August 15, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

Fed Govt suspends 15,000 doctors NEWS

Page 6

•‘It’s unaccaptable to us’

News Oyo faults INEC on voter card P7 Sports Keshi demands N180m pay P24 Business Prepaid meters: Govt seeks N33b P54

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2939 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

N1.3b for power sector training

Conference backs down on draft constitution

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From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE suspicion between North and South delegates over a draft constitution was resolved yesterday as the curtain was drawn on the controversial National Conference.

Conference chair Justice Idris Kutigi fixed August 21 for the submission of the final report to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The draft constitution circulated to delegates by the conference leadership was flatly rejected by the North deleContinued on page 4

•www.thenationonlineng.net

•Justice Kutigi

HE National Economic Council (NEC) approved yesterday N1.3 billion for financing manpower development and training of 3,700 trainees under the National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSAS). The cash will come from the Federal Ministry of Power Intervention Fund.

The NEC comprises the 36 governors, Chief Economic

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Adviser, Central Bank Governor, Solicitor-General and Vice President Namadi Sambo (the chairman).

The training became necessary to close the 23-year manpower gap in generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors of power, the NEC said.

Anambra State Governor

Willy Obiano, with who were Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor John Jonah Gboribiogha and Minister of National Planning Sulaiman Abubakar, briefed reporters at the end of the meeting presided over by Sambo.

NEC also directed the Continued on page 4

Ebola patients’ families cry out: our relations are dying Another nurse dies Second doctor infected Nigeria to get test drugs today

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ROM the families and colleagues of doctors and medical officials quarantined in Lagos after contracting the Ebola virus came yesterday a distress call - they are dying.

According to them, the patients are being treated by doctors, who are inexperienced in the treatment of Ebola. The relations, at a

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

news conference in Lagos, urged the government to seek international help.

But Minister of Health Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu said in Abuja that Nigeria would get today a drug to treat the patients.

Giving an update on the

Ebola situation in Nigeria, Chukwu said there was a new case – one of the doctors who treated the late LiberianAmerican Patrick Sawyer.

An infected nurse also died yesterday, bringing to four the number of people who have died so far from the Ebola virus.

The minister, who confirmed the death in a state-

ment last night, said there were 10 confirmed cases of the virus.

Those who died earlier are Sawyer, a nurse and a protocol officer with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

They contracted the virus from the index- Sawyer.

Eight people who are down with the virus are confined to

Lagos, where they are being treated.

Relatives and concerned friends of the Senior Consultant Physician & Endocrinologist, Dr. A.S. Adadevoh, of the First Consultants Medical Centre, urged the United States and the international community to help the patients.

A consultant physician, Dr.

Ladi Okuboyejo, Managing Director of the Health Management Organisation (HMO), said: “When you turn on your television now, the first news item you her about is Ebola. A few victims have passed on and the question is, what is the state of things in our nation right now? We have been folContinued on page 4

Jonathan, PDP’ve failed Nigerians, says Fashola •Presidency disagrees From Augustine Ehikioya and John Ofikhenua Abuja

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola lashed out yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government, saying it has failed Nigerians.

Delivering the former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylvia’s birthday lecture in Abuja, Fashola said that Nigerians are worse off than they were four years ago before the present administration came into office.

In the lecture titled “The challenge of democratic governance”, Fashola noted that the present administration continued to lie to Nigerians on many issues, including the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls and the alleged missing money from the Federation account.

According to him, the election of a university graduate as president has not helped to develop the country in the past three years.

He pointed out that states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) are performing better than the PDP-controlled states.

The governor urged Nigerians to vote out Continued on page 4

•President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) with Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (right) and Chairman , Quantum Petrochemical Processing Plant Ltd, Mr. Jim Ovia, at the groundbreaking of the $1.5bn petrochemical plant in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State…yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 57

•SPORTS P23 •BRAND P26 •AGRIC P37 •POLITICS P47 •SOCIETY P49 •FOREIGN P58

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS

Ebola prompts e

•From left: Head, Glo Zone, Mr. Babatunde Alimi, Glo Brand Specialist, Miss Tosin Akindunbi, Country Manager, Core Group Africa, Mr. Sachin Verma, Head, GloWorld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi, Brand Specialist, Miss Nkiru James and Coordinator, GloWorld, Mr. Dimeji Amao at a Press Conference to announce Globacom’s partnership with Core Group Africa for sale of genuine Apple devices at GloWorld and Glo Zones pan Nigeria at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos...yesterday.

From Nigeria to the United States and many other parts of the world, the fear of the spread of the Ebola Virus ravaging West Africa has led to extraordinary precautionary measures, writes Wall Street Journal

•Students of the University of Calabar’s School of Philosophy campaigning against the spread of the Ebola Virus in Calabar, the Cross River State capital... yesterday.

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•From Left: Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda; Minister of Power, Prof.Chinedu Nebo and Minister of State for Power, Mr Mohammed Wakil at the inauguration of the National Council on Power in Abuja ...yesterday.

HE Ebola outbreak in West Africa has prompted hospitals and health authorities in other countries to take precautions that often go beyond experts' recommendations, showing the impact of public concern about the deadly disease.

Health officials in Charlotte, N.C., are taking no chances with three missionaries who returned to the U.S. earlier this week from Liberia. All had contact with patients sick with Ebola. So even though they are healthy, the three have been quarantined on the campus of the religious organisation for which they work.

Quarantining people who were exposed to Ebola but don't have symptoms is unusual. But their employer and the public health department say they want to go the extra mile. "We want to be overly cautious," said Stephen Keener, medical director of the Mecklenburg County Health Department, which issued a quarantine order for the missionaries.

The measure was taken "so the public can be reassured of how we're handling this," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA, the organisation for which the missionaries work. The three-two doctors and the husband of one of the infected Americans evacuated earlier to the U.S.-have been quarantined for 21 days from their most recent exposure, the maximum incubation period for the virus.

The three are staying in recreational vehicles on a 90-acre campus with other missionaries and children

•From left: Manager, Etisalat Youth Segments, Idiareno Atimomo; 2014 Camp Hype Cordinator, Brycee Bassey; musical artist, Remilekun Khalid Shafaru (Reminisce) and specialist, Etisalat Youth Segment, Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, at the 2014 Summer Camp Hype sponsored by Etisalat CliqLite in Lagos.

Fear grips Kuje residents over plan to designate hospital Ebola centre

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•Executive Director, Creative and Strategy, Exp Marketing Nigeria Limited, Iain Allan ( left) and Center Manager, Ikeja City Mall, Sander Norman at the second edition of the mall's music and fashion show in Alausa, Lagos.

HERE was panic at the General Hospital, Kuje, Abuja yesterday, following a speculation that the hospital had been designated an Ebola isolation centre.

The speculation began when The Red Cross supplied medical aids to the hospital. Three vehicles, with the insignia of the Red Cross, ferried the supplies.

Youths gathered around the hospital discussing their fear that the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had designated the hospital as a centre for the treatment of the deadly disease.

Hospital workers rushed out to repark their vehicles outside the hospital premises for fear that the youths might go violent. There were reports the community was opposed to the idea of an EVD Isolation and Treatment Centre in the town.

But, the Chief Medical Director of

who also were in Liberia but not exposed to Ebola, he said.

Only a few Ebola victims will have access to an experimental treatment that was effective in treating monkeys with the virus. What other options are there for halting Ebola from spreading, and for treating those already infected? WSJ's Jason Bellini has #TheShortAnswer.

Health authorities and doctors elsewhere are going to lengths to prevent the world's largest outbreak of Ebola from spreading. Some are exceeding measures recommended by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Others are taking precautions used for diseases that are highly contagious because they spread through the air, while Ebola spreads only through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.

But they say the deadly nature of Ebola, which has killed 54% of those infected in the current outbreak and up to 90% in other outbreaks, and concerns from the public justify the precautions. Reports of possible cases from New York City to Hong Kong have alarmed some in the public, though fears subsided somewhat after all tested negative.

"Ebola has a higher mortality rate among those infected and it's very important that all exposures are prevented," said David Kuhar, a medical officer leading the health-care infection control team for the Ebola re-

From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja

the hospital, Dr Terbunde Egbi, dispelled the rumour that the equipment and drugs were for Ebola treatment.

Dr. Egbi, who received the officials of the Red Cross, said there was no need for panic as the materials and equipment delivered were not for Ebola.

She added that some of the materials were also meant for some Primary Health Care Centres within the area. She said there was no need for anyone to be apprehensive over the pronouncement of the government on the issue, adding that "as of now, no Ebola case has been reported in the FCT".

Dr Egbi told The Nation that since the pronouncement of the FCT Minister last weekend, there was only a sensitisation visit of all stakeholders to the hospital on Monday. Accord-

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS

pts extraordinary precautions ‘ Current CDC guidelines call for people who are at high risk of exposure to Ebola, but who don't have symptoms, to take their temperatures twice daily for 21 days, avoid long-distance travel, consult with health authorities on local travel and symptoms, and stay close to a hospital that can treat Ebola in case they develop symptoms

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Dangote boosts war against Ebola with N152.95m

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FRICA's richest man and philanthropist Aliko Dangote has boosted Nigeria's battle against the deadly Ebola with a N152, 956, 250 donation.

The money donated through the Dangote Foundation is for the establishment of a National Ebola Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Yaba, Lagos.

The EOC is a key part of Nigeria's response to the outbreak of Ebola on its shores. It is headed by Dr Faisal Shuaib, a U.S.-trained public health expert with extensive international experience. It serves as the engine room of the national response, providing the coordinating mechanism for prevention, surveillance, patient care, tracking, data analysis and containment of the spread of the virus. It also facilitates the coordination of partners, serving as a platform to link to the medical community across the country and also internationally, especially with the countries also battling the virus in West Africa.

Minister of Health Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu said: "The Ebola EOC ensures that government continues to provide the necessary leadership and a transparent platform for the coordi-

nation and collaboration which are essential for us to stay on top of this crisis. We are delighted that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has once again stood up to be counted when it matters.

"The national response to the unfortunate outbreak of Ebola in our country has been impressive. The few cases of Ebola Virus Disease, all contracted from the index case, are confined to one state only."

Dangote said: "This is a period of national health emergency and government's comprehensive containment strategy requires the support of all Nigerians to succeed. We have therefore decided to lend our support to the effort. The Ebola EOC is an important innovation that will strengthen our health system, even long after this particular health crisis has abated."

He called on Nigerians to be careful about their personal hygiene and not to be shy to approach health providers if they, or anyone near them, show symptoms of the disease.

"We encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to support government as the country rallies to combat the Ebola virus,' Dangote said. 'Our support is in line with our Foundation's goal to improve the wellbeing of all Nige-

rians," he said.

The WHO Country Representative for Nigeria, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, said: "Nigeria's speedy detection of the index case, the immediate declaration of the outbreak, mounting a comprehensive containment strategy and plan supported by the Emergency Operation Centre in Lagos. We strongly believe that the EOC will have a tremendous impact in coordinating partners and pillar teams in their epidemic response work."

sponse at the CDC. Some airlines have suspended flights to Guinea, Sierra Leone and

Liberia, three of the affected nations.

Sales of face masks have exploded in West Africa, and immigration of-

ficers in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia are wearing them. Zambia banned entry to citizens from the four af-

ing to her, the hospital workers were yet to be briefed properly as everything regarding the matter was yet at planning stage.

A nurse, who spoke with The Nation in confidence, said she had to quickly move her car out of the hospital premises when she overheard the youths saying they would mobilise others to register their protest against the use of the hospital as an Ebola Treatment Centre.

She said she could not take things for granted as the youths might start disrupting the smooth operations of the hospital.

Sources, who spoke in confidence, were of the view that the hospital was not suitable for the treatment of Ebola as it is surrounded closely by residential buildings and a school.

A pharmacist said it would have been better for the government to use the Zuba Cottage Hospital for the Ebola Isolation Centre. He said since the Zuba hospital is more isolated and is yet to be put into use by the government, it would be better to engage it for the purpose of the Ebola Virus treatment.

Said the source: "For Ebola treatment to start here, it means you have to evacuate about 600 patients out of here. In addition, daily no fewer

•Dangote

fected West African nations, including Nigeria.

Current CDC guidelines call for people who are at high risk of exposure to Ebola, but who don't have symptoms, to take their temperatures twice daily for 21 days, avoid long-distance travel, consult with health authorities on local travel and symptoms, and stay close to a hospital that can treat Ebola in case they develop symptoms.

The special isolation unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta where two infected Americans are being treated was designed for patients with diseases more contagious than Ebola, such as SARS. While technically they could be treated in any hospital capable of isolating a patient in a single room, the Emory facility has staff specially trained in infection control and an ambulance equipped to transport infectious patients.

Given the high-profile nature of the cases and the high death rate of Ebola, "it's reassuring and instills some confidence," said Alex Isakov, an emergency medicine physician at Emory.

In New York City, Mount Sinai Hospital health staff wore respirators and hood-like devices on their heads, in addition to standard gear recommended by the CDC, when they treated a man last week who was suspected of having Ebola but released after testing negative for the disease.

Standard CDC guidelines call for hospital staff to wear gowns, gloves, face masks and eye protection. That is all that is routinely needed for treating single patients in an isolation unit in a U.S. hospital, as compared to an Ebola treatment center in Africa full of very ill patients, infection- control experts say. But CDC guidelines also say that additional protective clothing or respirators can be used in certain situations, such if a patient needs to be intubated, to prevent infection.

The measures are "not strictly necessary, but we allowed them for the comfort of the staff," said David Reich, Mount Sinai's president. Staff had seen pictures of health workers in Africa and at Emory wearing full gear, including the hoods, he said.

"It doesn't hurt to be cautious," he said. The hospital, like others in the U.S., is taking careful travel histories from patients to quickly identify and isolate potential Ebola patients.

‘

For Ebola treatment to start here, it means you have to evacuate about 600 patients out of here.

In addition, daily no fewer than 60 patients visit this hospital; so, where are you going to take them? It is unthinkable that the government will designate this hospital for Ebola because it is in the middle of people •FCT Minister Bala Mohammed

than 60 patients visit this hospital; so, where are you going to take them? It is unthinkable that the government will designate this hospital for Ebola because it is in the middle of people.

"Look at residential buildings all

around and a school behind the hospital; even at that are they going to engage the health personnel here for that purpose. Don't forget if you recruit them for such assignment, they would not be allowed to have con-

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tact with people for 21 days. So, what happened to the health workers who come every day and are living in the midst of the people?"

Speaking with The Nation, Mr Kafas Ibrahim, an indigene, said it

MSF: Ebola not death sentence

By Seun Akioye

AT least 146 patients have recovered from the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in the three endemic countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

This is contrary to the belief among many in Nigeria that Ebola infection is a death sentence.

According to the MSF, which has established Ebola treatment centers in the three countries, once a patient recovers from an Ebola disease, such patient is immune to that strain of the virus and can continue to live normal healthy life. The MSF also said an Ebola outbreak is considered at an end once 42 days have elapsed without any new confirmed cases.

In Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the MSF said it admitted 232 patients with 124 confirmed Ebola cases while 64 patients have recovered and returned home. Also in Gueckedou, out of 366 patients of whom 169 were confirmed to have Ebola, 46 patients have recovered and returned home.

Also in Sierra Leone, of 174 confirmed Ebola patients admitted by the MSF, 36 patients have recovered while another nine patients were discharged on August 4 after recovering from the disease.

In 2012, the MSF effectively contained an Ebola outbreak in Uganda by placing a control area around the treatment center. The organisation has 676 staff working in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

MSF said: “MSF welcomes the steps the World Health Organisation (WHO) is taking to adopt exceptional regulatory procedures in the face of an exceptionally grave Ebola epidemic. MSF is keen for its patients to benefit from any treatment that shows promise, and will continue to work with the WHO and other organisations to support an appropriate acceleration of procedure for any treatment that is considered a good candidate for a medical trial.” was wrong for government to say that it would use the hospital for Ebola treatment, saying already people are apprehensive about the decision. He said the youths were prepared to stage demonstrations against the decision.

Isah Ahmed, another resident, said the FCT Minister and those who arrived at the decision were looking for trouble. He said it was an attempt to carryout experiment on the people of Kuje, stressing that he would not be surprised if the experiment back fired on the people in government.

The Head of Department for Health at Kuje Council Area, Dr. Veronica Yama, said the local government authorities in conjunction with other stakeholders had only started sensitisation visits to settlements, towns and villages in the council.

Dr Yama, who spoke on behalf of the council, said besides the sensitisation, every other thing regarding the matter was at a planning stage.

The traditional Ruler of Kuje, the Gomo of Kuje, could not be reached, but his Secretary, Mallam Abubakar told The Nation on phone that the palace was aware of government's decision.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

N1.3b for power sector training Continued from page 1

Acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba to dismantle all “road blocks” mounted on nation’s highways for revenue collection so as to curb the growing incidents of illegal multiple taxation.

Obiano said following the receipt of brief from the Ministerial Implementation Committee (MIC) on the harmonisation of taxes, it was discovered from its findings that “the 1998 taxes and levies Act is overdue for review, there is duplication of some taxes and levies at states and local governments, taxes and levies administered by some

states are not backed by appropriation legislation”.

He pointed out that the MIC had recommended the discontinuation of the practice of using non-revenue officials for collection of taxes and levies by states and federal agencies as it was contrary to Section 2 of the taxes and levies Act. Further recommendation include that states revenue boards should be empowered to automate their tax operations for effectiveness, processing, accountability and to reduce leakages.

According to him, NEC resolved “to direct IG of police Continued on page 58

‘Jonathan, PDP’ve failed Nigerians’ Continued from page 1 •Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (left) and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva at the ex-governor’s 50th birthday lecture in Abuja…yesterday.

Conference backs down on draft constitution Continued from page 1

gates who insisted that the con-

ference was not mandated to produce draft constitution for the country.

Two motions, one by Chief Jerry Okwuonu and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, and an amendment by Alhaji Adamu Waziri turned out to be the tonic delegates needed to calm frayed nerves to pave the way for the adoption of Conference reports.

One of the motions was essentially to change the nomenclature of volume three of the reports from “Draft Constitution 2014” to “Proposed Amendments to the 1999 Constitution”.

It was sponsored by Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri.

Proceedings opened shortly after the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday August 13, 2014 with a “motion to mandate the secretariat to vet and effect amendment” to the three reports prepared by the secretariat.

Okwuonu and Odili in their joint motion noted that: “Whereas the secretariat has done a very marvelous job of compiling the report of the Conference and presenting same to us in easily readable and crosscheckable format; and “Whereas delegates have pe-

rused all the reports and submitted in writing all items of omission or incorrect addition to the final report; and “Bearing in mind the dual necessity of bringing the conference to a close for purposes of not unduly over-reaching the logistics provision of the conference and not unnecessarily prolonging the continued conglomeration of people in contradiction to the prescription of Health Authorities especially as the country tackles the Ebola crisis.

“It is hereby moved that the secretariat be mandated to vet all the written submission by delegates and make necessary correction thereby providing the final draft of the Conference reports “In particular, we observe that volume iii, titled Draft Constitution, conveys an attempt to insert various resolutions and recommendations of a constitutional nature that were adopted by Conference as proposed amendments to the appropriate sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“We recall and welcome the clarification and confirmation offered by Conference Chairman at plenary on August 13, 2014 that indeed Vol. iii contains

proposals for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

“We are aware that delegates have responded to this call and submitted to the Secretariat their various observations and suggested amendments to the draft.

“In preparing the final report, we urged the Conference Secretariat to keep faith with and reflect fully and accurately all resolutions and recommendations accepted by the Conference and as contained in votes and preceding that were formally adopted.

“Subject to the acceptance of the foregoing understanding, assurances and conditions and in accordance with the Procedure Rules, 2014 of the Conference, we move for the validation and adoption of the draft reports contained in volume 1,2 and 3 without further debate.

“In the spirit of the consensus building cultivated by members and to maintain the bridges built during the currency of the Conference, we urge all delegates to subscribe to this plea.”

Kutigi put the two motions separately to voice vote. What followed was a near unanimous acceptance by the delegates.

With the turn of events, delegates burst into spontaneous chest-beating and singing of the

old National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee.”

Kutigi called on Second Republic Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, to move a motion for the adoption of the final Conference Report.

Akinjide said, “It is a singular honour for me to be called to move the motion for the adoption of the National Conference Report 2014 Volumes one, Volume two and Volume three (as amended.)

“Mr. Chairman, I feel very honoured to be called upon to play this role. I entered parliament before Nigeria independence and I was in parliament at the time of independence and I was also in parliament after independence. So to be called upon to play this role is unique and also unprecedented. On behalf of you all, Distinguished delegates I so move.”

Kutigi called the youngest delegate to the Conference, 24year old Miss Yadoma Bukar Mandara, to second the motion for the adoption of the report.

The adoption of reports over, delegates took turns to pour encomium on the leadership of the Conference for their maturity in steering the conference proceedings.

Continued on page 58

the PDP in the 2015 election.

But the Presidency faulted the position of the Lagos State governor on poor performance of the Jonathan administration.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, described Fashola’s statement as “blatant and obvious lies, delibrate and skillful misinformation.

“Nothing can be further from the truth than this. We admit that Governor Fashola may have been too occupied in Lagos and that may have narrowed his vision or precluded him from appreciating lofty

developments by this administration all over the country.

“The government of President Goodluck Jonathan, has never lied about its achievements, programmes, commitments and even challenges within the Nigerian context.

“In the last three years, through the execution of its transformation agenda, this administration, contrary to the assertions of Governor Fashola, has made significant achievements in all sectors of the economy.”

In the lecture, Fashola spoke on political parties, party ideContinued on page 60

Liberia gets Ebola drug

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IBERIAN officials faced an excruciating choice yesterday: deciding which handful of Ebola patients will receive an experimental drug that could prove life-saving, ineffective or even harmful.

ZMapp, the untested Ebola drug, arrived in the West African country late Wednesday. Assistant Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah said three or four people would begin getting it yesterday.

The government had previously said two doctors would receive the treatment, but it was unclear who else would.

These are the last known doses of ZMapp left in the world. The San Diego-based

company that developed it has said it will take months to build up even a modest supply.

Doctors Without Borders, which is running many of the Ebola treatment centrer and whose staff have tussled with whether to provide ZMapp, said such choices present “an impossible dilemma”.

Now Liberian officials are facing those questions.

“The criteria of selection is difficult, but it is going to be done,” said Dr. Moses Massaquoi, who helped Liberia obtain the drug from Mapp Biopharmaceutical. “We are going to look at how critical Continued on page 58

Ebola patients’ families cry out: our relations are dying Nigeria to get test drugs today

Continued from page 1

lowing it very closely because a couple of us happen to know a number of people who have been quarantined and it is obvious to all of us that are concerned that it is beyond what we can deal with. We would not want to paint what is black white, but it is beyond what we can deal with right now and, therefore, we feel that there is a need for us to make this urgent cry for help for the international community to come to our assistance.

“It is important that we reflect and try and see how things happened. I am a medical doctor and I am surprised that they made the diagnosis in the first instance because this is a man that could have gone somewhere else and could have been treated for malaria and he could have died and spread the virus like wild fire. However, the chief consultant that attended to these patients, who is also being quarantined right now, felt it was very necessary for them to send the blood sample for screening after which it was confirmed and she insisted he must not leave the hospital.

“So I think we must get the

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INISTER of Health Prof. OnyebuSawyer who died of the diseas. She travFrom Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja chi Chukwu said yesterday that elled to Enugu against medical advice. and Chris Oji, Enugu the Federal Government was set Chukwu noted that at the time she travtreatment is that a Nigerian scientist has elled, she did not show any symptom and to receive Nano Silver trial drug for the already offered the country one of the exwhen she became symptomatic, she went treatment of Ebola Virus.

The drug which is used experimentally perimental drugs, the Nano Silver. And, to a health facility and it was at that stage for many things, was introduced by a Ni- hopefully today, that will reach the treat- that she was transported back to Lagos in gerian scientist. It will get to Lagos this ment centre. We followed the protocol as a special ambulance. governed by the National Health Research He noted that with the stringent meamorning, he added.

Nano Silver 10ppm has been shown by ethics codes of this country in using the sures put in place, 15 of the 21 people Nano silver as part of the treatment.

We placed under surveillance had been the United States Defence Department research to effectively inactivate/neutralise are also in touch with the WHO to see how cleared. Only six are placed under surveilwe can have a buy-in in the experimental lance. the Ebola virus. It is said to be identical to drugs that have been donated to WHO. We The minister said: “There is no Ebola the silver used in the research. are still in touch with various centres in Virus Disease in Enugu. As at this mornThe Silver solution (Nano Silver) has the world and, hopefully, more of the exing (yesterday), there is none. All the casbeen shown to deal effectively with Ebola virus. Every disease causing organism perimental drugs would be available and es are still confined to Lagos State.”

The minister said as of yesterday, noagainst which it has been tested all around vetted by our own committee on research body among the primary (direct) contact the world has been killed (bacteria) or in- and control.”

Chukwu stressed that Ebola is restricted (with Sawyer) is under surveillance. activated (virus), the minister said.

Contrary to what family members of the Chukwu also announced that Nigeria is to Lagos, refuting the report that the disvictims said, the minister said more than in touch with the World Health Organisa- ease had spread to Enugu.

He explained that the Enugu case was half of the eight people were responding tion (WHO) to have a buy-in on the donatthat of the woman nurse among those who to treatment and doing very well, showing ed drugs by a Canadian firm.

Continued on page 58 The minister said: “What is new in their attended to the late Liberian, Mr. Patrick facts right and really come out.

“Two Americans were flown have the facilities to cope with to our aid so that this doesn’t We are particularly concerned to Atlanta for help. The chap this? It is a big question mark. get out of control. Nigeria is the that if someone could be so pa- who brought this thing to Nige“We know that the govern- most populous country in Aftriotic as to save millions of Ni- ria was an American. Our ques- ment is trying, but certainly rica and, God forbid, if this gerians from the hardship of tion is that what is the interna- there is a lot more we can do to turns out of control I mean the this pestilence, the least we can tional community doing for us? improve the situation. This is consequences you all know. So do is to make an appeal to the For example, the patients that why we are making this pas- we have to make this passioninternational community for as- are there under quarantine, do sionate cry and appeal to the in- ate appeal. sistance.

“As we speak, a number of they even have water? Do we ternational community to come

•The late Sawyer

the people being quarantined are critically ill and we are concerned. We are seriously concerned. If America can fly their citizens to America for treatment, we need their help. We need the help of the international community, the international Red Cross and all those to come and assist us.”

A retired pathologist, Dr. Hellen Boyo Ekwueme, said the situation of the patients had beContinued on page 58

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS THE EBOLA VIRUS Kano to ban sale of bush meat

146 patients recover, says group

From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

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HE Kano State government is planning to ban the sale of bush meat.

The plan followed the report of a committee set up by the government to visit bush meat sales points in markets and similar outlets.

The three-man committee is headed by Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Nasiru Gawuna. His counterparts in the ministries of Health and Commerce, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf and Dr. Umar Faruk Jibril, are members.

Governor Rabi'u Kwankwaso addressed reporters yesterday in Kano at the weekly state Executive Council (Exco) meeting on efforts to contain the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The governor said his administration would soon take decisive steps to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, adding that doctors briefed the Exco on how to stop the virus ahead of the committee's report.

He said besides the proposed Ebola Isolation Centre in the state capital, the government was discussing with officials of the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on how to manage the disease, in case it enters the state.

Abuja residents urged to limit handshake From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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ESIDENTS of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were advised yesterday to limit their handshake with strangers to curtail the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

FCT Minister of State Olajumoke Akinjide in give the advice at the opening of a sensitisation workshop on EVD for market women.

She said the Federal Government would curtail the spread of the disease in the territory and other parts of the country.

Akinjide, who was represented by the Secretary of Social Development in the FCT, Blessing Onuh, said the decisive actions of the Federal Government since the outbreak of the virus had curtailed its spread.

Also, the President of the Nigerian market women, under the aegis of the Market Women Association in the FCT, Mrs Felicia Sani said the apology tendered by the Liberian authorities over the importation of the Ebola virus into Nigeria by the late Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer, was not enough.

She said the Liberian government should explain to Nigerians who permitted the late Sawyer to come to Nigeri, despite knowing he had the deadly and contagious virus.

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By Seun Akioye

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•Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri (left) and President, Association of Market Women and Men, Mrs. Felicia Sani (second left), presenting copies of educational materials to leader of Utako Market Men and Women, Mrs. Ngosi Egbuchukwu, at the NOA national workshop on Security and Sensitisation Campaign on Ebola virus for market women and men in Abuja...yesterday

Baby suspected to have virus

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HE Kwara State government announced yesterday that a suspected case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) had been reported in the state.

The Chairman of EVD Committee, Prof Sunday Opabola, told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, about the suspected case.

But he allayed the fear of an outbreak in the state.

He said the suspected case was discovered on Wednesday in a seven-month-old baby brought to the state from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The professor of medicine, who doubles as the Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Public Health, said there was no confirmed case of the disease in the state, as being speculated.

The governor’s aide explained that the “infected” baby was found with some symptoms that are not exclusive to Ebola disease.

He said the symptoms might be those of Lassa fever, cholera, malaria and some other diseases.

Opabola said: “We need to do this because of all the rumours and talks going on in town and on the social media.

“Kwara State has always had a strong surveillance system for infectious diseases. But when that thing (Ebola) came up, the Ministry of Health set up a committee to put in place a standard procedure for outbreak, control and prevention.

“But due to the seriousness of the situation, the governor set up a committee for the control of the disease, which was inaugurated yesterday (Wednesday). In fact, we have not had an inaugural meeting, which was supposed to be on August 10. But this is more

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

important.

“The committee was given specific terms of reference.

But by 9am yesterday (Wednesday), I was called to the Ministry of Health that a proprietor of a private hospital, who is a paediatrician, reported a suspected case on admission in his hospital.

“The suspected patient is a seven-month old child, who was brought to Ilorin with the mother.

She came out with suspicion of malaria and was admitted at Surulere Clinic. They started treating the baby for malaria; that is, on August 10. After managing him for two days, there was no improvement. He was referred to a paediatrician.

“After clinical assessment, he apparently exhibited some symptoms that looked like Ebola. The symptoms are fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. They were being taken care of before in other hospitals. But he now saw that the vomiting consisted of blood. That was where he made a report.

“Now, if it were not in this situation we have, I am sure he couldn’t have made any report, because some other diseases could have presented the same symptoms. Even malaria in children would present something like that. Other viral infections, viral haemorrhagic diseases would present like this; same for Lassa fever and so on. Even cholera can present like this. But because in this situation, we have been on the alert and we don’t want to take chances.

“So, he made a report and we went into action. The standard procedures were: one, we re-

moved the patient from the hospital to our already prepared isolation centre at Sobi Specialist Hospital. Two, we continued managing the patient there. Three, we took the blood sample of the patient and the mother for diagnosis of the virus. Currently, the samples are on their way to Lagos.

“One of the samples would be given to Prof Oyewale Tomori, who is the major viral expert in Nigeria at the Redeemers University (in Lagos). We are testing the second sample at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) today.

“As we await the test result, other measures are being put in place. These are: one, the governor has approved the purchase of a test machine, which has been ordered from Abuja. We expect it to arrive in Ilorin today. The machine would be stationed at the Kwara Diagnostic Centre. We post workers who are experienced at operating the machine there to help us do that.

“We have done this to allow easy and quick accessibility to testing and screening of suspected cases.

“Two, continuous surveillance is going on and we are doing contact tracing for each particular patient. We will continue the contact tracing as we await the test result.

“We have established three isolation and quarantine centres in each of the three senatorial districts - Sobi Specialist Hospital; General Hospitals at Omu Aran and Okuta, in Kwara North. They were chosen because of their closeness to the borders.

“The state government is also working with the Federal Ministry of Health.

“Based on standard procedure, the hospital involved has been decontaminated and shut down temporarily.

“Our advice to the public is not to panic. In public health, when there is an outbreak, people panic, and panic brings negative fear, in terms of control procedures. So, we should not panic.

“The Kwara State government is doing all it can to make sure we control and prevent the disease.

We don’t have a case; we have a suspected case. The diagnosis is made in three ways: history taking, physical examination and laboratory investigation.

“Some diagnoses are made with history taking and clinical examination, but more diagnoses are made with history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigation/medical imaging. In this case, diagnosis is made. Here is just a history of contact: have you had contact with somebody that has it? In this child’s case, we don’t have any history of contact. We just have a vague history that the person who took care of the girl in Ibadan actually travelled to Lagos and came back.

“So, there was no history of her contacting anybody. Also, there is no history to show that this person, who was taking care of the baby, has any symptom.

“You cannot transmit Ebola when you are still in the incubation period. You can only transmit Ebola when you become symptomatic. So, the woman who was taking care of her is not symptomatic. But we can’t take chances. So, the history is made.

Two, the clinical examination shows some symptoms. That is where we are now. After that, we need to confirm.”

NE hundred and forty-six patients have recovered from the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also called Doctors Without Border, has said.

MSF, which has established Ebola treatment centres in the three countries, explained that once a patient recovers from the disease, such a patient becomes immune to the virus and could continue to live a normal healthy life.

The group also said an Ebola outbreak is considered to end once no new case is reported after 42 days.

In Conakry, the Guinean capital, the MSF said it admitted 232 patients with 124 confirmed Ebola cases.

The group said 64 of them recovered and returned home.

In Gueckedou, also in Guinea, of the 366 patients admitted, 169 were confirmed to have Ebola; 46 recovered and returned home.

In Sierra Leone, MSF said of the 174 confirmed Ebola patients it admitted, 36 recovered and nine were discharged on August 4, after they recovered from the disease.

In 2012, the MSF effectively contained an Ebola outbreak in Uganda by placing a control area around the treatment centre.

The organisation has 676 workers in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

MSF said it would support any effort by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to find a vaccine for the disease.

It said: “MSF welcomes the steps the WHO is taking to adopt exceptional regulatory procedures in the face of an exceptionally grave Ebola epidemic. MSF is keen that its patients benefit from any treatment that shows promise, and will continue to work with the WHO and other organisations to support an appropriate acceleration of procedure for any treatment that is considered a good candidate for a medical trial.

“The responsibility for selection of a treatment and the definition of the ethical framework for this will be in the hands of the WHO and the ministries of Health of the countries where the epidemic has spread.”

Fed Govt threatens to sanction foreign media

HE Federal Government warned yesterday that it may take action against two international media houses for their alleged bias reports on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.

Health Minister Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu and his Information counterpart, Labaran Maku, said the two media houses had been unfair in their reports on the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.

Chukwu said: “It was also observed that some segments of the international media have been unfair with their comments on the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. Little has been said about the successful containment to

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ensure that it does not spread rapidly as it has done in other countries.

“Up till now, the disease is limited to only one state; all those suffering from the virus, as small as the number is, are primary contacts of the index case which came through a Liberian-American (the late Patrick Sawyer).

“Within this week, prior to the meeting conveyed by President Goodluck Jonathan, the country had carried out so many activities on Ebola.”

Maku said: “We have had worries from some international media, whose reports could

cause panic at the international level. We have noticed too that they have particularly refused to send the true position of things in Nigeria, despite all our efforts to brief the media in a transparent way.”

The minister decried the manner the indicted media houses portrayed Nigeria’s handling of the disease.

According to him, the media houses portrayed the situation as if there had been over 1,000 infected persons with the virus.

Maku wondered why Nigeria should be grouped with the three other West African countries having a high level of prevalence.

The minister said the media

houses should have considered that the disease was imported into Nigeria.

He added that Nigeria’s case should be reported separately, with the efforts the government was making to contain the virus.

Maku stressed that it was unfair to always cast sensational headlines on Nigeria.

The minister said the reality is that Nigeria’s case and status were different from the three other West African nations.

This, he stressed, is important to ensure that people do not panic.

Maku also debunked the report that four Indian doctors were forced to threat Ebola pa-

tients in Abuja, when there was no Ebola case in the capital city.

He said: “We will not allow a situation where any media house will use the opportunity of Ebola, which was exported into Nigeria, to begin to run down the corporate image of our country and our people. This is unacceptable.

If this continues, I can tell you, we are going to take measures.”

The minister said any media house that attempts to take advantage of the country’s magnanimity would be resisted.

He said: “If you run down this country for any reason and you are unfair to us, we will take measures.”

Maku said two newspapers reported that four India doctors

•Prof. Chukwu

were forced to treat Ebola patients in Abuja, whereas no such cases existed in the city.

The minister called for the cooperation of all Nigerians.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

6

NEWS

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APC accuses DSS of 'crass' partisanship

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of crass partisanship and unprofessional conduct for its actions and comments on last Saturday's governorship election in Osun State.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also said DSS spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, should be properly trained on how to speak with knowledge and facts, instead of making baseless and incautious statements.

Mohammed said: "It is sad that a spokesperson for the DSS does not know there is no offence called 'loitering' under Nigerian laws. For her to now go on national television to say the APC's National Publicity Secretary was arrested for 'loitering' in Osogbo on the eve of the governorship election is the height of ignorance;

President urged to end insurgency

•'Its spokesperson unfit for her office'

By Olamilekan Andu

it constitutes a great embarrassment to the DSS. "It is even worse that the socalled spokesperson, ever so glib, would make a joke out of such a faux pas by an agency that is supposed to be non-partisan and highly professionalised. How on earth can any human being not be disoriented when 15 hooded gunmen arrest him/her and point their weapons at his/her head, as they did to me on that night in Osogbo?

"How can a spokesperson for such a sensitive government agency not understand that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for freedom of movement? On what basis is Ms. Ogar questioning what the APC's National Publicity Secretary was doing in

Osun, when the same fellow has not questioned the presence of Musiliu Obanikoro, Chris Uba and the likes in the same state?

Or, are those people from Osun State?

"Was it not publicly announced that the APC was moving its headquarters to Osun to support Governor Rauf Aregbesola? Why didn't Ms. Ogar question the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan or Vice-President Namadi Sambo in Osun, when they came too, if she was being fair? It is sad that Ms. Ogar has turned herself to the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by echoing what that party said on the Osun election. This is unprofessional and irresponsible."

The party noted that by spearheading the mass arrest of APC leaders and members in

Osun before and during the August 9 governorship election, and by preventing the rally planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in support of Governor Aregbesola from holding, the DSS pitched its tent with the PDP, instead of staying neutral.

It queried Ms. Ogar: "How many PDP leaders were arrested in Osun? If the rally by the NLC had been planned in support of the PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, would the DSS have aborted it? Why must the DSS send hooded gunmen to police an election that is a civic matter? Does Ms. Ogar bother to read and understand the Nigerian constitution to know the rights of the citizens?"

APC described as a tissue of lies the allegation by Ms. Ogar that the party tried to bribe the DSS with N14 million before the Osun election.

The party wondered why the

DSS did not arrest the official who offered the alleged bribe.

It said: "Apparently, Ms. Ogar has never heard of a 'sting operation' that is widely used by security agencies to catch a person who is committing a crime.

The allegation by Ms. Ogar would have been sweet in her mouth had the DSS mounted a sting operation to catch whoever was offering the alleged bribe, and then prosecute him or her."

APC called the allegation cheap blackmail by a conspiratorial organisation.

The party said it is important to educate the likes of Ms Ogar, "and indeed the entire DSS", that an election is not a war but a celebration of democracy.

It added that the DSS agents should drop their hoods and hide away their menacing guns when next they are posted to police an election anywhere in the country.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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RESIDENT of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) Prof. Munzali Jibril, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to empower the Service Chiefs with the wherewithal to end insurgency in the country.

The expert spoke yesterday in Lagos at the 16th convocation and the investiture of NAL’s new fellows at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The academy of letters promotes the humanities, creative arts and draws attention to values that assist society’s growth.

The theme of the lecture was: The Dimension of Citizenship. It was delivered by Prof. Francis Egbokhare.

Prof Jibril said the people were tired of Federal Government’s excuses on the parlous security situation in the country because it is its duty to make things work.

The expert also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections in 2015, adding that the commission should surpass its record in the recent Ekiti and Osun states’ governorship elections.

He said: “INEC should draw valuable lessons from the exemplary performance in last two governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states to conduct free and transparent elections in 2015.”

Prof Jibril noted that if the resolutions at the National Conference are faithfully implemented by the government, Nigeria would have equitable and efficient federation.

The academic said NAL participation at the National Conference made a difference in the outcome of the dialogue.

But he regretted that good governance was not given adequate attention during the dialogue.

He said: “It is the most important thing we should have tackled.”

Prof Jibril said Nigeria is among the worst African nations in the area of good governance.

“Nigeria scored 49 out of 52 countries, ranking at the bottom with Somalia, in the lack of safety of lives and property,” he said.

Prof Egbokhare urged the government to create an enabling environment for the development of the people.

The expert said the people’s obligation to their government should be based on mentorship and direction by the leadership.

He said: “There must be the capacity to perform the obligation. The agents of state must first of all take responsibilities for its action.”

•From left: Vice Chairman, Navimor Group, Mr Roman Kinda; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs Asabe Hamed, at the inauguration and christening of PHOTO: NAN Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s newly acquired fishing vessel in Poland...on Wednesday.

Jonathan suspends resident doctors indefinitely

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday suspended resident doctors working in Federal Government hospitals.

The suspension came in the heat of the hoopla the few cases of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has caused.

A Federal Government circular on August 13 said the action was taken to address the challenges in the Health sector.

Since July 1, over 15,000 resident doctors had been on strike.

They turned down all entreaties from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government in the fight against the Ebola virus.

An internal circular by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, L. N. Awute, said the suspension was with immediate effect.

It said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the residency training programme for doctors in Nigeria indefinitely for the purpose of appraising the challenges facing the Health sector.

“In line with the above, the Minister (of Health) has directed that you issue letters of termination of residency training appointment to the affected resident doctors in your hospitals immediately.

NMA: we won’t accept suspension

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AGOS NMA Secretary Dr. Saheed Babajide said last night that Federal Government’s suspension of resident doctors was unacceptable, illogical and baseless.

The union leader said doctors would not accept it, adding that the residency is the crux of medicine all over the world because it is into training, research and clinical management.

He added: “That is why we have teaching hospitals. When you now close such hospitals, it means there won’t be any research and training. It means we are going 100 years backward.

“The suspension came when we were moving the medical practice forward and developing it by putting in our best. Even the people involved in the treatment of Ebola are resident doctors. They are the volunteers working in IDH. “The main issue of the residency programme will affect the country because, if there are no resident doctors, there will be no consultants.

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Wale Ajetunmobi

“The board of management is to take necessary measures to restore full medical services in your hospital. Note, however, that this is without prejudice to the employment of Locum Physicians (part-time doctor) on a sixmonth renewable contract tied to productivity and good behaviour.

“The appointments are to be approved by the President

“It is a stupid and illogical idea I have never seen in my years of practice. You are sacking more than 14,000 resident doctors at a go and without due process. Don’t you know these doctors are employed through MoU? “We are not in a military era when you can just issue a circular and sack someone you have a contract with that was supposed to span five or six years. The Lagos State Government tried it and it did not work. So, I do not see this one working. We won’t accept it.

“All Nigerian doctors, not just resident doctors, will never accept it. Even international doctors won’t accept it.” he said.

On the government’s allegation that it had met over 90 per cent of the NMA’s demands, Babajide said it was untrue because both parties were still negotiating.

He said: “They said they would do something within a week, but they did not do it. That shows the kind of government we have. They are liars...”

through the Minister of Health.

Ensure immediate compliance.”

A statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Ministry of Health, Isiaka Yusuf, said the resident doctors had been frustrating the government’s move to contain the Ebola virus.

The statement said NMA made good its threat of June 11, by calling out its members for a strike, despite government’s intervention meetings and dialogue.

The government said it had

extensive deliberations with the leadership of the NMA, where agreements were reached on the 24 demands and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties.

It said in the midst of the strike, the government also sought the attention and intervention of some eminent personalities to prevail on the NMA leadership to respect the ethics of their profession and end the strike while the dialogue continued.

Boko Haram: Troops intercept 51youths heading to Abuja from Borno From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops intercepted in the night 51 youths moving from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to Abuja.

It said the suspects were led by a lady.

A statement by the DHQ, said: “The Officers of the Special Task Force (STF) are trying to unravel the motive for the movement of some youths from Maiduguri, heading to Abuja, at 3am when they were accosted in Plateau State on Wednesday. ”The 51 youths were under the guidance of a lady as they were being conveyed in three 18-seater mass transit buses when they were intercepted in Babale, Plateau State, as they journeyed fromMaiduguri to Abuja. ”During the interrogation that followed, they claimed they were being conveyed to Abuja on the directives of a Borno State Government official to meet their relatives for assistance in an economic empowerment programme. “ The official is yet to respond to series of efforts to verify the claims. ”The issue is being investigated to ascertain the genuine mission of such a team of young persons moving in the night, more so as they made contradictory statements on the sponsorship of their mission to Abuja.

“The movement is being assessed in the light of the security situation and the suspicious claims of the youths. “ The Borno State Government had not issued a statement on the interception at the time of going to the press last night.

Amaechi urges Fed Govt to fund education, tackle poverty From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Ameachi has said the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is adequate funding of education and a sincere fight against poverty among North’s youths.

The governor said Boko Haram has nothing to do with Muslim or Christian belief because it is a product of ignorance and poverty.

He said: “Since the insurgency started, a number Muslims have been killed in various attacks across the North. The missing Chibok girls are a combination of Muslims and Christians.”

Ameachi, who is the chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), spoke yesterday in Sokoto, where he inaugurated a modern agricultural skills acquisition centre at Rimawa in Goronyo Local Government Area.

The governor said the earlier the Federal Government funded education well and fought poverty sincerely in the North, the better.

He said: “The militancy in the South is a result of the same factors, which have now stopped, following Federal Government’s intervention with adequate resources.

“The same thing should be done in the North.”

Ameachi faulted President Goodluck Jonathan for linking Boko Haram activities with states under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

7

NEWS Court sacks Ondo monarch From Leke Akeredolu,

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•All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (second left); his wife, Senator Oluremi (third left); Senator Ganiyu Solomon (third right); wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola (right); Olori Muyibat Olayinka Oyefusi (left) and Alhaja Bintu Tinubu (second right) at the eigtht day prayer service for the late Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Adekoya Oyefusi, at the Royal Castle of Mercy in Ikorodu, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO:TAIWO OKANLAWON

Fayose can’t ‘govern’ Ekiti, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State yesterday told the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in AdoEkiti, the state capital, that the governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, cannot serve as governor due to his impeachment by the House of Assembly in 2006.

The party, in a petition deposed to by its lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said Fayose allegedly submitted a fake Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate, said to have been obtained from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party is challenging INEC’s declaration of Fayose as the winner of the June 21 election on the grounds that the Peoples

•35 witnesses to testify for PDP From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Democratic Party (PDP) candidate did not have the required number of valid votes.

The APC accused INEC of electronically rigging the election in Fayose’s favour.

Other grounds given by the party include “excessive militarisation, arrest and intimidation” of some of its members by security agencies.

The PDP brought 35 witnesses to the tribunal.

In its preliminary objection deposed to by its lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN) and filed by the party’s State Legal Adviser, Mr Kolapo Kolade, the PDP urged the tribunal to nullify the APC’s

pleas due to the “non-joinder and mis-joinder of parties in the case”.

Kolade said: “The APC is claiming that Fayose did not score the highest number of votes and that his election should be nullified and Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was not joined as a petitioner, be declared winner.

This is a case of non-joinder.

“Then what is the reason behind the joining of the chief of Defence Staff as a respondent in this case? The military did not partake in the electoral process and this is a clear case of mis-joinder.”

He urged the court to strike out the petition, saying some of the issues raised, particularly the certificate

matter, was “contrary to “the principle of estoppels”.

Kayode said the controversy about Fayose’s HND certificate was resolved at an Appeal Court in Ibadan in 2003 and gazetted in the court’s records.

The hearing continues.

‘The APC is claiming that Fayose did not score the highest number of votes and that his election should be nullified and Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was not joined as a petitioner, should be declared winner’

Oyo disagrees with INEC on PVCs

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HE Oyo State government disagreed yesterday with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) statement that not all registered voters will get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The government had declared today a public holiday to enable registered voters collect their PVCs. The PVC collection begins today and ends on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Nasir Ayilara, told stakeholders that many registered voters in Afijio, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South West and Ogbomoso North local governments would not get their PVCs and would have to register again.

Special Adviser to the Gover-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

nor on Parastatals Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle told The Nation yesterday that the people would not accept INEC’s position.

He accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to disenfranchise the electorate in areas where the party is unpopular, adding that this would be resisted by the people.

Ayilara said: “I do not see any reason why PVCs will not be given to Oyo residents by INEC because enough funds were provided by the Federal Government for PVCs. President Goodluck Jonathan told Nigerians that every eligible voter will get a PVC; so, why is INEC saying many registered voters in the state will not get PVCs. There is no

‘

I do not see any reason why PVCs will not be given to Oyo residents

by INEC because enough funds were provided by the Federal Government for PVCs.

’

basis for INEC to say that.

That is another game plan by the PDP to rig the election.”

He urged INEC to refrain from anything that could dent its image and remain neutral.

Ayilara said: “I believe the masses will not agree with them. It is their civic right and nobody under any guise

must deny them this right. A revolution is imminent if they try to rig the election in 2015 because the people’s wish must prevail. The President and PDP should not toy with the sovereignty of the people by coming up with different game plans to rig the 2015 election.

“No, it won’t occur here because our people are enlightened and our party will continue to sensitise the masses on their civic rights to vote and choose who should lead them.

“Nobody is afraid of security or intimidation. Everybody will fight for his or her right, so nobody should be denied a PVC. If you have been captured and registered, you should be given a PVC. It is the responsibility of the government to provide for the needs of the people.”

Man arraigned for ‘stealing’ diesel at ABUAD

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MAN, Adebayo Sunday (37) was arraigned yesterday at the Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, for allegedly stealing 300 litres of diesel, valued at N55,500.

According to the charge sheet, the offence was committed on July 19 at the Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti (ABUAD).

Sunday’s counsel Duro

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Adonis urged the court to grant his client bail. The Chief Magistrate, P.I. Ayenimo, granted Sunday N200,000 bail with two sureties and moved the case from Court 2 to Court 4.

The case was adjourned to August 20.

Sunday confessed to the crime and pleaded for mercy.

He said he had been work-

ing for ABUAD since the institution’s inception, adding: “This is the first time such a mistake would happen and I would not repeat it if forgiven. I appeal to them (the institution) to forgive me. There is nothing I can say or do except apologise. I am not a person like that. I have been working there (ABUAD) for long. I started the school with them. I operated the pay loader when

they were constructing the buildings in the school. I’ve been there for about five years.

“It was Baba himself (Chief Afe Babalola) who called me on phone one day and invited me to come and work for the institution when he saw how I had been working. I work all the time within the campus. I even work on weekends. No Saturday or Sunday. I work all the time.

Baba should forgive me.”

Akure

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, upheld yesterday the ruling of a lower court, which sacked the Olishe of Isha in Akoko North East Local Government Area, Oba Adegbenro Omola, and installed Prince Tunde Akande.

On September 12, 2008, Oba Omola filed an appeal, urging the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

Justice Sotonye Denton West dismissed the appeal for lack of merit and ordered that Akande be installed.

He banned Omola from parading himself as the monarch.

Rep hails Aregbesola

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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HE Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Legislative Compliance, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai has described Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s victory in Saturday’s election as heroic.

Akinderu-Fatai, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1, said despite the “molestation and harassment” of All Progressives Congress (APC) members, the party triumphed.

He said the poll showed that the APC had a bright future and described Aregbesola as a grassroots politician, who has, through his people-oriented programmes, earned the people’s confidence.

Akinderu-Fatai said: “No doubt, it is a victory of good governance over a leadership with tyrannical tendencies. Osun people have sent a clear message to all usurpers, who exploit power to abuse and deny the people their rights. The message Osun people sent to Abuja and its hirelings is that no amount of intimidation will affect their determination to express gratitude to anyone who serves them efficiently. Aregbesola deserves the victory because his work speaks for him. No amount of hooded soldiers can stop the peoples’ determination to stand by a just leader.”

He urged Aregbesola to be charitable in victory and carry everyone along.

Oyo community gets five transformers

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has presented five 500KVA transformers to Apete in Ido Local Government Area.

This is to boost power supply in the community.

It was in fulfilment of an earlier promise by the governor.

Presenting the transformers to the community, Ajimobi, who was represented by Ido Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Prof. Joseph Olowofela, urged residents to protect the transformers from vandals.

He said the gesture would improve socio-economic activities in the community and pledged to replicate it in other areas.

The Baale of Oriade-Apete, Chief Nurudeen Salaudeen, thanked the governor, saying the gesture would boost commerce.

Police stop APC rally in Ondo

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HE police in Ondo State stopped yesterday a rally organised to celebrate Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election.

The rally was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

Excited party loyalists stormed the Arcade Ground in Adegbemile, Akure, the takeoff point for the rally, around 7am, but policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kunle Akinwale, ordered them to move to the APC secretariat.

He said: “The command will not entertain any public procession, either political or whatever. You should confine yourself to your party secretariat.

Akinwale said the action followed the nation’s security challenge.

Addressing a crowd at the party’s secretariat, APC ViceChairman in the senatorial district Prince Adegboyega Adedipe said: “We expected the disruption of the rally. We know we are dealing with adult minors, but people are determined to ensure a positive change, both in Ondo and at the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

centre in Abuja.

“We thank God for what happened in Osun State. That is why we are celebrating Aregbesola.

We are a matured party and we know light will overcome darkness soon in Ondo State.”

Another APC leader Chief Tayo Alasoadura debunked a rumour that he wanted to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party as “an albatross”.

He urged APC supporters to turn out well for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and voter registration today.

The Chairman, Planning Committee for the rally, Otunba Olubunmi Alo hailed members for turning out largely for the event.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said the rally was stopped to prevent a breach of the peace.

At an earlier rally organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, to celebrate Aregbesola’s re-election, the lawmaker urged APC members to unite and work for the party’s victory in future elections.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS •Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande (left) embracing Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola during the governor’s visit to Akande’s IlaOrangun home.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola flanked by Senator Ajayi Boroffice (right) and Mr Akinwunmi Ambode at the Government House in Osogbo...yesterday.

I didn’t resign, says Ogun LP chair

By Seun Akioye

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GUN State Labour Party (LP) Chairman Olabode Simeon has denied reports that he resigned his position.

Reacting to The Nation of July 28, Simeon said he never resigned his appointment, wrote any letter indicting former Governor Gbenga Daniel or discussed with anyone.

He described the report as “untrue and unacceptable”.

A letter purportedly originating from Simeon on July 26 said he resigned his appointment because the party’s national chairman, Daniel and other LP leaders were threatening his life.

Simeon said he did not write the letter and described stories published based on the purported letter as “derogatory”.

UK Mayor advocates part-time legislature HE Mayor of

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Lambeth, United Kingdom, Mr. Adedamola Aminu, has urged the Federal Government to embrace part-time legislature to reduce the cost of governance.

Addressing reporters yesterday at the Lagos State House of Assembly Commission secretariat in Ikeja, he said countries that practise part-time legislature have successfully reduced the cost of governance.

The first black mayor of Lambeth noted that since lawmakers in Nigeria do not sit beyond three times a week, it was better to adopt part-time legislature.

By Musa Odoshimoke

He said: “There is nothing stopping accountants, lecturers, teachers or bankers from venturing into politics parttime. This will enable them hold on to their jobs and do politics.”

Aminu said Nigeria runs an expensive legislature, noting that UK legislators receive far less remuneration than their Nigerian counterparts.

“I believe Nigeria is generous with allowances, unlike in the UK where you get nothing. We are more or less doing it as a charity or voluntarily.”

Students hail Amosun on fee reduction

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TUDENTS of Ogun State-owned tertiary institutions have hailed Governor Ibikunle Amosun for reducing school fees and inaugurating governing councils in schools.

Earlier this week, the government announced a 61 per cent reduction of school fees and presented 13 new buses to the student unions of tertiary institutions in the state, including those owned by the Federal Government.

The students, who assembled at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, in Abeokuta, described the gesture as the first in the state’s history.

They were led by the state Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogunsola Okikiola; Speaker, Students Representative Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Oniyide Akeem; Students Union Government (SUG) President, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Sunday Osas; SUG President, College of Health Technology, Ilese, Fasade Nelson; and SUG President, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Kehinde

•Undergraduates clash From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Awosanya, among others.

Okikiola described Amosun as “an exceptional leader with a listening ear”, adding: “What the governor has done opens a new phase in the history of Ogun. That is why we are here to appreciate him. He acceded to our request without any crisis.

He reduced our school fees drastically, constituted efficient governing councils in various schools, appointed a special assistant on students’ affairs and gave brand new buses to higher institutions in the state, including federal schools.

“He has also approved the disbursement of our bursary.

These achievements are coming during our time, especially when some of us are students leaders. They are a

plus to us and they are not done for us only, but for our parents also. All we have to do now is to re-elect the governor, so that these good works will continue.”

Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs Clement Olusegun led the crowd in composing an appreciation song for the governor.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Segun Odubela said the Amosun administration remains committed to the welfare of students, adding that the foundation of hostels in MAPOLY would be laid in September and the project completed in six months.

Some students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, also visited the governor, requesting that the reduction takes

immediate effect.

They urged the governor to further reduce their fees, adding that anything above N50,000 is unacceptable.

The students, who lamented that OOU students pay the highest fees in Nigeria, blocked the Abeokuta - Kobape - Sagamu expressway, causing a traffic jam.

Policemen, including the Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, had a hectic time controlling the students.

Odubela appealed for calm, explaining that the governor was in Abuja for a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on how to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Around noon, a bus conveying MAPOLY students, who had gone to thank the governor, ran into the OOU students at Kuto and a fight ensued.

Some students were injured.

Four were hospitalised.

Why I built mega schools, by Mimiko

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NDO state Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said his Caring Heart Mega School was initiated to rescue indigent children from the strangulating fees of private schools.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Akure, Mimiko said before the inception of his administration in 2009, only a small percentage of public school leavers made it to good tertiary institutions.

He said: “My administration realised that in this uneven competition with private schools, the public schools system, either at the

primary or secondary education tier, produced pupils invariably from poor homes, who never made it to any tertiary institution because of the manifest deficiency in their scholarship.

“The resultant effect of this inherently discriminatory system is that qualitative but free primary and secondary education in the state became only a mental construct and catchy political sloganeering, because in practice, only the rich could afford it.

“To rectify this imbalance from source and expose the children of the less privileged

to good education, just as children of the elite, the government started building model primary schools, appropriately named ‘Caring Heart Mega Schools’ to reflect the scope of learning possibilities and the sheer capacity for students’ intake.

“Avant-garde in outlook, but strictly proletarian in utility, the mega schools are the government’s way of making the best education obtainable in private school available in public schools. They are to serve as models below which future public or private schools cannot fall”.

Gunmen rob pastor, defile daughter

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OUR suspected gunmen, who allegedly robbed a pastor and raped his daughter, were among 33 suspects paraded yesterday by the police in Oyo State.

The suspects were paraded for various offences, ranging from burglary to car snatching and rape.

It was learnt that the fourman gang invaded the pastor’s home at Sanyo in Ibadan around 11:45pm on July 21. They scaled the fence of the victim’s home and forced him to open the door.

After dispossessing the pas-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

tor and his family of a laptop, two IPads, a Toyota Corolla, a Mercedes Benz and N200,000, one of the suspects, Ayodele Ademola, “raped” one of his daughters.

Ademola (55) confessed to the crime in an interview with reporters, saying: “We went to rob a pastor. We took his car and other items. Then, I raped his daughter. I don’t know why. I think they have cursed me. I won’t steal again if I am pardoned.”

Ademola, who said he has two daughters, added that

hardship led him into robbery. He said he committed his first robbery in Kogi State last September.

Other suspected members of the gang are Afolabi Oluwatobi, Morakinyo Olufemi and Azeez Rafiu.

The stolen items have been recovered.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sam Okaula said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Also paraded was an eightman gang specialising in snatching cars from women and selling the cars in Burkina Faso.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

NEWS

Three die as suspected assassins Four held for ‘razing’ 40 houses T invade Anambra F EAR has gripped Umuawulu commu-

nity in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following an invasion by suspected assassins on Wednesday night.

Three people died.

A source said the suspects’ target, Chief Azubuike Ekweozor, narrowly escaped death. His visitor, Rueben Ikwuka, was not lucky, as the hoodlums mistook him for their target and killed him.

The source said two of the suspects, who stormed the community in a black Sport

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Utility Vehicle (SUV), were shot dead by the police.

The command said yesterday that investigations of the crime had begun. An identification card, which bore the logo of Enugu State Transport Company, was recovered from one of the suspects.

Police spokesperson Uche Ezeh told The Nation in Awka that the command would not relent until the

suspects are arrested.

He confirmed that the suspects killed one person while two of them were shot dead by the policemen attached to Ekweozor.

Ezeh said two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the deceased, with 19 and 11 live ammunition and an extra 30 live ammunition.

Security operatives have taken over the area, but residents are living in fear.

One of the community leaders, Comrade Osita Obi,

told The Nation that since the incident, people had been in a pensive mood.

He said the government should support security operatives to unravel the mystery behind the incident.

The Nation learnt that two of the mobile phones of the deceased suspects were also recovered, with many people calling the lines.

Five years ago, one of the prominent indigenes of the community, Chief Chukwudi Okafor, was assassinated by unknown persons in front of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Umuawulu.

HE police in Anambra State arrested yesterday four suspects in connection with the crisis between Ikenga Ogidi and Umusiome Nkpor.

About 40 houses were burnt.

The Nation learnt that those arrested were leaders of the warring groups.

The arrest was made by policemen from the command headquarters in Awka and a detachment of men and officers from the Divisional Police Station at Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government.

Although the identities of the suspects were not revealed to The Nation, they

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

were alleged to be indigenes of Umusiome Nkpor.

The source said the four suspects have been taken to Awka, adding that investigations continue.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Isa Abubakar, confirmed the arrest.

Ikenga Ogidi community and Umusiome Nkpor clashed over a piece of land, which had been in contention between the two communities for long.

Ten people were injured.

The area has been taken over by security operatives from Ogidi.

Okorocha hails his deputy

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged politicians, especially the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to emulate his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere.

He spoke at the Government House, Owerri while addressing Oguta indigenes and a group operat-

ing under the aegis of the Rochas Youth Alliance.

According to him, Madumere has followed him for many years.

Okorocha described his deputy “as my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”.

He recalled the days he suffered with him.

Scores injured as APGA factions HE Imo State secreclash in Imo tariat of the All Pro-

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•Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo (right); his urge Olatokunbo (honorary fellow); Ambassador Fafowora and Prof Moses Makinde, member; Editorial Board, The Nation (honorary fellow) at the investiture...yesterday. PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•President, Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof Munzali Jibril (left) presenting a scroll of honour to Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora at the 16th convocation and investiture of new fellows at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) ...yesterday.

gressives Grand Alliance (APGA) turned to a battle ground yesterday, as the Chief Victor Umeh-led faction and the Maxi Okwu group fought for the control of the party.

Supporters, who gathered for a meeting and passersby were injured.

It was learnt that trouble started immediately the interim chairman, Mr. Peter Ezeobi, a lawyer, drove into the premises with security operatives. He was booed by angry members for sacking 14 council chairmen of the party without recourse to the State Working Committee (SWC).

Carrying placards, such as “Go Ezeobi go? “We reject you” “God will judge APGA national leaders”, “Mazi Okwu has defeated Umeh in Imo”, “Umeh must go”, among others, the protesters barricaded the entrance to the secretariat after vandalising the vehicles parked on the premises.

Briefing reporters, a chieftain of the party, Charles

•Police shut secretariat From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Oguchialu, said: “We are grieving for our party because our men and women who laboured to put it on a solid foundation were sent packing by an individual who is new in the party.

“It is ironical that the party, which is propagating democracy, is confronted with dissolution without the slightest inkling of the SWC. The protest is a way to convey our feelings to the party chairman.

Every local government should be treated on its merit in consultation with the SWC. “A day before the controversial dissolution, an exco meeting involving local government party chairmen was organised without any discussion on dissolution, only for Ezeobi to announce the controversial dissolution the next day.”

However, peace was restored after heavily- armed mobile policemen dispersed the protesters and shut the secretariat.

‘No plan to impeach Obiano’ From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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NAMBRA State House of Assembly distanced itself yesterday from the rumoured plans to impeach Governor Willie Obiano and Speaker Chinwe Nwaebili.

The lawmakers said the remous were fuelled by those they described as enemies of progress and troublemakers, who do not want the state’s progress.

Addressing reporters at the Assembly complex in Awka, the House Committee Chairman on Information and State Orientation, Pauly Onyeka, said there was no iota of truth in the claims.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

NLC hails Chime for Enugu workers – govt relationship welfare

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HE National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar, has hailed Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime for the cordial relationship between the government and workers.

He spoke when he led the National Administrative Committee of the congress comprising the National

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Working Committee and the National Executive Council on a visit to the Government House, Enugu.

The NLC boss described as commendable, the payment of workers’ salary on or before the 25 th of every month and the payment of 27.5 per cent salary increase to teachers.

He said: “I laud the cordial relationship between the government and workers in Enugu State and the prompt payment of salary, wages and allowances to the workers.

“Enugu has excelled than other states because workers are paid on or before the 25th of every month.

“I’m excited that the state is paying 27.5 per cent salary increase to teachers, un-

like other states.”

Omar praised Chime for the road development in Enugu city and other parts of the state.

“We notice the development ongoing in the state.

The road network is one of the best in the country, even an enemy can attest to this.”

He also hailed the governor for introducing free education from primary to

junior secondary school and free maternal and child health care.

The NLC national president described the Government House and the multibillion naira Secretariat under construction as befitting.

He, however, said the governor should donate a bus to the state NLC and build a secretariat for the trade union.

Omar said NLC would partner the government “so that at the end of the day, Chime will bow out as the best governor Enugu State has had.”

The governor described his administration as labour-friendly.

He thanked the national executive of the NLC for choosing Enugu as the venue of their national executive council meeting.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS Boko Haram: Amaechi urges Fed Govt to fund education, fight poverty

•Deputy Chairman, National Conference,Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi (left), Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd) and Secretary, Prof.Valerie Azinge, displaying the conference report in Abuja...yesterday

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PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

PDP, Wike want to set Rivers on fire, says APC chair T

HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, are determined to set the state on fire.

He said they created unrest, fear and panic, through Wednesday’s attack on APC members by suspected thugs.

Ikanya assured that Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not be deterred by the hoodlums’ attacks and would continue the tour of wards in the 23 local governments.

The APC chair told a news conference yesterday at the secretariat of the party on Forces Avenue, old Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt that the police lied on the arrest of Chief Anthony Owabie, the paramount ruler of Rumueprikom-Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor Local Government where Wike hails from, and four others.

He said the PDP members met and decided that Amaechi should not be allowed to visit Rumueprikom, in their desperation to protect the interest of the minister of state for education.

Ikanya, with other members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC, alleged that the PDP thugs and members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), which has Wike as its grand patron, invaded the palace of the Rumueprikom monarch and attacked him, having confirmed that Amaechi would pay him

•’Blame Amaechi for crisis’

From Bisi Olaniyi and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

homage, as part of his tour of the Ward 9, thereby provoking the king, who made efforts to defend himself and the four APC members, who were with him. The state PDP Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, said Amaechi should be blamed for the crisis.

Suspected PDP and GDI thugs disrupted the continuation of tour of wards in Obio/ Akpor Council by Amaechi, by destroying the canopies and chairs arranged at strategic locations in the area, which prompted the APC members to confront the hoodlums, leading to the destruction of property. Many innocent persons were injured.

The Rivers APC chairman said: “The Tunde Ogunsakinled police are pampering the hoodlums, who, on Wednesday, attacked the paramount ruler of Rumueprikom. The hoodlums and their sponsors should be arrested. The law must take its course. The police must ensure a level- playing field.

“Police and other law enforcement agencies in the state must do their job well, without taking sides. They should call PDP leaders and members to order. They feel they are untouchable and above the law. PDP leaders

are intimidating APC members in Rivers State.

“APC members did not disrupt Dame Patience Jonathan’s empowerment programme in Port Harcourt. PDP members are provoking violence. The crisis in Rivers State is taking a dangerous dimension. Nigerians should know that PDP members want to create an atmosphere of unrest, fear and panic in the state. This is unacceptable.

“Police were informed before the beginning of the tour in Rivers State by Governor Amaechi, who is entitled to speak with the people and give account of his stewardship.

PDP and GDI members and their leaders should let peace reign in Rivers. Enough of impunity, thuggery and lawlessness. Rivers people need security.”

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) swung into action and averted further destruction of property and prevented loss of lives.

She noted that the police command reacted to a distress call, after sporadic gunshots were heard from a location in Rumuepirikom, leading to the arrest of the royal father, after he allegedly shot six people, including his son, and was picked with four others.

Iringe-Koko claimed that Owabie volunteered useful information to policemen, who recovered a single-barrel gun,

with expended cartridges, pellets and live ammunition from the monarch.

The case has been transferred to the State Anti-Robbery Squad, for further investigation.

The police spokesperson also said the command warned “political jobbers,” who she said had been engaging in campaigns and political meetings, aimed at wreaking havoc on the populace, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, stipulating that campaigns should hold 90 days to elections and end 24 hours to the poll.

The Rivers APC chairman, at yesterday’s news conference, alleged that last Sunday, PDP thugs attacked the APC’s secretariat in Akuku-Toru (Kalabari) Local Government, while they also destroyed the secretariats of the APC in the wards.

He alleged that when Amaechi was in his Ikwerre Local Government, PDP hoodlums also attempted at Isiokpo, the council’s headquarters, to prevent him from getting to his Ubima hometown.

Ikanya said on Monday, the PDP thugs again blocked the roads to prevent Amaechi from visiting RumuomasiPort Harcourt in Obio/Akpor Local Government, in continuation of his tour of wards in the state.

He said the governor remained undaunted and determined to take the state to greater heights.

JTF smashes kidnappers’ camp in Bayelsa

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, in a special raid tagged: Operation Grand Slam (OGS), has invaded criminals’ hideouts in the creeks of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

It was learnt that the operation was launched, following increasing activities of pirates, pipeline vandals and oil thieves on the waterways.

The hoodlums were said to have capitalised on the difficult terrains of the area to unleash violence on the public.

Operation Grand Slam was said to have extended its raid to Azuzuama and Ekeni in Ekeremor Local Government.

JTF’s operatives reportedly dislodged hoodlums in a camp at Meibegbemo, close to Zobia, in Faropo community of Southern Ijaw.

The operatives, who en-

•Recovers arms From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

gaged the hoodlums in a shootout, were said to have recovered arms and ammunition in the camp before setting it ablaze.

It was, however, gathered that during the exchange of fire, the miscreants escaped to the creeks with gunshot wounds.

The Media Coordinator, JTF, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, who confirmed the incident, said no suspect was arrested.

But he said JTF recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

Said he: “Other items recovered included six fibre boats with 75hp bow-out engine mounted on them, seven pieces of 65hp engines, 12 pieces of mattress, two generators, four smoke grenade and five mobile phones with 15 SIM cards

belonging to telecommunications companies.

“Others are foodstuffs, refrigerators, freezers and a video camera with a microphone belonging to the African World Web Television, presumed to belong to a victim.”

Anka said the operation was coordinated by the Commander, JTF, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe and led by the Anti-illegal Bunkering Squad of the outfit, Commanding Officer of 5 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Shu’aibu Nuhu.

He said the air component of the task force also participated in the raid, adding that Operation Grand Slam was launched to flush out criminals in the creeks.

Anka said: The hoodlums are responsible for robberies on vessels, boats and ferries plying the Forupa channel, while their kidnapped victims are

kept in the camp.

“The recent hostages and attacks on the Bayelsa waterways, which sometimes led to the death of their victims, were alleged to be perpetrated by the camp operators. The attack on the camp made the waterways of the Niger Delta unsafe for oil company workers, marine operators and the public.”

On the notoriety of Southern Ijaw, he said: “The local government has become a den for criminals’ activities ranging from kidnapping to sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“The activities of the hoodlums also extended to neighbouring communities of Azuzama and Ekeni in Ekeremor Local Government. These criminals capitalised on the difficult terrain in the area to perpetrate crimes in the creek.”

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi said yesterday that the only solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is to fund education and fight poverty in the North.

He said Boko Haram has nothing to do with Islam or Christianity.

Amaechi said: “It is a product of ignorance and poverty.

“Since the insurgency began, Muslims have died in the North.

The missing Chibok girls are Muslims and Christians.”

Amaechi, who is the Chairman, Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF), spoke in Sokoto where he inaugurated a modern agricultural skill acquisition centre at Rimawa in Goronyo Local Government.

He said the earlier the Federal Government funds education and fights poverty, particularly in the North, the better.

According to him, “the militancy in the South is caused by

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

the same factors, which has stopped, following Federal Government’s intervention.”

“The same thing should be done in the North,” he added.

Amaechi, who faulted President Goodluck Jonathan’s theory linking the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states in the North with Boko Haram asked: “Are Kaduna and Bauchi states where Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was attacked and insurgency carried out PDP or APC states?”

He hailed the brilliance and foresight of Governor Aliyu Wamakko in establishing the centre to empower youths.

Wamakko said the centre, with comprehensive farming facilities, is the third to be inaugurated to contribute to the nation’s quest for agricultural and food production and security.

Bayelsa pupils to get scholarship

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HE examination to qualify for Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi Foundation (GOAAF) will hold tomorrow at the Women Affairs Auditorium in Ovom, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The non-profit foundation, established in memory of the late former National Security Adviser and Chief of Defence Staff, will award scholarship to brilliant pupils whose parents are poor. The examination is open to pupils of Bayelsa State origin.

Successful pupils will receive a full scholarship, which includes tuition and accommodation yearly for the duration of their academic programme.

According to a statement by the Foundation Director, Mrs. Akpo-olade Okoro, the beneficiaries would be selected based on their performance in the exam.

The statement said once selected, each beneficiary is expected to maintain his brilliant academic performance to keep the scholarship.

It added: “Inspired by the memory of the late Gen. Azazi and his aspiration to contrib-

ute to the development of youths, the foundation is centred on a commitment to excellence while providing opportunity for the underprivileged.”

Three bodies found From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THREE bodies were found yesterday on streets in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

One of them was a woman, who was stabbed about 5am by suspected robbers at Idemudia Street, off Upper Sokponba Road.

The husband, who was accompanying the victim, was also stabbed and is receiving treatment in a private hospital.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Why I embraced robbery, by suspect A 26-YEAR-OLD man, Chekube Aja, is claiming that he took to armed robbery to avenge his loss to fraudsters.

Aja told the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARs), Lagos Police Command in Ikeja that he lost N1.2 million to some fraudulent travel agents in South Africa, where he lived for two years.

He said when he was trying to get his papers, someone offered to help him get a wife to facilitate his residence permit.

“I paid the person N300,000, but at the end of the day, he ran away with my money; that was how I returned to Nigeria,” he said.

Later, he moved to Brazil, where he lost N900,000 to fraudsters who promised to link him to drug barons so that he could become a carrier. The effort, he said, failed and he returned to Nigeria with nothing.

The suspect said when his cloth business at Wuse Market in Abuja was not moving, he began to snatch cars which he sold to a buyer, who he simply identified as Chinedu, now at large.

“I was snatching and selling small cars to him, but one day, I took a Golf car to

By Jude Isiguzo

him. He declined to pay, saying that he wanted me to upgrade and be snatching big cars. The Golf was worth N300,000, but he gave me a Baretta pistol instead. He said I should use it to dream big,” Aja said.

After supplying Chinedu with six cars valued at N2million, he said he relocated to his Udi, Enugu State home town, to set up a liquor joint.

He said early this year, his cousin, Sunday Okike (28), persuaded him to come to Lagos and make money with his pistol. But he declined, saying he could be caught.

Aja said: “A week after Okike left the village, I came to Lagos and joined him in our first operation.

A man was driving into his compound in Egbeda and we trailed him. We robbed him of N500,000 and shared it. I was involved in other operations; it was after the fifth operation that I was caught. We snatched an End of Discussion Honda car and as I was taking it out of Lagos to Abuja to deliver to Chinedu, I was arrested

on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

Okike, who deals in carpets at 12, Orptal Street on LASU Road, Igando, a Lagos suburb, said he went into robbery to improve on his business.

Okike lamented that after serving his boss for five years, he was settled with only N300,000. He said after he rented a shop, he had only N100,000 to invest in the business.

The suspect, who is the only son of his aged mother, admitted that he was the person that brought the pistol to Lagos and took Aja to areas the rich and middle-class live.

Detectives trailed the suspects following the victim’s distress call which was received by Commissioner of Police Umar Manko.

Following Manko’s directive, the officer in charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), arrested Aja with a Honda car marked KJA 321 AV. The suspect took the detectives to where they arrested Okike.

“A Baretta pistol marked C97421Z, with 11 rounds of live ammunition and about six phone sets were recovered in a bag which he hid in the ceiling of his room,” the police said.

•Okike and Aja at the station ... yesterday

Worry over tankers’ indiscriminate parking at airport

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TAKEHOLDERS are worried over indiscriminate parking by fuel tanker drivers on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

They told reporters yesterday that despite repeated warnings, the drivers have continued to park along the road, thereby constituting security risks along the ma-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

jor gateway into the country.

They urged the government to ask the drivers to move to the place allocated to them and stop constituting nuisance along the road.

The drivers’ continued action, they said, is affecting traffic movement, thus creating a gridlock that forced

many passengers to miss their flights.

The stakeholders added that the drivers’ action is affecting work on the Oshodi/Mafoluku and Airport Road.

Three weeks ago, the Federal Government and the Lagos State Transportation Management Authority (LASTMA) asked tanker drivers to vacate major high-

ways in the state.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in August 2013 relocated the drivers to a permanent site at the airport.

But the drivers hide under the guise of taking fuel to airlines at the airport to park on the road. They threaten to go on strike whenever they are challenged.

There are no fewer than 50 tankers belonging to different oil companies parked at the airport, leading to the Ajao Estate Road.

Towards arresting the ugly trend, LASTMA said it would start impounding the trucks if the drivers failed to remove them.

The step, LASTMA said, is to sanitise the road and improve security.

Two held for attempted N20m cable theft at railway yard

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WO men, Matthew Okonor and Ebuka Odede, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to steal the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Locomotive Workshop at Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland.

The suspects are being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) unit of the NRC Police Station, Ebute Metta; the cables are being kept as ex-

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

hibits.

Sources said they claimed the raid had been on for long and fingered two officers on their collaborators.

A source said the suspects were caught over five times in the past, adding that they always bribed their way out of detention with about N3 million.

These mentioned by the suspects are said to be at

large.

Two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects, a Pathfinder Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), marked LSG 999 CN, and a Scana Container truck marked AP 426 XJ, are still on the NRC Police premises.

The Managing Director, NRC, Prince Adeseyi Sijuwade, simply said: “Please check details with the police.”

A senior officer, who confirmed the story, said: “Two

suspects were arrested on Tuesday attempting to steal heavy-duty cables from the loco workshop at Ebute Metta. The men and the two vehicles, a Pathfinder and a

Scana lorry that they used for the operation were arrested during the operation.

The vehicles and the cables are still at our station,” he said.

Old students meet

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ORMER students of Iloro Grammar School, Agege, a Lagos suburb, will converge on the school premises tomorrow for their monthly meeting.

According to a statement signed by the association’s spokesman, Mr. Rasheed Tijani, the meeting will hold from 12pm to 3pm.

Church to clean communities

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HE 8th edition of the All African Mormon Helping Hands Service Project of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will be held tomorrow at different locations across Lagos State.

The church will mobilise people to dedicate three hours to community work, clearing of blocked drainages, beautifying streets and bridges; cutting overgrown grasses in markets and public places, and renovating public buildings.

Over 10,000 people that are expected to dedicate more than 30,000 hours in partnership with the church include: Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); the Nigerian Police; Local Government officials; The Lord’s Chosen Church; Nigerian Prisons; State Security Services (SSS) and Famous Motherless Babies Home.

Rotary gives out treated nets

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•Left to right: Assistant Governor, Rotary Club District 9110 Nigeria, Rotarian Okey Mojekwu; beneficiary, Mrs. Nkechi Okafor; Balogun; President, Rotary Club of Ogba, Lagos, Rotarian Emma Eze and Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), Orile-Aguda, Ogba, Mr. Adelani Kazeem, during the donation of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the residents of Ogba-Aguda community in Lagos.

HE Rotary Club of Ogba, Lagos State, has distributed insecticide-treated nets to women and children in the area.

Over 70 beneficiaries trooped out to a health centre in the area, where the event was held.

District Governor of the Rotary District 9110, Dr Dele Balogun, a medical practitioner, used the opportunity to educate the women on the benefits of the items, especially to prevent malaria in their households.

Each net lasts as long as 10 years if well taken care of with different tips such as avoiding the use of detergent to wash it so that the chemicals don’t come off, he

By Nneka Nwaneri

said.

“For a day or two after opening, don’t use it until the harsh smell fades. Even when there are holes in the net, mosquitoes cannot pass through,” Balogun warned.

He also said the nets can be washed for as much as four times yearly and should not be hung outside like clothes, but left to sundry on a mat.

Balogun added: “Malaria is the greatest killer of children and so, these nets are mandatory from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This is coming as a mark of our continuity of adoption to help as a club, with many other good things to come.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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SHOWBIZ

Why we mix fiction with reality in October 1, by Tunde Babalola

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ONVERSION has begun on October 1, the new flick by Kunle Afolayan, which dwells on the story of serial murder in Akote village, prior to the independence of Nigeria in 1960.

Following a private screening at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Lagos, recently, the crowd appeared excited with the intrigues employed in telling the story, such that they wanted to know if the tale is fiction or real.

The question and answer session turned into a hearty chat with cast and crew members, who were ushered to the stage amidst thunderous applause, as the end-credit ran on the screen.

“It is a fiction set against the backdrop of the independence of Nigeria. It never happened,” said script writer, Tunde Babalola.

According him, October 1 is a metaphor used in explaining some of the shortcomings of the colonial era, which are rarely talkedabout.

“There could have been similar cases, but not this particular one. What Kunle said to me was that I should come up with a story. And I came up with this idea of serial killings, set against the backdrop if Independent Nigeria - and he liked the story. Originally, it wasn’t even called October 1, it was called Dust. And I tried to show, from our point of view, how it affected all the tribes in Nigeria, and we brought the three major tribes; Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo into one setting and built a big drama around it. That was how the story came about.”

Babalola noted that Nigeria’s independence was as real as some of the incidents that are played up in the film, but they are not issues he also thought about, until the need to develop a script occurred. “If he (Kunle Afolayan) had not called me, I probably wouldn’t reason along that line. And while writing it, we pooled ideas together and that was how we came about the title October 1, w h i c h

summarises everything about the movie.”

But what is the need to bring fiction into an actual incident like the Nigerian Independence? More so, what message is there, with all the rape incidents used to portray the negative effect of western education?

“A lot of the things that happen in the film are metaphor for what happened at the time,” said Babalola. “They relate to the rape of Nigeria, colonization of Nigeria and the kind of discriminating things that happened against the inhabitants of the land. I saw some of the rapes done on those women as symbolic of the country that we had when the white man came. Independence was real, but also, there were so many issues that were covered up; from the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 up until independence in 1960. At that time, so may crimes that were swept under the rug, simple because they went against the status quo. And in this particular crime (rape by a local trainee of the colonial master), you heard the colonial master say towards the end of the movie that he was not going to let the story come out,” explained the writer.

For Kunle Afolayan, the movie is a creative balance of fiction and reality. “I don’t think anything is wrong in having fiction in a true life story. Personally, I think it is a balanced story,” he said.

“This film was shot primarily to educate and entertain. And the take away for me is the last line by

one of the colonialists, where he said: “Good or bad, it’s your country now.” I think this is a film that, in a way, brings everybody together.

Whether or not the film is fiction, there are some things that the old and young could relate with, and I’m talking about the production value; the National Anthem for example, the school setting, the Police and the general structure - all these being put together was the reason I accepted the script. It is not to create any tribal sentiment or political issues, which was why we tried to balance it at the end,” he noted.

Reacting to questions raised about some ethnic mishaps in the movie, Managing Director of Filmhouse, Kene Mkparu said the tribal sentiments expressed in the movie are not likely to cause another censorship hitch.

Mkparu’s company is the distributor of Half of a Yellow Sun, which the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) had issues with, over some ethnic-induced violent scenes.

“I don’t think there is going to be any problems this time. It’s not just Half of a Yellow Sun that Censors Board had issues with initially. For example, there is a film showing in the cinemas now called Bad Neighbours. These things happen, depending on what the subject matter is. So, I don’t foresee any problem.

But, if there is any issue with this, we would deal with it, but we don’t anticipate anything of such,” he explained.

Tina Mba, Ufuoma McDermott, others for Dialogue show

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LL is set for the third edition of Open Mic Theatre, tagged Dialogue Edition. The show takes place today at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos, marking the third year of consistent run.

According to the conveners of the show, this year’s edition focuses on dialogue, as performers will be paired-up to do justice to pieces from all genres.

On the list of performers are Tina Mba, Ufuoma McDermott, Najite Dede, Lala Akindoju, Tope Tedela, Seun Ajayi, Toju and Zara Ejoh, Adesua Etomi, Deyemi Okanlawon, Titi Sonuga, Abiodun Kassim, Lily Byoma and a host of others.

Organisers say the show will also have Chude Jideonwo, who will be reading an excerpt from his new book, Are We the Turning Point Generation.

The show will be opened with music from the talented duo of Femi Leye and Naomi Mark.

Open Mic Theatre is supported by YNaija, The Life House, Golden Effects Productions, Apple Box Media, Terra Kulture and M.Ikaz& PR.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Osun electoral process •While the voters and INEC deserve commendation for playing noble roles, the security men should be called to account before the 2015 elections

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RIOR to the recent governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun States, the citizens, civil society groups, the media and analysts always viewed approaching elections in the country with trepidation. Violence, hijack of ballot boxes and other barbaric electoral malpractices and inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to get materials and men to polling units on time have always marred polling. The same was expected to happen in the August 9 governorship election in the state.

However, the election showed that the commission made some progress in its preparations. Observers were unanimous that polling started on schedule as materials and officials got to site early enough. There was also evidence that the permanent and ad hoc staff had been given sufficient training and were quite professional in applying the rules.

One major drawback in previous elections was the credibility of the electoral register. It was not unusual to find such strange names as Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton on the typical election register in different parts of the country. Pictures and thumb marks of minors could also be seen on the roll. But, with the advanced features of the last registration, the roll had been cleaned up. The recent production of Permanent Voter Cards and INEC’s insistence that they could only be obtained in person sanitised the process.

Perhaps, in response, the people conducted themselves with utmost decorum.

Displaying their knowledge of, and commitment to obeying the laws of the land, despite the tension that attended the process, the electorate ensured that there was peace throughout the state on Election Day. This is a good example to take to

2015.

It must however be observed that the deployment of national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners and other senior electoral officials from the national headquarters and other states could have contributed a lot to the supervision that ensured the professional conduct that attended the process. This has raised concerns about what could have been the outcome were the election left to the capacity of the Osun State electoral office. Next year, INEC may not enjoy the luxury of deploying such resources as it would be engaged in duty nationwide.

This deserves the attention of the commission, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders.

However, it is unfortunate that the security men drafted for the process nearly invited chaos that would have marred the election. First, it is sad that in this age, anyone would believe that military men ought to be deployed to purely civil pursuits like elections. We fail to see the point in President Goodluck Jonathan’s justification of turning Osun State, just like Ekiti, into a state of occupation by the armed forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Security (DSS) and other known and unknown paramilitary organisations were called up for duty. It is not clear if it was a vote of no confidence on the police whose primary duty it is to provide security cover during elections. Whereas the reason given for bringing the military into the fray was lack of confidence in the regular police, the conduct of DSS operatives has shown that the service might equally have failed the test.

The reckless arrests by DSS operatives of leaders and members of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) gave the impression that the service was called up to take attention away from the police. The defence put up by spokeswoman of the department, Ms Marilyn Ogar, further gave the impression that the secret service had returned to the days in the Second Republic when its officials were described as fiction writers. She, without adducing evidence, accused one of the political parties of making attempts to compromise its officials. Yet, uncharacteristically, the party officials were neither named nor arrested.

It is yet early days and corrections could still be made. Nigerians do not deserve Red Alert to hold elections. The electoral commission should draw up its security needs and liaise with the appropriate organs of government to ensure that only those invited are called up and their operational details fully declared.

‘It is sad that in this age, anyone would believe that military men ought to be deployed to purely civil pursuits like elections. We fail to see the point in President Goodluck Jonathan’s justification of turning Osun State, just like Ekiti, into a state of occupation by the armed forces.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Security (DSS) and other known and unknown paramilitary organisations were called up for duty’

Professor Ade Ajayi (1929 -2014) •A great historian is gone!

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OR a long time, his name has been associated with the study of history.

Many Nigerians who studied history whether at the secondary or university level, or who pored over material in the course of their studies that had historical bearing, came across his name. So gloriously intrusive and universal was his name that when he died on August 9, it was hard not to feel, even at 85, that a man who represented a phenomenon had passed painfully from this earth.

Professor J. F. Ade Ajayi was not what can be described as the pioneer of the study of history in Nigeria, nay Africa.

Professor Kenneth Dike takes that glory, and that has been well documented. But in terms of what is described as African history for Africans and from the perspective of the African, Professor Ade Ajayi

‘Prof. Ade Ajayi de-colonised the African narrative. He did not live in a vacuum in this effort. He thrived against the background of the nationalist struggles and the preponderance of writings of Negritude. It was a time to show the African as a people away from the tether of Europe. The Ibadan School where he reigned encapsulated that verve’

takes the glory.

Much of the way the history of Africa is researched, sourced, documented and written derives from his creative and prodigious genius. But he was not only a scholar of extraordinary stature, he was also an accomplished educationist cresting his career in that wise as vicechancellor.

He was at the helm of what came to be known as the Ibadan School of History.

He brought into the study of African history a rigour of cultural sensitivity and Africanism, thereby asserting the intellectual pride and individuality of the African.

This was a cut away from the Eurocentricism of African studies that predated him. That perspective saw Africans as footnotes in their story. It was a servile world view that starred Africans as savages and benighted warriors whose only way to civilised existence shone through the ideas and lifestyles of their colonial masters.

Prof. Ade Ajayi de-colonised the African narrative. He did not live in a vacuum in this effort. He thrived against the background of the nationalist struggles and the preponderance of writings of Negritude.

It was a time to show the African as a people away from the tether of Europe. The Ibadan School where he reigned encapsulated that verve.

His main area of research focused on his native Yorubaland, where he bustled with intellectual curiosity and discoveries. As a historian, he adopted a dialectic rubric, so he did not look at events as isolations but

as parts of bigger historical forces, xraying societies in broader and deeper ways, including the interstices of cultures, religion, work activities and other ways of life. These were reflected in such masterpieces as Yoruba Warfare in the Nineteenth Century and Christian Missions in Nigeria, 1841-1891. He was not an intellectual lone ranger. He was a collaborationist and an editor. He co-edited A thousand Years of West African History, as well as History of West Africa with Michael Crowther.

He was born in Ikole-Ekiti on May, 26, 1929 and began his education at St. Paul’s School, Ikole, when he was five years old. He benefited from a scholarship from the Ikole Ekiti Native Authority to pursue his secondary education at Igbobi College in Lagos. He had the choice, when he gained admission to the University of Ibadan on a course of study. He opted for history over Latin and English. He later proceeded to Leicester University. He became a research fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, London, between 1957 and1958.

Prof Ade Ajayi was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, a position he left in controversial circumstances because of the tempestuous Ali-MustGo riots that rocked educational institutions across the country in 1978.

He had his share of awards, including the Distinguished Africanist Award by the African Studies Association and Honorary Fellow of School of Oriental and African Studies.

Egypt should be a pariah state for its bloody crackdown on dissent

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RESIDENT OBAMA insists that it is in the U.S. interest to maintain a strategic partnership with Egypt’s new authoritarian government, while Secretary of State John F. Kerry keeps claiming that strongman Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi actually heads a democracy. So the reality check provided by Human Rights Watch this week is particularly worthy of attention. According to a meticulous, yearlong investigation carried out by the group, the administration’s ally in Cairo is guilty of the “world’s largest killings of demonstrators in a single day in recent history” and deserves prosecution for crimes against humanity.

Don’t expect the U.N. Human Rights Council or the Europeans marching against Israel to notice, but the massacre staged by Egyptian security forces on Aug. 14, 2013, in Cairo’s Rabaa Square far exceeds, in its wanton use of force and calculated slaughter of women and children, any action by Israel during the recent fighting in Gaza. According to the Human Rights Watch investigation, at least 817 people, and probably more than 1,000, were killed when police and army troops advanced into the square from each of its five main entrances, backed by armored personnel carriers, bulldozers and snipers posted on rooftops.

Tens of thousands of people, including many women and children, were camped in the square in protest of the military’s July 3 coup against the elected government of Mohamed Morsi.

Twelve hours later the area was littered with bodies and its mosque and hospital were on fire.

In addition, security forces detained more than 800 people, whom they beat, tortured and in some cases summarily executed, according to witnesses interviewed by Human Rights Watch.

Perhaps the most shocking finding of the report is that senior Egyptian leaders anticipated and planned on the mass casualties. Interior Ministry officials told human rights workers nine days before the operation that they expected up to 3,500 deaths. A year later, authorities deny any wrongdoing and have not charged a single police or army officer in connection with the killings. On the contrary, a monument celebrating the security forces has been erected in Rabaa Square. Human Rights Watch’s lawyers believe that more than a dozen senior officials who ordered or oversaw the operation should be investigated for crimes against humanity, including Gen. Sissi.

More people died on Aug. 14 in Rabaa Square than in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989 or in any mass killing of protestors since then, the human rights group reckons. In the last 12 months the most repressive regime seen in Egypt in decades has taken hold; thousands of members of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood have been handed death sentences, while secular journalists and leaders of Egypt’s pro-democracy movement have been imprisoned on trumpedup charges.

The Obama administration nevertheless treats the architect of the slaughter, Gen. Sissi, as a valued partner rather than the pariah he should be. The White House seems to believe that its unprincipled embrace of the regime and cynical promotion of the falsehood that it is “restoring democracy” will advance broader U.S. interests in the Middle East. It’s a bad bet. As Human Rights Watch President Kenneth Roth put it, “Egypt will not move forward until it comes to terms with this bloody stain on its history.”

– Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Since February, according to World Health Organization(WHO), death toll from the recent Ebola epidemic has soared over 1, 000, making it the most deadly outbreak of Ebola in history since the discovery of the disease in 1976, with simultaneous cases in Sudan and the Congo.

Ebola is deemed by WHO as one of the ‘world’s most virulent diseases’. It is horriying, sporadic, unpredictable and strikes like lightning and then disappears.

Symptoms of the disease can start to show for two days after infection, but this can take up to 21 days in some cases. People are contagious for as long as their body fluids contain Ebola virus. For the most part, early symptoms are similar to diseases like malaria and cholera, as well as flu, which can mean the disease can be difficult to detect.

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

Curtailing Ebola fire Common symptoms of Ebola are fever, headache, weakness, cramps, aching in the muscles and joints, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, sore throat. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may include rash, internal and external bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears and eyes, reduced liver and kidney function, trouble breathing, bruising.

The working hypothesis of curtailing Ebola until Patrick Sawyer – Liberian naturalised American came into the picture ,was that Ebola

would more or less stay put, spreading town-to-town, affecting only neighbouring countries, exactly because it is so fierce. The time from infection to severe illness is typically so fast that it is unlikely that a person would be able to get it together enough to go to airport while contagious – or else would be so obviously unwell as to draw attention to himself.

Sawyer’s 1,000-mile flight changes this. Sawyer became ill in the plane after it left Liberia, once he landed in Lagos,Nigeria,he went

directly to the hospital, was isolated, and died soon thereafter. Until Mr Sawyer’s death, all reported cases of Ebola had occurred in one of the three adjacent West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The news that WHO has sanctioned use of untested drug for EVD treatment is heart-warming.

However, the questions remain, how many doses of these drugs are available? How soon can more doses be made available? If made available, how much do we know

Still on Abia's charter of equity

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IR: As 2015 general election approaches, it is easy to get worried or even be disturbed by what is happening in Abia State.

I cannot think of any state in Nigeria that is richly blessed but poorly governed as Abia State. This is a state where nobody seems to know the direction of governance and politics.

We read recently that the outgoing governor has constituted a committee to choose his successor.

Where has this kind of thing happened before in a democracy? Is the governor not telling Abians that they are irrelevant and have no say in who governs them? That the primary of his party to vote for a candidate will be of no significance? If this is not impunity, rascality and arrogance, I wonder what it is?

In-spite of their belated denials Abians, especially the political class, must be watchful as not to allow him take the same path of infamy and perfidy that produced him as governor in 2007. For close to eight years Abia has not had elected council chairmen and it is unlikely any will be in place before next year general election.

Chief T.A. Orji has made declarations in so many forums that his successor will come from the Ukwa/ Ngwa axis based on what he called Abia Equity. I have never seen or read the so-called Abia Equity but will gladly support a credible Ukwa/Ngwa man or woman who emerges not because of my maternal relationship with the zone, but because there seems to be a general opinion of Abians that they should be given a chance. This is more so

since the two occupants of the office from old Bende have performed below expectation, it is time to look elsewhere. The only thing to worry about is, given Governor Orji’s penchant for political jiggery-pokery and policy somersaults, can he be trusted to keep his word?

Taking for granted that he may, the promise to accede power may be cut short by Ukwa/Ngwa people themselves because of dangerous political current playing out among them now. It is being propagated that Isiala Ngwa North Local Government that falls in Abia Central Senatorial Zone be excluded from aspiring to the post of governor on the grounds that the incumbent governor hails from the same senatorial zone with them. I

am told that in Abia Equity, the state is divided into two, Aba comprising Ngwa and Ukwa people and Old Bende comprising Umuahia and Bende division, and not on the basis of senatorial zones. Whoever mooted this idea of excluding Ngwa people of Isiala Ngwa North LGA may just be the mole needed to scuttle the promise.

It is also worrisome that as at the last count, over 30 aspirants of Ngwa extraction have emerged; all under PDP. They cannot afford to go into the political battle divided because a divided house is a defeated house.

They must close ranks and present a credible candidate that will be acceptable across the length and breadth of the state. In making the

selection, they must avoid the temptation of thinking that the most visible aspirant among them is the most preferred.

The people of Ukwa/Ngwa ought not to be begging for power in Abia considering their nine local government councils against six of old Bende (that is if you exclude Umuneochi and Isiukwuato LGAs).

Even if you add these two based on their proximity to old Bende, Ukwa/ Ngwa is still greater. Their begging for power has made nonsense of the definition of politics by some, as a game of numbers.

•Ijoma Moses Sharada, Industrial Estate Phase I, Kano.

about their efficacy and side effects?

Public health approaches remain viable solution to Ebola curtailment.

These are to be driven by government institutions and machineries but must be supported by responsible citizenship. With 198 Ebola cases in a nation of 150 million people, there is no need to panic but time for responsible citizenship by all.

Public responsibility is paramount in curtailing this outbreak since it takes a man to infect a community.

Despite the seriousness and notoriously incurable nature of the disease, preventing it spreading is relatively simple since only those who are symptomatic are contagious.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, or, if that is not available, a hand sanitizer can be used.

In addition to timely reporting of all suspected cases of Ebola, people who believe they could have been infected with Ebola must isolate themselves and or be isolated from the public and call medical help immediately.

As advised by Stephen Monroe, deputy director of the Natural Centre for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, we should all be geared up for a ‘marathon than a sprint’ in curtailing this ravaging disease. The fact that the outbreak can be receded much like a forest fire with sparks highlight the need for collective effort of all citizens is needed to meticulously track every contacts with carriers. Until we can identify and interrupt every chain of transmission, we won’t be able to interrupt the outbreak. Until we get all the fires put out, there’s still a possibility that it will reignite.

• Oluwaseun Oguntuase Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos

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Re: National Youth Service Corps posting

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IR: Permit me to commend Professor Jide Osuntokun, an intellectual and erudite scholar per excellence over his wonderful article in his weekly publication (comment) on page 19 of Thursday July 31. If common sense is indeed common, the Directorate of NYSC does not need to be told not to post corps members to the volatile regions in the North-east.

The wanton killings on daily basis in this region clearly show to us that all is not well.

The Directorate of the NYSC published an advertorial in The Nation newspaper on July 11, warning corps members against the presentation of fake medical reports for redeployment. But why should they post them to these volatile regions

in the first place? This to me portends a very great insensitivity, lack of respect for the dignity of human being, and the rot in the NYSC scheme. I guess something is wrong with the NYSC officials and the Directorate.

Many vibrant Nigerians youth are still suffering from life threatening disabilities due to their posting to the Northern part of the country. In my own case I was posted to Sokoto State after graduating from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State in year 2011. I had close shave with death when our vehicle was robbed in Kebbi State by some heavily armed Fulani herdsmen.

This resulted into a ghastly accident in which I had multiple fractures

and a damaged hip which needs an urgent replacement.

It’s sad to tell Nigerians that after two years, I have been completely neglected. In fact, no staff of NYSC was ever sent to check on me throughout my six months stay in the hospital. It took the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan before my medical expenses was refunded a year after. I still bear the brunt and horror of the unpleasant incident for obeying the NYSC ‘clarion call’. As it is today, I may never be able to walk again except I get further medical attention for a hip replacement. I do pray that my request for further medical treatment to make me walk again will be revisited and granted by the president.

The case of the missing female corps member a few years ago in Ekiti State is still fresh in our memory. Nothing was done as regard the missing lady and as usual the family was neglected. This finally led to the untimely death of the father after he developed stroke.

The scheme must be repositioned for better service delivery so that the labour of our heroes past will not be in vain. There is indeed no better time to reposition the NYSC from its present moribund, mechanistic and corrupt state, than now.

• Babaeko Oluwaloseyi.

Kabba -Kogi State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 16

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COMMENTS

Beyond lip service…

Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

T

HERE is no perfect nation to be born yet Nigeria is the worst nation to be born, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report. No thanks to the Economist magazine’s sister publication, the Nigerian newborn may arrive knowing he has come where the sun dies everlastingly for the bliss of the fig. The EIU report ranks Nigeria 80th out of 80 countries assessed in its Where-to-beborn index.

Predictably, the report has inspired and incited all manners of conspiracy theories and affirmation of doom; foremost newspapers and columnists have written editorials affirming the report and the poor fate of the Nigerian child; child advocacy groups have regrouped to re-strategize in order to fleece international children foundations off grants that would never get to its touted recipient, the Nigerian child.

Within the din of socio-politically

‘Many activists, youth leaders and self-acclaimed political heroes today have their wives and children safely tucked away in secure schools and sociopolitical climes overseas even as they goad impoverished and clueless youth at home to their doom’

R

correct and self-righteous vituperation, a crucial voice dies slowly, painfully but certainly; it is the voice that goes to bat for the Nigerian child. Foremost newspapers may have affirmed the EIU’s claims but very few newspapers would publish as their cover stories, the plight of teenage sex workers or child urchins across the country, unless there is a mass death involving the minors. Such media fare is never strong enough to upstage news of political party intrigues and permutations. And if you examine closely the child rights campaigns, you will find that they have always been meal tickets to duplicitous and avaricious advocacy gurus and groups.

Nobody actually speaks for the newborn. Nobody speaks for the Nigerian child. And nobody truly speaks to the only human force capable of exciting the future in which the Nigerian newborn may arrive assured of a prosperous fate and a better life; the Nigerian youth.

There is a tragedy inherent in our customary lamentation every time our conscience is roused with a damning report and as it has become customary of us, more racist politicians and activists have suggested that we split and go our separate ways touting it as the only solution to our league of extraordinary problems.

Secession is the anthem that we should shun. It is the fruit of ‘reason’ that we need to be wary of and I will continue to say this hoping every prospective muscle – the youth – by which the separatists hope to achieve their dreams of dis-

EASON prevailed, and democracy as well as the rule of law triumphed recently, when a probe panel ended a monthold altercation between the Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and members of the state House of Assembly.

The “not guilty” verdict by the seven wise men of the law was the balm the state needed to ease the mounting tension created by the action of the “honourable” members.

For putting out the raging flame intended not only to consume Al-Makura, but the entire state and its peace-loving people, the panel showed wisdom and justice.

It speaks the mind of the people of the state, who have earlier revolted against the unpopular action of the members. So the verdict is a victory for the masses of the state.

The governor is a product of the people; they brought him to power. They stood by him when elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who think they own the state, denied him ticket to serve the people on its platform.

The people, not Al-Makura, triumphed in the end by throwing out the old-order, when they voted overwhelmingly for the incumbent.

Three years on, Lafia has ceded its decades-old status as a glorified local government headquarters to that of an enviable state capital.

Asphalt roads transcend every nook and cranny in the ancient town. The T. Abdul Kura street, Abdul Shatu-Adamu Mua’azu road, Agwai-Angwan Nugu junction, Lafia East-Government Guest House with spurs towards Makonjigi, Peoples Bank-New market dualisation, UAC-Gonar Mallam Sarkin road, Awe Street, Stanbic Bank-Kurikyo road among others are prides of an average resident of the state capital. Approximately, 80 kilometers asphalt-drained roads were completed in Lafia within the period, while four kilometres asphalt drained roads in 12 other towns are on as well as 600km rural roads.

The people will always rise in defence of the governor because for the first time, storey buildings dot the landscape of even primary schools across the state. More than one billion naira was spent in providing furniture to primary and post primary schools across the state alone. Today, pupils no longer study under the trees, or on the floors. The administration has also built classrooms in post primary schools across the state, while hostels have sprung up in all tertiary institutions in the state.

The people would revolt against any attempt to unseat the incumbent because for the first time, multi-million naira hospital projects have sprung up across the three senatorial districts of the state.150-bed hospitals are being built in Lafia, the state capital, Akwanga, and Nassarawa town.

The people would protest because they don’t need to trek far distances to access potable water; farmers now smile at the end of every farming season, while traders and market women have locations to transact their business.

The people will agitate because for the first time, civil servants are being paid as at when due, even with the minimum wage. They do not have to wait for an overdraft of N850m to be taken from a bank before they are paid as was the case during the old-order.

solution, would listen and learn to let the secessionists risk their skins to prove their platitudes.

The biggest misconception about secession, insurgence, self-determination or whatever the separatists choose to call it is that it could be peaceful and that the end result would be a conscientious and citizenry-centred dispensation.

It’s all dirty, greedy politics; the separatists want the youth to fly the flags of their dream nations, they want everybody to brandish a bumper sticker that bellows, “Death to the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”

They call anyone that’s anti-war and anti-secession, “pacifist,” “traitor” or whatever colourful adjective suits their rage. Then they promise the youth a prosperous future and better fate under their dream nation. Consequently, youth that ought to know better buy into such farce and they all begin to dream and talk of the great uprising that would set them free from the living hell Nigeria has become.

Truly, it is a sad thing for us as a nation to be afflicted by such youth whose eyes cannot see and intellect cannot detect the hideous manifestations of the vulpine intellect characteristic of the Nigerian separatists.

Thus the Nigerian youth wastes his passion recycling hackneyed criticisms and fomenting trouble in the name of all manners of political godfathers, minority group leaders, human rights activists, tribal rights activists, youth leaders to mention a few.

He engages in bootless pursuits at the end of which he accomplishes too little or nothing. For himself he probably accomplishes some individualized goal – satisfaction of a sentiment or material gain – which to him is everything but for Nigeria, he accomplishes comparatively nothing.

Eventually, he grows into the prototypical average, disgruntled man

on the street, who suddenly realizes in his twilight that he had squandered God’s greatest gifts to him, his intellect and talent – then the smokescreen of youth and hastily prized platitudes begin to peter out and he realizes that his miraculous talisman is a paltry plated coin, not fit to pass in the shops as a contemptible kobo.

The attempt to conceive imaginatively, a better ordering of Nigerian society than the destructive, pitiless chaos in which the nation has sunk is by no means modern; it is at least as old as Plato, whose “Republic” set the model for the Utopias of subsequent philosophers and self-styled revolutionaries.

The secessionists contemplate a new world in the light of an ideal: they claim to feel a great sorrow by the evils that characterize Nigeria, and they claim to be driven by an urgent desire to lead their race to the realization of the collective good. It is this desire which has been the primary force moving the pioneers of Anarchism and horrid tyrannies, as it moved the creators of ideal commonwealths in the past.

In contemporary Nigeria, it is incense for suspicious revolutionaries claiming to fight for the interests of Nigeria’s ethnic divides. In this there is nothing new; what is new and unpardonably offensive is the pretension of such characters to heartfelt sorrow, shared grief and relation in identity and ideal to the present sufferings of the Nigerian youth and breadlines.

This has enabled cynical and anarchist political movements to grow out of the frustrations and hopes of Nigeria’s youth and predominantly impressionable thinkers whose thought processes are anything but politically conscious. And this makes the agitation of the Nigerian separatists worrisome and markedly dangerous to the survival of

the Nigerian State.

The process of re-sensitizing the youth away from the establishment of chaos and genocide advocated by the secessionists will be greatly accelerated by the abolition of the current political order; however, this can only be achieved by the nation’s youth – who are unfortunately taken by the platitudes and poetics of Nigeria’s band of selfserving ruling class and racist emancipators.

It is no doubt the stock in trade of the latter to refer to violent uprisings in Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Iraq, Zanzibar, Tanganyika, India-Pakistan, Mali and parts of Asia among others, as worthy indicators of Nigeria’s need to follow suit. Whenever they dazzle with such informed commentary, tell them to lead the secession they advocate with their wives, children and closest relatives.

Many activists, youth leaders and self-acclaimed political heroes today have their wives and children safely tucked away in secure schools and sociopolitical climes overseas even as they goad impoverished and clueless youth at home to their doom.

If it is true that there is appreciable number of Nigerian youth capable of powering revolts for ethnic self-determination, the end of which is dissolution of Nigeria, why can’t the same youth power the social regeneration and reclamation of the Nigerian State from the clutches of the predatory ruling class, ethnic bigots and dissolution activists?

The current political separation and acute race-sensitiveness must eventually yield to the influences of education and culture, if the youth could endeavour to be truly civilized. But such transformation calls for remarkable wisdom and tolerance.

• To be continued…

Nasarawa: Triumph of people’s will

By Mohammed Inuwa They will revolt because their state has been liberated from the chains of debt the PDP government plugged it into.

So the people would rise; and they did rose when their so-called representatives dared them by raising the impeachment axe against their own. They took to major streets in Lafia, Karu, Akwanga, Keffi, Nassrawa, Wamba, Keana, Awe, Doma, Obi, Kokona among others.

The protest attracted the leaderships and members of Association of Market Women (AMW), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), student union bodies, Keffi Traders Association (KTF), National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW), religious leaders, as well as political groups.

They raised placards, with various inscriptions including “Impeach Our Governor, Get Recall,” Impeachment Not In Nasarawa,” “N50 million Is Paid To Each Member,” “Lawmakers Are Lawbreakers,” and so on.

The number of protesters grew by the day, while the protest lasted, with the people insisting it was time to commence a recall of the lawmakers.

Yes! The people are angry because the very people, who pledged to represent them are working against them, so what is the need keeping them at the assembly any way?

What is more, the members did not deem it necessary to consult their constituencies before their decision on a matter as serious as the recall of the governor was taken. Who then are they representing?

Themselves apparently!

The people are angry because even the resolutions and motions so far initiated by the so-called representatives are anti-people.

They denied the youth employment by the removal of appropriation for empowerment programmes that would take the jobless from the street. The members shot themselves in the foot, when the youth empowerment matter was advertised in the newspapers along with other issues in the impeachment notice.

“Imagine that our own lawmakers will raise impeachment notice against a governor for recruiting our teeming unemployed youths.

Do they prefer our youths continue to roam the streets,” queried Bisallah Adamus, who said his group has commenced modalities at mobilizing Nasarawa people to begin a recall process against the lawmakers.

Apart from the youth empowerment issue, the members also see the introduction of minimum wage, which would have cushioned the suffering of civil servants in the state as illegal. It also ordered the stoppage of laudable programmes such as Biometric exercise and digitalization of land matters by the state government.

Then there is also the issue of the controversial law prescribing one year tenure for local government chairmen, in which the assembly overrode Governor Al-Makura to pass into law, the state Local

Government Amendment Bill 2013 despite rationalization by stakeholders that it tread with caution.

The governor had written to the house to reconsider their stand intimating them of the implication of their decision. He told them that apart from the fact that chairmen and councillors so elected would hardly settle down to work before their tenure expires under the new law, it would be wasteful on the part of government to conduct election into the council every year.

Tenable as the governor’s intervention is, the assembly went ahead to override him by passing the bill into law in a manner described by those who should know as an abuse of legislative process and anti-masses. The members by that singular action showed that the relationship between it and the governor is frosty, but in getting at him, they choose the wrong weapon and the casualty as it were, are the very people who elected them in the first place.

The members do not really deserve to stay because while they illegally appropriate fund for themselves, the state assembly workers suffer in silence. Greater numbers of the assembly staff are on casual basis and the members and its leadership do not deem it necessary to effect the necessary changes. The members did not also deemed it necessary to organize public hearings before laws are passed and there is never a time they reach out to their constituencies before major decisions concerning the people are taken among other offences or do we call them breaches?

So our members are not so clean as they made the public to believe. They went for equity but their hands are soiled up to the shoulders. And the manner and haste they went about the impeachment process show apparent ignorance of the law and an immaturity that offends sensibility.

No wonder they could not appear before the panel to defend their allegations. But litigation arising from the action of members would further expose their ignorance when it will be determined that they erred in law by all ramifications.

We will be able to know at a later date whether their purported service of Notice of the allegations of gross misconduct for the purpose of impeaching the governor, vide the media or Newspaper publication is valid or constitutional within the meaning of section 188(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

We will also know whether or not the said purported Notice for the purpose of impeaching the governor was duly served on each member of the 24-member House as envisaged by section 188(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, let alone fulfilling the conditions for impeachment proceedings.

The panel as it were, gave them soft-landing by merely dismissing the allegations and acquitting the governor and that is the most important thing to do at this juncture. The verdict has calmed fraying nerves and reduced tension across the state.

• Inuwa wrote in from Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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COMMENTS "Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom"-Plato, The Republic

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ITHOUT equivocation, the Osun State governorship election has become history, but the fact remains indubitable that for long, it will remain one epic election that gave so much goose pimple to both the progressive and conservative political camps in the country. After the defeat of progressive-inclined All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti governorship election of June 21 by the conservative People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the latter, it seemed, became emboldened to think that it would repeat the feat in Osun without ado.

The Ekiti election’s outcome threw the politics of “stomach infrastructure” that has always been an important but uncelebrated factor in the nation’s politics to the front burner of national discourse. But in truth, those who are hypocritical of stomach infrastructure, especially within the progressive fold, laughably started to embrace the hypocritically derided phrase, and often times, practicalising it in their enclaves to a ridiculous level.

The issue for today is not about stomach infrastructure. Although it is incidental to it, but more importantly, it is about using the Osun election template, won by inscrutable incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola, to give a prognosis of what the future holds in store for progressive politics in the south west region of the country. The pertinent questions are: What would have happened in Osun, if its governorship election had come ahead of the Ekiti election in which out-going Governor Kayode Fayemi lost woefully? Would the feverish preparations for Osun still have been as high as what was witnessed before and during last Saturday’s election?

Osun presents interesting credentials. Of all the south west states’ APC governors, Aregbosola stands out among the genuinely grassroots-oriented. He understands core politics and true meanings of party loyalty, reliability and commitment which he often plays to the extreme. It was to his credit that only Osun State, of all the lot in southwest, admirably upheld progressive tenets by voting against PDP presidential candidate in the 2011 Presidential poll. Others, for inexplicable short-sighted reasons, went conservative and are today facing the shameful consequences from the incumbent president. Also, of all the south west states, Osun, under Aregbesola, is the only state bereft of internal hullabaloo in its branch of APC. In digression, the party’s internal crisis in Ogun has assumed a frightening dimension, while Oyo

I

N ancient Asia, the art of Reading the Tea Leaves was quite popular as a form of fortunetelling. Described as one of the simplest forms of predicting the future, its practice, just like in any other art, based on imagination and experience, succeeds or fails on the strength of the diviner’s ability to construe the symbols in the tea leaves.

There seems little difference between that practice and today’s investors and policy makers studying the fundamentals of the environment before making projections for the future. It is all about visioning from the probable, predictable and available.

So it was with the planners in the Nigerian power sector when they adopted privatisation as the best option for the country to banish decades of continuously worsening darkness. They were simply mirroring the future by reading the tea leaves of the present.

Today, the picture on ground evidences the realism in that vision, its import and imperative.

Definitely, it is a tortuous road yet, with a lot of bits and pieces, odds and ends to contend with. But the fits and starts regardless, recent events have continued to prove that freeing Nigeria from the debilitating condition, which has translated to stunted growth of a nation that ought to be rubbing shoulders with the economic giants of the world, must take a firm root in the decision to remove the sector from direct government control.

Now, the brightening horizon of hope as to where the road already taken would lead is becoming quite apparent. Many yet to see the silver lining breaking out are either those far behind the tunnel or others who do not care to look deep or far enough. Keener observers have since seen the dazzling and alluring perspective and the wise among them are fast grabbing the opportunities therein.

A brick over the other, the superstructure which is supposed to house the stakeholders in the sector and drive the operations of the privatisation regime is already taking shape.

Quite recently, another very important layer was added to this architecture with the commissioning of the Market Operations

08110000117

Reflections on future of progressive politics

• Asiwaju Tinubu

• Aregbesola

and others are witnessing peace of the graveyard. Above all the afore-stated, Ogbeni’s urban renewal scheme is wonderful.

Consequently, one would have expected that with these laudable credentials, he would enjoy an easy re-election, notwithstanding his being unnecessarily controversial often times.

But no; the contest was fierce because the conservative PDP was desperate to take over Osun, thinking that once that was done; the free fall of other APC-controlled states is guaranteed.

The PDP presidency did everything unthinkable, including deployment of hooded security men and the militarisation of the process, to harass and intimidate members of the opposition in the state before/during the election. But because the people were adequately sensitised on the evil being planned against Ogbeni, whom majority of the voters preferred to PDP’s Iyiola Omisore, it failed.

The failed evil machination in Osun was a plot by PDP to destroy the stronghold of the progressive-inclined APC, especially the south west. The actual target was the current

political leader of Yoruba, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The plot in Osun was to hit the shepherd so that the flock will disperse; but, sorry, it failed. Whatever reservations anybody might have about Tinubu, the bitter truth is that he has, through commitment and unrelenting struggle against conservative politics in the southwest, emerged the immovable symbol of progressive politics and the most effective political leader of the Yoruba after Papa Obafemi Awolowo. The only frightful thing is that this column would not want his leadership mileage to be frittered away under the guise of attempting to bring the west to mainstream politics of the country through political alliance with politicians from other regions that merely respect and revere Tinubu as an astute and brilliant politician and not necessarily as leader of all regions.

However, a word of caution here: That the grand conspiracy in Osun against Tinubu could not fly does not mean that the opposition should go to sleep. All efforts must be geared towards ensuring an unalloyed internal unity of purpose in the progressive fold in Oyo, Ogun, Edo and Lagos states before it gets out of hand as 2015 approaches. Besides, a genuinely progressive strategy to win Ondo State after Governor Segun Mimiko should theoretically commence in earnest before 2016.

There is a saying that “con is the opposite of pro” and to achieve the afore-stated, the APC in professed pursuit of progressive ideals must be able to affirmatively answer if it is truly the opposite of conservative PDP. This becomes imperative because of the infiltration of the progressive fold by some “aliens.” Yes, politics is a game of numbers, but should the progressive be seen to be playing politics without principle of like minds in pursuit of power, whether at the state or federal level?

Nigerian power sector: Reading the Tea Leaves

By Sunny Igboanugo Centre for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

This fully computerised and automated platform known as the Nigerian Inter-bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) and Power Collect, is a full-proof mechanism designed to enable stakeholders monitor all aspects of the electricity value chain, from generation, transmission, distribution, consumption and payments. The target is the complete elimination of all forms of inefficiency and corruption that could bedevil the system.

Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, hit the nail on the head while performing the ceremony when he enthused: “ ... I can now conveniently sit in my office to monitor the movement of power generation, distribution, consumption and payments made at a particular point in my office.”

Adding to the build-up are some landmark components. Thanks to the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan, the generation companies (Gencos), most of which have been beset by low gas supply leading to abysmally low capacity generation, will soon tell a different story. A robust collaboration between the helmsmen at the Power and Petroleum ministries, key to this intervention, aimed at troubleshooting the crisis, is already in place.

The President has also approved a whopping $1billion as an addition to previous interventions to ensure that the fight against vandalism, which has already begun in earnest, is won.

Already the National Renewable Energy Policy, including Energy Efficiency, which is meant not only to make investment in that critical area attractive, but ensure the optimisation of local usage of electricity, has been put in place.

The new owners of the unbundled power entities are being pushed to fulfil their obligations towards implementing their business plans regarding the recovery of obsolete capacities – revitalising obsolete machines and installing new ones – and reducing the Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC &C) losses.

Huge funds have also been sourced and secured for strengthening the transmission infrastructure through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the only part of the electricity value chain that was not privatised.

Many more of the National Integrated Power Plants (NIPPs), are being completed while others are strengthening their capacities in a bid to jolt the generation capacity substantially.

More private investors are committing huge funds in different areas of the sector’s operations. Quite recently, the Minister of Power was in Magboro, Ogun State to flagoff yet another of such investment – the ground breaking ceremony of another power plant with the capacity to generate 90megawatts of embedded power and the projection of an increase to between 250megawatts to 300 megawatts in future.

A few days ago, Nebo and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, signed a formal agreement on behalf of both countries on the Power Africa Initiative unveiled by President Barak Obama, last year.

The initiative is aimed at adding about 10megawatts to the nation’s electricity generation. On the same day, the Minister also signed two other agreements with different companies for the manufacture of electricity components.

A few months ago, Nebo was at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, where he exchanged ideas with key stakeholders and investment experts on the possibility of reducing the five-

In case the progressives may not easily realise it, these conservatives’ unholy alliance with them has done a lot of damage through leakages of secrets and political strategies. For example, Femi Fani-Kayode came into APC, hobnobbed with the fold for a while and used the platform to regain national prominence only to bolt back into his natural conservative constituency - the PDP. Mimiko exploited this same gimmick to regain his stolen mandate in Ondo. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former presidential candidate of the progressives, is as good as having gone to PDP to oil his ambition of becoming Adamawa governor. The progressive inviolability of APC cannot be vouched for in recent times because several conservative elements are now in the fold, not because they share its ideals, but for sheer political convenience.

Unlike in countries like the United States where partisan beliefs are guarded jealously, politicians here are driven by raw pursuit of inordinate ambitions and most times seen criss-crossing about three political parties before getting to a destination where their bread will be buttered at the detriment of principle and people’s overall interest. There is the need to sieve the grains from the chaff if progressive politics must survive beyond the moment in the southwest – and this is damn urgent!

The issue of party discipline is an important aspect of what the progressive family must address very without. Most current progressive governors see their platform as just mere footpath for attaining power and quite unprogressively, stand aloof from their people and erroneously think that high taxation, road construction and other capital projects are all what it means to cater for the welfare of a poverty-ravaged people.

The future of progressive politics rests in not taking the people for granted. Afterall, Sydney J. Harris once declared: ‘Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be.’ If the progressives must continue to rule the western states, the leadership should not give the people any opportunity to ask ‘whether they are the powers that ought to be.’ These reflections are indeed, for the wise!

‘Most current progressive governors see their platform as just mere footpath for attaining power and quite unprogressively, stand aloof from their people and erroneously think that high taxation, road construction and other capital projects are all what it means to cater for the welfare of a poverty-ravaged people’ year ceiling before the new owners of the successor companies in the electricity sector could approach the capital market for funds.

A huge icing on the cake, is the coming on board of the National Council on Power instituted on Thursday, August 14, by Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

These are apart from other numerous activities in the sector, including those being primed for the declaration of the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM), when all the elements of the privatisation engagements are expected to go full blast.

There is no doubt that the driving force in this emerging platform, is located in the zeal of the President, who, since declaring the Power Reform Roadmap in 2010, has shown uncommon commitment and spared nothing toward driving the project.

In this, he finds an able lieutenant in Nebo, who has also shown a lot of gusto by walking the tight rope towards ensuring the dream comes to fruition. Ambassador Godknows Igali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, puts it succinctly, when he said both sleep and dream megawatts.

A critical interrogation of the current situation in Nigeria ought to leave no one in doubt, surely, as to why the ongoing initiative must secure the full support of all, including beneficiaries of the old order, reason why attention must now shift from government and focus on the new owners of the power companies, some of who, still believing in the axiomatic Nigerian System, tend to be waiting for manna to fall from heaven.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Reynolds Beks Dagogo Jack, could not be less emphatic about this when he told reporters in Lagos few months ago that these operators needed, for instance, to start sourcing funds like typical businesses instead of waiting to be spoon-fed by government.

Like the Pharisees still seeking signs from Jesus after witnessing so many including the raising of Lazarus from the dead, there will be no other sign to show that things are looking up in the power sector.

• Igboanugo, a journalist, lives in Abuja

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

ICRC reiterates commitment to PPP

By Muyiwa Lucas

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HE Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said Nigeria is emerging as an African champion in the successful use of the public private partnership (PPP) model for public infrastructure. The success, however, hinges on the country's ability to create a strong enabling environment for the private sector, combined with significant and growing expertise in the public sector.

Its Director-General, Mr. Aminu Diko, made this known in the 2012 ICRC annual report made available to The Nation. Diko, who noted that the 2012 fiscal year represented the its fourth year of operations, said the commission is committed to ensuring the delivery of quality infrastructure in a manner that is transparent and represents the best value for taxpayers through PPP. The DG advocated the values inherent in the initiative to include "ensuring on-budget-on-time delivery, transferring risk, optimising cost over the whole life-cycle, and engaging the expertise of the private sector."

These values, according to Diko, are delivered by harnessing the incentives and disciplines of a robust capital market, strong rule of law and high sovereign credit quality that results in strong competition, which generates great deals for the citizens.

According to the report, a total of 22 projects were active and at various stages of development for purposes of PPP procurement in 2012.

Included in the projects are the Second Niger Bridge; LagosIseyin-Kishi-Kaima Road modernisation project; concession of Onne Port Independent Power Project; 18 Agro Industrial Estates and Development of hydroelectric power plants among others.

Diko said he took pride that with the support of the World Bank Institute (WBI), the ICRC began work on the development of guidelines for contracts disclosure in the country. This, he said, is to ensure that the management of PPP contracts in the country is transparent and efficient.

In the 2012 fiscal year, the ICRC received a total of N1, 129, 372, 000 through monthly allocations.

However, a key challenge militating against the commission is the inability to fully discharge its functions of monitoring the efficient execution of concession contracts.

This is aside issues related to the support and commitment of key stakeholders, adequate budgetary provisions for projects preparation development and implementation, gaps in PPP competencies, and challenges with the institutional, legal, and regulatory environment.

The Commission also had issues of non-integration of PPP projects into the National Planning framework, inconsistency in the PPP project pipelines and inappropriate framework for screening projects.

Its chairman, governing board, Senator Ken Nnamami, agreed that the use of PPP is imperative as a veritable tool to bridging the budgetary gap, implementing infrastructure projects at a faster rate and reducing the whole life of projects.

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Nigeria’s real estate market value hits N59tr, says FMBN chief

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HE real estate market in Nigeria is growing substantially with a current value put at N59 trillion, which is potentially six times bigger than the local stock market now valued at N12 trillion, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr. Gimba Ya'u Kumo, has said.

Kumo, who spoke to The Nation, said despite growth in the real estate sector, the mortgage industry is not growing as expected, contributing less than one per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To drive the growth of the mortgage industry, Kumo said FMBN's management is working on strategies to boost it.

According to him, out of 170 million people, less than one per cent contributes to the National Housing Fund (NHF), which is targeted at deepening the mortgage industry.

The development, he said, is not good enough hence, FMBN’s management desire to grow the industry's contribution to GDP to

•Eyes $10b Diaspora inflow From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor, Abuja

15 per cent by reaching the other segments of the population.

He said: "The total value of the real estate market in Nigeria is put at N59trillion and that is potentially six times bigger than the local stock market, which is now valued at N12 trillion. On this basis, the sector cannot be ignored."

According to him, the figure was arrived at by multiplying the housing deficit in the country, which is estimated to be 17 million units; and N3.5 million, which is the estimated cost of a single housing unit. He expressed optimism that the deficit would be addressed.

"I am, however, optimistic that with the coming on stream of the Mortgage Utility Refinancing Company, the housing sector would experience a revival that would attract investments to the sector and boost the economy," he added.

Kumo said FMBN is working

out modalities to roll out a Diaspora product to assist Nigerians living abroad to own homes in the country. “The product has become necessary given the large number of Nigerians in Diaspora who wish to own homes back home and also as a means of reducing the housing deficit in the country,” he added.

He continued: "We realised that about 17million Nigerians are living outside the country and most of them have plans to have houses and they have not been able to do so. We understand that over the years, people have been remitting money for building or buying of a house and they have not been getting good results.

"What we are trying to do is that by the time we develop the Diaspora mortgage model, it will be a model whereby Nigerians living abroad, who want to buy houses can resort to FMBN and at the end of the day if they do not take the mortgage, they can get refund of their money with interest. The reason the bank has

chosen the United States as takeoff point is because out of the 17million Nigerians all over the world, America has about 58 per cent. We will do our case study here and in the UK. If it works well, we will try to replicate it in Asia and other parts of the world.”

The move, he said, “would also lead to the inflow of finance from the Diaspora to Nigeria, which would further assist to reduce the housing needs in the country. The target of Diaspora is because the inflow of Diaspora money to Nigeria is about $10billion.”

“If the housing sector takes about 25 per cent of that inflow, we are expecting that about $2.5billion will come to us in form of inflow from Diapora people who would need houses and investmentsinthe housing sector.

“That would translate to about N4billion and with that we can fund mortgages and build about 30,000 units and that would be an opportunity for those who would want to have houses in Nigeria.

That is within the envelope that we are allowed to operate, which is N15million or $90,000."

•From left: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Albert Okumagba; Managing Director/CEO, NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale and Executive Director, IT and Market Development, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo, during the courtesy visit of the council members of CIS to NASD Plc office in Lagos.

‘My agenda for stockbrokers’

By Taofik Salako

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HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) would enhance its capacity for training and professional development to ensure the highest quality of human capital for the Nigerian and subSaharan African capital markets.

Its new president, Mr. Albert Okumagba, who spoke at his investiture on Monday, outlined the main agenda of his administration to include creation of knowledgeable professionals that will help deepen the Nigerian financial markets.

According to him, the CIS would enhance its professional training to provide the requisite professionals to trade on the four markets platform including the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NASD Plc, FMDQ Plc and the Nigerian Commodities Exchange as stipulated in the institute’s charter.

He said the institute has set an ambitious, but achievable target of training 1,500 students in 2014 and one million students by the end of 2015.

Okumagba added that the institute would work with other capital market stakeholders in the public and private sector to craft a Nigerian saving strategy that will embrace all platforms in the financial system.

He also highlighted that his administration would work to move the CIS to its permanent head office that would house its secretariat as well as create additional income streams.

Okumagba noted that after 22 years of the institute value-adding existence, providing the needed human capital base for the capital market, it is unacceptable that the CIS operates its secretariat in rented premises.

“As we work on changing our story, we will also undertake a comprehensive rebranding of the institute to take its rightful place in the financial market and the Nigerian economy. We will develop a new, differentiated identity in the minds of our different publics and distance ourselves from the negative connotations of the past. We will work to ensure that our members are proud of their association,” Okumagba promised.

Customs sabotaging PAAR’s implementation

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HE Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) Investigation Unit is sabotaging the implementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) at ports, The Nation has learnt.

The scheme was introduced by the Comptroller-General, Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi about nine months ago after the Federal Government suspended the contract of the former service providers to boost trade facilitation.

Some of the Customs Investigating Unit (CIU) officers, findings revealed, are using the scheme to extort importers and clearing agents.

Importers and clearing agents, it was learnt, are no longer happy with the manner the CIU and Valuation Officers are implementing PAAR, mostly in quantity and value of cargoes.

Importers and the Associa-

•ANLCA demands abolition of queries on values

By Oluwakemi Dauda

tion of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), it was gathered, have started picking holes in the implementation of the scheme based on the attitude of the officers and are demanding the abolition of queries on values of the cargo to stem crisis at ports.

Importers and the clearing agents, sources said, are not happy over the incessant querying of cargoes by CIU based on low value and alleged inflation of values payable on consignments at various commands.

An importer, Felix Aderibigbe, urged the Customs management to publish data value of all cargoes on the internet in order to make it accessible for those transacting business at ports.

Contacted, ANLCA President, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu said his association supported the Customs management when PAAR was introduced despite the out-cry by other stakeholders.

The ANLCA chief, however, said his members are worried over the attitude of some officers of the outfit on the implementation of PAAR and urged its management to address the challenges facing the scheme.

"We gave Customs all the necessary support in the last nine months and this is the time for us to re-appraise PAAR, get our acts together, put down our observation and conclusions and make sure they go to the right channel for a review," Shittu said.

Another clearing agent and former Chairman of Tin Can Chapter, Kayode Farinto, con-

demned the re-routing of PAAR document by Customs officers to the tune of N30,000.

"The CGC has said that PAAR is a final document, but we understand that PAAR is now being re-routed to the tune of N30,000 and our members are suffering.

"If there is no discrepancy in quantity, nobody has the right to query PAAR, the CGC cannot be everywhere, but there are some officers trying to sabotage his efforts.

"PAAR can be queried based on quantity or wrong declaration, but it cannot be queried based on value, whoever is doing that is a criminal," Farinto said.

The Coordinator, ANLCA Board of Trustees, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, also condemned the payment of 25 per cent penalty on every PAAR

document queried by the Customs.

He urged Customs to stop blocking cargo manifest an hour after it was keyed into the its computer system.

ANLCA, investigation revealed, has set up a committee to collate the position of its members on the challenges of PAAR and other operational challenges facing the group at in the port.

Shittu, it was learnt, assured his members that ANLCA will demand from Customs a publication of the value database for regularly imported items, just like it is being presently done for vehicle imports.

Also PAAR , ANLCA said, should be declared sacrosanct for cargo clearance as the functions of Q and A office, CIU, gate officers, enforcements, and valuation units in the cargo clearance process should be expressly declared.

26

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

The battle against counterfeiting Worried by counterfeiters’ activities, some groups have risen to stop them, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

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RAND counterfeiting has been described as “the crime of the 21st Century” as it affects almost every company. The subject of intellectual property, under which it falls, is attracting attention in the legal world. But much is not heard about it in marketing literature. Counterfeiting can be a problem for a brand, but it affects the profits of the brand owner more.

For instance, the real HP LaserJet printer costs about N100,000 while the fake costs N40,000. But many customers do not believe the real one is 10 times better than the fake.

Anyone who cannot afford the former will be happy to settle for a cheaper substitute; yet the cost implication for both brand owners, the customers who patronise cheap brand and the economy which tolerates counterfeiters is huge and could be devastating.

With the cartel of counterfeiters growing daily in sophistication and funding, luxury brand owners are becoming more vulnerable after spending millions to effectively attract the affluent to their brands.

The threat posed by counterfeiters to their priced brands has been described as huge. As a result, the growth rate of counterfeiting has doubled in the last two decades; posing challenges for governments, genuine-item manufacturers and consumers as well.

At a cross-industry anti-counterfeiting conference in Abuja, hosted

by Hewlett Package (HP), it was gathered that the global trade in counterfeit goods is growing in Africa, and, particularly, Nigeria is increasingly being targeted as a market for counterfeit merchandise as a result of its growing middle class and position as new economic frontier for global brands.

This, perhaps, led multinational and national companies and stakeholders to discuss consumer, brand protection and lobbying as ways of raising awareness, challenge the legal framework on counterfeiting to stem the tide of sales and purchase of counterfeited brands.

The Director-General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Joseph Odumodu, at the summit, lamented that brands counterfeiting has been a long standing global problem which poses a great concern to the government and legitimate businesses.

Given its huge negative impact on the economic growth of the nation, he said SON had made seizures estimated in excess of N500 million in Nigeria.

Putting the global loss at $400 billion by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Odumodu said music software and video market in Nigeria is languishing in over N100 billion loss.

“In the past, counterfeit products were distributed largely through informal markets, but in recent times, these products are increasingly infiltrating legitimate supply chains and now appearing on the shelves of established retail shops and trade fairs. The internet which is a virtual market place, has pro-

vided counterfeiters and pirates a new powerful means to sell their products via auction sites, standalone e-commerce sites and email solicitation. The online environment is attractive to counterfeiters and pirates for a number of reasons, including the relative ease of deceiving consumers and the market reach,” he observed.

Worried about how counterfeiting is affecting its brand value in its market category, HP Brand Protection Programme Manager, Jeff Kwasny, complained that HP cartridges are refilled or remanufactured in unauthorised or fake reproductions of HP packaging, which are meant to mislead the consumer believe that they are buying genuine HP products.

He said as growing markets, many African countries are a major target for counterfeiting networks. “HP’s ACF Programme is supporting African authorities in order to tackle counterfeiting before it gains a larger foothold in Africa. HP is active in protecting African economies from illicit trade of HP branded products. Customers are mostly unwitting victims of counterfeiting. Only six per cent of corporate customers who purchased counterfeit print cartridges did so intentionally,” he said.

The District Manager, Printing and Personal System Western, Southern and Eastern Africa, JeanPaul Pinto, said with the rate at which brand protection is becoming difficult as a result of growth in technology, there is need to protect consumers, customers, investment from the impact of counterfeiting. “It destroys economy and business investment and trade partners. The fight against counterfeiting is beyond HP but it’s everybody’s fight,” he said.

Also, the President, Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria, Prof Bankole Sodipo, said any brand that refuses to innovate on new ways to protect its identity will go into extinction. He, however, advised that a reform should be canvassed by joint-industry stakeholders in other to change certain aspects of the Nigerian anticounterfeiting laws, which adjudicate weak punitive measure for offenders, hence, encouraging them to commit the crime.

“For brands, if you don’t do what is right you will go into extinction?

Counterfeiting is one of the greatest things that can kill an industry.

We need a reform to fight counterfeiting. We need lobbying to effect changes in the law in other to fight the current legal framework so that the fight against counterfeiting

• A foreign footwear campaign against counterfeiting

will be easy for brands,” he said.

Sodipo, however, warned brand owners against the activities of their authorised distributors who are easy prey for counterfeiting rings. “I am aware of a brand that has gone into extinction as a result of the activities of its distributors, who allowed counterfeiters to use their channels for distribution of its principal’s counterfeit,” he said.

At the moment, a lot of brands are waking up to the challenge posed by counterfeiting. The Senior Brand Protection Manager, Unilever Africa, Mr. Desmond Adeola, disclosed that Unilever has internal solutions to check counterfeiting of its brands.“At Unilever, we employed internal solutions. We look at our supply chains. We do lots of tiding of com-

pany policies to stamp out opportunities for counterfeiters. We know that they clone our packages and that is why we look at the issue of editable artworks, engagement of law enforcement agents and give them needed information to protect our brands,” he said.

The Partner & Head Intellectual Property Department, Aluko & Oyebode, Uche Nwokocha, urged that collaboration among industry players will change the game against counterfeiters. He, however, urged collaboration among industry players to seek for legal assistance.

“Whatever kind of partnership that is embarked upon, Brand Owners require the services of legal practitioners to ensure that such actions are carried out within the limits of the law. Relevant regula-

‘HP’s ACF Programme is supporting African authorities in order to tackle counterfeiting before it gains a larger foothold in Africa.

HP is active in protecting African economies from illicit trade of HP branded products. Customers are mostly unwitting victims of counterfeiting. Only six per cent of corporate customers who purchased counterfeit print cartridges did so intentionally’

tory agencies carry out raids upon successful investigation into the complaint lodged by the owner of brand. Legal assistance is often required to ensure that such actions are carried out within the limits of the law,” he said.

To stop the menace, Kwasny said HP has adopted five strategies in fighting counterfeiting. They include investigation and enforcement; prevention and education; channel management (that management of suppliers activities) and product and packaging.

Meanwhile, the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, said it was most important that every nation fights counterfeiting and piracy to protect their economy. He advised that there is need for all relevant border agencies to collaborate to ensure success in this endeavour.

“Protection of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights is an obligation upon each country that accedes to the World Trade Organisation Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (WTO TRIPS) agreement. The TRIPS, which Nigeria has ratified, provides certain minimum standards for protection which should be accorded by governments to IP Right owners including border enforcement,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

27

Brandnews

Brazil trip winners relive experiences W INNERS of the Coca-Cola consumer promotion grand prize - trip to Brazil - have continued to relish their experiences.

For the 22 lucky Nigerians, their experiences were spectacular, starting from the search for three crown corks of any of the Coca-Cola brands in 50 or 35cl bottles to the day their plane landed in Brazil.

Since their return, the glimpses of the beautiful cities of Rio-De-Janeiro and Brasilia, La Maison hotel where they stayed; the breakfast of ‘Queijo de coalho’ (a tasty, salty grilled cheese) and Pão d’água (a specialty bread that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside), served warm and fresh, with guava paste and mozzarella cheese — a combination popularly known as ‘Romeo and Juliet’ are still fresh in their memories.

Nuhu Dalyop, a young football enthusiast, was one of the winners.

Upon arriving in Brazil, he sought companies of some of ‘Carioscas’, also known as ‘Rio Locals’.

He said: “When we got to Copacabana, I felt I was at home; the locals were always happy to let us join in the games, just roll up your shorts, so long as you are confident enough. I had a lovely time.”

On the significance of the ‘Maracana’ stadium to the world football, another winner Fakorede Saheed, described without mincing words, the atmosphere in the stadium as electrifying.

Fakorede enthused: “I jumped and hugged a football legend Luis Figo, who was sitting beside me, that for

me is an unforgettable moment.”

The climax for most of the winners was when they visited the monumental statue that welcomes the world to Brazil – ‘Christ the Redeemer’. Hoisted at the top of the 710 meter (2,330 feet) Corcovado Peak, the statue, which was made of concrete and soapstone is considered the largest in the world. It stands with arms outstretched, gazing serenely over the city.

Egbejiogu Oyinye, one of the few women among the winners, described the statue as inspirational, forgiving and full of hope.

The trip has given the winners exposure on several fronts: culture, people and appreciation for the greater things in life, an opportunity made possible by Coca-Cola Nigeria’s commitment to consumer satisfaction, delivering on the global message of the World Cup.

Media agency makes debut

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ENTSU Aegis Network, a global media buying and planning agency, has entered the market through a joint venture agreement with a full-service media agency, Media Fuse Ltd. In a statement from its global office, the agency said its entry is in line with Dentsu Aegis Network’s expansion and investment into the African market and it expects Media Fuse to operate in Nigeria under a trademark, Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network.

With this, Media Fuse will be joining the strong network of Dentsu Aegis Network brands in Sub-Sa-

haran Africa: Carat, iProspect, Isobar, Posterscope and Vizeum.

Media Fuse is led by immediate past Managing Director of Media Perspective, Emeka Okeke, as its Chief Executive Officer.

Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network, having worked in some West African countries, including, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra-Leone, Gambia and Liberia.

“With its buoyant economy and the largest population and consumer market in Africa, Nigeria offers great growth potential and business opportunities for Dentsu

Aegis and our clients. This investment further expands our reach into the Nigerian market and strengthens our business and capability in the region,” the CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Americas and EMEA, Nigel Morris, said.

“With this development, Nigeria and indeed, the West Africa subregion are set for fresh impetus in brand building and communication experience with global access to tested tools, capacity building processes and the fiscal discipline that the Dentsu Aegis Network is known for on the global stage,” said Okeke.

Largest LED board unveiled THE Optimum Exposures, an outdoor advertising agency, has unveiled a billboard described as the largest free standing LED Board in sub-Sahara Africa, measuring 42m by 12m.

The billboard was the outcome of the company’s penchant for trend setting innovations.

Targeted at premium brands, the Managing Director, Bayo Adio, said this informed the decision to invest huge resources in the LED billboard.

He added that the board was a result of the need to place the industry on the same pedestal in terms of global best practices thereby offering brands unrivaled out of home platform to showcase their brands.

Adio, at a briefing in Lagos, said the board was an investment that keeps the firm and brands on display ahead of competition.

“The iconic digital billboard located on the Adeniji Adele access route was a product of our penchant for innovation as a way to stay ahead of competition. Of course being a premium billboard it does not come cheap, huge resources was invested in it which is why it is targeted at premium brands,” he said.

The digital billboard, according to him, is though relatively new in the country, it has the potentials to arrest the decline in advertising spending, adding that opportunities available for out of home advertising is on the increase with the introduction of digital billboard to the local industry.

The Head of Marketing, Optimum Exposures, Bob

Ononuju, said the bilboard is the best in quality.

He added that it was custombuilt for the site by leading digital billboard manufacturer, Daktronics, United States.

Adio refuted claims that a digital billboard was a distraction to road users, noting that a fifth study on national and local roads in the United States has exonerated digital billboards. He stressed that it has helped to further illuminate and beautify the environment the more.

“Digital billboard does not cause road accidents and this has been proven and documented. In fact, a fifth survey conducted on local and national roads in the United States clearly showed so.

Rather, it beautifies the environment,” he said.

Ononuju explained that it comes with Intelligent Device Management (IDM) system, which allows engineers to detect and correct errors.

He added that besides that the board regulates itself during hot weathers – its fully tropicalised for Nigeria, as such it does not require airconditioning like other LEDs. “Our iconic billboard comes with a handful of unique features which helps to further project the brands on it. It comes with Intelligent Device Management (IDM) which helps to swiftly detect errors so that our back end people can promptly fix it.

“Besides, it comes with Dynamic display, Social media integration – Twitter/scrolling messages, time and temperature It regulates itself in line with the prevailing weather.”

Ononuju added.

Firm introduces smartphone

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• From left: Marketing Manager, Printing & Personal Systems West Africa, Hewlett Packard, Tolulope Lawani; Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu and District Manager, English Africa, Hewlett Packard, Jean-Paul Pinto at the firm’s anti-counterfeit conference in Abuja.

Hot Robb makes mark with brand activation

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N a cluttered market, clients and agencies are turning to brand activation to get to consumers a desired experience that will enhance brand value and purchase.

To help one of Nigeria’s oldest brands, Hot Robb ointment, the brand handlers held an activation in Ibadan last week. The event will remain evergreen in the minds of residents and traders of the new Gbagi Market in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

PZ Cussons, makers of the brand, stormed the popular market with Hot Robb. The crowd at the market Main Parking lot was large; they trooped from all nooks and crannies of the city.

Using a popular Fuji artist and ce-

lebrity endorser, Saheed Osupa, who connects with the low-end of the market, it was a double joy for the consumers as they were not only entertained by the fuji artist, they were also rewarded with various gifts while most of them were given free medical services which included blood pressure (BP) checks, massaging and free products sampling.

Also, the ambience created by the brand provided an opportunity for the PZ Cussons team to sell their product, using well- dressed sales girls.

A computer accessory seller, Mr. Oladimeji Muyideen, who witnessed the event, said: “This is the first time a brand is doing this type of thing here, especially with our

own son, Alhaji Saheed Osupa. PZ Cusson’s Hot Robb activation is innovative and a great event.”

A health practitioner, Dr. Sekinat Adebola, hired by the firm to offer free medical services at the Hot Robb Relief Centre, described the programme as a platform for consumers to access.

The Marketing Manager, PZ Cussons, Mr. Charles Nnochiri; Regional Sales Manager West, Mr. Oni Bashiru and the Brand Manager, Robb, Aro Olalekan, described the initiative as a means of deepening the market share of Hot Robb in the market as well as bond with its teeming consumers to bring the unique values and promises of the brand to the public.

ECNO Mobile, a brand under TRANSSION Holdings, has unveiled what it described as the Smartphone of the year - Phantom Z. The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel, elicited excitement as 10 won a Phantom Z each.

Deputy General Manager, TECNO Mobile, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, said the entrance of Phantom Z was a milestone because it offers superior features for Smartphone users.

He said: “Phantom Z is about to revolutionalise how Smartphone

is being used in Nigeria. It also comes with a data bundle from MTN, Etisalat, Glo and Airtel.”

The Phantom Z is in competition with Samsung’s newest revelation, Samsung S5.

The Head of Public Relations, TRANSSION Holdings, Mounir Boukali, said: “What we have seen in Nigeria is an increased adoption of TECNO Mobile’s Smartphone products, the Phantom A+ was a huge success in Nigeria and we believe Nigerians are ready for a high-end Smartphone experience.”

Alcoholic drink launched

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N alcoholic drink, Bacardi Breezer, has been launched.

It was unveiled at The Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where famous faces, including Sean Tizzle, Yemi Alade and Seyi Shay, were on the colourful carpet to celebrate its arrival.

The Brand Manager, Olugbenga Lawrence, said: “We are thrilled that we can announce that Breezer has landed in Nigeria. Breezer is the perfect drink for all free spirited Nigerians who want to enjoy the colourful side of life.

“Breezer is designed for free spirited Nigerians who enjoy the colourful side of life. It is already enjoyed in over 150 countries and we are excited to

launch it in Africa’s most colourful country. Breezer lives life in colour – and we’re asking Nigerians to show us their passion for life, show us their true colours!”

With three brand ambassadors, Sean Tizzle, Seyi Shay and Yemi Alade, the Breezer has been described after a taste of experience as a delicious drink which will be activated with some brand activities over the next few months.

Breezer is available in a ready to drink 330ml bottle and is a refreshing blend of Bacardi Rum and fruit flavour in three delicious varieties – Orange, Pineapple and Watermelon RRP N170.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

28

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

How Nigerian online shopping works Buying and selling of products or services on the internet, otherwise known as Online shopping, has come to stay in Nigeria and is now a veritable source of job opportunities and revenue for millions of people. It has also become a success story for those engaged in it, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN.

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HE online shopping platform has become the preferred place for shoppers who are aware of its value. Findings have, however, shown that e-commerce in Nigeria is still about two per cent and the consumers using this service are well engaged with discounts, special promotions, competitions and bonuses.

Abraham Ifeanyi, a former information strategist at Konga, an online outfit, told The Nation shopping that people are beginning to see the value of online shopping as platforms for window shopping and creating wish lists.

“With technology like abandoned cart recovery, online stores are able to know what a consumer is interested in and send remainders about such products, particularly on social media networks and via text messages,’’ Ifeanyi said.

Aside, the technology, according to him, has provided opportunity for prospective sellers to bring their products and services online.

Shedding light on the recently launched Konga market place created to help Nigerians interested in bringing their stores online, Ifeanyi said the market place is currently free to come on, and that store owners can take advantage of it to sell their products.

He explained that variety of tools such as social media, search advertising, email marketing and several others are being used to expose products that are in various stores for quick patronage, thereby allowing store owners to worry about merchandising only.

On the other hand, players in the sector are trying to bring the market place to consumers in order to cater for their daily needs, irrespective of time, place at the click of a button. “Few of them play big in the industry trying to be the solution to online retail in sub-Sahara Africa. They see themselves as the place for direct retail shopping as they engage in 24-hour service and provide local and global outreach with the ability to interact and provide customers with relevant information as well as multimedia services. They have been able to establish that online has come to stay and that its amazing opportunities is a fulcrum for millions of jobs and revenue seekers,” he said.

Talking about the global expansion of online shopping since its existence, experts say the rapid growth in Nigeria’s technological base has opened the nation’ s market to home grown online retail market. A report by Euro monitor international, a global market research organisation, the online retail market has recorded an estimated 25 per cent growth with revenues valued at N62.4million in 2011, a N12.5 billion increase from 2010.

However, inspite of its success story, online shopping has some challenges which include epileptic power supply, non availability of technological expertise and poor funding for start-ups. Retailers are of the view that it is of utmost importance to keep their power structures up and running all day in order to remain relevant in the competitive market.

Also, as a platform driven by target and customer satisfaction, online retail market has been able to build a network of top local and international brands with a mission to bringing the best quality products to customers at the best price anywhere in the country.

This in turn, people argued, has helped its players to see a steady increase in their customer base; giving them the capacity to manage challenges.

The fact that supply and logistics play a key role in the business, online platforms have had to deal with the issues of bad road network and increased cost of transportation, which cannot be excuses for dis-

• Some online shopping platforms

appointing consumers. Most of them have also decided to increase their fleet to serve their increasing customer base and extend bases across the country; serving more regions as they implement more plans to expand beyond Nigeria. The retailers have said their strategies would be to continue doing their best to overcome challenges.

The Nation gathered that a few online stores have, since their existence, been able to establish themselves as front runners in the country. According to an online marketing research organisation, Alexa.com., most of them have positioned themselves at strategic places as most visited local content site.

From findings, most online stores offer the widest stock of products that cut across fashion, mobile phones, computing, electronics, games, beauty, books and much more. They also place high premium on qualitative manpower, which is the reason employee’s development is given top priority within the structure.

Irrespective of the highs, lows and challenges of doing online business in Nigeria, the single most important reason for success in this business has been the consumers, who have driven targets beyond expectations through their various expertise.

Researchers have confirm that the rise of technology is as a result of numerous innovative minds in computer science and information technology (IT), who have created and developed many great skills and ideas around certain human needs(technologically or otherwise) leading to people embracing such technologies.

Ultimately from a standpoint, there have been quite a number of entrepreneurs and technopreneurs, who engage in various ventures not only to cash in or expand their business one way or the other, give some

‘Irrespective of the highs and lows and challenges of doing the online business in this part of the world, the single most important reason for success in this business has been the consumer who has driven targets beyond expectations through his various expertise’ comfort to people’s way of living.

In stemming unemployment in the country, online retailers say they will continue to empower the best hands and skilled personnel to function at their innovative peak.

According to them, they have, through employment, been able to create an environment where transfer of knowledge is fostered between highly skilled and competent staff that have passed through various notable local and foreign institutions with devotion to skills acquisition and manpower development.

According to one of the managers at Jumia.com, Afam Anyika, the growth of online stores have led to employment of young Nigerians in the field of merchandising, information technology, accounting, customer service, supply, logistics and public relations.

“Being an organisation driven by result and one that understands the value of its manpower in driving organisational objectives, we have put in place processes to continually empower and protect employees, which in the long term will be more beneficial to us as an organisation and the economy at large,’’ he said.

Employees, he added, are to understand the competitive market, which these online stores operate in as a way of empowering

themselves as individuals for any other work conditions.

Also in line with the organisations’s commitment to manpower development, skills acquisition and raising the standard of living for its employees and partners, some online stores have implemented affiliated programmes, which are beneficial to website owners and bloggers who are non-employees of the company.

Concerning building and sustaining trust, online store owners are of the view that in order to build trust in some people, who have not started online shopping yet, more brand awareness and education are needed and lots of offline and online marketing required.

They have, therefore, succeeded in building online social community where they feel the pulse of the consumer and where the consumer feels the physical presence to rely on.

Experts in this field argued that like every other business, consumer is the king, which is why they are doing everything to ensure that their delivery promises stay valid all the time. They have also been able to ensure wide assortment of products, build the right relationships across board and hire the right talent.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

•Imoke

YAKURR YOUTHS

ANGLICAN SYNOD

YAKURR youths are seeking change in the representation of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State in the House of Representatives. They urge all concerned to help end the return of the incumbent, Bassey Ewa, who is serving his second term.

LEADERS from within and outside the Evo Diocese of the Anglican Communion in Rivers State converged at its second synod to assess the performance of the church, the state and the country. Their verdict: things must change.

•PAGE 31

•Bishop Ordu

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

PAGE 29

OGONILAND RISING from a consultative meeting, the people of Ogoniland say the time for the full implementation of the UNEP Report is now. They say if the Federal Government fails to start implementing the report in the next one month, it should be prepared to witness a major rally against it.

•PAGE 31 •HRM Noryan

•PAGE 32

‘

This state has been suffering from the hands of the Federal Government over the years. The state does not have much but the only road leading into it is almost impassable.

I have slept on this road severally and it is affecting my business seriously. In fact, this road, which I would say is the only main road to Calabar, is killing the economy of this state

‘

Suffering and smiling • Users of Cross River’s federal roads groan in pain •Traffic gridlock, a common sight on the dilapidated Calabar-Itu Road

PHOTO: NICHOLAS KALU

STORY ON 30 & 35

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Users of Cross River’s federal roads groan in pain The state of federal roads in Cross River State has been a source of concern to the state government, residents and motorists. Their cries have fallen on deaf ears and the roads keep getting worse, leading to waste of man-hours, writes NICHOLAS KALU

I

F there are things Cross River State has in abundance, they are stretches of federal roads in utter states of disrepair.

From Bakassi to Obanliku, the condition of these roads mostly constructed in the 70s has been a source of misery for users.

The state is so large that driving from some parts to another can last for seven hours or more. Mostly contributing to this is the poor state of federal roads which link up most of the 18 local government areas.

There are 22 federal roads in the state spanning about 1100km.

Some of them are: Calabar-Itu, Calabar-Ikom, Calabar-Ikang, Ikom-Ogoja, Ugep-Obubra, IkomObudu, Ogoja-Obudu, Ogoja-Yalayahe, Ogoja-Gakem-Vandikya, Mbok-Yahe, Okuku-Alifokpa and Ugep-Itigidi-Afikpo.

The roads were constructed over three decades ago, when the heavy traffic on them were not as high as now. But with increasing number of heavy duty trucks, especially those conveying chippings, rocks and cement out of the state, the roads have deteriorated badly in the past decade.

An official of the Federal Ministry of Works who begged not to be named said about 80 per cent of the federal roads in the state need urgent attention.

He said: “I can tell you that from our appraisal of the roads, they need total reconstruction to bring them to the capacity that can cope with the thousands of heavy duty trucks that ply them.”

Despite promises by government agencies over time that the roads would be fixed, nothing has been done about them. In fact, the terrible condition of these roads has over time been a cause of contention between the state and Federal governments.

Governor Liyel Imoke, at a forum in Calabar, questioned the rationale behind the Federal Government controlling roads that are located within states.

The governor argued that if a legislation was put in place and control of such roads is given to the states with additional funding given to them to manage the roads, it would be a much better situation.

He said this would enable states fix federal roads more urgently as they are the ones who feel the impact directly, instead of waiting endlessly for the federal government to repair them.

At a time, the Commissioner for Works, Legor Idagbo, said the state government had spent billions on the rehabilitation of federal roads.

Idagbo said the state was still waiting for a refund of the money from

the Ministry of Works.

The Commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to reimburse the money to encourage the state to do more.

“Everybody knows that we are having financial challenges, so we are appealing to the Federal Government to help us.

“We are also appealing to the government to expedite action on rehabilitation and reconstruction of the federal roads,” Idagbo said.

Commissioner for Information Mr Akin Ricketts said: “Government wishes to note that the deplorable state of federal roads in the state has worsened in the last six years, as a result of which the state government has expended over N13 billion on remedial maintenance of these roads. No kobo has been paid back to the state till date by the Federal Government.

“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently come to the rescue of the State by directing the re-construction and dualisation of these Federal roads to bring them to the capacity of the current high volume of heavy duty traffic on these roads as well as make refunds of the over N 13 billion already spent on providing remedial maintenance on these Federal roads.”

Most infamous of these roads are the Calabar-Itu and Calabar-Ikom roads, which are the only gateways by land in and out of the capital city, Calabar, where traffic activities are most intense.

The Calabar-Itu road, especially, the Odukpani axis, which is the most strategic and economically viable of these two as it the shortest route to other south-south and south-east states is worse off. Besides the accidents that occur on the road frequently, it is often that commuters have had to spend days on the road because of trucks that fall, causing serious traffic jams.

Towards the end of last year, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Cross River State embarked on strike, plunging the state into the agony of fuel scarcity. Their reason: the deplorable state of the CalabarItu Federal Highway.

NUPENG’s action did well to bring the state of the road to the front burner as it appeared the terrible state of the road was all but neglected by relevant authorities despite its huge significance to the economy of the state.

Transport operators and commuters who ply the road often were also full of tale of woes.

A businessman, who uses the road often, Kenneth Obi, said: “I

Rivers POWA puts smiles on widows’ faces The Rivers State chapter of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has put smiles on the faces of widows of dead policemen and the indigent, writes JUDE ISIGUZO

Mrs Ogunsakin (second left) and a cross-section of officers at the event •A portion of the Calabar-Itu Road, a federal road

•Idagbor

•Minister of Works Mike Onolememen

•A portion of the Ikom-Obudu Road

T

HE association has existed for 50 years. But, for many at the event, never in its history has the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) made widows and indigent members in Rivers State so happy.

POWA's Chairperson, Mrs Chinyere Ogunsakin, on August 8, launched an empowerment scheme for members.

The scheme is developed to give economic sustenance to wives and widows of policemen.

About 120 women and youths have received training and empowerment in various trades like tailoring, cosmetology, bead/hat making and catering/hotel management.

Some were also trained in events management and general business development. The trainees were presented with a certificate.

Items, such as industrial grinding machines, were distributed and accommodation was also secured for some widows of fallen policemen.

Mrs Ogunsakin expressed joy at the success of the pilot scheme of the project, adding that the ob-

jective of providing socio-economic support and empowerment to Police officers' wives and their wards was something worth doing.

She said: "We want to give a helping hand to our trained women to enable them start on their own journey to fulfilment and financial liberation."

She shared her vision of forming a cooperative for the beneficiaries who take the empowerment seriously to obtain loans from corporate organisations.

The beneficiaries could not contain their joy, as they danced around the chairperson to express how they felt.

The widows, who were provided with accommodation, could not hold back their tears of joy.

They thanked and prayed for their chairperson and her family.

Mrs Ogunsakin was moved to tears as the widows clustered around her, went on their knees and began proclaiming blessings on her and her family.

One of the widows Mrs. Theresa Israel, wife of a late Inspector, in tears, commended this initiative as the best attempt at empowerment

Itsekiri youths launch magazine tomorrow From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

T

•Another portion on Calabar-Ikang Road

don’t know if this is another of their punitive measures. This state has been suffering from the hands of the Federal Government over the years.

The state does not have much but the only road leading into it is almost impassable. I have slept on this

road severally and it is affecting my business seriously. In fact, this road which I would say is the only main road to Calabar is killing the economy of this state. I beg the Federal Government to come to come to the rescue.”

•A portion along Ugep Obubra Road

As help appears not to be coming from Abuja, many users have begged the state government to the state government to reconstruct and dualise the Calabar-Odukpani Highway, given its importance.

At the moment, the road is a nar-

row strip with bad spots in several places.

A commuter, who gave his name as Bassey Michael, pleaded that even if the road belongs to the Federal Government, the state government should intervene urgently as

PHOTOS: NICHOLAS KALU

they are affected directly.

“This Federal Government they are talking about is actually very far away and they are not feeling anything. The condition of this of this road is affecting the state negatively, especially economically.”

HE National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), under the leadership of Alero Naomi Tenumah, is set to launch a magazine known as NAIG Focus.

The ceremony is billed for the Alfred Ogbeyiwa Rewane Memorial Hall in Warri by 10 am. It is expected to be chaired by a former Delta State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Alex Tosan Ideh.

According to a statement issued in Warri by Tenumah as well as the association’s National PRO/ Chairman of the Editorial/ Publicity Committee, Dennis Mene, the magazine covers education and infrastructural decay in Iwere land, special focus on Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), NIMASA Dockyard and Shipyard as well as the Gas City/EPZ project.

The statement added that a PDP Chieftain and Delta State gubernatorial hopeful, Chief Godswill Obielum will be Special Guest of Honour, while the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II will be Royal Father of the Day, with Professor Mary Olire Edema being expected as Mother of the Day. It was also gathered that the member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, Principal Consultant to Environmental Foundation of Nigeria, ERFON, Mr. David Aboyowa Omaghomi, Chairman of the EPZ Interface Committee, Barr. Austin Oboroegbeyi, Hon. Friday Ossai Osenebi of Delta State House of Assembly and former Chairman of Warri SouthWest Local Government, Hon. David Tonwe will grace the magazine launch.

by any POWA administration.

She said: "This is the first time we are witnessing this kind of a thing where the widows who have been forgotten are remembered for good and given hope. God must bless our mummy."

Mrs. Janet Agoreyo, another beneficiary, said she was so glad that she could comfortably say that the days of begging were over, adding that she had been placed on a pedestal to aid her husband in providing for the family.

Mrs. Constance Mbajunwa, another beneficiary, recounted how she had been through hard times and thanked Mrs Ogunsakin for striking all the right notes in just seven months of being in Rivers State.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Alkali Shaba, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, commended the POWA chairperson and her executive for the initiative, adding that it was a morale booster to the entire Police Force.

He also said the Rivers State Police command would do everything to support POWA.

Pastor denies link with Delta politician

By Jude Isiguzo

A POLITICAL and religious leader in Delta North Senatorial district , Delta State, Pastor Anthony Enuenwosu, has denied a report that he is mobilising people for Chief Kenneth Gbagi’s governorship ambition in 2015.

Enuenwosu faulted a report that he had been directed by the leader of Delta Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, to work for Gbagi .

He described the publication as false and an attempt to tarnish his image before Clark and his teeming followers and create cheap publicity for Gbagi in his quest to occupy Government House.

The clergy man said: “I want to make it categorically clear that I, Pastor Anthony Enuenwosu, state that at no time did I make a statement that our National Leader, Clark has directed me to fully mobilise my Delta North people to work and ensure that Kenneth Gbagi goes to Delta Government House. I never discuss that with Clark and at no time made such statement. Clark is capable of speaking for himself. I am not his spokesman. hav .”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

31

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Anglican synod warns against politics of bitterness Leaders from within and outside the Evo Diocese of the Anglican Communion in Rivers State converged at its second synod to assess the performance of the church, the state and the country. PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, who was at the synod, writes.

A

LTHOUGH the second synod convention of the Anglican Communion, Evo Diocese of Rivers State ended last weekend, the memory of the ceremony still lingers in the minds of delegates. The programme, which attracted delegates from all the branches of the church under Evo Diocese, was an opportunity for the church to assess its performance and that of the state and the nation at large.

Thousands of delegates and church members were at the St Andrew’s Anglican Church Rumuobiokani Deanery in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The synod in the Anglican Communion’s calendar is the time of spiritual rebirth, account of stewardship and a period to examine ones’ relationship with God. The Synod lasted five days and attracted people from all walks of life and speakers from different professional and religious backgrounds.

They include Bishop of Sokoto dioceses, Rev. Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah, Anglican Bishop of Okene Diocese Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo, Mrs. Ijeoma Anagbogu, Governor Rotimi Amaechi and others.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, led a courtesy call to His Royal Highness Eze Samuel Nyechi Ejims Wopara, the Paramount Ruler and Nyenweli Rumuobiokani community and presented a copy of the Holy Bible to the monarch. He also used the opportunity to inform him and his subjects to use the occasion of the synod convention to refresh in the Lord and to bring peace to the community.

The Monarch, while responding to the Bishop, went back memory lane to 1904 when the Anglican Church blazed the trail as the first church ever to set foot on Rumuobiokani soil. He ap-

pealed that the church should not adopt an onlooker attitude when the community and the nation are embroiled in unrest and disunity.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Mrs Ibim Semenitari, advised the church to pray for him and the state, as he hoped on God to ensure that the wealth of Rivers people is in safe hands, adding that criminal who have murdered the people are desperate over Rivers wealth.

He said as the leader of the Rivers people, “I owe you a duty to clarify on why I joined APC. Let me say that repeatedly we have heard people wonder why we moved to APC, I know we are in the church but it is important to know that we took the decision to protect the future of Rivers people. At the top of everything I have to do, I must ensure the development of the state. But I promise my enemies, I will finish strong and I cannot allow the resources of Rivers state to be squandered.

As the governor of Rivers State I owe you greatly to ensure that any decision I take will be for the best interest of Rivers State and I cannot sell my feelings for a mere porridge.”

Explaining the importance of synod in Anglican communion, Rt. Rev, Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, said, “Synod is the gathering of the Church leaders, which include the church laities and the Bishops. It is an opportunity where anybody who holds a position in the church will give a written report of his or her stewardship which others arr expected to assess to ensure a balance report. It is also the time of fund raising for the execution of church project.

There is enough spiritual benefit for those who concluded the programme because it will challenge their spirit and their dealings with God as they continue to work in the vineyard

• Member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mrs Victoria Nyeche, Bishop Ordu and Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication Mrs Ibim Semenitari at the synod.

of God. Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah and the Bishop Ordu strongly emphasised on national issues, such as 2015 and the abduction of Chibok girls.

In their various speeches, they warmed politicians to be mindful of what they say about the country, adding that the issue of who becomes the next President of Nigeria in 2015 is in the hands of God and cannot be manipulated against God’s will.

Kukah said the utterances of some politicians and religions leaders in the country are diminishing others whose life are in danger, especially on the issue of Boko Haram.

“The way we talk about issues affecting Nigeria is making everything to look as if we are at war with one another, we must mind what we say about the President and the country. Other African countries are not happy with us, other developed countries are not happy with us but we are

not the worst country. As far as I am concerned the ultimate is the peace of the country, some people said the President is weak, that he is sponsoring impeachment against his enemies and that he is encouraging BoKo Haram all these are dangerous to our democracy.”

During the reading of 108 page address by Bishop Ordu, which the church called Presidential address, the Bishop made it clear that politicians must learn how to stop politics of desperation and bitterness.

“Another round of election is here again. The political landscape is agog as usual.

However, happenings in the polity give us cause for concern. The desperation by politicians either to capture power or to cling on to it has become all too alarming. The unbridled quest for power has led our political leaders to heat up the polity unnecessarily through their utterances and actions.

Those already in political office and seeking re-election have

Cross River group seeks change in representation

A

GROUP known as the Yakurr Youth Forum has called for a change in the representation of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The incumbent, Bassey Ewa, from Yakurr Local Government Area, is serving his second term. The coordinator of the group, Leko Inah, said it was the turn of Abi Local Government to have the seat.

His words: "The Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State has unarguably been favoured in the past fifteen years of interrupted democratic rule.

"Being local governments carved out of the Old Obubra Local Government the sister lo-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

cal governments have coexisted peacefully maintaining political harmony for positions shared by the two council areas.

"1n 1999, of the two major positions that came to the Federal Constituency, that of a Federal Executive Council and Member of the House of representatives, Yakurr represented the constituency in the House of Reps with Hon Obeten Okorn while incumbent governor of Cross River State from Abi was a member of the Federal Executive Council between 1999-2007.

"When His Excellency became governor in 2007, even though there was a clamour for the position of member of the House of Representatives to

shift to Abi, the governor and other well-meaning personalities insisted we must be our brothers' keeper and carry each other along.

"Consequently by 2015 Yakurr would have represented the Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency for sixteen uninterrupted years.

"As 2015 approaches with Senator Imoke's constituency billed to vacate Government House Calabar, it is pertinent for the people of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency to reappraise who emerges as the next member of the Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

"For equity, fairness and good conscience and for the sake of maintaining the political harmony and understand-

abandoned matters of governance for which we gave them our priceless votes to spend more time on politicking, meetings, rented rallies and gatherings.

“They have been seriously distracted, while our land bleeds. Our politicians and leaders through their utterances and carriage have reduced politics and leaders bordering on some measure of pettiness and childishness.

Cases of political killings, kidnappings, arson, destruction of public property and waste of financial resource to garner political support, litter the landscape. And we are not even in 2015 yet! The signs are quite familiar and ominous, to say the least. And with the way our leaders are going, one wonders whether we have a sense of history at all. These are the same signs that have in the past truncated our various political journeys as a country. Have we forgotten

‘

Let us emulate His Excellency, the governor, who has defied all political pressures and his insisted that for equity, fair play and good conscience, his successor to the governorship seat in Cross River State should come from the Northern Senatorial district, which is yet to produce a democratically elected governor of Cross River State •Imoke ing that as existed between the two sister local government areas, it is only fair that the next

‘

member of the House of Representatives for the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency emerges

the 1983 national elections where “landslide” victories at the polls for political parties turned to a hurricane that swept everybody out of office and set us back several decades?.”

On the issue of BokoHaram, the Bishop of Evo Dioceses said recent report emanating from the United State of America in July this year has it that the Boko Haram insurgency has consumed approximately the lives of 12,000 innocent and defenceless Nigerians. “ In assessing the performance of Rivers government under the leadership of Governor Chibuike Amaechi the church said despite the political crisis rocking the state the governor through its policies has done greatly in the area of social service delivery.

“For one, Port Harcourt has achieved the status of UNESCO World Book Capital.

This is no mean feat and cannot be killed on the altar of political interests. With this our city and state have come to occupy a pride of place among the few cities in the world which have enjoyed this privilege. Again we commend His Excellency for his remarkable efforts at rehabilitating, widening or constructing roads in Rivers State to ease traffic flow.

We are sure the incoming administration in the state will only continue from where he has stopped. However, we must draw the attention of His Excellency to the link roads in the state many of which are in very bad shape. Rivers people have continued to suffer untold hardship on these link roads daily and we call on His Excellency to use the remaining part of his tenure to look at these roads again and put them in good order to minimize the harrows of our people on these roads.”

Highpoint of this year’s synod was to evaluate the performance of the church, thanksgiving, and fund raising through the launching of Presidential address. from Abi Local Government Area.

"Let us emulate His Excellency, the governor, who has defied all political pressures and his insisted that for equity, fair play and good conscience, his successor to the governorship seat in Cross River State should come from the Northern Senatorial district, which is yet to produce a democratically elected governor of Cross River State.

"The insistence of the incumbent member representing the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency to run for an unprecedented third term smacks of selfishness, insensitivity and desperation to hang on to our common wealth in utter disregard to the peace political harmony that has been hard won by our leaders.

"Let fairness prevail so that the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency can remain a politically stable, progressive and responsible Federal Constituency."

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Ogoniland...All we are saying: give us new lease of life At a consultative meeting on August 8, the people of Ogoni spoke with one voice, demanding nothing but the full implementation of the UNEP Report, writes BISI OLANIYI, Port Harcourt

O

GONI is one of the ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.

Rich in crude oil and gas. But Ogoni is, ironically, poor. Besides, its environment is degraded.

Oil exploitation started in Ogoniland, which consists of four Rivers State’s Local Government Areas --Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme- in 1958. Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is the major operator.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in October 2006, initiated the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) environmental assessment of Ogoniland, as a result of many years of pollution, neglect, marginalisation and environmental degradation. The initiative was well supported by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, while the 262page main report was issued on August 4, 2011 and received in Abuja by President Goodluck Jonathan on August 12, 2011.

MOSOP President Legborsi Saro Pyagbara said: “As a response to the continuing destruction of the Ogoni environment, unparalleled military repression and horrendous human rights abuses in Ogoniland, that attended the prosecution of the nonviolent struggle of the Ogoni people, the United Nations responded by creating the position of the Special Rapporteur on Nigeria in 1997 and appointed Mr. Soli Sorabjee to the position. In his report to the 48th session of the then United Nations Commission on Human Rights in March 1998, the Special Rapporteur recommended that the Nigerian government should undertake an independent environmental study of Ogoniland.

This was the setting that led to the invitation extended to UNEP in October 2006, within the context of the Ogoni-Shell Reconciliation Process, to carry out the environmental assessment of Ogoniland. The UNEP released its report on 4th August, 2011.

As a response, the government set up HYPREP, which has failed in all ramifications to address the issue of remediation and restoration of the Ogoni environment.”

On receiving the UNEP report, President Jonathan set up a Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), headed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Ali-

•Eleme Local Government Council Chairman/ALGON Chairman in Rivers State, Mr. Oji Ngofa, President, KAGOTE Ogoni Worldwide, Dr. Peter Medee and the paramount ruler of Ogale-Eleme, Chief Godwin Bebe Okpabi at the meeting.

•From left: Abe; HRM Noryan and HRH Baridan Suanu discussing at the meeting.

son-Madueke.

In Ogale-Eleme, Eleme LGA of Ogoniland in Rivers state, the UNEP report reveals that the water contains cancer-causing Benzene, which is 900 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standards for water contamination, thereby requiring urgent attention.

UNEP also states that the sustainable environmental restoration of Ogoniland will take up to 20 years to achieve and will need coordinated efforts on the part of government agencies at all levels, declaring that effective environmental restoration in Ogoniland cannot be achieved with the current institutional capacity and framework, while recommending that the Federal Government should establish an Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority.

The UNEP report notes that full environmental resporation of Ogoniland will be a project, which will take 30 years to complete, after the ongoing pollution has been brought to an end, while recommending the creation of an Environmental Restoration Fund for Ogoniland, with initial capital of $1 billion, which it says should be used only for activities dealing specifically with the environmental restoration of Ogoniland, including capacity building, skills’ transfer and conflicts’ resolution, while insisting that the management of the fund should be the responsibility of the Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority.

The Federal Government, rather than taking steps to implement the far-reaching recommendations contained in the UNEP report, decided on July 20, 2012 to establish HYPREP, which will cover all pollution sites in the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria, with an Ogoni, Mrs. Joy Nunieh-Okunnu, appointed as its National Coordinator, which Ogoni people immediately kicked against.

A former Chairman of the MOSOP Provisional Council, Prof. Ben Naanen, of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), during the 20th Ogoni Day on January 4, 2013 at Bori, declared that SPDC would not be allowed to return to Ogoni for crude oil exploitation.

According to Naanen, who is also

the pioneer General Secretary of MOSOP, the Ogoni people would prefer another International Oil Company (IOC) with environment consciousness and good corporate social responsibility records to the SPDC and that the new oil company would be expected to be sensitive to the needs of the Ogoni people and would be able to honour agreements.

The SPDC, on July 1, 2014 in Abuja, at the meeting of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Environment, accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of stalling the implementation of the UNEP report.

Shell had earlier stated that the initial capital of $1 billion for Ogoniland’s environmental restoration was ready, but could not be released without legal framework and structures on the ground for judicious utilisation of the fund, which UNEP said should be used only for activities dealing specifically with the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.

On August 4, at a seminar in Bori, to mark the three years of the release of the UNEP report, MOSOP accused President Jonathan of aiding environmental terrorism in Ogoniland, in view of his administration’s refusal to implement the recommendations contained in the UNEP report on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland, three years after its release.

The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people noted that since August 4, 2011, when the UNEP report was released, nothing was done by the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations, while Ogoni people had been dying from pollution and environmental degradation, caused by the activities of Shell.

Ogoni people also urged President Jonathan, who hails from Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta region, to as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on Ogoni environment.

The President of MOSOP, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, expressed displeasure that the Federal Government recently raised billions of naira to fight terrorism and support the victims of terror, but unconcerned about the plight of the Ogoni people.

The seminar, which was attended by many eminent Ogoni people and their friends, had as theme: “Ogoni, UNEP Report and the Search for Environmental Justice,” with Prof.

Lucky Akaruese as guest speaker, while the UNEP report on the state of Ogoni environment was described as a death sentence, passed on the Ogoni people.

MOSOP president hinted that the marginalised people had decided to be marking August 4 annually as Ogoni Environment Day, stressing that the peace-loving people would soon march on Abuja, to protest against the non-implementation of the recommendations contained in the UNEP report.

Pyagbara said: “We have always come together at the community level, at the national level and at the global level to promote awareness and positive action on this (UNEP) report, which had raised concerns about one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our day. The ongoing environmental terrorism being committed against the Ogoni people by a government with a slumbering conscience, a government which has demonstrated in all sense that it cares little about our survival as a people. A government that has vowed to promote a set of negative actions for the continued destruction of our environmental resources to deprive us of its environmental services and use.

“Today, Ogoni is facing multi-dimensional environmental issues that require integrated and collective action, yet the Federal Government has no plan to deal with the environmental crisis in Ogoniland. Today, while they gather in Abuja to raise funds in the name of national security, the environmental insecurity in Ogoniland and other parts of the Niger Delta, arising from ongoing environmental terrorism merits no intervention for the restoration of the degraded ecosystems and provision of support for the victims.

“Today, no single recommendation in the UNEP report has been implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as required by the study.

The attempts so far have been a diversion from the recommendations.

Indeed, its signature HYPREP (Hy-

•From right: Kifasi, Pyagbara and his Deputy, Fortune Okwasujo at the meeting.

drocarbon Pollution Restoration Project) has failed woefully, just as we predicted from the beginning.

“Today, Shell continues to deceive the world with its so-called clean up of Right of Way, yet the assessment of the so-called clean-up remains its trademark whitewash. In saner environments, the Ogoni environmental crisis would have forced the government to declare a state of emergency on the Ogoni environment, but here, our lives do not count. These double standard must stop. This discrimination must stop. We will wear them down by our capacity to suffer this injustice. Sooner than later, we are going to march down on Abuja to demonstrate our frustrations with the government of Nigeria. We will not give up.”

The MOSOP president also described August 4, 2011 as the culmination of the struggles of Ogoni forebears, which he said began in 1990 in the Ogoni villages to the hallowed halls of the United Nations in 1998, when the UN Special Rapporteur called for the environmental study of Ogoniland and continued to the 2000s, especially in 2006, when the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo invited the UNEP team to carry out the study of the Ogoni envi-

‘

ronment, to August 4, 2011, when UNEP finally released its report.

Pyagbara said: “This day (August 4) therefore demonstrates the resilience, tenacity, strength and commitment of the Ogoni people to challenge the denigrators of their land and restore its pristine environment.

“On the negative side, this day clearly demonstrates the failure of the Nigerian government to protect its own citizens from the abuse of corporate power and corporate greed and Shell’s environmental racism in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta as a whole.

“We want to seize this opportunity to inform the Jonathan–led administration that it is not yet late to take action on the Ogoni matter. We wish to inform him that it is not too late to change his response to the Ogoni environmental crisis. We therefore call on his administration to declare a state of emergency on the Ogoni environment and design a multi-stakeholder plan of intervention for the clean-up and restoration of Ogoni environment.”

The MOSOP president also admonished everyone to always think about the Ogoni people and to take inspiration from efforts to claim back their environment and work for a sustain-

The Federal Government should set up the Ogoni Environmental Restoration Authority, in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report. More so, with the glaring failure of the HYPREP. The Ogoni people be included in all stakeholder processes relating to the implementation of the UNEP report, including the proposed multi-stakeholder workshop on the report, which is being planned by the Federal Government

‘

able future, thereby raising their voices for the marginalised people.

He invited people of goodwill all over the world to continue to contribute to the campaign for the restoration of the Ogoni environment, while urging them to join the movement wherever they may be in the world and raise their voices to encourage action, asking them to take action today to stop environmental terrorism in Ogoniland.

Pyagbara assured that Ogoni people would continue to demand their rights peacefully and non-violently, while expressing optimism that they would win.

On August 8, at a consultative meeting on the UNEP report implementation at the Ogoni Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, Jonathan berated the Federal Government’s Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), saying it is time for decisive action on the UNEP report.

Ogoni people, at the well-attended consultative meeting, requested the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the UNEP report and the establishment of the Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority, recommended by UNEP, to ensure the implementation of the report.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Danladi Kifasi, lauded Ogoni people for embracing peace and remaining united.

MOSOP President, however, described the consultative meeting as belated and declared that if the initiative was political, the Federal Government had failed.

The consultative meeting was also attended by the representative of the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe; a former Chairman of the MOSOP Provisional Council, Prof. Ben Naanen of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT); Rivers Commissioner for Works, Chief Victor Giadom; the Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Eleme, Fred Enjugu; the representative of Gokana constituency in the Rivers House of Assembly, Dr. Innocent Barikor; royal fathers and many eminent personalities.

Jonathan said at the consultative meeting: “The Federal Government, concerned about the plight of the Ogoni people, commissioned the United Nations to carry out and environmental assessment of Ogoniland.

The UN released its report on 4th August, 2011. The assignment was borne out of the Federal Government’s desire to mitigate the suffering of the Ogoni people, occasioned by hydrocarbon pollution.

“After a thorough consideration of the recommendations of the UNEP report, the Presidential Implementation Committee’s (PIC’s) report, the Petroleum Industry’s Action Plan, based on the provisions of the Petroleum Act CAP 350 LFN 2004, the HYPREP establishment was approved on July 20, 2012.

“While HYPREP has implemented some of the transitional phase objectives, as recommended in the report (UNEP), government recognises and it is very mindful that the programme (HYPREP) has not achieved its full objectives, as envisioned by this administration.

“Government is mindful that funds meant for remediation and restoration activities in Ogoniland are used for that purpose. However, HYPREP will consider other Niger Delta areas affected by hydrocarbon pollution, by causing the polluters to clean the areas with their own funds. The time for decisive action is now and we call on all relevant parties to join us to tackle and begin to address the challenges ahead.”

The Nigerian President also expressed optimism that very soon, the Federal Government would be working with the United Nations, the Ogoni communities and relevant Nigerian agencies to pool the collective knowledge and construct a road map to deliver a comprehensive remediation programme, with a focus on the immediate delivery and restitution, while assuring that his administration would not play politics with the lives of the Ogoni people, but deeply concerned about their plight, their environment and the UNEP report.

While also speaking at the consultative meeting, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Down-

stream), described the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the UNEP report as a matter of life and death, which could not be toyed with.

The senator, who is a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), maintained that the UNEP report must be implemented the way it is, as promised by the late ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua.

The UNIPORT Professor (Ben Naanen), said a steering committee on the full implementation of the UNEP report, comprising representatives of the Federal Government and Ogoni people, should immediately be put in place and the Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority established.

A renowned environmentalist, Celestine AkpoBari, accused President Jonathan and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources of playing politics with Ogoni matters and the peace-loving people, who he said had continued to die on a daily basis, in view of pollution of their environment.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers state chapter, Oji Ngofa, who is also the Chairman of Eleme LGA of the state, declared that HYPREP failed, because the Federal Government did not take Ogoni people seriously, stating that a time-line to implement the UNEP report must be given by the Federal Government.

Ex-Rivers Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya, of the UNIPORT, expressed shock that the UNEP team was kicked out of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the far-reaching report, while insisting that UNEP must be involved.

A former Vice-President of MOSOP, Rev. Abraham Olungwe, declared that if the Federal Government refused to fully implement the UNEP report and treat Ogoni people well, there would be no peace in the four LGAs of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, while expressing shock that the consultative meeting took place some months to the 2015 elections, with President Jonathan seeking re-election.

The President of KAGOTE, the elite

Ogoni group, Dr. Peter Medee of UNIPORT, declared that Ogoni people would never embrace HYPREP, but would prefer the full implementation of the UNEP report.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the consultative meeting, which had in attendance, over five thousand Ogoni people, comprising all sectors of the Ogoni community, including the traditional rulers, farmers, the academia, politicians and the youths, it was resolved that a multi-stakeholder mechanism/steering committee, comprising representatives drawn from the Federal Government, UNEP, Shell and Ogoni people be established.

The committee, according to the communiqué, would look into the UNEP report and develop a focused engagement and implementation plan, with clearly defined steps.

The five-point communiqué reads: “That the Federal Government should set up the Ogoni Environmental Restoration Authority, in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report. More so, with the glaring failure of the HYPREP. “That the Ogoni people be included in all stakeholder processes relating to the implementation of the UNEP report, including the proposed multi-stakeholder workshop on the report, which is being planned by the Federal Government.

“That the Federal Government should commence series of confidence-building measures that will assure the Ogoni people that the Federal Government is sincere and committed to the implementation of the UNEP report and its recommendations.”

It was also stated in the communiqué that Ogoni people would want the commencement of the implementation of the resolutions of the consultative meeting, within one month.

Ogoni people are known for nonviolent struggle, but they sent SPDC packing from their land since 1993 and they should not be pushed to the wall, especially on the issue of the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the UNEP report, over three years after its release. A stitch in time saves nine.

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

BRIEFLY

Succour for Edo prisoners I ‘

'Competence should determine Amaechi's successor'

NMATES of the Nigeria Prisons at Ubiaja in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State used to depend on non-governmental organisations and individuals for daily supply of water to supplement what the prison authorities were providing.

The prison inmates’ water problem has however been solved following the construction of an industrial borehole by the council boss, Joseph Ikpea, at the council secretariat. Potable water is provided for the inmates as the prison is adjacent to the secretariat.

Ikpea said the water project was among 46 projects his administration has executed within one year despite dwindling allocation from the federal allocation.

He spoke at a reception organised by the local government to enable him give report of his achievements to the people.

The council boss who was a founding member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria which later because APC denied rumors that he planned to defect the PDP. He said his concerns were to replicate Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s developmental strides at the grassroots.

To tackle insecurity in the area and ensure safety of traders, Ikpea constructed security surveillance posts on the Ewohimi Onishugbo road, Okhusesan and Ubiaja and Ewatto/ Okhuesan.

He said: “Beside Illushi community, every other community, ward have be touched in one form or the other by this administration in the last one year within the limit of resources accrued to the council. The council is at the verge of striking a peace accord with the warring factions in Illushi crisis. We have converge series of peace talk in conjunction with other stakeholders and I am sure soonest the crisis will be a thing of the past and I equally promise to done more in the next two years.

“Other projects constructed by Ikpea administration included construction of magistrate court in Ubiaja, purchase and supply of 1, 75KVA generator to supply light from Idumu Iyase to Uhomhedho Ewatto, construction of 92 lock-up stores, 34 pub-

Beside Illushi community, every other community, ward have be touched in one form or the other by this administration in the last one year within the limit of resources accrued to the council

•Ikpea From Osagie Otabor, Benin

lic toilets and renovation primary schools, purchase of eighteen seater Toyota Hiace Bus for NULGE and grading of 6 newly created earth roads from Ewatto to Udeneria in Igueben, Idumu-Iselu – Ozogwo, Idumu- Iselu – Uhoumhebho, Ibhiadan –Ewu –Ewekwa road amongst others.

“As part of my cardinal commitment towards human development and capacity building, my administration has also reeled out scholarship to indigenous students , gave free loans for women empowerment , provision of agricultural facilities to farmers and computerisation of the entire council offices.”

Ikpea said free health care services were available for women and children and that medical equipment

were provided at various medical centers in the locality.

Executive Director, Edo State Rapid Response Agency, Elder Sam Eboiegbe, who spoke at the event, urged the council boss to imbibe the culture of interacting with the people and intimating them of his activities quarterly. ‘’Joe Ikpea is a hard working chairman, he was able to do some of what he said he was going to do because you cannot do everything at a time .

So for one year he reeled out the catalogue of what he has done and every body saw it, they were in black and white, they were written down, they were documented, I read it, many people read it because they were distributed and the communities where those projects are sited, they are there and one can go there to see what he said he has done. He really did all

‘

what he said but the only little thing I am waiting for is the commissioning. The day he will invite the people, party leaders, even the governor, to commission all the projects he has done within one year in Esan South East. ‘’So, it is a very big achievement.

He has done very well and I will commend him for that and the followership because it means that his vice chairman, his executive and legislators they are working together in harmony . I m personally happy with what he has done, what he has showcase to us. I was personally there I read all that happened I even encourage him to always converge a town hall meeting quarterly like he did that day, so that he will review and see what he has done, what is to be done so that in future we know where we are going to.‘’

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

A FRONTLINE politician in Rivers State, Sam Agwor, has said the major criteria for choosing the successor to Governor Rotimi Amaechi must be competence.

Agwor spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He said the best persons, devoid of ethnicity, must be presented as candidates during the 2015 elections.

He said the era of upland/riverine dichotomy had passed in Rivers State, with emphasis now being placed on competence, political experience and capability to deliver, rather than sentiments.

Rivers Ijaw and the Ogoni are campaigning for the governorship of the state to be zoned to their area.

The riverine people, who are Ijaw, are saying they have not led the state since 1999. The Ogoni are also making the same case.

Candidates from other upland part of the state, such as the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, are also saying they are entitled to run for the office.

Agwor, a former Special Adviser to the ex-Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, also called for concerted efforts to battle terrorism.

He observed that terrorism should not be given room to fester before being nipped in the bud.

He said: "It has become clear to everybody that the security situation calls for cooperation of all. Boko Haram has no limit and does not respect personality. We must work together and become watchmen for the country.

"If you see strange movement in any place, you must report to the appropriate security agencies. With such cooperation, we will be able to check insecurity in Nigeria.

"The security situation in Nigeria is to undermine the Federal Government. They thought it would constitute an instrument with which they would continue to say the Federal Government is inefficient."

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain urged public office holders facing impeachment should deeply reflect on their performance and activities, in order to avoid whipping up sentiments.

Akwa Ibom indigenes seek review of Amnesty Office’s scholarship beneficiaries

M

ANY indigenes of Akwa Ibom are not happy with the Amnesty Office. Reason: they say the office’s recently released list of beneficiaries of one of its scholarship scheme is skewed against their state. They say the list did not reflect their state’s status as a major oil-bearer.

One of those who have spoken against the list is the pioneer National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Anietie Okon.

During the week, he decried the 254 names published by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta as the beneficiaries of the special scholarship programme for students from the Niger Delta.

He said: “We are forced to question whether the Office of the Special Adviser on Amnesty is still representing the interest of the people of the region, given the persistent exclusivity that has become evident in the execution of the brief and mandate of the office.”

Okon, a delegate representing Akwa Ibom State at the National Conference, reacting to the list, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to draw the attention of the Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, to what he termed a grave and an unacceptable anomaly with its attendant capacity to undermine the intent and standing of governments and the leadership of the region.

The office on August 1 published

By Wale Ajetunmobi

a list of 254 people as the beneficiaries of the special scholarship programme for students from the Niger Delta, who passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and are qualified for admission into the universities.

According to the list, of a total of 254 beneficiaries, Akwa Ibom got three; Bayelsa, 102; Cross River, three; Delta, 55; Edo, 10; Imo, 10; Ondo, 43 and Rivers, 28.

Okon noted that it was embarrassing for a state like Akwa Ibom, the leading oil producing state, to be allocated only three; Edo State, the cradle of knowledge to get only 10, while Bayelsa got 102.

He stressed that it was a confirmation of the narrow prismed understanding “of the dynamics of our political survival realities and an unfortunate exhibition of misplaced callous insensitivity as well as political naivety”, adding that the move was capable of “damaging the cohesion and shared common interest of the people of the region.”

He added: “It is a callous act of insensitivity and political naivety on the part of the Special Adviser on Niger Delta, to posit that justice and transparency prevailed where only three students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and 10 from Edo State enjoyed the scholarship. This can damage the purpose of the interven-

tion initiative. It makes nonsense of the call for unanimity in the area. The mindless impunity implied is as grievous as it is equally pathetic.

How can they explain this absence of rationality? It is unacceptable. I demand that those responsible for this outrage get real.”

The Ekid people of Akwa Ibom also flayed the list.

In a letter to Hon. Bassey Dan-Abia jnr, member,representing Eket Federal Constituency House of Representatives, they said: “When we read the story, our first impression was to thank God almighty that you are still in the House of Representatives, contrary to the impression in the minds of our people in Eket(Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno) Federal Constituency, that we have nobody in that hallowed “Green” Chamber since the 2012 eclipse.? ”Further note that, our concern in the story at hand is that of alarm and outrage. We can still not comprehend, how a member representing a core oil state, one that you rightly noted, holds the reputation as the highest oil producing state, would have stood by and the entire processes of award of scholarship for oil producing states are completed and published without even a slot for Eket Federal Constituency.? ”Aware that, the process may have commenced with the advertisement of the award, then proceeded to the

stage of application, screening and then shortlisting of qualified applicants, before the announcement of those selected.? ”Further aware that, in all of these stages, our member never deemed it expedient to alert his people on what was going on. The youths of this constituency were never in any way informed of what was going on to enable them even apply.? ”Worried that, it appears our honourable member was held up in his infamous “bird house theatre of absurdities” when other representatives in the House,were lobbying for their people, only for him to wake up with a self-serving press statement when all the processes had been concluded.? ”Further worried that, we do not understand what you as our honourable member sort to achieve by issuing an ineffectual press release, when you have all the legislative powers of oversight, appropriation and other instruments and network at your disposal to tame the angst.

Not to worry; we understand. You cannot give what you do not have.

Your belated show of Dutch-courage cannot fool anybody, because we are sure you don’t even know where the Amnesty(Kuku’s) office is located in Abuja.?

“Regret to mourn with you the loss of yet another opportunity to invest in the lives of young people in our constituency and hasten to tell you

that, we are not in the least surprised at this turn of event. Honourable member, why this sudden feeble attempt at “fighting” for your people?

Where were you all this time when our constituency as a major oil bearing area has lost out in various other federal government initiatives meant for oil producing areas?? ”Disturbed and want to know where you placed Eket Federal Constituency’s interest on the interventionist programmes by the same Amnesty office such as Overseas Special Scholarship Programme and Retooling/Skill Acquisition in Welding, Fabrication, Piloting, Instrument, payment of skill gap stipends? How far have you gone in the protection and actualization of the projects your predecessor facilitated in the National Budget including NTA Channel 35, Eket; 8no.Primary Health centres at Akpautong; Uquo; Edor; Etebi; Okat; Ikot Ntan Ide; Afaha Atai; Ikot Nkan, which contracts were awarded by the Primary Health Development Agency and equipment supplied; even as we continue to face challenging public health predicament in our Constituency?Again, what has happened to the Ntan Ide-Ikot Udo bridge, onna; Cross River Basin Irrigation and Canal farm at Onna;Upenekang e-library;the Federal Ministry of Environment MkpokOkat Erosion Control/Drainage Contract; agricultural infrastructure in Nduo Eduo, Eket.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

IME flies. It sure does. In the beginning, it seemed like a lifetime to their opponents and those interested in their seats. Eight whole years, many must have wondered. But the first year went by so quickly. The second one sped past and planning for second term took the bulk of the third and fourth year. And ‘like joke like joke’, the fourth year of their second term is rushing out.

Very soon, sirens will no longer announce their arrivals and departures from events.

And like the rest of us, they will endure and enjoy traffic gridlock. There will be a ceiling on their bills that public funds can be used for. Thanks to juicy retirement packages, expenses on medicals, cars and holidays will still be borne by tax payers. But all these postoffice perks notwithstanding, the governors in the Southsouth, except Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, will soon have the Hobson’s choice of adjusting to new realities. They are in the last lap of their second term. While the governors of Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers will vacate their seats next May 29, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole will leave in 2016.

Dickson still has the opportunity of seeking a second term. The others have no such luxury. By law, they cease to be governor next May 29.

Interestingly, glaring signs of their imminent exit are here. The October rush is getting crazy and is turning on the heat in states, such as Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Delta.

October is the deadline set by the Electoral Act for all political parties to submit the names of their governorship hopefuls and candidates for other offices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

And by next February, elections will be held.

In Akwa Ibom, the October rush is more of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affair.

It is still relatively quiet in the other parties.

This may be as a result of the fact that the PDP has always controlled the state. So, it is taken for granted that whoever gets the PDP ticket is as good as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State. Because of this, aspirants are battling Governor Godswill Akpabio over what they say is his plan to impose a candidate on the party. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Udom Emmanuel, the man who always uses the “front door”, is believed to have the governor’s blessing to become His Excellency after May 29.

The situation in Akwa Ibom has seen godsons of Akpabio turning against him. Men with whom he has wined and dined cannot even share ordinary water with him anymore. Daily they plot against one another.

The other day the governor was angry enough to declare that like the Biblical Absalom, any of his sons who wants to take

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

October rush ‘

In days to come, the October rush will engender more hatred, division and name-calling. But my plea is that it should not lead to blood-letting or political assassination. You are free to abuse your fathers. You can even curse your mothers. And if you like, describe your children as bastards. All these are fair in situations like this. Violence is all I preach and pray against •Amaechi

power through the backdoor will die. That statement made several days ago is still generating controversies. The governor’s supporters insist he was referring to political death. His enemies within say he never used the word ‘political’ when he pronounced death on his estranged sons.

There is also the campaign by the Oron people to get the coveted seat. Their campaign is garnering momentum as October beckons.

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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The Federal Government should set up the Ogoni Environmental Restoration Authority, in line with the recommendations of the UNEP Report. More so, with the glaring failure of the HYPREP. The Ogoni people be included in all stakeholder processes relating to the implementation of the UNEP report, including the proposed multi-stakeholder workshop on the report, which is being planned by the Federal Government __

‘

Ogoni people

•Akpabio

‘

Unlike Akpabio, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has no enemies within. At least for now. May be some may emerge as October gets closer. Amaechi has been careful not to announce zoning the governorship ticket to any part of the state. The only thing he has done is to say no Ikwerre man will succeed him. This has pitched him against the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike who was the Director-General of his campaign

organisation and Chief of Staff.

Like Amaechi, Wike is Ikwerre and has shown interest in being governor. He says he has the right and does not need the governor’s permission to exercise it.

Until some months back, both men belonged to the PDP. A misunderstanding between President Goodluck Jonathan and Amaechi saw Wike pitching his tent with his boss. Thanks to the judiciary he was able to take control of the PDP from the governor. It was thus not surprising that Amaechi joined others to give life to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP was decapitated, with several members of the National Assembly, state assembly and other big wigs leaving it for the APC. Wike sees APC as no threat. But there are people within PDP who also do not want him to get the ticket. Scores are angling for the ticket. He sees his opponents within as people planted by Amaechi to kill PDP. He sure has his supporters and believes he can spring a surprise. But there is another interesting angle to the October rush debate in Rivers.

That has to do with the quest by the Ijaw for the leadership of the state, which the upland people would have had for 16 years by next May. The Ogoni are also campaigning seriously for it, making the October rush more intense.

In Cross River, zoning is a major issue in the October rush. But there is an interesting angle to the whole debate. In 1999, Donald Duke became the governor. He left in 2007 for his friend, Liyel Imoke. Now, there is a campaign that the third person, Gershom Bassey, is waiting in the wings to succeed Imoke. The governor has chosen to ignore this campaign.

The story really is not new. It has been around for years. The three friends were said to have taken the decision to rule the state in quick succession starting from 1999. They were said to have met in Lagos. Now that October is knocking, the fear of this so-called pact is jazzing up the governorship debate.

In Delta, the October rush is more about whose turn it is. The Aniocha say it is their time. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has made no open declaration about where it should go. But the Urhobo who are the majority are saying the Aniocha should forget it and aspirants are emerging from their ranks.

My final take: In days to come, the October rush will engender more hatred, division and name-calling. But my plea is that it should not lead to blood-letting or political assassination. You are free to abuse your fathers. You can even curse your mothers. And if you like, describe your children as bastards.

All these are fair in situations like this. Violence is all I preach and pray against.

By MIKE ODIEGWU

Where is ex-Governor Sylva's abducted uncle?

T

HE is an octogenarian, about 86-year-old.

Any hairy part of his head had already turned grey. Adigio-Eseni, a community leader, no doubt deserves respect, especially from the youths. The octogenarian is a favourite uncle to former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.

On July 28, youths as young as his grandchildren stormed his home in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, at about 2am, and whisked him away. Without respect to the age of the octogenarian, the armed youths kicked, pushed him and tore his clothes before bundling him away in a speedboat to an unknown place.

The hoodlums unsettled the community with their sporadic gunshots before and after abducting the grandfather. Two weeks after the incident, nothing was heard from the kidnappers.

They kept family members of their victim in the dark and created anxieties over the safety of Adigio-Eseni. Their action created panic among the children of the victim raising suspicion over the motives of the gunmen.

The affected relatives were in dilemma, especially considering the health condition of their benefactor.

He has high blood pressure. He was only being sustained by his drugs. His abductors didn't go with the drug neither did they go with his phone.

The family thought that they would come out to make their demands . It took over two weeks

before the kidnappers asked for ransom. They want N250m to set the old man free. He was also allowed to speak with a family member and the family was relieved, but worried about where to get that kind of money.

Fabo, the third son in the family, suspects that their father was abducted for political reasons because of his relationship with Sylva, who is now a leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

Apart from being his uncle, Sylva, according to Fabo, was very close to their father.

He said: "We are suspecting that it is political because of his relationship with former Governor Sylva. Maybe some persons kidnapped him to get at Sylva. We know our dad is not a politician and he has been sick for sometimes.

"He has been in the house and he hardly goes out even to the church. But he is a very close uncle to Sylva. Any time he (Sylva) comes to the village, his first port of call is my dad's place.

"We are down and my step mum is the worst hit. She has been in shock and depressed. She doesn't know what to do. She has not uttered a word since then. We are even afraid. Everybody is downcast. There is nothing we can do because the old man is the pillar of the family."

Just like Fabo said, the 70-year-old wife of Adigio-Eseni has been a ghost of herself since her husband was taken to the kidnappers' den. But her spirits were lifted a little on Tuesday when she was told that the kidnappers contacted a

member of the family. She was also told that her husband's voice was heard for the first time after about 15 days.

"I miss my husband. Until l see him l won't be at rest. I am begging the kidnappers to set him free for me. They should at least consider his old age. Since they took him away from me, my life has not been the same again,"she said.

But where will the money come from? That is the family’s dilemma.

Fabo said: "We are a little relieved to learn that our father for the first time spoke. This is an indication that he is still alive. At least negotiation has started.

"We, however, learnt that his voice was very down perhaps because of his sickness. He should be released to come back to us. Hearing that he is alive makes us happy.

"Where do they expect us to get that kind of money? We don't have money. We are appealing to them to release our father on humanitarian ground."

Commissioner of Police Mr. Hilary Opara said the command was doing everything possible to rescue the octogenarian. Hilary whose command has been solving many kidnap cases in recent time promised to bring back Adigio-Eseni alive.

Certainly, the octogenarian does not deserve the kind of treatment being meted out to him.

The youths who are holding him should think of their own old age. That is if they leave to even see old age.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

37

• An entertaining performance at the show to thrill shoppers.

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KEJA City Mall with its diverse nature is capable of introducing innovations in various forms. The mall, which stops at nothing in giving the best to shoppers, thrilled shoppers to an interesting music and fashion show at the weekend as they combine shopping with fun.

Most of them were taken by surprise when they walked into the mall to find an electrifying runway and an attentive crowd entertained by top Nigerian models and musicians. It was the second edition of the mall’s yearly music and fashion show. Indeed, there were various musical performances and electrifying runway exhibitions as well as unmatched glitz and glamour designed to showcase the summer collections of fashion stores in the mall. The

Ikeja City Mall fetes shoppers best of youthful celebrities, models and artistes entertained guests and shoppers as people were treated to loads of rewarding entertainment with free gifts and refreshments.

The event, which was anchored

by MC Jafextra, featured high profile designer-labels showcasing their latest top brands in a fashion parade. Mango, Kidz Country, Wrangler, Markham, Da Viva, US Polo, Maybrands, Jack & Jones, Nike, TM Lewin, and Levis, all participated in the Fashion Show and made gifts available to winners of the draw.

BlackUp, a make over outfit, did the make-up for all the models;

Casabella provided their wigs, Bruno’s Place styled their hair while Melting Moments provided ice cream and dessert for attendees.

Shoppers were thrilled as various artistes performed and many of them went home with free Da Viva clothes, wrist watches and a taste of Rubis wine, from Shoprite among other gift items Special crowd control security personnel were on ground as the turnout was massive; showing a huge improvement on last year’s edition and better patronage by consumers.

The fun did not end there, shoppers, who had submitted their

purchase receipt before the show commenced, had to compete in a raffle draw which produced 10 winners towards the end of the show. Mouth watering gifts were presented to them by ace MC Jafextra and the mall’s Marketing Manager, Eniola Ositelu. The winners are Franka Ogwe; Tammy; Engr. Tunji Fakorede; Triga Michaels; Tamin; Mrs Meena; Adeyemi Saheed; Mr. E.A. Wale; Mrs Wura and Mr. George.

Gifts won include 10 Da Viva fabrics; Casabella goodie bags; Emporio Armani gifts (May brands); gift vouchers from Kidz Country; Foschini; Markham; Jack & Jones; Mr. Price; Wrangler and

Mango. Other gifts include Polo tops and Jeans from US Polo, Nike apparels, complimentary invites for a flash make-over from BlackUp, TM Lewin shirts and swatch wristwatches.

The mall’s centre manager, Mr. Norman Sander, said: “This year’s edition is to further prove that Ikeja City Mall is not just a shopping place, but is fast becoming a really big social network avenue for the youth especially, where they meet for healthy social interactions and exchange of positive business ideas while they enjoy themselves. They are not just coming to shop, but to have fun and share a transforming experience.”

Kimberly Clark introduces Huggies pure and natural diaper

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LOBAL leading diaper manufacturer, Kimberly Clark, has introduced Huggies Pure & Natural diaper into the Nigerian market. Its brand is a super premium product made from pure and organic cotton ingredients that provide gentle protection for new born babies.

Its Senior Category Manager, Chidinma Uwadiae, disclosed during a hospital sensitisation tour at the Mezonel Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, that the product was made specifically for Nigerian babies.

She said the country’s climatic condition was taken into consideration while sourcing for materials and throughout the production process of the product.

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-Engages mothers in sensitisation activitiesBy Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

”Huggies Pure and Natural diaper is specifically made for Nigerian and African new born babies, putting into consideration the climatic condition. Besides, Huggies is a household name for diapers.

The new Huggies Pure & Natural is a special product. It is here in Nigeria, for Nigerians and Africans. It is in line with our resolve to deliver our best for Nigerian and African babies,” Uwadiae said.

She stressed: “We have embarked on this activation for a few months now to familiarise the

product with mothers. Relating with the mothers, we found out that the number one unmet need is a diaper that provides superior dryness, and understands the sensitivity of their new born babies. This is what Huggies Pure and Natural stands for. Nigerian mothers have finally met what they are craving for; a diaper that is soft, breathable and gentle.”

Responding to the sensitisation, an expectant mother, Chinazor Onuoha, expressed excitement at the news that Huggies specially made for new born babies is now available in Nigeria, adding that Huggies diaper brand has for long

Jumia introduces new windows app

UMIA has launched a new App on windows App store for customers to get unlimited shopping experience on the largest online store in Nigeria with over 200,000 items listed.

It also offers customers a great shopping experience with the expansion to Windows phone for customers to enjoy large assortment of products.

Speaking about Jumia’s innovation for the Windows phone, its Nigeria’s Managing Director for Marketing & Sales, Jonathan Doerr said: “We are giving Nigerians the best shopping experience with technology innovation such as the new App for windows phone. This is to

-App now on windows phoneextend our relation to customers, giving them the option to make Jumia their home with the app shopping through our major categories and getting the best price.”

Microsoft Mobile West Africa’s Managing Director, Nick Imudia, said the Jumia app is one of the more interesting additions to the Lumia device. ”We are happy to partner with the Jumia, the leading e-commerce company in Nigeria, to bring this on the Lumia device. This is one of our ways of ensuring that our customers get access to the tools they need on their Lumia devices.

The app allows people to shop for any of the items available on the Jumia website right from their Lumia device anytime and anywhere.”

For customers, this is like a back door access to Jumia’s 200,000 products with the new Jumia App for windows. The app is available for free download on all Lumia range of devices with free shopping discount voucher for every user. Jumia is also giving one windows phone user the chance to win a Nokia Lumia phone when they download the new Jumia App.

been the category leader.

The new Huggies Pure & Natural diaper is hypoallergenic, latex and fragrance free, and features a breathable outer cover that in-

I

cludes organic cotton. Its lining include natural Aloe and Vitamin E from renewable sources. The new diaper comes in two sizes: one and two.

Omni-channel shopping drives sales, says Kaymu

N a world where people use several media channels to stay informed, interact and communicate, it is imperative that consumers enjoy an omni-channel shopping experience, a leading online marketplace, Kaymu.com.ng, has said.

A statement by the company defines omni-channel shopping as the simultaneous use of two channels for shopping purposes and describes the necessary coherence between the different channels to enable easy and practical customer interaction.

Omni-channel shopping ensures that consumers enjoy the same service irrespective of platform or channel. For instance, a consumer does not have to recreate an account while using desktops and tables or an in-store pick-up or check out.

“Customers want to identify and connect with your brand irrespective of channel. Omni-channel shopping not only drives sales, but ensures that consumers enjoy an enriched physical and virtual shopping experience,” Evangeline Wiles, Managing Director of

Kaymu said.

Brick and Mortar stores, which have an additional online presence, need to reinforce customer experience regardless of channel. Customers need to feel that they are getting the same service and shopping experience as they would get from buying from a physical store, while buying online.

“Sellers do not only have to be where their customers are and think that an Omni-channel matters, but must invest in excellent customer service and customer-centric servicing tools.

Retailers, who are able to incorporate their physical store with the rest of their digital capabilities, can gain a true competitive advantage,” Wiles added.

Omni-channel shopping provides a reliable and recognisable buying experience whereby the physical- and virtual experiences come together, building a crosschannel as well as a total approach not only for the shopping experience itself, but for the communication before and certainly after a purchase.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

With an ever-increasing population in Nigeria, the challenge is how to produce enough food to meet demand.

Some higher institutions are addressing the challenge through agricultural projects. DANIEL ESSIET reports that this initiative will enhance food security.

• Horses

• Nworgu

• Oyewole

Towards building agro entrepreneurs S

TUDENTS of agricultural science in tertiary institutions need practical skills to be employable or or self-employed. To this end, many higher institutions are undertaking agriculture projects to build innovative entrepreneurs across the country. One of such schools is the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State.

While the school offers academic opportunities to prospective students in Animal Health and Production, it also provides a hands-on approach to course content and encourage students to gain the practical experience required.

To train agriculture professionals, research and community service, the school established farms of the major domestic livestock species such as beef, dairy, sheep and goats and poultry.

The primary objective of establishing these farms, according to the institution is to support the practical teaching and service activities in the field of animal sciences. The college also raises goats, pigs and snails.

Across the school, there are a variety of campus farms that function as demonstration centres and laboratories where students can witness and participate in animal husbandry.

From one edge, farms can be seen stretching all the way to the horizon.

Speaking on the development, the school’s Acting Provost, Dr Friday Nworgu said campus farms are vital because real practical farming would help graduates start something on their own on completion of their studies, adding that it is hard to get youths involved in functional agriculture if they don’t have the know-how and skills to carry out profitable farming.

Since the school’s strenght is animal husbandry, Nworgu said the campus farms are used for hands-on instruction in a variety of courses offered through the Department of Animal Sciences, ranging from livestock management to horse nutrition and small ruminant.

However, the school has started to build and restock its livestock farms to stimulate entrepreneurial agriculture.

One area the college is taking seri-

ously is horse breeding. This is because few people have knowledge of horse breeding. Polo racing is perhaps the most glamorous and money-spinning animal sport.

However, behind every champion on the race tracks lies the masterly skill of its breeding. The college is taking advantage of it to raise horse breeding entrepreneurs.

The market is there as lots of polo clubs are emerging that need exotic horses. He said the school will train Nigerians on how to raise horses.

To achieve this, the school is banking on the strength and capacities of its faculty, while Ibadan has climate and geographical advantages to become a major player in this form of agriculture.

According to him, the infrastructure is there and there is a large farm house for horses. He added that the horse facility was designed to breed high quality purebred horses. There is a breeding shed, an indoor arena/ classroom complex, and a storage shed. There are barns on the facility that are used to quarantine new horses. This gives students the opportunity to experience all aspects of horse preparation. The mission of the breeding programme is to produce exotic breeds, combining type, conformity, and athleticism with the trainability required for use in a programme with extensive student involvement.

At the end, the Acting Provost sees a new breed of young entrepreneurs combining their love of farming and agriculture with an acquired professional business approach.

FCAH&PT stands out today as one higher institution with horse breeding programme in the country.

Nworgu said the primary mission of the college horse breeding programme is to educate the next generation of horse persons and solve industry problems through applied scientific research.

The philosophy is to maintain the highest quality of livestock possible on its farms for those purposes.

While the students benefit, the quality of life of the residents who use the place as a hub for acquiring skills towards entrepreneurship is enhanced.

According to him, the unprecedented commitment of the present

government to seriously address the need for employment generation is a propitious opportunity for higher institutions to implement strategies for generating full employment in the country.

For him, promoting agro entrepreneurship will lead to higher productivity that will unleash multiplier effect on the value chain by increasing demand for farm and nonfarm products and services.

One of the instructors, Dr Oladipo Tunbosun said the endeavour involves meticulous planning and immaculate techniques. To this end, the school has to pay attention to proper feeding and grooming of the horses. On the whole, he sees countless revenue possibilities in the horse industry. Graduates of the horse programme go on to have successful careers within the equine industry focusing on areas such as training, horse farm management, and equine-related businesses.

Generally, experts believe if higher institutions are to salvage the economy, he said a lot of efforts have to be put into agricultural entrepreneurship activities.

One of them is the Project Manager, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C:AVA), Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom, Dr Kola Adebayo.

Stressing the importance of providing agro entrepreneurship training, Adebayo said a combination of good farming practices, and the integration of technology will make the difference in a successful farm that is able to help feed the nation.

This ,he said is achievable with the rising trend of entrepreneurship agriculture.

A entrepreneurial tour of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta will show farms and food-related businesses.

Highlighted are high quality sustainable crop production using conventional farming systems, and more.

FUNAAB offers facilities that are capable of training future agro entrepreneurs. This is obvious with a number of farming projects scattered across its campus. There are a variety of chicken breeds, developed for egg production, meat production, and/or good looks. While many breeds are adaptable to a backyard

setting, certain breeds are better than others for backyard conditions.

Other facilities include the cassava production unit, the bakery, palmwine unit, palm oil unit, cashew nut unit, pineapple plantation, college of animal science and livestock production cattle production venture farm and the institute of food security, environment resources and agricultural research farm.

The university engages in the training of production-oriented agricultural graduates which equips them to be job creators rather than job seekers. To achieve this, the university entrenched farm practical curriculum in the B. Agriculture programme between 300 and 400 level.

The peak of the training is the mandatory six months exclusive farm practical year programme (FPY) at the penultimate year of the B.Agric programme which objectives are to: expose the students to work methods, tools, techniques and practices not taught in the theory class, bringing trainees in direct contact with farm staff and local farmers to obtain first hand information on farming conditions and problems.

The Farm Practical Year (FPY) programme afford the trainees the opportunity to “learn by doing” by undertaking practical farming activities on both crop and livestock sections of the university.

The Federal Government recently directed that FPY programme be extended to one year from the six months it previously was.

Addressing Stakeholders’ Workshop, at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Ibadan, FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole said graduates were expected to be practising farming as a business venture in an exemplary and successful manner that will in turn reduce unemployment level, enhance farm production, increase food production and food security. It will also reduce food importation and improve livelihoods of farm households by invariably leading to the overall national economic growth and development.

The don observed that these aspirations remained unfulfilled despite the establishment of the specialised Universities of Agriculture for a

number of reasons that had prevented the nation from attaining its desired rapid economic development through agriculture.

These reasons include the difficulty in getting fresh graduates to take up farming as a means of livelihood after leaving school, increasing ageing farming population, over-dependence on food importation, food price instability and political crisis.

He said: “Agriculture and farm-related occupations remain unpopular among young people because of its inherent association with poverty, drudgery and backwardness. The undergraduate agriculture training programmes in universities have not helped matters much as it only mimics the existing methods of farming by the local populace with its practical component depending on manual labour and minimal application of modern technology.

“The result has been declining enrollment in undergraduate agriculture programmes and the growing lack of interest in farming among youths.”

According to him, Universities of Agriculture, by their very foundation would appear to have a covenant with the society, arguing that the covenant is to develop a cadre of young, dynamic modern farmers that would develop innovative practices in agriculture, the economy, reduce poverty and bring about sustainable development of the sector. He lamented that this covenant with the society has largely remained unfulfilled.

Despite of the challenges, he said the giant strides recorded by FUNAAB, in fostering innovation for inclusive development through its institute of food security, environmental resources and agricultural research; agricultural media resources and extension centre; students’ industrial work experience scheme/farm practical year; agro-industrial park unit; the graduate farming scheme, among others.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof.Biyi Daramola, said poor performance of the agriculture sector led to the inability to reach sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS Invest in agric to reduce Expert warns against animal Don to govt: unemployment feeds contamination T

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HE Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Prof Abiodun Adeloye, has urged the government to ensure that animal feeds are free from contamination.

Increased animal health challenges, he said, has raised the awareness of animal food safety that spotlighted the risks to the food chain.

Adeloye stressed the need to improve surveillance and monitoring for contaminated feed.

Animal feeds, according to him, required multiple raw materials mostly from crops grown in the farms. Many of the ingredients used by the animal feed industry

Stories by Daniel Essiet

are materials not used for human consumption or are products remaining after processing materials for human food, known as coproducts for animal feed.

The live stock Industry, he said, is faced with a variety of potential contaminants within animal feed, mostly the contaminants come from incoming materials.

For this reason, he maintained that it was important to assess the severity and probability of the potential contaminations in order to determine the actions required, if any, to control the potential risk.

He called on feed manufacturers to focus on controlling contamination hazards, adding that feed samples from across the supply chain should be sent to laboratories to check for contaminants.

He suggested that testing be performed at feed mills or even points of entry where feed materials enter the country.

He urged the government to enforce safety procedures for the supply, handling, manufacture, storage and distribution of commercially produced feed for animals.

According to him, lack of regulations to guide animal feed manufacturers could threaten the livestock sector.

‘Why fish import limits is vital to the economy’

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HE Federal Government’s policy of restricting fish imports will help to revive the sector, which accounts for four per cent of the Gross Domestic Products, the Managing Director Vesa Fisheries, Mrs Vera Aighbe, has said.

The focus of the new fish policy, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is to promote fish self-sufficiency as total fish demand is 2.7 million metric tonnes with local production accounting for 800,000 metric tones.

The large deficit of 1.9 million metric tonnes being met by imports.

Mrs Aighbe praised the policy, noting that it has provided a level playing field for players as well as promoted increased entrant of local players into the industry.

She said their previous challenges which had been unattended to by former administrations were being tackled under the fish policy.

According to her, the new policy on import quota is directed at sani-

tising a terribly corrupt fish import licensing and import quota system.

She said it has prevented the practice where some large corporate importers simply stockpile fish and distort the market at will, driving small Nigerian fish retailers out of business. Stock piling also leads to keeping fish way beyond acceptable sell-by dates, leading to sale of rancid fish to consumers.

On its sustainability, she recommended the dissection of the policy to be adopted as a national law and ended with saying: “I can’t sell bad fish to my brothers and sisters or to any one as I do not know who will buy the fish.”

She was optimistic of the initiative. Through the implementation of the policy, Mrs Aigbe noted that the “Fishy Business” which had riddled the industry mostly the issue of foreign players marginalising and oppressing the local players have become issues of the past as the policy promotes local market

share which has risen to about 50 per cent and they are pushing for a 60-40 share.

She also validated the minister’s target to rid the market of bad fish, adding that with the policy they can purchase monthly quota which ensures that the fish in the market is fresh and healthy for consumption.

She said the limits were being imposed “with the goal of guaranteeing the security of the local fisheries and indicate that the scope of the measures is reducing spoilage and wastage caused by overstocking by foreign companies’’.

On the allegations of bribery in the industry, she said: “The minister is a straight man, the allegation is not true; we do not have the money to even bribe the minister.

The issue of bribery was in the past and was by the foreign players. The allocation and quota sharing was done without any financial inducement from Nigerian fish industry players.”

How food manufacturing can boost growth, by PCCI

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He said the food processing Industry will indirectly support development of agriculture growth and farmers.

He noted, however, that food processing industry is badly affected due to poor availability of power. Growth of industry, according to him, is not coming due to scarcity, hence power availability to improve, which will help over all to all round development of the industry.

On the development of food processing industries, he said multi-pronged strategies should be taken to reduce wastage of produced goods.

Ochia said food manufacturing, represent technologies and solu-

tions to needs in food security, human health, economic development and environmental sustain-ability.

With tremendous investment in farming across the country, Ochia said there was a need to improve food processing to reduce wastage.

Significant opportunities, he noted, exist for companies in the food-processing sector.

He called for more work to be done to meet the nation’s food demands as well as achieve the national policy driven to boost agriculture output.

He called on the government to provide an enabling environment through prudent policies and regulations for the private sector to thrive.

farmers.

“God has been so kind to this country because we are blessed with fertile land on which we can plant any crop across the nation and you can be sure of good harvest at the end.

“But I sincerely believe that millions of our unemployed youth will go back to farm if the governments, I mean the federal, state and local governments, can make it a point of duty to provide enabling environment.

“They should do that by making tractors and other equipment available, provide storage facilities, soft loans and buy the goods from them, possibly for export when necessary,” the provost said.

He said the institution was ready to provide technical assistance, including consultancy to farmers.

African leaders target 2025 to end hunger

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FRICAN LEADERS have agreed to end hunger and cut poverty by half by 2025 through investments in agriculture, a statement by the African Press Organisation in Addis Ababa said.

The statement signed by Mr Boaz Keizire, Head, Agriculture and Food Security, African Union and Ms Carol Jilombo, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission (AUC), was received online by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

It said the commitment was part of the resolutions reached at the recently-concluded 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Tagged, the Malabo Declaration, African leaders declared their commitment to new priorities, strategies and targets around agriculture-led growth.

These priorities, it said, were geared towards achieving food and nutrition security for shared prosperity of the African people.

“African Heads of State have specifically agreed to end hunger in Africa by 2025, halve poverty by 2025 through inclusive agricultural growth and transformation.

“They have also agreed to further increase both public and private investment finance in agriculture.

“They agreed to boost intra-Africa trade in agricultural commodities and services, enhance resilience of livelihood, production systems to climate change variability and other related risks; while committing to mutual accountability to actions and results.

“The leaders also renewed their commitment towards the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) process which pushes African leaders’ commitment towards a systematic regular review process, using the CAADP Results Framework.”

Edo Fadama farmers to establish bank

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• From left: Babatunde Abdulkareem, Edo State Agricultural Development Project; Postharvest Engineer, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Thierno Diallo; Project Leader for IITA-managed Sustainable Weed Management Technologies for Cassava Systems in Nigeria, Dr Alfred Dixon; Head of Agric Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof Olawale Olukunle; Communication & Knowledge Exchange Expert, IITA, Godwin Atser; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development official Owolabi Matthew Olusegun during a meeting on weed control in IITA.

HE food manufacturing industry can drive economic growth and job creation to new heights if supported, a fomer President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Hyde Ochia, has said.

According to him, a robust food manufacturing can contain inflation, support industry and services, and enhance employment opportunities.

He said food processing has assumed greater significance in view of increasing activities promoted through the Agricultural Transformation Agenga (ATA).

The rise in food processing, he said, ensured a lower pressure on employment schemes.

HE Provost, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, has called on the government to invest in agriculture to reduce unemployment in the country.

Adewale said more investment and concentration on agricultural development would reduce unemployment to a minimal level.

According to him, unemployment can only be eradicated in Nigeria if the federal and state governments invest in agriculture.

“They should provide conducive environment that will entice jobless youths to the sector,” he said.

He urged the government to enhance the capacity of the youths through support for vocational studies to make them self-reliant, adding that the government should also provide soft loans for young

HE Federated Fadama III farmers in Edo State have raised N30 million from 10 local governments to establish a microfinance bank, the Chairman, Southsouth Federated Fadama Union, Mr Henry Ebole, has said.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that the union is targeting N54 million.

He said: “Each Federated Fadama body in the 18 local government areas of the state was expected to contribute N3 million towards the take-off of the project.

“We are happy that 10 local governments have responded and we are still waiting for the other eight to comply before we start off the project.”

Ebole said the effort was aimed at sustaining the Fadama III projects, adding that with the

bank, Fadama farmers would be able to access soft loans at reduced interest rates.

According to him, a capital base of N54 million is required by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish the bank.

He expressed optimism that the bank would start operation soon.

He said the bank would provide adequate support to the farmers to increase food production in their various localities.

He explained that the micro-finance bank would be independent as the directors would be chosen from the various federated Fadama cooperative groups, to ensure that only farmers benefit from the institution.

The chairman, therefore, urged the state and local governments to support the farmers to set up the microfinance bank.

FAO sees fisheries, aquaculture grow GDP

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HE fisheries and aquaculture sector contribute significantly to Africa’s overall economy, a new study by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said.

In a report, the value added by the fisheries sector as a whole – which includes inland and marine capture fisheries, post-harvest, licensing of local fleets and aquaculture - was estimated at more than $24 billion in 2011, representing 1.26 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of all African countries.

A close look at the figures highlights the key role of marine artisanal fisheries and related processing, as well as inland fisheries which provide one third of the continent’s total catches.

While aquaculture is still developing in Africa and is mostly concentrated in a few countries, it produces an estimated value of almost

$3 billion yearly.

As data on licence fees paid by foreign fleets were not easily available to the national experts participating in this study, an attempt was also made to estimate the value of fisheries agreements with Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs) fishing in the exclusive economic zones of African states.

Considering that 25 per cent of all marine catches around Africa are still by non-African countries, if also these catches were caught

by African states in theory they could generate an additional value of $3.3 billion, which is eight times higher than the current $0.4 billion African countries earn from fisheries agreements All in all, the sector as a whole employs 12.3 million people as full-time fishers or full-time and part-time processors, representing over two per cent of 15-64 year olds in Africa.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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BUSINESS More than a decade after digital telephony came to Nigeria, access to telecoms services has been liberalised across all the strata of the society. While active subscribers’ figure is approaching 135 million, teledensity has reached 92.42 per cent. However, poor quality of service has remained a big challenge. LUCAS AJANAKU Xrays the network enhancement efforts of Globacom, the only wholly indigenous operator in the country.

Quest for quality telecoms services

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OR the telecommunication sector, it has been a story of gloom, boom, doom and the country is earnestly hoping for the return to the era of boom, particularly in quality service delivery.

The moribund Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) signposted the era of gloom when the national carrier served about 150 million Nigerians with 400,000 connected lines as at October 2000.

The nation, however, ecstatically eased into the era of boom with the licensing of global system for mobile communication (GSM) to operators.

Millions of Nigerians, who never thought they could own their private telephone lines, became proud owners of phones.

For Nigeria, the boom has not only been in the access to telecoms service, it has also been in the massive inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI). The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the sector has attracted FDI above $25 billion. According to him, the potential of the industry to grow the economy is almost limitless.

Juwah is, however, forthright to admit that despite the investments by the operators, quality of service (QoS) levels have been unsatisfactory. Indeed, the excitement had since paled into pain for many subscribers with dropped calls and other inconveniences. Infrastructure of virtually all the key players had buckled under the pressure exerted by the ease of access to services. They were overstretched. The NCC had to wield the big stick to restore the era of boom when most telcos fell short of meeting all the key performance indicators (KPIs) it set with the buy-in of the telcos.

Juwah has equally come out on several occasions to admit that there are a number of peculiar challenges that make it difficult for operators to operate at optimum level in Nigeria. Some of these challenges include inadequate power, equipment vandalism, equipment theft and multiple taxation, which leads to a situation wherein Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) belonging to telecom operators are routinely shut by various agencies of government.

They are huge challenges that he, however, said the regulatory body was working with the supervising ministry and relevant agencies and

arms of government to resolve.

Justifiably so, the operators have been lampooned by subscribers who want nothing but good quality service delivery. The operators knew that notwithstanding the challenges, they must rise above the occasion to satisfy their customers to remain in business. They have repeatedly assured the nation that they are doing all within their capacity to significantly improve telecom service. Several billions dollars have been poured into the sector by the operators who are eager to make a positive change as soon as possible.

Nigeria’s only national telecom carrier, Globacom has, particularly, been outstanding in this regard. The operator has tried to make its own network expansion and modernisation project as transparent as possible. The operator called journalists together at the commencement of the project and has called journalists together again several times since then to update them on the progress made.

On one of such occasions, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mr. Mohamed Jameel, said the project was being embarked upon to put the issue of flagging quality of service to rest. He said the company was determined to achieve this even if the task looked daunting.

He recalled that Globacom commenced operation with no support infrastructure in 2003 and built one of the fastest growing telecom infrastructure in Africa. He said Globacom delighted in doing what many might consider impossible.

Jameel recalled that Globacom shattered the myth surrounding per second billing in Nigeria by introducing it at its launch, when other operators insisted it was impossible. He added that the company had since gone ahead to blaze the trail in other areas.

He said Globacom launched commercial operation with 2.5G network, which made it possible to provide General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and products and services running on the infrastructure which was then the most advanced in the country, such as mobile internet, mobile banking and BlackBerry.

He said Globacom was the first to introduce 3G Plus in Nigeria and, indeed, West Africa. This enabled the telco to provide video calling, high speed internet (HSI), mobile

•Janmeel

•Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga

TV and video-on-demand to its subscribers.

Globacom remains the only operator with an individually-owned submarine cable called Glo 1, which has started addressing Africa’s internet bandwidth problem.

He added that Glo was the first and only operator to introduce the beautiful and environment-friendly Palm Tree base stations, which adorns the Lagos Lagoon, among other places across the country.

sible for its data subscribers to experience significant service enhancement. The project is expected to be completed this year.

Service improvement is being felt in various parts of the country. Koleosho promised that the improvement would continue.

Speaking during an interactive session, Jameel said: “Having played a prominent role in the first telecom revolution in the country, Globacom is ready to lead Nigeria into the second revolution, which will be an explosive ICT broadband growth across Nigeria in the next three decades.

“Globacom will be the biggest player in the second telecommunication revolution in Nigeria. We are converting every cell site in Nigeria into broadband. Nigerians will enjoy the massive transformation on the Glo network after the expansion and modernisation exercise.”

The project covers swapping, upgrade, and overhaul of network infrastructure, as well as building of new switches and construction of additional 4,000 km of optic fibre cable (OFC) to complement the existing facility, which is among the most extensive private fibre networks in Africa. The company’s 10,000km OFC net-

Why build new network?

When the telco clocked 10 last year, it began a massive network expansion project being implemented by leading technology infrastructure companies, Huawei, Ericsson and ZTE. The project entailed swapping of old base stations (BTS) with new ones and the modernisation of existing infrastructure.

According to Jameel, the swapping of old BTS in Lagos is 90 per cent complete. He said the project is expected to be completed before the end of this month, promising that subscribers would witness improved network experience upon its completion.

“Ogun State swapping is fully completed, while Edo State is about 60 per cent completed. The swapping project has also started in neighbouring Delta State. This is in addition to Abuja, Oyo, Osun, and AkwaIbom states. Port Harcourt and several parts of Lagos including Lekki, Ikorodu, Agbara and Otta have also been completed,” he said, promising that by the time the project is completed, it will have swapped old components on the network across the nation with state-ofthe-art network software and hardware. “In short, we are building a sparkling new network,” Jameel enthused.

Its Head, Operations, Bisi Koleosho, who briefed the media on updates, said the telco would soon achieve its target of 90 per cent 3G coverage, the first in the industry, making it pos-

‘Parking tankers on airport roads dangerous’

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the aviation sector have expressed worry over the flouting of parking orders issued to tanker drivers who operate on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road in Lagos.

They are alarmed that despite warnings, fuel tanker drivers still park on the road, thereby constituting security risks.

They said the relevant agencies should impress it on the tanker drivers to relocate to the place they have been assigned rather constituting nuisance.

The Secretary-General, Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association ( NAPA), Comrade Abdulrasak Siedu, said allowing impunity to continue is not good for the sector, because it dangerous.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

But the General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers ( NUPENG), Comrade Isaac Aberare, denied the allegation.

He said the union has an understanding with the airport authorities on how to carry out their operations.

According to him, the drivers have since restricted themselves to the designated point created for them.

Three weeks ago, the Federal Government and the Lagos State Transportation Management Authority (LASTMA) asked tanker and truck drivers to vacate the major highways in the state, including the airport road.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, threatened to impound any truck parked on the Airport Road.

He said drivers who refused to remove the trucks would be dealth with.

Edu said: “We are going to go tough with the tanker drivers if they do not comply. Their trucks are constituting grave danger on the road.’’

There are no fewer than 20 tankers belonging to oil firms parked on the airport, leading to the Ajao Estate Road.

To arrest the situation, LASTMA said it would impound the trucks if the drivers fail to remove their trucks.

The step, Edu said, would bring sanity to the road and improve securityin the area.

work is also being expanded with IP MPLS and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network to provide capacity and route protection. It will also ensure constant (24/7) connectivity.

The massive project, according to Jameel, also includes the setting up of three new call centres in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos to take care of vast increase in subscriber figures and upgrade of the radio access network which will ensure that data customers enjoy unparalleled speed and reliability.

He said the brand new network Globacom is building would be congestion-free, with reduced call drops. The Lagos microwave network is also being transformed into a full internet protocol Network (IPN) to meet future data requirements.

International services Glo says it is enhancing its reputation as one of the biggest voice and data carriers in Africa. It has deepened its roaming services offering with the addition of over 100 leading network partners across the world in the last one year. Subscribers to Glo, who are on the postpaid platform, can enjoy seamless roaming services in almost every part of the world as Glo has interconnectivity arrangements with over 430 partners in 176 countries. Thus, Glo is the network in Nigeria with the largest international postpaid roaming footprint.

Glo has, similarly, extended its prepaid roaming to more destinations as the service is available in most major destinations where it is partnering with over 80 leading networks. Jameel added that Glo’s GPRS roaming is also one of the largest in Africa. The service, which enables data roaming for mobile phones, laptops, iPads, Blackberry and android handsets, is available in 115 countries comprising all major travel destinations.

Having pioneered per second billing (PSB) and led the revolution to make telephony affordable to many Nigerians, expectations are high that Glo will make the nation proud again with its new network.

Vono grows turnover by N316m

V

ONO Products PLC has grown its turnover by N316million. While in 2012, turnover was N525.8million, last year, it was N841.4million.

Its Chairman, Dr Mohammed Yinusa, announced this at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos. He said its gross profit rose from N121.3million in 2012 to N230million last year. However, the fortunes of the firm improved in the year under review as profit after tax went up to N1.5million compared to a loss of N86.8million it posted in 2012.

Dr Yinusa lamented that the fortunes of the firm were affected by the insurgency in the North.

He said: “It is disheartening to note that a great number of manufacturing companies and business concerns, including our company are already counting their losses from this deeply hurtful and disconcerting situation. It is hoped that the government will find a lasting solution to the problem before it takes its toll on the economy.”

Besides insecurity, he said the industry also suffered from dearth of infrastructure and dumping of cheap and substandard furniture.

He said: “While importation of wood work is classified as contraband, most of our prominent stores are adorned with such items of furniture.

By Joseph Eshanokpe

“The problem was exacerbated by low entry barrier in the furniture industry resulting in the prevalence of several small players with no formal structures. This posed a significant threat as our furniture products, particularly beddings could not compete in terms of pricing. Compromising quality was not an option in the circumstance so as not jeopardise the brand image.

“It is gratifying to mention that Vono brand still commands tremendous goodwill among several private and public institutions and individuals with craving for quality and durability. He said efforts would be geared towards expanding their share of the market via efficient procurement and production processes.”

One of such ways, he said, was to exploit opportunities that might arise from the housing sector, which, he noted, has a deficit of 15 million units. Also, he hoped that the government would boost the education sector as it would have spiral effects on the furniture subsector, adding that the firm will take advantage of its large distribution network to bring its products to the consumers.

Dr Yinusa also said the firm would enter into joint ventures with some foreign partners to boost its finance base.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

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THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, DAMATURU P.M.B 1006, Damaturu, Yobe State (Officer of the Registrar)

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION AND TENDER OF CONTRACTORS FOR THE YEAR 2012/2013 MERGED TETFUND NORMAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS The Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu plans to execute the projects below under its year 2012/2013 Merged Tetfund Normal Intervention Projects.

PROJECTS Lot i. Renovation of 7Nos. Student Hostels.

Lot ii. Construction of 3No. 100 Capacity Student Hostels.

Lot iii. Extension of 33KV Electricity line to the Polytechnic.

Lot iv.Drilling of 1No. Solar Powered Borehole with 60,000 litres underground reservoir, 50,000 litres overhead tank and 1000 metre reticulation network.

Lot v. Supply and installation of 500KVA Perkins Generator with Generator House and Accessories.

Lot vi.Procurement of Laboratory Accreditation Equipment to Mechanical Engineering Department.

Lot vii. Procurement of Equipment to bombed Department of Survey and Geo-Informatics.

Lot viii. Procurement of Laboratory Equipment to Electrical/ Electronics Department.

Lot ix. Procurement of Laboratory Equipment for Civil Engineering Department.

Lot x. Procurement of Laboratory Furniture for Civil, Mechanical, Agric. Engineering and Electrical/Electronics Departments.

Lot xi. Procurement of 46Nos. Desktop Computers and accessories.

REQUIREMENTS Interested and competent Contractors and Suppliers with required experience are requested to submit pre-qualification documents arranged in the following order for consideration.

1. Evidence of Registration and Incorporation of Company by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

2. Company income Tax Certificate for the last three (3) years (CITC).

3. Company Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years (CAA).

4. List of key staff with evidence of proficiency and experience.

5. Evidence of financial capacity and banking support.

6. Verifiable list of similar works successfully completed in the last three (3) years with names of clients, evidence of award, completion certificate and evidence of payments.

7. Equipment and technology capacity.

8. Vat registration and evidence of Vat remittance.

9. Registration/Remittance to PENCOM. 10. Registration/Remittance to ITF. 11. A sworn affidavit that none of the Officers of the Institution have vested interest in your company and that none of your Directors have any criminal records.

SUBMISSIONS All Pre-qualification and Tender documents are to be submitted in separate sealed envelopes together and boldly marked Prequalification or Tender stating (YEAR 2012/2013 MERGED TETFUND NORMAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS and the lot for which interest is being signified) to: The Registrar, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu P.M.B 1006., Damaturu This should reach him not later than Six (6) weeks from the date of this publication.

OPENING All submissions will be opened at 12:00noon on 26th September, 2014 at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic and all applicants and the sundry public are invited to attend please.

PLEASE NOTE THAT: 1. Only pre-qualified contractors will have their bid documents opened.

2. The Polytechnic will not go into correspondence with any applicant on account of unsuccessful submissions.

SIGN: MANAGEMENT

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 2014

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COMMENTARY

T

HE massacre in Gaza published in this column penultimate week generated reactions from different quarters. Here are few of them.

Palestinian statehood as panacea to peace Comrade Shakiru Yekinni The question at the heart of the ongoing massacre of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel is the quest of a people for statehood. What has now become the 'Palestinian Question' used to be the 'Jewish Question' with regard to the search for a homeland for Jews fleeing persecution from the pogrom and the holocaust in both Eastern and Western Europe respectively. Palestinians used to live in peace until the state of Israel was forceful planted in their midst in 1947 from whence the landless Jewish immigrants of the holocaust commenced the twin-program of dispossession and genocide to displace the rightful owners of the land through the support of the big powers- America, Britain, France, Russia and even Czechoslovakia. Meaning that those who cannot tolerate the Jews in their midst ensured they were planted in the midst of others!

The question of statehood is germane in two senses: one, statelessness presupposes that an occupying power can have a field day repressing, oppressing and subjugating a people not recognised as free; in the other sense, it makes the issue of resistance by the oppressed more of a moral one than a legal one, hence the seeming lack of punitive measure that has accompanied Israel's atrocities.

In recent time, the so called 'free world' rallied behind countries such as Haiti, Kuwait and currently Ukraine following Russia's annexation of a part of it - the Crimea.

Israel's claim of security for which it kills Palestinians to sustain its theft of land and existence of the latter should be a shame on the conscience of the world. Its blockade of Gaza by air, sea and land is suggestive of a plot to make the people perish under a state of siege. We ask America and its Western allies, what makes the live of a Palestinian less sacred than that of a Ukrainian or an Israeli? This is a case of double standard, a dominant feature of Western civilisation in its treatment of others that is responsible for much of the violence and instability around the world The classification of HAMAS as a terrorist organisation by America and its allies (in apparent service of Israeli interest) is a parody of justice and runs counter to common sense and reasoning. Beyond any UN Conventions, HAMAS is compelled by the 'natural law' which makes fighting oppression and subjugation incumbent upon a people to extricate itself from the jaws of extinction within the limit of its capacity. If HAMAS is a terrorist group for resisting Israeli occupation, then George Washington and his group would be the first terrorist group of the modern world for resisting the British!

Israeli atrocities and crimes spear no one (either individual or institution) deemed a stumbling block to its agenda of a 'Greater Israel' and its achievement. In this respect, the first non Palestinian victim of Israel's aggression was Lord Folke Bernadotte - the first UN appointed mediator in the conflict who was killed by the Zionist militant wing, the Lehi (or the Stern Gang as they are called) on the 17th of September 1948 in Jerusalem.

This is despite the fact that the man had earlier negotiated/facilitated the release of some Danish Jews from German concentration camps in World War II. Since this episode, UN centers and facilities in and outside Palestine have become fair targets for Israel.

Not only that, governments seen as actively supporting the cause of the Palestinian people for freedom and a state have either been toppled or classified as 'rogue state'; yet Israel's systematic cleansing of the Palestinians has never even attracted a slap on the wrist!

We call on those who claimed to be the global champions of human rights, freedom and democracy to stop burying their heads in the sand like the ostrich or shed crocodile tears and take actions that will put a stop to the continuous killing of Palestinians. This is the cause of much of the disaffection towards America and its allies in the Muslim world, and until this inhumanity is brought to a close, we hold responsible, not only Israel, but also its backers in Washington and the rest of the European capitals for the genocide of Palestinians.

Yekinni is the Execitive Director Center for Global Peace Initiative (CGPI). laidetop06@yahoo.com

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Still on Gaza

•From left: Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi'I; Director, An-Najat Schools Sheik AbdulFatah Thanni; Director, Muslim Awareness International (MAI) Luqman Balogun; CIO Coordinator Imam Abdullahi Shuaib and National Amir, The Muslim Congress (TMC) Imam Luqman AbdurRaheem at the solidarity symposium on Palestine in Lagos

Gaza: An open prison Imam Luqman AbdurRaheem The Muslim Congress (TMC) joins the teeming millions of people and nations across the world in solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemns in the strongest of terms Israel's atrocities and war crimes on the people of Gaza.

We support the global description given to Israel's ongoing war on Gaza as the genocide of a people by a brutal method of repression typical of all occupationist and terrorist regimes. We condemn Israel's disregard for civilians and violation of all known international laws, norms and conventions in its conduct as it continues to shell with missiles schools, hospitals, places of worship, refugee camps and even UN centers with impunity leading to death of thousands of unarmed civilians mostly innocent women and children.

We affirm and support the rights of Palestinians to a dignified existence through recognition of its right to statehood based on the 1947 UN border demarcation. We condemn in its entirety the satanic 'vision' of 'Greater Israel' which sees the whole of the Middle East as Jewish possession and which is the schematic behind Israel's rejection of the twostate solution. We believe Israel should be held accountable for its war crimes in Gaza and that it should be pressured by the international community to remove its blockade of the strip which covers the air, sea and land making life intolerably miserable.

We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take a cue from other countries of the world, especially those with whom Nigeria shared the inhuman agony of colonialism and apartheid and take necessary action against Israel such as cessation of diplomatic ties with Israel as demonstrated by the massive recall of their ambassadors from Israel by most Latin American countries and others around the world. It is high time Nigeria identified with the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of Palestine by making an official condemnation of the Israel's massacre agenda as well as table the matter before the African Union (AU) for deliberation.

We also wish to express our dissatisfaction, discomfort and concern over the killings in Kaduna of members of a peaceful pro-Palestine rally led by Ibrahim El Zakyzaky which left scores of people dead. The deafening silence of the Federal Government of Nigeria on this issue is generating disquiet among the Muslim community. Hence in the spirit of genuine peace and national unity, we call on the Federal Government to propel the appropriate agencies to conduct an investiga-

tion into the killings and make their findings public. We affirm and identify with the principle that anchors peace upon the tenets of justice and fairness.

We reiterate once again that the people of Palestine deserves dignified existence and a blockade of close to two million people by Israel with tacit support of some superpowers, which makes Gaza the largest open prison in human history is unacceptable! It is time to stand on the side of justice by taking proactive steps against Israel's inhumanity. As we fight the heartless Boko Haram sect in Nigeria, we should not be oblivious of our diplomatic responsibility and obligation to other nations suffering the pang of state terrorism.

AbdurRaheem is the Amir of The Muslim Congress. luq_man2001@yahoo.com

Gaza: Like Hiroshima, Vietnam - Luqman Balogun On July 8th, 2014, the occupying forces of the Zionist regime in Palestine commenced the massacre of innocent Muslims and Christians - children, women, sick and aged to the bewilderment of the whole world. Callously killing civilians, in an enclave described as the only open prison in the whole world, having been under siege on the land, air and sea for almost a decade now. Not satisfied, the criminal entity decided to launch a land offensive on the 17th of July.

By the time the first 72-hours ceasefire was brokered, 1,867 Palestinians have been murdered over 9,000 injured, 222,000 homeless and sheltered in UN schools while thousands of homes were destroyed and reduced to rubbles. On the Israeli's side, 64 Soldiers and three civilians had died.

This action referred to, by many leaders of the world as massacre, genocide, terrorism and madness of the arrogant Zionist entity in the 21st century, and, the response of passivity by some governments, many European Union member states, and the outright support by the United States, seriously undermines and questions the claim to civility of these people. If civility truly means fairness, justice and the prevalence of reason over greed and desires, then, might will always be right only in the animal world.

Although, all peoples of the world from the east to the west and from the south to the north, have been condemning the criminal attempt at genocide of the Palestinians by the Zionist regime, the most powerful nation in the world - United States, once again (recall Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Vietnam), has decided to be on the wrong side of history by

siding with the criminal entity by saying that Israel has a right to 'defend itself' by killing innocent aborigines of the stolen and occupied land.

In addition to billions of dollars in support of Israel, US authorised the use of additional American missiles and shells from her 'war stocks reserve when the Israeli's war missiles was running out, to be used in terminating the lives of hundreds of children, women and even, the sick who were in hospitals.

The world would have been a more peaceful and harmonious place, saved from the horrendous spectacle of shattered and dismembered human bodies in Gaza, if the US had used her enormous influence on Israel to stop the massacre, rather than support it.

The efforts of the UN body to call the Zionist regime to reason and stop the injustice and bloodshed is well noted, while the intransigence and arrogance of the Israelis in bombing UN schools and facilities in Gaza, even after being notified of the exact coordinates of the facilities more than seventeen times, is really appalling. All member nations owe the duty to take the regime to task and sue it in the world criminal court.

If the meaning of courage is to speak a word of truth against a tyrant, and defend the truth and what is right, then we say to the Gazans that thank you for being a light in the darkness that has prevailed on humanity. Might is not perpetual, only truth and justice is! The blood of your martyrs shall not be in vain till you are granted victory on your right.

The balanced efforts of the media, particularly Al Jazeera, Press TV and others in exposing these atrocities is well commended while that of others who would rather support the injustice is really sickening.

We call on Muslims, Arabs and rights activists to unite and assist the Palestinians against the onslaught of the Zionists. Israelis products and that of all their supporters should be boycotted, political and diplomatic relations should also be severed.

Balogun is the Director, Muslim Awareness International (MAI). info@mai.com.ng

Palestine: Why our heart bleed - Kaamil Kalejaiye I must warn us all that Palestine is of paramount concern to all the two billion Muslims of the world, our humble selves inclusive, and not just the people of Gaza. Indeed, recent happenings in Gaza have internationalised the Palestinian struggle, breaking barriers of religion, ideology and race.

Last week, the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign in United Kingdom mobilised a whopping 150, 000 to demonstrate in favour of the Muslims of Gaza. Oddly enough, the Chair of the Campaign, Hugh Lanning, is not a Muslim, nor is the vast majority of the demonstrators!

200, 000 predominantly non-Muslim people also demonstrated in favour of Gaza in South Africa. Largely Catholic Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina and Ecuador have all expelled their Israeli ambassadors and mounted a water-tight boycott of Israeli goods. The Bolivian President even went on to officially declare Israel a terrorist state. Non-Muslims are at the forefront of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, delivering painful economic damage to Israel and its allies.

The question of the moment thus is, "where are the Muslims"?

Because the Abu Bakrs of our time have refused to rise to the occasion, speak up and defend Islam at the intellectual, mass mobilisation and media frontlines, the Abu Talibs of our time have, and they will, because Allah will always protect Islam by the limbs of those amongst His slaves he chooses.

This is a clarion call to Muslim youth, who have beyond doubt borne the brunt of the onslaught of Israel, the West and its allies the most. Shake off your laxity, timidity and intellectual emptiness. Rise to the occasion, and defend Islam and Muslims, so as to gain a slot on the train of Islam on its way to Jannah.

Pray fervently for the people of Gaza, and the whole of the Muslim world. Seek correct and true information about your global Muslim brethren. Defend Islam vigorously on Facebook, Twitter and the likes, by broadcasting, sharing and uploading indisputable facts about the oppression of Muslims worldwide. Be at the forefront of the BOYCOTT MOVEMENT, by refusing to buy, sell, use or associate with Israeli goods, and encouraging others to do same.

Kalejaiye is the President, Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit NB: The Message returns next week

47

FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

LAGOS POLITICS Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in search of a formidable governorship candidate. But, the division in the troubled chapter and lack of reconciliation among warring gladiators may thwart its ambition to produce the next governor, reports Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU.

• Obanikoro

• Doherty

• Adikwu-Bakare

• Agbaje

• Dosunmu

10 for governor in Lagos PDP F

OR 15 years, the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been left in the cold. Its ambition to produce the governor has been aborted by the progressive bloc.

Does the crisis-ridden chapter has prospect in next year’s election?

Opinion is divided on the succession struggle in the Centre of Excellence. The PDP Chairman, Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd), has said power shift is possible, stressing that heaven did not fall when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Kayode Fayemi was defeated by the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Ayodele Fayose in the Ekiti State election. “The wind of change is blowing. The PDP was underrated in Ekiti. But, we won the election. It can happen in other Southwest states in 2015,” he said. But, his APC counterpart, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, described the threat by the PDP to capture Lagos as laughable.

He said there is nothing on ground to show that the PDP can come into reckoning in the state.

In 1999, the PDP candidate, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, was defeated by his Alliance for Democracy (AD) counterpart, Senator Bola Tinubu. In 2003, its flag bearer, the late Mr. Funso Williams, was also defeated by Tinubu, despite the defection of prominent AD chieftains to the PDP. In 2007, the stakes were high. Both PDP and Action Congress (AC) prepared well for the poll. But, at the close of the poll, the PDP candidate, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, lost his deposit. He was defeated by the AC candidate, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Initially, Williams’ widow, Hilda, was named as the flag bearer, following the primaries at the National Stadium, Surulere. But, based on the strategic advice of a national party leader, Chief Tony Anenih, the ticket was given to Obanikoro.

In 2011, the PDP fielded Dr. Ade Dosunmu for the election. At that time, the party had been decimated.

Many chieftains had deserted the party and embraced the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).After the poll, some also defected from the PDP to the ruling party. Among them were the former Chairman, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki, former state secretary Ajiroba

Wale Mogaji, and former legislator Dr. Wale Ahmed. Now that the party is warming up for next year’s polls, many chieftains have also called it quits. They include the respected surgeon, Dr. Yomi Fininh, former deputy governors Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo and Otunba Olufemi Pedro, and Dr. Aganda-Williams.

Since its inception, the PDP has not known peace. The chapter was led at the beginning by a progressive politician, Basorun. But, he was shoved aside immediately after the 1999 elections. The tenure of his successors were full of tension. Under Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, the party was factionalised. Ashorobi held sway at Ikeja while Basorun/Tony Adefuye group encamped at Ikorodu. Efforts by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki to broker peace failed as the Ashorobi group chided the old man for undue interference in its internal affairs. The Ikorodu group blamed the arrowhead of the party and former Works Minister, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, for his refusal to foster unity and harmony between the two caucuses. Fed up with the war of attrition in the party, those who defected from the AD to the PDP in 2003, including Tunde Braimoh, Enock Ajiboso, and Dauda KakoAre ran back to the AC. The PDP trustee, Chief Alaba Williams, who took over from Ashorobi, worked genuinely for reconciliation. But, he was undermined and subverted my gladiators who later edged him out. He was abroad when he learnt that his tenure had ended abruptly. His successor, Mr, Adebayo Williams, could not accomplished much because he enjoyed a brief period as caretaker committee chairman. His successor, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, a former member of House of Representatives from Badagry, operated under the shadow of the party leader, Commodore Bode George (rtd).

Since the report of the Harmonisation Committee led by Chief Tunde Osunrinde from Ogun

State was not implemented, the politics of exclusion permeated the chapter. Osunrinde had recommended the sharing of party officers on equitable basis so that peace could reign. Owing to the non-implementation of the report, other leaders, including Ogunlewe, Mrs. Modupe Sasore, the late Senator Wahab Dosunmu, and other chieftains were working at cross purposes with George.

In fact, in 2011, many of them perceived Dr. Ade Dosunmu, not as the party candidate, but as George’s candidate. The party went for the election as a divided house. On poll day, it was crushed by the ACN. After the election, PDP leaders started to trade blames. A reconciliation move was mooted by a party elder, Pa Aderibigbe Shitta from Ikorodu. But, it did not see the light of the day.

Will the story be different next year when it goes for another poll? Lagos PDP has its traditional strongholds in some parts of Badagry, IbejuLekki, Epe and few communities in Alimoso. However, it has not been able to enlarge its coast because it is weighed down by crises. Crisis resolution in the fold is defective. Its leader George, has been criticised for alleged monopo-lisation and personalisation of party power.

It has also become increasingly difficult for Lagosians to embrace the PDP because the state has been neglected by the PDP Federal Government. Whenever the PDP campaign train rolls into the metropolis, the PDP President would have no tangible achievement to point to. Thus, Lagosians believe that the party has no programme for Lagos.

Ahead of next year’s poll, 10 governorship aspirants are eyeing the PDP ticket. They include Babatunde Gbadamosi, Deji Doherty, an engineer, Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State for Defence, and Ade Dosunmu. Others are Jimi Agbaje, a pharmacist, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, Koshoedo, Tunde Daramola, former secretary, and Bode Oyedele, former presidential assistant.

Gbadamosi

He was the first aspirant to declare his interest. He has been featuring on television programmes propagating the party to Lagosians. In the course of doing that, he has courted controversy. If elected as governor, he said that he would turn the critical sectors around. However, he has a fragile structure to actualise his dream.

Doherty

Doherty, an engineer, is a loyal party member. He has always shunned entreaties to defect to another party. He is also a veteran aspirant, having contested for the governorship thrice. In 2007 and 2011, he lobbied to become the running mate, but he was not considered. Last year, he became the Acting Chairman of the Southwest PDP caretaker Committee, when the Chairman, Chief ishola Filani, resigned. But, since the court has ruled that the status quo should be maintained, Filani has returned to his former position and Doherty is now a member of the zonal executive committee.

Obanikoro

The Minister of State for Defence is the most formidable aspirant in the party. He is also the most experienced politician in the fold. Obanikoro is the former Chairman of Lagos City Council, Vice Chairman of the defunct national Republican Convention (NRC), Commissioner for Home affairs and Culture, senator between 2003 and 2007, High Commissioner to Ghana and Chairman of the National Industrial Training Fund. In 2007, he was the governorship candidate. Obanikoro has structure and resources to run for the election.

Dosunmu

When Dosunmu emerged as the candidate in 2011, he was not known in the party. He was brought into the fold by George. He holds a doctorate degree in administration. It is doubtful, if George is backing him for governorship. He does not have struc-

‘It has also become increasingly difficult for Lagosians to embrace the PDP because the state has been neglected by the PDP Federal Government. Whenever the PDP campaign train rolls into the metropolis, the PDP President would have no tangible achievement to point to. Thus, Lagosians believe that the party has no programme for Lagos’

ture.

Agbaje

The Afenifere chieftain is a credible politician. He is loved by many people. In 2007, he was one of the aggrieved aspirants who defected from the AD, following the primaries that threw up Fashola as the candidate. As the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), he did not make much impact during the election. Agbaje is rich. He also has a network of friends ready to support his bid. But, his strength lies in his integrity and credibility.

Adikwu-Bakare The Egba-born politician is an Ama-

zon. She made waves in the Third Republic when he contested for the slot with the late Pa Michael Otedola in the NRC. In Lagos, her base is Awori.

As a governorship aspirant, luck has not smiled on her. In 2003, he defected from the PDP to the AC. She was appointed as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and later, Women Affairs, by former Governor Tinubu. After losing at the ACN primaries in the ACN in 2007, she contested on the platform of the PPA. It was a weak party. Later, she returned to the PDP. Sources said that some leaders wanted her to be appointed as a minister. But, the opportunity also eluded her. Adikwu-Bakare is a brilliant person. She is an effective speaker. She also knows her onions.

She is highly connected. But, she has been criticised for her lack of patience and consistency. Many see her as a politician in a hurry.

Koshoedo

The former federal legislator is a gentleman who cannot ruffle feathers.

He represented Badagry in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. He was the party chairman at a time efforts were made to resolve the crises in the chapter and forge unity.

But, many see him as George’s stooge.

For him, the race is not a do or die affair.

Oyedele

Oyedele is a former presidential assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is one of the pillars of the party in Ibeju-Lekki area.

He is a committed party man.

48

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS The governorship election in Osun State was a battle between the Federal Government and the will of the people. SINA FADARE who monitored the election in Ede, reports.

Osun poll: War by other means T

HE legendary Chinese leader, Mao Tse-tung, otherwise known as Chairman Mao, was right when he defined politics as an extension of warfare. According to him, in war, sophisticated weapons are used, but in politics, propaganda, character assassination, intimidation and blackmail are the order of the day. Osun election was not an exception in this regard.

Osogbo, the capital city, was like a city under siege the day before the election. There was heavy security presence in the city. This could be felt everywhere, as armed soldiers were stationed at all the entrances into the town and at strategic locations such as INEC office, which is located along Ibadan Road.

Driving round the town was not a pleasurable experience. There were police checkpoints at virtually all the major junctions in town. Residents cashed in on the public holiday declared by the state government to do last minutes shopping.

Major markets were food stuffs are sold like Alekuwodo, Oja Oba, Igbona, Oluode and Ayetoro were brimming with people doing last minute shopping.

This was perhaps because they were not sure of what would happen after the exercise. There were fears that it might end in violence, if it is not well managed.

Mrs. Margaret Okafor told The Nation that she was forced to rush to the market because of the rumour going round that after the election people may not be able to come out, because of the crisis that may follow. This sentiment was equally shared by Mrs. Ibidun Ajetumobi, a school teacher who was so sure that due to the previous intimidation of the APC by the PDP-led Federal Government that crisis was imminent and nobody can predict how long it would last. Therefore, she had to stockpile food in readiness for such eventuality.

On the day of election, it was a different ball game. Residents not only trooped out in their numbers to exercise their right, they were also determined to stay at the polling booth to witness the entire exercise.

This was fuelled by the rumour that the PDP was preparing to rig the

election, by stuffing ballot boxes somewhere, which they intend to bring to the polling booth later.

At Ede, the country home of former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the incumbent deputy governor Mrs. Titi Olaoye-Tomori and the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Bello Adejare, it was politics of wit and power confronting that of the will and choice of the people.

Adejare had boasted during the campaigns that in a matter of days he was going to rubbish the socalled achievements of the incumbent governor, Aregbesola, by humiliating the duo of OlaoyeTomori and Adeleke in the area.

Unfortunately, the contest did not go the way he expected.

Perhaps for years to come Adeleke will not forget in an hurry the trauma he experienced that day.

He was subjected to incessant harassment by hoodlums allegedly hired by the PDP, who wanted to send him to the great beyond at all cost. Indeed, it was double tragedy for Adeleke. He not only escaped the assassin’s bullet few hours to the election, it was also a cat and mouse affair between him and security agents who wanted to arrest him.

Adeleke did his accreditation as early as 7am at Sagba Abogunde ward 2 unit 9 area of the town. He decided to stay and vote before leaving the place, but shortly after his accreditation, information reached him that his house had been vandalised by the same hoodlums who were looking for him and who had earlier engaged his security details in a gun battle.

Immediately, he was notified about the development, the former governor disappeared to an unknown destination.

Shortly after he left, the security agents stormed the place in five vehicles (three black jeeps and two hillux Toyota jeeps). The vehicles were filled with men in police, army and even immigration uniforms.

They had hoped to pick up Adeleke in the process, but since he had already left the place, the leader of the group instructed the

• Aregbesola at a rally.

• Voters casting their votes.

others to arrest some persons in the crowd, particularly aides of the former governor. Five of them were picked up and whisked away to an unknown destination.

One of the APC members tried to take their picture with his phone, but the effort was thwarted by the leader of the group, who snatched the phone and smashed it on the road with full force.

When The Nation visited him after

the security men had left, he was sorrounded by sympathisers, who were congratulating him for narrowly escaping the beating of his life. He was dazed and could not talk; he was still in shock.

However, another interesting aspect of the election was the fact that the aged were determined to vote, despite the inconveniences entailed in the process. One of such people was Pa Ibrahim Olabosoye, a 120-

year old man who insisted that he must vote for Aregbesola to continue his good work.

Olabosoye was assisted by one of his sons to exercise his fundamental right. When accosted by The Nation after voting, he confessed that it was not easy to leave the comfort of his house about two meters to the polling booth to come and vote.

But he said he had to do it for the sake of Aregbesola who has changed the fortune of the state.

It was boom time for hotels, eateries

S

ECURING a hotel accommodation in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, and its suburbs was a herculean task during last weekends governorship election in the state.

Most of the hotels had been fully booked about four weeks before the election. Guests who arrived a few days to the D-day lamented their inability to secure accommodation in and around the capital city.

Motel managers exploited the gaps created by the dearth of habitable places for guests, by charging rates associated with other better hotels within their vicinity.

As a result, rooms that ordinarily attracted between N3000 and N4000 per night were sold for between N6000 and N7000 a day or two before the poll. Others with better facilities attracted higher costs.

Top notch hotels, such as Osogbo Holiday Inn, Delightsome Hotel, Leisure Spring Hotel GMT Hotel,

By Bola Olajuwon

Gazal Hotel, Hotel De Celebrity and Royal Spring Hotel were fully booked weeks ahead of the election.

Others in the same league include: White Plain Towers and Suites, Atlantis Grand Suites, Ideal Nest, Heritage Hotel, Zarah Guest House and Brymo Guest House.

Potential guests directed to Ede, Ilobu, Erin Osun, Ikirun, Ido Osun and Ofatedo for hotel accommodations expressed their frustrations in getting rooms to sleep.

Owing to the scarcity of accommodation in town, people were willing to put up anywhere they could find enough space to pass the night. For instance, the National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) Orientation Camp, which served as temporary camp for members of Civil Defence Corps accommodated many other categories of visitors who had nowhere else to

stay.

It was also a boom for restaurants and eateries in the state capital. They were filled to the brim throughout the period, following the influx of military personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, politicians and journalists to the state.

Managers of restaurants and hotels visited confirmed that businesses were good during the period. In one of such places, De Place, a popular hangout in the state capital, managers and workers were overstretched by a deluge of customers. A manager, who simply identified himself as Tunji, confirmed that businesses picked up few days to the election.

“Yes, my brother, business has been good more than before. This election period is better than the past ones.

Maybe because the face of Osun, especially Osogbo, has changed for bet-

ter and it is now more secured,” he said smiling.

The popular Osun State Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Iwo Road, Osogbo was a Mecca of sort for many journalists, INEC officials and politicians who were in Osogbo during the period.

Journalists who came with the expectation of getting accommodation there were disappointed.

Banks visited in the state capital were filled with customers in need of cash for the weekend. Politicians and party officials were also around for a last-minute withdrawal for payment of their agents and for miscellaneous expenses.

The public holiday granted by the state government also allowed many workers and residents to troop out for household necessities in supermarkets and markets, leading to traffic on Olaiya Road, Oke-fia, Mandela Park, Ogooluwa Area and

• Deputy Governor Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori

others. In a nutshell, for business owners, the 2014 governorship election was a record-breaking moment in the history of Osun State.

49

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Thirteen-one years ago, the late Otunba Gabriel Adenuga Taiwo was the charter president of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Lagos. Last Sunday, his son, Prof Kayode Taiwo followed his footstep as the club’s 31st president, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

•Adelaja (left) decorating Prof Taiwo. With them are Taiwo’s wife Oladunni; Prince Adesegun and Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi

• MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Punch, Mr Demola Osinubi (left) and Alhaji Musliu Adenusi

H

ISTORY was made last Sunday when the Rotary Club of Gbagada in Lagos invested the Deputy Director, Environment and Social Safeguards of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Prof Olukayode Taiwo, as its 31st president. Taiwo folowed the footstep of his father, the late Otunba Gabriel Adenuga Taiwo, who was president 31 years ago.

His younger brother, Sola Adenuga-Taiwo will succeed him next year. Their mother, Lady Arinola Adenuga-Taiwo was a District Chairman of the old District 910.

The event, which held in Ikeja, Lagos was well attended by Rotarians from across the state as well as many of its past presidents. They were not only there to felicitate with him, it was also an opportunity for the club to raise funds for its projects for the year.

The grand project is the renovation of the science laboratory of a school in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, which has not been functional since 1995. It will cost N7 million.

Prof Taiwo's family members, well wishers and colleagues came to share in the joy of the day and show their solidarity.

They were uniformly dressed in white agbada and yellow caps. The hall's blue and yellow colours matched the chairs and table decorations. The brochure for the event spoke volumes not only about the club, but also about the personality of the man of the moment.

Members' spouses were not left out in the show of style and fashion.

The President's wife, Mrs Oladunni Taiwo, a head teacher and Director with Lagos State Ministry of Education, sat quietly beside her husband and smiled all through the proceedings.

The Rotary Grace led by Mr Bunmi Oguntade served as the opening prayer.

The out-going president, Tayo Adelaja, gave his valedictory remarks after which he presented awards to those who

•From right: Oba Adenugba; Mrs Arinola Adenuga-Taiwo and Dr Dele Balogun PHOTOS NNEKA NWANERI

Like father like son supported him while in office.

Urging all to continue to support the new president and donate actively towards actualising the vision of the new regime which, he said, will go a long way in bringing smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

Adelaja called his successor to the floor, took of the insignia of office from his neck and placed it on Prof Taiwo's. This was followed by an applause and exchange of banters. He hit the gong for the first time, calling the gathering to order.

He thereafter inducted some members as Paul Harris fellows, having contributed more than $1000 to the club. He decorated them with lapel pins and presented them with plaques.

The new president went on to induct his board members and give his acceptance speech in which he solicited help for his administration's projects.

He also went down memory lane and told of how meetings were held in their home when the club began and how he used to accompany his father to its weekly meetings. That was how he fell in love with what they do and became a member.

Guest speaker and former Minister of State for Health Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi was at his best. He said if the Gbagada Club members had vision, the club would have been called the Rotary Club of the Adenuga-Taiwos. This, he said, would be because not only was Prof Taiwo’s father the first president of the club, his younger brother, Sola Adenuga-Taiwo, will succeed him next year. His mother, Lady Arinola Adenuga-Taiwo was a District Chairman.

Adelusi-Adeluyi urged the members not to stop doing well

and strive to be on the side of the solution to the nation's problems. He prayed for them, quoting from Numbers 6:25.

District Governor Dr Dele Balogun thanked the club for being the only one to have produced two past District Governors and one of the most proactive.

The projects were launched by the Chairman on the occasion and Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, who said he had known Prof Taiwo for more than 43 years as a man who does not tolerate nonsense.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba AbdulRasaq Adenugba, presented one of his subjects, the Oluomo of Ago Iwoye, Femi Bakare with an award. The monarch said it was no mistake that he made Bakare his Oluomo and has not regretted it for a moment. He prayed the president have many achievements before the end of his tenure.

Other awardees were Prof Obafemi Ajibola and Mr Iyiola Adegboye.

All eyes were riveted on a large projector at a strategic point in the hall where a documentary of what the Rotary does was being shpwn. Also, past works and reasons for upcoming projects were showed.

To raise funds, some items on display were auctioned and highest bidders went home with the products. Also, prizes were won from tickets sold by a bevy of well-dressed female ushers who led guests to their seats.

President-elect and Chairman, Installation Committee, Olusola Adenuga-Taiwo, thanked all, and led them to the dance floor.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

50

SOCIETY The remains of Bishop Fred Louis Menkiti, who owned Radiance Schools Group, have been buried in his Onitsha, Anambra State country home. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

‘I’m moving forward’ •A bishop’s legacy

M

RS Ify Menkiti plucked a fresh red rose from a bouquet as the procession moved to her husband’s final resting place. With her head bowed, she held on to the rose deep in thought.

With her were her five sons, who bore their father’s remains.

It was the funeral of her husband of 51 years, Bishop Fred Louis Menkiti, who died on May 29. He was 85.

Bishop Menkiti’s body was in a white casket. His sons lowered the casket into the grave, performed the dust-to-dust rite and their mother tossed in the rose.

Mrs Menkiti reeled backwards, with her sons supporting her as she turned around and made for the house. She controlled herself throughout three-hour funeral service, though her eyes were damp.

The story of the life of the late Bishop Menkiti owned Radiance Schools Group, were relived.

Many eulogised him at his funeral last Friday in his Onitsha, Anambra State hometown.

The service of songs and wake held in Lagos the previous week.

He was laid in state in a room in his Onitsha home where many filed round his body to pay their last respects.

Even in death, the late Bishop Menkiti looked good. He was in a suit, tie and pair of glasses. Some cried; others folded their arms and shook their heads.

Four tents were erected in the

• From left: The widow, Mrs Menkiti and her sons Chris, Max, Okechukwu, Chuba and Oge

•Daughers-in-law of the deceased Mrs Ngozi; Dr Ify and Ijeoma Menkiti

•From left Pastor Adekunle; Pastor Theophilus Iloehiagu and Pastor Linus Adikaibe

compound. The wife and sons sat around his remains. Her daughtersin-law sat with them in uniformed white native attires, with purple headgears and beaded ear and neck accessories.

The choir led guests in singing solemn hymns.

The late Menkiti’s third son, Oge, took the first Bible reading from Thessalonians 4:13-18.

The Overseer of Region V of the

spoke of his father.

Chris said: “He was very athletic in his younger days and that explained why he was fit, even in his old age. After he graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1963, he married my mother and they began life in a room apartment where I (Chris) was born.

“He was chairman of many companies including the Nigerian Paper Mill, West African Distillers Ltd,

Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM), Pastor Lanre Adekunle, urged guests to learn from daily happenings. He said though he never met the late Bishop Menkiti, he was touched by stories of his good deeds.

He prayed for the bereaved family, urging them to continue with their father’s legacy.

The MFM choir rendered two special songs before the first son, Chris,

Tafawa Balewa Management Committee and also ANAMCO, Nigerian assemblers of Mercedes vehicles.

“As an educationist, he had a vision to teach children core values so with the experience my dad had as an administrator and my mum as a teacher, they used their savings to set up Radiance Schools 25 years ago.

“His catch phrase was - I am moving forward. So let’s thank God for his life and let’s carry on.”

PASTORS ORDINATION AT THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD’S 62ND CONVENTION

•From left: Mrs Bolanle Arokodare; Pastor Seye Adeniyi; Pastor Taiwo Olubiyi (newly ordained); Pastor Dolapo Smith and Pastor Kola Odesanmi

•From left: Pastor Esther Oladapo; Pastor Benard Kuyoro (newly ordained); Pastor Nireti Oladapo and Pastor Evion Okon Jimoh (newly ordained)

•Pastor Koyejo Ifegbesan (newly ordained) with his wife, Adenike

•From right: Pastors Ayo Olubiyi; Ezekiel Owoyemi and Veronica Oludele

51

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

SOCIETY It was not only his birthday, but also the day he retired from service. Mr Olatunde Idowu Agoro clocked 60 on the day he retired as Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development after 35 years of service, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

F

OR Mr Olatunde Idowu Agoro, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development, it was time for stock-taking penultimate Thursday. He celebrated his retirement with praise and thanksgiving.

A special thanksgiving and prayer session was held at the Lagos Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, followed by a party to welcome him into the retirees club.

Prayers were led by Imam Lukman Asunramu of the Ahmadiyya Movement of Nigeria, a group the celebrator is a member.

The birthday boy looked different in his native wear. He was always in suit while in service but, this time, he wore a blue agbada with a cap to match. His wife sat beside him in the same attire. Members of the staff of the ministry in attendance were also in attractive attires.

Many, who were privileged to have worked with him at various levels in the civil service, attested to his dedication to work. Many spoke and eulogised him, showering him with prayers.

The first to speak was the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, who led all in praise songs for Agoro.

He said every word said about the celebrator was true. He asked from those in service: "How humble are you?

"His humility made him to transverse to where he is today. Let us learn from him and his humanity and how he gave back to the society that made him by training the young staff the way they should go.

We enjoy working with him, so let us learn from how he discharged his duties," Ojelabi said.

His counterpart in Agric and Cooperative Ministry, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, recalled when Agoro was a director in his ministry and how

• The celebrator Mr Agoro (middle) assisted by (from left) Hon Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun; Hon Ojelabi; Prince Lawal; Mrs Agoro and Special Assistant to the governor on Rural Matters Hon Babatunde Humpe to cut the cake

A retiree’s story meticulous he was and the enduring legacies he bequeathed, which the ministry still enjoys have remained a reference point.

"He did a lot while with us by initiating a lot of schemes we adopted and still use till date. We wouldn't mind giving him a small parcel of land to farm on and practise all the theories he gave us," Lawal said.

Lagos State House of Assembly Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Cooperative and Rural Devel-

opment, Ibrahim Layode, described Agoro as a brother and friend from whom he gained great experience.

"Since 2007 when I became chairman, I have worked with three Permanent Secretaries, I dare say he is the best," Layode said.

Thereafter, Agoro was presented with certificate of service. All, except the 'birthday boy' stood to sing “For he's a Jolly good fellow”.

Mr Tajudeen Atiko-Balogun, who represented the Lagos State Head

of Service, said the gathering should be used for self assessment.

Those on the high table moved to the floor to join the celebrator to cut two colourful cakes. Gigantic greeting cards were around the cake stand and those with gifts brought them forward.

In response, Agoro thanked Allah for being gracious to him. He also described his journey in the civil service as a very long one, which he began in 1979 as an Agric Planning

MARRIAGE

Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.

"Excellence is the hallmark that I and my family stand for and that is why I like to leave a mark wherever I go. I want you all to know that there is always good reward for hard work.

"All my life, I served this state in various capacities and I thank God for the diligent service rendered to my state," he said.

One of the younger brothers of the celebrator, Hon Taju Agoro, who was asked to give the vote of thanks, began with a long oriki which mesmerised the gathering. He ended the wordings with Alhamdulahi.

BIRTHDAY

•President, Rivers Youth Organisations Comrade Victor Briggs, , assisted by his wife, Amelda, to cut his 33rd birthday cake, in Port Harcourt.

•From left: Bride's father Pastor Ganee Adewuyi; groom's mother Alhaja Titilayo Bello; the couple, Biola and Yinka; groom’s dad Alhaji Olayinka Bello and bride’s mum Deaconess Funmilayo Adewuyi during a wedding at Egbeda, Lagos

BIRTHDAY

WEDDING

• Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technologyy Dr Segun Odubela, commissioning the staff quarters of International College Ibefun to commemorate 82nd birthday of Prince Babatunde Taiwo (middle) at Ibefun Ogun State. With them is Liken of Ibefun, Oba Gideon Adetoye (left).

•Mr Chukwunoso Nwakor and his wife, former Miss Phiebonam Ibah during their wedding in Ikeja, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

52

SOCIETY Family members, friends and associates gathered at the Ketu Central Mosque to bid the late Chief Imam of Ketu, Alhaji Yaqub Jimoh Balogun, farewell. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Farewell to a philanthropist

I

T was a solemn moment.

Guests sat quietly as the Muslim cleric led them in prayers.

With their Quran and prayer beads, they prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Imam of Ketu, Alhaji Yaqub Jimoh Balogun.

He died on August 4. He was 65.

The virtues of the late Chief Imam were extolled. Many described him as a philanthropist and humble man.

The prayer was coordinated

by Chief Imam Sulaiman Adesina. The whole of the Quran was recited.

A sermon was delivered by the Chief Missioner of the League of Imams, Kosofe Zone, Abdulhameed Olawole.

He urged all present to remember death and always work towards the hereafter.

He enjoined them to be Godfearing, saying being Godly would make one work for the good of this world and the hereafter.

Olawole described the late Balogun as a humble man. He urged his children to take after their father.

After his sermon, the Quran recitation continued.

Chief Imam of Alapere Central Mosque, Alhaji Yakub Jamiu, in paying tribute to the deceased, said the late Alhaji Balogun was a humble man par excellence.

He urged his children to emulate him.

One of the deceased's tenants, Mr Asobara George, said the late Alhaji Balogun was a God-fearing person who never discriminated.

"He is a peaceful and Godfearing man, if every human being behaves like him, there will be no problem in the society," he said.

Alhaja Nimotalahi Fashola said the deceased was a devoted Muslim.

Chairman, Ketu Youth Council, Rasaq Balogun, said: "We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous reli-

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Conversation II •How to carry on a conversation

H

• Children of deceased, Alhaji Balogun and Airat Balogun

•Mrs Muminaat Itanola

•From right: Temim Balogun; Mustapha Balogun, Alhaja Oyesanya and Mr Oyero Balogun

gious leader. It was an honour to know a spiritual father who had genuine love for his people and Ketu community".

Another youth of the community, Ariyo Oluwafemi, said Ketu had lost a rare gem.

"We love him, he was a generous man and very humble," he said.

The son of the deceased, Adam Balogun, described his father as a generous and ac-

commodating man. He would be greatly missed by the family.

"He was a very honest and generous man; he was accommodating and a lover of everyone, irrespective of your inclinations; he didn't criticise. We will miss him greatly," he said.

He said the family would build a mosque in honour of their late father and also set up a foundation.

As the prayer session was rounded off, the Chief Imam of Jamuyatu Sudai Central Mosque, Alhaji Murtadah Adewunmi, delivered a brief sermon.

Wife of the Chairman Ikosi Isheri Local Council Developement Area, Alhaja Kudirat Oyesanya, was among the guests at the occasion. The staff of office of the Alaketu of Ketu land Lagos was on ground to represent the Oba.

BIRTHDAY

•The celebrator Mr Efosa Imade (second right) assisted by wife Josephine and (from left) Mr Efosa Obasogie; Dr Musa Lance Elkama and Pastor Charles Ikhakhe to cut his 60th birthday in Lagos.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

AVE you ever encountered a friend or

relative you have not seen for a while, and within less than three minutes, he or she has asked you where you are currently, what you are doing, how long you’ve been doing it, where each of your siblings are and what they are doing? I don’t know about AMODU LANRE OLAOLU you but I see that a lot around. That is definitely not (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. the best way to carry on a 07034737394 nice conversation. In fact, in@lanreamodu stead of you feeling good to see such a person again, you tend to feel so uncomfortable.

Well, for people who have a lot to share about their achievements, it may be the opportunity they need to blow their own trumpets, after all, they were asked. However, most people wouldn’t like answering all those questions about their lives. Of course, the people asking the questions create the impression of simply being ‘interested’ in your welfare, but in most cases, they simply want to compare your life with theirs. If you are not as accomplished as they are, then get ready for the next phase- they will start to answer all those questions about themselves without you asking. If that happens, then believe me, they just want a psychological satisfaction of being better than someone else.

Now, not all the people who ask such questions have that intension, but that just tells you that it is not the best way to carry on a conversation. Of course, there can be an exception when we are talking about two people who have been quite cordial in the past and who trust each other; then they wouldn’t be suspicious about sharing their information.

Some people would even ask you the same question over and over again. It’s a clear indication that they were not listening in the first place. All of these and several others are things to avoid in conversations. So what exactly should you do in a conversation? Let’s check out a few points: • Exchange pleasantries: whether you are meeting someone for the first time, you are meeting an old friend or it’s simply someone you see every day, the first thing you do is to exchange pleasantries. I don’t want to sound legalistic so I won’t go into details of what you should say. Since a conversation is an art, it is dynamic. So, leave room for flexibility. If you are meeting an individual for the first time, the pleasantries should be formal (depending on the nature of relationship you hope to have with him/her), at least until you consider yourselves familiar enough to be semi-formal or informal. You will do more of introducing yourselves; you do this so as to find a common ground for your communication. The more things you have in common the better.

• Addressing each other: it is wise that you are cautious in the way you address your partner. If you are meeting each other for the first time, you may want to address him/ her formally until you are given the permission to use the first name. Don’t assume that he/she wouldn’t mind being called by name, it can be costly. Although this rule may not strictly apply to someone you see every day (since you would have already established a pattern of communication), it may apply to people you haven’t seen in a long while, no matter how close you were. If for instance they are now married, you may try addressing them formally at first. Here’s the trick, jokingly address them formally and watch their reactions. If they tell you to drop the formalities or they jokingly use it in return for you, you are on safe ground; you can drop it after the initial pleasantries. However, if they are the first to address you formally and you don’t detect any form of humour, or if you use formalities and they seem to like it, you better stick to it • Catch up on old times: of course, this only applies to old friends or relatives. Don’t start by asking questions about what they are up to now. Simply return to the last experience you had together (which I hope was pleasant. In case it was not, please avoid it). After sharing memories of old fun times, you would have settled into a comfortable friendship.

Now is the time to talk about what has happened between the last time you saw them and now. Remember, don’t pry; whatever information they are not willing to give should be left alone. Once you notice that anytime you ask about something, they change the topic, you, as a conversationist, should realize that it is not a comfortable zone. And since conversation is all about comfort, you will do well to drop the topic.

Conversation is very dynamic. A lot of times, it is difficult to predict the end result of any conversation unless you are smart enough to control the factors. Please note that you should not, at any time, attempt to control the person you are conversing with; simply manage the elements and conversations will go in the direction of your choice. This will be the subject of our discussion next week, by the grace of God. Please look forward to it. Have a great weekend.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

53

SOCIETY The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Oludegun Agbabiaka has conferred chieftaincy title on the Iyaloja General of Okota market, Chief Khadijat Oludegun-Kazeem, reports BODE MONOGBE

Honour for 'home girl' I

T was her happy day. She beamed with smiles as people gathered to congratulate her.

It was the day, a business woman, Chief Khadijat Oludegun-Kazeem was rewarded for her commitment to community development and philanthropy. The Isolo community in Lagos stood still last Saturday for the Iyaloja General of Okota market, as she became the Majeobaje of Isolo Kingdom.

Family members, community leaders, market associations, friends and well wishers were all there to add colour to the glamour to the event. Indeed, it was a gathering of the cream in market administration in Lagos State. The ceremony coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Osolo's reign.

The clement weather encouraged aided guests large out.

The event kicked off with a visit to the palace of Osolo to pay the traditional homage before moving with her entourage to Ansar-Uddeen Primary School, Isolo, venue of the coronation.

The initial prayers were offered by the Osin of Isolo, Asiwaju of Isolo, Chief Jinadu BelloArowooye. He placed the Akoko (traditional) leaves on her head and decorated her neck and hands with

the traditional beads.

The Osolo, Oba Kabiru Oludegun Agbabiaka reeled out the qualities that singled her out such as her humble nature, rare native wisdom, acumen in human management, dexterity in market administration, closeness to the people, commitment to community development and philanthropy. He prayed for a successful and prosperous tenure and later decorated her with a beaded cap, a staff of office and certificate. As she was receiving her certificate, the venue erupted in praise songs for the king and the recipient. The lyrics appreciated the magnanimity of the king and the luck of the newly installed chief.

She later led a procession home amid singing and drumming.

At a reception, guests looked resplendent in their green and brown Ankara outfits. They sat in groups inside the tents savouring the joy of the moment. They relished in the sumptuous local and continental dishes as well as wines and assorted drinks served by Larus Burger Fast Foods. Music was supplied by Unique Sound Affair.

One curious observation made was the bond of friendship between the new chief and her husband, Alhaji Adekunle Kazeem. They

• Oba Agbabiaka presenting certificate to Chief Oludegun-Kazeem

were always together.

Alhaji Kazeem ensured guests were well entertained.

He congratulated his wife for the honour.

"I am the happiest man today. I thank the king and the council of chiefs for this honour," he said.

The Iyaloja General of IkosiIsheri, Alhaja Sherifatu Taiwo, described the honouree as a hard working woman.

"She is our good daughter; she is exceptional in many ways. She will succeed, no doubt," she said.

The Babaloja General of Isolo, Alhaji Wahab Kosoko spoke glowingly of her good character saying the honour was well deserved.

"I have worked with her at various levels, I found her capable. On account of her competence and honesty, we made her our treasurer. We thank our king for this

honour," he said.

Her daughter, Mrs Kafilat Raji, thanked Allah for making the day successful.

"My mother's installation attests to the fact that there is reward in humility and hard work. Even as a market head, my mother would not force anybody to do anything. I am proud of her and I pray for success and long life in her new assignment," Mrs Raji said.

UNION OF LOVEBIRDS

•From left: Ogun State Commissioner for Information Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; the couple, Muyiwa and Funmilayo, Ogun State Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Shuaib Salisu; Head of Marketing PZ Wilmar, PZ Cussons Nig. Mrs Bukky Bandele and General Manager, Ogun State Signage and Advertisement Agency Mr Akinlabi Bandele

• Groom’s dad Mr Ogundrare

•Groom’s mum Mrs Ogundrare

•The couple, Muyiwa and Funmilayo, flanked by the bride’s parents, Mr Francis Alade and wife.

With them are ring bearer and little bride

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

54

BUSINESS EXTRA

We’ll make Nigeria petrochemical hub of Africa, says Jonathan

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he would make Nigeria the petrochemical hub of Africa.

Jonathan, who was in Akwa Ibom to perform the groundbreaking ceremony of $1.5 billion Methanol Industry and commissioning of Uquo gas Processing Plant, stressed the need for the establishment of more petrochemical industry in the country in order to create wealth and boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings.The president stated that it was only through the private sector that the economy could grow, explaining that it was

From Kazeem Ibrahym & Akinola Ajibade, Uyo

not the business of the government to get directly involved in the building of industries but government can provide an enabling environment for private sector to thrive.

He said the facility will boost power generation in the country by between 750 and 1,000 megawatts (Mw) of electricity.

He said: “Today’s commissioning is the beginning of a gas value chain that will affect the lives of Nigerians and boost the nation’s economy.

With an added 1,000 mega-

watts of electricity to our national grid, our production capabilities are bound to expand, increasing the size and breath of our economy.

“This means that the hairdresser can do her hairdressing, the welder can do his welding, and the factory can carry on production. It means that the people in the office can function because their computers will have power and all those things have an impact on the ability of each individual to produce optimally.

“Private sector involvement is key because it touches on our economy. Both factories have to use gas and Nigeria is known to have more gas than

even crude oil but over the period we have not been maximising our gas access.

“We even have gas plants but we don’t have enough gas to power them. Of course the issue of the Quantum petrochemical Complex is significant because we have been saying that we will make Nigeria the petrochemical hub of Africa. So we need more of private sector investment.

We must consume our gas.

That is the only way Nigeria will appreciate the value.

“We cannot continue to export raw crude oil and raw gas. When you export

raw gas you create job and wealth in other places. You imagine the number of jobs the petrochemical industry will create. Private sector involvement is important.”

Jonathan also explained that with the current investment in the petrochemical industry, by year 2020, the country would have reduced gas flaring to an acceptable limit globally.

He said: “We have not been able to stop gas flaring but with this kind of investment coming into the petrochemical industry then our dream that by the year 2020 we will reduce the gas flaring to an acceptable

limit globally will be realised.

“As a country it is not for government again get to directly involved in the building of industries. We said that we must provide the environment for the private sector to drive the economy. Government is no longer competing with the private sector.

“With what we are doing now by having robust private sector in the country, the economy of the country and the potentials in terms of having robust GDP will increase. We will continue to encourage private sector in that direction.”

Dangote to build three coal power plants for cement factories

D

ANGOTE Group is to establish three coal fired power plants, one each for its cement plants in Obajana, Kogi State, Ibese in Ogun State and Gboko, in Benue State.

The Managing Director, Dangote Cement, Devacumar Edwin, who spoke yesterday in Lagos, said the Group is investing S250million to build the power plants, adding that the first consignment of coal has already been imported from South Africa.

He said the decision to refocus and address the power situation in this manner, was informed by the worsening situation of power supply, occasioned by continuous drop in gas supply to power generating sta-

• Sets aside $250m for project

By Simeon Ebulu

tions.

He said: “As you know, the gas and the fuel oil supply situation is going from bad to worse every day and all the manufacturing industries and all the power plants are affected. “ Edwin said the danger exists right now about the capability of the power generating stations being able to settle their obligations to the banks because of the difficulties they are experiencing as a result of the challenges arising from inadequate gas supply.

According to him, the private companies that bought

the power plants and the banks that provided the credit to them are complaining that the situation is challenging.

He said: “If you talk to most of the banks that have provided most of the finance, their concern is that they will have to go back to the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to recover their investments because many of the power firms are unable to pay. To continue to hope without taking action will amount to watching one’s investments go down the drain.”

He said although the gas firms did well in the past by

supplying about 90 per cent of the energy needs of manufacturers, especially in the Lagos sector, the situation has since deteriorated.

Edwin said: “You go invest in power plants and you can’t get gas, so your entire investment has gone awry.

If we don’t have gas and fuel, no business can survive. For our industry, you can go and invest in the best of equipment; you can get the best of skills to operate the equipment, but if you don’t have power, there’s very little you will be able to do.”

He said the Dangote Group’s investment in coal fired plants will give the company “a lot of relief. This is a massive investment we have adopted.

“We are trying to be proactive because if we keep slacking, nobody will come to our aid. So as much as we are going to appeal to government for help, we have made investment so that our business will continue to thrive.”

He said the Group’s investment in coal has created opportunities for the sector, adding that the move will

•President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote

reduce the company’s cost of production, promising that the conglomerate is working on a strategy to begin using locally sourced coal with time.

Fed Govt seeks N33b for DISCOs to buy meters Development have therefore HE Federal Govern been directed to ensure that ment is currently

T

sourcing for N33billion soft term credit line to enable the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) acquire smart meters.

Vice President, Namadi Sambo who made this knowm in Abuja yesterday while inaugurating the National Council on Power (NACOP), said for the power sector to grow in line with the Federal Government’s projection, it requires funds for the operators to bridge the metering gap.

He said: “It is for this reason that government is sourcing various funding avenues, including opening an initial N33billion soft term credit line to enable distribution companies acquire smart meters and making them more available to consumers.”

The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, who represented him said a number of efforts are being made to leverage resources from various funding agencies to ensure that all participants in the sector have access to funds un-

• $4.7b for transmission expansion

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

der soft conditions.

Pledging Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding of the Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN) to exceed generation capacity in terms of wheeling power, he said a total of $4.7billion (N752billion) is already being set aside for transmission expansion in the next five years.

Sambo said the Federal Government is committed to attracting investors to improve the country’s energy mix.

“As available studies show, Nigeria’s coal belt covers over eight states and is capable of generating about 5,000 Mw of power if fully developed.

“The Federal Ministry of Power and Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals

the first large scale coal to power project takes-off at the soonest time possible, following the model of partnership between government and the private sector,”he said.

He said the ceremony marked the official kick-off of the development of the national renewable energy action plan, the national energy efficiency action plan, and the energy sufficiency action plan in Nigeria.

Speaking in his capacity as the minister, he acknowledged that the primary purpose of privatisation was to bring into play new owners with “deep pockets” who could finance and /or access financing for the rapid restoration of lost capacity and add significant new capacity to make up for negative consequences of a vertically integrated monopoly.

Nebo said the NACOP comprise the Federal Ministry of Power as well as the commissioners of power/ energy in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Glo, Apple sign MoU on sale of iPhones, iPads

S

ECOND national opera tor, Globacom yester day signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Apple’s authorised distributor for Africa, Core Group, to ensure that subscribers have access to genuine Apple products and devices at Gloworld shops, accredited dealer shops and Glo zones across the country.

Speaking at the unveiling of the partnership at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos, Head, Gloworld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi, said the partnership

will enable users of Apple products to enjoy Globacom’s super fast internet service, GloBolt.

She said: “The strategic partnership removes the burden of worrying about how to get authentic Apple devices, and then worrying about how to activate its full functionalities through the purchase of a SIM and internet connection. Our customers have been relieved of all these worries.

“Anyone can walk into our signature retail shops, GloWorld, our accredited

dealer outlets and Glo Zones in the country to get genuine Apple devices bundled with one year of data powered by Glo Bolt.”

Devices available at the Glo outlets include iPhone 5s, iPad mini and iPad Air. All come with Apple’s super sharp retina display.

She urged subscribers to buy genuine Apple products from Glo outlets across Nigeria to enjoy the premium quality, reliability and speed of Globacom’s robust 3G plus network as well as exciting data bundles.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

CBN, banks to offset N25b PHCN legacy debt T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is collaborating with Money Deposit Banks to underwrite the N25 billion legacy debt of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The measure is designed to enhance gas availability and improve power supply.

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku, who made this known yesterday at The Bankers’ Committee meeting held in Lagos. said the Committee resolved to service the debt, adding that doing so would enhance gas supply and boost power supply in the country.

Aku said the banks will recover the fund from the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) deductions, He said the Bankers’ Committee is willing to support an initiative with government, where a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up to provide loans to clear that

By Collins Nweze

debt and overtime, the loan will be recovered through MYTO tariff deduction, stressing that the CBN will play a key role in assisting the banks to do that.

The Ecobank chief said the whole essence of the power transformation is to achieve efficiency and ability to improve power supply, which have been hindered by gas shortage.

“Obviously, gas coming into the power stations would affect the revenue. Many of the operators have not raised their production capacity because of shortage of gas. One of the solution, is gas pricing. There is an incentive now for the gas companies to produce gas. For the own-

Nigerian Companies issue $30b bonds, says DMO

T

HE Debt Management Office (DMO) has confirmed that Nigerian companies have issued nine bonds worth $30.4billion in the International Capital Market.

The DMO in a statement yesterday said the Nigerian companies took advantage of the window opened through the successful issuance of Nigerian Sovereign Eurobonds to successfully issue the international bonds.

In the statement, the Director General of the Debt Management Office, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, noted that “for the first time in Nigeria’s economic history, the private sector has been enabled to access long-term funds from both the domestic and international capital markets. The successful issuances of three Nigerian

From Nduka Chiejina

Sovereign Eurobonds in the International Capital Market – one in 2011 and two in 2013 – have opened the window for Nigeria’s private sector to raise required foreign currency funds.”

According to DMO boss, “They are now able to fund long-term real sector projects (agriculture, manufacturing, housing, mineral exploration and processing, infrastructure, etc), for diversified and sustainable economic growth, towards employment generation and poverty reduction” On the domestic front, “between 2007 and 2013, as many as 22 Nigerian companies raised over N223 billion from the domestic market”.

ers of the generating plants, there is also an incentive for them to improve generation,” he said.

He said the gas companies have always be agitating that this debt be paid, otherwise, they will not produce and will begin to accumulate new debts.

Aku explained that the minister of Petroleum, and the CBN Governor met and announced the increase in the price of gas because they want gas to be commercially available to enable the gas company to produce more.

“The price of gas was moved from $1.50 to $2.50 plus a transportation of $0.8. Today, at a price of $3.3, there are enough incentives for gas companies to produce gas. And that

is important, because if you look at the 26 generating stations that we have, 23 are gas-dependent. And it is important for gas to go into them for them to increase their production, that is an incentive,” he said.

He said the committee believes that most of the problems of gas-topower would be resolved and Nigeria will begin to see a generating company that is inspired to increase the power generation.

Also, Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe said the Committee also agreed to contribute N15 billion to the Victim Support Fund, to cater for vulnerable groups within the society. He said the funds will be contributed by the banks, CBN and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

“The committee also spoke about the Victim Support Fund where as a group we will key in to the desire to

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN HERITAGET FOUD FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,117.13 121.58 121.70 1,117.51 1.3620 1.3560 1.0221 1.1841

V

ISA Incorporated has supported the launch of three locally-developed mobile applications designed to educate Nigerians on financial matters.

The apps include Market TraderStreet Tinz, Money Talks and More than Money.

General Manager for Visa in West Africa, Ade Ashaye said the support is in line with the firm’s need to promote financial literacy in the country.

He said the applications are designed to help Nigerians make better financial decisions by educating people about the importance of saving and financial management.

Ashaye said the product was conceptualized and developed by winners of the Financial Literacy Challenge mobile development competition, sponsored by Visa, and de-

By Ajose Sehindemi

livered by the Co-Creation Hub Nigeria.

“What makes it unique is that it encourages Nigerians to develop locally-relevant solutions, tailored for their specific environment and needs. It is also supports innovative programmes that help individuals to manage their money more effectively,” he said.

According to him, the first app, ‘Money Talks,’ is an audio tutorial solution that provides financial information using SMS, voice interactive system and the Web. It supports Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and Pidgin English.

The second, ‘More Than Money,’ a game developed to reinforce students’ money management skills, is an adaptation of the community

SYMBOL

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

1.00

1.05

0.05

NEIMETH

1.02

1.07

0.05

PHARMDEKO

2.17

2.27

0.10

PAINTCOM

1.54

1.61

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

259.5441

261.2215

206.4717

207.8061

170.033

171.1319

Yen

1.5127

1.5224

CFA

0.2968

0.3168

236.1742

237.7006

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1237

25.287

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

1.20

0.05

1.00

0.04

170.00

175.00

5.00

8.40

8.62

0.22

DANGCEM

226.08

231.95

5.87

RTBRISCOE

0.93

0.95

0.02

LOSERS AS AT 14-08-14

CHANGE -5.26

PORTPAINT

5.63

5.35

-0.28

LEARNAFRCA

1.58

1.51

-0.07

CUSTODYINS

3.91

3.74

-0.17

HONYFLOUR

$39.4b

0.07

1.15

C/PRICE 67.24

Selling (N)

Euro

0.96

O/PRICE 72.50

Buying (N)

N15.9 trillion.

NPFMCRFBK

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Sold in ($) 381.27m 272.9m 399.01m

Currency

Money Supply (M2)

COSTAIN

Amount Offered in ($) 400m 300m 400m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES August 14, 2014

12.0%

PREMBREW

SYMBOL CONOIL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Monetary Policy Rate

C/PRICE

BERGER

Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014 21/07/2014

8.2%

O/PRICE

MOBIL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Inflation: June

GAINERS AS AT 14-08-14

game used by Junior Achievement Nigeria in primary schools across Nigeria and the third app, ‘Market TraderStreet Tinz,’ is a mobile, Web-based game that teaches children how to make smart financial decisions in a fun and engaging way.

The apps, which are free for users, encourage financial education by making financial literacy fun and entertaining, while also challenging users on their level of financial acumen.

On the partnership,the CEO, CoCreation Hub Nigeria,Mr Bosun Tijani,said,”CcHub is pleased to have worked with Visa, through the Financial Literacy Challenge, to develop these three mobile apps that will go a long way in helping Nigerians make better use of their income”.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,116.32 120.71 120.84 1,116.70 1.3529 1.3570 1.0039 1.1841

contribute to the Victim Support Fund, N15 billion, which is extremely critical for the system. It is not as if the fund was created to fight Boko Haram. No. It is for vulnerable groups within the system. The Bankers’ Committee has a way of sharing the money between different banks depending on size and profitability,” he said.

Visa backs mobile apps for financial inclusion

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

WAUA

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

236.938

238.4693

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

4.17

4.00

-0.17

CCNN

14.20

13.65

-0.55

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

AIICO

0.84

0.81

-0.03

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

STANBIC

30.01

29.00

-1.01

UAC-PROP

16.85

16.30

-0.55

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

FBNH

15.50

15.00

-0.50

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-08-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-08-14

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

57

EQUITIES

Shareholders laud CCNN over improved performance

S

HAREHOLDERS of Cement Company of Northern Nige-

r ia (CCNN) Plc yesterday approved distribution of a dividend per share of 70 kobo for the immediate past year amidst commendations for the improved performance of the cement-manufacturing company.

At the annual general meeting yesterday, shareholders commended the board and management of CCNN for improving the profitability of the company in spite of operating and environment challenges.

Shareholders also urge the directors of the company to recapitalize the company with more equity funds, assuring that they would fully support the company’s expansion by injecting additional equity funds.

National coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said the dividend of 70 kobo underlined the recovery of the company.

He noted that with the performance of the company so far, the board and management have earned the confidence of shareholders.

He urged the directors of the company to ride on the waves of the improved investors’ confidence to raise new equity funds by floating a rights issue.

•To support expansion with equity funds

By Taofik Salako and John Ofikhenua

Another shareholders; Mr. Nonah Awoh, said the company needs to raise additional equity funds to ensure that the gains of its stable business growth and expansion get to the shareholders.

“We need to do something about recapitalisation, through a means like rights issue. The board should look at how quickly the company can come to the market in order to reduce dependence on debt,” Awoh said.

National coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Mrs Bisi Bakare, commended the growths in the sales and profit of the company.

According to her, the performance of the company would be better appreciated in the light of the security challenges and risks in the Northern region, where it has its main market.

National coordinator, Shareholders United Front (SUF), Mr. Gbenga Idowu, applauded the company’s investors’ relation and shareholders’ management.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, assured shareholders on the prospects of the company as the board has already

started measures to enhance its competitiveness in the cement market.

According to him, the company successfully reintroduced biomass as a supplementary kiln fuel in 2013, which has helped it to control its energy costs.

He added that the planned project to increase the company’s production capacity and converting existing production line to solid fuels like coal has already commenced.

He said the issue of cement upgrade from 32.5 grade to 42.5 grade will not have any pronounced negative impact on the company as it has already started producing 42.5 grade.

Rabiu however noted that conversion to 42.5 grade will reduce production volume and profit of cement companies.

He assured shareholders that the company would sustain its dividend payment while continuing to work to increase shareholders’ returns.

Audited and emerging earnings reports of CCNN indicated significant improvements in actual and underlying returns of the cement-manufacturing company.

Audited report and accounts of CCNN for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that a more efficient cost management and

appreciable growth in sales underpinned substantial growth in profit and returns to shareholders. Gross and pre-tax profit margins improved from 28.1 per cent and 10.9 per cent in 2012 to 31.8 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively in 2013.

With 19 per cent increase in profit after tax, the company has earmarked N880 million as cash dividends to shareholders for the 2013 business. While sales had grown by 4.4 per cent, declines in cost of sales and finance expenses as well as containment of the operating expenses impacted positively on the bottom-line.

Besides, the report also showed considerable improvements in financing structure and liquidity, providing a positive balance sheet support that enabled top-line performance to trickle down into substantial earnings to shareholders.

The company halved its gearing ratio and further increased equity funding just as liquidity improved to a new high.

The profit outlook of the company improved appreciably during the year with both actual and underlying profitability ratios showing corresponding performance. Underlying profitability indices showed a generally positive outlook. Gross profit margin improved from 28.1 per cent in 2012 to 31.8 per cent in 2013. Average pre-tax profit per every unit of sales increased from about 10.9 per cent to 12.5 per cent. Return on total assets improved from 11.6 per cent to 13.1 per cent. Return on equity was steady at 15.7 per cent.

The underlying performance reflected the improvements in the operations and productivity of the company as well as increase in its cost management. Total sales

reached a new high at N15.8 billion in 2013 compared with N15 billion in 2012. Cost of sales meanwhile slipped marginally from N10.88 billion to N10.77 billion.

Gross profit thus rose by 18 per cent from N4.24 billion to N5.02 billion. Operating expense was curtailed at N3.64 billion in 2013 as against N3.40 billion in 2012.

While non-core business income dropped by 22 per cent from N958 million to N743 million, the reduction in interest expenses counterbalanced the negative effect.

Finance expenses dropped to N147 million as against N152.

With all these, profit before tax rose by 19.2 per cent to N1.97 billion in 2013 as against N1.65 billion in 2012. Profit after tax also grew by 19.1 per cent to N1.42 billion compared with N1.20 billion in the previous year. Basic earnings per share thus improved from 95 kobo to N1.13. The board of the company has recommended distribution of N880 million as cash dividends, implying a dividend per share of 70 kobo. It did not pay any dividend in the previous year. The dividend outlook remained substantially high with a dividend cover of 1.61 times.

Also, emerging earnings reports for the current business year have shown a stronger upward growth trajectory. Interim report and accounts of CCNN for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 showed that sales rose by seven per cent in first half 2014 to N9.39 billion as against N8.81 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2013.

Profit before tax almost doubled from N1.22 billion to N2.34 billion. Profit after tax showed similar performance, rising from N832.1 million in first half 2013 to N1.59 billion in first half 2014.

NSE trains operators on portfolio management

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Stockbrokers’ institute enhances human capital initiative T

HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) is set to train more than 150,000 young graduates and provide them with skills that will enable them to function in back-office functions across the financial services industry.

As part of the human capacity development, CIS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Anabel Leadership Academy Limited. The initiative aims at mobilising 150,000 young graduates in 2014 to enroll for the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment Examination.

Under the MoU, Anabel Leadership Academy Limited would deploy its membership and mobilization strategies to enlist qualified young Nigerians seeking a career in the capital and financial market to benefit from this initiative.

President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Albert Okumagba, said the institute was undergoing a comprehensive repositioning of its programmes noting that one of the cardinal objectives is to grow the membership base and widen the scope of capacity building through cre-

ation of platform for impacting knowledge and skills that can provide job opportunities.

He explained that upon completion, the beneficiaries would be awarded CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment to operate as back-office staff for capital market operators and regulators while those who aspire for higher certification could enroll for the Institute’s professional examinations and become chartered.

Chief executive officer, Anabel Group, Nicholas Okoye described the MoU as a great initiative by the CIS to develop a financial inclusion master plan for the young Nigerians.

Okoye said the initiative would lead to development of manpower for the Nigeria’s economy and creating jobs for thousands of young people.

He added that many of the qualified youths will be supported to set up their own financial planning houses in communities across Nigeria.

According to him, the programme will now provide the

foot soldiers needed for the Nation’s financial inclusion strategy which is being promoted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Nicholas expressed delight that this private sector led initiative which is ultimately designed not just to create new jobs but also to support the mobilization of savings all over Nigeria, would not only have a multiplier effect on the overall development of Nigeria’s financial markets, but it will equally provide a positive boost to the growth of our national economy in the medium and long term.

Under the new arrangement, the Professional Diploma Examination which is currently done twice per annum would henceforth be on monthly basis for the next one year from September, 2014.

The beneficiaries would be exposed to fundamental knowledge of a wide spectrum of financial products in the securities market, pension, insurance and oil and gas among others.

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday organised a one-day seminar to strengthen the capacity of stockbrokers, portfolio managers and other investors in the area of portfolio management.

The seminar, which was in collaboration with Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) providers including Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Lotus Capital Limited and ABSA Capital, South Africa, exposed participants to more effective strategies in portfolio management.

Head, product management department, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Dipo Omotoso said that the training was designed to enlight-

ened stakeholders on key areas such as using beta strategies in Portfolio Construction and the benefits of ETFs as an asset allocation tool.

“The seminar also emphasizes the Exchange’s commitment to facilitate capacity building for market practitioners,” Omotoso said.

According to him, participants at the seminar were taken through various topics including passive investment and portfolio benchmarking; alpha and beta strategies; use of ETFs and their benefits as alternative investment vehicles in portfolio construction; ETF regulatory framework in Nigeria and investor protection guidelines.

NIDF pays investors N60.71 dividend

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FRINVEST Asset Management Limited, the fund managers of the Nigerian International Debt Fund (NIDF), a listed collective investment scheme on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has started payment of interim dividend of N60.71 per note to investors. The N60.71 coupon per note is well above the initial estimated dividend payment of N36.00 per note.

In a statement, the fund manager stated that based on the number of qualified notes on the register of the NIDF as at the closure date of July 29, 2014, a total of N44.17 million would be distributed to all note holders at N60.71 per note.

“Dividends have become an important factor for investors to consider and, at Afrinvest, we are committed to providing value for our

clients, helping them achieve their investment objectives”, said Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, the parent company of the Fund Manager.

The Nigeria International Debt Fund invests in the domestic and international debt instruments of the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as those of the 36 States.

Chioke said the NIDF offers investors safety, capital preservation, steady returns, diversification and value, and has a consistent dividend history making it quite attractive for both individual and institutional investors such as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), insurance companies, asset managers and gratuity funds.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

NEWS Ebola patients’ families cry out: our relations are dying Continued from page 4

come so critical that something urgent needed to be done.

“The seven people that have been quarantined are now helpless. We are not happy about the way they are being treated.

The government is overwhelmed though we are not here to lay blames on anybody.

We do not know what to do.

We need help. The U.S. should also show some kind of respon-

sibility because Sawyer who brought the surge to the country, was their citizen,” she said.

One of the patients’ relatives, Mr. Deji Akinyanju, noted that the victims were being neglected and their chance of recovery was faint given the inadequate facilities. He urged Nigerians to help in seeking foreign support for the patients.

“We should see this as a collective cause. Anybody can be a victim. We want Nigerians to

show concern for these patients by seeking aid on their behalf.

We do not want to lose them but their condition is very critical,” he said.

When asked to precisely state the condition of the patients, the group advised reporters to visit the hospital and see things for themselves. Some reporters, however, said they were being restricted by the hospital’s security guards from seeing the patients.

Nigeria to get test drugs today Continued from page 4

signs of recovery.

He said: “As at this morning, 169 people are under surveillance in Lagos. The number is going down now as all the 169 are secondary contacts. We have completed the 21 days allowed for primary contacts and we have allowed primary contacts who have not shown any sign to be. And so, all the 169 people in Lagos right now are all secondary contacts.

“In addition, we have six contacts in Enugu. As at yesterday, we were following up on 21 of them, but after the very stringent and rigorous interview, we found out that 15 did not qualify as contacts. Because people who probably stayed far away were claiming to have made contacts. This shows the amount of work that we are putting in.

“So, I repeat, surveillance in Enugu is six while in Lagos 169.

The six in Enugu are all secondary contacts. There are no more primary contacts under surveillance. The primary contacts who are sick and been treated

are eight, the primary contacts that died were two and, of course, the index case is late.”

The minister added that the husband of the nurse who went to Enugu, though not Ebola positive, as of now, has been quarantined because of their intimate contact.

He downplayed the possibility of her infecting anybody on her way to Enugu, saying “ at that time she was yet to be symptomatic and you can only infect people when you have symptoms. The fact that she went by public transport posed no danger to anybody. It took 10 days before she had the first symptom in Enugu. But on her return journey to Lagos, both of them travelled in special ambulances.”

Enugu State Commissioner for Health Dr. George Eze told reporters yesterday that when the government got wind of the nurse’s presence in Enugu, his ministry mobilised its medical team with the help of a foreign expert sent from Lagos, to return the nurse for continuous isolation .

He confirmed that the nurse

arrived in Enugu without symptoms of the virus but the symptoms developed later. “She has since been returned to Lagos together with her newly-married husband, and has since been isolated and being managed in Lagos,” said Eze. The commissioner said 21 persons in Enugu had been placed under surveillance and not quarantined.

“These 21 people are still in their homes but are under watch by the relevant authorities,” he stressed.

Four hospitals have been designated as quarantine centres in Enugu State and are being equipped.

The hospitals are in Enugu, Nsukka , Ikem and Oji River.

The commissioner added that a mobile diagnosis laboratory, which is at Irua in Edo State, will be moved to Enugu State for proximity of testing for Ebola virus.

He described the type of Ebola virus in Nigeria as the Zaire specie, which is very severe, and advised people to be watchful and report any suspicious sickness as soon as possible.

Conference backs down on draft constitution Continued from page 4

The leader of the Northern delegates, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, told reporters that it was not the intention of delegates from the north to break up the conference as being insinuated.

He said the interest of the delegates from the north to the conference was to ensure that the proper thing was done.

Former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu re-echoed Coomasie’s sentiment.

Ayu added that the Nigerian should realise that the north holds the unity of the country.

He added that the disintegration of the north would lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

Professor Auwalu Yadudu said: “If they implement the recommendations according to procedure and set outlined by 1999 constitution it will become an amendment and become

part of our constitution.

“Our opposition was that we do not have, we continue not to have the power to draw up a new constitution or even name it draft constitution 2014.

“The secretariat has corrected itself, the motion to that effect was moved and accepted clearly stating that we are renaming Volume 3 to become proposed amendment to the 1999 constitution. No more, no less.

“Let it be clear that it is not the name that we have problems with but the fact is that when the documents were given to us, in addition to the three documents, there was a bill to introduce a new constitution.

“There was another one titled draft constitution that was not part of volumes 1,2 or 3.

“That was the one we opposed and continue to oppose and that was the one, on advise

that was withdrawn and would not be part of the documents they will submit to Mr President.

“Volume 3, if you look at it was tabulated into what we considered to be recommendations and resolutions of the conference which touched on the constitution and they go to the appropriate section of the constitution to propose an amendment.

“That is how an amendment to the constitution is done and not to draw up a completely new constitution, which was what we pointed out them which the conference Chairman accepted and they have done the right thing”.

Apart from fixing the date of submission of final report to Jonathan for August 21, Kutigi said a clean copy of the report would be produced between today and August 20 while a dinner would hosted for delegates.

N1.3b for power sector training Continued from page 4

to dismantle all ‘road blocks’ mounted on highways for revenue collection” while it further resolved that the MIC committee should work with the Attorney Generals of six states representing the six geopolitical zones to incorporate the inputs and comments of the members of the council and revert to it at the next meeting.

The Zonal representatives, according to him, are as follows: Enugu for Southeast, Lagos for Southwest, Bayelsa for Southsouth, Plateau for Northcentral, Kebbi for Northwest and Borno for Northeast.

At the briefing, the governors of Gombe and Kogi, Dankwambo and Wada, highlighted on the National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSAS) based on presentation made by the Minister of Power, Professor

Chinedu Nebo.

Some of the objectives of the scheme, include to train qualitative and skilled middle and low level manpower for the power sector; provide employment opportunities to meet the government’s job creation projections for unemployed youths, which has direct correlation with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection; and meet the local content expectation of government in the privatised electricity industry across the value chain.

Wada explained that 3,700 trainees, 100 each from 36 states and the FCT are to be fully sponsored by the Federal Government under the scheme just as N1.3 billion is to be disbursed from the Federal Ministry of Power.

The council also received a status report on the valuation of electricity distribution assets provided by the state governments and connected

to the distribution networks.

Gboribiogha said that the Council received the status report on the valuation of the electricity assets provided by the state governments — presented by the Chairman/ CEO of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“Council took note and urged the states to come up with the final submission by next month,” he said.

The National Planning Minister said the council also received an update on the National Integrated Infrastructure Masterplan (NIIMP ).

It also took note of all the amendments and adopted the NIIMP from the Minister of National Planning as a followup to the last NEC resolution that the National Planning Commission should work with the commissioners of state planning agencies to further review the document and incorporate inputs.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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NEWS Ebola:Lawyer gives Fed Govt, Lagos ultimatum

By Precious Igbonwelundu

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ONSTITUTIONAL lawyer Fred Agbaje has given the Federal and Lagos State governments a five-day ultimatum to compensate families of deceased Ebola victims as well as tender a public apology or risk litigation.

Agbaje, who argued that it was the negligent of government agents at the airport and other places that allowed the Liberian carrier, Patrick Sawyer to enter the country thereby contaminating other innocent Nigerians, stated that the governments were vicariously liable for the malicious negligence of their agents.

Describing Sawyer as a “contaminated cargo” Agbaje noted that the health status of Lagos residents and by extension Nigerians nose-dived after his arrival, which could have been avoided if the health, security personnel and other airport stakeholders were alive to their duties.

“Since the passage of the contaminated human cargo (Sawyer), our health profile in Lagos and Nigeria has nose-dived leading to the death of innocent workers of a hospital in Lagos just because some security officers at the airport, management of NAMA and NCAA chose to look elsewhere.

“If the federal and state governments had been alive to their constitutional responsibilities, there is no way the likes of Sawyer (who had been quarantined even by the Liberian authorities) would escape the eagle-eyes of our security and health personnel at the airports.

“These officials negligently or maliciously refused to do their jobs, hence the present human casualty on our hand in the country.

The summary of our findings in respect of the death of innocent citizens in a hospital in Lagos is purely attributed to the contaminated human cargo from Liberia called Patrick Sawyer, which would have been avoidable…

“Both the Lagos and FG being vicariously liable for the acts of their agents must accept to pay substantial damages to the relatives of the deceased family as well as public apology to them, this must be done within five working days else, we shall be compelled to go the court for interpretation of relevant provisions of the constitution,” said Agbaje.

‘Northeast records highest Almajiris’ population’

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HERE are 2,711,767 Almajiris (street kids) in the Northeast, constituting 25 per cent of the total 9.5 million of their population in Nigeria.

Borno State contributes a total of 1.8 million, making it the the biggest home of such children.

Education Officer, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) D – Field Office in Bauchi, Muntaka Mukhtar Mohammad announced the figures yesterday in Gombe

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

at a one-day dissemination of the reviewed national benchmark for integrating basic education into Quranic schools in Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

The event was organised

by State Agency for Mass Education (SAME) in collaboration with UNICEF. Mohammad said there were over 10.5 million outof-school children in Nigeria

with 9.5 million of the figure constituting the Almajiris population.

Mohammad said the situation required urgent attention as it poses a big threat to social cohesion and active citizenship.

He said: “Our inability to offer basic education to these children means we are breeding a large number of children that will become a strong menace to all of us sooner or later.

“Other countries that had

problem with only 100,000 children have developed National Emergency Strategy to make sure these children perform and function as normal citizens.”

Director, Literacy and Development, Abuja Musa Hassan Gusau, while presenting synopses of the reviewed national benchmark, said the document consist of six distinct but related sections.

He said there are five basic types of Almajiri schools in the country with six hierarchies of learners, adding

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Vehicle owners get ultimatum

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•From left: Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Governor Aliyu Wamakko, during Amaechi’s visit to the Sultan in Sokoto...yseterday PHOTO:NAN

Chibok girls: Row over ultimatum to Jonathan

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HE Northern Elders Council has differed on the position of the Northern Elders Forum that President Goodluck Jonathan must rescue the Chibok girls or forget his 2015 presidential ambition.

Spokesman of the elders’ council and former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Yusuf Mamman, told The Nation on phone that the position taken by the elders’ forum has further alienated it from right thinking northerners.

He noted that managing a delicate situation of hostage-taking required a lot of strategies, which should be adopted to ensure the safety of the hostages.

He said what should be of utmost importance to every Nigerian is how to

From Tony akowe, Abuja

rescue the girls alive.

He said: “The members of Northern Elders Forum are noise-makers. They are just engaging in empty ground-standing. To manage a delicate situation of hostages and their release demand tact and grand strategy and above all, to ensuring that the lives of the Chibok girls are not compromised and that the girls are released safe and sound.

“In addition, we commend the Council of State, the Federal Government and the President as well as our security services who are working in concert with the government to achieve the timeline of putting an end to insurgency, kidnap-

ping and violent crime before the end of the year.

“We also commend the entire leadership of the North, especially General Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Atiku Abubakar and Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo for their commitment to the development and peace in northern Nigeria.

“We also commend people like General TY Danjuma, Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Ishiaku Rabiu and other wellmeaning Nigerians who are contributing to bring succour to the Chibok girls”.

On whether the council

supports the view that the president should not contest the 2015 elections, he said: “How can you say whether somebody should run for the 2015 elections or not?

“First of all, the man has not said he is going to run.

When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. Above all, things must be done constitutionally and responsibly.

One cannot just be making uncharitable and irresponsible statements.

“The action of the Northern Elders Forum has alienated it from majority of right thinking northerners and northern elders. Our position has been consistent. We have always said that we will continue to engage other parts of Nigeria constructively”.

Desperate politicians created Boko Haram, says ACF chieftain CHIEFTAIN of Arewa Consultative Forum and delegate in the ongoing National Conference, AVM Mukhtar Mohammed (rtd), has said the Boko Haram insurgency and other insecurity issues bedeviling the nation were created by “desperate politicians.”

He spoke yesterday at a conference organised by Arewa Research and Development Project in Kaduna.

The retired Air Force General said the Boko Haram insurgency lingered because those who were at the helm of affairs lacked the political will

that the document contains information to enhance the implementation of integration process.

The meeting highlighted the current situation of integrating Quranic Tsangaya Education (IQTE) in Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

It is meant to address some key issues regarding the current status of IQTE in those four states.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

to tackle and arrest the problem at inception.

He added that the problem has turned to a monster, which will consume even the creators themselves, if care is not taken.

Mohammed also added that it was time for the North to think right and go back to the ideas of their founding fathers in order to salvage the region from insecurity and poverty.

He said: “We have to come to our senses and know that our enemies thrive on our disunity and we can only stop them, if

we unite as a people for the benefit of our region and our country.

“The recent happening in the National Conference, where some groups try to smuggle in a new constitution, which would have turned the political landscape of the country, is an example. Those of us in the conference know that at no time have we mandated any group to draft any new constitution for the country.

“The leaders of the northern delegates at the confab rose up and mobilise the delegates, who spoke with one voice and disassociate our-

selves from the new draft constitution.

“As I am talking to you, I just receive breaking news from the confab centre that the leadership of the confab has seen reason and has treated the draft constitution as rubbish.

This shows that when we are united as a people, we can go a long way to fight for our right,” he said.

The chairman at the occasion, Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye, in his remarks, challenged northerners to wake up from their slumber and come out with one voice to address the region’s problem.

The people, he said, have been spoon-fed for long and it is time to show that they can feed themselves.

“If not for anything, those of us from this region have vast land for agriculture that can produce enough food for us and the whole nation and even export. But today, the people who are supposed to be on the farmland are in Lagos busy selling Dollars or in Abuja serving as contract agents.

They have to come back to their God-given resources and develop agriculture by using the modern technology,” Abisoye stressed.

HE Lagos and Ogun State State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Ojo Division, Elemoro Division Ibeju-Lekki, Surulere and Egbado Police Station to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication. The vehicles are: Toyota Hiace XY273LND, Toyota Nadia Cav unregistered, Mitsubishi Chariot Car unregistered, Accidented Honda Accord Saloon Car 653FKJ, Volkswagen Faragon Bus FST XH. Mazda Bus unregistered, Mitsubishi Jeep LA720RB, Honda Civic FH294AAA, Mazda Bus X525GNN, Sigma Car BF 650KSF, Mercedez 190BK 730 KTU, Opel Car SM422AAA, Mazda Car AA 563 AYT, Mercedez 190 JB593 KJA, Volkswagen Beetle AH990MAP, Mazda Car AQ 464 LUY, Opel car CJ 316 FST, Nissan Sunny AT 195 AGL, Toyota Bus BG189KSF, Nissan Extera Jeep BW942AIP, Rav 4 BF944GGE. Nissan SunnyTF721KJA, Nissan SunnyCZ726PHC, BMWAAA467AA, Toyota Camry BC733MUS. Mazda 323 car unregistered Mazda626 car KP834 and 17 Motorcycles

Kwara cancels levy at KWASU

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WARA State Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has directed the authorities of the state university (KWASU) to discontinue the payment of departmental levies and refund money collected in this academic session.

Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said as a responsive leader, he decided to cancel the levies following complaints by students and their families.

He added that the country’s prevailing economic situation also warranted his action.

The governor said the university authorities have been directed to provide adequate notice and convenient installment options when introducing fees and levies.

He stressed that this would make it easier for students, parents and guardians to pay.

Ahmed, who added that he was committed to expanding access to all levels of education, stressed that the reduction of fees at the university in 2012 was to reduce the burden placed on parents by their children’s tertiary education.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Brazil mourns Campos

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RAZIL is in mourning after the death of presidential candidate Eduardo Campos, 49, who was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday.

President Dilma Rousseff declared three days of mourning and halted all campaign activities for the presidential elections on 5 October.

Mr Campos, of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), had been running third in opinion polls.

It is not yet clear who will replace him as presidential candidate.

•The late Campos and his family

Phoolan Devi: ‘Bandit Queen’ murderer gets life

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MAN convicted of the 2001 murder of bandit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi has been jailed for life by a court in the Indian capital, Delhi.

Sher Singh Rana was convicted last week for the July 2001 killing.

Phoolan Devi, who became one of India’s bestknown political figures after giving up years of crime, was shot dead at the age of 38 in front of her home.

Her life was immortalised Devi Phoolan Devi was killed in her front of her home in Delhi on 25 July 2001.

Two years later she became a member of the lower house of India’s parliament.

She lost her seat in 1998 but made a comeback the following year.

Rana, a member of the upper castes, was arrested for

her murder in 2001. He escaped from pre-trial custody in a Delhi high-security prison in February 2004, but was recaptured in 2006.

Last week, a court in Delhi found him guilty of murder and attempted murder.

The prosecution had asked for the death penalty, saying the crime was “planned” and “meticulously executed”.

•The late Devi

Mr Campos was on his way from Rio de Janeiro to the city of Guaruja when the Cessna 560XL he was travelling in went down into a residential area of the port city of Santos.

The Brazilian Air Force said the plane crashed as it was preparing to land, adding that bad weather may have been to blame for the the accident.

Aldo Galeano, the police officer leading the investigation into the crash, said that air traffic control had asked the pilot not to land because of high winds and rain.

He said the plane had flown a loop over the nearby city of Santos waiting for conditions to improve when it ran into trouble.

“We think the pilot looked for a place to make an emergency landing, an isolated area, near a swimming pool, but the plane exploded,” Mr Galeano said.

Experts are trying to determine if the Cessna exploded on impact or already in the air.

The Cessna came down in a residential area of the city of Santos

Fashola and the ‘hood gangs (2) •Continued from Back page

Osun governorship poll: goodbye to electoral impunity Though Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was victorious in last Saturday’s governorship election and most deservedly too, there are numerous shareholders to the victory.

First, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to be applauded, the security agencies for keeping the peace without getting in the way of the process and lastly the voters in Osun who turned out en masse and voted for their choice candidate.

What is, however, most noteworthy is the gradual elimination of electoral impunity which was pervasive hitherto. The elections in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun

states have proved that votes can count and voters in Nigeria can truly determine who governs them. That ignominious era of stuffing or snatching of ballot boxes seems to be receding with our dark past, thankfully. Now parties and their candidates have to work their socks off; nothing is taken for granted or left to chance anymore.

The larger import of this is that more quality candidates would emerge for elective positions, our democracy will surely get better and governance will improve. An incumbent would know better to start winning the heart of the people from the first day in office. It is a trend that must be vastly improved upon and guarded jealously by all.

Again kudos to Prof. Attahiru Jega and his team at INEC, but they must work to institutionalise the process so

that they are not easily reversed. The Osun poll is victory for Nigeria.

IGP Abba, just another brick in the wall

He came with such loaded promise but now that his tenure has ended, Mohammed D. Abubakar, the immediate past Inspector-General of Police (IGP) came a cropper at the end. He could not buck the ugly trend in the police system; he got swallowed up by it. Though it may be too early to say that after MD, hardly any IGP can heave the rotten behemoth, let us give the benefit of the doubt and believe it’s too early in the day.

But at least MD started well with one far-reaching, if not radical move which was to wean the police from hanging loose on our roads and highways and feeding frenzy

therefrom like vultures all in the name of security. Today, officers and men of the Nigeria Police are back to their ‘stations’ (road checkpoints) making fools of themselves and the force. Where did we get that orientation from that only checkpoints guarantee security?

We thought that MD could follow from taking them off the roads to improving their welfare and further professionalise the force. In short, we thought MD would return the dignity of the police to it. But he failed. This column does not give the acting IGP a dime of a chance. He just does not look like the right man for the job. But I pray he disappoints me.

Last word: Why on earth is he placed on acting capacity?

What further ‘exam’ does he have to pass to become full IGP?

NEWS

Jonathan, PDP’ve failed Nigerians, says Fashola Continued from page 4

ology, people and members of the party, and leadership of government amoung other sub topics.

He said: “Until recently, we all used to think that our national development was inhibited by the fact that we never had a university graduate as leader of any national government in an executive càpacity.

“We now have two graduates, a zoologist and an architect, at the helm of our national affairs, and I think majority of Nigerians will tell you today that their lives are worse off today than they were four years ago.”

According to him, there is more to leadership than university degree.

“There are needs for more attributes that you can’t find in a classroom or in a school.” He added He said he found it strange for the government to invite parents of the abducted Chibok girls to Presidential Villa for commiseration, which he said was un-African.

“The event has been followed by other round of liès. The abduction of the girls have been enmeshed in lies. They have also lied about the economy, within the same household, within the central bank and the federal ministry of finance, we had very clear difference, whether $48 billion or $20 billion.

“The ideas of the freedom to think, to sleep and to ask questions is too valuable for me to exchange for development under an autocratic or democratic government.

“If the only options left for me to chose were between freedom

and development, I for one will rather surrender development than freedom. So, I worry when I hear some people say today that it is part of their achievement that they allow us to express ourselves. I think that is utter rubbish.

“I am really convinced beyond doubt that democracy can still deliver development.

On political parties, he said: “If we must achieve development in democracy, the vehicle of politics, the political parties must first be developed as first class institutions. The first thing to seek is the idea behind governance and this is often contained in the programme of political parties.”

He said there is clear identified difference between the APC and PDP. He said: “If you look at the level of progress and development in the states govern by the old and new opposition parties and government, there is a clear daylight in terms of development.”

“For example, it is no coincidence that only two states, Lagos and Rivers, governed now

by APC governors are executing rail projects on their own mass transit.”

“The party in government has lied about when there will be stable electricity for 16 years.

An APC state, Lagos has led the way, in showing what is possible. There is power initiative in Egbin, Akute, Lagos Island, Alausa, Ikeja and Lekki to be delivered later this year.”

“The party in power decides to continue importing fuel with the attendant disruptions and monumental ..., Lagos believes that in a partnership, it is possible, if you provide land, for Nigerians to produce enough petroleum products for consump-

tion and still export within a four year period.”

He said: “They have lied on security. The first thing they said was that those who are undermining security were in government. Now the story has changed, they say it is the opposition. This is not quite the same thing as bringing down the country because government can be removed by legitimate and constitutional means, that is the ballot box.”.

Stressing that the manifestos of political parties across the globe change from elections to elections and need not be cast on stones, he said that there is misunderstanding between endorsement of a candidate and god-fatherism by the ruling party.

According to him, democracy is a participatory government where everyone have a say whether he or she voted or not.

Making a remark, Sylva warned of impending danger towards the 2015 general elections, maintaining that the present administration failed to tackle security challenges, poverty and corruption.

He said terrorism has taken over the northern part of the country, Ebola virus disease ravaging in the West, kidnapping business flourishing in the south while kidnapping headquarters has remained in Anambra, Eastern part of the country.

He said: “As confused as I am, nobody knows what is happening in this country. If over 200 girls have been abducted and could not be located, how could they locate one man?”

“When we talk about 2015 and people take it lightly, I wonder because there is a real danger. Nobody has thought it

wise to commiserate with the people on the abduction of Chibok girls.”

“2015 is very serious. The issue of security, are they in a position now to resolve the issue of security confronting us now.

They have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they cannot.”

On corruption, he said: “Can they tackle corruption except pursuing people who are not in their good book.”

“When you say you are ready to follow them, all charges against you are withdrawn. If I say I will support you, then I will not be corrupt again. What kind of government is that? He queried.

He also said that the government has no idea of tackling the poverty in the land.

On Sylva, who stepped down for him to emerge as the National Chairman, he said: “The minute he decided to throw his weight behind me, he has never looked back. He has been one of my greatest assets since I assumed office.”

Former Head of State Gen. Muhammed Buhari said Fashola’s lecture was well researched.

“I congratulate Sylva for mobilising who and who in the APC to his birthday.”

He also congratulated Nasarawa State lawmakers for stopping the manipulated moves to impeach Governor Tanko Almakura. The Chairman of the occasion, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, said he was not qualified to speak on Fashola’s lecture as he is not a politician.

He said: “A lot of it is political and I am not a politician.

And I don’t consider myself qualified to comment on the paper. But I am sure that the

paper will serve a useful reference point for all those who are concerned with democratic leadership of this country. I congratulate his excellency for a well-researched paper.”

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi said: “I thank his Excellency for such a brilliant lecture on democracy.”

On Sylva, he said: “I am here to really celebrate leadership, the sacrifices he has made in spite of his persecution. His best is yet to come.”

Reading the profile of the celebrator, The Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr Sam Omatseye said: “You can attack him, and he will be angry but he will not bear malice. That is Timipre the friend. The one who is hearty, fearless in com-

ment, sensitive to criticism but generous nonetheless in putting it in perspective.

“But the greatest assets about him is his simplicity, sometimes close to naivety. He is the sort of person who needs those who love him more than those who want to take advantage of him.”

He said Among the dignitaries at the occasion were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Speaker of House of Representatives, Bello Masari, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir el-Rufai.

Others are former Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Audu Ogbe, Senator Olorunmibe Mamora, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni For that reason, recipients and Senator Chris Ngige.

Liberia gets Ebola drug Continued from page 4

people are. We are definitely going to be focusing on medical staff.”

Massaquoi said people who were past the “critical phase” and looked likely to survive would not be treated with it.

In this outbreak, over 50 percent of those sickened with Ebola have died, according to the U.N. health agency.

Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics at NYU Langone Medical Centre, said the choice would have to balance helping the largest number of people with learning the most from the treatments. Since it’s not clear whether the drug is effective, Caplan said the question is not whose life do we save, but “who gets the chance to be experimented on?”

should be chosen at least partially based on whether they will make good experimental subjects. That could mean choosing people who have recently contracted the disease and are more likely to respond to treatment or younger patients. In order to study the long-term effects, doctors will likely prefer people who can be observed for months, he said, and that might eliminate people who live in remote places.

Liberian officials stressed that only people who signed a consent form would receive the drug. Caplan said it was important to inform people about the risks of taking the drug, but that “if you’re terminally ill with a dreaded disease ... you almost can’t imagine anybody saying no.”

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TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

DON’T assume that there is a monolithic North. This is encouraging since the South has never pretended to be anything but heterogeneous. But at times there is a coincidence of interests when the North or the South appears to speak in unison. Such a time is this in respect of the South but unfortunately for the North, the Middle Belt appears to have found its voice.

The core North appears to have overreached in its lust for the return of presidential power as it now appears to invest its mental resources in bogus conspiracy theories. As it betrays its greed for power, it inevitably doesn’t mind losing long-term allies in the South. Historically, the Southwest championed the cause of ethnic minorities across the country. In particular, against all odds, Chief Obafemi Awolowo strongly supported the creation of Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR) State during the First Republic. What did he get in return? His candidacy was rejected by those whose cause he championed.

They preferred a northern candidate.

In the Second Republic, both the Southsouth and the Southeast aligned with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) even when the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) picked an Igbo as running mate. And while the two-party system of the Third Republic attempted to put an end to ethnic politics, and both the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) drew membership from across the nation, the annulment of the presidential election quickly brought back the old animosity with a majority of other southern nationality groups, especially the Igbo, snubbing the Southwest and supporting the annulment and campaigning for the military. It was what the North wanted and succeeded in having.

Now there is a new alignment going on. The North has lost its old allies in the Southsouth and Southeast, and it now appears that a southern solidarity front is emerging.

I am not sure what to make of this development and how long it will last. What appears to be fuelling it is the perception, especially in the Southsouth, that the North is not a dependable ally. Assume that the North drops its objection to President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition, I am almost sure that the Southsouth, and most certainly the Southeast, will forgive and resume their friendship. Southwest has always been and will be left in the lurch.

Now, in its latest gripes, the North is either genuinely confused about what it wants or is deliberately confusing issues for maximum po-

B

LOOD festival: When I wrote the

first piece on this page on February 21, there was not meant to be a part two or a follow-up. But less than six months after, I am compelled to re-visit this senselessly gory affair because innocent, lawabiding citizens are being savaged almost every other week and property are damaged so wantonly by a lawless band of uncontrolled and seemingly uncontrollable youths in Lagos neighbourhoods. Theirs is a festival of blood and sorrow.

From Somolu to Bariga, Mushin, Ebute Meta and Mile Two in Lagos State, youths believed to be members of various cults have seized these communities, putting residents at their mercy while the state and security agencies seem to have no answer.

During the first weekend of August, hoodlums laid a three-day siege to areas of Somolu, Mainland of Lagos. The young men said to number about 15 reportedly took over some streets of Somolu from Friday evening and operated through Saturday and Sunday, 3rd of August. Armed with guns, axes and cutlasses they waylaid passers-by, broke into houses and even defiled women. Streets like Awofeso, Olorunsogo and Opeloyeru have become no man’s land where residents live in fear because these miscreants visit pain and perdition on them so frequently these days.

Two days after, in what must be a reprisal, a gang of cultists invaded the Somolu-Bariga areas again and by the time they were done, several vehicles were damaged, many houses were bullet-ridden and two people suspected to be rival cult members lay dead. Residents said it has been a

VOL.9 NO.2,939

‘Many activists, youth leaders and self-acclaimed political heroes today have their wives and children safely tucked away in secure schools and sociopolitical climes overseas even as they goad impoverished and clueless youth at home to their doom’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

What does the North want?

•Chairman, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi

litical effect. First, its delegates to the National Conference accused other delegates of smuggling a Third Term agenda into the draft report and insisted that Jonathan must not run for re-election if he doesn’t want to plunge the country into crisis. Second, they rejected the inclusion of a draft constitution in the report of the conference on the grounds that it was neither part of the mandate of delegates nor within the legal bounds of the conference to draft a constitution or organise a referendum. Thirdly, the Northern Elders Forum demanded that Jonathan must bring back the Chibok girls by October or forfeit the support of the zone for re-election.

I sense confusion—whether genuine or contrived. First, the concern of a hidden Third Term agenda is without any sound basis. What we had in 2005 was totally different and very glaringly in favour of a Third Term for the president. It was also true that the agitation against such an agenda was led—as it always does in pursuit of freedom and justice when others blink or decide to side with the agents of dictatorship and retrogression—by the Southwest even when a southwesterner was supposedly to be the ben-

eficiary of such a term elongation. How can any reasonable person or group now expect southwestern delegates to be part of such a scheme for Jonathan? On what grounds? If this was even contemplated, I expect that delegates from the Southwest would have been up in arms.

The northern delegates came up with this cock and bull story because of their belief that a “draft constitution” is included in the report. On the basis of this, they also believe that (a) the draft constitution has provision for a six-year presidency and (b) once a new constitution is adopted, the President can run under that constitution and in light of a Federal High Court ruling in 2003, he would be entitled to a third term. These are just too far-fetched and fuelled by unruly imagination. In the first place, the idea of a six-year presidency has been debunked since the “draft constitution” provided for the same two terms of four years each for the president and governors. Where did this false reading of the “draft constitution” come from? It’s pure hallucination; and a very unfortunate one as such.

Second, assume that the draft constitution makes it possible for the president to run a second term, why is it beyond the realm of possibility for this aspect to be brought up in the discussion of the draft and subject to debate and possibly expunged before a final vote?

In other words, why throw away the bath water of a confused reading of the provisions of the draft constitution with the entire report of the conference for which every delegate has made substantial sacrifice of over three months? Are we missing something here?

Thirdly, how is it that the preparation of a draft constitution that simply combines the resolutions of the conference, which everyone agrees amount to amendments to the constitution with the extant portions of the constitution that were untouched in the deliberations of the conference, is considered illegal by northern delegates? What the conference leadership did was to not simply

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Fashola and the ‘hood gangs (2) long, bloody cycle of killing and counterkilling by suspected cultists in these areas.

Early in July, in another part of Lagos, which was not hitherto cultists prone (Mile 12), hoodlums suspected to belong to a wellknown confraternity raided the neighbourhood and in an orgy of wanton violence destroyed no fewer than 40 cars.

Hapless residents woke up to find their vehicles vandalised and their humanity assaulted. Since there is no justice in the jungle, they were mere vicarious victims of a bad circumstance. The rampaging miscreants were said to have come to Mile 12 to extract vengeance. Perhaps failing in their bid, they left their ugly imprint across the community.

Late last month in Ebute-Meta, some ‘bad boys’ chasing after another group chose to raze houses of innocent residents in the neighbourhood, perhaps in an attempt to smoke out their quarry.

Above the law, above the state:

Stories of agonies and pains abound across the state. In each case, the police either look the other way or appear after the damage had been done. Hardly any arrests are made or prosecution pursued. It is as if there is a grand conspiracy between the state government and the Nigeria Police to allow this evil to fester and to inflict pain on law-abiding Lagosians.

These city terrorists have been active at their nefarious enterprise for over a decade now. They have become emboldened and grown more daring. Hitherto, they often operated at night but now they ride through their territory anytime they choose. They had only cudgels, machetes and axes, but today, they bear sophisticated rifles and even bulletproof vests. Today, many more communities around Lagos are becoming proud ‘owners’ of ‘organised’ neighbourhood gangs of their own. When they are not spoiling for a fight or waging bloody reprisal wars, they are robbing,

compile resolutions, but also to put them in rational form worthy of intelligent people. Why is this reasonable approach an anathema to northern delegates? More importantly, why do they have to see everything in terms of conspiracy to deny them access to political power?

As reported in the media, one of the reasons given by the northern delegates was that because conference delegates were not elected, they “lacked both legal and moral authority to draft a new constitution for the Nigerian Federation.” If they had exercised some patience and allowed the leadership of the conference to explain the rationale for the preparation of what they referred to as “draft constitution”, the fear of the northern delegates would have been allayed. It was simply a proactive approach from the intellectual vanguards of the conference with no ulterior motive or hidden agenda. It shouldn’t even have come to this.

But I take the last sentence back. It inevitably would have come to this. The North has been opposed to any change to the status quo. For them, nothing is wrong with the 1999 Constitution. Nothing is wrong with the structure of the country. Nothing is wrong with a revenue allocation system that truncates federalism and enshrines centralised dictatorship, with states having to beg for the crumbs from the master’s table. And certainly nothing is wrong with the direction the country is heading, with a President determining what revenue goes to the states and when they can receive such, for maximum benefit to him and his party. As far as the North is concerned, what is wrong is simply that the North is not in charge. With that mindset, the North’s grudging acceptance to participate in the conference was to ensure that nothing changes. If what the North seeks is a country at its beck and call, it should know that we passed that stage and that it is fast losing its old allies and not gaining new ones.

Finally, in the matter of the fate of the young Chibok girls, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) simply played dangerously into the open trap of a presidency whose propaganda machinery is unparalleled. There is no doubt that the Federal Government has not only been caught napping about the rescue of the girls, but it has been criminally negligent in directing military resources to where it is needed. But why an ultimatum tied up with support for the President’s second term ambition? Given its record so far, the presidency knows that it is at the mercy of the girls’ kidnappers. Hitting back at the NEF is all it can do.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 raping and inflicting pains on their compatriots.

Unconscionable silence: This situation is not acceptable. Not the least in a state pursuing the status of a mega-city. No serious state or government capitulates to hoodlums and miscreants; especially armbearing ones. It’s salutary to note that the Governor Babatunde Fashola administration has about the best security strategy of any state, but why it seems helpless towards these rampaging barbarians is hard to fathom. Besides, no group has monopoly to violence; people will eventually resort to self-help if the state won’t come to their aid and the evil will get viral.

In the February piece, I suggested that “the state government must act fast: first to review and update laws on cultism, illegal arms-bearing and hard-drugs peddling and use in the state. Second, there may be need for a special squad on gangs and hard-drugs use; third, special tribunals may be needed to expedite trial and conviction and lastly, there is need for a sustained publicity campaign against neigbourhood gangs.”

Several other suggestions were proffered but apparently no one seems to be listening. But being coy over this manner of pestilence is not only unconscionable but portends grave danger for all. Today it’s defenceless Lagosians who are being pulverised, tomorrow when this madness has fully ripened, even the Government House will not be safe enough for its dwellers.

•Continued on page 60 •For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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