEWS

ACN leader, Fashola, Aregbesola eulogise K.O Tinubu at lecture •Governor seeks Lagosians’ support

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AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), his Osun counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late retired police chief and former President, Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu.

The trio during a Memorial Ramadan Lecture in honour of the late Tinubu held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja described the deceased as a great philanthropist.

Fashola recalled how the deceased whom he worked with, encouraged him to join public service.

“You have done well in the private sector. It is high time you move into the public service and contribute your quota towards the development of the country,” Fashola quoted the late Kafaru Tinubu as telling him prior to his joining government.

“You can all see what I have been able to do since I joined the government under the leadership of our Jagaban Borgu, Asiwaju Tinubu. I make bold to say that he made me to be gover-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

nor,” he said.

Aregbesola, who chaired the occasion, described the late police chief as a leader who devoted his time and effort to the development of others.

He urged the audience to emulate the virtues of the late Tinubu dedicated his life to serve humanity.

The governor urged Muslims to be tolerant and shun acts capable of causing violence in the society.

This attitude of non violence, Aregbesola said, will cement the message of Prophet Muhammed on Islam as religion of peace.

Asiwaju Tinubu said his late elder brother lived and died for the Islamic course and upliftment of humanity.

He described him as a good family man and charitable lawyer who held religious tenaciously.

“He never asked for anything for himself except for various people. Even while on his sick bed, he beckoned on me to do things for the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fashola at another event solicited support from all Lagos residents to enable his administration continue the work

•From left: Fashola, Aregbesola; Asiwaju Tinubu and widow of the deceased, Alhaja Bintu-Fatima

of transformation which it began in the last dispensation.

Speaking at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) venue of the Ramadan Lectures of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, said in order to continue to improve drainage, housing, security, law and order and quality of education, among others, the support of the people was needed by way of paying their taxes and fulfilling other obligations within the terms of the 'social contract'.

"We have the formula, work plan, energy, cabinet, lawmakers, judiciary, all ready to serve you", he said.

The governor told Muslim faithful: "Improved drainage, housing, security law and order, quality Education and others require not just human effort and intelligence which we offer; in energy you will not find us wanting, but we also require money. This is why we require your cooperation to pay your taxes and give to us the tool to do the work that you sent us.

"The few of us you elected did not elect ourselves.

It took 1.5 million votes to put us there. If that is the minimum we get to tackle these problems; if all the 1.5 million voters or indeed the six million registered voters, or better still the 18 million residents of Lagos become our ambassadors

over these problems, I am sure that in the shortest possible time, not only will we overcome them, they will become history in our state and in our nation."

The aforementioned aspirations, he noted, would remain only dreams without the support of the people.

"I have the belief that if you come with us in this journey that we intend to address the burning issues such as to improve the quality of education, improve quality of our inner city roads, deliver social housing that is affordable and payable through mortgages, improve the quality of our drainages, we will record outstanding success," he added.

Speaking on the drainage network, Fashola paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers and subsequent administrations in the state since 1967 for their efforts in terms of drainages, saying;

"but for the work they have done and which we are improving upon, we would have been totally submerged by the flood of July 10, 2011.

"What is happening across the world today is not going to spare Nigeria. You have noticed the unusual weather patterns, and you have seen what is happening in Korea, in China and other parts of the world.

“We need to continue to improve on the drainage. We need to improve our level of security and law and order and it cannot be done by these people in government alone. It requires a community of action by all of you", the governor said.

On the need for peace and security in the country, Fashola said the opportunities for prosperity for Nigeria could not be brighter at this time when investors are looking for places of comfort and high returns.

Nigeria yet to set priority right, says don

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FORMER Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Nurudeen Alao has said that the Nigerian government has not set its priority right on education.

Prof Alao stated this at an interactive session with members of the Lagos Sate chapter of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) at the UNILAG, Akoka. ‘’It is unfortunate that the country has not set its priority right. No proper investment in education,’’ he said.

By Amidu Arije

He said that despite its importance and benefits on the society, education has received little or no attention from the government.

He chided government for the failure to accord teachers in the country their dues. ‘’It is only when teachers are respected and honoured that education thrives; a teacher is extremely important in our education. Without good teachers, we are nowhere,’’ he

said.

Prof Alao urged youths to live by the teachings of the Quran.

He said: ‘’The best way to receive Allah’s guidance is to be close to His book, the Quran and teachings of the Prophet.”

“Be Muslims, think Islam and act Islam. ‘’Piety in Allah gives you knowledge and makes you have the most excellent relationship with Him. He also urged them to set their priority right in their studies.

‘Islamic banking is Allah’s command’

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IGERIAN Muslims have been called upon to give Islamic banking all the needed support because it is the command of Almighty Allah.

This call was made by the Chairman, Joint Technical Committee, Lagos State Muslim Council (LSMC), Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi during the 2011 Ramadan lecture organized by LSMC. Speaking on the topic; “Islam and Contemporary Challenges”, Prof. Gbadamosi said that as five daily prayers, Hajj and fasting in this month are commands of Allah, so also is the issue of Islamic banking.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Quoting copiously from the Quran, the scholar reminded Muslims of Allah’s command that interest is forbidden and that those who are still charging and taking interest should be prepared for Allah’s wrath.

“Islam is a perfect, complete, comprehensive and divinely-chosen religion which is all-inclusive of the past, addresses the present and gives guidance about the future. It is for all people at all time and as Muslims, we are expected to submit ourselves wholly to Allah’s command,” he said.

Islam, he said, will always

face challenges as it was done in the past because those whose past time is falsehood will not yield to truth easily.

He urged parents to give greater attention to quality education.

“Let us encourage our children not to stop academics at first degrees programme. All Islamic organisations should have long term plans aimed at encouraging quality education. In addition, there is no synergy between knowledge and good character among our children. Let us embark on integrating knowledge with good character and moral upbringing,” he said.

11

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

NLC staff reject sack From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE three members of staff who the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) sacked in its recent reorganisation have rejected it.

According to them in three separate letters addressed to the President of Congress, Abdulwahed Omar, released to newsmen in Abuja at the weekend, their removal did not adhere to the laid down rules and regulations guiding disengagement of staff.

The three members of staff are Iduh Lawrence Onah, Esther Ogunfowora and Yemisi Ilesanmi.They faulted their sack, saying they did not commit any known offence.

Onah, however, specifically noted that for a labour centre that has championed the cause of workers’welfare in the country for many decades, it is abnormal for the same organisation to treat its workers with scorn and negate fundamental human right. ”I wish to express my shock on receiving the letter on June 21, 2011 when I resumed from my annual leave. It is more painful because you decided to terminate my appointment under the guise of a so-called reorganisation and not on the commitment of any misdemeanor by me. For an organisation whose prime objective is the protection of the rights and welfare of workers against arbitrary treatment, this decision, Comrade President, is not acceptable to me especially in the context of my very fruitful record of service since I joined Congress almost two years ago,” he said.

Onah regretted that the Congress has turned out to be doing to its workers’, what it is known to have fought against over the years. He urged Omar to desist from any act that could be seen to upstage all that Congress represents in the eyes of the Nigerians.

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

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

Despite the gains that have been recorded in the past decade in government procurement processes to kick out corruption, much work still lay ahead given the huge challenge posed by corrupt politicians, who came to power through dubious means and private interest who try to influence contracts in their favour without merit.

-Emeka Ezeh, DG of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

Indicators paint bleak future, says Rewane T A

Odu’a appoints chairman From Oseheye Okwuofu,

HE Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismark Rewane, has said social indicators paint a bleak picture of the average Nigerian.

He said consumption level has dropped significantly in recent times, citing few examples.

He said milk consumption (litres per person) in 2010 was 8.5 compared to 48.8 in the Middle East and Africa. Meat consumption, kilogramme per person in 2010, was 9.6 compared to 24.9 in the Middle East and Africa.

Speaking during the Lagos Business School August Breakfast session, he said the growth in national income is being negated by increasing income inequality. He said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.64 per cent in the first quarter 2011 compared to 7.36 per cent within the same period of last

By Collins Nweze

year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report.

He stated that the non-oil sector continued to be the major driver of GDP growth, recording 8.65 per cent growth rate in the first quarter of 2011, adding that there is evidence that over 90 per cent of the recurrent budget has been spent in July.

Rewane said the capital expenditure is still below 40 per cent and that a supplementary budget is, therefore, inevitable this month.

He disclosed that Nigeria is not taking full advantage of the commodity boom as its non-oil exports are still less than five per cent of total ex-

ports.

Rewane, cautioned that the global sovereign debt risk poses a challenge to the international fund raising even as unemployment suppresses Diaspora flows at a time of relaxed capital restrictions. He revealed that Nigerian banks are expected to face stronger scrutiny from regulators in line with global practice as fragility of the global economy will reduce foreign capital inflows to the country.

The Nigerian economy and business environment, he added, will struggle to recover from policy shocks for the rest of the third quarter.

Rewane advised policy makers to focus on institutional

strengthening.

“Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the economic team will have to devote their attention to building formidable institutions,” he said.

He also added that reforms are out at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as some key management staff are fired over marginal improvement in power generation in July.

Rewane said that African average consumer price inflation has been increasing for the better part of 2011 but recently declined sharply.

He explained that these and other factors including the difference between the official and parallel market could have influenced the thinking of policy makers at the Monetary Policy Committee for increasing the rate by 75 basis points.

Ibadan

FORMER Secretary to the Oyo State Govern ment, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has been appointed the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.

Alli, a lawyer, according to the letter of appointment signed by Adebayo Jimoh, the Group Managing Director of the conglomerate owned by the five states of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States, will be representing Oyo State as Chairman and Director of the company.

The Odu’a GMD’s letter dated August 4, 2011 stated that he (Alli) will complete the four-year term of the state as chairman on October 31, 2013 hitherto occupied Senator Brimmo Yemi Yusuf which started on November 1, 2009.

Consequently, after October 2013, Alli shall continue as a non-executive director till May 29, 2015 subject to any review that the shareholders may decide, and which will be communicated to him, the statement added.

The new chairman of Odu’a attended the Premier University of Ibadan between 1983 and1986 graduating with LL.B (Honours) in Law. He was at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island Lagos where he obtained Bachelor in Law (BL) in 1986-1987 and was called to the bar in 1987.

Okonjo-Iweala assures of investments security From: Dele Anofi, Abuja • From left: Dr. Nwolu, presenting the agreement to Mr Osunsanya, at the handing over. With them is Legal Adviser to Oando Gas and Power, Mr Henry Sanyaolu.

Rivers, Oando seal deal on gas distribution to industries

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ANDO Gas and Power Plc, a subsidiary of Oando Group, has signed an agreement with the Rivers State Government to assume operation and expansion of the state’s existing gas infrastructure in the greater Port Harcourt industrial areas.

The company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Meka Olowola, said the agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas and Power, Mr Bolaji Osunsanya and the Permanent

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. George Nwolu, at an official handing over event organised by the Ministry in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last week.

This agreement followed the company’s successful participation in a tender process by the state government to actualise its gas master plan. The objective was to find a qualified private sector partner to

operate, rehabilitate and expand the state’s gas distribution grid for the purpose of utilising gas as catalyst for industrial development in the state.

Under the concession agreement, Oando will rehabilitate and operate the existing natural gas infrastructure at Trans-Amadi and expand the network to Choba, Airport, New UST area of Greater Port Harcourt City, Abuloma, Heliconia Park, Reclamation Road and other adjoining areas. The existing gas

pipeline has a throughput of about 40 million standard cubic metres per annum (MMscm/annum), which currently serves industries in Trans- Amadi including Nigerian Bottling Company, First Aluminum Company and Stallion Foods.

The project, which will deliver gas as a cheaper and environmentally-friendlier energy source to users, is expected to catalyse rapid industrial development and enhance the state’s economy.

NNPC, Capital Oil extend kerosine scheme to three states

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corpora tion (NNPC) Retail Limited and Capital Oil and Gas Industries at the weekend took a major step in the drive to ensure effective penetration of kerosine distribution across the country, with the launch of the Kero Direct Initiative in Kaduna,

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Anambra and Imo states.

The scheme, which entails the direct sale of kerosine to consumers at the rate of N50 per litre via deployment of ultra-modern mobile dispensing trucks, is designed to tackle the incidence of artificially induced challenges

in the distribution of the product to most households across the country.

The corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, said under the arrangement, NNPC Retail will provide the product, while Capital Oil will in turn deploy the mobile dispens-

ing trucks.

In Kaduna the convoy of kerosine trucks were literally on parade in a field at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy where the scheme was launched to the delight of thousands of civilians and military personnel who constitute the population of the massive NDA community.

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INISTER of Fi nance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has assured foreign investors of security of their investments.

The assurances came when she met top United States’ investors during her consultations abroad.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, who has been meeting with top US investors, preparatory to her assumption of office, emphasised that better budgetary process would be part of her priorities.

The meetings in New York and Washington DC centred on exploring opportunities in various sectors of the nation’s economy on financing important projects in the country.

Among the financial and investment heavyweights she met are George Soros, as well as the chief executives of Citigroup, Vikram Pandit and JP Morgan Chase, Jamie Dimon.

According to a source at the meeting, the discussions were both “positive and promising.” The investors are clearly interested in Nigeria and would invest under the right conditions and environment, said the source.

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ISSUES

•Olorunsogo power plant, the only NIPP station working

Surprisingly, the Minister of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji effected a major shake-up at the Power Holding Company (PHCN), retiring the chief executives of four of the 11 distribution companies in the country. Although the action has sent a signal that the minister means business, the question is: can it achieve the desired stable electricity supply from the beleaguered power sector? EMEKA UGWUANYI Assistant Editor (Energy) examines the situation and other issues in the sector.

Will shake up in PHCN improve L power supply?

AST WEEK, the Minister of Power Prof. Barth Nnaji carried out a major shake up in the management of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by axing the chief executive officers of four electricity distribution companies.

The affected chief executives were those of Eko, Ibadan, Benin and Jos Electricity Dis-

tribution Companies. This is coming barely a month after the minister took over.

Since the action, which is referred to in the PHCN community as a tsunami, took place, the

utility company has not been the same. Investigation shows that the operators of the sector are gripped by fear as nobody knows on whom the hammer will fall next. The unaffected helmsmen

are so scared that they are now reviewing their performance scorecards with their management members to identify areas to focus attention on.

The minister, speaking on

phone on the government’s next line of action to stabilise power supply, said the changes were not punitive, but aimed at ensuring that the government meets its aspirations in the sector. He said Nigerians need electricity and this government being performance-driven and

•Continued on page 14

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ISSUES

Will shake up in PHCN improve power supply?

•Continued from page 13 is expected to be committed to achieving that goal.

Nnaji said: “Our goal is to see performance and if someone is not performing, we have to do something. The intention is not to remove people. What we want is performance. Government wants to provide power for the people; the industrial sector and the entire economy.

“I cannot guarantee that more people will not be removed because that is not the intention. We have to improve substantially in our generation, distribution and transmission and the entire value chain as well as service delivery and these would be accomplished by the various personnel in these sections. We want to see performance.”

Before the changes were effected, the minister met with top level managers in generation, distribution and transmission companies, where he made it clear it that those who fail to perform and consistently miss their service level agreement targets would be replaced.

Nnaji told the officials that the government expected them to live up to expectation, adding that the government needed to see actual performance in terms of network operations and revenue collection.

Some top officials of PHCN and the Ministry of Power, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence on the changes by the minister, said: “If we were in the minister’s shoes, we would have done the same thing. The overhaul is long overdue. His action will make others to sit up and know it is no more business as usual. When some of our colleagues get to the top, they forget they owe the public a duty and explanation for their stewardship.

“The Minister’s action is a wake up call for everyone. Besides, this is not the first time such changes are taking place in the PHCN. In October 2008, 14 top officials of PHCN including chief executive officers and directors were sacked in one fell swoop. Therefore, such changes are not new in PHCN,” they said.

However, the problems of the power sector are not restricted to the PHCN alone. In fact, the PHCN problems constitute just 40 per cent of the entire problem. Where the minister’s major battle wil be fought, is the Ministry of Power.

Investigation reveals a high level of politics in the ministry between ministry officials and the minister’s aides. It was gathered that the ministry officials do not share the minister’s vision for the sector.

It is, therefore, imperative for a minister to address undue bureaucracy that burdens the power. The minister must make efforts to address this if he must leave a legacy behind.

It’s good that he (minister) headed the Presidential Task force on Power Sector Reform as enshrined in the presidential roadmap for power sector reform, which was launched last year.

From statistics available, all the targets set in the roadmap have been missed. For instance, some milestones set to be achieved in the roadmap, which include increasing generation to 40,000MW by 2020; shifting responsibility for the operational effectiveness of the distribution companies from the government to the private sector by this year, increasing the monthly revenue collection of the sector to about N17.6 billion from the average monthly revenue collection of N10 billion; increasing the average number of hours of electricity supplied to consumers by at least 10 per cent by April 2011, increasing daily generation from 4,612MW to 7,033MW by April and 9,767MW by December this year, which will come from PHCN and National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) assets.

The roadmap says between April 2011 and December 2013, power generation from NIPP plants will increase from 1,266MW to 4,775MW while generation from IPPs is targeted to be increased from 1,500MW to nearly 5,000MW by December 2013. But instead of increasing, gen-

•Prof Nnaji, Minister of Power

•Adekunle Makinde, Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

‘It said Nigeria’s aim to become an industrialised nation would remain a mirage until it fixes its power problem, and the minimum per capita power consumption per person should be at least 500w. To actualise Vision 20: 2020, Nigeria needs power generation of 75,000 megawatts (MW)’ eration seems to be decreasing.

For instance, in February this year, Vice- President Namadi Sambo expressed delight that the country achieved 4,000MWs generation, which was also the same target celebrated in the first tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

President Obasanjo had during his first tenure in office (1999-2003) placed priority on improving power supply.

Obasanjo inaugurated a technical board, which was given a target of 4,000MWs. Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, was appointed to head the technical board between 2000 and 2001 and by the end of 2001, the board announced it had achieved the target and the country celebrated the generation of its first-ever 4000MW. A few months later, generation dropped below 3000MW. These issues should be of concern to the minister and should see the need to explore how to tackle the fluctuations in power despite the huge sums ofsmoney pumped into the sector.

The same bureaucracy in public sector control has kept the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) where they are today.

The source said no project can be executed by the management of NIPP without the approval of the board and in the past one year, the board has not met, stalling activities of the NIPP. The source said: “You may be aware that it is the Vice President’s office that oversees the activities of the NIPP and the ongoing power sector reform embarked upon by the government. But I can tell you that in spite of the widely publicised roadmap on power sector reform launched by the President last year,

nothing has been done to move the NIPP projects forward.

“The NIPP management cannot embark on any project without the approval of the board, chaired by the Vice-President and - as I speak July has gone.

“First-half is gone and a government that professes to be committed to improving its almost moribund power sector has not taken single decision on how to bring on stream some of the plants and still hopes to generate 4,775MW from the project by the end of 2013, about two years away.

“By April 2011 and December 2013, power generation from NIPP plants is targeted to increase from 1,266MW to 4,775MW. As I told you, the only NIPP working is Olorunsogo and it can only generate 116.5MW at peak.

“The board that oversees the activities of NIPP, which the Vice-President chairs, was supposed to have its first meeting for the year in February, but the meeting was cancelled because of the elections and was rescheduled for April, which was also cancelled because of elections. The third one was meant to hold in June and it was also postponed indefinitely.

“The implication is that the NIPP workforce has been almost idle or well underutilised in the past seven months with all anticipatory approvals and memos unattended to because of undue bureaucracy.”

The need for increased power generation and supply will continue because the population continues to grow and the standard of living also continues to improve.

The Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) lamented the poor electricity generation and supply in the country, which it puts at per capita of 22.74 watts. The Institution said Nigeri-

ans are more deprived of electricity than any other people in the world. “Nigeria’s over 150 million people are the most deprived of electricity. With just over 3,600 megawatts of available power generation, the country is one of the least served in the world with per capita of electricity generation at 22.74w per person, compared to South Africa’s 890w,” the group said.

It said Nigeria’s aim to become an industrialised nation would remain a mirage until it fixes its power problem, and the minimum per capita power consumption per person should be at least 500w.

To actualise Vision 20: 2020, Nigeria needs power generation of 75,000 megawatts (MW).

The engineers attributed the inability of the power sector to function to the choice of non-professionals as ministers of power.

They said the government has politicised the power sector and if the government doesn’t take a drastic action on the power problem, it would be difficult to attain its industrial aspiration and achievement of Vision 20:2020.

The group said government has no strategic plan to improve the current situation, noting that the power industry is not properly funded. The Vice-chairman of NIEEE, Mr. Adekunle Makinde, said over the years those appointed as ministers of power are not power engineering professionals. It requested that the ministry of power should be created as a full-fledged ministry with a substantive minister empowered to resuscitate the dilapidated electric power sector. They said a seasoned electrical engineer who has an in-depth understanding of the entire sector from generation to distribution, even maintenance, should be appointed as Minister of Power. They said the office of the President is so demanding and to combine it with that of the Ministry of Power will make the ministry suffer.

President Goodluck Jonathan has acceded to their request by appointing a seasoned technocrat as Minister of Power, and the ball is fully in the court of Nnaji.

The Business Monitor International (BMI), in its recent publication said Nigeria’s power consumption is expected to increase from an estimated 19.7 terrawatts/hour (TW/h), recorded last year to 44.6 TWh by the end of this year, based on a projected 7.7 per cent average yearly growth. The group estimated that only about 40 per cent of Nigerians have access to electricity.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Mubarak on Trial

Debtors list again!

•If banks must publish this, it must include details of approving officers, etc.

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ANK debtors may once again have their names published in the national dailies, with the amounts they owe, going by reports that one of the banks has threatened to do just that. Given our experience, this may generate uproar and disputations, but the measure is part of the fallout of the policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), especially since Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi took over as its governor.

Since the 2009 epochal sack of five banks’ chief executive officers, ‘the fear of the apex bank’s policy directives has remained the beginning of wisdom’ in the banking sub-sector of the domestic economy. Although, this is a total reversal of what held sway in the pre-Sanusi era, (when the banks chiefs enjoyed the influence and privileges of finance gurus who could do no wrong), the present over-regulated, micro-managed banks, however, may not be the best for the Ni-

‘The truth is, a huge percentage of the total money lost to bad credit initiatives falls under the category of loans other than the margin loans and should therefore not become a blanket excuse for failed credit advances exposure. But, if the banks must publish the list of their debtors, they must move a step further by including ... approving manager, or management board of the bank, etc’.

gerian banking system, after all.

Already, three of the banks, Bank PHB, Afribank and Springbank have been taken over by the government, about two months to the September 30 deadline given to the ailing banks to recapitalise, for allegedly not showing enough commitment to the recapitalisation drive.

Oceanic Bank International Plc and three other banks - Intercontinental Bank, Union Bank and Finbank, which would have suffered the same fate as the three banks that were taken over escaped because they had signed Transaction Implementation Agreements (TIAs) with stronger banks.

As a matter of fact, it was in furtherance of the TIA allegedly, that Oceanic Bank decided to publish the names of sundry debtors in the bank’s books. Specifically, accounts classified as bad and or non-performing loans would make the list and it might entail the unpleasant disclosure of details about loans secured by individuals and corporate entities behind closed doors of banks and boardrooms with utmost confidentiality.

Oceanic Bank believes that this will ultimately lead to a significant recovery of its credit advances exposure. But this may not necessarily be so. For instance, the apex bank once deployed the same method (on behalf of all banks) resulting rather in public emotional outburst, disputations over loan figures between bankers and their customers, and in the end, there was little to show for it.

0ceanic Bank must be mindful of the

shortcomings of the arrangement. Indeed, recovery probability must be based on the ability of an average debtor to pay, either through pledged securities or other convertible assets. And this should be the watchword for any other bank that might want to use this method to recover its debt.

The truth is, a huge percentage of the total money lost to bad credit initiatives falls under the category of loans other than the margin loans and should therefore not become a blanket excuse for failed credit advances exposure. But, if the banks must publish the list of their debtors, they must move a step further by including details of loans’ handling officers, purpose for which the loans were sought, securities pledged (if any), who perfected the offered securities, approving manager, or management board of the bank, etc.

Through these, the loans become traceable and this will help to expose customers who borrowed and used the funds for other things - largely unproductive things - and others who borrowed from Bank A only to turn around and offset debt in Bank B with the loan, or borrowed huge sums of money to buy up significant stocks of a specific bank only to become one of its directors or board members.

In addition, insider abuses i.e. the percentage of the loan figure that went into servicing corruption in loan administration should also be exposed. This is the way to travel if the banks must publish the debtors’ lists. There must be full disclosure of who did what.

Controversial panel •Only an independent inquiry can resolve Katsina-Alu/Salami impasse HE Nigerian judiciary seems set to refresh controversies over the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius KatsinaAlu, in the arrested judgment of the appeal tribunal in the Sokoto State governorship election petition; involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). After what looked like a contrived clearance, considering the issues in the public domain, the National Judicial Council (NJC) appears set to reignite the fire, with the setting up of another panel headed by Justice Ibrahim Auta of the Federal High Court, to review the findings of a panel headed by retired Justice Abdullahi of the Court of Appeal.

Interestingly some lawyers have threatened to approach the courts, to stop what they consider an aberration.

At the height of the melodrama, the Court of Appeal was forced to abandon a matter over which a judgment date had been set down. The tension further heightened when the Chief Justice of Nigeria attempted to conscript the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami to the Supreme Court, and the appeal Justice wrote a damning petition to the council. To sterilise the muddled pond, the NJC and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) each set up a panel to review the issues at stake. Recently,

T

the panels made their recommendations, substantially exculpating the two judicial officers from blames.

It is the findings of the NJC panel that a Judge of Federal High Court has been appointed to review and make specific recommendations on.

This aberration, many Nigerians believe, is yet another attempt to get at the President of the Court of Appeal, unless the lawyers are able to carry out their threat to get a court order to stop the move. We had argued when the scandal broke out that a thorough investigation by an independent body should be done, so that any person found culpable would be adequately punished.

For reasons which may not be far from group interest, the NJC panel refused to indict any of the Justices; it rather made a push for the parties to bury the hatchet. Now, those who had wanted the scalp of the President of the Court of Appeal seem set to raise the ghost of the multiple controversies, through what many have interpreted as a dubious panel. Some have also argued that the panel is a waste of effort as the junior panel is incapable of the new review. Added to the mix of course is the threat by the lawyers to sue the council, which could lead to a fair review of the clearly unauthorised intervention of the CJN in a matter the constitution

is clear about.

While the nation awaits the panel’s best effort, unless it is stopped by the lawyers, we again remind the judiciary that it must always act in the best interest of the nation. When a clear breach of the laws of the land has taken place, the common man expects that those responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Where the reaction of the rule of law is allowed to be infected by otherwise extraneous interests, the society loses confidence in the maxim that’the law is no respecter of persons’. In the Sokoto case, we still believe the country would be better served by an independent inquiry into the matter.

‘It is the findings of the NJC panel that a Judge of Federal High Court has been appointed to review and make specific recommendations on. This aberration, many Nigerians believe, is yet another attempt to get at the President of the Court of Appeal, unless the lawyers are able to carry out their threat to get a court order to stop the move’

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HE indictment of the former Egyptian dictator is justified. But the process must be observed, lest the impulse for reform in the region be

betrayed Justice, according to Disraeli, is truth in action. But because truth is disputed, justice is also the most divisive of human virtues. The trial of Hosini Mubarak, the deposed President, for murder and corruption thus tests the juridical system of the new Egypt. If the proceedings in Cairo fail to conspicuously observe due process, the verdict may widen fissures in Egyptian society and destabilise the institutions ofthe State.

The movement for reform in the Arab world gains impetus from the presence of a vanquished autocrat in the courtroom, but there is a dispiriting precedent.

The trial of the former Presdient Ben Ali in Tunisia in June dispensed a heavy prison sentence with a minimum of deliberation: the verdict was delivered after only six hours. Opponents as well as supporters of the old regime justifiably dismissed the proceedings as a charade. Mr. Mubarak’s trial should, by contrast, exemplify the rule of law rather than summary judgment in the guise of legality.

The charges against Mr Mubarak form a catalogue ofviolence and cupidity. Mr Mubarak stands accused of allowing Habib al-Adly, the former Interior Minister, to use live ammunition against protesters. The indictment also details extensive bribes that Mr Mubarak allegedly accepted from an Egyptian tycoon in return for a rigged and lucrative contract gas to Israel.

Mr Mubarak’s turn in fortunes could hardly be starker. Having enjoyed absolute power and luxury for 30 years, he protested his innocence yesterday from a hospital bed wheeled into teh courtroom. But his helplessness should provoke no pity, for the dock is where he belongs.

The trials of former rulers and their functionaries are foten castigated as “victors’ justice”. The charge is risible and irrelevant, andis generally made by critics who have failed to consider what “losers” justice” (as administered by, say, the Nazis indicted at Nuremberg) might look like.

There are international regulations on such recondite issues as food hygiene and air traffic control.

It would be bizarre to dispute that there are also universal standards of political conduct. Letthal violence against civilian demonstrators, the looting of national treasuries and corruption in the conduct of government business are crimes when committed by any ruler, anywhere.

Mr Mubarak was far from the worst of the Arab dictators. His fate after peacefully giving up power admittedly gives little incentive for those worse tyrants, such as Muammar Gaddafi, to do likewise. But the Government of Egypt is entitled to indict Mr Mubarak.

To absolve rather than try him would, in effect, declare that his regime was legitimate. And it was not.

One of the historic problems of the region is that arbitrary despotism, corruption and economic stagnation have been, in fact, the normal pattern of governance. The perpetuation of autocracy has pushed dissent to the mosque and incubated Islamist radicalism.

Western security and the welfare of Arab peoples would be served if social conflicts were instead sublimated in teh processes of constitutional government and impartial justice. The trial of Mr Mubarak is part of the impulse for reform that has swept the region.

But while the proceedings are justified in principle, they need to show justice in practice. Should the trial drag on without conclusion, or the ailing Mr Mubarak die first, then Egyptians will be deprived of a resolution of crimes committed against them. The trial needs to be speedy while not being hasty.

There might, moreover, be a worse outcome still.

The trial of Saddam Hussein, a moral monster, was an extralegal charade concluding with a quasi-judicial lynching. Mr Mubarak’s case demands due process.

The quality of Egypt’s emerging institutions should not be strained. The Times

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

• Controller (Finance & Administration) •Chairman, Editorial Ade Odunewu Board • Gen. Manager (Training and Sam Omatseye Development) •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi Soji Omotunde •Deputy Editor •Chief Internal Auditor Lawal Ogienagbon Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor •Advert Manager Northern Operation Robinson Osirike Yusuf Alli •IT Manager Managing Editor Waheed Odusile Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (News) •Pre-Press Manager Adeniyi Adesina Chuks Bardi •Group Political Editor •Press Manager Bolade Omonijo Udensi Chikaodi •Group Business Editor Olatunde Kazeem •Manager, Corporate •Abuja Bureau Chief Marketing Yomi Odunuga Hameed Odejayi •Sport Editor • Manager (Admin) Ade Ojeikere Folake Adeoye •Editorial Page Editor Sola Fasure

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

IR: The Nigerian political space has been heating up with series of events in the last couple of weeks. First is the issue of the dreaded Boko Haram sect whose actions are becoming a menace not only to the entire north but of course the nation as a whole.

The heat generated by the CBN governor with his insistence on establishing the so called Islamic Banking system on a secular state like ours follows. The third burning issue is the recent bombshell from the presidency through the highly respected presidential spokesman, who stunningly told Nigerians that a proposal or bill which seeks to give a one term of six years to future Nigerian presidents and governors was in the offing.

Hardly had the announcement been made when different interest

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The single tenure brouhaha groups and most especially the opposition began to attack it from top to bottom. Many of these groups claim the bill is a ploy to elongate the tenure of the incumbent president, despite the fact that the man at the top says it will apply to political aspirants from 2015 and which he will not be a party to.

This assurance has refused to sway critics into accepting the fact that the president is sincere and it is their belief that he only wants to buy more time.

In the belief of this writer, the proposal made by the president can work if only we give it a chance. A bill to give a six year single term to political office holders does not necessarily translate to tenure elongation. We must understand the dynamics of such assertion with those proposed by Baba Iyabo (former President Olusegun Obasanjo), back in his days as the helmsman and see that the president is sincere about this having

given cogent reasons as to why it is necessary. Elections in this country is quite expensive and a means to enrich the pockets of few individuals.

The money spent by a governor to prosecute second term ambition is usually recovered from the state resources which at the end of the day are not accounted for. Aside this, there is usually palpable tension during elections and even after which we are yet to get away

Re: Ogun’s Reversal Syndrome

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IR: ”Ogun’s Reversal Syndrome,” a report published in THISDAY of July 31, 2011, page 88, made an interesting reading, not because of any illumination based on facts but the comical relief it offered to the traumatized Nigerians reeling under the yoke of economic hardship imposed largely by the maladministration of the past, who needed such a Sunday comedy to unwind even as they prepared for the challenges of a new week.

However, that was a costly comedy, one intended to distract the new administration in Ogun State.

What Senator Ibikunle Amosun met on ground was a house in ruins, with valuables trapped underneath. All he has been doing in the last couple of months is the painstaking exercise of meticulously picking the rubbles in order to recover trapped valuables preparatory to reconstruction.

The report in question was not just a mere case of misinformation but an art in disinformation. For the sake of the reading public, especially those outside Ogun State, we should give the lie to the pack of fibs.

On May 29, 2011, Governor Ibikunle Amosun solemnly swore to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the laws of the Federation. He did

not swear to defend sentiments, illegalities or any wooly-headed idealism. Indeed, it would have amounted to a betrayal of trust and violation of the laws of the land for the new governor to retain the services of those whose employment did not follow the due process of law.

Nigerians have this illusion about employment. No responsible government employs people without having productive responsibilities for them. You don’t employ graduates to come and become idle in the Civil Service. Any government with a vision will think about productive engagement of its youths. Ogun State, for instance, is an agrarian society with hectares of arable land. Is it not better for a government interested in engaging the youths to resuscitate the state’s farm settlements with modern facilities, as Governor Amosun promised in his inaugural address? This, apart from providing employment for the youths, will boost agricultural

products. Increase in food production will certainly reduce the cost of living in the state. The raw materials produced through farming and animal husbandry will feed the industries and reduce their dependence on importation. And with more profit for the industries, they expand by employing more hands.

This is the kind of employment scheme that Governor Amosun has in mind – the one that provides linkages or what is called backward integration. It is this kind of programme that any visionary government should pursue.

The case of missionary schools, we understand, is in court but it suffices to say that there are communities in the state that have essentially former mission schools as public primary schools. We predict that if the return of such schools is not properly negotiated by the government, enrolment figures in such communities will drop drastically because the mission schools may charge fees that will be difficult for majority of parents to pay.

This will be against the policy of the new administration, which has blazed the trail by devoting 20 per cent of its budget to education.

It is of no use responding to the issue of cost of governance since it is very clear that Governor Amosun has not appointed into office up to one-tenth of the number of people engaged by the last administration. The mischief makers have therefore shot themselves in the foot on this score.

The administration of Gbenga Daniel virtually sold the state all in the name of concessioning at rock bottom prices. It’s like selling the collective inheritance of the entire state by one man. As stakeholders in Ogun State, we feel personally insulted by such an egregious action. Senator Amosun must therefore reverse the colossal losses.

• James Solaja and Abudu Onamuyiwa are of Campaign for Good Governance in Ogun State

from as we speak. The families of slain corps members during the last elections will never forgive the Nigerian state and will certainly find it difficult to accept patriotism as a watchword. The loss encountered by losers, especially incumbents creates acrimony amongst many. Zamfara, Ogun and Oyo states cases are classical examples.

We are all living witness to what transpired in Aso rock during the ill health period of late President Yar’adua and how certain individuals and power blocs almost frustrated the Jonathan led administration from contesting the current election. These are some of the issues the proposed bill tends to raise and subdue. Those crying foul are those whose selfish interest overshadows that of patriotism and nationalism to their fatherland Having said this, the presidency from all indications should have told Nigerians before the April elections his intention on the single tenure issue rather than this time when burning issues need its attention. This however does not show insincerity on its part, but what this writer calls ‘irresponsiveness’. Of course, the third term agenda is still very much alive in our hearts and another of its brand will certainly be shoved off by many.

Whether we have a single or double term tenure for political office holders, it does not take away the sickness inherent in the political space. Strengthening of the electoral process further by critically punishing the people that cause acrimony and division among the people is a vital tool in re-branding our electoral process.

Equity, social justice and equal distribution of wealth should always be a priority which the current administration must pursue: Afterall; it is the social contract it owe Nigerians.

• Raheem Oluwafunminiyi creativitysells@yahoo.com

Gov. Imoke, please come to our aid IR: Akamkpa is a large town parading over 35 functioning companies and fat income accruing as Internal Revenue to the coffers of the Cross

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River State as well as that of the central government.

I want to use this medium to appeal to the PHCN to help us out with our light.

We last saw PHCN generated electricity at Okomita area of Akamkpa last year September. I want to also call on our able governor, Gov. Liyel Imoke to please

come to our rescue by ensuring our light is fixed by providing us with a new transformer.

• Oluwaseun David otunbaoadgd@yahoo.com

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Doing the needfull

More private investment would be encouraged and then there would no longer be the wasteful debate on whether or not there is anything called subsidy.

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That Nigeria is a country experiencing lack in the midst of overflowing abundance has gone beyond a laughing matter. Watching people some weeks ago jostling at petrol stations for kerosene at crushing cost is pitiable.

The agony of obtaining diesel at equally shattering price is no less devastating to the nation’s drooping economy. It becomes more frustrating realising that this is occurring in a nation that is among world’s leading oil producer.

Until last week, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has been igniting people’s anger by talking more about removal of fuel subsidy as a way out. But it appears wisdom is now taking over governance with the Federal Government’s decision to cut down fuel imports and target local refining capacity of one million barrels per day by 2014.

Speaking on president’s behalf, Petroleum Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke disclosed that there would be a Turn Around Maintenance for the nation’s existing four refineries within 24 months. Apart from talking about an all-encompassing strategy to upgrade the refineries, she also said that local refining capacity will be significantly boosted with the coming on stream of three new refineries.

To further reassure the nation of the administration’s intention, the minister guaranteed that the refurbishment of the refineries would be handled by the companies that built them so as to ensure the functioning of the facilities in 95% capacity utilisation. This really sounds encouraging - except that there is a saying that ‘well done’ is much better than ‘well said.’

Rather than keep harassing the downtrodden with the threat of subsidy removal, it surely makes good sense for government to do the needful such that the cost will go down by the force of the market. Were previous administrations responsive, Nigeria should have become the supplier of refined petroleum products to neighbouring West Africa countries by now.

The new process, if truthfully and diligently implemented would be more impactful if government could expand the scope of operation in the sector. If the environment is made conducive for private sector investment, the burden on government would be reduced and competitive performance would spur desired result. Were telecommunication still the monopoly of NITEL, the nation’s teledensity would still had remained awfully appalling; just the same way the power sector would be flopping until it is delivered from PHCN dominance.

Let government ease the hold on the oil sector downstream.

No dialogue with criminals Anytime my mind switched to the menace called Boko Haram, I feel nostalgic about former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Not that his many years at the helm was gainfully remarkable or in any way outstanding, but if the truth must be told, he took some bold steps that brought out the soldierman in him.

There are some critical instances when force becomes the tool to acquire a desire. Pacificism should never be an option for a stubborn criminal who takes joy in causing sorrow in the life of others. The terrorists called Boko Haram take delight in throwing bombs as if they were throwing bangers. In the fatal process, countless innocent lives are being wasted on habitual basis. To the gangsters, human life amounts to nothing. This is the kind of murderers Obasanjo would have descended upon with the entire nation’s might for total deliverance.

At the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Boko Haram last week, the Federal Government talked tough. Against the call of the Committee’s Chairman, Usman Galtimari that the leadership of the sect should embrace dialogue process with assurance that all their right and privileges would be granted, Secretary to the Federal Government Anyim Pius Anyim blasted that there cannot be any negotiation with a faceless gang. He asserted that that the committee’s assignment does not include negotiation but to review the issues of security in the North East zone and proffer solution that would speedily resolve the nuisance. Warning against any form of negotiation, Anyim was quoted as saying that “negotiation does not come in because you don’t know the people you are going to negotiate with.”

Indeed, it amounts to imprudence bargaining with an enemy destroying without a cause. Only the sponsors perhaps know why they have decided to be slaughtering innocent people at will. Unlike the Niger Delta militants who at least pretended to be fighting for resource control, Boko Haramists seem just delighted in killing people for the sake of it. Otherwise, the sponsors should have shown up the same way the militant leaders were known.

Deployment of soldiers might not be enough to curb the criminality. This is because many Nigerians are not convinced that the nation’s security forces are incapable of unveiling the criminals and the forces behind them. People want to see a government beyond merely talking tough, but being firm and unfailing in curbing all manner of crimes that are meant to drag the society back. Peace might remain mere desire unless and until criminals are brought to open book. al-Mustapha, the joker Hamza al-Mustapha must be having a good laugh inside his prison cell. This is because his diversionary tactics seems to be working. He is riding high on newspaper headlines. Some people are even beginning to see him as the new brand Nigerian

Wikki Leak.

Consider that this tormentor was standing trial on his role in the heartless murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola. But see where he is manipulating the nation to? He knows the kind of story Nigerians love to hear. He is accusing some dead South West leaders of being bribed to abandon late MKO Abiola and the course of June 12. He is also trying to work out his innocence by posing as being persecuted.

Only the unthinking would buy his uncoordinated wide stories the way they are presented. Yes, it is possible that some aspects might be true; but what does he mean to achieve by the spacious allegations? Being a victim of his wickedness under Abacha’s agonising reign, I can vouch for al-Mustapha’s fallacious scheming.

Does it make sense to now allege that Abiola’s June 12 mandate was being compromised only after the man had been killed? Who kept the mandate in detention for the many years before Abacha’s graceful murder? If he truly loved Abiola, why was his mandate not restored under Abacha’s looting reign when he was the officer calling the shot?

If there is any sincerity in him, why did he cause my arrest and harrowing detention in solitary confinement for several months on the basis of an undisputed story of his atrocious activities which I published as Editor of African Concord?

Please, tell the drowning al-Mustapha to face his trial by defending himself against the killing of Kudirat. That is the issue for now.

Akinjide: same old stuff Nothing seems to have changed in the perception of Second Republic Justice Minister Richard Akinjide. He still remains anti-progressive and a spoiler.

In a recent newspaper interview, he wrote off Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi. Hear him: “I see the present government in Oyo state as amateur, incoherent, and I don’t see them succeeding.” What a nihilist who would never see anything good in another person?

For an elderly man to dismiss a government that is barely two months in office says much about the state of his heart. A negative mind will never see good even when it is discernible.

Displaying his natural spirit of bias, he said that the “PDP lost the election (in Oyo State) in the last election but our opponent (ACN) did not win.” What manner of talk from both sides of the mouth from someone who ought to have assumed the status of an elder statesman?

In the Second Republic, he devised the twelve two third formula to defend a rigged election. He did that not because of his love for the truth, but more because of his personal interest that was contrary to that of his people.

There is no need searching for reason or excuse why his daughter was flatly floored in the April election. She was reaping the fruit of the negative seed sown by his father who was equally rejected in 1979 when he aspired to govern the Oyo State.

Don’t blame Mr. President!

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ERTAINLY, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan knows what most Nigerians fail to know or pretend not to realise: That Nigeria is a peculiar society where ‘anything goes.’ Though he is not a psychologist since he has no university degree in that discipline, but he surely understands Nigerians like the back of his palm.

Throw up the most infantile, exploitative or oppressive idea in Nigeria; if there will be any resistance, expectedly such will be feeble. The general run of the populace will swallow it hook, line and sinker. And can one really blame the people? They have for long been callously impoverished mentally by their past home-grown imperialists – both in agbada and starched khaki!

Though I realised my folly eventually, I was among the ‘ignorant’ Nigerians that once vowed ‘we no go gree; it can never stay’ when the globally applauded June 12, 1993 Presidential Election won by the late business mogul and politician, Bashorun MKO Abiola, was callously annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

For months, the cabal and Nigerians who would not allow the oddity to stand remained at daggers drawn.

Blood, dead human bodies everywhere! Not only did IBB have the “last laugh,” though on the wrong side of his mouth, the custodian of the mandate died an inscrutable death under the nose of his successor. At last, the scenario became history. Then, it occurred to me that mine is undoubtedly, a land of possibilities, no matter how ludicrous, absurd or queer.

After then, there have been a plethora of instances of

‘Of course, eyebrows went up but it lasted not more than 72 hours.

Reason: It was even the talakawas who bore the brunt of the callous decision that expressed their tiredness of the strike action initiated by the labour; strange?’

By Dada Aladelokun heart-shattering occurrences, especially arising from government policies, which even the most docile and idiotic among animals, would not brook.

Were we not in this same wonderland of a country when a civilian president showed how much he loved the masses of the country by jerking up fuel prices while the people were still chanting ‘happy new year?’ Heavens did not fall. Of course, eyebrows went up but it lasted not more than 72 hours. Reason: It was even the talakawas who bore the brunt of the callous decision that expressed their tiredness of the strike action initiated by the labour; strange?

Our dear Number-One Citizen must have drawn impetus from such ‘record-breaking’ instances when days ago, he shook the land with his toxic call for six-year single tenure for both the president and governors. He gleefully told us that he was poised to send a bill to the National Assembly for its accommodation in our constitution. Indeed, he has shown all that he understands us than we do.

Therefore, when he mooted the idea to the chagrin of most Nigerians, I bore the grief of its implications. But I was quick to “give honour to whom it is due” by telling myself: “Oh, this man (President Jonathan) understands Nigerians!”

A close look at the kernel of arguments in support of the president’s initiative tends to portray him as a truly wellmeaning Nigerian. Echoing the president’s feelings, his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati had drummed its merits into our ears: “A longer term for lawmakers would also help to stabilise the polity. Jonathan is concerned about the acrimony which re-election, every four years, generates both at the federal and state levels.”

Besides puncturing politicians’ desperation for power, the inherent overheating of the polity during each election, unending inter and intra-party squabbles which adversely affect the growth of party democracy and development, he contended that the move would reduce the cost of conducting party primaries and general elections in the interest of the nation’s economy.

“The proposed constitution’s amendment Bill,” Abati

contended, “is necessary to consolidate our democracy and allow elected executives to concentrate on governance and service delivery for their full term, instead of running governments with re-election as their primary focus.” Good talk, but only in an ideal society where patriotism among the so-called leaders bears no taint.

But must an elected leader spend eternity to make a mark? Even with two years in the saddle, any genuine public-spirited public office holder will make a name in public service. It is sad that the gullibility and malleability of most voters in our own country have made two terms of four years each near-sacrosanct for even undisputable rogues in the political arena. It therefore appears to me that if by default, as we have often experienced, should an aspirant get into office through an electoral jungle, the people will, willy-nilly bear the pains of misrule for six years! Haven’t we seen a state governor revel in brazen looting of public treasury for two terms of four years each in this same country? I want to believe that it remains an oversight on the part of Mr. President to assume that Nigeria is America in terms of the mindset and motive of the general run of our politicians. The truth is: Our politicians need urgent psycho-spiritual cleansing for them to reconnect with the rest of us all. So, my President’s suggestion is not bad, but it is fit for a saner clime.

• Dada Aladelokun

‘I want to believe that it remains an oversight on the part of Mr. President to assume that Nigeria is America in terms of the mindset and motive of the general run of our politicians. The truth is: Our politicians need urgent psycho-spiritual cleansing for them to reconnect with the rest of us all. So, my President’s suggestion is not bad, but it is fit for a saner clime’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION HE news report in one of the national dailies(not The Nation) caught my attention and deserves some further thoughts.

Firstly, if this report had been published in a national newspaper believed (rightly or wrongly) to be sympathetic to the Action Congress of Nigeria, one would have been tempted to regard it as a publicity stunt, especially if one is not in a position to immediately visit the roads referred to in the report for on-the-spot confirmation.

Secondly, at a time when most state governors are having running battles with their respective labour unions on the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, it would have been difficult to imagine that a state governor could have resources to deploy to road repairs on - waita-minute - some Federal Government roads!

Thirdly, the news item serves as a reminder on the terrible state of the Nigerian roads and the need for government at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities.

Then, it questions the wisdom in having the so-called federal highways in the domains of federating states. And finally, it raises profound question on the efficient use of public resources by the central government.

I now take the liberty to reproduce the short news item. “In order to ameliorate the untold hardship being experienced by commuters, especially citizens of Ogun State, on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, the government of Ogun State has initiated repair works on the completely dilapidated portion of the highway at Mowe, opposite the Redeemed Christian Church of God Camp….While briefing newsmen on an inspection tour of the road, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works…… lamented the appalling state of the 500-metre stretch of the road and its socioeconomic cost to the indigenes of the state, who transact business on the axis.’’

Furthermore, the reported further stated: “It will be recalled that shortly after the visit of Governor Amosun to Sango-Ota, where he trekked several kilometers while inspecting the poor road network in the area, minor repairs were effected on the failed portions of the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, specifically at Joju, Garage, Dalemo and Toll gate, in order to reduce the hardship being

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Ogun State and federal roads: Matters arising

By Idowu Abraham experienced by Nigerians on the Federal Government road.”

The poor state of Nigerian roads reminds me of the recent statement credited to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State while receiving the Corps Marshall and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Osita Chidoka, in the Osun State Government House, Osogbo to wit: “No matter what the road safety officials do with the current terrible state of roads, there would still be accidents. Even if angels who see the heaven and earth come to drive on our roads as they are now, God knows, there will be accidents.”

It is indubitable that Nigeria, avoidably and unwarrantedly, continues to incur economic losses running into billions of naira every year as a result of bad roads. Bad roads increase the cost of transportation, the rate of wears and tears on vehicles; it leads to stress as a journey of 30 minutes on a good road takes 2 to 3 hours on a bad road; this ultimately leads to health problems; indeed, it can be argued that millions of commuters die gradually or have their life span reduced by some years as a result of daily stress occasioned by deplorable roads. This is beside the wanton carnage that results from ubiquitous pot-holes, bowl-holes and craters on our roads.

What the government of Ogun State has done on the two federal roads seems to have put the lie to the argument that roads cannot be constructed or rehabilitated during the rainy season. It certainly does not rain 24/7 and any serious government concerned with the welfare of its people will not use rain as an alibi for inaction. Therefore, I am particularly fascinated by how Governor Amosun is connecting with his people, as seen from that news report. For a new government that inherited a mind-boggling debt profile

and practically had to start from the scratch, it seems the governor is squeezing water out of the rock in order to deliver democratic dividends to his people.

But how sustainable is the present arrangement, where a state government that collects paltry sum from the Federation Account will be deploying part of that money to do the work of the Federal Government, which collects about 52 per cent from the federal pool?

For me, I do not believe the Federal Government should own any road. In fact, it does not make economic sense to do so. For example, how can a government that sits in Abuja monitor its so-called Trunk A roads in Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Delta, Lagos and Ogun and in other states of the federation? To do so will certainly involve duplication of offices, which ultimately increases the cost of governance and cost involved in construction or rehabilitation of such roads. Is it not easier and cost effective for state governments to handle all the roads in their domains? Does it make any sense for the citizens of Lagos and Ogun States to wait endlessly for Abuja to come and fill the yearly craters at Joju, Garage, Dalemo, Toll-gate, Abule-Egba (IyanaEkoro), Iyana-paja, etc all on Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, in order to save commuters from dying before their time?

For instance, the same Expressway connects the Agbara Industrial Estate, a hub of manufacturing activities; it also connects the Republic of Benin. One can then imagine how much the central government and Ogun State and its people had lost in terms of commercial gains for the several years the Federal road remained dilapidated until the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun is trying to come to its rescue, as reported in that news item.

All roads should be owned by the state governments. I believe the co-operation between governments of Ondo and Edo, for example, will most efficiently stop the carnage and daily traffic snarl on the BeninOre road with the attendant socio-economic losses if the constitution devolves road construction to the states. This is even better for democracy as citizens of the two states, for example, can easily hold the visible state governments accountable for the state of the roads in their domains than the remote central government in Abuja.

Therefore, as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission(RMAFC) commences the process of consideration of another Revenue Formula, it is imperative for the 36 federating states to have more share than a single Federal Government. I advocate 20 per cent for the centre, 55 per cent for states and 25 per cent for local councils. Those state governors that have consuming passion for the welfare of their people should no longer be hamstrung by paucity of funds.

• Abraham, a public affairs analyst, writes from 36, Ife-Oloruntola Street, Isara, Ogun State.

‘Bad roads increase the cost of transportation, the rate of wears and tears on vehicles; it leads to stress as a journey of 30 minutes on a good road takes 2 to 3 hours on a bad road; this ultimately leads to health problems; indeed, it can be argued that millions of commuters die gradually or have their life span reduced by some years as a result of daily stress occasioned by deplorable roads’

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

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N case you had any doubts, Thursday’s more than 500-point plunge in the Dow Jones industrial average and the drop in interest rates to near-record lows confirmed it: The economy isn’t recovering, and Washington has been worrying about the wrong things.

It’s not just that the threat of a doubledip recession has become very real. It’s now impossible to deny the obvious, which is that we are not now and have never been on the road to recovery.

For two years, officials at the Federal Reserve, international organizations and, sad to say, within the Obama administration have insisted that the economy was on the mend. Every setback was attributed to temporary factors — It’s the Greeks! It’s the tsunami! — That would soon fade away. And the focus of policy turned from jobs and growth to the supposedly urgent issue of deficit reduction. But the economy wasn’t on the mend.

Yes, officially the recession ended two years ago, and the economy did indeed pull out of a terrifying tailspin. But at no point has growth looked remotely adequate given the depth of the initial plunge. In particular, when employment falls as much as it did from 2007 to 2009, you need a lot of job growth to make up the lost ground. And that just hasn’t happened.

Consider one crucial measure, the ratio of employment to population. In June 2007, around 63 percent of adults were employed. In June 2009, the official end of the recession, that number was down to 59.4. As of June 2011, two years into the alleged recovery, the number was: 58.2.

These may sound like dry statistics, but they reflect a truly terrible reality. Not only are vast numbers of Americans unemployed or underemployed, for the

The Wrong Worries

By Paul Krugman first time since the Great Depression many American workers are facing the prospect of very-long-term — maybe permanent — unemployment. Among other things, the rise in long-term unemployment will reduce future government revenues, so we’re not even acting sensibly in purely fiscal terms. But, more important, it’s a human catastrophe.

And why should we be surprised at this catastrophe? Where was growth supposed to come from? Consumers, still burdened by the debt that they ran up during the housing bubble, aren’t ready to spend. Businesses see no reason to expand given the lack of consumer demand. And thanks to that deficit obsession, government, which could and should be supporting the economy in its time of need, has been pulling back.

Now it looks as if it’s all about to get even worse. So what’s the response?

To turn this disaster around, a lot of people are going to have to admit, to themselves at least, that they’ve been wrong and need to change their priorities, right away.

Of course, some players won’t change.

Republicans won’t stop screaming about the deficit because they weren’t sincere in the first place: Their deficit hawkery was a club with which to beat their political opponents, nothing more — as became obvious whenever any rise in taxes on the rich was suggested. And they’re not going to give up that club.

But the policy disaster of the past two years wasn’t just the result of G.O.P. obstructionism, which wouldn’t have been

so effective if the policy elite — including at least some senior figures in the Obama administration — hadn’t agreed that deficit reduction, not job creation, should be our main priority. Nor should we let Ben Bernanke and his colleagues off the hook: The Fed has by no means done all it could, partly because it was more concerned with hypothetical inflation than with real unemployment, partly because it let itself be intimidated by the Ron Paul types.

Well, it’s time for all that to stop. Those plunging interest rates and stock prices say that the markets aren’t worried about either U.S. solvency or inflation. They’re worried about U.S. lack of growth. And they’re right, even if on Wednesday the White House press secretary chose, inexplicably, to declare that there’s no threat of a double-dip recession.

Earlier this week, the word was that the Obama administration would “pivot” to jobs now that the debt ceiling has been raised. But what that pivot would mean, as far as I can tell, was proposing some minor measures that would be more symbolic than substantive. And, at this point, that kind of proposal would just make President Obama look ridiculous.

The point is that it’s now time — long past time — to get serious about the real crisis the economy faces. The Fed needs to stop making excuses, while the president needs to come up with real jobcreation proposals. And if Republicans block those proposals, he needs to make a Harry Truman-style campaign against the do-nothing G.O.P.

This might or might not work. But we already know what isn’t working: the economic policy of the past two years — and the millions of Americans who should have jobs, but don’t.

• Obama

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

BEST 10 AFRICAN YOUTH INTERNATIONALS OF ALL TIME

Kanu, Eto'o, Andre Ayew top the list

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OAL.COM highlights some of the continent's players who have dazzled the world at various junior competitions over the years and look at how they furthered their careers Youth championships are a fantastic showcase for young, up-and-coming talents in football to get their names out there and become pursued by scouts from all over the world. Such platforms serve as catalysts, especially for African players, to attract the eyes of top teams around the globe.

Several of those African youth internationals have not only dazzled the world, but have gone on to create incredibly successful careers, becoming household names in the process.

As the Under-20 World Cup takes place in Colombia, certainly some raw gems will be revealed as future stars of the continent.

Below, Goal.com runs through the top 10 African youth internationals, who came to the limelight after such tournaments.

10) SANI EMMANUEL | Lazio & Nigeria The 2009 Under-17 World Cup was a launchpad for the now 18-year-old goal-getter. His Golden Ball winning performances plus a Silver Shoe have made him one of the biggest African prospects at the moment. The star helped his west African side to finish second in the tournament and he immediately attracted interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Panathinaikos, but issues with a work permit thwarted a move. He finally secured a deal with Lazio this year, and graduated to the U20 national side.

9) SOULEYMANE COULIBALY | Tottenham Hotspur & Ivory Coast He has been nicknamed the ‘new Drogba’ and FIFA’s website described him as ‘the pride of Africa’. Coulibaly stole the show at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011 with nine goals to win the Golden Boot and equal the tournament record set by France’s Florent Sinama Pongolle at Trinidad

•Mido

and Tobago 2001. He is endowed with fearsome shooting ability and is undoubtedly ready to terrorise goalkeepers throughout his football career. The top marksman has forever etched his name in the record books.

8) ANTONIO MANECAS GONCALVE | Agosto & Angola Not much has been heard of the Angolan recently, but the 29-year-old was a hit when he was 19 and signed for Benfica. Once upon a time, Barcelona and Inter were after his signature, but he refused their advances. Having won the 2001 African Youth Championships and as a result of his special qualities at club level and success in the continental tournament, he emerged as the 2001 CAF Young Player of the Year.

Mantorras represented his country at their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006.

7) CLIFFORD MULENGA | Mpumalanga Black Aces & Zambia The Zambia international, who plays for South African Premier Soccer League outfit Mpumalanga Black Aces, brought some spark into his U-20 side during the 2007 African Youth Championships. The athletic and ingenious midfielder immediately attracted scouts from several European clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. He won the 2007 CAF Young Player of the Year award, and was part of the Chipolopolo squad for the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

6) THULANI SERERO | Ajax & South Africa The 21-year-old South African is one of the best attacking midfield prospects on the continent. He was one of the players that stood out at the 2011 U-20 African Cup and although the Rainbow Nation did not win the tournament, this year has been good to him. He swept four top awards of the Premier Soccer League – Footballer of the Year, Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. His performance last term has earned him a place with Dutch giants Ajax.

5) MAHAMADOU DIARRA | Free agent & Mali The Malian captain formed part of the squad that won bronze at the 1999 World Youth Championships in Nigeria. He was subsequently given a senior team call-up due to his performance at junior level and the 30-year-old went on to win the Best Young Player award at the 2002 continental showpiece. He has had stints with OFI Crete, Vitesse Arnhem, Lyon, Real Madrid and Monaco. The defensive midfielder won the Ligue 1 four times with Les Gones and the La Liga twice with the Santiago Bernabeu giants.

4) MIDO | Zamalek & Egypt Mido won the 2001-02 African Young Player of the Year award for his contribution to Egypt. His brilliance in the Belgian League won him the Egyptian Young Player of the Year and the Belgian League Young Player of the Year in the preceding season. The Zamalek player has won the African Cup of Nations once, the Belgian

•Kanu

OBUH BEATS CHEST

England will fall B

Ebony Shoe, African Cup Winners’ Cup with Zamalek, and the Dutch Eredivisie twice with Ajax. He has earned 51 caps for the Pharaohs, scoring 20 goals.

3) ANDRE AYEW | Olympique Marseille & Ghana The French-born Ghanaian sensation dazzled the world in 2009.

He led a wonderful generation believed to be the future of the Black Stars to conquer Africa and the world consecutively. The 21-year-old captain was charismatic throughout, often seen motivating his team-mates amid mounting pressure. His efforts paid off and they ended 2009 as both Africa and World U-20 champions. Two Nations Cups and one World Cup appearance are already under his belt.

2) SAMUEL ETO'O | Inter & Cameroon The striker needs no introduction.

The 30-year-old is the most decorated African footballer of all time. He is an Olympic Gold medalist, participated in three World Cups and six African Cup of Nations tournaments – winning two. The Indomitable Lions captain has won the UEFA Champions League with two seperate clubs, picking up the trophy with Barcelona in 2006 and 2009 and again with Inter in 2010. His beginnings in youth football are now a distant memory, having built a successful career in Europe and with the national side.

1) NWANKWO KANU | Retired Nigeria international The retired forward is one of the highly decorated African football gems. He shot to fame during with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, where Nigeria won the competition and won an Olympic Gold medal three years later. His performances earned him the Uefa Champions League with Ajax, English Premier League and FA Cup titles with Arsenal and Portsmouth and UEFA Cup with Inter. The two-time African Footballer of the Year played at three World Cups and six Nations Cups throughout an illustrious career.

OTH players and officials of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have predicted England will fall to them in the second round of the U-20 World Cup. The Flying Eagles laboured to a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia to finish winners of Group D with the maximum nine points from three matches Saturday night at the Estadio Monumental Hernan Ramirez Villegas in Pereira, Colombia.

The winner of the Nigeria vs England match-up will battle in the quarterfinal the winner of the second round fixture involving Ecuador and France.

“Our focus is now on the England game on Wednesday. As much as we respect all the teams left in this tournament, we hope to win to qualify for the quarterfinal,” said coach John Obuh after a match watched by over 14,000

spectators.

England are in Colombia without several of their top stars from the English Premier League after their clubs refused to release them for the competition.

Despite these absentees like Jack Wilshire of Arsenal, England have held their own with three scoreless draws in a strong group that also had Mexico and Argentina.

Both Ahmed Musa and Olanrewaju Kayode were on target for Nigeria against the Saudis to take their personal tallies at Colombia 2011 to three goals each.

“We have a great team and we remain on track to becoming world champions after we beat the best in Africa,” said Musa.

Asec Mimosas striker Kayode dusted himself from a horrific second–half

Under-20 World Cup crucial in my LYING EAGLES striker, career –Kayode Olanrewaju Kayode believes the

F

team is on course to lift the FIFA Under-20 World Cup currently holding in Columbia, saying a victory for Nigeria is most important to his football career.

Ahmed Musa and Kayode scored a goal in each half to ensure the Flying Eagles beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 to finished top of Group D. Musa gave Nigeria the lead with a powerful right-footed shot from the top of the area after a perfect pass by Omoh Ojabu two minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Kayode sealed the victory with a goal from inside the area in the 85th, controlling the ball before sending it past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Abdullah Alsdairy.

By Akeem Lawal Reacting to the victory, Kayode who has scored three goals so far said, “I’m really focused for this U-20 World Cup after I did not do very well at the U-17 World Cup two years ago.

“This tournament is very important to my career because we will win the World Cup and after that I hope to play in Europe, preferably in England or France.

In 2009, Ghana won both the African Youth Championship and then the World Cup. It is our time to be champions of the world.

tackle that saw him pass out for a few terrifying seconds to score his third goal of the U-20 World Cup. “This is a very important tournament for my career because we will win the World Cup,” said the tireless forward.

“I’m very focused at this competition after I did not do as well as believe I could do at the U-17 World Cup two years ago.

This time I’m ready.

“After this World Cup, I believe I will be playing in Europe, where I would prefer to play in either England or France.”

Obuh praised Kayode for brining urgency and purpose to the Junior Eagles strike force.

“We were slow tactically and the players were indifferent today, but the changes we made brought life to the attack and that helped us to win the game.”

Saudi coach, Khalid Alkoroni, lamented his team’s poor finishing.

“We had a great chance late in the first half, but we could not convert it.

Nigeria got theirs almost immediately and they took it,” said Alkoroni, whose players did not observe the Ramadan fasting as it was “bought” for them by their football federation.

NIGERIA TOP GROUP D

As Flying Eagles coast past Saudi Arabia A HMED MUSA and Kayode Olanrewaju scored late in either half to hand Nigeria what, in the end, proved to be a comfortable 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Under-20 World Cup. The win confirms Nigeria as group leaders, but more importantly, keeps them out of the bracket involving Spain and Brazil in the knockout stages.

Needing just a draw to keep group leadership, John Obuh made still opted against making wholesale changes to his starting eleven, bringing in just three new faces.

One of those changes was injuryenforced, as Ganiyu Ogungbe suffered a relapse of his injury at training.

It left the defence looking slightly more unstable than before, with Emmanuel Anyanwu drafted in at centreback.

It took just two minutes for the Saudis to examine the new partnership, defender Salam Aldawsari testing Nigerian goalkeeper Dami Paul from range.

Uche Nwofor found space for the Nigeria riposte, but his long range effort took the tiniest of deflections for a corner kick.

The Asians had the better of the sparse chances in the half and there

was none better than that served on a plate for Yahya Dagriri by Salem Aldawsari on a breakaway.

The forward, with the goal at his mercy, ballooned the ball over the bar from 8 yards.

Seconds later, Musa showed him how to do it. Omoh Ojabu won possession and sprinted down the right channel before laying simple ball for Musa to rattle home from the edge of the area with almost the

… set record with win

J

OHN OBUH’s Flying Eagles set a Nigerian tournament record in posting a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia which confirmed them as Group D winners.

Goals by Ahmed Musa and Olanrewaju Kayode meant Obuh’s squad became the first Nigerian side to qualify with three wins from the group stages of the Under-20 World Cup. Their remarkable goals tally of 12 for and only 2 against is also a benchmark unmatched by previous Nigerian teams at the competition.

It also put them in an elite company of only four teams to score 12 goals or more in group play at the Under-20 World Cup. All are previous winners.

Brazil are the top scoring side with 15 goals and only 3 against at Malaysia 1997. They are followed by Argentina who outscored the opposition 14-1 in the group phase of the tournament which they hosted in 2001.

Spain come next with their double 13, achieved in Holland 2005 (13-1) and Egypt 2009 (13-0).

Nigeria’s 12 goals in 2011 equals Yugoslavia’s 12-3 tally Chile 87, although Obuh’s wards have their noses slightly in front on goal difference, having conceded one less goal.

ROUND OF 16 LINE-UP Tuesday 9 August •Obuh

Saudi Arabia coach rues missed chances

T

HE coach of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Alkoroni has blamed his strikers for failing to utilize numerous chances that came their way in their 0-2 loss to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria in the last Group D match of the on-going FIFA Under-20 World

Cup in Columbia.

The Flying Eagles had already qualified for the last 16 but the win means they will play England in the last 16 on Wednesday, while Saudi Arabia that finished second in the group will now play Brazil in the second round.

last kick of the half.

With the unpleasant prospect of playing Brazil in the next round, the Saudis took command of the second period as tacky passing, laboured movement and frequent turnovers littered the Nigeria play.

But they failed to find a finish, and once again, they were shown the way to clinical finishing when substitute Olanrewaju got ahead of his marker and poked the ball past Abdullah Alsdairy.

Nigeria now face England, who qualified as the best losers from Group F. The game comes up on Wednesday at 11pm Nigeria time. Saudi Arabia meet Brazil while Guatemala, who beat Croatia to finish third, meet Portugal.

Cameroon vs Mexico Portugal-Guatemala Colombia-Costa Rica Argentina-Egypt Wednesday 10 August

“We had a great chance in the first half but we could not convert it. Nigeria got theirs almost immediately after and they took it.

“We will now face Brazil in the next match and in sha Allah will give it our best shot,” he stated.

Nigeria-England Spain- Korea Republic Brazil-Saudi Arabia France-Ecuador

Adidas Golden Boot (Top Scorers) Player Goals ESP Alvaro VAZQUEZ NGA Ahmed MUSA NGA Olarenwaju KAYODE BRA PHILIPPE COUTINHO EGY MOHAMED IBRAHIM COL Luis MURIEL ESP Sergio CANALES BRA HENRIQUE FRA Alexandre LACAZETTE NGA Uche NWOFOR COL James RODRIGUEZ CRC Joel CAMPBELL ESP RODRIGO NGA Edafe EGBEDI KSA Yasir ALFAHMI CRC John RUIZ ECU Marlon DE JESUS FRA Gilles SUNU AUS Thomas OAR

4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Valencia offers •13m for Ogbonna

V

•Nigeria's Olarenwaju Kayode (r) celebrates with teammate Terna Suswan, after scoring against Croatia, during their FIFA World Cup Under-20 Group D match

ALENCIA are thought to have offered •13m for Torino and Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna.

According to Tuttosport, the Spaniards are the latest club to be linked with a swoop for the Under21 international.

Inter, Juventus, Milan and Roma have also shown an interest in Ogbonna, along with overseas outfits in Spain and England.

It’s reported Valencia are prepared to bid •13m, which is still considerably below Torino’s •20m price-tag.

However, the player could be tempted into the switch, as he has confessed playing in Serie B is holding him back.

Despite that, Ogbonna earned a call-up for the senior Italy squad, though Cesare Prandelli did not take him off the bench.

•Ogbonna

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

CITYBEATS THE NATION

25

E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

•The only road in Ode-Omi overtaken by flood

In search of identity, civilisation •Community seeks to leave Ogun for Lagos

I

T sits on the boundary of Lagos and Ogun states. But lacks modern day infrastructure. There is no light; neither is there potable water, road, school or hospital.

The people of Ode-Omi only see civilisation in their dreams though they are craving for it. Ode-Omi is a coastal community with fishing and farming as the main accupation of the residents.

About 85 per cent of its land mass is in Lagos and the remaining 15 per cent in Ogun.

Though blessed with human and mineral resources, its people have, for many years, yearned for civilisation, which seems to be far away.

More worrisome is the impact the lack of a functional market has on their excess produce. They rely on a market in a neighbouring community in Ogun State, that operates every nine days.

Moved by the development the Lagos State Government has brought to some neighbouring

By Miriam Ndikanwu

communities in the Lekki Local Government, under the ongoing construction of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the elders of Ode-Omi, in a letter through their lawyer, Otunba Tunde Seriki, appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to extend development to their area.

They alleged that the Ogun State Government which was entrusted with the administration of the community has abandoned them.

With the letter and constant pressure from the people, Fashola mandated the Ministry of Rural Development alongside Works and Infrastructure and Energy and Mineral Resources to undertake an assessment of the area.

Although the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi and his entourage were well received, their plan of sailing on a

•SEE PAGE 26

Police intercept expired baby food POLICE operatives in Lagos have intercepted a container loaded with expired baby milk drink. Two suspects, Alex Aganmu and Ajibade Olalekan, were also arrested for their allegedly involvement in aiding the transportion of the baby food drinks to a warehouse where the original date of manufacturing and expiration was to be altered.

The milk drink, which was manufactured in 2004, had expired since December 15, 2005.

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Samuel Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the products and the suspects were intercepted and arrested on July 28 at Owode Onirin waterside. He said the suspects and the products would soon be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for proper handling.

Jinadu advised Lagosians to be weary of the beverages they buy for their children and ensure that the manufacturing and expiry dates are checked properly before purchase.

• Ode-Omi kids, what future?

Sheraton opens Indian restaurant THE Sheraton Lagos Hotel has opened an Indian restaurant as part of its guest-friendly treat.

The new restaurant, run under one of the hotel's brands - the Pili-Pili restaurant, is aimed at creating value-added services and meeting the growing demand of customers for Indian cuisines.

Unveiling the restaurant, the Executive Chef, Mr Brinkley William, said it would be run by a Chinese chef, Mr Pyangh Singh.

Singh said: “I am out to give the best Indian cuisine the real way and taste to our customers in Lagos.”

PHOTOS: MIRIAM NDIKANWU

Fashola upgrades agency THE Lagos State Agency for Mineral Resources Development has been upgraded to a ministry. It used to be under the governor’s office.

It has been named Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Development.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, in a letter to the House of Assembly, requesting for the upgrade of the newly appointed Special Adviser for the Office to a Commissioner, said the elevation is to allow the state play a more active role in the oil and gas sector and position the ministry for greater development of mineral resources.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has ratified the appointment of MrTaofiq Tijani, a petroleum engineer, who was initially appointed a special adviser, as Commissioner for the new ministry.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

26

CITY BEATS •Continued from page 25 boat to the community was aborted as the people insisted that they go by road to enable them to have first hand experience of what the villagers go through.

Small vehicles and buses were parked at the end of the access road while the team was conveyed in the few available sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and rustic Land Rovers, the only realiable means of transportation which the community members

In search of identity, civilisation mobilised knowing the challenge of the terrain.

A leader of the community, Evangelist Samuel Otudeko, popularly called Hallelujah Nla, told reporters that the visit was a new beginning for the community that has been neglected for years.

“Ode-Omi is an ancient town that has been in existence for the past 600

•Residents using the only rickety jetty in Ode-Omi

years. This ancient community preceded Ijebu-Ode, and while the later has witnessed tremendous development, Ode-Omi has no infrastructure or anything that would help improve the living standard of the people,” he said.

He described the community’s move to take its fate in its hand by approaching the Lagos State Govern-

PHOTO: MIRIAM NDIKANWU

• Ojelabi ( 2nd left), flanked by community leaders

ment as a right step in the right direction, saying the time had come for the people to be uplifted.

“We are tired of being administered by Ogun State, because, we have nothing to show in terms of government’s presence in this community.The last time we saw anything that gave this community hope was several years ago, when the then administration of Olusegun Osoba installed electricity poles in some parts, and that was where the story ended. Since then, there has not been electricity or anything to show that the government has interest in the community.

“Ode-Omi is so blessed. We have great fishermen and farmers, but we have a major challenge of where to sell our produce because the roads are bad and a lot of people are afraid of coming with boat to shop here.

Our women depend on other markets to sell their produce and shop for their families. We have seen the development in other areas and we said no, this cannot continue.

“If the government has forgotten us, we must take the step of reaching out to them to let them know we are part of Lagos State and we are in dire need of development too.”

He added: “Our children need education, but the schools lack teachers, because most of the teachers posted here are afraid of coming, due to the nature of our roads. We need technical schools where our youths can

•Otudeko

This ancient community preceded Ijebu-Ode, and while the later has witnessed tremendous development, Ode-Omi has no infrastructure in place

‘

’

be trained on skills that would enable them to start up their own living.

“Our women need modern markets and facilities that would enable them to preserve their fish. This way, we can be integrated into the scheme of things and be happy.”

Addressing the people, Ojelabi assured them of government’s determination to change their situation.

He said the people belong to Lagos State as only a small portion of their land falls within Ogun State.

He said the governor mandated the team to assess the situation, adding that their demands would soon be addressed by the government.

“We have seen things for ourselves and we saw the situation on ground.

This will be communicated back to the governor and I can assure you that our team will move into action immediately to address some of those things that are pressing to the people.

“Our interest is not just on what the community has to offer but to change their situation.” On whether the move will not spark conflict between Lagos and Ogun states, he said: “They are not under Ogun State, but Ogun intruded into the area and we are here to provide for the community.”

Ojelabi added: “It’s just a small area that fell under the purview of Ogun State, and we have documents to back this up. The people have been far away, but because of the ongoing development along the Lekki corridor, they decided to call on the government to visit their area too.

“They have mass land that can be utilised for agriculture and we are here to see how we can help develop that, as well as other areas that would change the living standard in the community. By the geographical map of the federation, you cannot take away this land from Lagos State, our concern now is to take care of our people.”

Group takes Hepatitis campaign to the streets

A

YOUTH-BASED Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mafoluku Youth Alliance, Lagos has staged an awareness rally to educate residents of the community on Hepatitis B. The group said it decided to beam the searchlight on the disease because, despite its prevalence, many are still unaware of it.

The youths, led by their Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Etiko, embarked on a walk that took them through the major streets in Mafoluku, and ended at the Oshodi/ Isolo Local Government Secretariat.

They were armed with pamphlets, which they distributed as they sentitised people on the disease to keep them abreast of its spread.

Etiko said the group embarked on the awareness rally because they observed that members of the public had little or no information about the disease. He said the walk was

1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 08023321770; 080-56374036.

By Amidu Arije

the group's way of contributing to the health and well-being of the residents.

He said: “Hepatitis B is one of the dangerous diseases in the society today, but the awareness of the disease is very low. So, we decided to carry out this awareness rally to sensitise the public on the dangers posed by the disease,” adding: “It is also our own little way of contributing to the health and well-being of the people in our community."

He asked the government to improve awareness campaign on the disease.

"The government should intensify awareness campaign on the disease.

They should regularly carry out tests for people and treat affected people for free," he said.

Etiko urged other youths and NGOs to engage in more awareness on the disease.

2. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Zonal Command Phone No: 080-77690200; 01-7742771 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-776909201; 01-2881304 FRSC Emergency No: 070-022553772

• The group during the walk

EMERGENCY LINES 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 080-75005411; 080-60152462 080-23111742; 080-29728371 080-23909364; 080-77551000 01-7904983

4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 01-4703325; 01-7743026 5. Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 070-35068242 080-79279349; 080-63299264 070-55462708; 080-65154338

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

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

27

CITY BEATS FROM THE GRASSROOTS

NOA, council canvass clean environment

R

ESIDENTS of ApapaIganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), have been advised to stop dumping refuse, especially polyethylene materials, in the drains.

The Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State, Mr. Waheed Ishola, gave the advice when the agency took its Operation rid Nigerian streets of polyethylene materials to the council area.

The exercise took place at Fadaini Street, Ijora-Badia, where Ishola and his aides spearheaded the campaign using compactors, shovels, wheel barrows and rakes to clear silted drains.

The LCDA Chairman, Dr. Samuel Adedayo, led other principal officers of the council during the exercise.

Also involved were men of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), WAI Brigade,

‘

When people stick to environmental guidelines, it will ensure improved living

’

APAPA-IGANMU

By Dada Aladelokun

Red Cross, National Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency, which is affiliated to the Federal Ministry of the Environment, led by its Deputy Director, Mrs. E. O. Eze; National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

Speaking on the exercise, Ishola recounted the havoc wreaked on the state by the July 13 down pour, and stressed that the campaign was meant to educate people on how to mitigate such occurrence, by discouraging improper environmental attitude among the people.

Advising the residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, Ishola urged them to sustain the habit of cleaning the drains and their environment regularly.

The council boss said the council would not rest on its oars in ensuring that residents keep a clean environment.

He assured the residents that his administration would continue to do everything possible to encourage the culture of environmental cleanliness among the people.

"When people stick to environmental guidelines, it will ensure improved living", Adedayo said.

• From left: Ishola with the council Chairman, Adedayo and other participants in the clean-up

‘I will create more jobs for youths’

A

CHAIRMANSHIP aspirant in Odi-Olowo/ Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Irawo Gbolahan (aka Ajaga), has promised to ensure the security of lives and property if elected.

Speaking during his campaign flagoff, Gbolahan traced the incessant violence by armed youths in Mushin to unemployment and lack of vision-

ODI-OLOWO/OJUWOYE

By Kunle Akinrinade

ary leadership in the council.

“I am appalled at the disturbing rate at which armed gangs have unleashed horror on innocent residents and this is a direct result of unemployment and absence of visionary leadership,” he said.

“If elected, my priority would be to focus on discouraging our youths from acts of violence that have caused a breach of the peace in our community. I believe I have what it takes to do this because I am an indigene of this town and I am popular among the residents. I

will challenge unemployment by creating jobs and empower the youth in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye because I believe the easiest way to solve the problem of insecurity is to change the focus of youths from thuggery to productive and proactive ventures,” he added.

Gbolahan pledged that his campaign would be based on issues and not confrontation, and dismissed suggestions by detractors that he an illiterate.

“They have been spreading tales that I am an illiterate in a bid to jeopardise my chances, but thank God, you have all listened to me. I am eloquent in the English Language and that is enough to shame misguided critics,” he added.

Council gives out 150 free GCE forms O

•Bamigbetan (left) presenting a form to one of the beneficiaries

Rotary lifts handicapped at FESTAC

T

HE President of Rotary Club of Festac Town (District 9110), Mr Gabriel Amalu, has admonished wealthy Nigerians to help the less-privileged.

Speaking at the presentation of food and gift items to spinal cord victims and handicapped children at Betori Homes, an orphanage in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Amalu stressed the need for wealthy individuals to extend helping hands to the less-privileged, saying: “Changes will only come to this nation if everybody comes together to make a difference in

By Foluke Ademola

AMUWO-ODOFIN their communities.”

He said: “This year, we are donating to the local government clinic, spinal cord victims and the handicapped. Since the government alone cannot shoulder all the cost of adequate health care delivery and feeding the masses, our organisation has decided to step in, to bridge the gap, in line with our theme Operation Feed the Masses.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government

‘

Since government alone cannot shoulder all the cost of adequate health care delivery and feeding the masses, our organisation has decided to step in, to bridge the gap

’

Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale said: “Poverty starts with the mind, which is a weapon of oppression.”

The council boss urged others in the society to emulate Rotary Club, adding that God has a reason for creating them as handicapped and they should be grateful for everything because they are special.

Some of the items donated included rice, beans, toiletries, soap, among others. The two best graduating students of a vocational training programme organised by the club were also presented with a sewing machine and a giant oven.

One of the beneficiaries who trained in Fashion Designing, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbor, thanked the Coordinator of the programme for the initiative.

The District Governor of Rotary District 9110, Mr Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the tools to uplift their lives.

NE hundred and fifty youths in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), last week received free General Certificate of Education (GCE) photo cards that will enable them to sit for this year’s examination.

The forms were handed over to the beneficiaries by the Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the secretariat, Bamigbetan said his administration decided to sponsor them for the exam because of its belief that education is the bedrock of human capital development.

He added that education remains the only effective engine the youths could use to transform the society.

He said: “It is very important for you all to understand why the council is giving out free GCE forms, when there are other important responsibilities such as rehabilitation of roads and clearing of refuse.

“I want you to take this investment seriously. We are not playing with it at all. Our business is to help you cross the bridge so that you can become men and women of substance,” he said.

Bamigbetan challenged the beneficiaries to ensure that they have at least credit in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics and said the council had introduced a two-month free tutorial class to enable them to achieve the feat.

He stated that he invited the chairmen of the six wards to witness the event to establish that his administration, since inception in 2008, has been following the cardinal programmes of the party.

Bamigbetan appealed to the beneficiaries to make maximum use

EJIGBO

of the opportunity offered them by the government to study hard and prepare well for the examination.

In his address, the ACN Chairman in Aliegun ward, Adeleye Rahman, commended Bamigbetan for showing interest in the educational development of Ejigbo youths. He urged the beneficiaries not to disappoint the government during the examination.

The Supervisor for Education, Muritala Olaiwon, recalled that 486 youths benefitted from the programme in 2009, when it was first introduced by Bamigbetan's administration, while 300 benefitted last year. The climax of the event was the presentation of GCE photocards to some of the beneficiairies by the chairman and the six ward chairmen.

Members of the council's executive and legislators were attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, has commended the workers of the LCDA for supporting his administration.

He gave the commendation when the state’s Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) led by Waliu Ipaye, called on him to assess workers in the LCDA. “I can assure the commission that I am working with a loyal and dedicated team of management and workers,” he said, adding that the few bad ones had been identified and they are being looked at.”

Bamigbetan said it was rough at the beginning due to the difficulty of revenue officers to adjust to his administrative style.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

28

CITY BEATS Councillors stop chairman’s planned impeachment

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EPRIEVE has come for the embattled Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Joseph Hontonyon Bamgbose, following the councillors’ decision to stop his planned impeachment.

An ad-hoc committee set up by the Lagos State House of Assembly to look into the matter has prevailed on councillors to back pedal.

The committee, headed by the Chief Whip, Hon. Razaq Balogun, had a session with the warring parties, to look into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis that triggered the move for the chairman's sack.

During the deliberation, it

By Oziegbe Okoeki

was clear that there was division among the councillors on the impeachment.

While the Leader of the House, Hon. Segun Popogbe, spearheaded the move, the Deputy Leader, Anthony Zinsu and a few others were not in support.

The councillors had, in a petition to the Assembly, accused the chairman of mismanagement, gross misconduct and refusal to appear before the councillors when he was invited to clarify issues.

However, after accusation and counter-accusation, the committee members went into a closed-door session with the two parties after

Now that you have agreed to sheathe your swords, when you get back home, the chairman should convene a meeting with you all to reconcile and come to an agreement

‘

’

which they agreed to sheathe their swords for peace.

Speaking, Balogun said: “Now that you have agreed to sheathe your swords, when you get back home, the chairman should convene a meeting with you all to reconcile and come to an agreement.”

The member representing Badagry II Constituency, Hodewu Suru Avoseh, said: “The House has not given any verdict on this issue. We have not said anybody is guilty or innocent. We have looked into the matter you brought before us and we want you to go back home to seek for ways to live in peace and eschew crisis.”

Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, Bamgbose who was a member of the Lagos Assembly, said he felt bad that his council matter was brought before the House “because whatever I have done so far has been through team work," adding: "For them to now say I am running a one-man show, I feel betrayed.”

FROM THE COURT

Estranged husband accuses wife of infidelity

“P

EOPLE around me always told me about my wife's immorality and waywardness, but I did not believe them because of lack of proof.

"In 2008, my wife said she was travelling to Kogi State to see her sick mother, but after leaving home, I got a call that she was at a party in a hotel at Ikeja, provocatively dressed.

"I called her and she told me she was in the village with her mum. I then asked the person who called me to take photographs before I could believe him.”

my wife said she ‘ wasIn 2008, travelling to Kogi to see

her sick mother, but after leaving home, I got a call that she was at a party in a hotel at Ikeja, provocatively dressed

’

Church digs borehole for community

I

T was prayer answered recently when the people of Temidire Estate, Akute, were presented with a bore-hole.

One of the churches in the community, The Father's House, Akute, which presented the borehole, said the gesture was part of its impartation programmes for the community.

The bore-hole is the third to be sunk in the community.

The Senior Pastor of the church, Dr. Richard Udoh, said the church was moved to embark on the project by the plight of the community, especially the way women and children used to go in search of water everyday.

He, particularly, mentioned the day a child was nearly

knocked down by a vehicle while crossing the road to fetch water, adding that the need to alleviate the problems left the church with no option than to dig the borehole.

The chairman of the estate was full of praises for the church. He appealed to other Christian groups to emulate the church in giving back to the society.

These were the words of an estranged husband, Alhaji Abdulazeez Afolabi, who last week pleaded with a Grade ‘B' Customary Court, Oshodi, Lagos, to dissolve his 15-year-old marriage on account of his wife's alleged infidelity.

Afolabi, 43, told the court that Fatimah had not been able to show the qualities of a faithful wife and did not take good care of their children.

The businessman said to keep his wife busy, he asked her to start a business of buying goods from Dubai.

He said his wife refused

and opted for a classy salon.

He said he opened two well-equipped salons for her at Oshodi and AbuleEgba.

"My wife never opened those shops for business until around 2008, when she started selling all the equipment in the shops,” Afolabi said.

He explained that he decided to seek divorce as Fatima had pushed him to the wall and he needed to take another wife.

The Court President, Alhaja A.I. Olorunumbe, asked the petitioner to tender the photographs in court, but he said he did not come to court with them.

Alhaja Olorunimbe said since the exhibits were relevant to the case, the petitioner should bring them to court at the adjourned date.

She then adjourned the case till August 10 for continuation.

The couple are blessed with three children, all girls.

LASTMA official docked for allegedly raping four-year-old

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N official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA),Onipede Olusegun, was last Tuesday, arraigned for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.

Olusegun, 54, is facing trial before a Surulere Magistrates' Court on a one-count charge of hav-

ing unlawful carnal knowledge of a four-year-old.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Onime Idowu, told the court that the accused on July 26, at No. 8 Tawose St. Onipanu, Lagos, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl, the daughter of his co-tenant.

Idowu said the accused deceitfully invited his victim into his room and asked her

‘

The incident was exposed when the parents of the girl were looking for her and her elder brother saw her naked in the accused room through a key hole

to pull off her underwear before committing the act.

She said the incident was exposed when the parents of the girl were looking for her and her elder brother saw her naked in the accused room through a key hole.

According to her, the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate E. O. Daodu granted him bail for N250,000 with two 'responsible' sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till August 24, for further hearing.

’ Three men arraigned for theft, inflicting T • Men digging a borehole at the estate

‘Pray for security operatives’

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PARISH Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Richard Nyiam, has urged the church to continue to support and pray for the security of members of the Nigeria Police.

Pastor Nyiam of the Throne of Grace Parish made the ap-

‘

God will continue to guide and strengthen their effort no matter how hard the task is, to provide a safe haven for the people

’

By Adeola Ogunlade

peal during a visit by the church to the Adekunle Police Station penultimate Monday.

He led others, including the Assistant Parish Pastor, Pastor Goke Anileloye, and the publisher, Christian Pathfinder magazine, James Akinbiyi Akinsola, to Panti Police Station and Adekunle Police Station, Surulere, Lagos where copies of the Bible and cash were donated.

Pastor Nyiam said the visit was part of the church’s corporate social responsibility, which “is germane in our search for socio-economic development in Nigeria.”

He applauded the effort of the Police in ensuring the safety of lives and property

in the community.

He called on the church to intensify prayers and support to the Police so that its men would continue to overcome the challenge of ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Although he asserted the spate of insecurity across the country poses a big challenge to the Police, he said: “God will continue to guide and strengthen their effort no matter how hard the task is, to provide a safe haven for the people.”

He reminded the Police that the place of God in the security of the nation must not be undermined at any given point in time, citing the scriptures: “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the labourers that build them.”

HREE men were last Monday in Lagos arraigned for alleged theft and using broken bottles to inflict injury on one Laide Akinpelu.

The accused, Alao Azez, 19, Nuru Sekoni, 29 and Bello Toheeb, 19, appeared before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, in-

injury flicting injury and stealing.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Onime Idowu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 26, at Chemist Bus Stop, Sari-Iganmu area in Lagos.

Man, 86, docked over firearm possession

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N 86-year-old man was last week at a Yaba Magistrates' Court, Lagos, slammed with a three-count charge of being in unlawful possession of a locally-made pistol.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Benson Emuerhi, told Magistrate Salamah Matepo, that the accused, Adelani Abiodun, committed the offence on July 23, at No. 48 Tapa St., Ijesha, Lagos.

He said the accused did not have a valid licence for the weapon.

Emuerhi said the offence contravened Section 428 (d) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Abiodun, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail for N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Magistrate Matepo adjourned the case till October 3, for further hearing.

He said the accused conAccused spired to pleaded commit the not offences.

Idowu said guilty they assaulted the complainant and inflicted injury on his head and left hand.

"The accused also used fire works to cause Akinpelu serious injury on his nose,” he said.

The prosecutor added that the accused allegedly stole a Nokia phone valued N3,500 and N1,700 from the complainant.

According to him, the alleged offences contravened Sections 355, 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

Magistrate M.K.O. Fadeyi granted the accused bail for N1million each and produce two ‘responsible’ sureties.

Fadeyi adjourned the case till August 24 for further hearing.

ADMONITION

INDUCTION

‘Utilise your opportunities’

Fayemi inaugurates 33 boards

Lagos

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Ekiti

MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2011

32

ISSUE ‘Blame bad leaders for poor education’ Ondo

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Page 29

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Edo needs more cash for projects

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•Governor Adams Oshiomhole

DO State Government has said it needs funds to complete the over 190 projects it is executing across the three senatorial districts of the state. The projects were valued at N120bn.

State Chairman of Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Oseni Elamah disclosed this at an interactive session with stakeholders on consumption tax in Ekpoma and Auchi when he paid courtesy call to the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa.

Elamah said the allocation from Abuja is no longer sustainable hence the need for citizens to pay their tax.

On the consumption tax, Elamah

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

said,”You are not liable to pay tax on what you have not sold. You only pay five per cent tax on what is consumed both in facility and consumables. If we do not get this money, we cannot pay salaries because the Abuja allocation is no longer sustainable.

“Any living person has a contract with the society in which he or she lives just as government does. But this symbiotic relationship is made possible by the deliberate compliance of the contractual agreement of both parties. We believe in consultation, dialogue and democracy because we are a

people-oriented government and one popularly elected by the good people of the state.

“The law says tax will be imposed on the consumers, hotel guests, restaurants, and cafeterias.

It is to be paid by those who make use of these facilities. It is only for centres that are located in Edo State. Items captured are facilities, consumables and other items that are service-oriented: accommodation, food and drinks, among others.”

Elamah told the Benin monarch that the storm water master-plan for Benin City water project alone

will consume about N112 billion.

“The water project,” he said, “has been divided into three phases and the first phase has been awarded to the tune of N30 billion and work has commenced. So, you can imagine if we are to complete the three other phases in addition to the N120 billion already committed to the massive infrastructural development being witnessed all over Edo State. We need additional money to be able to execute it.”

•Continued on Page 31

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FTER a careful appraisal of road decay in Ogun State, the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun has launched a remedial operation to end commuters’ nightmare.

Roads across the three senatorial districts of the state are in disrepair, subjecting commuters to a horrendous experience on them. Farmers and traders who move their wares on them are just as traumatised as any other user.

This prompted the Amosun administration to initiate a rehabilitation and reconstruction operation on the routes. There are 28 of the roads which the government is focusing on in this remedial approach. The work also involves the rehabilitation of drainages and constructing some where they ought to be but are not.

The state Ministry of Works is carrying out the rehabilitation and reconstruction work, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu.

There are immediate dividends in the operation. Direct labour will be used, and this will provide jobs to the teeming and idle youths in the state. This is in line with the policy of the Amosun administration, which has said it will productively engage youths in the state.

The roads to be rehabilitated or reconstructed are: Ago Ika– Itoku–Sapon–Ijaye-Iyana Mortuary–OGTV Road (8.7km); (2) Mapoly–Onikolobo–Ibara R/ A–Sapon–Ake Junction Road (8.5km); (3a) Ibara R/A–Ita Eko– Sokori–Amukankan Road (2.4km); (3b) Ibara P/O–Quarry Road–Sokori Junction Road (2.9km); (4a) Iberekodo–Mokola– Ake–Okejigbo–Ijaye-Junction Road (4.5km); (4b) Arinlese Street, Abeokuta (500m); (4c) Iporo Ake

Governor Ibikunle Amosun

•Ogun State road

Ogun launches ‘Operation 28 Roads’ Rehabilitation work across three senatorial zones Secretariat– Iganmode R/A; (15) Oju Ore R/ Direct labour to provide jobs and (10) Sagamu/Benin Government A – Okede–Local Government From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Junction–Adatan R/A (800m) and (5) Ago Ika–Ajitadun– Mokola–Saje–Adatan-Asero– Camp Junction Road (14.5km)all in Ogun Central.

In Ogun East Senatorial districts, the roads are (6) Ikangba – Obalende–Lagos Garage–Oke

Owa–Ilese–Imushin–Ijebu Ife– Itele– Sagamu/Benin Expressway Junction; (7) Obalende–Abeokuta Road–Arigbabu R/A–Araromi Street–Bonojo R/A–Osinubi Street –Saka Ashiru R/A-Epe Garage Junction; (8) Obalende–Alapo Street/ Olisa Street–Saka Ashiru R/ A–Epe Garage Junction; (9) Ewusi Street–Akarigbo Road Junction;

Expressway Junction–Remo Sec. School R/A–Isale Oko–Akariggo Street–Sabo–Oba Erinwole Junction (11) Hospital Road– Akarigbo Street Junction; (12) Mellor Road–Surulere–Ewusi Street Junction.

Others are (13) Sango–Ijoko– Agbado–Oke Aro–Akute Ojodu Abiodun Road; (14) Old Toll-gate –Ilo/Awela Road–Local

Secretariat Junction Road; (16) Ijako –Ipamesan Road; (17) Townhall –Chicken Joe – Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway Junction Road.

Olaniyonu, who reeled out the data to reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital, said the decision to rehabilitate the roads was reached at the state Executive Council meeting.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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HERE is a chance that two children diagnosed with a hole-in-the-heart disease will survive and lead normal lives following the commitment of Rotary Club District 9140 in Edo State to raise funds for their surgery.

The two, Victory Osazee, 3, and Boy Sule, 12, are scheduled for an open heart surgery in the United States.

The Free Open Heart Surgery is part of the Gift of Life Programme of Rotary International and Rotary Club in the state.

The club has offered to raise N1.5m for the operation.

The two children have a heart condition called Tetralogy, an abnormality from birth.

Father of Victory, Kingsley Osazee, said the heart defect was discovered three days after the birth of his daughter.

Osazee said he was told that the hole would close when his daughter clocked two, but to their dismay, it got wider as the baby grew.

His words: “My daughter is very intelligent. God has been on her side. As you can see, she is not growing but it is not weighing her down. We have spent so much money until somebody introduced us to Rotary. We are happy that help is in sight now.”

But father of Boy Sule, Zekeri said the heart condition has made it difficult for his son to concentrate on his studies and other things.

“We have been managing this child,” he said. “He is slow in all aspects of development. He can’t read and feels pain most of the time.”

Zekeri said the heart condition was discovered a few months after the birth of his son and that the doctor did not give them any hope.

To compound the family’s problems, the boy’s father also had an accident, worsening

Rotary raises hope for heart patients We will raise this money for transport.

The treatment is free. They are not expected to pay for the cost of operation and duration of stay in America. If the heart is not operated upon, the lives of these two children may be compromised •Sule

•Victory From Osagie Otabor, Benin

their finances.

“We had to look for money everywhere to send scanned copies of the several tests we conducted to an Indian hospital where they told us the problem can be solved but that we should pay N3m. It was recently

somebody introduced me to Rotary and I thank God that help has come.”

President of Rotary District 9140, Mr. Friday Ehiorobo who appealed for the fund during his installation as the President, said all they need is to identify persons with such ailments.

“We are all mothers and fathers. We will

raise this money for transport. The treatment is free. They are not expected to pay for the cost of operation and duration of stay in America. If the heart is not operated upon, the lives of these two children may be compromised.”

NGO donates borehole to communities group, Initiative for Cleaner Lagos (INCLELAG), has donated boreholes to some areas in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The project was named after the immediate past Commissioner for the Environment in the state, Dr Muiz Banire.

INCLELAG Coordinator, Pastor Tokun Pedro disclosed that the gesture was to honour Banire for his efforts on climate change.

Pedro, a Commissioner with the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) hailed Banire for championing the cause of the country to be among the nations that are committed to the fight against climate change.

“He (Banire) has established a reputation for Lagos State as a worthy environmental ambassador and joined global cities that are watchdogs to climate change and environmental issues,” he said.

He urged the people of the communities to make judicious use of the project.

“There is need for the general overhaul of the Nigeria psyche. A lot of people depend on government for their immediate benefit.

That is why you cannot maintain government infrastructure. Nigerians must realise that all infrastructure put in place by

A

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

government are results of the tax they pay.

They should therefore keep eyes on them to avoid people destroying them.

“If government constructs drainage and roads, the people drop wastes to block the drainage and this leads to flooding which destroys lives and properties. That is the result of not maintaining government facilities,” he said.

Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Olatunde Adepitan was grateful to the group for the gesture.

“I really appreciate the gesture and applaud the initiative of the people who have given us this borehole. You know whoever gives water to the people gives life.

So, I want to appreciate and thank them for the honour they have done us especially Dr Banire,” he said.

He described the gesture as a wake-up call to his administration to do more for the people.

Adepitan urged well-meaning Nigerians at the grassroots to emulate INCLELAG’s gesture.

“It is a great opportunity for me to appeal to the elders and well-to-do people in the

• Adepitan flanked by Pedro (right) and Oyefeso during the inauguration of the borehole council to come up with this kind of project because the government alone cannot do it; we need partnership that can assist the local government to forge ahead,” he said.

Lawmaker urges peace among motorcyclists

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AWMAKER representing Ifo 1 Constituency, Ogun State, Hon. Olakunle Oluomo has urged various associations of commercial motorcycle operators in the state to embrace peace. Violence erupted in the ranks of the motorcyclists leading to the death of two of their members. The state House of Assembly was forced to weigh in on the matter.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Oluomo was linked to the crisis, some accusing him of siding one union against another. But the lawmaker firmly denied the accusation. He called on his accusors to shun violence and work harmoniously with one another.

I have always been encouraging the youths on how to be gainfully employed and be useful to the society and themselves. Peaceful coexistence has been my slogan to the people at all times

Oluomo who was a member of the committee set up by the House of Assembly to settle the crisis, told reporters that the state government wants peace to reign, and will not rank any group above the other.

“I have always been encouraging the youths on how to be gainfully employed and be useful to the society and themselves.

Peaceful coexistence has been my slogan to the people at all times,” he said He equally assured the Okada transport unions that House will be impartial in the way it goes about resolving the rivalry that gave rise to splinter groups of okada rider unions.

He added that he would continue to empower them to contribute their quota to the development of their community and the state.

Also speaking, Hon. Musbau Oyefeso hailed the coordinator of INCLELAG for the initiative.

Oyefeso, LASIEC Head of Logistics and Operations urged Nigerians to emulate Pastor Pedro.

“He has shown how to be a good citizen because he has no interest in either politics or Mushin where he sunk the borehole. He has taken the entire Lagos State as his constituency and I will not be surprised if he takes the whole nation as his constituency,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to emulate his initiative by ensuring safe environment.

“You can imagine how many Nigerians would benefit from this gesture,” he said.

THE NATION

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MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

‘Utilise your opportunities’

M

ANY lead miserable lives because they failed to make adequate use of the opportunities before them at some point.

So, utilise yours.

That was the message of Olarinre Deborah, representative of the TutorGeneral/Permanent Secretary, Educational District 1 Agege, Lagos State, at the valedictory service of the graduating students of St. Joseph Secondary School Idi-Mangoro located in the area.

“Your birth is an opportunity, your growth is an opportunity, your education is an opportunity,” she told them. “Do not waste the opportunity you have in life so that you won’t end up a slave in life. An undue separation from your parents and bad company are among the vices that can deny you of life opportunities.”

But while some were happy at their departure, a JSS One female student, Taye Bamwo was beside herself with grief. As her tears flowed, she bemoaned the loss of her graduating schoolmother, Damilola Yusuf.

It all began after Bamwo and her colleagues in the Yoruba Cultural Group finished their presentation in which they sang the popular Yoruba song Odigba Ose which could also be translated to mean ‘till we meet again’ for the outgoing SSS 3 students that included Yusuf.

After leaving the stage, some of the members of the group were chatting happily about their presentation.

Bamwo sat at distance crying. Asked why, she said Yusuf was leaving the school.

“Senior Dammy (Damilola) is my school-mother,” she said. “I like her. She

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IQUED by the leadership of most African leaders which tends to impoverish the people on the African Continent, a group of progress-minded individuals have come together to champion a liberation campaign.

The campaign which is tagged Political Heaven was formed by Rev. (Dr). Chima Okereke, the General Overseer of the Global Success Ministries, Lagos.

He said he and others formed Political Heaven to reach out to African leaders to have a re-think about their style of leadership which brings more poverty to the generality of the people.

Okereke, known for his many charity projects that have helped to lift a lot of deprived people said that the idea of the campaign came to him from God. He said: “I have been having this inner feeling about the suffering of the poor in Nigeria and the whole of Africa. Everywhere you look, all you see is poverty, people sleeping and waking on the street in a society like ours where people are not supposed to suffer or lack.”

He said that due to his constant worries about the state of the nation, the Lord then spoke to him concerning what to do to help solve this problem.

“The Lord laid it in my heart that we should start a kind of campaign against corruption, against the kind of politics being played in the whole of Africa. I and other people I cannot mention their names right now need

•Students performing during the graduation ceremony

By Paul Oluwakoya

gives me money and food anytime I tell her I am hungry. I used to take my Mathematics assignments to her. She

doesn’t punish me even if I am late to school.” All efforts to get the attention of Yusuf who was caught up in the

Your birth is an opportunity, your growth is an opportunity, your education is an opportunity. Do not waste the opportunity you have in life so that you won’t end up a slave in life. An undue separation from your parents and bad company are among the vices that can deny you of life opportunities

Stamping out poverty

• Rev Okereke

By Edozie Udeze

to start this campaign immediately because time is running out and the number of poor people keep increasing astronomically,” he said.

The idea of the political heaven will be

attained faster because the originators will use the mass media extensively to reach out to the people.

Continuing, Okereke said: “I am hoping to start writing in the papers and organising talk shows on television and radio stations.

It will be an avenue to speak to our leaders, to our political and public office holders to change their mentality towards leadership.

“We need to tell them constantly through this campaign that Africans and Nigerians cannot continue to suffer and beg for food in the midst of plenty.”

Rev. Okereke also confessed that what helped to spur him on was a documentary on the state of the African Continent done

by Prof. Alli Mazrui of East Africa.

“I watched that documentary several times and discovered that poverty is endemic in the whole of Africa. But why?” he quipped, his face contorted.

When people are getting into political office, all they have in mind is their own personal gains. They do not understand that they are servants of God, people who have been elected to take care of the people,” he said.

He went on to explain that there are two platforms God uses to perform in the lives of these people – the church and the state, “yet all these are servants of God, whether

Edo needs more cash for projeects •Continued from Page 29 He disclosed that he was in the palace to also inform the Oba on the new consumption tax law been introduced in the state, which he said was charged to goods and services consumed in hotels, restaurants, events centers and eateries and urge the Ob to help sanitize the people.

Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Hybrid Momoh, the Ikelebe 111 said he was happy with the action being taken on sensitization on consumption tax.

“There are some rich men in the state who are not ready to pay tax. When you

ask people to voluntarily pay for the services being rendered and for development, you find it difficult except you devise a means of deducting at sources, I think that was why the Colonial masters used the traditional institutions.

“However, the level of unemployment is high in the country but I’m happy that Governor Oshiomhole is doing something in this direction by employing about ten thousand when he came into government.

“Consumption tax is done all over the world but the situation with commerce is not appreciable. A lot of moribund industries that can generate income to

government exists.

Oshiomhole tourist centre is also a site of attraction and revenue generation. A lot of people in Nigeria and abroad have been saying without mincing words that what Comrade Oshiomhole is doing in Edo State is unparalleled, compared with world best practices.

You need just one man to turn things around and that is what is happening here. I call it something that is magical.” He said.

celebrations failed.

Deborah, the Tutor-General’s representative had other ideas to pass on to the graduating students. She told them that opportunities lost are scarcely ever regained. So, they should make hay, as the saying goes, while the sun shines.

In his admonition, Director of the school, Isaiah Awogbindin said: “True certification is only evident by character and not paper called certificates.

Character is the true collateral for our educational values. Certificates may carry you till you retire but character takes you all the way to the grave and even beyond.”

The overall best performance award went to Popoola Ruth. you are a Muslim or a Christian. People are seen as the leaders in the physical realm, while the church takes care of the spiritual aspects of it. Now if the church fails in its own duties, the people suffer spiritually. If the government fails in its duties, the people suffer physically.”

He commended the Lagos State government for all the efforts it is making to make the state better for all, even as he cautioned that more is needed to be done to get it right.

“Oh, yes, the government is trying, but there is still plenty to be done. You experience traffic jam everywhere. Most of the roads are bad, terribly bad. Here in the church, for instance, we burn diesel everyday because government has failed to provide electricity. No society will ever make progress when the least of the people’s needs cannot be provided.

“So, we need a very serious work to do on African leaders for them to see leadership as a call to service. Let them stop pillaging the economy, storing away wealth abroad as if they will not die. It is our responsibility to start this campaign so that in the next 40 years, we will attain this political heaven we have set out to achieve. God said 40 years is the target and we hope to do so if we give concerted efforts to this campaign.

“So, we need to talk. If Martin Luther King Junior did not rise up in America, Obama wouldn’t have been the president of USA today. God said until righteousness flows like a stream and justice rolls like a river, He will never be quiet. And he did.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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Group reports Okorocha to Jonathan P

Fayemi inaugurates 33 boards, parastatals

OVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has inaugurated members of the 33 newly appointed boards, commissions and corporations. While performing the inauguration, Governor Fayemi reiterated his commitment to stamp out corruption and block leakages that may affect quality delivery of basic services to the people.

Speaking at Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti venue of the inauguration, Fayemi explained that the primary focus of the exercise was to expand the scope of his government for more effective service delivery.

Governor Fayemi who maintained that his government remained “stoutly averse to corruption,” also expressed his zerotolerance for lack of creativity on the part of

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•Fayemi

Committee urged to reclaim Benin moat DO State task force on illegal structures, street trading and traffic obstruction has been urged to recover the Benin traditional moat.

The Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa gave this charge when members of the taskforce led by its Chairman Major Lawrence Loye (rtd), paid a courtesy visit to the palace recently.

It would be recalled that several houses allegedly built on the Benin moat were demolished last month by the committee.

Oba Erediauwa urged the committee to work closely with the Benin Moat Foundation headed

by Chief Nosakhare Isekhure to enable it to identify the right of way of the moat and help in clarifying likely areas of controversy.

The monarch, who advised the task force to be impartial and to ensure that there is fairness and transparency in the discharge of their duties gave them his royal blessings and charged them to be focused.

Major Loye told the monarch that he came to

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Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

report how far the task force has gone in reclaiming the world heritage site, by demolishing illegal structures built around it.

He stated that any structure built on the moat is an illegal one whether such structure has Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or not, adding that those that erected structures on the moat did so deliberately.

He said such structures had resulted in floods ravaging parts of the city; in some cases, lives and properties worth millions of Naira lost.

The chairman however, noted that the first phase of the demolition of houses built on the moat had been completed while the second phase will commence soon.

Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

political appointees in the discharge of their duties.

According to the governor, his administration was a product of the rule of law and would not condone attempts “to assault the course of justice.”

Fayemi further advised the appointees to be familiar with the 8-point agenda of his administration in order to be informed not only about government policies and programmes but also to enable them to contribute to the development of the state through their respective establishments.

“You must match up with the pace already set by the government. You must familiarise yourselves expeditiously with the 8-point agenda of this administration which is principally aimed at moving our dear state to the zenith of its development.

“This administration is determined to put smiles on the faces of our people through quality governance. It is my hope that your appointment will add value to this determination in all ramifications.

“In this manner, therefore, you have to employ decorum and moderation in all your official conducts, placing the people’s interest, as you have just swore to, above all personal consideration,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairmen and members, the Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Chief Aaron Komolafe pledged their commitment to the development of the state, even as he pledged not to disappoint Ekiti people.

•From left: Dr Tunde Opeibi of the Lagos State Government (Governor’s Office), Dr Ayo Ogunsan (Chairman Executive Group), Engr Segun Oni (former governor of Ekiti State and Pastor Segun Babatope at a function in Lagos recently

Elizade varsity welcomes NUC team

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HEN the Planning and Implementation Committee of the proposed Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, receives the verification team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) next Monday, it will be hoping that facilities that have been put in place would convince the regulatory body of the institution’s seriousness to open its doors to students in September.

Secretary of the committee, Chief Omololu Adegbenro told Newsextra in Akure that the university is putting finishing touches to

Bayelsa community commends NDDC

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HE Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has been commended for working assiduously to improve the fortunes of the people of the Niger Delta region through its many development projects.

The commendation came from Chief Amaebi Ayanwari, the deputy paramount ruler of Sabagreia community during the flagoff of some NDDC-sponsored projects in his community.

He said such projects as roads, bridges, shore protection, provision of electricity and other human capital development have helped to enhance the well-being of his people.

Acknowledging the efforts of the NDDC during the flag-off of the free healthcare programme in collaboration with AM Project Medical Mission International which is being sponsored by NDDC in his community, Chief Ayanwari said “the people of Sabagreia and Okoloba in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State would remain grateful to NDDC for the construction of the Kaiama/Opokuma/Sabagreia/Polaku

Bayelsa Road, the internal road networks in Sabagreia and the provision of electricity and other infrastructural development for the people of the area.

“As you can see, Sabagreia has benefitted a lot from the NDDC. We are enjoying the internal network of roads, the provision of electricity and the free healthcare programme you have brought to our doorsteps.”

The paramount ruler however appealed to the NDDC to provide drains for the internal roads and complete the Polaku Bridge for easy access to Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Dr. George Uzornwanne, assured the community of NDDC’s commitment to delivering maximum benefits to communities in the region in areas such as roads, electricity, shore protection and other infrastructure.

•Lagos State Coordinator, Neighbourhood Watch, Muslim Sanni (right) assisted by IruVictoria Island coordinator, Tajudeen Oseni presents a plaque to the Chairman, Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Prince Muideen Daramola at the council secretariat, Lagos

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•The Chairman Ikeja Local Government Area Hon Wale Odunlami (middle), inspecting one of the 33,000 litres of fuel tankers for fuel allaviation. On his right is Barrister Oladeji, Council Manager,and Mr Taofeek Arubo, the Union Chairman

Church holds programme

ASTOR Ben Eragbai, the Senior Pastor and founder of Divine Appointment Ministry has disclosed that the monthly programme of the church tagged Divine Appointment Miracle Service is a way of preparing the people to experience God’s limitless power to lift them out of uncomplimentary situations. He disclosed this during July’s programme which was held on Saturday last week at the church’s auditorium 17, Oyewole St. off Shilon Street Ilupeju, Palmgrove Lagos.

Eragbai explained that the prayer programme was also aimed at breaking yokes, bondage, and curses that have resulted in delay in the realisation of people’s destinies.

He stressed that there was the need for people to draw closer to God and pray fervently; for it is in doing so that God will make the impossible possible in the lives of the people. “Despite glaring challenges and economic hardship around us, God has been faithful through this miracle service. We see this in the lives of our brethren through physical and

Lagos spiritual breakthroughs. We bless and give glory to God the ever faithful,” he said.

The pastor, who recently commissioned a functional borehole for the host community promised to always look into the physical and spiritual needs of the p e o p l e through God the heavenly provider.

Highlights of the miracle s e r v i c e included prayer, praise and worship, ministration a n d testimonies. •Pastor Ben

Ondo

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

facilities to cater for students from two faculties and plans to do a mop-up admission exercise once it receives its operating license from the NUC. The Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences building, a six-wing three-storey edifice, will house classrooms, offices, laboratories, library, cyber café, an e-library and a 250-capacity auditorium. Classroom furniture are already in place while the laboratory equipment supplied by Eagle Scientific, United Kingdom have been installed in the physics, chemistry and biology laboratories.

Adegbenro said the Faculties of Humanities and Management would take off from the same building until their own facilities are ready.

In all, the university would begin with 13 programmes.

Other facilities in place include the University Centre (housing two cafeterias, banking halls, supermarkets, indoor table tennis and squash halls, bookshop and conference room,); senate building/administrative block; medical centre; male and female hostels with combined bed spaces of 634; 10 blocks of four flats for senior members of staff; duplexes for principal officers and the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge.

Adegbenro said the founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Chairman, Elizade Motors, has made the necessary investment to ensure that all NUC requirements are met for the university to begin operation in September.

When the NUC team came for the first verification visit in March last year, many of the structures in place today were still under construction.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to intervene in the lingering crisis over the removal of former chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya

by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

In a news conference in Owerri, the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) warned that unless Eze Ilomuanya was reinstated by Governor Okorocha, the state was on the verge of exploding into an ethnic crisis.

National President of OPOCA, Dr Samfo Nwankwo said the removal of Ilomuanya was illegal and an affront to the entire Orlu people, even as he called for his immediate reinstatement.

He alleged that Eze Ilomuanya was being victimised by the governor because he hosted the PDP presidential campaign team headed by Jonathan.

According to him, contrary to the laws establishing the Traditional Rulers Council

Imo

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

which guarantees a secured tenure for Ilomuanya, the governor “just woke up and terminated his chairmanship of the royal fathers’ council.”

Dr Nwankwo said no formal charge had been brought against Ilomuanya to justify his removal. He described the action as illegal and vindictive.

He said OPOCA which was established to protect the interest of Orlu people decided to bring the matter to the attention of the President because Okorocha had ignored their appeal for the recall of the monarch.

“We wrote to him and demanded the reinstatement of Ilomuanya within 14 days. The ultimatum had since expired and the governor

Aspirant unveils plans for Agboyi-Ketu

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N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming local government election in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Lagos Alhaji Tunji llelaboye has promised to transform the council area if voted into power.

The aspirant spoke at Erukan, Kosofe, during his declaration of intent to contest for the chairmanship position of the council in the local government election billed for October, 2011.

At a ceremony attended by party leaders and faithful, the banker-turned politician said: “For over 11 years I have been in politics, the desire to serve the people of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA at a higher level has been uppermost in my mind. The opportunity to actualise the dream is now here with us so that Agboyi-Ketu LCDA will be taken to the next level of social and economic development.

The aspirant added that as a successful businessman and expert in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), he holds the key to the socio-economic rejuvenation and transformation of the council area.

He enumerated his programme of action for the people of Agboyi-Ketu to include dynamic leadership. He also pledged to guarantee economic development; proper

Vehicle owners warned Ilemba Hausa Division-Ajangbadi 1. White Vanagon bus. Reg. No. XH 348 BEN. Ojo Division 1. Volkswagen LT bus. Reg. No. XM 361 BDG 2. Volkswagen Vanagon bus. Reg. No. XU 919 AKD

Briefly

Delta to reorganise farm settlements

Amosun’s wife advises women leaders

DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that government will reorganise farm settlements as a step towards making agriculture the biggest employer of labour in the state.

The Governor who announced this at a meeting with residents of Mbiri Farm Settlement in Ika North-East Local Government Area promised to provide loans to farmers, access roads as well as construct hospitals in the farm settlements.

He also promised to make the farm settlements comfortable for the farmers through the provision of inter-city bus services, electricity, consultancy services and highly subsidised fertilisers.

Dr Uduaghan, who said that agriculture will become an alternative to oil production in the state, disclosed that the sector will be reinvigorated to become the economic mainstay of the state.

“I want the Direct Labour Agency and Ministry of Works to rehabilitate the road as a palliative measure until the rainy season is over. Besides, I also want the Ministry of Water Resources to provide potable water in the farms,” he said.

Encouraging the Mbiri farm settlers to expand and become exporters of raw materials and finished products, Governor Uduaghan said agriculture has high revenue profile.

WIFE of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, has advised wives of chairmen of local government transition committees to be not only a pillar of support to their husbands, but also good ambassadors of government in their respective localities.

Mrs Amosun, who gave the advice during a meeting with them at Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, said they should make themselves accessible to their fellow women at the council areas.

According to her, wives of transition committee chairmen should motivate and listen to the plights of women in rural settings to enable the state government to assist them where necessary.

She noted that as wives of the head of the third-tier of government, they are closer to the grassroots and therefore have important roles to play in the successful implementation of government’s policies and programmes, particularly those that affect women and children.

Mrs. Amosun also enjoined them, as managers of the home front, to always support their husbands, pointing out that doing this would ensure peace and tranquillity in the homes and the society at large.

Lagos and constant monitoring of educational facilities towards achieving quality education for Agboyi-Ketu people; and creating enabling environment for commerce and industry to thrive.

He maintained that youth and adult empowerment; proper maintenance of road networks, drainage, canals, good sanitation; provision of comprehensive healthcare services and security of lives and properties, among others, would be given top priority if elected into office.

Ilelaboye however commended the leaders of the party, including the National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cardinal Odumbaku and Pa Sunmola and the incumbent Chairman, Otunba Yetunde Arobieke for their foresight and developmental strides.

•Jonathan completely ignored us, hence our recourse to the President,” Dr Nwankwo said.

He disclosed that the youth of the area had earlier planned to shut down oil operations in the Oguta/Ohaji/Egbema axis, but were restrained by OPOCA. He said: “Our people are restive and angry.

We consider what is happening as an ethnic cleansing. The Federal Government should wade in before it is too late.”

Community cries to govt for help

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HE people of Konifewo Village SangoOta in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State have cried out to the government for help. Their complained of lack of electricity in the past six years. As self-help effort, they purchased a 500KVA transformer at the cost of N5m.

Unfortunately, they said, the transformer served them for only two years before it got burnt, a situation which they attributed to overloading. They therefore called on government to come to their aid by replacing the transformer with a new one, to enable them to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Ekiti ALGON chief, others bag awards

I

N recognition of his contributions to the development of the society, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Efon Local Government who is also Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON), Ekiti State chapter, Chief Joel Omoniyi, has been given an award of recognition by the Institute of Corporate Administration Abuja. He is now a Fellow of the institute.

Among the dignitaries honoured by the institute at the occasion at Ado-Ekiti were the Senior Special Assistant to the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Funke Olugboji, the Chairman Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) in the state, Prince Tunji Ogunlola; Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu and the Director-General, Ekiti State Job Creation Agency, Funso Aluko.

A statement signed by the ALGON’s spokesperson in the state, Mr Gbenga Sodeinde, said the recipients of the awards were selected based on their dedication and commitment to official matters, upwardly mobile and visionary approach to administrative functions, dynamism in the adoption of contemporary management principles in learning and development.

While presenting him with the award, the Director of the Institute, Mr Simeon Charles

Ekiti

By Dada Aladelokun

described Omoniyi as an astute manager and seasoned administrator who had contributed immensely to human development.

The ALGON chairman was particularly commended for his sterling achievements as the chairman of Efon Local Government Area. His contributions to the growth and development of ALGON in the state as its chairman were also commended. He was said to have engendered a lot of changes to the association in terms of coordination and leadership by example as well as outstanding achievements he has recorded in his local government, Efon Alaaye.

Responding, the ALGON chairman thanked the organisers for the honour done him, saying he was humbled by the award. He said the award was a motivation for him to continue to serve humanity.

Chief Omoniyi specifically expressed delight that his efforts were recognised, a development that culminated in the award and consequently becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administrators.

• From left: The Senior Special Assistant to the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Funke Olugboji, (middle); ALGON chairman in the state, Chief Joel Omoniyi and the CNPP chairman, Prince Tunji Ogunlola

THE NATION

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MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

‘Blame bad leaders for poor education’

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HE Proprietor of Cabataf Nursery and Primary School in Ijapo Estate, Akure, the Ondo State Capital, Pastor Yinka Ogunode has attributed the slow pace of development in the education sector to bad leadership.

He said until leaders in the country have the interest of the masses at heart, Nigeria’s education will continue to witness crisis.

Ogunode spoke during the thanksgiving and graduation ceremony of his school pupils held at St. David Anglican Cathedral Church Hall, Ijomu, Akure.

He noted that inconsistency of government has continued to act as a major obstacle to achieving good educational system for the nation’s children.

According to him, “the failure of government to implement the N18,000 minimum wage almost paralysed the educational system. For instance, he said, in Ondo State, workers embarked on strike for many weeks and following the strike, pupils were asked to stay at home when they were supposed to be in school.

“The issue of strike I think is one of the things government needs to address. The persistent strike is affecting the academic calendar in the country”.

However, the proprietor said the school management had embarked on rebranding the educational system, in order to assist the pupils in acquiring more knowledge.

He disclosed that facilities such as modern crèche, a standard laboratory, new library, modern ICT centre, music room and a practical live room have just been provided by the management of the school.

•The pupils From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

He commended the parents for their support, saying that the school authorities would continue to give the best to the pupils.

Also speaking, the headteacher of the school, Mr. Femi Afolayan congratulated the graduating pupils, urging them to prove to the whole world that the school has modified them for a better future.

Afolayan advised the people to always remember and honour their parents, urging them further to face their studies when they get to secondary school.

The issue of strike I think is one of the things government needs to address.

The persistent strike is affecting the academic calendar in the country •The proprietor of the school, Pastor Yinka Ogunode (second from right) with other guests at the ocassion

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ARETAKER Committee Chairman, Remo Local Government Council, Ogun State, Mr Adebiyi Adeleye, has appealed to the people to pay their statutory levies and taxes promptly.

He said it will not only make them good citizens, but also enable the government to serve them better.

Adeleye said this can be achieved if tax officials dutifully sensitise and mobilise residents and indigenes on the importance of performing their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and levies that are

Council chief advocates prompt tax payment From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

collectable by the Council.

“There is need to be self-reliant and selfdependent on internally generated revenue of the local government without absolute reliance on statutory allocations from the Federation Account,” Adeleye said.

•Bishop Leke Abegunrin, Mr Peter Oguda, Senator Babajide Omoworare and Revd Ayu at the thanksgiving service held for the senator at the Anglican Church, Ile-Ife, Osun State

The chairman also charged the people to embrace “peaceful coexistence and tolerance of one another” to engender progress and visible presence of governance in the Council area.

He equally called for support and cooperation with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) –led administration in Ogun State under Governor Ibikunle Amosun to enhance the resolve of the party to “deliver dividends of democracy” to all regardless of political or religious affiliations.

The council boss who spoke in Isara, headquarters of the Council, shortly after swearing in members of his transition committee, assured them of the governor Amosun’s determination to pursue ACN’s five cardinal programmes - affordable and qualitative education and efficient healthcare delivery.

Others, he stressed, are Agricultural production, Industrialisation, affordable housing and urban renewal, rural infrastructural development and employment generation.

Similarly, the boss of Obafemi Owode Local Government Council (OOLGA) Alhaji Jamiu Balogun, assured that Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with its clear-cut people centred programmes, is not only capable of taking OOLGA and Ogun State to a greater height, but also the nation.

Balogun urged to the people to support and cooperate with governments at all levels so that government officials at the Council in the state can function effectively to meet the socio - economic, educational and health needs of the citizens.

The OOLGA chairman spoke during a

jumat service held in honour of the inaugurated transition committee members at Owode Central Mosque. Later, similar thanksgiving service was held at Owode branch of the All Saints Anglican Church on Sunday.

He said the transition committee is ready to lead the council with the fear of God and leave it better at the expiration of its tenure despite the challenge of paucity of funds.

There is need to be self-reliant and self-dependent on internally generated revenue of the local government without absolute reliance on statutory allocations from the Federation Account

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MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

36

Pending when the state government will make good its promise to reconstruct the road, the horrible portions can be patched while the LASTMA officials who condone the irrational attitude of commercial drivers must be kept in check

Two routes, one destiny DADA

ALADELOKUN

captures the agony of commuters on two popular Lagos roads

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AILY trips through Lagos-Ikorodu and Lagos-Abeokuta roads have become nightmarish for commuters despite efforts by the Lagos State government to end travellers’ nightmare on the routes.

Your heart sinks while any trip on the twinroutes lasts at peak hours. You will hiss at your misfortune all through if your car’s health is not in shape.

“I pity my two kids; the only time they have the opportunity to see my face is either on Saturday or Sunday. They will still be sleeping whenever I set out for work each weekday around 4.20 am and by the time I return about 11.30 pm, they are already deep in sleep. I have no choice because if I should leave home any moment later than 4.20 am, the heavy traffic gridlock that we daily face on the road won’t allow me to make it to my office until about 12 noon,” Chima David, a resident of AbuleIroko, Ogun State, who works on Lagos Island as an insurer, shared his daily agony with NewsExtra.

Ask Mrs. Bisola Adebayo, a liquor seller, also on the Island. She won’t mince words spluttering her daily agony through the same route from the Ahmadiyya Bus Stop area of Ijaiye where she lives. Her mien betrayed indignation mixed with frustration while she spoke on her daily ordeal on the road: “Oga, as I speak, I’m contemplating relocating to the Mainland where my daily experience will be lessened. I bought a Toyota car last year, thinking that it would attenuate my plight, but it turned out to be more headaches. Each time I took it out, apart from spending close to five hours on the road in acute stress and pains, I would spend more on fuel besides having my precious time wasted.

“In fact, it was harrowing. It was always even worse whenever it rained. That was why I decided to drop the car at home about six months ago. Of course, the man-hours I waste in the traffic have not reduced after abandoning the vehicle, but the inherent stress of driving is less while I no longer waste money on fuel.”

But what could have caused the problems despite the traffic control mechanism of the state government? She offered a clue: “I think the government agencies, especially the Lagos State Traffic Monitoring Agency (LASTMA), are trying. But I have noticed that more vehicles are daily entering Lagos roads; besides, the road is narrow and naturally, there are constrictions at the points where feeder routes link the main road.

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O fewer than six sub-stations belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Oyo District have been destroyed by yet to be apprehended vandals.

The company has witnessed acts of vandalism, a situation which, if unchecked, could deny 66,000 consumers of power supply.

PHCN, Oyo District covers Oyo metropolis and Oke-Ogun areas.

Disclosing this at the customer consultative council meeting held in Oyo town, the company’s Business Manager, Engineer George Elkanah, said in spite of nefarious activities of the criminals, 27 projects

• Lagos-Abeokuta Road “Any time you get to the ever-knotty PWD, Bolade, Ile Epo, Abule-Egba/Oko-Oba and Ile Zik Junctions along the road, you can’t but slow down in compliance with traffic control measures because of other motorists coming out of the adjoining routes. This, added to the occasional misbehaviour of some Danfo drivers who take delight in parking and picking passengers indiscriminately, accounts for the congestions and this is why people would always shed tears on the road,” Mrs. Adebayo said.

It will perhaps amount to reopening old wounds to recall the hellish moments shared by users of the route recently when the heavens opened up for unusually heavy downpour that spelt doom for most inhabitants of the state.

“It was a day I won’t forget in my life. Between AIT Road Junction and Abule-Egba, I spent about six hours in the flooded traffic jam. I had to spend the night midway,” recalled an Ondo State-born Ilupeju resident who simply gave his name as Leo Akin. Words of regrets flowed from his lips.

He was not alone in the agony. A Skye Bank worker who was simply addressed as ‘Deji’ would not forget in a hurry, his awry experience same night on the Lagos-Ikorodu Road. He spent four hours in a traffic gridlock between Ketu and Ojota, an 80-metre road stretch that should not take more than two minutes to ply.

Like the Oshodi-Sango-Ota axis of the LagosAbeokuta Road, the Lagos-Ikorodu route is always one through pains at peak periods. Up till 10 am most times, traffic movements are at snail speed. So it is whenever 3pm is approaching in the afternoon; then, people would attempt to scurry home to beat heavy traffic. On certain occasions, the ‘sanctity’ of the

dedicated BRT Lanes is trampled upon by other motorists who are often desperate to disentangle themselves. Situations are even pathetic for users of the road whenever it rains.

Commercial motorists often have to pay crazy fares often slammed on them by heartless commercial drivers.

Pastor John Olaniyi has been having bad moments on the road since he moved into his house situated at Odogunyan, an Ikorodu suburb, three years ago. NewsExtra encountered him at the Agric Bus Stop, Ikorodu while negotiating with a commercial Okada rider early on Tuesday, last week.

“Oga, take me to Ojota; I will pay you N500,” he volunteered out of desperation. It was learnt that he had remained stranded there with tens of others, trying to get a bus to Ojota, where he was billed to have a stopover before proceeding to Lagos Island.

But why did he take it upon himself to recommend a fare to the Okada man? He explained to NewsExtra: “Of course, I normally had to pay N350, but when it dawned on me that I might wait till eternity there in the midst of other stranded passengers, I played the fast one, especially on realising that traffic inhibition must have built up along the road.”

Nodding his head in support of the cleric’s initiative, John Chukwudi, a young man, who looked on with keen interest, cut in: “Nothing could be wiser than what this man has done.

The road is narrow and bad. We only take solace in the presence of Okada riders. If you are lucky to ‘escape’ the traffic light at Ogolonto Junction, you won’t be as lucky between Mile 12 and Ojota where the irresponsible attitude of Danfo drivers often combines with LASTMA officials’ connivance to grind traffic movement to a halt.

“Pending when the state government will

make good its promise to reconstruct the road, the horrible portions can be patched while the LASTMA officials who condone the irrational attitude of commercial drivers must be kept in check. If these are done, there will be a relief, but as things are, now, we have to bear it. It is even harrowing in the least whenever it rains.”

The poser in most users of both routes now is: When will relief come their ways? Of course, it is a matter of time. Reason: The state government is daily thinking out ways of attending to the situation through traffic control and the impending rehabilitation or reconstruction of the roads alongside others in the state.

I bought a Toyota car last year, thinking that it would attenuate my plight, but it turned out to be more headaches.

Each time I took it out, apart from spending close to five hours on the road in acute stress and pains, I would spend more on fuel besides having my precious time wasted

Transformer vandals on the prowl in Oyo From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

including new installations and up rating of substations have been completed.

He added that among the on-going projects was the up rating of 2.5MVA injection substation to 75MVA substation, in order to improve energy supply to customers.

“Materials needed were released to the district from Ibadan zonal headquarters.

Vehicles were also purchased for easy operations. Myto projects were executed, while soffex 200KVA was upgraded to

We equally appreciated quick response to complaints of over billing and billing on estimation.

However, the council is of the opinion that the supply of pre-paid meters remains the ultimate answer to problems associated with the marketing operations

500KVA.” Engineer Elkanah however lamented at the outstanding debt owed the PHCN in the district, which he said stood at N870million.

The Business Manager gave the debt profile of each service centres, which include Oyo N225million, Iseyin N119million, Saki N150million, and Okeho N106million.

Engineer Elkanah therefore called on the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to rise to the challenge, by nipping incessant activities of the vandals, who operated late in the night in the bud.

In his address, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Council, Engr Samson Folorunso Adeniran, appreciated the efforts of the PHCN Oyo District Management, in seeing to the stable power supply, especially with the injection to the system of various capacities of distribution transformers and equipment through the length and breadth of the district.

The efforts, Engr. Adeniran pointed out, have paid off, as customers have begun to reap the frits.

“We equally appreciated the quick response to complaints of over billing and

billing on estimation. However, the council is of the opinion that the supply of pre-paid meters remains the ultimate answer to problems associated with the marketing operations.

He further noted that recently, various communities in the district were provided with transformers of varying capacities, but not with all necessary installation material, hence the intervention of the PHCN management is sought on their installation.

“This became necessary since, to our opinion, the PHCN formed the bulk of the beneficiary of these transformers, as far as revenue generation is concerned.

Engr Adeniran, who described the huge debts as “frightening” and called for concerted efforts at defraying them, condemned the meter maintenance policy of the PHCN. “It is unjustifiable, nauseating and perfect moves to exploit the customers and milk them dry. What meters are the PHCN maintaining?

“It should be cancelled and discontinued in the interest of peace and harmony because the purpose is unacceptable,” he averred.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

37

CITY BEATS

CRIME

F THE COURTS SROM ECURITY TIPS • • • • • • • • • • •

Be cautious when entering private vehicles that operate as taxis Avoid spending the night with free women In crowded bus stops, hold tight to your bags and pockets in order not to be robbed by pick pockets Do not leave your children with strangers, especially in religious places of worship.

Always secure your residence by locking up the place.

Do not allow a stranger to embrace you in the public as such person may be out to pick your wallet Mind how you leave your car with strangers as some may be robbers.

Be observant inside and outside bank premises in order not to be trailed by robbers.

Provide adequate security for cash in transit, including the use of police escort. Also stop keeping money or valuables inside your car.

Help the police to help you. Let us join hands to rid our society of crime. It is our collective responsibility.

Report suspicious movement within your vicinity to the Police. Never confront crimi nals as your life is very important. Call the police on the following numbers: Police Control Room 1 emergency/distress call telephone numbers 07055350249, 07035068242, RRS Control 2 Alausa 08065154338, 07055462708, Control Room 3 SHQ: 08079279349, 08063299264 and 767 Toll free line.

MISSING PERSONS

•The suspects

Police recover stolen vehicle

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OLICEMEN on border patrol, at Seme, have recovered a stolen black Honda Accord with registration number PW682KJA from four armed men.

The Commander of the Enhanced Joint Force, Mr Oyawhemda Echo, said the recovery of the vehicle was made at Owode-Apa, Ogun State by his men after a tip-

A

By Jude Isiguzo

off.

The commander added that two suspects were arrested on the spot while the other two were at large. The two suspects arrested are: Abdul Issa and Mutiu Lawal.

The commander reiterated that the mobile police outfit would not relent in ensuring that the border was safe for travellers and businessmen.

He assured the public that vehicle snatching in any part of the country would no longer have a ready made market at the border.

In a similar operation, a Toyota Avalon vehicle was recovered at Mowo, Badagry by operatives of the border patrol team.

The recovered vehicle was reportedly snatched from its owner at gun point in Abeokuta.

Lawyer, two others charged with defrauding bank

42-YEAR-OLD lawyer, Isaac Adiatu and two others have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding Intercontinental Bank of N6 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adiatu, Amos Olawale (44) and Nosa Ogbebor (47) are facing a five-count charge at conspiracy to commit felony, forgery and fraud.

The prosecutor, Asp. L.O. Mamah, alleged that the accused persons, with others at large, had on November 2, 2006, forged a sworn affidavit, police report and a Lagos State Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate.

The accused persons were also alleged to have forged a letter of consent and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of a block of flats in Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos belonging to one late Yekini Kehinde.

The prosecutor said Ogbebor had, on January 24,

2007, used the forged (C of O) to obtain a N6 million loan from Intercontinental Bank.

The prosecutor said the accused persons allegedly took the loan and mortgaged the property without the knowledge and consent of the family of Kehinde who died in 2004.

‘

The accused persons allegedly took the loan and mortgaged the property without the knowledge and consent of the family of Kehinde who died in 2004

’

The bank later discovered during its loan recovery process that Ogbebor was not the true owner of the said property.

He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 117, 419A, 420, 435, 466 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

The three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mr O.A.Akinde, granted Adiatu bail on self-recognition, but ordered him to deposit a certified true copy of his Callto-Bar certificate and current bar practising receipt.

Olawale and Ogbebor were granted N million bail each, with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate ordered that each of the sureties must deposit N100,000 with the court's registrar and adjourned the matter to September 2 for mention.

Two arraigned for allegedly assaulting police officer

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SURULERE Magistrates' Court in Lagos has granted bail to Paul Okechukwu and Peter Nwadibia who were arraigned for assaulting a police officer on July 29.

At the resumed hearing Magistrate M.K.O. Fadeyi granted each of the accused

‘

The accused pushed Sgt. Abimbola Oyeyemi into a canal at Orile Iganmu as she tried to arrest Okechukwu

’

N50,000 bail with two “responsible” sureties in like sum.

The magistrate adjourned the case till Aug. 25 for further hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police arraigned the accused on July 29 in the same court for resisting arrest and for pushing a police officer into a canal.

The accused were slammed with a four-count charge of conspiracy, violently resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer from performing her lawful duty and assault.

The prosecutor, Constable Ishola Samuel, told the

court that the accused on July 27 at Alafia Bus Stop, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, conspired to commit the alleged offences.

Samuel said that Okechukwu was earlier reported to the police over alleged breach of the peace at a motor park in Orile Iganmu.

He said the accused pushed Sgt. Abimbola Oyeyemi into a canal at Orile Iganmu as she tried to arrest Okechukwu.

“They conspired to obstruct the police officer from carrying out her lawful duty,” the prosecutor said.

According to him, the offences contravened Sections 145, 197,356 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

1.

One Benjamin Onuikpu ‘m’ aged 30yrs about 4.8ft tall fair complexion, speaks English and Hausa Languages fluently. If seen contact one Monisola Adetola ‘f’ of Block 94 Flat, 1 Jakande Estate Isolo or Festac Police Station.

2.

One Victor Emein ‘m’ aged 14yrs old, about 4ft tall, light in complexion, speaks Pidgin English and Isan Language fluently. If seen contact One Jelugbo Olalehen ‘m’ of No. 3, Jacob Shonola Street, Oke-Ira Ogba Lagos or Area ‘G’ Ogba.

3.

One Mbafam ‘f’ normally called Blessing aged 12yrs old, about 5ft tall, fair in complexion, speaks English and Tiv Language fluently. If seen contact Chika Ude ‘m’ of Anglican Quarters Age Mowo or Morogbo Police Station.

4.

One Esther Omokhafe ‘f’ aged 25yrs old about 5.2ft tall, light in complexion, speaks Yoruba, Otuo and Pidgin English fluently. If seen contact Mr Sylvester Omokhafe ‘m’ of No. 41, Eyin Ogun Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos or Alausa Police Station.

5.

One Biodun Adebayo ‘m’ aged 14yrs old about 4ft tall, fair in complexion, speaks Yoruba and English Languages fluently. If seen contact Mrs. Felicia Ajila ‘f’ of No. 1, Solomon Gagakuma Street, Igando Lagos or Makinde Police Station.

6.

One Oluwakemi Gbelee ‘f’ aged 38yrs old about 5ft tall, light in complexion, speaks Yoruba and English Languages fluently. If seen contact Omotayo Gbelee ‘m’ of No. 56, Candos Road Baruwa Ipaja or Ipaja Station.

STOLEN VEHICLES

1.

One Honda CRV Jeep with Reg. No. MW 843 AAA Colour White with Chassis No. JHLRD1878Y5005615 and Engine No. B20223007681. If seen contact any nearest Police Station or Area ‘G’ Ogba Police Station.

2.

One Honda Accord with Reg. No. JU 271 EKY Colour Dark Green with Chassis No. IHGCG5668YA805317 and Engine No. F23A13051072. If seen contact any nearest Police Station or Iponri Police Station.

3.

One Mack Truck Trailer with Reg. No. XS 883 KTU Colour Blue with Engine No. 5481AP81218566 and Chassis No. IM2N187Y4F007237. If seen contact one Larry Maghori ‘m’ of No. 1, Happy Home Avenue Kirikiri Industrial Estate Lagos or Itire Police Station.

4.

One Honda CRV Jeep with Reg. No. EA 401 FST Colour Gold with Engine No. 1320843079444 and Chassis No. JNLRD1868WO84685. If seen contact one Ademolu Olubode ‘m’ of No. 15, Iju Road, Fagba or Iju Police Station.

RECOVERED VEHICLES

The Lagos State Police Command recovered a total number of 28 vehicles from 18th - 23rd May, 2011 suspected to have been stolen from different location in Lagos and the vehicles can be located at the station mentioned against each of the recovered vehicles as follows:S/NO

NAMES OF VEHICLE

REG. NO

COLOUR

LOCATION

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

HONDA ACCORD TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HONDA ACCORD TOYOTA COROLLA HONDA ACCORD NISSAN PATHFINDER NISSAN QUEST NISSAN QUEST TOYOTA 4 RUNNER JEEP NISSAN PRIMERA TOYOTA 4 RUNNER JEEP TOYOTA SIENNA BUS FORD TAURUS S/CAR TOYOTA CAMRY HONDA ACCORD HONDA CRV JEEP HONDA BULLET MAZDA BUS M/BENZ 190 S/CAR TOYOTA CAMRY HONDA CRV JEEP M/BENZ V/BOOT HONDA CRV JEEP TOYOTA COROLLA MONTERO OPEL HYUNDAI ACCENT V/WAGON GOLF TOYOTA AVALON

SM 974 KJA EP 61 KRD SD 242 KJA DY 489 AAA DN 623 LSD FW 449 LSR DE 934 RBC NW 137 AAA CS 239 MUS JF 80 KJA 473 APP CB 100 RCH NT 985 AAA EK 715 LSR LV 252 EKY GP 315 ABC CN 230 LSR XM 713 AKD EL 749 LND EH 612 EKY BV 297 APP BL 541 KRD BR 527 FST ET 758 LND CW 505 MUS KY 346 AAA XM 363 MUS DK 370 FST

BLACK GOLD GREY ASH BLACK BLACK GOLD L/BLUE BLACK ASH GREY ASH D/BROWN GOLD BLACK GREY BLUE WHITE YELLOW ASH BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK GREEN ASH LSCC ASH

RRS HQTR AREA ‘D’ ILASAMAJA DENTON IJESHA LAYENI GOWON ESTATE SABO IKORODU OKO OBA STD IKEJA AREA ‘G’ HQTR IJANIKIN ADENIJI ADELE MAROKO TRINITY ALAKARA OKOKOMAIKO IGANDO EPE ILASAN IGANDO ORILE MAROKO DENTON ELERE ANTHONY ONIREKE

Members of the public who have claims to the recovered vehicles should check at the police station mentioned against each recovered vehicles with original documents.

Claimants should endeavour to check the engine numbers as the original registration numbers may have been tampered with.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

38

CITY BEATS Lagos Assembly summons LGA chair

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•Commissioner for Environment, Mr Bello, (left); Deputy Governor, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire (with microphone), and Mr Yishawu (right), at the event

Lawmaker inaugurates group to fight malaria

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O reduce the scourge of malaria, a lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2, Mr. Gbolahan Yishawu, has inaugurated a team to fumigate drainages in his constituency.

Yishawu, an engineer, inaugurated the team during last month’s environmental sanitation.

The event was witnessed by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello and the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Mr Wale Adeniji,who monitored the exercise.

The team visited Dolphin Estate,

‘

By Toluwani Eniola

Abacha Estate and the Mac Gregory Canal in Ikoyi. They also went round Obalende where they met with residents.

The lawmaker, who explained that mosquitoes now bred in the drainages because they are permanently clogged, said the fumigation would be done weekly to wipe them out.

He said: “As you are aware, we only recently witnessed an unprecedented rainfall. It was a natural disaster.

“We have been going round to assess the affected areas for immediate intervention. I visited some

What informed the creation of a fumigation team is the frequent rainstorm in Lagos which has led to flooding. Many of the gutters are now filled with mosquito larvae

‘We stepped on toes to deliver’

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HAIRMAN of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos, Jubreel AbdulKareem has disclosed the secrets behind his team's successful tenure in office .

“We stepped on many toes to achieve Governor Babatunde Fashola's admonition that nothing except good governance is what our people required of us," he said.

AbdulKareem spoke at a ceremony marking his 1,000 days in office at the council secretariat, Agege.

The hall could not contain the crowd that graced the great occasion. Among them were royal fathers, religious leaders, party leaders, market men and women, council officials and residents.

AbdulKareem's counterpart at Orile-Agege and Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Areas, Abiodun Adaranijo and Abiodun Mafe, were also on hand to rejoice with him.

He admitted that though the journey so far has been tough and rough, "we, as a team, have every cause to thank Almighty Allah for what He has made us to achieve in terms of giving real

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

’

dividends of democracy to the greatest number of our people within the shortest space of time."

The team, the council boss said, is not unconscious of the fact that human wants are insatiable and no government in the world can satisfy the needs and yearnings of its citizens, but as the closest tier of government to the people, they had carefully prioritised the need of the people with a design of plans and programmes that touch every sphere of living and the greatest number of the citizen, either directly or indirectly, within the limits of resources of the local government.

"In the choice of site for our projects, we considered the interest of the majority of our targeted beneficiaries over and above those of individuals, regardless of any influence without fear or favour. This without, doubt, must have made us to step on toes, especially of those who seem to be our friends and even loyal supporters. Our attitude and business unusual approach guided us in achieving our deliverables," he said.

AbdulKareem appealed to those his administration might have crossed their path in delivering dividends of democracy to overlook their shortcomings, noting that all was done in the best interest of the council.

of the places during the week. Some of the areas affected have been marked to forestall further problems.

"What informed the fumigation team is that many of the gutters have become breeding spots for mosquitoes. If this goes unchecked, the residents will be at the receiving end. The team will move round the LCDAs to ensure that the drainages are fumigated thereby reducing the malaria scourge which has been the cause of high incidence of child and maternal mortality in the area in the past.

By fumigating the environment, the larvae will be destroyed.”

Yishawu, who urged the residents to co-operate with the government by upholding healthy habits, told the residents to stop dumping refuse in drainages as it would compound flooding.

Chairman, Obalende Landlords Association, Prince Soji Ladejobi, who addressed the team, praised the lawmaker for the initiative, saying the residents have teamed up to ensure the monthly exercise is carried out.

Ladejobi, however, urged the state government to intervene in the rising crime wave in the area, as many hoodlums have turned Obalende into their homes.

AGOS State House of Assembly has summoned the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area, Mr Yinka Durosimi, for allegedly disregarding its resolution.

His invitation was sequel to a petition by traders at the Electrical section of the demolished Alaba International Market (popularly known as 'D' Line), to the House.

The aggrieved traders had complained about the demolition and vandalism of their business premises by the council. The petition was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Taiwo Olatunji.

The House had, at its plenary in April 2010, passed a resolution to the effect that Ojo Local Government should within 14 days of receiving the resolution, execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a pledge to grant members of the Electrical Section of the demolished market the right of first choice of offer, for lease of the shops on the ground floor of the proposed shopping mall facing St. Patrick Street in the market The resolution also stated that provided the developer engaged by the state government would accomplish the construction of the

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Shopping Mall within 12 months from February 2010, that the council should provide an alternative market at Idera pending the completion of the new shopping mall.

The Local Government was also to pay N5 million to the electronics dealers, to ameliorate the psychological trauma caused by the demolition of their shops within 14 days of receiving the House’ resolution.

Rotimi Olowo and Sanai Agunbiade both pointed out that the council chairman disregarded the House resolution.

The Majority Leader, Ajibayo Adeyeye, said it is mandatory for the chairman to come and explain why he did not abide by the House’resolution. The House, therefore, unanimously agreed that the chairman should appear before it unfailingly on Thursday.

In a related development, the House has called on the Ministry of the Environment and the Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences to dislodge the destitute and hoodlums on Agege Motor Road to preserve the sanity of the area.

Council charts way forward for poll L EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ikeja Local Government Area and its neighbouring local council development area at the weekend converged to chart a road map to fast-track development in the area.

The meeting, which held at the Agidingbi Town Hall, was well attended by leaders of the party at the local level. They included, former Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Ebenezer Akingbolade, and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Prince Adeniyi Oyemade among others.

Addressing party supporters, Akingbolade said the time has come for members to unite and forge a common front and present a candidate that will represent the will of the people in the forth coming local government election.

“We do not want despots anymore. That is why we have converged to ensure that we put round pegs in round holes. This meeting is not a justice forum gath-

By Miriam Ndikanwu

ering, but one for good people of the party that are interested in the development of the local government,” he said.

He explained that the party's organ at the state and local governments have seen the yearnings of the people at the grassroots, noting that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the right people represent the will of the people in the coming council election.

Oyemade said the meeting was convened because there was the need for change in the local government.

“We want to have a progressive Ikeja forum for people to know that they are part of Ikeja. We don’t want some people to feel ostracised and believe that they will not reap dividends of democracy.

What we are planning will cut across the various wards in Ikeja.”

Cleric flays planned removal of fuel subsidy

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HE General Superintendent, The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministeries (TWOREM) Int'l, Lagos, Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel, has condemned the agitation for the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it is uncalled for and depicts insensitivity to the plight of the masses.

The cleric, who expressed this views after this month’s edition of the inter-denominational quarterly programme tagged: BOJUWOMI with Baba Sekunderin, at Sekunderin Int'l Miracle Prayer Mountain, Adegbayi-Oloode, Ibadan, Oyo State, noted that the government must be careful in dealing with the matter, as fuel affects all Nigerians. He said any slight increase in the price of the commodity would translate to over 100 per cent increase in the prices of other goods and services.

He said: "Facilities being provided by governments elsewhere are non-existent in Nigeria - there are bad roads everywhere, unreliable electricity, inadequate water supply, skyrocketing food prices and a near total insecurity, there is heavy unemployment, and sliding educational system, among others.

Petrol and other fuel products are the only remaining benefits being enjoyed by average Nigerians. If that is removed, the small group who are into oil importation would be the only beneficiaries.

The cleric added that corruption,

‘

Any slight increase in the price of the commodity would translate to over 100 per cent increase in the prices of goods and services

’

greed and unrighteousness are rampart in hence, majority of Nigerians are not benefiting from the oil windfall in the world market.

Prophet Funmilade-Joel further tasked President Goodluck Jonathan and the Governors to focus on good governance and find ways of resolving the precarious financial situation in the country by increasing soures of revenue, reduction in government spending, blockage of leakages, borrowing funds to augment revenue from the federation accounts, and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

39

CITY BEATS Mentally ill undergraduate recovers

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EARS of joy flowed freely.

The mood was ecstatic: men, women and children, who got wind of her likely discharge from hospital, waited eagerly at the house of the Chairman, Adeyemi/Arowojobe Community Development Association (AACDA), on Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Lagos for her arrival in a bid to be the first to catch a glimpse of her.

All went wild with jubilation as Khadijat Oluwatoyin Sanya, who hitherto suffered mental derangement, alighted from the car that brought her back to the community. She was accompanied by the Secretary of the CDA, Mr Sunday Alade and one of its Ex-Officio members, Mr. Samuel Olajide Aro. Khadijat came out, head bowed and a cheerful look in her eyes.

Obviously, she was overwhelmed at the turnout of people in the chairman's house to await her return. She managed to raise her head at the prompting of the chairman and waved cheerfully to the people before she hid behind the chairman and rushed into the house. But the celebration outside knew no bounds; fireworks rent the air, while others turned her return into a party, eating and drinking freely.

The Imam of Aye-Gbesin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdur-

‘

By Jude Isiguzo

Rahman Abdur-Raheem, who collaborated with the CDA, to take Khadijat off the street for treatment, and Rev. Joshua Oguntulu, an ex-officio of the CDA and General Overseer, Christ Light House Church, thanked the community for making it possible for her to be taken for treatment.

They particularly thanked all those who responded to appeals for donations to save her life and prayed to God to replenish their purses. They pleaded for more donations as she commenced the next stage of her journey toward total recovery.

Alade said more public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations should donate to the cause of rehabilitating Khadijat.

He said though she has been discharged from the hospital, Khadijat remains an out patient as she would continue to visit the hospital to see her doctors until she is completely confirmed okay.

“As part of her rehabilitation effort, the community has rented and furnished an apartment for her. As we told you earlier, she has no able person to cater for her.

We will continue to look after her for now, provide for her feeding, maintain her; pay her rent and other bills through the trust fund

Thirty-two-year-old Khadijat, a 300-level Business Administration student of the Lagos State University, suddenly became mentally-ill in 2009, and had been written off in the community

’

Badagry festival: ‘Celebration of people’s freedom from slavery’

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HE Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi l, has described the Badagry Cultural Festival, as a celebration of the freedom of his people from slavery about 200 years ago.

The traditional ruler spoke at the fourth edition of the festival at Apa, Badagry. The event featured cultural exhibitions and dance by at least 10 groups.

The ancient town of Badagry, according to the New Agency to Nigeria (NAN), was founded around 1425 AD and is bordered on the South by the Gulf of Guinea and surrounded by creeks, islands and a lake. It is currently inhabited by the Aworis and the Egun. Slave trade was abolished in the area around 1885.

The monarch said the festival has also helped to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the peo-

ple.

"We gather here not only to celebrate the freedom of Badagry people from slavery, but also to promote our rich cultural heritage, history and world ethos.

“The festival will, no doubt, attract foreign investors to the area," he said.

President, African Renaissance Foundation (AREFO), organisers of the festival, Mr Laide Mesiwaku, told NAN that the event had given Badagry people a unique cultural identity.

Among the cultural groups which performed at the event were Akoto, Atinga, Boloko, Sangbeto, Ajogan, Gege and Ogun.

Others included Kange, Akaka and Kangbe dancing groups.

The week-long festival also featured boat regatta, water sports and a carnival.

committee.

“And as we said at the beginning, Khadijat is still interested in completing her studies which we have found out that was deferred. As soon as we find her fit enough, we will send her back to complete her university education.

“We will continue to let the world know of development about her and how she is faring until she becomes completely established and able to steer her life on her own. This is why we are appealing for more financial assistance for her until she’s completely healed. Donations should continue to be made to the Khadijat Oluwatoyin Trust Fund, FirstBank Plc with the Account No. 2017812517,”Alade pleaded.

Thirty-two-year-old Khadijat, a 300-level Business Administration student of the Lagos State University (LASU), suddenly became mentally-ill in 2009, and had been written off in the community.

The young lady, who was born the only child of her parents, walked about and lived on the street, sleeping in an unserviceable old bus and picking remnants to eat from waste bins. In spite of that, she displayed a lot of innocence and intelligence as she was always seen clutching old newspapers and reading at street corners even though she was rough and unkempt.

Khadijat's sudden sickness had taken a toll on her poor parents.

Her aged and disorganised father in the pursuit of a solution to her ailment once fell off a molue at Oshodi.

The injury he sustained has rendered him bed-ridden since then.

That gave her opportunity to run out of the family house and walk

G

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola has signed the Lagos State Financial Regulation Bill into law. It limits the powers of local governments to borrow funds.

Speaking at the signing, Fashola said the law would engender probity and accountability in local government administration by ensuring that funds are used for the good of the people.

He said the law would also help the government improve its service delivery and guarantee the judicious use of scarce resources to benefit the people.

The law requires council chairmen to seek the state legislature's approval as well as the governor's consent before borrowing.

It also prescribes that borrowing by council chairmen could only be approved for infrastructure development financing.

"This Bill (just signed into law) will help to regulate the way funds put in the trust of public officers

Council aspirant eulogises Tinubu

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CHIEFTAIN of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Samuel Apata, has described former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a man leaders should emulate in view of his consistent

‘

Only a loyal, and committed leader could have taken his people away from the grip of the rampaging forces of the PDP

’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

progressive and democratic ideals.

Apata, a chairmanship aspirant on the platform of ACN in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said consistency is a rare virtue among Nigerian leaders.

This, he observed, is crucial for any leader worth his salt, to achieve true leadership in any endeavour.

The ACN chieftain stressed that he was not surprised that Tinubu has risen to an unprecedented political position after the death of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, because he is focused and determined.

Apata stated that though some are against Tinubu's meteoric rise, there is little or nothing they could do to stop him.

According to him, such people

are only wasting their time because they cannot match the former governor in terms of commitment and sacrifice for the Yoruba nation.

He said it was not surprising that despite retaining only Lagos, a few years ago, the progressive camp has taken control of the Southwest courtesy of Tinubu and his foot soldiers.

Describing the achievement as rare, Apata said only a loyal, disciplined and committed leader could have taken his people away from the grip of the rampaging forces of the PDP. The politician, whose catch phrase is "Solution 2011", assured the people of Bariga LCDA of programmes and projects that will uplift the area and its people.

Having lived in the area for over 30 years, Apata said he knows what the people desire most.

•Khadijat

the street. Her mother was handicapped and disturbed. The worried woman became hypertensive. Her situation deteriorated and she eventually died in January this year with only one wish: that everything would be done to get Khadijat's sanity restored.

In collaboration with the Aye-Gbesin Central Mosque early this year, AACDA took her for treatment until she was discharged two weeks ago. She is to visit the hospital as an out patient.

To facilitate her treatment and rehabilitation, the community had set up a trust fund for her, opened an account with First Bank and appealed for donations from good spirited people, churches, mosques, governments, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and corporate institutions, stating that it could not foot her medical bills and rehabilitation alone. Industrial giant, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, blazed the trail with a cheque for N850, 000.

Lagos limits power of councils to borrow funds are managed.

“It will help administrators utilise the funds in the manner that gives the greatest value for money by limiting the power of the government to borrow to fund capital expenditure.

“This law is in consonance with the challenges faced by this country today. The challenge of urgent need to renew decadent infrastructure and urgent need to provide new infrastructure in the various states”, the governor said.

Presenting the Bill for assent, Mr Ajibayo Adeyeye, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, said in addition to enhancing financial discipline in government, the Bill also prescribes that all revenues should be lodged in the state's consolidated revenue fund.

He described the Bill as an attempt to legitimise best practices in government, adding that it would boost the capacity of the state government to serve the people better.

The governor also signed the state Customary Court Law, which seeks to reform and expedite the administration of justice in Customary Courts.

Among the provisions of the law are the empowerment of the Lagos

‘

In addition to enhancing financial discipline in government, the bill also prescribes that all revenues should be lodged in the state's consolidated revenue fund

’

State Judicial Service Commission to establish Customary Courts, the procedures for the appointment of court bailiffs and clerks, as well as their remunerations.

Others are the power of the commission to designate a court on Islamic Law on matters relating to marriage, issues concerning place of trial, guardianship of children and execution of orders from other courts.

The law, which repeals Section 50 of the Customary Courts Law, also includes right of appeal at the Magistrate Courts.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

40

CITYBEATS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The challenges before us, is the urgent need to renew decadent infrastructure and provide new infrastructure in many places where they are not in existence.”

Governor Babatunde Fashola, while signing into law the bill to regulate Financial management of the state, Local Government and Local council Development Areas in the state.

•LASTMA officials on duty

PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE

LASTMA to curb friction with motorists

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HE Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has begun an enlightenment campaign to reduce tension between its operatives and motorists.

Speaking with reporters, the Special Adviser on Transport Education to the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Mariam Masha, said the initiative is also aimed at promoting voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.

Mrs. Masha, who recalled that such frictions led to loss of lives in the past, said the altercations would be reduced if motorists voluntarily complied with traffic rules and regulations.

She said the agency has introduced a programme tagged: An Evening with LASTMA, where it meets older citizens at their relaxation spots, such as social clubs. The agency also organises A day with LASTMA for drivers of commercial buses, okada and tricycles, at motor parks in its determination to rub minds with all stakeholders on the expectations of LASTMA from road users.

She said the agency had met with top citizens at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan; Eagle Club, Surulere; Eko Club, Surulere; Lagos Tennis Club, Onikan and Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.

“We have been able to rub minds with the elite, who we have found, over the years, to be major culprits of traffic offences and we have preached our gospel, intimating them with what we do and how they can make the task of LASTMA officers easier, when they encounter them on the road,” Mrs. Masha said.

By Yinka Aderibigbe

She said with 2, 640 officers, most of whom work shifts, a development which leaves an average of 800 officers, serving 18 million residents and about 500,000 vehicles that are on the roads daily, it is sheer magic that LASTMA still keeps traffic moving.

She said: “LASTMA has been coping with challenges, among which are inadequate staff, poor attitude of road users, hostile drivers and molestation of its men, yet, the agency would not rest on its oars in ensuring that traffic moves in the state.”

She said the agency, which started with five zones about 10 years ago, has expanded its coverage to 25 and is now covering Badagry and Ikorodu, in response to the increasing needs for the services of the traffic managers.

Dr. Masha, who admitted that the agency had its internal issues, especially on staff discipline, said no fewer than 187 officers have been dismissed in the last four years for cases ranging from extortion to insubordination, among others.

She noted that the agency was not afraid to sanitise itself, and would continue to deal decisively with errant officials, and that any member of the public who feels unjustly treated by any of the men on the road should report to the agency.

“We have a provost who adjudicates in all cases relating to any of our officials and we are imploring members of the public to bring to our notice such cases that infringes on their right as we would not hesitate to

‘

People should realise that our men are operating under stress and this could be reduced if they voluntarily comply with traffic regulations

deal with such an official. We can also go the extra mile to repair cars that might get damaged as a result of forceful contravention,” Masha added.

She noted that her department has equally introduced the school advocacy programme aimed at taking primary and secondary school children through traffic education, with the aim of ensuring that they know road safety tips.

Mrs Masha said the agency has identified road indiscipline, impatience and illegal parking, especially in high brow areas, as the main traffic challenges in the state.

She added that highly placed persons, especially uniformed personnel, in the Army, Navy, Airforce and Nigeria Police, top the list of traffic offenders in the state.

“We are desirous of ensuring that the agency enjoys the support of all Lagosians, especially these uniformed officers. People should realise that our men are operating under stress and this could be reduced if they comply with traffic regulations in the state,” Masha said.

She said while Governor Babatunde Fashola is addressing the infrastructural deficit in the state, residents should assist

’

by making life on the roads less stressful, by ensuring they comply with traffic regulations and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before they hit the roads.

At the evening with men of the Lagos Tennis Club, Onikan, Mrs Masha, who was at the event with top officials and Commanders of the agency, urged the elite to assist the government in making sure the state is kept moving.

A member of the club, Mr Yomi Erogbogbo, urged the agency to apply modern traffic technology as obtained in developed countries if it hopes to make a meaningful impact in keeping the roads free of gridlocks.

Chairman of the club, Isaac Ade Yunusa, who praised the agency for its achievements over the years, said Lagos has benefited more with the presence of LASTMA than without it.

He, however, urged the agency to be more strict in enforcing the rules against commercial drivers, particularly motorcycle operators, who according to him, have constituted themselves into a lawless group in the state.

Chairmanship aspirant promises to address youth development

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CHAIRMANSHIP aspirant in Ikeja Local Government Area, Mr Akeem Dauda, has called for the support of the people in the forthcoming local government election, promising that his government will prioritise youth development.

Dauda, who spoke with journalists while unveiling his manifesto entitled My blueprint as chairman, said he had worked out modalities to transform many of the youths into employers of labour.

He said has became necessary to develop a blueprint for Ikeja because of the volatility and complexity of its residents.

Dauda, who has been a ward chairman in the council since 2006, said most youths participate in various nefarious activities because they have no jobs.

According to him, there are thousands of

By Miriam Ndikanwu

university graduates living in the community who have taken to crime because the council hitherto had no plans for them.

“I am a youth and I know what my peers pass through. I have been in a similar position before and I know how it feels to be unemployed,” he added.

The blueprint, which consists of an eight-

point agenda, according to Dauda, will address the problems faced by indigent students while a scholarship scheme will be introduced to motivate pupils in primary and secondary schools.

According to him, some of the youth, who engage in despicable businesses lack the financial power to get quality education.

“That is the main reason we must wake up

Some of the youth who now engage in despicable businesses lack financial power to get quality education. That is the main reason we must wake up and do something now before the situation worsens

‘

’

and do something now before the situation worsens. We cannot wait anymore and allow the capital city of Lagos to continue deteriorating,” he said.

Besides quality and affordable health care delivery, functional education, improved infrastructural amenities that the aspirant promised, Dauda said youth organisations would be fully mobilised, enlightened and accommodated in the local government administration.

“What the leadership of the party is planning is to make sure the local government is united. I will be an apostle of change and I am determined to go round the local government to preach this change. We started from Onigbongbo and we are going round to ensure we are united,” he said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

42

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION, AUGUST, 2011 WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Mr Iyke Anyaegbu (Otherwise known as Mr Iyke Ikenna Anyaegbu) late of 10, Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

2. Femi Ogunmodede (Otherwise known as Ogunmodede Femi) late of Block N5 Flat 5, LSDPC Estate, Oke Afa Isolo, Lagos. deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of July, 1999 at Lagos.

3. Ugwunna Lazarus, late of 68, Ijikoyejo Street, Surulere, Aguda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2007 at Umuahia Abia State.

4. Alhaji Amuda Aremu Balogun late of 36, Akindiya Street, Sango Agege, Lagos, State deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

5. Mr Onofowode Olaide A. (Otherwise known as Ajibike ) late of 8, Padonu Street, Shibiri Ojo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of May, 2010 at Shibiri Ajangbadi, Lagos.

6. Saduwa Clementina (Otherwise known as Vincent Uvieghara Clementina) late of 12B, Ikene Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2007 at Lagos Island.

7. Alhaji Sule Lamidi Akanji late of Block 789, Abesan Housing Estate, Abesan Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

8. Lucy Olufunmilayo Puddi Combe-Sanni (Otherwise known as Lucy Puddi Combe-Sanni) late of 25, Adebiyi Street, Ifako Ijaiye Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2007 at London England.

9. Elizabeth Adeloba (Otherwise known as Mrs Adeloba E. Adefolake) late of No. 11, Niyi Oguneye Crescent, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2009 at Blessing Hospital Ojodu, Lagos.

10. Adeyemi Adebowale Titus late of Back of Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School Oko Afo Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 2010 at Badagry.

11. Paul Ikpe Agbo (Otherwise known as Mr Ikpe Paul) late of No. 11 Unity Road, Aboru, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June, 2010 at General Hospital, Ikeja.

12. Mr Nwachukwu Basil late of No. 5 Akilo Street, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

13. Chukwudozie Samson late of 70, Bale Street, Olodi Apapa deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

14. Prince Ojaleye Emmanuel Dayini Adedeyinbo (Otherwise known as Emmanuel Dayini Adedenyinbo Ojaleye) late of 230, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of July, 1974 at Lagos.

15. Alh. Rashidi Akande Okunade (Otherwise known as Okunade Abdul Rashidi Akande) late of Block 518, Flat 2, Abesan Housing Estate Ipaja, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2011 at General Hospital Agege.

16. Musa Idowu Ismaila (Otherwise known as Mr Idowu Ismaila Musa) late of Maseno Compound Gborosun, Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 2007 at Ayoola Hospital Ikogasebe Badagry.

17. Agbebunmi Johnson (Otherwise known as Johnson Abiodun Agbebunmi and DSP Agbebunmi Johnson ) late of 5, Jatto Close, Ekoro Abule Egba Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

18. Mr John Oguche (Otherwise known as Oguche John) late of Block D, Flat 6, Alausa Police Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

19. Mr Onyemauche C. Ajoku late of No. 3, Moshobolaje Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August , 2008 at Ogun State.

20. Moses Oyewole Oyegoke late of 7, Adedapo Street, Surulere, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2002 at Shagamu.

21. Miss Josephine Timothy Akpan ,late of 6, Tawose Street, Onipanu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2010 at Akwa Ibom.

22. Deacon Adetona Adedeji Isaac (Otherwise known as Oga Yellow and Mr Adetona Adedeji Isaac) late of No. 3, Adejokun Street, Isheri Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

23. Gabriel Adeniyi Adeoti (Otherwise known as Adeoti Gabriel) late of 38, Thomas Salako Street, (53, Yaya Abatan Street, Ogba Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos) deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

24. Sholeye Jimoh , late of 5, Olaiya Street, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

25. Pa Joseph Adenowo Onabanjo (Otherwise known as Joseph Banjo and pa J.A. Onabanjo) late of 91, Clegg Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 1992 at National Orthopeadic Hospital, Igbobi Lagos.

26. Alani Kayode Abiodun (Otherwise known as Alani Abiodun) late of No. 4, Alimotu Shobona Street, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2009 at Kaduna State.

27. Nwankwo Emmanuel late of 62, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2010 28. Fashanu Anthony Oladosu (Otherwise known as Fashanu Anthony ) late of 3rd Avenue F Close, House 2, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

29. Itietie Andrew , late of PTF Block 17, Flat 8, Ojo Barracks Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of April, 2010 at Delta.

30. Mr Philip Ugbebor (Otherwise known as Ugbebor Philips) late of No. 2, Omoniyi Lawal Street AIT, Road, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2008 at Cheveron Gbagada Clinic.

31. Mr Rafiu Bamidele Omoniyi (Otherwise known as Omoniyi Rafiu) late of 9, Jide Areola Street, Oke Odo Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2008 at Ifo, Ogun State.

32. Oladapo Alfred Ayorinde (Otherwise known as Red. Ace International Company and Mr Ayorinde Oladapo ) late of 4, Adu Street, Ogba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2011 at Lasuth Ikeja.

33. Mr G.A. Mulero, late of 11, Dele Ojo Street, Abule Egba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2008 at Lagos.

34. Olukoya Samuel Ranti late of 5, Ijero Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2011 at Fembum Hospital Ltd Cele Village Alimosho.

35. Ojajuni Abiodun Ibironke late of 69, Oduntan Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2009 at Lasuth, Lagos.

36. Mrs Adebayo Modupe late of 3, Ishaga Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

37. Mr Mathew A. Sanwo (Otherwise known as Sanwo Mathew ) late of 58, Olomode Street, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of February, 1980 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

38. Toriola Adio Bamigbade, late of 33, Olowu Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2008 at Ikeja.

39. Mrs Fashina Ajibola Yetunde late of 3, Saubana Olawale Street, Ipaja Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2008 at owo.

40. Mr Ikechukwu Mgboji late of 5, Giwa Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

41. George Egwuom (Otherwise known as Mr Egwuom George) late of 51, Okito Street, Orege Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

42. Grace Adefolake Ganiyat Akinsanya (Otherwise known as Mrs Akinsanya Folake) late of 23, Olaniyi Street, new Oko Oba Abule Egba Lagos decased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2008 at Abolayo Hospital Egbeda, Lagos State.

43. Mr Francis Nwahiri Anyiam (Otherwise known as Francis Nwahiri) late of 2, Omobogie Street, Akiode Ojodu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

44. Mr Joseph Nwankwo Okogbo (Otherwise known as Okogbo Joseph Nwankwo) late of 2, Okanlawon Street, Saw Mill Bariga, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2011 at General Hospital 45. Mrs Akpan Ngozi late of 76, Ilogbo Eremi Road, Foundation Oko Afo Badagry deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2010 at Badagry.

46. Reginnah Olasunbo Martins late of 48/52 Bamboye Street, Aiyetoro, Mushin Lagos Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2008 at New York 47. Mr Thankgod James late of 174, BNNA Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of March, 2011 at Federal Medical Centre Lokoja.

48. Aka Adeshina late of 28, Ikotun Idimu Road, Ikotun deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

49. Akinleye Olushola Egunleye, late of 444, Sikiru Omolaja Street, Agbado deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

50. Mgbelu Dickson Adiele late of 2, Onobola Street, Bariga Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

51. Aderupoko Nuratu (Otherwise known as Aderupoko Nuratu Olayinka) late of 6, Aderupoko Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

52. John E. Ebewehele late of No. 11 Barbinton Street, off Ajelogo Avenue Ketu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

53. Mr Yakubu Haruna late of 49, PMF Epe Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 2010 at Keffi, Nassarawa State.

54. Olujimi Arogundade (Otherwise known as Arogundade Olujimi) late of Plot 1 Olasumbo Street, Oregun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of July 2009 at Ijebu Ode 55. Erinle Omotola late of 19, Ajanaku Street, Opebi Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2009 at Mainland Hospital Yaba.

56. Mrs Asanatu K. Ishola (Otherwise known as Kehinde Asanatu Ishola) late of 7, Sebiotimo Street, Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

57. Sergent Ojokoro Obodeh (Otherwise known as Sergent Obodeh) late of No. 1, Oki Lane Street, Mende Maryland, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

58. Mr Mafo Adesoji Adesimbo late of 2, Lefi Awose Crescent, Ajara Vetho Badagry deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

59. Francis Onyebuke (Otherwise known as Onyebuke Francis) late of 6, Admiral Street, Isashi Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2010.

60. Alhaja Risikat Balogun (Otherwise known as Risikat Balogun, Osupa Adinni and Aja Risikat Olufumilayo Balogun) late of No. 12B, Lanre Shittu Close Magodo G.R.A. Shangisha, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2010 at Duro Soleye Hospital Ikeja Lagos State.

61. Akindiji Alaba late of Sango Quarters Badagry Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of February, 2008 at Lagos.

62. Mr Paul Babarinde Okediran late of 38, Irepodun Street, Pleasure, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2009 at General Hospital Ota, Ogun State.

63. Kuforiji Olasubomi late of 24, Adesina Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of February, 2006 at Lagos.

64. Liasu A. Salau (Otherwise known as Alh. Liasu A. Salau ) late of 9, Unity Street, Ilasamaja Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of April, 2007 at Lagos.

65. Reuben Anuliba Chine (Otherwise known as Chine Reuben) late of 89, Oyetoro Street, Meiran, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

66. Egbune Lolo Raphael (Otherwise known as Posa Egbune LRS4733) late of Road 1, Block Apartment 5, Navy Town, Amuwo Odofin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2008 at NNS Pathfinder Sickbay, Port Harcourt.

67. Augustine Kelechi Azuzie (Otherwise known as Mr Ajuzie Augustine) late of 20, Kessington Street, Satelite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

68. Ajenifuja David Olusola (Otherwise known as Ajenifuja David) late of No. 220 Ipaja Road, Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May,2010 at Lagos.

69. Anthony Oluwasegun Allename (Otherwise known as Allename Anthony Oluwasegun and Allename Anthony) late of 22, Pedro Street, Iwaya, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2010 at Lasuth .

70. Mr Samuel A. Ojo (Otherwise known as Ojo Samuel) late of Amje (Alakuko Area) Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2007 at Tropical Medical Centre Oshodi.

71. Simon Okolo (Otherwise known as Sgt. Simon Okolo) late of Federal Highway patrol Barracks Block C Flat 4, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2010 at Uyo, Port Harcourt 72. Mr Omotayo S. Salami (Otherwise known as Salami Omotayo Samuel) late of 5, Orenuga Street, Ajijawe Area Moshalashi Bus Stop Alagbado Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Walter Uwaezuoke (Otherwise known as Uwuezuoke Walter) late of 51, Baba Awe Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota Isolo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2010 at Luth.

74. Mr Timothy Olaniyi Ogundimu (Otherwise known as Ogundimu Timothy) late of 27, Ojo Street, idi Oro Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2009 at General Hospital Ikorodu, Lagos.

75. Kuburat Omosanya late of 27, Adenle Road, Okunola Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of September, 2009 76. Mr Lawrence Chukwunweike Nebeolisa (Otherwise known as Nebolisa Lawrence) late of 5, Adebiyi Street, Onitiri Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2005 at Lagos.

77. Samuel Fadipe (Otherwise known as Fadipe Samuel ) late of 98, Apapa Road, Ebute Meta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 1988 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

78. Osunkunle Muniru Oladepo late of 80, Ofin Oreta Road, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of May, 2011 at General Hospital Ikeja.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

August 8, 1

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Obiora Anyaegbu and Anayo Anyaegbu both of 16, Kogberegbe Street, Ejigbo, Lagos two brother of the said deceased.

2. Emmanuel A. Ogunmodede, Esther Y. Ogunmodede, Christiana K. Ogunmodede and Oluwasegun Ogunmodede all of Block N.5 Flat 5 LSDPC Estate, Isolo, Oke Afa Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

3. Ugwunna Grace and Ugwunna Innocent both of 42, Ebun Ayodele Street, Abule Egba, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

4. Balogun Raheem Babatunde and Balogun Sikiru Olatoye both of 36, Akindiya Street, Sango Agege, Lagos State two of the children of the said deceased.

5. Onafowode Mary A. and Onafowode Oluyemi B. both of 8, Padonu Street, Shibiri Ajangbadi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

6. Saduwa Uvietobore Victor of 12B, Ikene Street, Surulere, Lagos and Theresa Ogefere of 5, Alh. Owoyemi Close, Agboju Amuwo Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

7. Alhaji Yinusa Olukunle Sulaiman and Mojeed Sule both of No. 91, Titi Kokori Street, Alake Bus Stop Ikotun, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

8. Mr Lateef Sanni and Oluwakemi Peters (Nee Sami) both of 25, Adebiyi Street, Ifako Ijaiye Ogba Ikeja Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Keji Afolayan and Felicia Anyanwu both of No. 11, Niyi Oguneye Crescent, Ojota, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

10. Adeyemi Shola of No. 23, Isalu Road, Ajara Badagry and Adeyemi Adedamola of Flat 31, Block B, Lasu Quarters, Ibereko, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mercily Ikpe (Mrs) and Gabriel Ikpe both of No. 11, Unity Road, Aboru Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

12. Mrs Norah Nwachukwu and Sunday Nwachukwu both of No. 5, Akilo Street, Ogba, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

13. Ada Chukwudozie of 70, Bale Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos, and Alex Chukwudozie of 37, Babani Street, Ajegunle , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

14. Omotayo Ojaleye (Rev.) and Gbenga Talabi both of 230, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

15. Alh. Ganiyu Okunade of Blk 75, Flat 4, Meiran Estate, and Mrs Salamotu Iyabo Odetayo of 8, Oyero Road, Ijoko two of the children of the said deceased.

16. Musa Awawu , Musa Isiaka both of Maseno Compound Gborosun Badagry, and Musa Malik of No. 1, Adabale Street, Oworosoki ,three of the children of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Ronke Agbebunmi, Mr Joshua Olubunmi Agbebunmi and Mr Femi Moses Agbebunmi all of No. 5, Jatto Close, Ekoro, Abule Egba, Lagos State widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

18. Mrs Roseline Oguche and Simon Oguche both of Block D, Flat 6, Alausa Police Barracks, Ikeja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

19. Mrs Joyce A. Obuesi of No. 6, Olukayode Akinsanya Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos, and Mr Stanley U. Ajoku of No. 3, Moshobolaje Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, Isolo, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

20. Deborah Olayinka Oyegoke of 16, Atitebi Street, Off Apapa Road, and Dele Ogundimu of 2, Omoleye Street, Alagomeji Yaba, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

21. Nsikak Timothy Akpan and Hosanna Timothy Akpan both of 6, Tawose Street, Onipanu, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

22. Adetona Adesina O, Adetona Samuel and Adetona Emmanuel all of 3, Adejokun Street, Ikeja, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

23. Mrs Lucy Dupe Adeoti, Mr Patrick Abayomi Adeoti both of 5, Ishola Fagbamiyi Close, Awoyaya, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Mr James Olalekan Adeoti of 8, Ogunsola Alawode Street, Opeki Ipaja, Lagos, and Mr Francis Ayodele Bolaji of 62, Odejayi Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, widow, two of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

24. Jimoh Rasheed Oluwafemi, Jimoh Omolaja, Jimoh Fatimah and Jimoh Habibat all of 5, Olaiya Street, Egbeda, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

25. Mr Ademola Olumuyiwa Onabanjo of Block 36, Flat 5, LSDPC Housing Estate, Ojokoro , Lagos State Mrs Ibiyemi Abosede Sanusi of No.9, Bolaji Sanusi Street, Isasi , Iba LGA Lagos State, , Mr Olurotimi Olugbuyi Onabanjo of AG 39, Federal Low Cost Housing Estate Ikorodu Lagos State and Mr Sunday Adedayo Onabanjo of No. 26, Adamson Street, Ketu, Lagos State , four of the children of the said deceased.

26. Mrs Risikat Abiodun of No. 4, Alimotu Shobona Street, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Ikorodu , Lagos State and Miss Bosede Abiodun of No. 15, Rosemond Street, Surulere, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

27. Nwankwo Edward and Nwankwo Chukwumeka both of 62, palm Avenue Mushin, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

28. Mrs Fashanu Janet Oye and Mr Fashanu Victor Oladapo both of 3rd Avenue F Close, House 2, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

29. Rose Itietie (Mrs), Mathias Itietie and Edijana itietie all of PTF Block 17, Flat 8, Ojo Barracks widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Stella Ugbebor and Isioma Ugbebor both of No. 2, Omoniyi Lawal Street, Alagbado, widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

31. Mrs Olayemi Omoniyi , Omoniyi Rabiu Oyebade and Omoniyi Folabanke all of 9, Jide Are-ola Street, Oke Odo Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

32. Oladapo Rabiat Iyabode of 4, Adu Street, Ogba Lagos and Musah Shaib Abdul Wahab of No. 25, Adelakun Street, Ipaja Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

33. Titilayo Mulero and Motunrayo Mulero both of 11, Dele Ojo Street, Abule Egba Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

34. Olukoya Isaiah Oluleke and Aragbaiye Abosede Alice Ronke both of 5, Ijero Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

35. Ademola Adedayo Ojajuni and Bukky Sholarin both of Plot 805, Sowande Street, Omole Phase II, Ikeja widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

36. Mr Saheed Yakub of 9, Idera Street, Odi Olowo Mushin, Lagos, Mrs Fausat Oluwakemi Oyeluade of 7, Ranson Oyeluade Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, Mr Tajudeen Adebayo of 20, Ishaya Road, Surulere, Lagos and Mrs Hassan Bukola Kuburat of 10, Dosunmu Ayodeji Crescent Ikorodu, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

37. Mrs Agnes Modupe Onadipe and Mr Lawrence Abayomi Sanwo both of 12, Ishaga Road, Surulere, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

38. Bamigbade Ebenezer Olatoye and Mr Samuel Edun both of 33, Olowu Street, Ikeja brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

39. Mr Emmanuel Fashina and Miss Modupeola Fashina both of 3, Saubana Olawale Street, Ipaja, Ayobo, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

40. Chukwudi Paul Mgboji and Valentine Mgboji both of 5, Giwa Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja Lagos State , two brothers of the said deceased.

41. Loveline Egwuom of 51, Okito Street, Orege, Lagos and Ambrose Egwuom of 6, Baale Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

42. Akinsanya James Olojo, Kolawole Akinfenwa, Akinlola Olubunmi and Oluwafemi Folashade all of 23, Olaniyi Street, New Oko Oba Abule Egba, widower and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

43. Mrs Magaret Nwahiri A. and Miss Ifeoma Nwahiri A. both of 2, Omobogie Street, Akiode Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Mrs Charity O. Joseph Okogbo and Miss Esther I. Okogbo both of 2, Okanlawon Street, Sawmill Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

45. Akpan Peter and Joseph Obidah both of 16, Ilogbo Eremi Road, Foundation, Oko Afo Badagry, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

46. Mrs Rebecca Olawanle Omisanya and Mr Philips Akinwande Martins both of 48/52, Bamgboye Street, Aiyetoro Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

47. Mrs Franca Thankgod of 27B, Fatai Atere Way, Matori Lagos State and Mr Samuel James of 192, Battalion Nigeria Army Owode Yewa, Ogun State widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

48. Modupe Aka of 21, Awolowo Street, Oworonshoki, Adebukola Aka, Adeola Aka and Kemisola Aka all of 28, Ikotun Idimu Road, Ikotun, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

49. Akinleye Sanni and Akinleye David both of 44, Sikiru Omolaja Agbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

50. Chineye Adiele and Uchechi Adiele both of No. 21, Onobola Street, Bariga, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

51. Olaide Aderupoko and Monsurat Aderupoko both of 6, Aderupoko Street, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

52. Miss Queen Ebewehele and Mr Martin Oriabure Ebewehele both of No. 11, Barbinton Street, Off Ajelogo Avenue, Ketu,Lagos State, two children of the said deceased.

53. Mrs Maria Yakubu and Friday Yakubu both of 16, Mobile Police Force Barrack , Zone II Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

54. Mrs Bern Adebisi Arogundade and Mr Samuel Olujimi Arogundade both of Plot 1, Olasumbo Street, Oregun Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

55. Mr Olusegun Erinle of 19, Ajanaku Street, Opebi Ikeja and Mr Adeleke Adenuga of 12, Oyannu Street, Ketu, widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

56. Mrs Motunrayo Akinyele and Mr Ganiyu Ishola both of No. 7, Sebiotimo Street, Ipaja, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

57. Godwin Okpomo and Timothy Elehor both of No. 1, Oki Lane Street, Mende Maryland, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

58. Evelyn Mafo and Adeola Mike Mafo both of 2, Lefi Awose Crescent, Ajara Vetho Badagry, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

59. Mr Ifeanyi Onyebuke and Miss Ifeoma Onyebuke both of 6, Admiral Street, Isashi Ojo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

60. Mrs Abisola Odumusi, Mrs Monsurat Adegbenro, Mr Ibrahim Balogun and Mr Aderele Olofinjana three of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

61. Omowunmi Alice Akindiji and Samuel Olubanji Akindiji both of Sango Iledudu Badagry Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

62. Mrs Cecilia Okediran and Mr Sunday Okediran both of 38, Irepodun Street, pleasure, Lagos, State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

63. Olufemi Kuforiji and Mobolanle Ajayi both of 24, Adeshina Aina Street, Shogunle, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

64. Salau Fatai and Prof. M.A. Salau both of 9, Unity Street, Ilasamaja Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

65. Mercy Ifeoma Chine and Blessing Ifeoma Akinleminu (Nee Chine) both of 89, Oyetoro Street, Meiran Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

66. Mrs Augustina Egbune of Road 1, Block 105, Apartment 5, Navy Town, Amuwo Odofin LGA Lagos and Mrs Joy Ossai of Road 2 Block 151, Apartment 2 Navy Town, Amuwo Odofin L.G.A. Lagos, widow and family friend respectively of the said deceased.

67. Ifeanyi Ajuzie and Uchenna Ajuzie both of 20, Kessington Street, Satellite Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

68. Mrs Lydia Ebun Ajenifuja, Mr Ajenifuja Sunday Folusho and Mrs Ayodele Christiana Popoola all of 220, Ipaja Road, Ipaja Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

69. Mrs Florence Oluwakemi Allename and Miss Georgina Ayotunde Allename both of 17, Moronfolu Street, pako Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

70. Mrs Sarah Ojo of No. 135C Araromi Street, Odeda Ogun State and Mr Lawrence O. Ojo of No. 1, Oke Ayo Street, Onikolobo Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

71. Austine Okolo and Buche Okolo both of Federal Highway patrol Barracks Block C, Flat 4, Ikeja, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

72. Mrs Omowunmi Salami, Mr Oluwagbenga Salami, Mrs Bosede Salami and Mr Adedayo Salami all of 5, Orenuga Street, Ajijawe Area Moshalashi Bus Stop, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

73. Mogu Nnamdi Felix of 20A, Alhaji Lateef Salami Street, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, brother of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Esther Ogundimu, Miss Kemi Ogundimu, Mr Paul Ogundimu all of 27, Ojo Street, Idi Oro Mushin, Lagos, and Mr Ebenezer Ogundimu of 8, Lawal Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Omosanya Lawal, Omosanya Olayinka, Omosanya Ibrahim and Omosanya Nurudeen all of 27, Adenle Road, Okunola Egbeda, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

76. Mrs Rebecca Chinwe Nebeolisa, Miss Chikodili Vivian Nebeolisa and Jacinth Ebelechukwu Nebeolisa all of 5, Adebiyi Street, Onitiri Yaba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

77. Oludare Fadipe and Funmilayo Fadipe both of 98, Apapa Road Ebute Metta, two children of the said deceased.

78. Osunkunle Modinat Adetola, Osunkunle Damilare Samuel and Osunkunle Olusegun Mobolaji all of 80, Ofin Oreta Road , Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION, AUGUST, 2011 WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: Sgt. Kayode Sunday late of BLS Room 4 idimu Mobile Barracks Lagos state deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2008 at Kogi State.

Mr Victor Akinyemi (Otherwise known as Victor Olufemi Akinyemi) late of No. 5 Oluwakemi Street, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2008 at Luth, Lagos.

Bayo Ogunwa (Otherwise known as Mr Ogunwa Bayo) late of 12, Oluwakemi Street, Shangisha Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2008 at Ijebu Igbo.

Adekunle Oyinade late of 7, Oshodi Street, Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2008 at State Hospital, Enuwa Ife ,Osun State.

Olajuyigbe Abolaji Racheal (Otherwise known as Olajuyi (Mrs) late of 36, MC Cullum Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2005 at Luth.

Mr Muraino Shobowale late of 136, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Emmanuel Oloye (Otherwise known as NAF 80/12208 MWO Oloye E.M) late of Block ST Flat 26, NAF Base Ikeja, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2010.

Akong C. Angela (Otherwise known as Akong Angela) late of 11, Jakpo Street, Jakande Ajangbadi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2010 at Badagry.

Mrs Theresa Ukpong (Otherwise known as Ukpong Theresa) late of 32, Cardoso Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February, 2005 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Koffi Alouwa (Otherwise known as Alouwa Koffi) late of 2, Adegbite Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos state deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2011.

Koledola Ariyo late of 63, Abiodun Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of September, 2010.

Ajasa Olanrewaju (Otherwise known as Mr Olanrewaju Ajasa) late of 25, Oguntolu Street, Somolu, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2005 at Lagos.

Alhaji Lamidi Shittu (Otherwise known as Alhaji Hamed Shittu) late of No. 3 Banire Street, Olorunsogo Mushin, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Salimanu Lasisi Akinade, late of 18, Abimbola Street, Agbede Transformer, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2010 at Ikorodu ,Lagos State.

Mr Fakolujo Anthony Adegbite late of 27, Aduragbemi Close, Off Asabi Taiwo Street, Obawole Iju Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Kudoro Adeniyi Zacheus, (Otherwise known as Kudoro Adeniyi ) late of Aiyedogbon Comp. Araromi Ale Badagry Express Way deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June, 2010 at Badagry, Lagos.

Muritala Olaide Sheriff late of 24/32, Ladega Street, Akinogun Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2005 at Ayomide Clinic and Maternity Aguda, Lagos.

Alh. Abdul Rahaman Okene late of 4B, Lafia Road, Kaduna deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 1999 Mr Sunday Adelaja late of 10, Arikuyeri Street, Igbo Elerin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Rufai Musibau Ademola late of 8, Hosea Ramon Street, idiroko, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2011 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Akeju Sunday Adeleke late of 2, Alakan Street, Imota Ikorodu , Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2010 at Sango Ota. Adeniyi Oluwaseun (Otherwise known as Adeniyi Adefisayo) late of 29, Oyetoro Street, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of February, 2011 at Badagry.

Quadri Abdulahi Akanbi , late of 7, Ola Oyebola Street, Shasha Alimosho, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of February, 2009 at Hamkard Hospital.

Da-Rocha Alexander late of 37, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 1985 at Lagos.

Gbafe Johnson late of No. 99, Owolabi Street, Ago Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of October, 2010 at Akoko Edo L.G.A. Edo State.

Mr Adeniran Adewale Al-Afeez (Otherwise known as Adewale Adeniran Al-Alafeez) late of 19, Tunde Apatira Street, Iyana Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of Decemebr, 2010 at Lagos.

Ameh Jerry late of Block 14, Flat 18, Queens Barracks Apapa, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2008 at Benin City.

Moses Omomoh Kadiri (Otherwise known as Kadiri Moses) late of 11, Buyide Avenue Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

Alhaja Sherifat Abeni Ladipo (Otherwise known as Alhaja (Mrs) S.A. Ladipo) late of 27, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2007 at Ibadan.

Ariguzo Benedict Ify (Otherwise known as Ariguzo Benedict) late of 4, Obasuyi Crescent, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 2010 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Fredrick Okah (Otherwise known as Mr Oka Obali Fredrick and Mr F.O. Oka) late of 21, Oseni Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Samuel Odutola (Otherwise known as Odutola Samuel) late of 2, Olaoluwa Samuel Avenue Akesan Lasu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Etim Asuquo (Otherwise known as Asuquo Etim) late of Block 8, Flat 1, Mobile Police Barracks Idimu, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Sunday Aremu Oluwole (Otherwise known as Oluwole Sunday) late of 6, Adek Banjo Street, College Bus Stop Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of October, 2010 at University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan.

Obilor Ihejieto Christopher (Otherwise known as Mr Ihejieto Christopher Samuel Obilor) late of No. 9, Adeola Street, Oluti, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2007 at Lagos.

Miss Glory Friday Udo (Otherwise known as Glory Udoh Friday) late of 11, Abiola Johnson Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2010.

Irewole Maria late of 41, Obiosa Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of April, 2011 at Funsho Hospital Ijeshatedo Lagos.

Alhaji Lamidi Hassan late of 17/19, Hassan Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2010.

Mrs Christiana Chechet, late of 12B, Second Avenue, Off Osborne Road, Ikoyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2011.

Awobajo Adewale Olusesan late of 7, Abisoye Street, Oke Odo, Alimosho, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2008 at Ogun.

Mrs Ogundeko Falilat Elizabeth (Otherwise known as Mrs Ogundeko Falilat) late of No. 1, Rasheed Aboyomi Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2009 .

Alhaji Isah Yinusa Dakpo late of Blk 4, 401 Road Flat 15, Airways Quarters deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

Alhaji Joda Ahmed Mbulo (Otherwise known as Joda Ahmed) late of No. 50, Adewunmi Adebiyi Street, Araromi Bus Stop Iyana Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of December, 2010 at Lokoja Kogi State.

Mr Jimoh Olawale Abogunrin late of No. 4, Lekan Adebisi Street, Egan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

Chief Peter Ihimire, late of 25, Adeyinka Karonwi Street, off Hotel Solus, Igando deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2005 at Lagos.

Alhaji Bisiriyu Adejonwo, late of 6, Oluwalogbon Street ,Anthony Village Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 1988 at Ikeja Lagos.

Emelue Francis Awele, late of 6, Dare Abioye Street, Iyana Ila, Ajah, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2010.

Musa Amafe Yesufu (Otherwise known as Yesufu Moussa Amofe) late of 109, Alakoro, Idumota Lagos,deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2008 at Abidjan, Cote D’lvoire.

Mr Bamidele Joseph Oyarinu (Otherwise known as Mr Dele Oyarinu) late of 13, Shokoya Street, Oworo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of September, 2008 at R.Jolad private Hospital.

Adefunke Grace Idowu (Otherwise known as Grace Adefunke Abike Idowu, ) late of 3/5 Bailey Close, Somolu ,Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of September, 2003 at London, United Kingdom.

Mrs Comfort Abosede Williams Osijola (Otherwise known as Williams Osijola Comfort Abosede) late of 14, Doyin Omololu Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Yarima Mohammed late of Block 7, Flat 6, Mopol 20 PMFBarracks G.R.A. Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2010 at Borno State.

Chief Valentine Jude Uzoma Onwu (Otherwise known as Onwu Valentine) late of 6, Mba Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2008 at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

Omodele Olufemi Williams (Otherwise known as Modele Williams and Williams Omodele O. ) late of 5, Dan Fodio Road, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of July, 2007 at Lagos.

Mr Anselem C. Onyigbuo (Otherwise known as Mr Anselem C. Nzekwe and Oyigbuo Ansalemn) late of B50, Post Service Estate ,Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of February, 2009 at Trinity Clinic and Maternity.

Mr Opusobebo Akanibo late of 8, Folorunsho Koleosho Street, Moshalasi Igando, Egan deceaed who died intestate on the 18th day of July, 2007 at Lagos.

Akpan Aniekan Ekanem late of Aribila Estate, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

Alhaji Jamiu Usman (Otherwise known as Sumonu Jimoh) late of 10, Ogundeji Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mike Ugbaja late of No. 1, Samuel Shode Street, Egbe Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Bolujo Basirat Kehinde (Otherwise known as Bolujo Kehinde) late of No. 15, Anifowoshe Street, Ewe Elepe Via, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

Ebenezer Oluwayemisi Jatula late of Alagbomeji Itoga Road, Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2005 at Lagos.

Roseline Mojisola Odetola late of 9, Atanda Popoola Street, Amje Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Isiaka Adeniregun late of 9a/b Isoto Road, Ikola Ipaja Command Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Alexander I. Ukah (Otherwise known as Ukah Alexander) late of No. 10, Siratu Lane, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

Momoh Shuaib late of No. 23, Onabiju Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

Oguike Martins late of 62, Ajoke Okunsanya Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 2009 at Imo State.

Ms Olajumoke Abimbola Agbaje (Otherwise known as Jumoke Abimbola Agbaje) late of 12, Oloye Street, Ijora Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2010.

Adenike Onwubuya late of 20, Micheal Ogun Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Jimoh Yusuf (Otherwise known as Mr Yusuf Jimoh) late of 2, Dr Akinbi Street, Oke Eletu, Off Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

Kotun Babatunde Olusegun late of 17, Olufemi Peter, Ire Akari estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Victoria Olufunmilayo Ashaju late of House 114, Goodhomes Estate, Isheri Olofin, Lagos, deceaed who died intestate on the 22nd day of June, 2010 at London, U.K. Alonge Felix Apojo Sunday (Otherwise known as Mr Alonge Felix) late of No. 16, Oriyomi Street, Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

Ogunmola Abayomi late of 25, Paul Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of July, 2003 at Lagos.

Chief Johnson Akintunde Owolabi (Otherwise known as Owolabi Akintunde Johnson) late of 5B, Lily Drive M.K.O. (Maruwa Garden) Ikeja, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of October, 2009 at Akure, Ondo State.

Titus Adeniyi Otenaike (Otherwise known as Pa Otenaike Adeniyi and Prince) late of 2, Ugali Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2005 at Ogun State.

Elabo Francis Okpe late of Block 11A, Road 4, Apartment 2, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Glady’s Igiebor late of 124, Ijegun Road, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Alarape Victoria Opaleye (Otherwise known as D.O.Ogunkunle (Mrs) late of 3, Fawibe Street, Oke Odan, LCDA, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 2001 at Oyo State.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Mr Abiodun James and Abiodun Bose both of No. 9, Wuraola Ojo Idimu Lagos state ,father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Regina Akinyemi and Janet Akinyemi both of No. 8, Oluwakemi Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Adeyinka Ogunwa and Miss Ayomide Olubunmi Ogunwa both of 12, Oluwakemi Street, Shangisha, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adekunle Wosila and Awobode Robert both of 7, Oshodi Street, Agege, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Samuel Afolabi Olajuyi and Olajuyigbe Racheal Kehinde both of 20, Owolewa Street, Agege, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Fausat Shobowale, Kazeem Shobowale both of 29, Iseyin Street, Ilupeju Onipanu Lagos, and Hammed Shobowale of 136, Itire Road, Mushin, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Elfrida Oloye and Tobin Oloye both of Block ST Flat 26 NAF Base Ikeja , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Patrick Chima Onyeiwe of 7, Ojeniyi Street, Afromedia Ajangbadi, Lagos and Lambert E. Onyeiwe of 14, Afolabi Street, Egbeda, two brothers of the said deceased Miss Bright Ukpong , Mrs Esther Iyah Ettah and Mr Isaac Effiong all of 13, Ikechukwu Ohanka Street, Ago Okota, Lagos, one of the children ,sister and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Koffi Ayaba of No. 2, Adegbite Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos State and Mr Pele Alouwa of No. 7, Alhaji Jimoh Street, Ilasamaja Lagos State , widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Caroline Ariyo and Ms Mopelola Ariyo both of 63, Abiodun Street, Somolu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Folasade Ajasa and Mr Muritala Shittu both of 25, Oguntolu Street, Somolu, Bariga, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kudirat Muraina of No. 132, Lawanson Road, Itire, Lagos, and Mrs Tawa Akintunde of No. 3, Banire Street, Mushin, Lagos , two of the children of the said deceased.

Akinwunmi Tajudeen Azeez and Musa Azeez both of 7, Muibi Street, Owode Ojo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Abimbola Fakolujo and Miss Fakolujo Yewande both of 27, Aduragbemi Close, Off Asabi Taiwo Street, Obawole Iju ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Deborah Kudoro and Master Michael Kudoro both of Aiyedogbon Compound Araromi Ale Badagry Express Way, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Muritala Folashade G. and Muritala Arisekola A. both of 24/32, Ladega Street,Akinogun, Ipaja, Lagos, Mother and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alh. Ibrahim A. Okene and Bilkisu A. Okene both of No. 4, Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos, the lawful son and daughter of the said deceased.

Fabian Adelaja and Olusegun Adelaja both of 10, Arikuyeri Street, Igbo Elerin Okokomaiko, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Nurudeen Rufai and Mr Wasiu Rufai both of 8, Hosea Ramon Street, Idiroko, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Funke Edagbemi and Mr Adewale Akeju both of 2, Alakan Street, Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adewole Adeniyi and Adeniyi Esther Komolafe both of 29, Oyetoro Street, meiran Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Quadri Babatunde and Quadri Idris both of 7, Ola Oyebola Street, Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

David Oluseyi Da-rocha of 37, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Oluwaseyi Olaoluwa Johnson and Esther Johnson both of No.99, Owolabi Street, Ago Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Adeniran Funmilola and Miss Adeniran Adeyemi both of No. 19, Tunde Apatira Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Judith Ameh and Susan Ameh both of Block 14, Flat 18, Queens Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Helen Amaka Kadiri and Miss Racheal Ochuwa Kadiri both of 11, Buyide Avenue, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr Taiwo O. Ladipo, Dr (Mrs) Shakirat O. Olanilege ,Miss Silifat O. Afolabi all of Plot 7, Blk M, Oke Badan Estate, Alegongo Akobo, Ibadan, and Mr Sheriff O. Ladipo of 27, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Franca Ariguzo and Obinna Ariguzo both of No. 4, Obasuyi Crescent, Ijegun Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Onyemaechi Okah and Mr Ogodo Sylvester both of 21, Oseni Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Odutola and Mr Emmanuel Odutola both of 2, Olaoluwa Samuel Avenue Akesan lasu Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Iguo Asuquo, Miss Etim Blessing Asuquo and Mr Etim Edet Asuquo all of Block 8, Flat 1, Mobile Police Barrack Idimu, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Temitope Oluseyi Oluwole and Ayodeji Olumide Oluwole both of 6, Adeeko Street, College Bus Stop, Igando Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Fidelia Onyenachi Obilor and Uchechukwu Samuel Obilor both of No. 9, Adeola Street, Oluti, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Limede E. Ufot and John Friday Udo both of No. 30, Alhaji Bashorun Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Irewole Michael and Irewole Olushola both of 41, Obiosa Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alhaja Olabisi Hassan and Hakeem Hassan both of 17/19, Hassan Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Timothy Chechet and Mr Markus Samaila both of 12B, Second Avenue Off Osborne Road, Ikoyi Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Dupe Awobajo and Adeleke Awobajo both of 7, Abisoye Street, Oke odo, Alimosho, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abiodun Odejimi of Federal Housing Estate Abule Egba, Mrs Olubunmi Nnaokolo of 3/7, Ajasa Road, Meiran and Mr T.O. Ogundeko of No. 1, Rasheed Abayomi Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, widower and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Jumai Yinusa Isah Dakpo and Sadiya Yinusa Isah Dakpo both of 401 Road Block 4, Flat 13, Airways Quarters, Gowon Estate, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aminat Momsiri Ahmed, Titi Beni Ahmed , Zainab Suvalari Ahmed and Saadat Beni Ahmed all of No. 50, Adewunmi Adebiyi Street, Araromi Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Nimota Abogunrin , Mr Idris Bamidele Abogunrin and Mr Sodiq Abogunrin all of 4, Lekan Adebisi Street, Egan widow , one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ihimire Rose Inibo and Miss Ihimire Doris Aluakhomon both of 25, Adeyinka Karonwi Street, off Ariyibi Street, Idowu Egba Lasu Express Road, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alice Adejonwo, Risikat Adejonwo and Bashiru Adejonwo all of 19, Odinyomi Street, Ikeja widow ,one of the children and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Isioma Emelue,Ifechukwude Emelue, both of 23 Road, R Close, House 28, Festac Town, and Dorothy C. Ohanyere of 8, Idowu Lane Opebi Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bintou Yesufu Oloyin and Yusuf Adebisi Waidi both of 29/31, Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Yemisi Oyarinu of 13, Sokoya Street, Oworo Lagos and Mrs Omowunmi Oworu of 12, Oluwalogbon Street, Anthony Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Adekunle David Idowu of 3/5 Bailey Close, Somolu, Lagos and Adebayo Anthony Idowu of 4B, Awawu Close, Alapere , Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Olutayo John Osijola of 14, Doyin Omololu Street, Ketu, Lagos, and Dewale Williams of 12, Ogungbayi Street, Close to Saint Timothy Church Ojodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Rashida Yerima Mohammed and Kawu Ahmadu Yerima both of Block 7, Flat 6, Mopol 20, PMF Barracks G.R.A. Ikeja Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Chief (Mrs) Rita Onwu and Chief Falana Onwu both of 6, Mba Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the chidren respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluremi Yeside Williams of 51B, Ladipo Oluode, Apapa, Lagos and Mr Olaseni Ayodele Williams of 20, Mercy Eneli, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Damiian C. Onyigbuo and Frank Onyigbuo both of 63, Ayilara Street, Surulere, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Patricia Akanibo, Sokan Akanibo and Imaserah Akanibo all of 8, Folorunsho Koleosho Street, Moshalashi Igando, Egan, Lagos widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Paulina Aniekan Akpan, Mr Samuel Sunday Ekanem, Mrs Janet Anekan Akpan and Ms Eunice Ekanem Akpan, all of Aribila Estate Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, widow, cousin and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

Adijat Toyin Jimoh, Aisat Toyin Jimoh and Halimat Temitope Jimoh all of 10, Ogundeji Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Chiamaka Ugbaja and Micheal Ugbaja Junior both of No. 1, Samuel Shode Street, Egbe Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Bolujo A.A. Bolanle and Bolujo Samson both of No. 15, Anifowoshe Street, Ewe Elepe Via Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwaseyi O. Jatula of LASG 8, GRA Quarters, Badagry, Oludare O. Jatula and Olukunle O. Jatula all of Alagbomeji Itoga Road, Badagry, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Shola Odetola and Master Joseph Odetola both of 9, Atanda Popoola Street, Amjey Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Wasiu Adeniregun and Mr Hameed Adeniregun both of No. 9A/B Road, Ikola Ipaja Command, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Veronica N. Adeyemi and Ebunoluwa Elizabeth Adeyemi both of No. 10, Sinatu Lane, Gbagada, Lagos, sister and niece respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Hasana Momoh and Habib Lahimomoh both of No. 23, Onabiju Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oguike Yemisi and Mr Oguike Festus both of 62, Ajoke Okusanya Street, Ago Palace, Okota, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ganiat Alao and Miss Modupe Alao both of 36, Bakare Opesha Street, Agege, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Peter Onwubuya of Micheal Ogun Road, Surulere and Kehinde lOgunbona of 27, Lagos Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Kudirat Adepeju Yusuf of 2, Dr Akinbi Street, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu, Lagos and Musiliat Abisola Ashogbon of No. 9, Ashogbon Street, Agbede, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Esthelle Nonyerem Kotun and Adenike Kotun both of 17, Olufemi Peter Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Gabriel Ashaju and Victor Ashaju both of House 114, Goodhomes Isheri Olofin Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Alonge Felicia and Mr Alonge Jackson Oludipe both of No. 16, Oriyomi Street, Agbado, Lagos, mother and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Toyin Ogunmola and Tolulope Glory Ogunmola both of 11, Taiwo Aremu Street, Off Shola Martins, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Janet Titilayo Owolabi and Mr Emmanuel Oluwatosin Owolabi both of 5, Lily Drive M.K.O. (Maruwa Garden) Ikeja Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Tolulope Adeseye Otenaike, Abisoye Adeyemo Otenaike and Tumininu Otenaike all of 2, Ugali Street, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Elabo Patricia Anne and Odeh Moses both of Block 11A, Road 4, Apartment 2 Navy Town, Ojo , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Charles Igiebor of 124, Ijegun Road, Ikotun and Mrs Felicia Akpor of 2, Adebiaye Street, Idimu ,Off Ewe-Nla Street, Idimu, Lagos widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Pepere Opaleye and Mr Oluwole Opaleye both of 3, Fawibe Street, Oke Odan, LCDA, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

44

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION, AUGUST, 2011 WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: Mr Tajudeen Soyinka (Otherwise known as Mr Soyinka Tajudeen) late of No. 5, Ayegbami Street, Orile Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2009 at Holy Field Clinic Mr Offor Fidelis Ebenezar (Otherwise known as Mr Offur Fidelis Ebenezer) late of 13, Alade Street, Off Apata Shomolu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Egbuawa Nwokanosike Philip (Otherwise known as Egbuawa Philip) late of 6, Ogunoloko Road, Mafoluku Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2004 at Lagos.

Alhaji Salisu Akanbi Ilo (Otherwise known as Ilo Salisu akanbi) late of 30, Ifelodun Street, egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 1999 at Lagos.

Pa Gabriel Oye (Otherwise known as Gabriel Oye) late of 91, Idimu Road, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of February, 1982 at Lagos.

Mrs Osayemi Tella Beatrice Taiwo (Otherwise known as Mrs Osayemi Beatrice Taiwo and Osayemi Taiye) late of 37, Oluadetokun Street, Agbado Crossing deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of June, 2008 at Luth,Lagos.

Awe Samuel Oloruntola late of 3, Deji Olamiju Street, Gbagada, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Nwakolobi Felicia (Otherwise known as Rev. Mrs Nwankolobi Felicia) late of 20B, Ajala Bashiru Street, Ikotun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Nwachukwu Ann (Otherwise known as Ann Nwachukwu and Nwachukwu Ann) late of No. 2, Jubrila Street, Orile Oshodi,Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2010 at Lagos State.

Alhaji Obadina Taib Adedayo (Otherwise known as Mr Obadina Taib Adedayo, Obadina Adedayo Taib and Obadina Taib Adedayo) late of 23, Eyo Street, Somolu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of April, 1996 at Irolu Remo, Ogun State.

Mrs Modupe O. Awesu (Otherwise known as Awesu Modupe ) late of nO. 9, Albert Street, Palmgroove Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of August, 2010 at Palm Groove Lagos.

Pa Samuel Adebola Orelaja (Otherwise known as Igbadi) late of 6, Igbadi Close Shomolu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2007 at Bolmgilead Hospital Ogba, Lagos State.

Madam Orelaja Oladuni (Otherwise known as Orelaja Oladuni) late of 6 Igbadi Close, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2004 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja.

Oseh Fredrick late of 29, Oluwalogbon Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Mbah Damian Ekechi (Otherwise known as Mr Damian Mba) late of 12, Adeniran Street, Off Moshobolaje Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2011 at Lucy Memorial Hospital Okota.

Ashibuogwu Evelyn late of 14, Jimoh Ojora Street, Off Ojo Road, Ajegunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2010 at Beebat Private Hospital.

Yusuf Serifi (Otherwise known as Serifi Rahman) late of 19, Sule Close Badia Ijora, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January, 2008 at Sagamu.

Ezeoyindo Vincent Ikechukwu late of No. 1 Adelinwa Street, Valley Estate, Dopemu deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2010 at Nnobi Road, Nnewi.

Odabi Friday (Otherwise known as S.G.T. Friday Odabi) late of 90/92, Morogbo Road, Jakande Ajangbadi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Ajuzie Kennedy (Otherwise known as Mr kennedy Ajuzie) late of No. 18, Ajala Street, Ijaiye ,Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of October,2010.

Mr John Chukwudike Ndubuka (Otherwise known as Mr John C. Ndubuka) late of 2, Ogunseye Street, Akinbo Akute, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

DSP Mobolaji Ogundeji late of No. 20, Duru Avenue, Owode Elede Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2011 at HolyPell Medical Centre Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr Joseph Olayiwola (Otherwise known as Joseph Olayiwola (Moses) late of 100, Lagos Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 1988 at Medical Centre Ebute Metta.

Julius Olasupo Ogunjimi (Otherwise known as Mr Julius Olasupo Ogunjimi) late of Dada Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2010 at Luth.

Jacob Oladiran Ige (Otherwise known as Oladiran Jacob Ige) late of Block 205, Flat 6, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Mile II, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 at Luth.

Mukaila Lola Adenekan (Otherwise known as Mukaila Adio Adenekan and Chief Mukaila Lola Adenekan) late of 9, Adenekan Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of June, 2007 at Ejigbo, Lagos.

Mrs Florence Obansa (Otherwise known as Mrs Florence Olaore Obansa ) late of 5, Obansa Street, Iju Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Oladoyin Omosola Owoade late of 27, James Daniel Street, Sabo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

Anyanna Patrick Osedebe late of No. 11, Idomo Compound Ijanikin ,Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of April, 2011 at Eko Hospital Lagos.

Ajao Adedapo late of Close B, House 6A, Ogudu GRA, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of September, 2009 at London.

Adelakun Lateef (Alhaji) (Otherwise known as Lateef Adelakun) late of 34, Aramile Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died 14th day of November, 2006 at Lagos.

Mrs Onwordi Maria late of No. 1 Mafowoku Street, Igbobi Fadeyi, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2008 at Fadeyi Lagos.

Mrs Monica Nwafor Isaac (Otherwise known as Nwafor Monica) late of No. 2, Lateef Alosho Street, Iba New Site Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of March, 2011 at Hospital.

Jirinze Godspower late of 13B, Ekunjimi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

Ezeuzo Pauline (Otherwise known as Eze Uzo Paulina Obiageli) late of 56, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of June, 2004 at General Hospital, lagos.

Adisa Saheed Sikiru (Otherwise known as Saheed Sikiru Adisa) late of No. 7, Olorunjuwon Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of July, 2010 at Lasuth, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Silas Titus late of 39, Makinde Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Olanrewaju Clement (Otherwise known as Olarenwaju Clement (JSP) late of 3, Ojetola Street, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos,deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Taofeek Motolani Shodipe (Otherwise known as Mr Shodipe Tolani) late of Blk 654, Flat LCHE, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos ,deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2000 at Lagos.

Mrs Charles Chukwuemeka Aguasu (Otherwise known as Aquasu Charles Chukwuemeka) late of No. 22, Oladitan Street, Akera Agbado, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Oshikoya Aminat Yetunde (Otherwise known as Osikoya Aminat Yetunde) late of No. 1 ,Soji Adepegba Close, Allen Ave. Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 2001 at Lagos.

Adeoni Phillips Adisa late of 26, Onifade Street, Adiyan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

Mr Adekunle Ogunleye late of 7, Ifelodun Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Maikarfi N.K .(Otherwise known as Mr Maikarfi Nuse Kanikani) late of No. 10, Ramoni Ajako Close, Off Jaiyeola Street, Salami, Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Miss Aina Samuel late of No. 3, Toyin Close, Ola-Ore Street, Agbado deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2010 at General Hospital ,Ifo Ogun State.

Mrs Helen Onukaogu (Otherwise known as Onukaogu Helen Nkem and Mrs Onukaogu Nkem Helen) late of No. 7, Oremeji Street, Agodo Egbe Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

Chukwujekwu Cyprian (Otherwise known as Mr Chukwu J. Cyprian) late of Yong Shall Grow Office Mazamaza Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of March, 2011 at Maza-maza Lagos.

Mr Daniel Essien Akpan (Otherwise known as Daniel Essien) late of 26, Fasasi Street, Akute, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March 2011 at Holy Trinity Hospital.

Mr Mudashiru Awe late of No. 10, Ogbere Street, Ilaje Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2010 at Ile Ife. Mr Hughes Ipalibo Martyns late of Block 260, Flat 2, Jakande Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2009 at B.M.H. Port Harcourt.

Mr David A. Ilori late of No.80, Market Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2001.

Olabode Phillips (Otherwise known as Phillips Olabode) late of 25, Olaitan Odularu Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 1982 at Lago State.

Akeem Zuberu (Otherwise known as Akeem Suberu) late of 14, Ahmed Polo Close, Liberty Estate, Okokomaiko Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April,2010 at General Hospital.

Albert O. Obisesan late of 13, Summonu Animashaun Street, Ejigbo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2010 at Luth, Lagos.

Mrs Susanna Ejiofor (Otherwise known as Ejiofor Susan) late of 25, Gboyega Kilo Street, Ojodu Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2004 at Lagos.

Mrs Eunice Idowu Taiwo late of 24, Bamidele Street, Off Odo Eran Oworoshoki Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

Pa Micheal Adokhomhe Anetekhai late of 18, Modile Way Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2004 at Lagos.

Mr Sodipe Akintunde (Otherwise known as Sodipo Oludayo Akintunde) late of Blk 60, Flat 3, L.C.H Estate Mile 2 deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Adeniran Oladejo Anthony late of 44, Sijuwola Street, Off Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of September, 2010 at Army Ref. Hospital Yaba Lagos.

Corporal Anthony Adeniyi Adebayo (Otherwise known as CPL Adeniyi Adebayo) late of 1/3 Iyaleje Estate Ori Lowo Ejigbo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Friday O. Inewe(Otherwise known as Mr Friday ) late of No. 1 Shoberu Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of April, 2010 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Mr Isiaka Olajuwon (Otherwise known as Olajuwon Isiaka Ibitosho) late of 29, Shotinoye Street, papa Ajao deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2008 at Lagos.

Chief Alfred Babatunde Williams late of 19, Meran Road Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

Adedokun Julius late of 21, Irepo Street, Oke Ira Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July,2009 at Lagos.

Miss Okeke Onyeka Anastasia (Otherwise known as Onyeka Okeke) late of 45B, Corporation Drive Dolphin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Oyebamiji Felicia Omoyemi (Otherwise known as Mrs Felicia Ibironke Oyebanji and Iya Oyee) late of 20, Bamidele Aletan Ayobo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of April, 2010 at Ayobo.

Mr Chuk Chiadikobor late of no. 1 Gentleman Street, Via Iyana Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2008 at Lagos.

WO Emmanuel Agoha (Otherwise known as 78/10401 WO Emmanuel Agoha) late of Blk T2, Flat 16, NAF Base Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2010 at 445 NAF Hospital, Ikeja.

Orisadare Kunle (Otherwise known as Osadare Adekunle Emmanuel) late of 9, Olowora Road, Isheri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

Mazi Moses Nkano Okoro late of 37, Adekitan Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th dayof March, 2010 at Lagos.

Lawal A.A.Adelabu (Otherwise known as Lawal Alao Adedotun Adelabu) late of 5, Adelabu Ijaiye Close, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestateon the 25th day of August, 2008 at EL/Glory Hospital Abule Egba.

Mr Shittu Sefiu (Otherwise known as Safiu and Shitu Safiu ) late of No. 66, Railway Line, Idi Oro Mushin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of May, 2010 Onwutalobi Somtochukwu Augustine late lof 48, Aro Oloye Street, Oke Rube Ikotun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2010 at Otolo-Nnewi.

Mr Oyebode Lateef Wahab late of No. 18, Ibijoke Street, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December,2009 at Lagos.

Rasaki Ishola Jackson (Otherwise known as Rasak Jackson (Mr) late of 30, Mabo Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2004 at Lagos.

Mrs Ngozi Nsofor (Otherwise known as Mrs Florence Ngozi Nsofor) late of 6B, Joe Best Crescent, Ajao Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Wahab Sule late of 4, Ijedola Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Alaere Augustina Alaibe (Otherwise known as Augustina Alaere Alaibe) late of 5, Probyn Road, Ikoyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2009 at London.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Mrs Funmilola Soyinka, Mr Ahmed A.Soyinka, Mr Akeem A.Soyinka and Miss Aminat Soyinka all of No. 5, Ayegbami Street, Orile Agege, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Georgeline Offor, Mr Ogochukwu Offor and Mr Chigozie Offor all of 13, Alade Street, Shomolu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Josephine Philip and Mr Chijioke J. Philip both of 6, Ogunoloko Road, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Wasiu Babatunde Ilo and Simiat Abebei Gbeleyi both of 30, Ifelodun Street, Egbeda, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Alice Abeke Oye and Mr Tobi Oye both of 91, Idimu Road, Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Osayemi Tella Olakunle and Osayemi Tella Oladehinde both of 37, Oluadetokun Street, Agbado Crossing ,two children of the said deceased.

Awe Olufemi and Awe Olusola both of 3, Deji Olamiju Street, Gbagada, Lagos, State two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Anthony Nwakolobi and Michael Elekwachi Nwakolobi both of 20B, Bashiru Ajala Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widower and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Nwachukwu Augustina, Chukwuemeka Chukwudi and Chukwuemeka Uchenna all of 2, Jubrila Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Mrs Rashidat Abiola and Mr Adedimeji Quadri Obadina both of 38, Bolaji Benson Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Yetunde I. Martins of 41, Ikosi Road, Ketu, Lagos and Mr Kunle Adeyemi of 9, Majekodunmi Street, Sogunle Lagos, the only child and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Adegboyega A. Orelaja of Plot AK 174, FLCHE Ikorodu and Adekunle A. Orelaja of Plot AL 121 FLCHE Ikorodu, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adegboyega A. Orelaja of Plot AK 174, FLCHE Ikorodu and Adekunle A. Orelaja of Plot AL 121 FLCHE Ikorodu, two of the children of the said deceased.

Oseh Folorunsho and Oseh Ruth Ibisola both fo 29, Oluwalogbon Street, Anthony Village, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mbah Leticia and Mbah Princewill both of 12, Adeniran Street, Off Moshobolaje Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos State widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Victor Ashibuogwu and Joseph Ashibuogwu both of 14, Jimoh Ojora Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Muyibat Rahman of 11, Obale Street, Badia Ijora, Lagos, and Abib Rahman of 33 Olorunsogo Street, palmgroove Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ezeonyindo Chizoba and Chinedu Ezeonyindo both of 1, Adelinwa Street, Valley Estate, Dopemu, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Odabi Faith and Odabi Blessing both of New Layout , No. 3 Ilogbo Badagry Road widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Christopher Nwata Ajuzie and Nnata Emmanuel both of No. 18, Akila Bello Street, Ijaiye Ogba, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Pastor Abraham Eberechi Ndubuka and Miss Blessing Chidima Ndubuka both of No. 2, Ogunseye Street, Akinbo Akute, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Adebayo Ogundeji , Mrs Modupe Ogundeji both of No. 1, Musa Adewokun Street, Ojota , Mrs Mosunmola Ogundeji and Mrs Janet Ogundeji both of No. 20, Duru Avenue, Owode Elede Ikorodu, Mile 12, father, mother and the two widows respectively of the said deceased.

Michael Olaoluwa Joseph and Olakean Joseph both of 37, Bamgboye Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluyinka Aderinto (Nee Ogunjimi) and Mrs Oluwatoyin Dickson (Nee Ogunjimi) both of 40, Dada Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olatunde Ige, Oladele Ige and Olalekan Michael Ige all of Block 205, Flat 6, Mile II, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Yetunde Bakare, Moshood Adenekan and Taofeek Adenekan all of 9, Adenekan Street, Ejigbo, lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Oluwaseyitan Adigun, Mrs Adeleye Ekundayo and Miss Pauline Temitope Obansa all of 5, Obansa Street, Iju Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Owoade Francis Adesoji and Mrs Ojuolape Ogunfeyitimi (Nee Olapoju) both of 27, James Daniel Street, Sabo Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Anyanma Mary Jane of No. 11, Idomo Compound, Ijaniki and Mrs Joy Ogor-Oyegbe both of No 39, Sekoni Street, Sango Ota, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Theresa Adedapo, Wunmi Sarumi and Tutu Alaka all of Close B house 6A, Ogudu GRA ,Ojota, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alhaja Amudalat Sade Yusuf, Mrs Falilat Top Benjamin and Mr Qudus Babajide Adelakun all of 34, Aralile Street, Surulere, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Gabriel Onwordi and Victor Onwordi both of 1, Mafoluku Street, Igbobi Fadeyi Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Anayo Bethrand Nwafor Isaac and Ejike Moses Nwafor Isaac both of No. 2 Lateef Alosho Street, Iba New Site Ojo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Stella Jirinze and Chigozie Kingsley Jirinze both of 13B, Ekunjimi Street, Sari iganmu, Lagos ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ezeuzo Daniel and Ezeuzo Anthony both of 56, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Sikiru Adisa and Mr Kabiru Adisa both of No. 7, Olorunjuwon Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mary Silas, Mr Tunde Silas and Mr Olusegun Silas all of 39, Makinde Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Elizabeth Olarenwaju and Olarenwaju Bunmi both of 3, Ojetola Street, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Tawakalitu Shodipe, Soliu Adisa Shodipe and Isiaka Ayodeji Shodipe all of Block 654 Flat LCHE Abesan Estate, Ipaja Lagos, widow and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adibe Veronica, Mr Adibe Pius and Miss Adibe Victoria all of No. 22 Oladitan Street, Akera , Alagbado, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Hakeem Olalekan Oshikoya, Ganiyat Bolatito Oshikoya and Jelili Olajide Oshikoya all of No. 1 Soji Adepegba Close, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Mulikat Adeoni, Doyin Adeoni and Quadri Adeoni all of No. 11 Fakoya Street, Egan, Igando, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ogunleye Aderemi and Adekunle Adewale both of 7, Ifelodun Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Faith Nuse Maikarfi and Adamu Buba both of No. 10, Ramoni Ajako Close, Off Jaiyeoba Street, Salami Shasha, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Samuel Adebayo and Samuel Olaitan both of No. 3, Toyin Close, Ola Ore Street, Agbado, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

High Chief Eke Onukaogu, Mr Onukaogu Kingsley and Mr Onukaogu Charles all of 7, Oremeji Street, Agodo Egbe Lagos State, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chukwujekwu Modesther and Chukwujekwu Tochukwu both of 5, Abule Odi Close, Coker Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Eliza Daniel of 26, Fasasi Street, Akute and Mr Pius E.Akpan of 66, Kujore Street, Ojota, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Sinatu Awe, Mrs Iyabode Alo and Mrs Tawakalitu Olatunde all of No. 10, Ogbere Street, Ilaje Bariga, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs May Martyns of 95, Emenike Street, Mile 1, Diobu Port Harcourt, widow of the said deceased.

Mrs Rachael Moradeke Ilori of No. 19 Umoh Street, Abule Taylor Lagos, and Mr Sunday Abiodun Ilori of No. 26, Santos Avenue Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Kunle Phillips and Kayode Phillips both of 25, Olaitan Odularu Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Aminat Zuberu and Ibrahim Zuberu both fo 14, Ahmed Polo Close, Liberty Estate, Okokomaiko Lagos State, the mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Henry Obisesan and Bimpe Obisesan both of 31, Summonu Animashaun Street, Ejigbo Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Maurice Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mr Christopher Emeka Ejiofor both fo 25, Gboyega Kilo Street, Ojodu Ikeja, Lagos ,two children of the said deceased.

Mr Bankole Olumide and Mr Seyi Dayo Bankole both fo 24, Bamidele Street, Oworonshoki Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Tina Thomas (Nee Anetekhai) and Austine Anetekhai both fo 18, Modile Way Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Abosede Florence Sodipo of Blk 60, Flat 3 L.C. H. Estate Mile 2, Mr Ayodeji Sodipo and Mrs Adetoun Adegoke both fo Plot 28 Omolara Badru Soule Street, Ijaiye Ogba, widow ,brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebola Adeniran ,Dr (Mrs) Adenike Adebanjo and Mr Oladejo Adeniran all of 44, Sijuwola Street, Okota,Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Adeniran Adebayo of 1/3 Iyalaje Estate, Orilowo Ejigbo, Lagos and Mr Adewale Adebayo of 70, Falana Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Roseline Inewe and Felix Inewe both of No. 1, Shoberu Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ayisat Adejoke Olajuwon and Oluwa Damilare Olajuwon both of Iyalaje Street, Orilowo Ejigbo ,Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ms Marian Iyabo Wiliams of 5th Avenue, R Close, H 15, Festac , Ms Abosede Gbemisola Williams of 44 Bola Street, Ebute Metta Lagos, Mr Adeyinka Williams and Mrs Victoria Omolara Oladimeji both of 19, Meran Agbelekale Road, Abule Egba, four of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Ibukun Adedokun and Rotimi Adedokun both fo 21, Irepo Street ,Oke Ira Ogba, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Nwokolo Martina of 35, Ojefia Crescent Off Ago Palace Way, Okota and Alloysius Okeke of 14, Akingbemi Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Oyebamiji Isaac O. , Miss Akinpelu Omolara D. and Mrs Oyebamiji Precious O. all of 20, Bamidele Aletan Ayobo, Lagos, widower, one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ashiadu Chiadikobor and Mr Azubuike Joel both of 1, Gentleman Street, Via Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Maria Agoha and Master Chidi Agoha both of Blk T2 Flat 16, NAF Base Ikeja ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Wunmi Osadare, Mr Gabriel Osadare both of Sadium Road, 22 Ado Ekiti and Mr Henry Ayodele Osadare of 6, Folarin street, Isheri Magodo Lagos, only surviving child and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Roseline Okoro and Miss Joy Okoro both fo 37, Adekitan Street, Mushin Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunmilayo F.Adelabu and Mukadim A.Adelabu both of 5, Adelabu Ijaiye Close, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Morufu Shittu of 66, Railway Line, Idi Oro Mushin, Lagos, Mr Azeez Raheem Oyetunji of 10, Orelade Street, Ikorodu and Alfa Ramoni Adetunji of 4, Smith Street, Idiroro ,three brothers of the said deceased.

Mr Emmanuel Onwutalobi , Theresa Onwutalobi and Emmanuel Nwatolobi Jnr all of 48, Aro Oloye Street, Oke rube Ikotun, father, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Falilat Oyebode and Mrs Saidat Ashimiu Bibire both of 18, Ibijoke Street, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Micheal Babatunde Jackson and Ms Olubunmi Willington both of 1, Abeokuta Street, Off Okunola Egbeda, Lagos, one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Samuel Okechukwu Nsofor of 7, Nkpor Cresent Irono Avenue Jakande Estate, Oke Afa, Isolo Lagos, and Prince Elochukwu Adibo of Plot 481 ,18D, Road Off G6 Avenue Festac Town, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Risikatu Wahab ,Mr Dauda Wahab both of 25, Adegboyega Street, Ilupeju and Mr Ganiyu Wahab of 4, Ijaodola Street, Shogunle, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Ndutimi Alaibe and Ebitimi Stephanie Alaibe both fo 5, Probyn Road, Ikoyi Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

August 8, 1

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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MOTORING

‘Auto-tracking device ‘ll reduce traffic’ AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has said the new auto-tracking device would help reduce traffic gridlock on Lagos’ highways occasioned by police, stop and check of vehicle’ documents.

Fashola disclosed this last week during the launch of an electronic device that would help track vehicle documents instead of the manual stop and check of vehicles’ papers.

Fashola, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Transport, Kayode Opeifa, distributed 500 pieces of the first auto-inspector device to traffic law en-

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By Miriam Ndikanwu

forcement agencies to commence implementation.

He said with the device, stolen vehicles can also be easily identified as the device indicates the name of the owners of such vehicles as well as the history of such vehicles.

The governor said with the introduction of the auto-inspector by the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), the state had joined the league of cities in the developing world where traffic management and compliance with vehicle documentation regulations had been revolutionalised with the introduction of

the high-tech device.

“Traffic congestion experienced on Lagos roads, is compounded when traffic control and law enforcement officers stop motorists to check their vehicle particulars and determine their documentation status which hitherto was done manually.

“This is avoidable stress and the same purpose of checking particulars and documentation of vehicles can be achieved through automation utilising technology without disturbing the flow of traffic,” he said.

According to him, the auto inspector service would enable traffic control and law enforcement officers to simply punch the registration number of a vehicle into a

Ondo inaugurates N92m towing truck, vans

H

ARD times await vehicle owners in Akure, the Ondo State State capital, who park their vehicles by the road sides as the Ondo State government has inaugurated two towing vans and a giant towing truck worth N92million in a bid to reduce traffic jams on roads.

At the inauguration, the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko said he took the decision to allow major roads in the state free from traffic.

Mimiko, who noted that many lives had been lost to road accidents, solicited the support of the people of the state towards the idea.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure He advised the Ministry of Transport to make judicious use of the vehicles, stressing that the ultra modern motor park along Ondo road will soon be inaugurated to add value to the transport system and make transportation convenient for the people.

“Let me point out that traffic offenders will no more have a field day, as they will be apprehended and punished, especially through fines thereby generating revenue to the coffers of the state government. The list of the various traffic offences would soon be made available to the public

through the state ministry of transport.

The deployment of the towing vans/truck would contribute significantly to our urban renewal efforts where we have envisioned unhindered traffic flow all the time,” he said.

Earlier in her speech, the Permanent Secretary in the state ministry of transport, Mrs Tola Oyebade, disclosed that vehicle inspection stations had been constructed at Oka-Akoko and Ifon where impounded vehicles would also be kept, stressing that the state inland waterways office in Igbokoda had been completed also.

hand-held electronic device and instantly determine the vehicle and vehicle owner’s documentation status.

“The hand-held device will be used by officers and men of the Police, LASTMA, VIOs and ultimately, the FRSC. Vehicles that will be screened are those registered in Lagos State which have their updated documentation data including vehicle licence, driver’s licence, hackney permit and road worthiness/MOT captured on the AUTOREG platform which is operated by the Motor Vehicle Administration’s technical

partner, Courteville Investment Plc,” he said.

Fashola added that the device would enhance compliance as the device verifies the validity or otherwise of the vehicle documents instantly.

He said the device would lead to reduction in manhours wasted in traffic during checks by law officers as well as help to eliminate corrupt practices by law enforcement agents as the status of any vehicle screened was simultaneously captured by the hand-held device and operators manning the serv-

ers at the Automated Registration, AUTOREG control rooms.

“It is also a huge boost to our crime prevention and control efforts due to instant data-capturing capabilities. It will also boost e-governance,” he said. He advised motorists to update their vehicle documents.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Akin Hanson, who spoke on behalf of the commissioner, said the innovation was achievable with the collaboration of private sector participation.

Firm opens new facility ANRE Shittu Motors has boosted its aftersales service with the opening of a multi-billion facility in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The firm’s After-sales Service Director, Mr Taiwo Shittu, said the new facility has attained 92 per cent completion.

Said Shittu: “It is a multibillion naira project. It is going to be the best in the FCT.” Taiwo said the kind of facility in Abuja is rare in Africa.

Although Lanre Shittu Motors deals in various brands including Nissan, Kia and Yutong buses, Mack trucks stand out as a brand that has earned it recognition in the auto business.

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By Tajudeen Adebanjo

“Concerning truck business in the Nigerian market, I don’t see any company that is better than us. It is Mack and others, judging by the number of trucks on the road. Four out of 10 trucks belong to Mack,” Shittu said.

He also spoke on the concern of the company for the after-sales service.

“We realise that for any brand to do well, you need to have solid after-sales service, which involves the availability of parts, manpower, equipment – this reduces the down-time of the vehicles. And this ensures customers’ loyalty and more patronage,” he stated.

The company, he said, had made a number of arrangements that would facilitate the sale and regular maintenance of all its vehicles wherever they would be used across the country.

He added that the company had continued to offer free training to all fleet owners of the buses and other technicians empowered to handle its vehicles for ease of maintenance.

“We are strategically located in Nigeria to cover all major areas. Our after sales service team can move anywhere their attention is needed,” he said.

He said apart from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, the firm was working on the Ilorin and Kano centres.

Community praises FERMA

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

J

UKUN Wanu community in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State has praised the Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for embarking on the construction of concrete lined drains to stare off a gully in Ibi town.

In a letter signed by its Chairman, Mr Jonah Azongwa, the community thanked the FERMA boss for his magnanimity in respect of the on-going construction of modern drainage system to avert the menace of gully erosion .

“We thank you and wish you longer days as you continue to put on ground the dividends of democracy in Nigeria.

“If other Nigerians will for the fear of God and eternity execute what you are doing, Nigeria would have since ranked among the developed nations of the world,” the group said.

The community pleaded with FERMA to extend the good works to other pothole-ridden roads as alternative route to the Katsina-Ala road which connects Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Cross-River and Traba states to Abuja.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION, AUGUST, 2011 WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

1. Mr Friday Esau Ekpo (Otherwise known as Rama Nig. Enterprises) late of 6, Abudu Street, Ogudu Ojota deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

2. Aderinto Muyiwa Sulaimon late of Plot 350, Wilson Emenike Street. GGSS Aboru Iyana Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

3. Richard Akinmadehan (Otherwise knwna s Akinmadehan Richard) late of 7, Oduduwa Road Amule Ayobo, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2010 at Lasuth Ikeja.

4. Stephen Olorunshola Adejube (Otherwise known as Adejube Stephen) late of 9, Akinwunmi Street, Agbelekale Abule Egba deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2008 at Ifo General Hospital.

5. Muniru Salau (Otherwise known as Salau Muniru) late of 23, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2008 at Lagos.

6. Mr Kolade Dauda Alaba (Otherwise known as Dauda Alaba Kolade) late of 9, Oladele Street, Oke Aro Iju deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

7. Mr Joseph Ojo Fakomogbon late of 15, Timilade Adepega Street, Abule Egba deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of September, 2007 at Lagos.

8. Mr Olatunbosun Aiyedun late of 1, Odunfa Street, Abaranje ,Ikotun, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

9. Patrick Chukwuma Okediadi (Otherwise known as Mr Okediadi Patrick) late of 15, Banire Street, Surulere,Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

10. Eromosele Helen late of 4, Enialonbinu Street, Oshodi deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2010 at Ikeja.

11. Williams Olufunmilayo Rosalia (Otherwise known as Williams Olufunmilayo and Rosalia Olufunmilayo Williams ) late of 18, Jide Ogunbona Street, Alakuko Agbado deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of August ,2008 at Agbado.

12. Amos Odujebe late of 2, Alhaji Ajigbolata Street, Oshodi deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2009 at Ikeja .

13. Mr Adetola Badejo late of 5, Odunlami Close, Off Aderupoko Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

14. Martina Ngozi Igwe (Otherwise known as Ngozi Igwe late of 5th Ave, C Close Block 4 Flat 9, Festac deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2006 at Lagos.

15. Ogunmuyiwa David Oluranti late of 11, Rev. Ogundele Street, ifako Ijaye deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2010 at Ikeja General Hospital 16. Dorcas Odutolu late of 4, Adediran Street, Akowonjo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of June, 2008 at Abeokuta.

17. Shoyoye Oladotun Emmanuel late of 8, Abeokuta Street, Abaranje deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2010 at UCH Ibadan.

18. Richard Nkemjika Asinobi late of No. 1 Church Street, Off Afromedia Last Bus Stop Afromedia deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2002 at Aba Gen. Hospital.

19. Angus Uju elele late of 4, Okun Street, Soluyi Gbagada deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

20. Maria Keeve Tse (Otherwise known as Maria K .Tse) late of Block C Flat 12 M Troops Barracks Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 2009 at National Medical Service.

21. Mr Livinus Chidoka late of 4, Sunmonu Alonge Street, Igando Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

22. Pa Samuel Okediran Ogunmola (Otherwise known as Mr S.O.Ogunmola) late of 16, Sowunmi Street, Mushin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

23. Mrs Ewii Regina Ebele late of 2, Sunday Farm Estate Agege, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of February, 2010 at Akwa Anambra.

24. Opeyemi Oloruntoba Gideon (Otherwise known as Opeyemi Gideon) late of Block 31, Flat 5, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate Mile 2 Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2007 at Lagos.

25. Mr Udia Imoibon Imoh (Otherwise known as Mr Imoh Imoibon Udia) late of 34, Alafia Street, Orisumbare, Alimosho deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2010 at Akwa Ibom State.

26. Sogbesan Sule Akanni late of 21, Adeyemi Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 1991 at Lagos.

27. Grace Adam C. ,late of 44, Rasaki Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

28. Anthony Ogbuji late of 10, Moshalasi Street, Orile IganmuLagos, decased who died intestate on the 20th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

29. Gbadebo Akintoye Kosoko late of 5, Beach Road, Ebute Ikorodu, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

30. Mary E. Ejeh (Otherwise known as Mary Egein Ejeh) late of 20, Kajola Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2010 at Markurdi, Benue State.

31. Mr Samson Ajibade (Otherwise known as Ojo Samson) late of 8, Folarin Street, Magodo, Isheri, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

32. Mr Mohammed Yahaya Sunmonu (Otherwise known as Mohammed Yahaya Sunmonu) late of 55, Hundeyin Compound, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June,2009 at Badagry, Lagos.

33. Awoyungbo Okeowo Olakunle (Otherwise known as Awoyungbo Okeowo) late of 20, Onabajo crescent, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2008 at Meran, Lagos.

34. Mrs Catherine Nwajei late of 168, Bamgbose Street, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

35. Daniel Ogbobi late of 31, Isale Ijebu Ajah, Victoria Island, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of July, 2010 at Dekina Kogi state.

36. Mr Bernard Maba Egwakide (Otherwise known as Bernard Maba Egwakide) late of Flat 3, Blk 3, 23 Rd, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

37. Pastor Adeoti G.B. Olalekan late of RCCG Emmanuel S. Abule Egba deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of July, 2003 at Minna 38. Ishadimu Lamidi late of 2, Irepodun Street, Off Otta Alagbado deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

39. Mr Sunday Sokunbi (Otherwise known as Shokunbi Sunday) late of 49, Ipaja Road, Alimosho Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

40. Gabriel Akinwande Bada (Otherwise known as Bada Gabriel Akinwande) late of 26, Afuwape Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

41. Mrs Oladipo Oluwakemi Ayomide late of 1, Ifelodun street, Shogunwa Ori Okuta Ikorodu, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

42. Araba Adeoye Ramon Awobiyi late of 1, Jones Street, Ebute Metta Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2006 at Lagos.

43. Folarin Adebayo Otuyelu late of 27, Omolara Street, Ojodu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of July, 1991 at Lagos.

44. Sunday Adebayo Fayemi late of N26, Flat 2 Abesan Estate Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

45. Benjamin Okeke (Otherwise known as Ben Okeke) late of 42, Ijegun Road, Ikotun Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 2007 at Lagos.

46. Elder Francis Ishola Oladubu(Otherwise known as Oladubu ) late of 14, Ashipa Street, Orile Agege, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 1981 at Lagos.

47. Mr Waliu Yusuf late of 2, Bakare Close, Ikosi Ketu deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

48. Dr Aderemi Esan S. Ogunlade (Otherwise known as Ogunlade Aderemi Samuel Esan) late of 41 Road, Block 5, Flat 4, Festac, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of March, 2008 at Luth, Lagos.

49. Thomas Samuel Nayon (Otherwise known as Thomas Samuel) late of 47, Brickfield Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of May, 1994 50. Akinfala Atinuke Josephine (Otherwise known as Mrs Atinuke Akinfala) late of 11, Oluwalogbon Street, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

51. Emmanuel Odekajo Ovakporaye (Otherwise known as Ovakporaye Odekajo Emmanuel) late of 3, Ajijedidun Street, Off Agunlejika, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

52. Sanni Lateef (Otherwise known as Lateef Sanni) late of 6, Odumuyiwa Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of November, 2010 at Somolu.

53. Mrs Modupe Oyemade, late of 53, Joel Ogunnaike, G.R.A, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of March, 1999.

54. Miss Aina Samuel late of 3, Toyin Close, Ola-Ore Street, Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2010 at Ogun State General Hospital, Ifo 55. Mr Marcillinus Uwandu late of 37, Hospital Road, Epe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of July, 2009 at Orji, Imo State.

56. Mr Yong Eyeye late of 11, Fajeromi Street, Igbo Elerin Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2006 at Osun State.

57. Tiamiyu Musibau late of 24, Owomide Street, Abule odu, Idimu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

58. Francis Ade Adekanbi (Otherwise known as Adekanbi Francis) late of 20, Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died in testate on the 3rd day of August, 1997 at Lagos.

59. Mr James Alani Babalola late of No. 17, Bakare Opeisha Street, Papa Ashafa Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

60. Adeyemi Mattew Aina (Otherwise known as Pa Adeyemi Matthew Aina) late of 22, Aderibigbe Street, Surulere Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 1991 at Jos. 61. Samuel John Togbe late of 13, Alhaji Tokan Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

62. Mrs Victoria Nkeonyeasua Okogwu (Otherwise known as Mrs Okoguwu Victoria) late of 47B, Sam Sonibare Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

63. Victoria Ifeanyin Enyi (Otherwise known as Victoria Enyi) late of 20, Cornelious Nzebuka Street, Aboru, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

64. Mr Babs Jide Otutu late of No. 1 Babs Jide Otutu Street, Ayobo Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of January, 2005 65. Martins A.Adebayo (Otherwise known as Adebayo Martins) late of 12, Alakija Street, Jibowu Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

66. Adebisi Sunday Zacheaus (Otherwise known as Adebisi Sunday) late of 4, Gbadamosi Commercial Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2010 67. Okorie Linus E. late of 74, Olatunji Street, Ojota Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2006 at Gambia.

68. Jonathan Adeyemi Ogunyemi late of 2, Olorunsogo Street Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

69. Chinedu Vincent Okoye (Otherwise known as Okoye Chinedu (Mr) late of 8, Esuola Street, Ago Okota, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 2010 at Luth.

70. Olabode Phillips (Otherwise known as Phillips Olabode) late of 25, Olaitan Odularu Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 1982 at Lagos.

71. Mrs E.Ironu Akon (Otherwise known as Akon Ironu) late of 27, Abimpe Akinwumi Street, Ori Okuta, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

72. Omolade Olufemi Coker late of 8, Johnson Street, Off Coker Road, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2010 at United Kingdom.

73. Mr Magaji Manga late of Blk A Flat 24, Mopol 23 Police Barrack deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 2008 at Lagos.

74. Samuel Adewunmi Adeoti (Otherwise known as Adeoti Samuel Adewunmi) late of 40, Tiamiyu Street, Ajangbadi Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

75. Alh. Ramoni Sorinola late of 18, Soyinka Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

76. Oladipo Abadatu Aduke (Otherwise known as Abadatu Aduke Oladipo) late of 1A, Natufe Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2010 at Ekemode Hospital Surulere, Lagos state.

77. Ibuadimma Ernest late of 6, Aagbun Close, Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

78. Dr Adebisi Oloyede (Otherwise known as Adebisi Oloyede) late of 8, Adeogun Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2010 at Shropshire, U.K.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Mrs Felicia Ekpo and Richard Unwana Ekpo both of 6, Abudu Street, Ogudu Ojota, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aderinto Latefat Bolaji, Aderinto Tunde Jubril and Aderinto Yewande Islamiyat all of Plot 350 Wilson Emenike Street, GGSS Aboru Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Akinmadehan Adedunye Remilekun, Mr Akinmadehan Adedunye Kayode and Mr Olusegun Akinmadehan Adedunye all of 7, Oduduwa Road Amule Ayoba Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adejube Rachael O., Adejube Clement O., Adejube Deborah O. ,Adejube Solomon O. all of 9, Akinwumi Street, Agbelekale Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Folashade Adetutu Salau, Mr Idris Salau and Mr Ganiyu Ojule Salau all of 23, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu Lagos, widow , one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Moria Kolade and Kolade Afeez both of 11, Oladele Street, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Funmilayo Omotoso of 6, Olatunji Close, Ikosi Ketu and Gabriel Fakomogbon of 8, Odekeye Street, new Oko Oba ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Aiye Olajide and Aiyedun Oluwatosin both of 1, Odunfa Street, Abaranje Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Beatrice M. Okediadi and Ruben Osala Okediadi both fo 15, Banire Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Eromosele Daniel and Eromosele Ruth both of 41, Enialobinu Street, Oshodi, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Williams Emmanuel Oluwaseun and Yetunde Williams both of 18, Jide Ogunbona Street, Alakuko ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Deborah Odujebe and Mr Adeolu Odujebe both of 2, Alhaji Ajigbola Street, Oshodi, widow and one of the chidren respectively of the said deceased.

Rufus Badejo of 32, Aiyepe Ave. Shomolu and Sola Badejo of 6, Odunlami Close, Ijaiye Ojokoro two chidren of the said deceased.

Ali AbdulMalik Oricha and Doris Jibueze both of 5th Ave. C1 Close, Blk 4 Flat 9, Festac Town, the only surviving child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Ogunmuyiwa Samuel O., Ogunmuyiwa Micheal A. and Ogunmuyiwa Solomon O. all of 11, Rev. Ogundele Street, Ifako ,three children of the said deceased.

Moteleola Akanke Sodimu of 26, Itoku Ale Iso Ape Itoku, Abeokuta ,the only surviving child of the said deceased.

Mrs Modupe Shoyoye, Mrs Tale Shoyoye, Jumoke Shoyoye and Bidemi Shoyoye all of 8, Abeokuta Street, Abaranje ,two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Williams Ndu Asinobi and Smart Ezewihe Asinobi both of No. 1 Church Street, Off Afromedia Last Bus Stop Afromedia two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Gladys Elder and Mr Emeka Uju Elele both of 4, Okon Street, Soluyi Gbagada, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

John Tse and Mike Tse both fo Blk C Flat 12, M Troops Barracks , Ikeja, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dorathy Chidoka and Charles Chidoka both fo 4, Sunmonu Alonge Street, Igando, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olusola S.Afolabi, Mrs Esther Iyabo Obisan and Mrs Oyejoke Alayaki all of 16, Sowunmi Street, Mushin ,three of the children of the said deceased.

Cosmas Ewii of 2, Sunday Farm Estate, Agege, Lagos and Mrs Augustina Nwaeri of 32, Ibikunle Oyebayo Street, Ipaja, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Opeyemi Bukola and Opeyemi Oluwaseun both of Blk 31, Flat 5, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate Mile 2, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Imoh Udia and Udia Victor Imoh both of 34, Alafia Street, Orisunbare, Alimosho, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Tokosi Hussienat K. of Ashofitan Street, Mushin, and Animashaun Ganiyat T. of Ajose Street, Lawanson, two of the children of the said deceased.

Sailas Adam Mr. and Iniobong Okonkwo both of 44, Rasaki Street, Off Olakoto Apapa, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Ogbuji and Emmanuel Ogbuji both of 10, Mosalashi Street, orile Iganmu, Lagos, widow and one of the chidren respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Asiawu Akintoye, Lateef O. Akintoye and Taofeek Akintoye all of 5, Beach Road, Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Stella O. Ade Adewusi of 20, Kajola Street, Agege, Lagos and Charity Ogwuche of 1, Segun Kujore Street, CMD Road, Ketu, sisters of the said deceased.

Esther Bolanle Ojo and Olutunde Ojo both fo 8, Folarin street, Magodo, Isheri, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Afeez Sunmonu and Mr Sulaimon Abiodun Sunmonu both fo 55, Hundeyin Compound Badagry, two children of the said deceased.

Awojungbo Akanke Olutoyin and Awoyungbo Funmilayo Yetunde both of 20, Onabajo Crescent, Meran, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Steve Nwajei of 5, Awoyemi Close, Surulere, Lagos, and Mr George Azuka Nwajei of 34, Arikewuyo Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, two of the chidren of the said deceased.

Mrs Hannah Daniel Ogbobi and Mr Anthony Daniel Ogbobi both of 31, Isale Ijebu Ajah Victoria Island, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Charles Okanudu Egwakide and Sunday Omorajime both of 23 Rd 1 Close, Blk 3 Flat 3, Festac town, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Feyi Adeoti and Miss Adeoti Fiyinfoluwa Joana both of RCCCA Emmanuel S. Abule Egba widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Wasiu Ishadimu and Biliaminu Ishadimu both of 2, Irepodun Street, Off Otta Alagbado, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Bayo Sokunbi, Mr Oloyede Sokunbi and Mr Shehu Kadiri all of 49, Ipaja Rd, Alimosho , two of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Christiana Olayemi Bada and Seun Akinola Bada both of 26, Afuwape Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of thesaid deceased.

Oladipo Oluwaseun O. and Oladipo Oluwatoyin M. both of No. 1 Ifelodun Street, Shogunwa Ori Okuta Ikorodu, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebisi Onipede, Kehinde Araba and Modupe Araba all of 1, Jones Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Mrs Morenike Otuyelu of 27, Omolara Street, Ojodu and Mr Babatunde Oluwadamilola Otuyelu of 4, Aremu Baremi Street, Off Demuren ,Ketu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Johnson Olushola Fayemi and Emmanuel Olufemi Fayemi both of No. 26 Flat 2, Abesan Estate, Ipaja two of the children of the said deceased.

Joseph Okeke and Anselem Okeke both of 24, Kolawole Olawuyi Ijegun ,two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Olayinka Dada, Mrs Olasumbo Adeyinka, Mrs Abimbola Fuwape and Mr Olawale Oladubu all of14, Ashiya Street, Orile Agege, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Kudirat Yusuf and Nurat Yusuf both of 2, Bakare Close, Ikosi Ketu Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bunmi Ogunlade and Mr Tolu Ogunlade both of 41, Road Block 5, Flat 4, Festac, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Rufus Sewande Theresa and Ms Thomas Iyabo both of 2nd Av. 207 Road, A Close 10 Festac, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Olajumoke Olukoya and Mr Akinfala Akintomi J. both of 11, Oluwalogbon Street, Shomolu, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Eriga Ovakporaye and Justina Ovakporaye, both of 27, Alimi Bada, Oke Afa, Ejigbo, Lagos, widow and one of the chidren respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Titilope F.Sanni, Saheed Sanni, Aminat Sanni and Sule Sanni all of 6, Odumuyiwa Street, Somolu, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr Olusola Oyemade, Mrs Oyetokunbo Danmole, Mrs Olayinka Bamgbose and Mrs Arinola Adesanya all of 1A, Arigidi Close, Bodija, Ibadan Oyo State four of the children of the said deceased.

Samuel Olaitan and Samuel Adebayo both of No. 3 Toyin Close, Ola Ore Street, Agbado, Lagos, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Jessica Uwandu of 1, Okeosa Street, Igbede Ajangbadi, Lagos, and Leonard Uwandu Of 7 Oba Fatai Street, Ago Okota, Lagos, widow and nephew respectively of the said deceased .

Lydia Eyeye and Solomon Eyeye both of 11, Fajeromi Street, Igbo Elerin, Okokomaiko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Titilayo Musibau, Olutayo Tiamiyu, Rashidat Ismail (Nee Tiamiyu) and Taofeek Oliyide all of 24, Owomide Street, Abule Odu, Idimu, Lagos, two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olanrewaju Adekanbi, Felix Adekanbi, Mrs Bolanle Gomez and Miss Ibukun Adekanbi all of 20, Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Comfort Babalola and Mr Opeyemi Babalola both fo 17, Bakare Opeisha Street, Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Elizabeth Olufunmilayo Idowu of 3/5 Oyinlola Adams Street, Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos, only surviving child of the said deceased.

Funmilayo Togbe, Emmanuel Togbe, David Togbe and Esther Togbe all of 13, Alhaji Tokan Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Thomas Okechukwu Okogwu and Mr Anthony Chike Okogwu both of 47B, Sam Sonibare Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the chidren of the said deceased.

Stella Enyi and Anthonia Enyi both of 20, Cornelius Nzebuka Street, Aboru, Lagos, two of the chidren of the said deceased.

Florence Olajumoke Otutu and Bamidele Oladiran Otutu both of 1, Babs Jide Otutu Street, Ayobo Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Shade Martins of 28, Olalekan Adekoya Street, Egbe Lagos, and Ladipo Akeem of 14, Alasalatu Street, Mushin, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Adebisi Kayode Adeola and Ojebode Olutoyosi Esther both of No. 5, Gbadamosi Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Victor Okorie of 285, Cadastral ZN FCDA Kobwa Abuja and Grace Chibundu of 5, Olalere Omibiyi Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adewale James Ogunyemi, Akolawole Ogunyemi and Temitope Ogunyemi all of 2, Olorunsogo Street, Ejigbo Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Amaka Okoye and Mr Clement Obioha both of 8, Esuola Street, Ago Okota, Isolo, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Kunle Phillips and Kayode Phillips both of 25, Olaitqn Odularu Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ikenna Ironu-Akon and Talent Ironu Akon both of 27, Abimpe Akinwumi Street, Ori-Okuta, Ikorodu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Jolaoso B.O.Coker of 8, Johnson street, Off Coker Rd, Ilupeju and Mrs Olubusola Adebusuyi of 21, Majaro Street, Onibe Yaba , widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Magaji Asebe Mogaji and Magaji Adamu all of Blk A Flat 24, Mopol 23, Police Barrack Ikeja widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mary Adeoti, Ezekiel Adeoti and Emmanuel Adeoti all of 40, Tiamiyu street, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Sorinola Jimoh , Mr Ganiu A.Sorinola and Mr Hamed Sorinola all of 18, Soyinka Street,Itire, Surulere, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Abdul Semiu Azeez of 19, Malas Street, Idimu, Lagos, and Gbemi Kawain of 1A, Natufe Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Edna Ibuadimma and Chinedu Afamefuna both of 6, Aagbun Close, Okokomaiko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Oluranti Morakinyo Akinbode of 14, Alhaji Musa Street, Abule Iroko Sango Otta, Ogun State, Attorney appointed by Mrs Marlies Anne Oloyede and Nicola Biola Oloyede ,the widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

August 8, 1

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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MONEY LINK

Fed Govt plans investment promotion units for mining

T

HE Federal Government plans to open investment promotion units in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and its agencies.

The decision is coming on the heels of the government’s determination to attract local and foreign direct investments for the development of the nation’s mining industry, said the Deputy Director of Press, Marshall Gundu.

He also said the Minister, Musa Mohammed Sada, stated this when he received a delegation of investors from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Sada explained that the process of establishing the investment promotion units is in progress, adding that when the programme is completed, both local and foreign investors will easily access on-line any investment information they seek in the minerals and metal sector.

He said the Federal Government is ready to assist and collaborate with foreign investors towards the development of the country’s mining industry.

The Minister noted that one major challenge militating against the development of the nation’s mining industry was funding, adding that the present administration is trying to address that challenge through the establishment of a Solid Minerals Development Fund whose Board of Directors would be inaugurated soon.

He said banks and other financial institutions are beginning to show

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

interest of investing in the nation’s mining industry as a result of reforms in the sub-sector, adding that the sector

I

is driven by the private sector while government administers and regulates.

Sada stated that the government is focusing attention on the

development of seven strategic minerals, namely: coal, bitumen, iron-ore, lead/zinc, barytes, gold, and limestone.

The leader of the investors, Mujtaba

Interbank rates rise on cash outflows

NTERBANK lending rates rose marginally to 7.26 per cent on average last week, from 7.00 per cent the previous week, as market liquidity receded on the back of treasury bill and foreign exchange sales by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Dealers, according to Reeuters, said the apex bank sold over N87 billion ($570 million) of treasury bills at its secondary market last week, in a move to mop-up excess liquidity.

It also sold $650 million at the foreign exchange market. "The huge outflows to forex and treasury bills reduced system liquidity, but not enough to push rates up significantly," one dealer said.

By Collins Nweze Senior Correspondent

The market opened with a cash balance of about N372.18 billion on Friday, against the N622 billion last week, following the outflows to treasury bills and foreign exchange purchases.

"The market remain relatively liquid and rates could still hover around the present level this week except there is a huge outflows of cash which might cause increase in the cost of funds," another trader said.

Dealers said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) may recall a portion of its deposit with some lenders this week, but expected cash inflow from personnel cost and wages could dampen the impact of the withdrawal.

The CBN last month hiked its benchmark interest rate by a biggerthan-expected 75 basis points to 8.75 per cent, hoping it would help curb rapid monetary growth and rein in inflation.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) closed at 6.80 per cent compared to 6.50 per cent last week and 195 basis points lower than the CBN's benchmark rate and 0.5 per cent short of the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Overnight placement inched up to 7.25 per cent from 7.00 per cent, while call money closed higher at 7.75 per cent against 7.50 per cent last week.

‘$500,000 peg to correct market distortions’

T

HE increase in the volumeof foreign exchange sale to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), from $250,000 to $500,000 will correct distortions in the market, analysts said.

The apex bank had raised by 100 per cent, the limit of $250,000 in dollar sales by banks to BDC’s to $500,000.

$ may be far fetched, explaining that the increase will boost liquidity and narrow the forex spread. CBN met 75 per cent of the demand at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) in July.

The CBN said the forex increase was meant to assist it achieve exchange rate stability and reduce scarcity of forex in the market. It added the action was targeted at the continuing effort to sustain the exchange rate stability in the Foreign Exchange Market.

The apex bank urged the authorised dealers and BDC operators to ensure compliance and render appropriate returns of the transactions to regulators.

The policy is coming after the Monetary Policy Committee recommended an increase in forex sale to BDCs as premium between the rates at the DAS and interbank rate narrowed, even as that between DAS and BDCs widened.

The previous limit exposed distortions in the forex market making the naira to depreciate by 5.8 per cent in the parallel market.

It also increased the spread between the official and parallels to between N14 to N16, the Managing Director, SPS Financial Services Limited, Daniel Otua, said.

He said the year end target of N145/

Intercontinental Bank seeks SEC’s approval

T

This, he said, would be followed by regulatory and shareholders’ approvals.

Alabi promised customers and other stakeholders that the bank will conclude its recapitalisation programme by the end of September, 2011.

He assured shareholders that the bank will enter a boom period, with

HE Group Managing Director/ CEO of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Mahmoud Lai Alabi, said following the signing of the Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA) with Access Bank Plc, the necessary documents for the Scheme Arrangement have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

very bright prospec, adding that under TIA, the parties are legally bound to ensure the completion of the proposed merger with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He said the progress is a milestone in the banking sector’s consolidation which would also boost investor confidence.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 05-8-11 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

ETERNAOIL

4.67

4.88

0.21

PLATINUM

0.55

0.57

0.02

BAGCO

2.26

2.33

0.07

OKOMUOIL

16.51

17.00

0.49

NASCON

4.64

4.75

0.11

AIICO

0.67

0.68

0.01

1.67

1.69

0.02

LOSER AS AT 05-8-11 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

UBN

2.20

2.09

0.11

DIAMONDBNK

4.61

4.38

0.23

OANDO

29.33

37.37

1.96

TRANSEXPR

3.82

3.63

0.19

ETI

14.69

13.96

0.73

ASHAKACEM

22.75

21.62

1.13

ZENITHBANK

14.30

13.59

0.71

Amount Sold ($)

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

400m

467.7m

400m

153.59

25-5-11

400m

452.3m

400m

153.4

23-5-11

500m

499,8m

499.8m

153.45

16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

21-07-11 N7.606tr 23,787.31

22-07-11 N7.650tr 23,925.72

% Change +0.58% +0.58%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW

PRESTIGE

T

HE Managing Director of Unity bank Plc, Ado Wanka, has expressed the bank’s commitment to nurturing a work environment that would foster development of talents of its staff.

He said the bank will not only encourage and train its staff in core competences, but also encourage development in extra-curricular activities.

This, he added, will develop the totality of the individual.

The Unity Bank boss was speaking while responding to the emergence of Mrs. Chinyere ObiObasi, a Legal Officer in the bank’s company secretariat, as a finalist in this year’s Nigeria Prize for Literature.

In a congratulatory letter, Wanka commended Mrs Obi-Obasi for nurturing her writing gift while in the service of the bank and doing so without sacrificing her mandate as a legal officer of the bank.

The bank chief urged other staff to emulate Chinyere’s feat and to appreciate that the bank will always encourage total development of its staff.

Mrs Obi-Obasi had entered the contest with her children’s literature book, The Great Fall, which was shortlisted with five other works for the final prize of the Nigeria Prize for literature sponsored by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) company.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

OBB Rate Call Rate

Bank CEO lauds staff for award nomination

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

Sarfaraz, the Senior Vice- President of Mas Clearsight Limited, said the essence of their visit, is to explore the possibility of investing in Nigeria’s mining industry.

January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.3%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.62 1,586.00 0.80 1.00 0.98 1,586.00 9.61 1.39 1.87 8,827.74 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.16 1,576.75 0.78 1.00 0.98 1,576.75 9.14 1.33 1.80 8,557.25 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 MAR, 2011

07, MAR, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Nationalisation wipes out N30b investor funds

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT05-08-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 25 25

Quotation(N) 7.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 411,870 3,123,496.80 411,870 3,123,496.80

Quotation(N) 2.23 7.18

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 19,600 41,552.00 788,028 5,724,196.22 807,628 5,765,748.22

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 53 57

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 28 29

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.61

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 20,000 10,000.00 155,394 239,591.82 175,394 249,591.82

Quotation(N) 6.60 0.64 4.38 3.00 6.24 1.93 11.18 0.50 13.25 9.01 0.70 1.15 0.57 6.20 0.84 1.51 5.00 2.09 0.68 0.79 13.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 21,109,037 141,057,344.15 646,608 413,829.12 1,086,499 4,876,730.22 226,846 679,313.92 18,763,755 117,671,882.30 6,833,538 13,093,239.78 9,737,500 108,821,986.22 12,331,501 6,165,750.50 14,927,548 199,742,028.95 784,570 7,087,310.00 3,104,329 2,154,035.03 6,753,847 7,820,242.80 1,662,333 943,774.82 29,791,720 184,176,237.96 1,002,550 842,142.00 159,167 233,062.17 14,644,584 72,961,004.69 1,270,330 2,657,511.78 665,400 453,972.00 2,869,928 2,326,767.36 21,409,444 298,863,738.47 169,781,034 1,173,041,904.24

BANKING Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 196 20 33 23 38 86 507 53 464 30 47 149 31 152 8 11 241 56 14 37 245 2,441 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 72 8 143 223

Quotation(N) 240.00 6.10 93.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 603,277 138,048,347.20 33,950 200,615.00 2,949,879 274,631,280.39 3,587,106 412,880,242.59

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 95 7 15 24 141

Quotation(N) 21.62 8.00 120.00 44.20

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,246,228 48,989,809.48 44,163 338,310.11 118,483 14,221,179.80 114,469 5,063,479.38 2,523,343 68,612,778.77

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC NIGERIAN-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 22 1 1 39

Quotation(N) 9.34 28.00 10.53 1.23

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 199,850 1,777,413.00 633,954 17,841,370.75 42 420.42 10,000 11,700.00 843,846 19,630,904.17

T

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 11 1 12

Quotation(N) 3.18 3.63

Company Name TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

Quotation(N) 3.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 134 414.06 134 414.06

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 50 62 93 49 255

Quotation(N) 1.99 41.50 1.00 39.50 27.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,626 4,989.40 173,139 6,896,864.09 11,108,040 10,883,589.00 2,412,304 95,254,559.70 500,603 13,816,598.14 14,196,712 126,856,600.33

Quotation(N) 2.66 50.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 16,500 43,890.00 200 10,000.00 16,700 53,890.00

turnover of 3.2 million shares worth N2.69 million in 59 deals.

Price movement summary for the week showed that market consideration of Afribank dropped by 9.0 kobo from 73 kobo to 64 kobo per share.

Spring Bank’s share price also declined by 3.0 kobo to 84 kobo as against its opening value of 87 kobo while Bank PHB closed the week at 57 kobo per share compared with its opening value of 58 kobo.

Many other banks including FinBank, Intercontinental Bank, Unity Bank and Wema Bank trade around the same price range with the nationalised banks.

During the last trading ses-

However, the three banks altogether accounted for 1.4 per cent of total market capitalisation of the banking sector, which closed weekend at N2.13 trillion

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 05-08-11 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 3 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 2 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 3 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 21 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 11 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 2 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 16 Sector Totals 134

No of Deals 2 1 3

No of Deals 45 45

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

No of Deals 16 43 62 43 8 25 19 36 3 1 5 261

Quotation(N) 45.00 18.20 10.58 86.00 4.00 4.75 43.25 402.00 24.70 0.50 0.63

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 109,496 4,822,138.20 361,089 6,549,166.35 872,433 9,267,256.78 357,051 30,687,194.85 46,500 177,520.00 199,376 924,829.65 109,398 4,503,373.02 53,777 21,555,916.14 1,558 38,482.60 1,000 500.00 24,786 14,871.60 2,136,464 78,541,249.19

Quotation(N) 5.31 0.95 1.85 24.01 3.85 1.47

Quantity Traded Value 377 5,263 36,000 362,042 332,332 8,550 744,564

No of Deals 2 1 3

Quotation(N) 6.51 4.31

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,500 48,825.00 100 410.00 7,600 49,235.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 14

Quotation(N) 6.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 149,137 887,540.70 149,137 887,540.70

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 32 32

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,717,692 1,860,999.84 3,717,692 1,860,999.84

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

No of Deals 34 4 6 5 6 18 1

Quotation(N) 0.99

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,448,637 1,442,575.88 1,448,637 1,442,575.88

Quotation(N) 0.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,000 2,550.00 5,000 2,550.00

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N) 0.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 114,200 59,384.00 114,200 59,384.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 123 61.50 123 61.50

Quotation(N) 2.33

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,937,180 9,029,143.83 3,937,180 9,029,143.83

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 101 101

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) of Shares (N) 1,903.85 4,789.33 66,200.00 8,690,723.90 1,245,884.80 12,568.50 10,022,070.38

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

4,600.00 11,550.00 27,650.00 31,500.00 4,463,698.09 236,218.50 507,000.00 155,750.00 8,815,624.41

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

HEALTHCARE Company Name No of Deals EKOCORP PLC 1 EVANS MEDICALPLC. 1 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 6 GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC 18 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 21 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC 2 Sector Totals 49

9,200 23,100 55,000 63,000 8,690,183 466,450 300,000 311,500 14,071,923

MEDIA

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.51 1.69 0.50

MARITIME Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

sion on Friday, unsuspecting investors still traded actively on the shares of the three banks with 59 deals struck for about 3.31 million shares worth N2.2 million.

The Nigerian government through the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) at the weekend took over the three banks and transferred all their assets and liabilities to three bridge banks.

The banks were subsequently sold to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) However, the three banks altogether accounted for 1.4 per cent of total market capitalisation of the banking sector, which closed weekend at N2.13 trillion.

Meanwhile, the downtrend at the Nigerian stock market worsened last week with the All Share Index dropping to a low of 23,397.44 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of quoted companies declined to N7.48 trillion.

Turnover stood at 1.39 billion shares worth N9.98 billion in 23,728 deals with the banking sub-sector accounting for 892.91 million shares worth N6.70 billion in 13,759 deals. The insurance sub-sector placed second with a turnover of 207.26 million shares valued at N141.38 million in 1,004 deals. Conglomerates sub-sector traded 81.89 million shares worth N363.07 million in 1,749 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 112,900 343,235.00 4,106,961 14,908,268.43 4,219,861 15,251,503.43

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

HE nationalisation of Afribank Nigeria Plc, Bank PHB Plc and Spring Bank Plc at the weekend wiped out about N30 billion investors’ monies as government took over the assets and liabilities and reverted the three banks to private limited liability companies.

The three banks were quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and were actively traded up till the close of trading session at the weekend. Afribank closed the week with a market capitalisation of N8.69 billion while Bank PHB and Spring Bank were valued at N11.49 billion and N9.51 billion respectively.

According to price movements and trading activities at the NSE, capital market regulators and investors might have been caught napping with the late-day decision by the government to nationalise the three banks.

All through to the close of the market at the weekend, the three banks featured on the price movement and activity charts with Bank PHB as the most active stock, in terms of volume, with a weekly turnover of 12.02 million shares worth N6.8 million in 171 deals.

Afribank recorded a total turnover of 9.9 million shares valued at N7.05 million in 150 deals while Spring Bank recorded a weekly

Quotation(N) 0.68 1.00 0.50 2.88 0.50 1.31 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 812,385 548,698.22 441,065 441,065.00 669,200 334,600.00 37,200 104,590.00 1,076,450 538,225.00 1,036,500 1,370,134.60 80,690 40,345.00

Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 5 15 28 9 18 101 5 185

Quotation(N) 0.50 67.22 36.01 4.88 18.32 156.50 37.37 203.32

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 32,000 16,000.00 8,501 542,873.86 30,786 1,111,381.29 1,481,473 6,962,115.46 15,990 278,385.90 80,159 12,028,287.69 862,142 32,423,715.60 3,459 684,278.20 2,514,510 54,047,038.00

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 9 11

Quotation(N) 5.35 4.39

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,500 19,345.00 80,330 337,226.00 83,830 356,571.00

Quotation(N) 19.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 14,705 267,638.95 14,705 267,638.95

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 8

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 48,300 24,150.00 48,300 24,150.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 41 41

Quotation(N) 13.96

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,803,765 25,389,106.35 1,803,765 25,389,106.35

4,125

227,361,258

2,016,262,013.46

58

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

62

FOREIGN NEWS

Police take over London streets after Tottenham riot

M

ORE than 40 people have been arrested after rioting that saw police attacked, buildings looted and vehicles set alight in Tottenham, north London.

Twenty-six officers and three others were hurt in the violence which erupted after a protest over the fatal shooting by police of Mark Duggan on Thursday.

Residents surveyed the damage after homes were looted and shops burnt down.

Tottenham MP David Lammy said: “A community that was already hurting has had its heart ripped out.”

The Metropolitan Police said two officers were still in hospital.

The people arrested remain in custody for offences including violent disorder, burglary and theft.

Police had earlier said there were still “pockets of criminality” in the area on Sunday morning.

Shops and homes were raided and cash machines ripped out in Tottenham.

There were also thefts from shops in nearby Wood Green.

London Fire Brigade received 264 emergency calls late on Saturday and in the

early hours of Sunday and attended 49 fires in the Tottenham area.

The BBC correspondent reports from behind police lines after a BBC satellite truck came under attack from youths throwing missiles A spokesman said all the blazes were under control “at the moment”.

Yesterday, police were manning a cordon around the scene of the violence, while residents surveyed the damage to their community.

Labour Member of Parliament Mr Lammy said: “There are homeless people standing

Israelis protest over high cost of living

A •UK PM Cameron

back there.”

“This is an attack on Tottenham, on people, shopkeepers, women, children, now standing homeless.”

“I’m concerned that what was a peaceful process turned into this,” he added.

Sudan blocks South’s oil shipment over Customs duties

S

UDAN has blocked an oil shipment from the new state of South Sudan, accusing it of failing to pay customs duties.

The oil was being held at the northern export hub of Port Sudan, a government spokesman in Khartoum said.

South Sudan has to export oil via the north because it has no port or refineries of its own.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since South Sudan became independent on 9 July, analysts say.

Khartoum’s foreign minis-

try spokesman, Al-Obeid Meruh, said 600,000 barrels of oil was being held.

He said South Sudan had failed to pay the north for the use of its pipeline, refinery and port.

“When the ship leaves the port, the South has to pay the customs

authorities. This is the first time they didn’t pay,” Mr Meruh told the AFP news agency.

In June, Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir warned that pipelines carrying South Sudan’s oil would be shut if a deal over payments was not reached.

T least a quarter of a million Israelis marched yesterday over the rising cost of living.

The largest protest was in Tel Aviv where police said at least 200,000 people were on the streets, while another 30,000 marched in Jerusalem.

In one of biggest waves of protests in decades in Israel, demonstrators are demanding government action to reduce the cost of housing and food.

Some protesters have also set up camp in city centres.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, an estimated 20,000 people had taken part in protests in other towns and cities.

“Our numbers are more than 250,000 people across the country,” he told AFP news agency.

Israeli media put the number

of protesters closer to 300,000.

If the Israeli government was hoping this extraordinary movement of middleclass protesters was losing momentum and direction, the message from the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities across the country is that they are not giving up.

The unaffordability of housing, childcare and even some basic foods has driven many Israelis to despair in a country with high prices but relatively low salaries.

Thus far, Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised to reassess his government’s priorities and make housing more affordable. But, until they see more immediate and concrete proposals, thousands of protesters say they will remain camped out in the heart of Tel Aviv.

US probes Afghanistan Special Forces air crash

T

HE United States military is trying to confirm whether insurgent fire brought down a helicopter in Afghanistan with the loss of 38 people, most of them Americans.

The dead included Navy Seals, Afghan commandos, US Air Force personnel, a dog handler, the Chinook crew and a civilian interpreter.

The 30 US deaths are the largest single American loss of life in the conflict.

Yesterday another four Nato soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in Afghanistan.

France has confirmed that two of its soldiers were among the dead - they were killed during an operation in the Tagab valley in Kapisa province, north-east of Kabul, President Nicolas Sarkozy’s office said in a statement. Five other French soldiers were injured.

Nato has not confirmed the nationality of the other two soldiers but said they were killed in an attack in the south.

The Chinook helicopter went down in a district of Wardak province, west of Kabul, early on Saturday.

Officials, witnesses and the Taliban have said it was shot down by insurgents during a combat mission.

The presence of at least 17 of the Seals has led to speculation that they were involved in a highly significant operation, such as targeting a high-ranking figure in the insurgency.

US sources have said they were from the same Navy Seal unit, known as Team Six, which killed Osama Bin Laden in May, but are “unlikely” to be the same personnel.

Somali’s al-Shabab rebels pull out of Mogadishu

S

OMALIA’S al-Shabab Islamist rebels have pulled out of all positions in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, government and rebel spokesmen say.

President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed declared the rebels defeated after they left overnight on trucks.

However, al-Shabab described the move as a “change of military tactics”.

The conflict has hampered aid efforts in the famine-hit country, with the militia barring some aid agencies from central and southern areas it

controls.

African Union peacekeepers and government forces have for years been contained to small areas of the capital but have recently been gaining ground.

The pull out followed reports of gun battles in the capital on Friday night.

Sheikh Ahmed told a press conference: “The Somali government welcomes the success attained by the Somali government forces backed

by Amisom [peacekeepers] who defeated the enemy of al-Shabab.”

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR ALL PEOPLE PRAYER AND DELIVERANCE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY (FAPDEM) THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT CAP 20 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

PROPHET PETER A. OLAWUYI 2.

PASTOR SAMUEL A. ODUBANJO 3.

ELDER OLADOKUN OLAYINKA PETER 4.

ELDER SOLOMON GBADEBO ABEGUNDE 5.

LADY EVAGELIST BUKOLA IYABODE OLAWUYI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO PREACH,TEACH,PROPAGATE AND DEMOSTRATE THE FULL GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO ADVERTISE HIS SECOND COMING WORLDWIDE. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5,Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

OLADIIPO OLAYINKA Solicitor

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

63

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘Let Major al-Mustapha vigorously defend himself! It is his constitutional right. But this running Soap elMustapha would just not do!’

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

VOL. 6, NO. 1,846

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

A

BSURDITY is not what we crave when we go to court or look at judges. But in Nigeria, it can be fun. Look at the evolving drama on how Governor Aliyu Wammako mounted the throne and how he has remained the kingpin of Sokoto State in the face of overwhelming illegality.

The first scene. A man belongs to a party, but PDP wheel horses call him, and say if he joins them they would flush out their craven nominee and drape him with the party ticket.

In his exuberance, he scurries to PDP secretariat, picks up a form, fills it, becomes a member. The party big wigs of PDP kick out Shagari, the authentic candidate, and make Wammako the winner. Absurd eh? He has no PDP party structure, no time to build and nurture one. He becomes popular overnight.

It turns out Wammako still belongs to another party. He is also the other party’s candidate.

Is that comedy? Hear this. He goes to the polls, wins as the candidate of PDP and becomes governor. When the matter appears in court, the absurdity is not ended. He is flushed out of power when he is attending an event of jollification outside his state. But that was a decoy. He goes to court to prove that he can contest as governor even though he starts as an illegal. He goes to the polls and wins. This same man who belongs to two parties and wins as a candidate of one.

Funny? Not enough. The matter goes to the Court of Appeal. But then, a new script is unearthed. Before the Court of Appeal gives judgment, the Chief Justice of the Federation asks the Court of Appeal President in a letter not to deliver judgment. The reason: it has been leaked. The petitions come from two lawyers, Alfred Agu and Mahmood Yahaya.

Does the CJN investigate the matter deeply before his fingers itch to write a letter? No. A panel report says the verdict does not leak, and the CJN does not investigate the matter well. Two, what the CJN does is against the legal practice. It is not done to stop a judge on his way to delivering a judgment. The absurdity is not over, folks.

He takes the matter in the Supreme Court where he is lord of manor. The CJN is nervous. The media has shone light on this matter, and he is about to leave office. He is afraid of Salami. So he decides to “promote” him into irrelevance. Salami cries out that the man tries to stop him from delivering a verdict because he wants Wammako to remain in office. What is a CJN’s interest in whether a governor remains in power or not? Has Katsina-Alu read legal pundit John Rawl’s theory of the veil of ignorance? He needs to. It will illuminate matters of justice for him.

But the laughter is not coming to an end soon. The NBA sets up a committee to look at the matter, and it reports that Justice Salami is not in the wrong. But again the

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

samo@thenationonlineng.net 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009 (D.A.M.E) •Columnist of the Year 2009 (NMMA)

Katsina-Alu, Salami and the NJC

•Katsina-Alu

•Salami

NJC sets up a committee among its members to investigate the matter. You wonder, who nominates the members of the NJC? Of course, it is Katsina-Alu, the Chief Justice of the Federation.

It is led by Justice Umaru Abdullahi. The report comes out and it says it is a factfinding affair. Both Katsina-Alu and Salami are at each other’s throat, and the result says no one is at fault. But it agrees that the verdict does not leak. Is it not because of the leak that the CJN forestalls the verdict? So, how can he be innocent who stops a judgment on false premise? He commits two absurdities.

He does not establish a substantial proof but he averts a judgment. Two, stopping the

RIPPLES ABDULSALAMI SAID OBASANJO SHOULD DIE, says al-Mustapha

OK, we’ve heard. PROVIDE THE EVIDENCE

‘Is this not funny?

Is this not a way to make mincemeat of Auta, to make him a sort of judicial pariah? Is this not an act of desperation? ... I also wonder if they are setting up Auta for a fall!’ verdict is an aberration for an institution that lives on precedents. Maybe Katsina-Alu thinks himself a revolutionary, another absurd possibility. Revolutionaries act on matters of fundamental principles. Not the sort in which the CJN traffics. He is not even an avenging angel of technicality.

Obviously, someone must have erred. A reconciliation committee also issues a report that Salami did not commit anything wrong.

Is that not a vicarious indictment of the man on top, that is, the CJN? From the facts on the table, it is not the fault of the accused but the accuser. It has turned out that the accuser is the one who should be accused. That is why I have asked here in this column two times:

HARDBALL

T

HERE is hardly any newspaper or electronic medium that has not complained about or published stories and pictures of the Federal Government’s abandoned roads all over the country. There is also no Nigerian that has not been embittered by the harrowing experiences endured sometimes daily on those neglected federal roads. They recollect that when they complain about state roads, there is a tendency for the states concerned to rouse themselves into action after some time. But hard as the media and the public did to compel the FG to do something about its roads, the more obstinate and aloof it got. It simply abandoned the roads, claimed shortage of funds, and did virtually nothing to even take palliative measure to ease the people’s daily torment. How the FG managed to be so indifferent over many years is hard to explain.

The neglect reached its climax in the abandonment of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, which leads to Nigeria’s main and largest seaport. After many years of neglect, the road finally failed a few weeks ago under relentless rainfall, causing

Fed Govt and its famous roads repeated traffic gridlocks that were impossible to both to break and endure, and with many container trucks falling on their sides. Commuters spent hours on end on the road, while loss of lives caused by motor accidents mounted. Finally, after a visit to the failed road, the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, an architect, roused the government into action, or the government roused him into action. Either way, construction giant, Julius Berger, was contracted to begin work on the road. For a government that often claimed implausibly that road construction could not be undertaken during the rains, not only was work begun, the palliative measure eased traffic so suddenly it brought immense relief to the commuting public.

The long neglect of the road and the

what manner of chief justice?

But the absurd drama is not over. After the Abdullahi panel, another scene. Enter the Ibrahim Auta panel. This is the latest absurdity. In this case, just as the CJN defied precedent and law by forestalling a verdict, the NJC has asked a junior judge to preside over the case of his seniors. Is this not funny?

Is this not a way to make mincemeat of Auta, to make him a sort of judicial pariah? Is this not an act of desperation? Note that the NJC is CJN’s baby, and the man who presides over it in CJN’s absence is Justice Dahiru Musdapher, his heir apparent, the man who already testifies in favour of Katsina-Alu, another absurdity. I also wonder if they are setting up Auta for a fall!

Justices ought to understand that they are a crucial part of this democracy. They remind me of a book I read in my days at the University of Toronto in 1992. It is called Law’s Empire, by Ronald Dworkin, one of the greatest law scholars of the 20th century.

The title fascinates me as much as the content. So I wonder whether some judges see the universe of our courts and law as their empires. So they are our emperors of law. What Dworkin meant by the title is that law is an empire which should be more powerful than the court, and no judge should profit from his own wrong. Hope our judges will not imitate the words of Balzac: “the more one judges, the less one loves.”

Haba Edo NLC HE Governor of Edo State made a ridicule of the NLC fellows in the state last week when they decided to down tools. Their demands were laughable. Here them. They caviled over non-payment of VAT. The last time I checked, value- added tax is not in the province of the state, but federal. Two, they want the remittance of the 10 percent of the internally generated revenue. What law are they basing that on?

What principle? When the state had virtually nothing from IGR, what did they do to boost it? Now, that Oshiomhole has stepped it to N1.3 billion a month, they want to party!

They also want monthly tax holiday for workers. They have to translate that into English. Are they not seeing the work the governor is doing with tax payers’ money?

So others should pay while NLC workers will have a holiday eh? The last is democratisation of the local government councils. Is this the work of PDP in the shadows calling for elections? Is that a labour matter? Cut Adams some slack, please. He, Timipre Sylva, Rotimi Amaechi and Southwest governors were the first to commit to the minimum wage. Adams has paid the wage and is paying arrears plus some jara. Haba!

T

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above reluctant effort to mend it bring to the fore a number of embarrassing issues about the functions and responsibilities of a government. If the FG had a vision of the kind of country it hoped to re-engineer into a modern 21st century society, and if it had the ambition to create an image of a country the rest of the continent should look up to, it would never have left its leading roads, some of which lead to the borders, to deteriorate so badly. The roads did not all go bad under the Goodluck Jonathan presidency, but it was irresponsible for any government, past or present, to watch as its roads virtually disintegrate and its people suffer untold daily hardship.

We must hope that the repair work on the Apapa-Oshodi road is not an aberration. It is expected that the same fairly quick response witnessed on the seaport road would be accorded the other bad federal roads that take Nigerian lives daily. For once, let us see a government that has both a vision for country and an ambition worthy of the size and image of the most populous black nation on earth.

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