The Nation August 17, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Ekiti police, bank robbers in gun battle

N105b fuel subsidy cash for roads

NEWS

Page 59

NEWS Page 11

•Sagamu-Ore-Benin, others listed

•Three vehicles recovered from gang

www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2220 FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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N150.00

Okonjo-Iweala: oil marketers paid N42.6b

HE Federal Government has called the bluff of oil marketers, as fuel queues continue to grow in Abuja .

Many stations have refused to sell petrol in the nation’s capital.

From Nduka Chiejina and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

The government is insisting that oil marketers indicted in the fuel subsidy probe will not be paid. The fuel crisis, the government said, is

limited to Abuja.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told reporters yesterday that “so far N42.66 billion has been paid to marketers that have been verified. Those who have queries or big question marks

from probe committee will not be paid.

“Some of those who have been told have a case to answer are holding the country to ransom, they have resorted to cheap blackmail of government and government will

not give in to that.”

The government, she said, “will look at those with slight infraction and see what can be done. “Government is willing to talk with those with slight infraction and they may continue to import

but those with serious infractions should forget it because government will not give in to their blackmail.”

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said she would be meeting with Continued on Page 6

•A SPIRITU AL B ATTLE: Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) workers praying for their abducted Vice Chancellor, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji SPIRITUAL BA (right), in Enugu…yesterday.

Car found as kidnappers of VC ‘demand N200m’

SEE PAGE 6

Fed Govt, southern states may clash over state police Babangida, CODER, Catholic Archbishop back idea

T •Gen. Babangida

HE Federal Government and states in the South seem to be heading for a major collision over state police.

Southern states are in favour of the decentralisation of the police - an idea which they believe will help internal security - but their Northern counter-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Emmanuel Oladesu and Innocent Duru

parts have taken a stance against it, after initially backing the move through the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

The Forum of ex-Inspectors-General

of Police and the Presidential Committee on Police Reform, headed by Mr. Parry Osanyande, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, advised the Federal Government against the state police.

But former military President Ibrahim Babangida yesterday threw his

weight behind the introduction of state police. He said those opposed to the idea are living in the past, without reflecting on current reality.

The Federal Government, it was gathered, is worried that state police might have far-reaching implications Continued on Page 6

•AGRIC P13 •SPORT P24 •SOCIETY P25 •BRAND P33 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

2

NEWS DEMOLITION IN ABUJA

Adoke urges FCT Minister to halt Mpape demolition •Falana: don’t flout court order

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•Deputy Speaaker, House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha at the 2012 Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival (Yam Festival) held at Itu, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State... on Wednesday. With him is the President, Ndi Ezeji Mbaise, Dr. Eze Ihuoma.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle), his wife, Roli (left) and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) during the pastor's visit to the Asaba branch of the church... yesterday.

•Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, being decorated by the Mayor of Annapolis, Maryland Mr. Joshua J Cohen during his visit to the Mayor

HE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) yesterday advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammad to stop the planned demolition of Mpape community.

In a letter, Adoke cautioned the minister against taking steps that would be disrespectful to court since there is a pending suit on the matter before a FCT High Court.

The letter was signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Justice Ministry, Abdullahi Yola.

A copy of the letter, which our correspondent obtained yesterday, reads: “I am to inform you that the attention of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the above captioned petition in respect of the pending suit before the Federal Capital Territory High Court which has to do with the demolition exercise planned for Mpape village in the FCT. “In the light of the self-explanatory contents of the petition, I am to respectfully convey the advice of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that all proposed actions be stayed in respect of the subject matter pending the determination of the substantive suit and any appeal arising therefrom. This I is in consonance with this administration’s avowed commitment to the enthronement of the rule of law.

“Please accept the assurances of the high regards and best wishes of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice”, Yola stated.

The stoppage was sequel to a petition by Lagos lawyer Femi Falana to Adoke, who expressed fears that the FCT Administration was in the process of flouting a court directive.

Five residents: Messrs Jacob Obor, Olasogba John, Isreal Awoyemi, Young Okeugo and Macos Gabriel suing on behalf of themselves and other residents are challenging the plan by the FCT Administration to demolish their

houses.

Justice Abubakar Kutigi of an Abuja High Court sitting in Bwari, on August 3 had asked parties not to do anything that would have the effect of destroying the substance of the case before the matter is finally determined.

Falana urged Adoke to save his clients, Obor and four others from having their houses demolished by the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA).

In an August 16 letter to the Minister of Justice, Falana said following the issuance and pasting of demolition notices on the plaintiffs’ houses by FCDA, they challenged the planned demolition at the High Court, Abuja in suit No. CV/ 3998/ 2012: Jacob Obor & 4 Ors V. FCDA & 2 Ors. He said although their application for interlocutory injunction was refused, the court granted an order of accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and cautioned the parties to maintain the status quo.

Falana alleged that in defiance of the court’s admonition, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed has threatened to proceed with the demolition exercise on August 31, 2012.

He said: “In the light of the foregoing, we urge you to use your good offices to prevail on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and other defendants to refrain from resorting to self help pending the determination of the substantive suit before the High Court and the appeal arising there from.”

Falana said the minister’s move present the Court with a fait accompli and is in contravention of the commitment of the Goodluck Jonathan Administration to operate under the rule of law.

He added: “It may interest the Honourable Attorney General to note that while granting leave to the plaintiffs to appeal against the refusal of injunction on August 16th, 2012, the Honourable Court (per Yussuf J) reiterated the need for parties to respect the processes of the court in line with the cautionary words of his learned brother, Kutigi, J.”

Traders condemn demolition of make-shift market

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•CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Mr Jim Obaszee (second left)receiving a plaque from the President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Thomas Awagu. With them are Director, UK Trade and Investment Mr. Mike Purves (left) and Past president, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Mr Emmanuel Ijewere (right). PHOTO: NAN

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

OME residents of Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried yesterday’s demolition of a makeshift market in the area.

Some of the affected petty traders were seen removing their wares from the debris.

Demolition was going on some residents in houses near the market moved out their belongings from the area for fear that their houses might be demolished.

Some of the people told NAN that they were in the market, popularly called ‘Friday Market’, when the bulldozers came.

Mrs Helen Nwachukwu, a trader in the market, alleged that the land where the market was located belonged to someone, who wanted to make use of it.

“We paid money to some market officials to make use of the space allocated to us.

“We heard that the space where the market is belongs to one man and he wants to make use of his land; that is the reason for the demolition of this particular place,” she said.

Mr Ahmed Sani, a trader in the market, said he was not able to remove all his wares as he was taken unawares.

He said that he had nowhere to take his goods, although the traders heard the demolition was supposed to come up sometime in August.

Meanwhile, Mr Nathaniel Atebiji, Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Department of Development Control, FCT, said that the “shanties’’ were removed for security reasons.

He said the place was a make-shift market that had served as a hideout for hoodlums and stressed that no building was demolished.

“We did not demolish any house, it is just shanties built with wood where hoodlums are hiding that we removed,’’ Atebiji said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

3

NEWS DEMOLITION IN ABUJA Lugbe demolition: Court fixes Sept. 10 for ruling

•Traders at Mpape make-shift market after it was demolished ...yesterday

•People leaving Mpape after a make-shift market was demolished ...yesterday

J

PHOTOS: NAN

AN Abuja High Court will on September 10 decide whether the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed, has powers to demolish Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja.

The residents of Tudun-Wada and Sauka-Kauta Areas sued the FCT challenging its powers to demolish their buildings.

In the suit, the residents had prayed the court to grant an injunction restraining the minister or his agents from demolishing their homes, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Husseini Yusuf reserved the ruling after hearing counsel to the residents, Mr Ejike Okpara and counsel to the defendant, Dr Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN).

Okpara had asked the court to declare the marking and proposed demolition of houses of his clients as illegal on the grounds that they violated Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

He averred that neither the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) nor the minister could claim to be unaware that his clients had lived in the Lugbe for more than 20 years.

However, the FCT minister’s counsel, Nwaiwu, in a preliminary objection prayed the court to discountenance the application.

Nwaiwu urged the court to dismiss the motion because the plaintiffs had not established any “legal rights” that needed to be protected through an injunction.

He told the court that the plaintiffs were not indigenes, as being argued by their counsel.

Nwaiwu also submitted that Section 297(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), vested the ownership of all lands in the FCT in the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He further argued that ownership of land in the territory, therefore, did not customarily vest in individual indigenes or chiefs in the FCT. The counsel, prayed the court to refuse the application and dismiss same.

The FCT had on July 17, announced that 20 villages around Abuja would be demolished.

Mrs Josie Mudashiru, the spokesperson of the Department of Development Control of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), listed the villages as Idu, Karmo-Dape, Tasha, Gwagwa, Suburi, Zauda, and Jahi.

Others are: Gishiri, Mabushi, Mpape, Kuchigoro, Chika, Aleita, Piwoyi, Lugbe, Pyakassa, Tudunwada, Dei-dei, Sauka-Kauta and Guzape villages.

Court grants residents right of appeal ‘

USTICE Husseini Yusuf of the FCT High Court has granted Mpape residents in the Bwari Area

Council, leave to appeal against the earlier ruling of a High Court.

Yusuf granted the leave yesterday, following an application filed by Chief Femi Falana, counsel to Mr Jacob Oboh on behalf of residents of Mpape.

The residents had in their suit, urged the court to restrain the FCT Minister and the FCTA from demolishing the houses of about 500,000 people in the area.

Justice Abuabakar Kutigi of the High Court in Bwari on Aug. 3, refused to retrain the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, from demolishing the houses.

Justice Kutigi, in the ruling, noted that the applicant did not plead any evidence of legal right to the properties they were seeking to protect.

He also observed that the layout map filed before the court by the applicants did not indicate the positions of the houses.

Justice Kutigi also held that the street names were not included to enable the

The minister stated that the August 31 deadline for Mpape residents to vacate their homes still stands. If I recall, specifically, the trial court asked him not to do anything that would have the effect of destroying the substance of the case before the matter is finally determined

•Falana

court to know specifically the relationship of the properties to the map.

He said: “Court will not make an order that will be in vain. Injunctions are not granted on the basis of grace or routine. “

‘

The judge held that to grant the order was to create confusion and uncertainty.

Falana urged the court to issue another order, for the maintenance of the status quo.

Falana said the application was done, in view of a statement credited to the FCT minister on Aug. 5, that there was no going back on the demolition.

He said: “The need for this order is to maintain status quo. We have presented to court a copy of the said statement in the exhibits we submitted with our application.

“The minister stated that the August 31 deadline for Mpape residents to vacate their homes still stands.

“If I recall, specifically, the trial court asked him not to do anything that would have the effect of destroying the substance of the case before the matter is finally determined.

“The learned trial judge said it is now trite principle of general application that parties, including government agencies or institutions, have no right to take matters into their own hands once a matter is in court.

“The judge further said that it behoves on all parties to ensure that they do nothing that would have the effect of hoisting on the court a situa-

tion of complete hopelessness. ’’ Counsel to the FCT Minister, Dr Amaechi Nwaiwu (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the motion.

Nwaiwu said the application was incompetent and an abuse of court process.

He argued that there was nothing to suggest that the minister would disobey the court order.

“All my client said was that there is no going back on demolition,” he said.

After listening to the arguments, Yusuf granted the leave for Falana to appeal against the ruling of Kutigi.

Yusuf urged the parties not to take any step that would affect the subject matter of litigation.

“When a matter is before court, all parties must ensure that they do nothing that would have the effect of hoisting on the court a situation of complete hopelessness, until the matter is finally determined,” he said.

He cautioned all parties in the suit against taking any action on a matter that was subject of litigation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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NEWS

Mandela’s grandson kicks wife out after finding out she gave birth to a son for his brother

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ELSON Mandela’s grandson and political heir has banished his wife from their home after he discovered she had given birth to his brother’s baby.

Mandla Mandela, 38, was accused of bigamy when he married teenager Anais Grimaud while still married to his first wife.

Now, following weeks of media speculation that their marriage had ended amid blazing rows, Mr Mandela has confirmed that his wife had an affair with his brother.

“The Mandela family has sent my wife Nkosikazi Nobubele Mandela (nee Anais Grimaud) back to her home after it was discovered she has been having an affair with one of my brothers”, he said.

“I confirm this affair resulted in a son that Nkosikazi Nobubele gave birth to in 2011.

The cuckold scandal is just the latest in a series of controversies involving Mandla Mandela, whom Nelson Mandela anointed as his political heir.

As well as being a South African

MP, Mandla Mandela is a chief in the important Thembu tribe and handles much of his grandfather’s legacy.

As grandson of the universally respected 94-year-old he is also the public face of the Mandela family.

He married his first wife, Tanda Mabunu-Mandela, at a traditional ceremony in 2004.

Six years later he married Miss Grimaud, who is from the island of Reunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean.

On marriage she took the tribal name Nkosikazi Nobubele Mandela.

The couple’s son was born in September last year and was named Qheya by Nelson Mandela himself.

The marriage was marred by the fact Mandla remained officially married to his first wife.

Ms Mabunu-Mandela fought the Grimaud marriage in the law courts and it was last year declared unlawful.

In a statement released this week, Mandla Mandela said DNA tests confirmed that the boy was not his

son but he did not identify which of his two brothers was responsible.

“The revelation of this affair has come as a shock to me and the rest of my family,” the statement reads.

“It has been made more painful because it is my own brother who is at the centre of the crisis.”

Earlier this year Mandla Mandela was forced to deny selling exclusive rights to film the anti-apartheid icon’s funeral for around £250,000.

Mandla’s first wife Thando claimed that the tribal chieftain was alleged to have cut a deal with the South African Broadcasting Corporation in conjunction with the BBC. He had also attracted criticism for ordering that the bodies of three of the former president’s children be exhumed from their home village of Qunu and reburied in the nearby hamlet of Mvezo where he is a chief.

Mandla’s motive, said his critics, was to ensure that the former president be buried in the remote Eastern Cape town: something that is sure to act as a lure for big-spending tourists.

• The estranged couple

•Miners demonstrating at a mountain close to the mine near Rustenburg AFP: PHOTO

Seven killed as South Africa police shoot at striking miners

A

T least seven people were shot dead after South African police opened fire on thousands of miners striking over pay, according to reports.

A Reuters cameraman said he saw at least seven bodies on the ground at the scene, while the country’s Sapa news agency has said “at least” 18 people have been killed.

Video footage shows a group of strikers moving towards the police.

At the point where the footage freezes, a volley of gunshots lasting for some 10 seconds rings out before shouts of “ceasefire” halt the shooting.

When the footage resumes, a number of motionless bodies can be seen where the strikers were.

Journalist Taurai Maduna, who saw what happened, told Sky News: “Shortly before 4pm, the police grouped, they fired tear gas and it was just chaos.

“I could hear gunfire, I don’t know if it was live ammunition, and the next thing it was police shouting “ceasefire” and there were just bodies all over.

“I couldn’t see whether people were dead, it was just hectic.”

The incident happened around 40 miles north west of Johannesburg at the Marikana platinum mine owned

by Lonmin - the world’s third largest platinum producer.

Police had apparently been laying out barricades of barbed wire when they were outflanked by some of an estimated 3,000 miners.

The miners had been gathered on a rocky outcrop near the mine, 60 miles (100km) northwest of Johannesburg.

Mr Maduna said it had been “evident” that there could be trouble before the shootings.

He said: “The protesters had gathered at the hill and everyone had something to defend themselves with and when we told them the police were planning to disperse them, they said ‘bring them on, we are ready for them’.

“The police said ‘by the end of the day we are going to deal with them.

Don’t ask us how, but we’re going to do it’.”

Sky’s Africa correspondent Alex Crawford said: “It’s a really shocking turn of events.”

She explained that the strike started on Thursday last week and

‘

The protesters had gathered at the hill and everyone had something to defend themselves with and when we told them the police were planning to disperse them, they said ‘bring them on, we are ready for them’

‘

tensions have since “built up and built up”, but it was not yet clear which side sparked the latest killings.

She said: “At least three of the miners were seen holding pistols so it is not clear who fired first.”

Three people died during a similar strike in January and 10 people including police - had been killed during the latest dispute in recent days.

Before the latest shooting police said they had been left with no option but to disperse the strikers by force after talks with leaders of the radical Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) broke down.

“Today is unfortunately D-day,” spokesman Dennis Adriao said.

And before the police advance, Joseph Mathunjwa, president of AMCU, which has been on a big recruitment push in South Africa’s platinum mines, warned there would be bloodshed if police moved in.

“We’re going nowhere,” he shouted through a loudhailer, to cheers from the crowd. “If need be, we’re prepared to die here.”

Lonmin had said striking workers would be sacked if they did not turn up for their shifts on Friday.

“The striking (workers) remain armed and away from work,” the statement read. “This is illegal.”

The unrest at the Lonmin mine

began on August 10, as some 3,000 workers walked off the job over pay.

Those who tried to go to work on Saturday were attacked, management and the National Union of Mineworkers said.

On Sunday, the protest became deadly as a crowd killed two security guards by setting their car ablaze, authorities said.

By Monday, angry mobs had killed two other workers and overpowered police, killing two officers.

Officers opened fire that day, killing three others, police said.

Operations appeared to come to a standstill on Tuesday as workers stayed away from the mines, where 96% of all Lonmin’s platinum production comes from.

While the walkout appeared to be about wages, the ensuing violence has been fuelled by the struggles between the dominant National Union of Mineworkers and the new Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, reports have said.

Disputes between the two unions escalated into violence earlier this year at another mine.

Both unions have blamed each other for the strife.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

5

NEWS LASUTH morgue begs photo journalist

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

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HE management of TOS Funerals, the morgue unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, has apologised to a photo journalist, Benedict Uwalaka; his employer, Leadership Newspaper; the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); the Lagos State Government; Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Nigerians over the beating the photographer received in the hands of its workers.

This was part of the agreement by the morgue and Leadership.

It was witnessed by the Mediation Centre of the Office of Public Defendant.

The Legal Adviser to the morgue, Mr. Kunle Carew, said the apology was not an admission of liability.

According to him, it shows the company’s sense of responsibility in discharging its duties to the society.

The lawyer said it was also to honour the demands by the employers of the assaulted journalist and as agreed by his clients.

“Part of the demands are that we should hold a press briefing where we would tender our apologies, which is what we are doing now; refund the N50,000 which was an unrefundable fee paid by Leadership Newspaper to their lawyer; replace the lost camera of another journalist Mr. Kola Supo of Thisday Newspaper and that of Mr. Uwalaka; and also apologise to the stakeholders concerned. These we’ve agreed to and ready to do.

“But to our surprise and that of the workers of the Public Defender, Mr. Uwalaka is not here. When he was contacted on the phone, he said the NUJ has directed him not to collect the money but to come over and participate in the protest walk to the state’s seat of power.

APGA crisis: Judge urged to A disqualify self

FACTION of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) loyal to its Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla has asked Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf of an Abuja High Court to disqualify himself for alleged bias.

Justice Yusuf, had on August 7 granted a restraining order against Masalla and Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, from parading themselves as acting national chairman and secretary.

The order followed an exparte application by the National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh and argued by Mr. Patrick Ikwueto (SAN).

But, in a August 15 petition, the Masalla faction asked the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Lawal Gummi, to re-assign the matter to another Judge, alleging that Justice Yusuf “is a close family friend of Chief Victor Umeh” and so, would

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

not dispense justice.

In the three-page petition, Dr. Okwenna, who accused the judge of breaching the oath of Judicial Officer, recalled that a restraining order had been granted by an Enugu High Court against Umeh, before he (Umeh) approached Justice Yusuf’s court to obtain a contradictory restraining order against them.

“It is therefore with a great sense of responsibility and grave concern that I address this petition to you against the judicial conduct of Hon. Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, in the hearing of the suit in which Iam (Okwenna) the second defendant on record, which constitutes a threat to

the image and integrity of the judiciary and the efficacy of the system of administration of justice in the country”, the petitioner said.

The petitioner wondered why Justice Yusuf which he noted, is a vacation Judge will grant a restraining order in a political matter, based on an exparte application.

This, action, he noted “breached the Judicial Oath as provided for in the 7th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution which he subscribed to under Section 290 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

He also claimed that the Certified true Copy (CtC) of the ruling was yet to be made available even though they had applied for it since August 10 and

paid for same through one E. O. Ogbonnaya.

“Justice Baba Yusuf because of his closeness to Chief Victor Umeh has taken over the duties of the Registrars of the court as it relates to the issuance of the CtC duly applied and paid for and he thereby delved in the arena by questioning the interest of the applicant.

“It is noteworthy that the CtC has not been issued till today by Justice Baba Yusuf as against the express provisions of the Evidence Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FoI).

“In the circumstance, I pray that Hon. Justice Baba Yusuf be promptly disqualified from hearing the suit while the allegations are properly investigated with a view to preserving the dignity of the temple of justice and all those who minister therein,” the petition stated.

National telecoms operator, Globacom has expressed its commitment to youth-oriented projects that will engender creativity and talent.

Speaking at the Miss LASU Beauty Pageant organised by the Students Union of the Lagos State University (LASU), held at the New Auditorium on the University campus, the telecoms giant’s Business Director, Lagos 3 Territory, Mr. Augustus Offor said Globacom had identified the youth as a critical group that holds promise for the growth of the business sector, especially in the telecoms sub-sector, now and in the future.

“We fully recognise the potentials and desires of the youth while also being conscious of the obstacles they face. We are therefore committed to developing critical intervention products and services to support the Nigerian youth attain their dreams”, he said.

Conference on development

•Dr. Oluwole Oluleye (left); Mrs. Omobola Babs-Akinyemi; Rasheed Ayeni, an engineer and Mr. Olubunmi Owoso –– all recipients of National Productivity Order of Merit Award in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Judge transfers ex-worker’s N1.8b suit against MTN to Industrial Court A

Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, has ordered the transfer of a N1.8 billion suit filed by an engineer, Mr Paul Odunewu, against MTN Group Limited, South Africa, to the National Industrial Court, Lagos, for adjudication.

However, parties, including MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and MTN International, Mauritius, are yet to receive a hearing notice as it was not certain if the file had been transferred, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Odunewu sued the three defendants for N1,876,048,016.08 over alleged wrongful termination of his contract.

The claimant’s counsel, Mr Jonathan Onyekwelu, had urged the court presided over

by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji to transfer the case since her court has been divested of jurisdiction on employment matters by the Third Amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

He said the law stipulates that such a suit must be filed within six years to challenge an action. He added that the cause of action arose in 2006, and the case was filed at the High Court in 2007, but trial has not begun.

Glo commited to youth projects

By Joseph Jibueze

He said should the judge strike out the suit because her court lacks jurisdiction, the case may be voided by the statute of limitation at the Industrial Court if it is filed afresh since the six years within which it ought to have been instituted has elapsed.

Justice Oyebanji agreed that although the court’s rules do not empower a judge to transfer a case to the Industrial Court, she would use the suit as a test-case in the interest of justice.

Using her discretion and “inherent powers”, she directed the court’s registry to send the file to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

Odunewu, a telecommunications engineer, said he accepted the defendants’ offer of employment in December 2001 as Network Group Operation Manager for a fixed term of two years. He was later appointed Regional Technical Manager (Lagos Region 1) for another two-year term, and subsequently, one year.

The claimant said the services he rendered MTN were critical and resulted in unprecedented successes the

company recorded in Nigeria, but his position came under attack when some white South Africans were posted to oversee Network Group management in 2005.

He said there was an “onslaught” against him as his superiors suddenly became “disturbed that a Nigerian could possess such incredible experience and exposure…”

Matters got to a head when he received a letter dated February 28, 2006 purportedly terminating his appointment.

His access to MTN network was revoked. Odunewu claimed that the contract termination contradicted clauses of his agreement with MTN. He stated that he never committed any serious or persistent breach of the provisions of the agreement or any company code, was never summoned to a disciplinary committee, and was never found guilty of any gross misconduct or malperformance.

The claimant said he got another letter on February 28, 2006 directing him and his family to vacate the company’s apartment, and

was restrained from seeking alternative employment even when offered by competitors.

Odunewu said the “wrongful action of the defendants has had suicidal effect on him and on his family.” He added that MTN “declined” to pay him his entitlements, as his entire family depended on him for livelihood.

He sought “a declaration that the purported termination of the claimant’s appointment by the defendants is wrongful, malicious, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”

The claimant prayed for N100million as general damages, N500,000 as cost of the action, and $11, 384, 923.18 dollars, covers specific damages, salary, pension, leave payment, increases on salary, bonus, school fees of his children in the UK, accommodation, car, value of share under the contract and bonus underpayment.

But the defendants denied Odunewu’s claims. They said his contract was of limited duration and was due to terminate on December 12, 2003.

MTN said: “The letter of

offer of employment with the second defendant expressly warned against any expectation of continued employment, nor was it ever at any time suggested to the claimant that he was to be made or had been made a permanent employee of the second defendant or any of the defendants.

“In the circumstances, claimant knew and expected, or ought to have known and expected that his employment was not a longterm or permanent appointment, and that the same was also liable to be determined within 60 days of the receipt of written notice.

“The defendants say that the claimant’s claim is speculative and golddigging, that he is not entitled to the reliefs claimed or at all and that the claim herein should be dismissed with substantial costs in favour of the defendants.”

MTN added, among others: “Save and except as hereinbefore expressly admitted, the defendants deny each and every averment of fact contained in the statement of claim as if the same were herein set forth and traversed seriatim.”

A NATIONAL conference of community workers is to hold next month across the country.

The conference, organised

by Truelife Community Newspaper and the National Community Development Council of Nigeria (NCDCN), is to engage all citizens in the development process.

It has as its theme: “Community Development Body as Ombudsman in our Democracy.” and seeks to find ways by which the electorate will be co-partners with elected office holders in determining their common destiny.

NCDCN National President Chief Yusuf Olatoye said the conference will be held regionally starting from the South West.

Areas to be covered include Development, Education, Politics and self help. He added that there will be two legs of the meeting in each region, the first leg entails sub regional conference where delegates to regional conference will be nominated.

Police warn vehicle owner THE Lagos State Command has warned the owner of an abandoned vehicle parked at Anthony Village Divisional Police Station to remove it or lose it to members of the public through auction.

The vehicle is a Vanagon Volkswagen bus with registration number XF493AGL. According to the Command spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, if the owner fails to remove the vehicle within 21 days, it will be auctioned to members of the public.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

NEWS Car found as kidnappers of VC ‘demand N200m’

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BDUCTORS of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Vice Chancellor Prof. Cyprian Onyeji have demanded a ransom of N200m, it was learnt yesterday.

The VC was snatched at gunpoint in front of the university gate on Wednesday.

Three policemen guarding the university gate engaged the abductors who overpowered them and whisked Onyeji off, after forcing him out of his car into theirs. They

•From left: Provost of College of Medicine University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi; Prof. Olayide Abass, Acting Vice-Chancellor University of Lagos Prof. Rahaman Bello; Mr. Babafemi Olopade and Dr. Bolere Ketebu during the inauguartion of a shopping plaza to mark the 50th anniversary of the College of Medicine...yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Fed Govt: oil marketers have been paid N42.6b Continued from Page 1

some marketers because “government is open and willing to work with marketers but not willing to be blackmailed because there is no lack of willingness on the part of government to dialogue.”

To show that the government was ready to confront the oil marketers, she claimed are blackmailing the government, the finance minister said government “will be happy to publish the list of those that have been paid and those not paid. No association is bigger than Nigeria, and oil marketers cannot hold the nation to ransom.”

She admitted that government was owing some marketers but noted that her ministry “will net out debts because government is owing some marketers and some marketers are owing government so we

will net out the debts to know who and what to pay.”

However, before the payments are made, the minister vowed that the finance ministry “will verify all payments in line with the demands of the people.”

Government, she noted, is willing to encourage patriotic investors interested in building refineries, She said the federal government has released N300 billion third quarter capital allocations from 2012 budget.

A total of N704 billion capital allocation has now been released meaning that about 53 per cent of total annual budget has been released so far.

The minister said “as at the end of July 2012, the utilization of the earlier N404 billion released is now 65.4 per cent, so it has gone up.”

She reiterated that as at the end of June 2012, the N404 bil-

lion released witnessed 56 per cent utilisation.

According to the finance minister, “this government is releasing the additional N300 billion as government’s commitment to full implementation of the 2012 budget and to make sure that the finances are available to the MDAs to execute their projects. MDAs have stepped up their pace of utilization of funds.”

She said President Goodluck Jonathan has authorised the expedited payment of August salary for all federal civil servants so that they can enjoy the holidays.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke also yesterday urged oil marketers, whose action has culminated in fuel scarcity in Abuja to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Finance to suspend their industrial action.

She spoke after the inaugural meeting of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Board.

While assuring Nigerians that the crisis has nothing to do with shortage of petroleum products, she said the NNPC and the Petroleum Products and Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC) have enough stock in their reservoirs that could last between 40 and 45 days.

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) and the Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON) on Wednesday warned the general public of likely fuel scarcity should the Continued on Page 61

From Chris Orji, Enugu

drove off.

Sources said the abductors had demanded N200 million ransom from Onyeji’s family, but the police would not confirm this yesterday.

They, however, confirmed that the vehicle used by the kidnappers to take Onyeji away had been recovered in Awka, Anambra State.

Enugu police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said they were on top of the situation.

Continued on Page 61

We are working for peace, says Sultan

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HAT is the role of traditional rulers in the battle for peace in NIgeria?

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, says traditional rulers are joining forces with the government and other stakeholders to restore peace to the country.

Terrorism has crept into the country, with the Boko Haram sect setting off bombs in which many have been killed.

The Sultan says traditional rulers are working hard to stop the trend. He spoke on Wednesday in Sokoto when he hosted members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to a Ramadan dinner to break the fast, which ran into the early hours of yesterday.

“We have been working very hard to see to the return of normalcy to Nigeria. This is to bring the insecurity situation in Nigeria to an end.

“We are all concerned about violence in Nigeria, the peculiar situation in Northern Nigeria and other cases of kidnapping and violent destruc-

tion of lives and property,’’ he added .

The Muslims’ leader stressed the need for Nigerians to collectively work together to “defeat the various forms of insurgency.”

Alhaji Abubakar praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his recent peace moves in Plateau by holding series of meeting with members of the various ethnic groups in the state.

“Nigeria is not a one-man Continued on Page 61

•Alhaji Abubakar

Federal Govt, southern states may clash over state police Continued from Page 1

for the 2015 election.

In place of state police, the government has opted for a drastic reform of the Police.

Of the 36 states, 18 are in favour of state police, 17 are against and one is non-committal.

The idea is supported by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in the South.

The Northern Governors Forum, comprising 19 PDP and CPC governors, is opposed to it.

The Federal Government is concerned that the clamour for state police is already splitting the country along the NorthSouth divide.

A senior government official, who spoke in confidence, said the Federal Government might not be on the same page with some of the governors on state police.

He said the Federal Government will open talks with the states to show some understanding on why the nation is not ripe for state police now.

The source said: “The Federal Government is more pre-occupied with the security challenges than the issue of state police.

“The government is also embarking on police reform as evident in the constitution of Parry Osayande’s Presidential Committee on the Reorganisa-

Fears against state police unfounded, says IBB

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DVOCATES of state police have got a key supporter.

Former military leader Gen. Ibrahim Babangida says the fears of opponents of state police are unfounded.

He spoke at a media chat in his country home in Minna as part of activities marking his birthday. He will be 71 today. In his view, the time is ripe for federating units to have control over the policing of their states.

Gen. Babangida said opponents of state police were only advancing fears which had existed since the 1950s and wondered why after over 60 years, fears of state police should continue to haunt Nigeria.

He said: “Left to me, the whole essence of governance is to provide adequate security for the people and in whatever way this is achieved is acceptable. I don’t believe the fear of what happened in the 50s should continue to haunt us. We should try to move on.

“When we were there, we established

tion of the Police, which has just submitted its report.

“You cannot be talking of police reform on one hand and initiating state police.

“It is normal for states to contribute to the ongoing attempt to review the constitution, but we will not allow the nation to be further divided.

“If you see the debate on state police, it is splitting the nation along North-South axis, which is not in the best interest of ev-

Jide Orintunsin, Minna

the National Guard that was so criticised and was later dropped. Why should we think that what happened in the 50s when the regional police were used to intimidate the opposition will continue to happen under the present dispensation? The constitution has clearly stated the role of every institution and the people. There should be no fear. I don’t think governors now can use state police to intimidate anybody. Honestly, the fear is unfounded.”

Gen. Babangida added: “The federal police should be responsible for federal laws. The state police should handle the internal security of their states and should only buttress the efforts of the federal police.”

On Boko Haram, the former leader said the insurgence of the group and other security challenges facing the country are not peculiar to Nigeria. He said developing countries must go through such a situation.

eryone. The administration of President Goodluck Jonathan will not support anything that could pitch a region against the other.”

“Another challenge accounting for the government’s reservation, borders on the implications of adopting state police for the 2015 elections.

“The level of desperation of some politicians for elective post is worrisome. If the state police system is allowed, it

He accused the media of not doing enough to unearth the activities of the group. “The fact is that you press (media) people have not done enough study, enough investigation to find the real cause of Boko Haram and other violent communal clashes,” Gen. Babangida said.

Describing the call by the Boko Haram on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign as laughable, Babangida enjoined the media to stop giving prominence to those suggesting the break up of Nigeria.

He dismissed the allegation that his joining former President Olusegun Obasanjo to publicly challenge the insecurity in the country is a gang-up against President Jonathan’s administration. Gen. Babangida said the two leaders meant well for the country and that their joint public statement was necessitated by the outcry that they were silent over recent security chal-

might muddle up the electoral process, the source said.

Responding to a question, the source added: “The government will surely open talks with states agitating for state police. If you look at it, most of the states in the Southsouth are being controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we need to let them appreciate why it is better to keep the nation united.

“You know, the Federal Gov-

Continued on Page 61

ernment cannot effect constitution amendment in isolation of states. We need to consult with states extensively on the ‘dangers’ in the proposal for state police.”

The source also claimed that the Federal Government might also make its position known to the Constitution Review Committees already set up by the National Assembly.

The Coalition of Democrats

for Electoral Reforms (CODER) yesterday objected to the recommendation of the Police Reforms Panel on state police, describing it as a virulent attack on true federalism.

The group submitted that in all the countries practising federalism, including the United States, Canada and India, all tiers of government have the powers to make laws and instrument of coercion to enforce the laws.

The Co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, also objected to the recommendation on the scrapping of the Ministry of Police Affairs, pointing out that Section 115 (3 and 5) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to assign responsibilities on issues which the National Assembly has the power to legislate on.

He said those who say Nigeria would disintegrate, if there is state police, are pretenders, adding that their position is suspicious. Opadokun said these people and their collaborators are having undue advantage under the current policing system.

He added: “My understanding of Osayande Committee and position of the former Inspectors-General is that they are engulfed with the selfish agenda of expanded territory that makes too much money for the police for misuse.”

Continued on Page 61

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

7

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

NEWS Bombardier to partner Nigeria

Rep: Ijaw nation won’t secede

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By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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OMBARDIER, the Canadian-based third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world has expressed its readiness to partner the Ministry of Aviation in the establishment of a Repair, Maintenance Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.

The company has also agreed to work out modalities with the Nigerian aviation authorities to facilitate the acquisition of new aircraft by domestic airline operators .

Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility of the company, Helen Gagnon spoke yesterday in Montreal, Canada, when the company’s management team received a delegation from the Ministry of Aviation, led by the Minister, Princess Stella Oduah at the company’s facility in Canada.

Gagnon said Bombardier is very pleased with the visit of the delegation and the willingness of the Nigerian government to work with the company.

He said the establishment of an MRO facility in Nigeria holds huge potential for aircraft manufacturers because of the ready market in West African.

‘Central Naval Command firmly rooted’

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IX months after its establishment, the Central Naval Command (CNC) says it is firmly rooted in Bayelsa State.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, spoke in his office while receiving the State Coordinator, Ethics and Values, Sir. Eekiel Ogbiako, and members of the Shepherd Corps of Nigeria.

He attributed the success of the command to the support received from the Federal Government, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral O.S. Ibrahim, Governor Seriake Dickson and the people of the state.

Enumerating the benefits of the establishment, Rear Admiral Olutoyin said CNC has enhanced the employment and deployment of vessels, personnel and materials to effectively police oil rigs, platforms and installations, creeks and adjourning rivers.

Others include the facilitation of the integration and employment of land; maritime, air and special Operations forces; increment in aid to civil society groups in the states within the command; and a reduction in the activities of militants and illegal bunkers.

Ogbiako said the role of his group is to sensitise Bayelsans on the place of ethics, core values and morality.

He said the development challenges of the state and country can be traced to unethical behaviour and systematic corruption, which he said has led to poverty, unemployment and crimes .

Leader of the Shepherd Corps of Nigeria Mr. Alphaeus Ayebaemi said the corps aims at instilling moral values in adolescents.

•President ,National Handicap Cares Association of Nigeria (NAHCAN), Adewale Adeyanju (middle); President, Lagos State Persons with Disabilities’ Rights, Mr. Vitus Nwanafor (right) and Mr. Francis Ajonuwe of the National Association of Nigeria Disabled Traders Farmers PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI (NADTF) during the First Business Roundtable Seminar held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja...yesterday.

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Ondo election: IGP warns thugs

HE Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday said the force will deal ruthlessly with political thugs.

Abubakar spoke in his office in Abuja during a meeting with the national and state executive members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) .

Abubakar said: “Let me warn you that political thuggery will be ruthlessly dealt with. I want you all to take this message to your members all over the country that anyone who gets involved in violence would not be spared.

“I am issuing this warning in view of the fact that the date for the Ondo State gov-

•Police chief promises peacful Sallah From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ernorship election is around the corner. I am using this occasion to warn the Ondo State chairman of the NURTW that the police will not tolerate thuggery from your members. I will be in Ondo State to monitor the election.”

To strengthen cooperation between the police and the union, the IGP agreed to set up a committee to be headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (AIG) to liaise with the union’s national leadership and work out areas of cooperation.

He said the meeting

would be replicated at the state level with the Commissioners of Police.

Abubakar urged the union leaders to caution their members against bribing policemen on the roads and highways.

He said, henceforth, both the giver and the receiver of bribe would be arrested and prosecuted.

Abubakar warned against turning motor parks to criminal dens, where hard drugs and alcohol are freely used.

NURTW National President Alhaji Usman Yesin assured the IGP that the message would be taken to the union members.

He said the era of political

violence and hailed Abubakar for dismantling road blocks.

In a related development, Abubakar assured Nigerians of adequate security during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.

In his Sallah message, the IGP warned miscreants and mischief makers against disturbing the public peace.

He said: “In the spirit of the season, Nigerians are once more enjoined to be their brothers’ keepers, by ensuring that information on all suspected criminal activities and plans are promptly reported to the police or other sister security agencies, as prevention is better than cure.”

Ministers to sign performance agreement

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will sign the Performance Agreement Contract with ministers next Wednesday.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Minister of Information Labaran Maku said the contract will enable the president assess the performance of ministers henceforth.

While signing the Performance Agreement Contract with the chief executives of agencies and parastatals under his ministry, Maku said the initiative would enhance quality service delivery.

The National Planning

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja Commission has developed key performance indicators for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), which will serve as a guide in measuring their performances.

Maku said: “In furtherance of this, all ministers are directed by the president to sign Performance Agreement Contract with the directors and chief executives of agencies and parastatals under them in order to deliver on the target set out for them.”

The minister urged chief executives in his ministry to

ensure that their workers under them live up to their responsibilities through enhanced performances, which would be monitored by the ministry for the objective of attaining its key performance indicators.

He said the ministry would continue to enhance the dissemination of information and the collection of feedback from the public.

Maku said the ministry would strengthen its campaign against piracy and the standardisation of Nigerian films in order to realise the full potential of the movie industry.

Director, Human Re-

sources, Mallam Ahmed Sabo said the signing of the agreement is part of the Transformation Agenda of the present administration to enhance service delivery, transparency and accountability in governance.

On behalf of the chief executives of parastatals under the ministry, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, said the signing of the agreement symbolises a covenant with the minister and pledged their readiness to ensure the full realisation of their respective key performance indicators.

Fed Govt’ll meet counterpart obligations in 2013

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INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said the Federal Government will pay all counterpart contributions in 2013 to ensure a good working relationship with international development partners investing in basic education.

Wike spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving the Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr Tetsuo Seki.

He said the funding challengesexperienced this year will be addressed next year.

Wike said the cooperation between Nigeria and Japan, which is centred on the development of Mathematics and Science education, is important to the government’s drive to improve science and technology.

Wike said: “Our cooperation with JICA had challenges earlier this year in terms of our counterpart con-

tributions. We have addressed these challenges in the 2013 budget. All our conterpart contributions for our collaborative programmes will be paid on schedule.

The minister said the government is open to all international development partners interested in investing in the nation’s education sector.

He said the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) programme of JICA would

be introduced to more states.

Seki expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Federal Government to address the challenges that negatively affected the SMASE programme this year.

He said with cooperation and dedication on both sides, the goals of the programme would be attained.

Seki was accompanied on the visit by the JICA Project Foundation Advisor, Akiko Kawamoto.

HE member representing Ogbia Constituency in Bayelsa State in the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Nadu Karibo, has described as baseless the insinuation that the adoption of a coat of arms, anthem and a state flag has more do with a covert plan by the Ijaw nation to succeed.

Karibo said: “People have a right to express their opinions about issues that bother them, whether private or public. You cannot hold a state and its people responsible for what opinions private individuals expressed.

“The only person that speaks for Bayelsa is Governor Seriake Dickson and he has not taken sides with any of the sentiments expressed or actions taken.

“Like I said, what Bayelsa has done has no underlying meaning. It is a simple lawful act. Of course, conspiracy theorists will say plenty things about Ijaw secession and domination, but those are empty talks.”

Traffic offenders shun LASTMA

By Damilola Owoyele

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NLY one of the 24 offenders, whose names were published in the newspapers, reported at the office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) before the expiration of the agency’s 72-hour ultimatum yesterday.

The agency’s General Manager, Babatunde Edu, told The Nation yesterday, that it is only a matter of time before the law catches up with the elusive 23 offenders.

He said: “Nobody does such and gets away.”

Edu did not conceal his ire and disappointment about the dismal turnout of the offenders.

He said it behooves of LASTMA to carry out its functions to the letter, since cultured and lawabiding citizens had sent in the pictures of the offenders caught in the act.

The pictures were published alongside the offenders’ names and registration in The Nation on Monday.

Edu said the poor turnout is a reflection of the disregard the society has for the law.

He said: “If we carry out our function as traffic regulators, it will encourage people to report more offenders. It will also help us to preach non-aggressive enforcement.”

Rotary club gets new president

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HE Rotary Club in Benue State will tomorrow install its 30th President, Dr. Victor Ojiaku, a staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi.

He Would be succeeding Justice Adam Onum, a judge of the Benue State Judiciary.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

8

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Free ride for commuters

THE Lagos State Government will provide free bus ride for Lagosians in celebration of Eid-el-Fitri on Sunday. It is to promote the use of public transport reduce congestion on the roads during the festival.

A statement by the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the free ride would start at 7.00am and end at 10.00pm.

He said the service would enable Muslims to have easy access to praying centres across the state.

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will offer free services on Mile 12 – CMS, Mile 12 – Obalende, Ajah National Stadium, Ajah– Obalende, Mile 12–National Stadium, Mile 2–National Stadium, Oshodi–Obalende and Oshodi–National Stadium routes.

On the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) corridor, free services will be offered on the Ikotun– Ikeja–Maryland, Iyana-Ipaja– Maryland, Ikotun–Iyana-Ipaja, Igando– Iyana-Ipaja, Igando– Ikeja, and Igando–Maryland routes.

‘Lagos not third worst city’

By Miriam Ndikanwu

LAGOS State Government yesterday condemned its ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) as the 138th of 140 cities surveyed for worst living conditions.

Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Information and Strategy Lateef Raji, the pollsters were not on ground.

He said: “I think what they were trying to say was that probably Lagos State is the most expensive city to live in that is what they are used to saying, the rating is there for everybody to see. We have a functional transport system, and we have a functional health system, we can’t be the worst.”

Asked if photographs currently circulating on the social media network on train passengers hanging on coaches at the Ikeja railway terminal could have influenced such rating, Raji said: “That should not be a Lagos issue. That is a national issue.

“Our response to that is coming in terms of the blue rail which would soon take-off. We have never owned a railway track in this country as a state government. The first one we are embarking on is the one along the Badagry Expressway corridor. What runs from Kano to Lagos through the Agbado road is a Federal Government infrastructure.”

This year’s rating saw the state drop by a point from its 137th position last year.

Trailing Lagos in the ranking is Port Moresby, which is 139th; Dhaka, Bangladesh is 140th making it the worst city to live in the world The livability report surveys 140 locations around the world to assess the best or worst living conditions and scores cities based on political and social stability, crime rates and access to quality healthcare.

It also measures the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment, education (school and university), and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport.

•Journalists at the protest... yesterday

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

I’ve become famous, says brutalised journalist

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VEN though he is still nursing his would, the assaulted Leadership photojournalist Benedict Uwalaka yesterday said his ordeal has made him famous.

Uwalaka was mauled by morgue attendants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja last Thursday while covering the release of bodies of victims of the June 3 Dana plane crash.

He spoke during a protest led by

T

By Miriam Ndikanwu

the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) against attacks on journalists in recent times.

Uwalaka reporters in Alausa that he could no longer walk the street without being recognised.

People, he said were now hailing him and expressing their sympathies whenever they saw him on the road or on a motor bike.

Uwalaka said: “People call out

to me while I walk on the street or ride on a motor bike (Okada) to say Mr. Uwalaka, sorry, we saw what happened on TV and we believe it was wrong for them to attack you that way while carrying out your lawful duty.”

He said his experiences at LASUTH was not the first time he would be attacked.

His organisation’s lawyers, he said, are on the matter, adding that he would stop talking on the case if his assaulters fulfilled all they

have agreed to do.

“Right now they have agreed to publish a public apology. If that is done for the whole world to see that I was assaulted while doing my lawful duty, as a human being, I would accept,” he said.

He praised the NUJ for the protest.

Uwalaka said, “this will touch the heart of the masses, especially those who agree that I was doing my job and there was no need for the assault in the first place.”

Coroner recalls pathologist, NAMA

HE Coroner conducting an inquest into the June 3 Dana plane crash has recalled two witnesses, Prof. John Obafunwa, a renowned pathologist; and the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

They are to appear on Wednesday for re-examination by counsel to the interested parties.

The inquest followed an application to the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, Falana and Falana Law Firm.

By Adebisi Onanuga

At the resumption of the matter yesterday, a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) official, Adeoye Oluyemi, said about 3:45 pm on June 3, he was informed by a commercial motorcyclist that a plane had crashed into some residential buildings at Toyin area of Iju-Ishaga, a suburb of Lagos.

Oluyemi, the Zonal Head, Zone 29, LASTMA, said he quickly moved to the place because the

crash site is under his jurisdiction.

When he and his men got to the location, he said, traffic on Toyin Street, the nearest major road leading to the crash site, was jampacked with crowd, thereby making accessibility difficult.

He said he and his men started controlling the traffic to pave the way for emergency and rescue vehicles moving toward the crash site.

Oluyemi said he had difficulty controlling the traffic as the crowd

of sympathisers, residents and concerned citizens, moving to the scene was overwhelming.

He said with the cooperation of the police, they were able to block the traffic flow from Ishaga roundabout and Agbado end to ensure better accessibility to the scene.Oluyemi said the traffic blockade continued late into the night and resumed the following morning. This he said, made traffic heavy around the diverted points.

Passenger traffic rises at airport ahead of Sallah

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HE domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the General Aviation Terminal were a beehive yesterday. Passengers, many of who are travelling to celebrate Eid-El-Fitri outside Lagos, thronged the airport for flights.

At the domestic terminal the passengers were seen on long queues waiting to board their flights. Others came to buy tickets in advance.

A passenger, Alhaji Zaha Sanusi, said he just returned from Saudi Arabia where he performed the lesser hajj, adding that he returned to celebrate Eid-El-Fitri with his family.

He said he took Emirate flight while coming from Saudi Arabia and was preparing to take another flight to Kano for 2:00pm with IRS airline.

Sanusi said: “I went for the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia and now I am back in the country because I want to celebrate Eid-El-Fitri with my family.”

Another passenger, Mr. Jones Otoh, who was travelling to Benin with Aero Airlines, said he was surprised at the traffic at the airport.

“Today seems to be very busy as it is a bit difficult because of the traffic at the airport. I am travelling to Benin City not necessarily for the Muslim celebration because it is obvious that the passenger traffic today is high” he said.

There has been considerable decline in passenger traffic on all domestic routes, in recent time following the June 3 Dana aircrash.

Airlines that currently fly in Nigeria include Arik Air, Aero Airlines, IRS Airlines and Associated Aviation as well as Overland Airways.

Fire guts soap factory

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FIRE yesterday razed a soap making factory, NAGODE, located at Jakande Estate in Okokomaiko, Lagos.

The fire, according to witnesses, started about 1:55pm and was put out around 3:45pm, with the help of youth and fire service men.

The Nation gathered that the fire broke out when the gas used by some workers to construct an iron wedge, ignited a load of chemical beside it.

“As the chemical began exploding, the whole place was engulfed by fire,” a source said.

When contacted, the management and staff of the company declined comment.

The General Secretary, Oribe Community, hosting the factory, Mr Chinedu Nnabue, said he heard explosions from the factory.

•Volunteers putting out the fire at the factory...yesterday.

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Fisayo Ige

He said: “I quickly mobilised some youth of the community to

assist in putting out the inferno. I also made various calls to the fire service, but there was no prompt response. Operatives of the fire

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

service got to the building about 30 minutes after the fire had almost consumed half of the building,” Nnebue said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

9

CITYBEATS Three killed, five others injured in Lagos accident

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HREE persons were killed yesterday in Dopemu, a of Lagos suburb when a vehicle lost control and rammed into them at the busy bus stop.

Five others were injured.

The acident occurred around Aluminium Village, opposite Tower Aluminium, on the Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway.

Stories by Jude Isiguzo

The driver of the red colour Peugeot 406 salon car marked BM 214 EKY, it was gathered, was allegedly drunk. He was driving inwards IyanaIpaja and moving on top speed.

According to witnesses, the driver lost control and

rammed into the victims who were coming from the nearby timber market.

The three were said to have died on the spot. The injured were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

The driver was rescued from being lynched by policemen from the nearby Dopemu Police Station. He was being held at the station.

Civil Defence recovers 26,000 litres of fuel from suspected thieves

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IVE patrons have been arrested by the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps (NSCDC) for siphoning 26,000 litres of petroleum products in poly bags.

The corps spokesman, Mr Sunday Eromosele, who paraded the suspects yesterday, said three of them were arrested by the Anti-Vandals Department of the command on Monday night, at IjoraIddo Marine out-post.

According to him, about 200 poly bags, each filled with about 120 litres of petroleum products packed in sacks, were evacuated from a boat at Ijora-Iddo water front.

Eromosele said the suspects were arrested on

a boat allegedly heading to neighbouring countries, where the products were to be disposed.

He said the command was able to arrest the suspects following a tipoff.

Eromosele said the remaining two suspects were arrested in Ikorodu with 32 (50 litres) and 16 (25 litres) jerry cans, filled with petroleum products allegedly meant to be sold in the black market. He said they claimed that they got the product from Igbo-Okuta, adding that the command is on the trail of other members of the syndicate.

The suspects, he said, were out to sabotage the economy, vowing that the command would not

yield any ground to smugglers.

The seized products, it was gathered, were evacuated from Ijora to NSCDC Office at Alausa, Ikeja, by the state Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which collaborated with the command to avert disaster.

LASEMA’s General Manager Dr Femi OkeOsanyintolu, while speaking with reporters, said his agency collaborated with NSCDC to avoid disaster. “If any of the poly bags burst, it could explode and result to loss of lives and property. We commend the security agency for intercepting the product and for involving us,“ Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Two artistes arraigned for raping teenager

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wo disco musicians have been charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defiling a 17 year-old girl.

Ekene Ozor, 24, and Daniel Eni, 21, are standing trial before Magistrate M.B. Folami for allegedly forcing their penis into the mouth and vagina of Nancy Amaka.

Prosecuting Corporal Oladejo Balogun told the court that the accused committed the crime on August 5, about 12pm at 10, Joe Ejeye Street, Ejigbo.

He said they conspired to sexually penetrate into the vagina and mouth of Nancy Nkechi Abia Amaka.

Balogun said the offences contravened Sections 409 and 259 of

By Precious Igbonwelundu

the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011.

The Nation gathered that Ekene invited the victim who had just finished secondary school for a musical video shoot and when she came, instead of taking her to the location, he locked her inside his room.

After locking his door and removing the keys, the first accused allegedly forced the victim to remove her clothes and started taking nude pictures of her.

“When he had finished snapping me, he said he was going to post my naked pictures on the Internet if I refused to suck his penis,” Amaka told the court.

She said after having sex with her, Ekene went and called his friend, who also had his turn and they threatened to expose her pictures if she refused to comply.

After they had satisfied themselves she said, the victim seized her ATM card in a bid to extort money from her, and to blackmail her.

She said she told her parents about the incident and they reported the case at the Ejigbo Police Station, following which they were arrested.

The accused pleaded not guilty and were granted N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

Folami adjourned the matter till August 31.

‘I’m still Badagry Council chair’

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HE Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr. Moses Dosu Husitode, has denied being removed by the Lagos State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.

He said he is still the council chair.

Husitode said the tribunal’s judgment was in his favour and his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He said: “I don’t know

where they got their judgment from. The one delivered by the tribunal was in my favour and my party, the ACN. The tribunal was a five-man panel. The majority decided in my favour and my party’s. Three members of the tribunal decided in favour of the ACN and its candidate and two in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate.

This shows that my party and I won at the tribunal.”

Husitode said ACN as a law-abiding party did not create confusion when the tribunal delivered judgment in favour of the PDP in respect of a councillorship poll.

He wondered why the PDP caused confusion by spreading rumour that the tribunal had ordered him to vacate his seat for its candidate. He urged the PDP to wait for the outcome of its appeal, adding that he is confident that the matter would be in his and ACN’s favour.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

NEWS Akeredolu promises cocoa revolution

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NDO State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has promised to revolutionise cocoa farming, if elected governor in the October 20 poll.

The frontline lawyer spoke during the continuation of his tour of the wards.

Akeredolu reminded the people of Ondo State that it was with cocoa revenue the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, developed the region.

He said this was largely produced in Ondo State.

He promised to encourage the farmers to improve the cultivation of the produce through mechanised farming, storage facilities and other modern methods.

The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President said this is part of his agenda for an Agricultural Revolution in the state.

According to him, an integral part of the administration’s policy on agriculture will be the sourcing of funds from the private sector and international bodies for cocoa farmers and traders.

Akeredolu noted that the mysterious Igbo Olodumare at Okeigbo, which was brought to national limelight by renowned Yoruba author, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, has the potential of becoming a world-class tourist centre.

A statement by his media aide, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the lawyer promised to turn the forest to a multimillion naira revenue generation centre.

LP has no plan, says Boroffice

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HE senator representing Ondo North, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, yesterday said the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State is a political group without sustainable economic plans for the people.

The Asiwaju of Akokoland spoke at Irele during the campaign rally of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ahead of the October 20 poll.

Boroffice said only a credible candidate like Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of ACN could set an achievement standard that would bring economic relief to the state.

He said the Ondo State electorate would get effective services for their votes, if Akeredolu becomes governor.

The ACN chieftain described Mimiko as a leader

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

without economic plans.

He said: “Governance is not all about grandstanding.

It is not about building market stalls. It is about setting a sustainable economic agenda that could alleviate the suffering of the people.

“The state has no business going to the bond market to borrow. The Mimiko administration met enough funds in the coffers and has received over N500 billion from the Federation Account.

“What we see around is a water fountain, a roundabout, but stops and aesthetics. Unfortunately, they are not what the state needs. We need an economic programme that can take our army of unemployed youths off the streets.”

Why Black Culture Centre law was amended, by Osun Assembly

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HE Osun State House of Assembly has explained why the law setting up the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding was amended.

The 26-member parliament explained that the law was returned to the Assembly for an amendment when it was realised that the residents were shortchanged for a parochial interest.

In a statement by the Media Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Goke Butika, the Assembly said the repealed law that set up the board of the centre was made to permanently cede the chairmanship to ousted Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The parliament said its objective in changing the law is to return the state’s

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

stake in the centre to the people.

It added that the people own the resources for the artefacts and the structures as well as the return of missing heritage of the state.

The Speaker, Najeem Salaam, who is on Umrah (lesser Hajj) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, explained that the Assembly would not compromise the collective patrimony of the people.

He said some other laws, including the Public Procurement Law, were repealed when it was discovered that they only enhanced the pleasure of one man.

The Speaker said Osun State would not commit millions of naira on a project for

the mere pleasure of an individual, instead of the collective gains of the residents.

Salaam said: “The State of Osun has committed huge funds in hundreds of millions into the inauguration of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding. It would not compromise the collective patrimony of our people.

Let it be known that we are a government holding the people’s trust. We cannot afford to forsake the trust for any reason. That is why we are not a charity organization.”

The Speaker noted that if the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) wanted the explanatory piece of the law,

the Assembly would make it available to it.

He said: “The parliament demanded an explanation from Governor Aregbesola, when we found out that the centre in which the state has committed a fortune was being run at the board level, independent of the state government. We were compelled by that show of impunity to revisit the law setting it up. What we saw was an affront to the people of the state; thence, there was a need to take the law back to the legislative surgical table for an amendment.

“Anybody can become the governor. So, the centre will be there for the sitting governor to manage. But for one person to claim the title of life chairmanship is uncalled for, quite nauseating and terribly selfish.”

•A bulldozer pulling down one of the structures on a flood plain at Agbowo, Ibadan, Oyo State...yesterday.

Inset: Miss Adeojo, addressing reporters.

Aregbesola, UNIOSUN ex-VC condole with ex-teacher’s family •Assembly commiserates with governor From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) Prof. Sola Akinrinade have commiserated with the family of a frontline teacher, Pa Julius Omigbodun.

The educationist died on Wednesday.

The governor described Pa Omigbodun as a rare gem and one of those who played a crucial role in the creation of the state.

He said the late teacher lived a life of discipline worthy of emulation.

A statement by the governor’s media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the late Pa Omigbodun lived for functional and productive education.

Aregbesola said: “Those who passed through his trainings can testify to the disciplinarian that he was, the source of inspiration that he was and the role of a model he played.

“We are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of honesty, service to God and humanity. The legacies he left behind will continue to be worthy of emulation by the present generation and those coming behind.”

Prof. Akinrinade described Pa Omigbodun’s death as the end of an era in the history of public sector education in Nigeria.

The former VC, who is an alumnus of Osogbo Grammar School, where the late Pa Omigbodun was the HE Oyo State Police founding headteacher from Command has des1950 to 1970, noted that the patched bomb delife of the deceased was a tectives to the schools and testimony of commitment other establishments where to the public good. members of the National He said Osogbo Grammar Youth Service Corps (NYSC) School was the product of a are serving. community’s initiative led Police Commissioner Moby Oba Samuel Adenle, the hammed Tambari spoke yeslate Ataoja of Osogbo. terday in Ibadan, the state The Osun State House of capital, when he received the Assembly has condoled State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. with Aregbesola and the Olanipekun Alao. family of Pa Omigbodun.

Oyo demolishes structures to avert flood HE Oyo State Government yesterday began the second phase of the demolition of structures on flood plains and waterways in Ibadan, the state capital, and its environs.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi appealed to residents for understanding.

The weatherman has predicted that there will be heavy rains this month, September and October.

About 40 structures will be demolished.

The exercise is being supervised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

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•Ajimobi appeals for understanding From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The governor said the demolition would enhance the free-flow of water.

Represented by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Miss Kafayat Adeojo, the governor said the exercise is in the interest of the people.

He said: “I want to implore everyone to cooperate with the government for the betterment of the state and the people. We want the state to move forward; we need to be better and

healthier. So, I am appealing to our people to bear with us and forgive us, if we have offended them by this exercise.

“This administration is a listening one. It cares about you and your feelings, but some things have to be done.

Some sacrifices have to be made by everyone of us to move the state forward.”

Ajimobi explained that the demolition had been overdue, adding: “These structures have to be removed to move the state forward. If there is a disaster, the people will blame

Bomb detectors for Oyo schools to protect Corps members

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From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The police chief said the idea was part of measures to provide security for corps members.

Tambari, who was recently promoted an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), explained that the Federal Government attaches importance to the security of corps members.

He said the duty of the police to the NYSC does not

end at fortifying their orientation camps but includes security for them during their primary assignments and community development activities.

Tambari said the policemen are to patrol the areas where corps members work and carry out other surveillance activities to ensure that they are safe.

He said: “The command also engages in other combat operations while

proactive measures are also being taken at divisional levels across the state. The command continues to ensure the best of relationship with the NYSC.” Alao congratulated the police chief on his elevation, saying it was in recognition of his contributions to security.

The NYSC Coordinator said the NYSC has never had security problems in Oyo State.

the government. But this government wants to help the people to help themselves.

“We have about 40 of such structures and we are taking into consideration the 11 local government areas in the state capital.”

The government has begun the rehabilitation some roads and bridges affected by the recent flooding in Ibadan.

The exercise, being carried out by the Road Maintenance Agency (OYSTROMA), started with the rehabilitation of the Cultural Centre/Premier Hotel Road as well as the construction of some drainage.

Other affected roads are: Agbongbon Bridge, Simeon Adebo/Davies Hotel/Blessed Water Road; Simeon Adebo/Adeyi, Awolowo Road; Orita Aperin/Omowumi/ Olorunsogo Bridge; Failed portion, opposite Orogun Junction, on U.I/Ojoo Road; Mokola/Cele/Barracks Junction Road/ Bridge; Salami Estate/ Bodija Road and Ona River at Olubadan Avenue, Oluyole Estate.

The roads are in Ibadan.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Brazil is an influential member of the BRIC nations with a big apetite for investing in Africa, especially Nigeria. So there is the need for us to strengthen our partnership with them to attract big investments into our country especially in those areas where we have competitive and comparative advantage.

- Minister of Trade & Investment, Olusegun Aganga

EFCC seizes ship carrying stolen oil

Fed Govt issues N75b in 2017, 2019, 2022 bonds

From Yusuf Alli, Managing

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had taken possession of an illegal oil bunkering vessel suspected to be carrying 300 metric tonnes of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil also known as diesel.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the vessel, MT Ocean Treasure, alongside eight crew members and three staff of Vital Shipping Limited, Apapa, owners of the vessel, were handed over to officials of the commission.

The statement listed the crew members to include Ayoade Emmanuel, Stephen Bamgbose, Idowu Balogun, and King. C. Fred, Michael Ekanem, Olorunwa Omowunmi, Felix Ayenuberu and Suru Lepe. The three staff on board the vessel are: Onuoha Ikechukwu, Omodara Emmanuel and Faith Akhahowa.

According to the statement, “A Principal Maritime Safety Officer of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Duniya David, who handed over the vessel and crew on behalf of the Director General of NIMASA, urged the Commission to carry out further investigation on the source of the petroleum product and the operations of the vessel.”

“Usman Ladan Baki, who received the document transferring the vessel and crew, assured that the EFCC will do its best in investigating the case.

A sample of the product according to the statement, was taken by operatives of the Commission for analysis while reports showed that the vessel was first sighted on August 5th, 2012

by NIMASA enforcement team on routine patrol off Escravos.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

HE Federal Government auctioned N75 billion ($477.43 mill ion) worth of sovereign bonds with maturities in the range of 5 to 10 years at a regular auction on Wednesday, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday.

The debt office said it sold N25 billion of each note, which are reopening of old debt.

The DMO according to Reuters issued the 5-year bond at a yield of 16.32 per cent, higher than the 16.19 per cent at last month’s auction.

It issued the 7-year note at 16.14 per cent, lower than the 16.59 per cent previously, while the 10-year paper was issued at a yield of 15.90 per cent, compared with 16.30 per cent at the last auction.

The original coupon rates of 15.10 per cent, 16 per cent and 16.39 per cent for the April 2017, June 2019 and January 2022 respectively will be maintained, the debt office said in a statement.

Total subscriptions stood at 249.11 billion, compared with N121.60 billion at the June auction. Bond dealers said the increased participation of offshore investors at the auction accounted for the surge in demand.

The Federal Government issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

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Editor, Northern Operation

• From left: Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing of Fidelity Bank Plc; Brigadier-General, Nnamdi T. Okore-Affia, Director – General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) ; and Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh, Managing Director, Media Vision Ltd, at the signing of an agreement for Fidelity-NYSC Games to hold later in the year, in Abuja yesterday.

Okonjo-Iweala meets marketers in bid to stop fuel crisis A T a meeting between the Federal Government and major oil marketers, the parties agreed to critically appraise the issues surrounding the outstanding claims with a view to determining the net payments due each of the fuel importers.

The major oil marketers comprised representatives of Oando Plc, Folawiyo Petroleum Company, Sahara Energy and NIPCO Plc. The Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the government is willing to listen to all marketers with genuine claims and attend to such as a way of forestalling any crisis that might be orchestrated by some indicted marketers that have embarked on

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor

cheap blackmail of government in the petroleum downstream sub-sector.

“We are talking about the fact that they have outstanding claims, which have not been paid and that is the basis of the dialogue.

As I have said to you earlier, they have outstanding claims, we also have claims outstanding against them and that is what the dialogue is all about, she stated.

She added: “We will dialogue with each other on these claims and hopefully at the end of this, we will be able to come to some agreement about the net claims that will be paid, then we will be able to move on. We are very willing to listen if there are

genuine people that want to talk with government.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Review of the Fuel Subsidy Report, Aigboje Aig -Imokhuede, explained that the findings of the Committee indicated that the four marketers were not involved in any degree of severity in the fuel subsidy payments scam. He expressed the hope that if the issues of their claims are resolved, it would significantly impact on the volume of products in the market.

He said: “What I have come to understand about the industry is that, it is clear from what we saw in the report that the four marketers, maybe there are two or three others that are not here, account for a significant portion of the

genuine importers of products that are imported into the country.

“What we did notice is that the backbone of importation is being imported into the country by less than 10 companies. So, if we are able to settle with them, there should be no reason for people to continue to experience difficulty in getting fuel.”

Also, Oando Plc’s representative who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, Mofe Boyo, said the meeting was intended to enable them discuss their claims proposal, which had been forwarded to the government. He added that the marketers are looking forward to a quick resolution of the pending issues in order to enable them sustain their operations.

Bombardier to partner Nigeria By kelvin Osa Okunbor

B

OMBARDIER, the Ca nadian-based third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, has expressed its readiness to partner with the federal ministry of aviation in the establishment of a Repair, Maintenance Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.

The company has equally agreed to work out modalities with the Nigerian aviation authorities to facilitate the acquisition of new aircraft by domestic airline.

N105b subsidy cash for road, mass transit projects

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HE Federal Govern ment has committed N105 billion out of the expected N180 billion from the partial fuel subsidy removal, to various developmental projects in the country, it was learnt yesterday.

Chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Committee, Dr. Christopher Kolade at a news conference on the scorecard of the Committee, said N105 billion has so far been accessed by the Committee to carry out its activities as mandated by the government for the year.

At its inauguration in February this year, the Committee was mandated to spend

From Dele Anofi. Abuja

the funds on impactful areas of citizens need such as Child Health, Community Service, Women and Youth Employment, Infrastructural development, Public Works and Vocational Training.

However, against the background of the on-going controversies over budget implementation between the Exective and Legislative arms of government, Kolade emphasised that the work rate of various contractors handling the Committee’s projects would determine how fast the total budget is expended.

He said the Committee has approved several projects to be delivered before the end

of the year in addition to the ones already completed.

Of the total allocation recieved by the Committee this year, he said N8.9 billion had been released to the Infrastructure Bank for intervention in road transportation to be accessed by transporters in a revolving loan scheme.

The Committee also disclosed that it had secured commitment from the Bank that about 100 physically challenged people-friendly buses would be also be procured by the operators.

According to the Committee’s Chairman, some deplorable roads across the country have also been earmarked for intervention such as the East-West road, AbujaLokoja road, Onitsha-Enugu

road, Kano-Maiduguri road and Shagamu-Ore-Benin road.

In the same vein, the Committee has released N2.3 billion for the modernisation of the Abuja-Kaduna railway line while N2.2 billion was also earmarked for the rehabilitation of Port HarcourtMakurdi and Jebba-Kano rail lines.

Kolade also disclosed that youth empowerment was also receiving the Committee’s attention as N3.9 billion had so far been disbursed to 14 States where a pilot project has commenced.

Besides, the Chairman said the Committee had approved the release of N352, 974,040 through, which over N352million would be given

to hire 2,000 midwives, 2,000 community health workers and 9000 village health workers in the six geo-political zones.

Though he identified integration of Federal and State projects as a challenge, the Chairman nonetheless, maintained that the Committee was prepared to ensure that it does not stand in the way of achieving its mandate of touching ordinary Nigerians lives.

“Our main job is to embark on what the government promised to do with the subsidy fund and we are determined to see that it’s application touches the lives of those it was intended for, and that is the ordinary Nigerian,” Kolade said.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS herdsmen ‘Increase in farm land values threatens Farmers, sign peace pact food production’ T F

HE Federal Government’s plan to boost food production is under threat because of the rise in farmland.

Speaking with The Nation, the Deputy Director, Directorate of Grants Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adebayo, said escalating land values were threatening food production. Input costs, he said, were still on the surge, with each year’s crop costing more to produce.

Average farmland values, he noted, have continued to rise by as much as 100 per cent, but the strongest rates of growth were in Ogun and the outskirts of Lagos following interest in residential development.

He said major urban areas have recorded rates of growth of 200 per cent. The buyers, according to him, were either non-farmers or institu-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

tional/corporate buyers. This increased competition explained some of the highest prices achieved on record for the best farms areas along the region.

According to him, non-farm factors, such as urbanisation potential has influenced market value, adding that in states where farmland were bought, buyers converted them to urban use.

In much of the hinterland of Oyo,Ogun and Ekiti states, he said the supply of farmland has remained static, because they are family lands and there have been

significant activity ‘off market’ for both large commercial farms and estates.

On the average, he said farmlands in less developed economic areas yields range annually between five and eight per cent. He said sellers have taken the opportunity to cash-in on the recent significant rises in the capital values of land to sell large farmland for other development. Funds taken out of farmland were used to boost other business interests.

On the balance, he said farmland values have increased across the country. He explained, however, that location was critical, with the

best opportunities requiring adequate rainfall or water, good soils and infrastructure. Many states in the South, he observed, scored well in terms of political and economic stability and there is a good volume of land traded annually.

He said strong demand for good quality commercial farms by multinationals would lead to value growth in the country.

According to him, strong fundamentals such as improved commodity prices, low interest rates, and strong relative returns is making agriculture an attractive investment.

Though the nation offers foreign investors high growth potential in the agricultural sector, he said there were risks and challenges, which include land tenure and poor infrastructure.

ARMERS and Fulani herdsmen in Doma, Nasarawa State, have signed a ceasefire.

The accord was signed by the Chairman, Doma Farmers Association, Mr Mustafa Osabo and Bello Inusa, Chairman, Fulani Association in Doma.

They agreed that none of them should threaten the other while carrying out their lawful activities.

They also agreed that nobody should fight, adding that any problem that would lead to the breach of the peace should be reported to the appropriate authority.

The leaders, therefore, called on their followers to live in peace with one another. They said: “If there is no peace, there will be no development''.

Earlier, the Chairman, Doma Local Government Area, Alhaji Salisu Oga, urged the two groups to adhere to the agreement. According to him, no positive development can take place without peace.

He assured them of his government’s commitment to the security of lives and property in the area.

Feed crisis deepens

By Daniel Essiet

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•New yam at Muda Lawal Market in Bauchi on Sunday

Expert canvasses ‘functional healthcare’ for farmers

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O achieve sustainable agricultural development requires a functional health care for farm workers, an expert, Prof. Olugbenga Ladebo, has said.

The system, he added, must be responsive to the needs of farmers, who are mostly poor income earners.

Ladebo, who is of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development,University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, canvassed a national awareness campaign to protect workers from exposure to chemicals, including pesticides, and zoonotic agents.

According to him, agriculture ranks as one of the most hazardous industries where workers experience increased respiratory diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, skin disorders, certain cancers, exposure to toxic chemicals and heat related ill-

nesses. Farm workers, he said, face hazard of prolonged exposure to heat, adding that in some areas of the country, the periods of peak harvest coincides with some of the most extreme weather.

He said there were few effective regulations to protect workers from these hazards.

Most of the workers, Ladebo added, are exposed to various toxic agricultural chemicals. Such longterm exposure to agricultural chemicals,he noted, are associated with severe health effects, such as cancer, neurological disorders as well as infertility and reproductive complications.

He urged the government to strengthen exposure assessments for pesticides and herbicides to reduce respiratory diseases among agricultural workers.Emphasising the need for a national surveillance

survey to identify emerging pesticide hazards and populations at risk, the don added that it was useful for assessing the impact of such conditions and to guide intervention and regulatory activities.

Regular health surveillance of hired farm workers, he noted, is required to determine the number of injuries occurring to farm workers and also the magnitude and characteristics of fatal and non-fatal occupational agricultural injuries.

He said labour laws designed to protect farm workers are minimally enforced, thereby enabling employers to exploit workers with little or no threat of penalty.

Calling for improved farm safety, Ladebo said many injuries to farmers and farm workers occur when handling livestock.He said animals are unpredictable, especially dur-

ing the mating season or when protecting their young.

Cattle, dogs, pigs, horses and sheep should be treated with caution. Attempting to lift or push animals can cause injury and animals are capable of transmitting certain diseases.

Children should always be supervised around farm animals, he added.

According to the International Labour Organisation( ILO), agriculture tends to be excluded from the provisions of many national labour laws and it is not subject to any comprehensive international standard. Where regulations exist, they are often sporadically applied because effective observance is poor because of inadequate legal provisions, low levels of unionisation among workers and insufficient labour inspection.

HE feed crisis in the livestock industry can lead to the death of many farms.

The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Adedotun Agbojo, said the industry was in crisis because of high prices of maize and soya bean, which are used in making feed.

“The industry is sending an SOS to the government. If help does not come to it, then the poultry units will have to close down,” he warned. He said the industry was seeking government’s intervention to bring down the prices of feed’s ingredients.

He urged the government to reduce the prices of soya bean, the main feed for broilers.

Agbojo said the price of feed grain has gone up by more than 30 per cent, in the last six months. He said local poultry and livestock feed prices have risen sharply leading to skyrocketing costs in corn and soybeans – the main ingredient in animal feed. For instance, he said the price of a tonne of corn mill is N70,000; it was N50,000 in January; while soymill rose from N100,00 to 13,5000, thereby making it unaffordable for the poultry industry.

His concern is that they have not put up prices for the past three years, and are finding it challenging to pass on increased feed grain costs He said the industry had been re suffering from the high costs of feed ingredients, mainly maize and soya bean, in the past two years.

He urged the government to reduce feed prices to rescue poultry farmers. According to him, feed costs make up to about 70 per cent of producing a live chicken.

Invest in fishing harbours, don advises Fed Govt

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HE Federal Government has been urged to build fishing harbours in some parts of the country to support commercial fishery.

A Professor of Fisheries at the Lagos State University (LASU), Martins Agenuma Antekhai,said the existence of functional fishing harbours would promote responsible fisheries, particularly, the reduction of wastes and preservation of fish quality.

Some adverse conditions prevail-

ing in a fishing harbour, he said, might have consequences not only on human and environmental health, but also on fish price and exports. While having the right infrastructure at the right place is very important for the proper functioning of a fishing harbour.The sustainability of such facilities depends on good management, he said.

He urged the government to be more committed to providing safe and functional harbours to support commercial fishing.

Antekhai asked the government to provide funds for the development of physical infrastructure for fishing harbours and landing centres.

Lamenting the hygiene and sanitation conditions in most of the harbours and landing centres, Antekhai said they were below internationally accepted standards.

He said most fishing harbours were not properly maintained because of lack of effective management and inadequate revenue collection.

The expert identified the lack of req-

uisite management and technical skills as well as capacity and knowledge, to undertake the changes in the sector as some of its challenges.

To address this problem, Antekhai called for technical knowhow to upgrade fishing harbours to internationally accepted standards necessary for fish quality assurance.

He said the assessment of existing facilities and services will form the basis for the recommendations for infrastructure upgrading and sanitation, including a review of existing frame-

works and options to make way for the participation of stakeholders in management.

He said while the country could improve the processing factories to required standards, improvements in fish handling on board vessels and in harbours had been elusive.

He noted that one of the problem of achieving international standards in hygiene in the fishing harbours was the failure to set up a proper structure for the management and maintenance of the fishing harbours.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS

Jonathan urged to assist local farmers to avert food crisis P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to assist rural farmers to boost food production.

Speaking at a forum organised by cassava farmers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, some stakeholders asked the President to review the National Integrated Policy on Rural development (NIPRD).

A teacher at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Lekan Osipitan, said to ensure transformation in the agricultural sector, rural farmers must be given priority.

He said: “Over 80 per cent of the foods we eat are produced by rural farmers.

Stories By Oluwakemi Dauda

Therefore, the envisaged goals and output in the implementation of the transformation agenda cannot be realised unless Mr President compels the Minister of Agriculture to pay adequate attention to the rural farmers.

“In the last 13 years of democracy, no adequate attention has been paid to the rural folks who produce the food we consume in the urban areas. The farmers were neglected based on the faulty government policies adopted over the years. The

life of rural farmers have been described as devoid of health care, water supply, energy, communication and sanitation.

Majority of the farmers, Osipitan said, are wallowing in abject poverty and that this has affected their productivity, a reason he added that the government should not forget them.

Another speaker and a notable cassava farmer, Alhaji Wasiu Adenle, said about 85 per cent of the poor lives in rural area.

He, therefore, called for the review of the NIPRD in line with the agricultural

transformation agenda of the President.

The famer said the idea was to improve the ruralurban food security and the livelihood of Nigerians.

The Chairman of the event, Mr Adedoyin Adetolu, said the country needs a new policy that would help the states in achieving their goals of supporting the rural farmers and attaining food sufficiency.

Adetolu, who is Executive Chairman of Ayedun Farms, warned that unless adequate attention was paid to the agricultural sector, the nation might be sitting on a keg of gun-powder in terms of food crisis.

Lagos rice farmers demand subsidy

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ate employment.

“I think one of the best ways by which the Federal Government can discourage rice smuggling, importation and encourage local production to create employment for the youths is when the government makes sure that the price of the locally produced rice can compete well with imported rice.

Another rice farmer from Itoikin area of the state, Mr Gbenga Odumosu said if the subsidy is given, rice

farmers would be encouraged to produce more, the price will fall, consumption also be high and more people would be encouraged to go into farming.

“Majority of our members producing rice locally, incur more expenses producing a 50 kilogramme bag of rice because of higher cost of labour, insecticides and milling equipment.

“What we want the governments at various levels to do inform of national policy is to encour-

age local rice production through price subsidy.

This will assist farmers to keep on producing, remain in business, reduce the huge amounts the government spends in combating rice smuggling and the billions spend on importation,’’ he said.

He also urged state governments to increase the allocation to agriculture to enable the country to become self-reliant in food production.

Catfish farmers seek govt’s assistance

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O save their businesses from imminent collapse, cat fish farmers have appealed to the government to check the high cost of feeds.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Youth Focused on Food Production (YFFP), a non-governmental organisation, for cat fish farmers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the farmers said the high cost of feeds had driven many of their members out of business.

The forum commended the Lagos State government for establishing a fish feeds mill and urged the governor to partner catfish farmers in the

state.

Over 80 cat fish farmers attended the event.

Speaking on behalf of the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, the Chairman, Golden Hammed Farms, Mr Hammed Adegbesan, said the high cost of feeds has affected their business because it is one of the major factors in catfish production.

“Majority of our members depend on imported feeds to ensure the success of our business, but based on the high cost of the feed we use, majority of us could not afford it and they have decided to abandon their farms or use them for

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ORE tax on imported food items will benefit farmers and the local agricultural sector, an unnamed agricultural expert in Jamaica has said.

He spoke against the background of the government’s decision to apply additional stamp duties on imported meat, fish, ham and bacon instead of taxing animal feeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, tubers, fish and meat as proposed in the original package announced by Finance Minister of Jamaica, Dr Peter Phillips, earlier this month. ”What we are doing is putting the duty on imported foodstuff, so that our farmers can benefit instead of fattening farmers from abroad. Those of us who are tied to this foreign taste will understand that you have to pay for it,” he stated.

He spoke at the launch of the Denbigh agri-Industrial show at the ACE Supercentre in White Marl, St. Catherine.

The agriculture minister said last year, the country imported US$930 million worth of food, up from US$800 million in 2010. ”The trajectory seems like we are heading for the billion,” he said, lamenting that “the more we talk about ‘eat what we grow and grow what we eat’ is the more the importation is going up.”

He said the government “is determined that we are going to make a dent in that importation” and “level the playing field so that our farmers can grow and progress and agriculture can become something that our farmers are proud of.”

He said the ministry will work with local farmers, as well as the Jamaica Agricul-

tural Society (JAS), the 4-H Clubs and other stakeholders, to ensure that the objectives are realised. ”Our aim is not just to plant to feed ourselves, but to also export overseas and, therefore, we will have to expand our export agriculture and we’re working at that in a very significant way,” he stated.

A major part of this thrust is to revitalise the local coffee and cocoa industries as well as increase the production of ginger, turmeric, Irish potato, onion, among other products.

“We have decided that we are going to grow those products as much as we can in Jamaica to make sure that we don’t have to import all of that stuff. Jamaica produces probably the best cocoa in the world, but we have been declining, and so we have to step it up because we must export as much of that as we can,” Minister Clarke stated. ”Our intention is to also see how far we can go on the value chain. We have to get into agro-processing, we have to get to a higher level so that our farmers can get the maximum out of what we are producing,” he added.

The Denbigh Agri-Industrial Show, which is in its 60th year, will be held from tomorrow to Monday, August 6, in May Pen, Clarendon. It has as theme: Grow what we eat, eat what we grow. Denbigh at 60: Celebrating achievements in agriculture.

Investment in agricultural and rural businesses could be lower over the next 12 months leading to restricted growth, according to a new survey by the CLA and Smiths Gore.

Anambra begins distribution of N1b agric loan

•Men off-loading oranges for sales at Kirfi Market in Bauchi

ICE farmers in Badagry, Lagos State, are demanding price subsidy to increase local production and generate employment.

Their spokesman, Mr Leke Agbato told The Nation that subsidy could discourage importation, increase production and create employment for the youth.

He lamented that billions of naira are spent on rice import yearly, urging the governments to invest in local rice production to cre-

‘Tax will benefit farmers’

other purposes. Many of us that are still producing are struggling with the rising cost and other challenges to feed the nation,” he said.

The spokesman of the organisers of the event, Mr Alaba Arogundade, said on the average, a farmer, who relies on imported feed spends about N370 to nurture a fish to one kilogramme size when it can be sold, adding that the amount excludes other costs, such as labour.

Based on that, Arogundade said farmers are sourcing for locally made cheap feed products, which he said, gives them poor production result. While

admitting that materials for fish feed were available in the country, he said, the locally made feeds are not good enough because of the processing method.

For example, he said the quality of the soybean seeds available to farmers was low and that they needed to be sorted out properly before it can meet the required standard.

He said catfish production has been affected with the closure of many farms in Ogun and Lagos states and urged the government to intervene before it creates serious problem and sen them out of business.

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HE Anambra Government has started the distribution of N1 billion commercial agricultural credit scheme loan to farmers, with a call on them to guarantee the nation's food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Adewunmi Adesina, said in Awka that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the realisation of the Agriculture Transformation Agenda. Adesina, represented

by Mr Uche Nwafor, stressed the need by Nigerians to be self-sufficient in rice production and urged the farmers to put to productive use the funds released to them. “Nigeria is spending about N356 billion to import rice alone, which amounts to N1 billion everyday. We can’t continue like that, if we are self sufficient in rice production, such money could be put to importation of other things. ” The minister also advised farmers in the state to key into the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing for Agriculture Lending and the Cassava Value Chain Programme, among other agricultural programmes.

Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi, who distributed the cheque, said his administration was committed to developing the agricultural sector.

Obi, who assured the farmers that the fund was available to only genuine farmers, urged them to ensure its optimal utilisation and also make re-

funds as and when due. He promised to support the state branch of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) with a vehicle, three motorcycles, a computer set and funds to monitor the activities of farmers in the rural areas. In a remark, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Andy Umeobi, expressed the hope that the loan would help increase agricultural output and generate employment.

“The loan will help diversify the revenue base, increase foreign earnings and provide necessary raw material for our agro-based industries.”

Umeobi said the loan would have a maximum tenure of seven years and allow for one year moratorium and 9 .4 per cent annual interest. He, however, expressed regret that some farmers who benefited from the N150 million disbursed in 2006 had yet to repay their loans. “In 2006, 2,339 farmers benefited from the scheme out of which 737 farmers have yet to repay over N84.2 million.''

In his address, , the state chairman of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Chief Nnamdi Mekor ,promised the state governor and the people of the state that the loan would be monitored, as well as provide technical support services to the farmers.

Mekor, however, noted that the processing of agricultural produce was still a challenge for farmers in the state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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THE NATION, FRIDAY AUGUST 17, 2012

18

NEWS RAMADAN

Sultan asks Muslims to look out for moon

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HE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday urged Muslims and the moon sighting committees to look out for the new moon of Shawwal today.

The directive is contained in a statement in Abuja and signed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite.

It said that the directive was in line with the practice of the Prophet Muhammad as Ramadan will be 29 days Friday (today).

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed the Muslims, saying: “Do not fast unless you see the Crescent

(of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal).

“But if the sky is overcast, count thirty (30) days of Sha’aban or of Ramadan as the case may be,” the statement stated.

Adegbite said in accordance “with this Prophetic Tradition, Friday Aug. 17, being the 29th day of Ramadan 1433AH, members of the National and State MoonSighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Shawwal month’’.

The Secretary-General said where the authorities

Senator preaches peace

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were satisfied that the new moon had been sighted in accordance with the prescribed procedure, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, should be informed at once.

He said the Sultan would then formally announce the termination of the Ramadan Fast and the observance of Eid-il-Fitr Prayer on Saturday.

“In the event of the moon not being sighted tonight, the fasting would continue on Saturday, while the Eidil-Fitr prayer shall be observed on Sunday,” the statement explained.

The Council urged the

EPUTY Chairman, Senate Committee of Nigerian Air Force, Senator Akin Odunsi has urged Muslims use Eld-il-Fitr to extend their hands of fellowship to adherents of other faiths.

Senator Odunsi, who represents Ogun West in the upper legislative chamber, said at no point in time was retaliation or compulsion part of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“Nigerians should embrace the teachings of restraints and brotherliness by encouraging peace, togetherness and unity for a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

•Sultan Abubakar

media to help publicise the announcement made by the Sultan.

Council warns Muslims against corruption

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HE Ebonyi Council for Islamic Affairs has urged Muslims to translate the lessons of Ramadan to their official and private lives.

This, the council said, will curb corruption and enhance national development.

Its Chairman, Alhaji Suleman Ogah, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki yesterday.

“Ramadan is a month of sacrifice, humility, closeness to Allah and personal self sacrifice and should be translated to our daily lives.

“During Ramadan, people have enough to eat yet sacrifice it because of Allah.

“Those in position of authority had the nation’s or state’s resources under their control yet they did not waste them. Definitely, it is a period of self sacrifice and exten-

sion of charity to the poor all in an effort to draw ourselves nearer to Allah,” he said.

Ogah said the lessons of Ramadan should live with the people beyond the month.

Those lessons of humility, closeness to Allah, and personal self sacrifice should remain with us.

“If Nigerians have this kind of sacrifice, definitely our national economy would improve and we will live

happily as one family,” he said.

He reminded Nigerians that “God did not create human beings to live in isolation, though He created us in tribes and races which is a mark to show His greatness.

“If it was His wish, He would have created everybody a Muslim or Christian.

So we should live as one creation of Almighty Allah,” he said.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Whatever difference or divisive tendencies that brought about violence, he said, should be amicably resolved through dialogue.

A statement by Senator Odunsi’s Media aide, Mr. Kunle Somorin, described the spate of bombings and violence as unfortunate.

“It is a diversionary tactic used by the perpetrators of the dastardly acts, knowing full well that religion is a very sensitive tool that could be easily used to cause disaffection in the country.

‘Be your neighbour’s keeper’

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USLIMS have been urged to be their neighbours keeper by extending hands of love and caring to all and sundry.

This appeal was made by the General Manager, Hajj Marbur Ventures, Alhaji Abdul Hameed Sholate at a Ramadan lecture organised by the Muslim Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (MUTAN), Oshodi/Isolo Zone, Lagos State.

Alhaji Sholate spoke on the topic Sacrifice: the making of a Muslim urged Muslims to show love and affection to all mankind.

“Create love for others,

By Amidu Arije

none of you is a believer until you love for your brother what you love for yourself,” he said.

He appealed to them to take time to help people in need.

“Take your time to assist somebody in need; this is better for you than spending the whole time in seclusion in the mosque,” he said.

Given ways on how to sacrifice for Allah, Sholate said the needy and neighbours must helped and assisted.

The group also carried out free medical checkups for all participants at the Ramadan lecture.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Eld-el-fitr

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OR everything in the life of man, there is a climax as well as an anti-climax. The climax of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr (the night of power). That is the night in which the very first revelation of the Qur’an was made to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is also the night in which the contents of that Holy Book are reconfirmed annually.

Laylatul Qadr is the meeting point between the earth and the heaven. It is the rare opportunity, which the Almighty Allah offers the Muslim Ummah to reshape their destiny and rekindle their spiritual fortune.

The anti-climax of Ramadan begins with the disbursement of Zakatul Fitr and ends with Eidul Fitr. The former (Zakatul Fitr) is a part and parcel of Ramadan. It is made compulsory

by Prophetic tradition. The latter is the festivity with which the Muslim Ummah expresses gratitude to the Almighty Allah for taking them successfully through another month of blessing, forgiveness and liberation.

Eidul Fitr is essentially a Nafilah (supererogatory prayer) consisting of two Rakats and a sermon. The Rakats are observed congregationally a couple of hours after Salatul Subh. They are followed by the sermon.

To observe Eidul Fitr Rakats, a Muslim is expected to wear a festive and not a mourning mood. He should be gay in appearance without necessarily being extravagant. He should take normal bath, perform ablution and wear a neat but not necessarily a new dress.

On his way to the praying ground, he should put his Lord in mind by chanting alone or in congregation any of the following: •Allah Akbar (3ce) La ilaha illa LlaH, Allah Akbar (2ce) Wa Lillahil Hamdu.

•Subhana Llah, wal Hamdu lillah, wa la ilah illa Llah, Allah Akbar (3ce) wa la hawla wa la kuwwata illah billahil Aliyyil Alim.

And, on getting to the praying ground, everybody should just sit down chanting any of the above. There is no observance of any Nafilat on individual basis because Eidul Fitr itself is Nafilat. The Imam leads the congregation in observing the two Rakats.

He then follows that up with a relevant sermon preferably in a language understandable to the congregation. No private Nafilat should be observed before the commencement of Eidul Fitr prayer.

It is advisable to wait after the SALAT and listen to the sermon which is more important than the Eid prayer itself.

Those who missed the prayer do not need to observe it thereafter. Listening to the sermon is enough for them. After leaving the prayer ground, they should remember that they are not supposed to go back into the world of iniquities having been liberated from it. Fasting on Eid day is forbidden.

Festivities are better extended to relatives and neighbours irrespective of their religions. Eidul Mubarak.

•Cross-section of Mulsim faithful praying during Laylatul Qadr in Lagos

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Council boss calls for religious tolerance

HE Executive Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Hakeem Sulaimon has called for religious tolerance in the country.

Sulaimon made this plea at the special Ramadan prayer held at Council secretariat on yesterday while addressing the Islamic lead-

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ers in Somolu/Bariga concerning Boko Haram attacks in Northern part of the country.

The council boss said: “The sect had caused havoc and wasted many lives in the country, which he described as contrary to the ethics of the religion.

He urged the congrega-

tion to use the period of Ramadan to seek God’s forgiveness.”

Sulaimon presented an 18seater Toyota bus to Bariga Muslim Council, as part of his administration’s fulfillments of electoral promises.

He said the presentation was deliberately delayed till after the elections so that the

gesture is not misinterpreted as electoral gratification, promising that the Christian community will soon get its own.

He said the Council will soon embark on a special intervention programme to restore moral and religious education in schools.

‘Extend good deeds beyond Ramadan’

USLIMS have been urged not to limit good deeds to Ramadan alone, especially (Tahajjud) midnight prayers.

Sheikh Muhammad Sikrullahi Awwal made this appeal during the Lailatul Qadr (Night of Majesty) organised

by Asalatu Lutifillah International (ASLUT) at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Tahajjud period, he said, is

By Salaam Oladimeji

one of the times Allah answers prayers of the believers.

“It is a key means of getting whatever we want from Allah,” he said.

The cleric also urged Muslims to be cautious of those parading themselves as Muslims and do things contrary to the religion.

“Lailatul Qadr, Awwal said, is a night which all good deeds done in it worth more than that of a thousand months.

The Night comes during one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.

That is why many Muslims prefer staying in the mosque so as not to miss the blessed night.”

The event featured recita-

tion from the Holy Quran, Dhikri (remembrance of Allah), Lectures and Nawaafil (voluntary prayers).

Among the lecturers were Alhaja Abdul Ganiy and Alhaja Ganiyat Abdul Ganiy Mokki.

The duo enjoined women to support their husbands at all times, especially during financial crisis.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The Women of Afghanistan

Abominable young men •What else can we call youths who delight in raping old widows?

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T is a bizarre tale that cuddles the blood and negates modern civilisation. A band of youths in Opi Community of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State seems to have discovered a horrific pastime of invading old widows in the dead of night and defiling them. If this incident happened once, one could take it to be one of those exuberances of the young and unguided; but this thunder has struck twice in the same place. Particularly intriguing is that the miscreants are still loose and rampaging with state and police authorities lethargic and seemingly unconcerned.

According to reports, this dastardly act happened for the first time last year when nearly a dozen old women, mainly widows in the villages of Ogbozalla and Ubeku, both in Opi in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, were raided by some young people and defiled. The perpetrators had been arrested and taken to Police Criminal Investigation Department in Enugu. They were said to have been detained there for months until they were allegedly bailed by powerful men in the community last November. No sooner were they released than they returned to the wizened, old and helpless women to savage them yet again.

From all accounts, especially from women activists who have been campaigning against the mass rape of these old people, and the Catholic Church in the area, these hoodlums have become an uncontrollable terror gang in the

community, holding the people in thrall.

There seems to be collusion and perhaps connivance with the local authorities, the police and some politicians. This has emboldened the urchins and turned them into a menace of the community. Not only the women who claim they now go out and come in through bush paths seem endangered, but the elders of the community are apparently cowed also as nobody wants to incur the wrath of the gang said to be boasting that it would soon introduce kidnapping to its repertoire of crimes.

What is being witnessed in Opi is a clear manifestation of the symptoms of failed leadership. Evils of this nature fester in our rural areas because the youths there are left to their own wiles.

The local government areas and development areas are near-moribund and hardly any development has reached the rural areas in the last two decades in any methodical manner. Most of the young people who are left in the hinterland are engaged in neither schooling nor trading. There is neither guidance nor counselling, so they are left to device their own sustenance. Many of them who cannot migrate to the cities are happy to become tools to rogue politicians and apprentices to local criminals.

Unfortunately, this scenario is replicated in nearly all local government areas, communities and wards across the country. Nowhere is the mis-governance that has been acute in Nigeria in the last two decades more severe than in the countryside. Our hinterland has been a

case study in total neglect, if not outright abandonment. A visit to any local government headquarters in any Nigerian hinterland is most likely to reveal a facility near overgrown with weeds; a veritable symptom of inertia and decay.

We wager that abhorrent behaviours like rape, kidnapping, cultism, among others, will fester unless we elect to challenge the current status. Now that we are in the season of constitution amendment, we urge governments and all stakeholders to make special efforts to rescue the third tier of government, otherwise we will continue to go out on a limb. We can’t go too far that way, can we?

‘We wager that abhorrent behaviours like rape, kidnapping, cultism, among others, will fester unless we elect to challenge the current status. Now that we are in the season of constitution amendment, we urge governments and all stakeholders to make special efforts to rescue the third tier of government, otherwise we will continue to go out on a limb. We can’t go too far that way, can we?’

Global humiliation •The Olympics disaster offers Nigeria an opportunity to do things right

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T is said that more valuable lessons can be learnt from failure than those which can be obtained from success.

If this is true, then Nigeria must be reaping a harvest of instructive insights from its disastrous outing at the just-concluded Summer Olympics held in London.

To the humiliation of its 160 million citizens, Nigeria failed to win a single medal in any of the eight events that its athletes were registered for. Although several of its sprinters managed to get into the finals of their disciplines, they were unable to perform when it mattered most.

The men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, endured a comprehensive defeat at the hands of its rampaging American counterparts. Table tennis players and boxers were beaten in the first round; we ightlifters and wrestlers withered in the fierce heat of top-level competition. Even the talented Uche Chukwumerije col-

‘Worryingly, the Jonathan administration appears to have adopted the same unsuccessful approach that it has been taking towards other pressing issues.

The convening of a national retreat and the as-yet undefined “overhaul” of the sports sector will count for little if it does not incorporate greater accountability, increased competence and the proper sanctioning of corrupt individuals’

lapsed under the burden of national expectation in Taekwondo.

Nigeria’s woeful performance becomes even less palatable in comparison to the achievements of other countries.

There is Jamaica, whose domination of the sprints has given it a gloriously positive image totally out of proportion to its diminutive size and global significance.

Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa justified their claims to be worldclass sporting nations in their chosen events. Flags were raised, national anthems were played, athletes proudly acknowledged the adulation of compatriots and admirers, except for the alleged ‘Giant of Africa’.

In retrospect, there can be little doubt that the country’s shameful outing was fully deserved. The Nigerian sporting scene is a virtual accident waiting to happen, riddled as it is with incompetence, impunity and rampant corruption. The production line of potential athletes has dried up with the death of school sports; the possession of sporting talent is far less important than so-called “connections”; instead of developing into a vibrant industry employing thousands of youths, sports has become a cash-cow for insatiable government officials and their cronies.

Nothing predisposes Nigeria to sporting failure. The feats of Nigerian-descended athletes for other countries at the Olympics are a clear demonstration that the country has the talent to perform optimally at the highest levels. What is wrong is the rottenness of the system which underpins sports and many other aspects of Nigerian life. The lack of

preparation is not limited to sports: it can be seen in the way roads are constructed and in the manner in which elections are organised. The misappropriation of public funds is as much a feature of Nigerian governance as it is of Nigerian sports.

Getting out of the sporting doldrums therefore requires a complete transformation of the country’s dysfunctional political system. It is unreasonable to expect stellar performances in a nation that cannot get its politics right: indeed, what was displayed at ‘London 2012’ was the Nigerian factor writ large.

Worryingly, the Jonathan administration appears to have adopted the same unsuccessful approach that it has been taking towards other pressing issues.

The convening of a national retreat and the as-yet undefined “overhaul” of the sports sector will count for little if it does not incorporate greater accountability, increased competence and the proper sanctioning of corrupt individuals. It is significant that the current sports ministry is apparently unwilling to provide a comprehensive breakdown on how the N2.3 billion made available for the Olympics was spent, even though athletes are claiming that they have not received training grants for the last three months.

The Olympics is a metaphor for the game of life itself: you can only get out as much as you put in; commitment will be rewarded in due course; incompetence will have its consequences. These are lessons that Nigeria must learn if it wishes to avoid global humiliation in future.

FGHANISTAN can be a hard and cruel land, especially for women and girls. Many fear they will be even more vulnerable to harsh tribal

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customs and the men who impose them after American troops withdraw by the end of 2014.

Womens’ rights have made modest but encouraging gains over the past decade. But these could disappear without a strong commitment to preserve and advance them from Afghan leaders, Washington and other international partners.

Severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, on access to education, health care and work, before they were ousted from power after Sept. 11 have been lifted in government-controlled areas. Women have run for office, been named to government posts and become more involved in Afghan society; some operate their own businesses. The 2004 Constitution guaranteed equal rights. In 2009, a new law banned violence against women and set new penalties for underage and forced marriage, rape and other abuses. Many more girls are in school and maternity death rates are down.

Much, of course, remains to be done. More than half of Afghan girls are still not in school, and, of those who are, few will stay long enough to graduate. Intimidation is commonplace; girls have been attacked and even doused with acid to be kept from attending school. It is not uncommon, especially in rural areas, for families to trade daughters into marriage or prostitution to settle debts. Women abused by their husbands or families too often end up in jail instead of their abusers.

A recent study by Human Rights Watch, which interviewed 58 women and girls in prison, found that half were jailed for acts that any reasonable person would not consider a crime, like running away from abusive situations. People who force women into marriage, often at very young ages, or subject them to violence, are rarely prosecuted, the group said. Female victims get little support from police and judges, and they face the added injustice of being punished for committing “moral crimes,” like “zina” — sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other. Criminalizing zina is contrary to Afghanistan’s international obligations, the group says.

There are rare victories. The Times reported on Saturday that an appeals court held up prison sentences of 10 years each for the in-laws who tortured a 13-yearold girl when she refused to become a prostitute or have sex with the man she was forced to marry.

President Hamid Karzai’s record on women’s rights is less than encouraging. While he has pardoned women accused of moral crimes, he has failed to vigorously enforce the violence against women law. In March, he signed off on a decree from the country’s highest religious council stating that women were secondary to men. With his government and the United States exploring peace talks with the Taliban, many activists worry that women’s interests will be sacrificed as part of a strategic deal.

The Obama administration has insisted that this will not happen, most recently at the Tokyo donors’ conference in July when Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton promised that “the United States will continue to stand strongly by the women of Afghanistan.” She and other Western leaders will have to keep nudging Mr. Karzai in that direction, even as they invest in schools, teachers, shelters and rule-of-law programs. Right now, it appears as if Washington and other donors are chiefly interested in building up Afghanistan’s expensive Army and finishing infrastructure projects.

One bright spot is that more Afghan women seem to have found their voice and have not been timid about advocating for their own rights. But all Afghans should be invested in empowering women. As Mrs. Clinton has argued, there is plenty of evidence to show that no country can grow and prosper in today’s world if women are marginalized and oppressed.

– New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Arising from its weekly meeting on Wednesday August 1, the Federal Executive Council was reported to have directed that the second part of our National Anthem be adopted as a prayer for the country. This stems ostensibly from the current state of affairs where it seems things have fallen apart with the orgy of destruction everywhere.

While one lacks the right to question the piousness of the Honourable members of the federal executive which emboldened them to get us praying, one is at liberty to proffer better prayer template(s) if the cure for our national ailment lies in prayers. Prayer itself is at the heart of our malaise as a people. We always hypocritically seek divine intervention in all things even while engaged in unholy conducts. The more prayerful we get, the more evil we perpetuate. The more religious we profess, the more hatred we

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Nigeria can do with a better prayer harbour for our community and fellow men.

Back in the heady days following the military orchestrated political impasse caused by the annulment of the June 1993, Presidential election, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria after deep introspection on the state of the nation drafted a prayer to help salvage the country from the destructive path it was then headed. They aptly titled the prayer ’’Prayer for Nigeria in Distress’’. The letters and spirit of the prayer

correctly suits the present fears we face in the country.

It beseeches the Heavens to help us in our attempts to instill order from the chaos bestriding our nation. The contents of the prayer befit our present reality more than when it was crafted about two decades ago. The danger to the country has never been more intense since the end of Civil War than now.

In so far the solution to our problems seems to have transcended human ability and we have accepted

prayers as the panacea, I reproduce for you, dear compatriot(s), the prayers by the Bishops.

It says: ‘’All powerful and merciful father, you are the God of justice, love and peace. You rule over all nations of the earth. Power and might are in your hands and no one can withstand you.

We present our country, Nigeria, before you. We praise and thank you, for you are the source of all we have and are. We are sorry for all the sins we have committed and for all the

Lagos’ restriction on trailers

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IR: I wish to thank the Lagos State Government for the new Lagos Traffic Law now regulating the movement of trailers and articulated vehicles within the Lagos metropolis. I remember vividly when this restriction was first introduced during the military administration of Brigadier-General Buba Marwa. It certainly brought a lot of relief to the people of Lagos.

Considering the havoc and pains trailer drivers have inflicted on people in this state, especially in the last two years, I am certain that Lagosians will rejoice to see their movement curbed once again.

I believe that whatever informed the current restriction has to do with the recklessness of the drivers on the roads and the fact that the trailers are often not even fit to haul the weights they usually carry. Aside the fact that the loads they carry are often not well secured on the main body, most of these trailers are driven with almost half of their tyres in very bad shape thereby increasing the chances of the loads falling off them or the whole vehicle falling on the road. Also, most of the trailers are illmaintained with some of them being driven without functional brakes.

Lagosians could still recall the very fatal accident that occurred at

the old Lagos –Ibadan toll gate where a 40-foot trailer carrying bags of rice had a break failure and rammed into vehicles in a traffic hold-up resulting in a fire that engulfed over 14 vehicles, including eight commercial buses. When the smoke cleared, no less than 21 people were dead while scores of others suffered various degrees of burns and bruises.

That incident was repeated a few weeks later at the Oshodi-Apapa expressway where more than 18 people lost their lives. The joy of this

law lies, perhaps, in the fact that even before they are allowed in, their state of roadworthiness is ascertained as well as how secured the loads they carry is. It is unfortunate that owners of these vehicles seem not to care about their state of roadworthiness as long as they make money for them.

It is important to note the significance of this restriction. It is in line with the commitment of the Fashola administration to the safety of lives on Lagos roads. In fact, the massive infrastructural renewal that

has been going on in the state in the last five years, especially the rehabilitation of both state and federal roads and the construction of new ones within the Lagos territory, as well as the restrictions on other brands of vehicles, are all geared towards the protection of lives on the roads. There is no doubt that if this law is fully enforced, Lagosians will experience sanity on the roads in the state.

• Dotun Adebayo, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos

good deeds we failed to do. In your loving forgiveness keep us safe from the punishment we deserve.

Lord, we are weighed down not only by uncertainties but also by moral, economic and political problems. Listen to the cries of your people who confidently turn to you.

God of infinite goodness, our strength in adversity, our health in weakness, our comfort in sorrow, be merciful to us your people, spare this nation Nigeria from chaos, anarchy and doom. Bless us with your kingdom of justice, love and peace, we ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.’’

Contrast this with the recommended second stanza of the National Anthem: ‘’O God of creation; Direct our noble cause; Guide our leaders right; Help our youth the truth to know; In love and honesty to grow; And live in just and true; great lofty heights attain; To build the nation where peace; And justice shall reign’’.

The latter is dour, laid back and uncharismatic. It lacks the cherubic and seraphic aura to penetrate the heavenly realms and win for us the divine sympathy we direly seek.

We must be ready to come together and negotiate the basis of our union.

That is why the convocation of a Conference for the Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria is nonnegotiable. We must meet each other at a roundtable, be open and frank and address our fears. The FEC should help us to achieve this and not advocate prayer points for us.

• Aloy Uzoekwe Port-Harcourt.

Nigerians should give the OBJ/IBB peace initiative a chance IR: The joint statement issued by the former Nigerian leaders, President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen I.B. Babangida, on July 29, on the state of the nation, particularly, the state of insecurity has been subject of discourse among Nigerians.

Newspapers editorials, opinion moulders etc, have commented for or against the proposal of the retired generals for ending security problem in this country. To the majority of the commentators, the duo have no moral justification to comment on the state of the nation having lost golden opportunity to lay a good foundation, which would have averted the security

S

quagmire the nation found itself. In other words, the position of critics of their homily was that, their inactions as heads of state of this great country were contributory factors to the sociopolitical and economic predicaments starring the nation on the face.

While I am not objecting to the majority opinion about the duo as far as the moral justification is concerned, I am of the opinion that as citizens of this country and in spite of the opinions of the people on their actions or inactions while at the helms of affairs in this country, they have their constitutional right of freedom of expression, which they have

employed to raise concern about the state of insecurity and the needless loss of lives and property of hapless Nigerians. As a matter of fact, their concern for the country should be commended. After all, barring countervailing forces, none of their families would be victims of the insecurity in the land. It is the innocent Nigerians that would bear the brunt.

Aside, the two are arguably the ‘makers of Nigeria’ going by the number of years they ruled this nation. Therefore, if they have realized the evils they brought on the nation and they want to help in removing it, shall we not allow them when all

other options have failed?

Consequently, I concur with the propositions of the elder statesmen for an intensive community involvement in confronting the security challenges. Having reiterated their readiness to champion the cause of bringing about peace and harmony in the country, I will advise President Goodluck Jonathan to give a nod to the proposal of the duo to start the work in earnest. The image of a failed state labeled on this nation is shameful and the time to remove it is now.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012 16

21

COMMENTS

Reality Bites W

Olatunji Ololade

ASTELAND “Hospitable morning my orator, I just digested today’s Wasteland. I will be acting on the wrong side of wisdom if I fail to commend your spoken pen.

Sadly, our leaders will never read it. But a day is coming when their abodes will be turned into wastelands if they refuse to emulate their promising counterparts elsewhere.”A.D.O Okunade (Nigerian Law School), 08060860282 “Wasteland is a fantastic piece of “Pen Art.” Kola, 08032343125 “Congrats on your write-up.

Always fantastic. Hope to meet you someday.”

Tope Fasua, 08033110760 “Olatunji, I would say you are born with the pen. Whenever, I pick up The Nation, I go straight to your column. You make me wish I was a journalist.” John from Port Harcourt, 08037632106 To be continued...

The sum of all fears “In recent time, I have not read something as realistic as The Sum of All Fears. What a pathetic condition for HND graduates!”07035739804 “I bet you are university graduate.

Your output distinguishes you.

Writing through the mind of an HND is quiet impressive but the differences are so wide. Your writeup is grand as always. I agree with you but the only question isn’t that of equality. We can start by building our own Harvard abi?” 08060690581

“Your piece is very truthful. I was a victim too but today, I have my company which employs only polytechnic graduates who will get the job done.” 08033143534 “This is the first time I’m writing a columnist. That was genius.

Reality indeed bites and you tell it in a blissful way. Don’t stop, you will get better.” 08033876146 “Reality bites would be great in verses and stanzas; I love the depth of your imagination and the subtlety of your satire.”

08035529802 Woman song “Your piece today is inspiring.

May your pen never run dry. Please keep up the fight. We will win sometime, someday.” Gbade Ogunwale, 08060666617 “Continue to assail their consciousness with your satirical eloquence. You are the reason I buy Friday editions.” 08035064013 “Woman song, brilliant piece.”

08035201753 “Olatunji Ololade, I don’t know your source of inspiration but you are blessed. I still delight in your Adara, Vanity’s Song epic. Here comes Woman song. I’ve been a victim for the past 10 years. I am 40 now. I ravish the last paragraph and I say a loud AMEN!” Ms Gift, Port Harcourt, 08033131252 “Amen!” 08035929878 “Truly, reality bites. I can’t fathom the depth of your wisdom. You sound so poetic and deep in your piece. I must say, you are the bomb.

L

ET me quickly introduce myself: I’m not a clairvoyant, a prophet or a seer. I however do believe that if things remain as they are (and there is nothing in the past 30 years to indicate that we will change for the better, or even resist the temptation to over-reach ourselves), my predictions have a good chance of coming true.

The following are the scenarios I believe may occur before the year 2015 - “the great anxiousness” when Nigeria is expected internally to change government through an improved national election (by incurable optimists), and externally when we are supposed to self-annihilate (according to prophets of doom).

My predictions are of course predicated on the obvious facts of our current existence, and really do not take much intelligence to articulate, that the consequence of the ongoing actions, inaction and serial perfidy of politicians and public officials can only mean one thing: near total collapse of all democratic and state structures.

For those who understand their history, and appreciate the influence of numbers in the natural order inevitability, figures matter.

They really do matter. Crunch these for instance…in Nigeria, our fate appears to be intertwined with figure ‘3’ in every decade, even long before our 1960 independence. Not in the mould of being the third largest economy in Africa. No, rather in a more draconian way - we tend to unravel politically around that number, and then spiral into series of bungling and fumbling missteps and misadventure; which over several decades have prevented us from progressing speedily and sensibly as a nation, in spite of the quality of our human resources and the quantity of God’s deposits upon our

‘My major fear is that the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) appears to be working furiously to breathe life into the lurking demons that potentially may rule the coming year, 2013’

Readers’ Parliament 17 I am one of your biggest fans.”

08060079138 “The cruelty of man is in our culture. The liberation of womanhood is in education and job empowerment...” Falade M. Lanlate, Oyo State, 08053026884 “Congratulation, Woman song is like Okot Obed’s My husband’s tongue is bitter, The Song of Lawimo, So long a letter. Keep it up.” Awoma, 08033248032 “I like your article, Woman song.

It has depth and being a woman, I can relate!

Thumbs up.”

07032897921 “God bless you for your piece.

Ironically, you are a man. How do you men feel that your own lives begin at 40 while our own ends at the same age? Don’t you people know that women hunger and thirst for the same thing that guys run around town to get? I am sorry for that man that is foolish enough to think he can treat a woman like trash. He has already dug his own grave and kept a coffin beside it.”

Lady Stella, 08056237673 “tunji! tuNJI!! TUNJI!!! Your Reality Bitesof May 29 bit really hard. Keep it up.” Chief Akin Deko, 07032474417 “Your piece, titled Woman song really hit me dip. Thought it was only a woman that could think that way. People see you as unreasonable if you opt to become a career woman but isn’t it better?

There are a lot of ladies out there who do not know what to make of themselves again. I read it at a time I needed it. It’s really comforting to know that someone somewhere shares your pain. God bless you real good.”08034969660 “Hi Olatunji, I applaud your literary masterpiece: Woman song.

It gladdens my heart that someone

not only noticed these ills but found it important to write about them in the national daily. You left nothing unsaid. I hope it touched many as it did me. For all the women that suffer in silence and are voiceless, I say, thank you.” Tess, 07065483794 Call to insurgency “Dear Tunji, I stumbled on your work in The Nation today. Quite a lot of high poetry deployed to strike sleeping, dormant or enslaved consciences. I am most grateful for your forthrightness on our journalists. More voices should be raised to make more of our journalists see themselves as nation builders. Instead of a revolution, I think we all should ask what we can do for the country.” Sola George, 08033733754 “Dear Olatunji, your piece, Call to insurgency has a ring of prophecy and at the same time, an unmistakable optimism concerning our ‘forced wedlock’ that I find rather heartwarming. In you, I see a kindred spirit. May your pen never run dry. Remain blessed.”

CVU Iwobi, 08025347716 “Oh Tunji, what a true Nigerian you are. Many journalists have become hypocrites because of naira.

So we have a British Consular in the Niger Delta? Blimey. We have encouraged the Niger Delta militancy. Who says it is not the foreigners that are arming them?

As for a revolution, it will come when our suffering and smiling ends. I love you.” Major Femi Ayoola (Rtd), 08072451669 Mr Jonathan, you do not come to us by chance (1) You have no respect talking to the President like that. Who the hell are you? What gives you the audacity to counsel the President? Let this be the first and the last warning.

Do not concern yourself with what is not your business. You this ngbati, ngbati have no respect at all. You can criticize his Excellency as much as you want, it won’t stop him from doing his great works. And let me remind you, you can do nothing about it. Somebody put him there, remember.

Anonymous.

08020708720 Olatunji Ololade, by your message to Jonathan, you have become the nation’s hero of the week. 07059361755 My brother, I can’t describe your brilliance. Your column is the best in the day’s newspaper. I wanted to read on but you stopped writing. I pray that you get more wisdom.

You write with a lot of respect and humility. May words be available to you as you write. Love you.

Pastor Law from Owerri.

08039479373.

OLA-O-la-la! Such oddity as reality…as a painter, so much of thy works, even worth is in thy shadesome say shreds. Using dictum as clay to clear what you can paint?

Being a Jonathan is no joke, maybe a nuke! Costlier than the fine arts of an arm-chair snore calibration technique…beyond thinking writing-writing to righting. The former, with drugs or drunkenness.

The latter with duty and responsibility. A beauty, keep it up!08039435000 Rich in rhetoric, woven in breathtaking anecdotes. Your piece is a worthy one giving the best journalism can offer as shapers of a nation’s destiny. Wilson Benny Wind. 08032661181 • To be continued…

SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

My predictions for 2015

By Femi Akintunde-Johnson soil.

If in 1953, the Nigerian politicians had positively received Chief Anthony Enahoro’s call for “a primary political objective (for) the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956”, we would have embraced a fairly more Nigerian constitution rather than the Lyttleton contraption of 1954; and Nigeria would have been independent four years before she did in 1960. We would have avoided the Kano Riots of 1953, precipitated by deep ethnic and partisan divisions within the polity. We missed that chance; and were reduced subsequently by sundry setbacks.

The post-independence crisis between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Ladoke Akintola led to the Western Region crisis of 1962/1963, and of course all the intrigues, skirmishes and conflicts were the harbinger of the first military coup in 1966. Though, something good came out of 1963, the MidWest region was created in spite of prevailing agitation in the West that it was more of backstabbing castration from the eastern and northern governments. On August 12, 1963, the Mid-Western Region was born. Nigeria also received her republican status on October 1, 1963.

The blight of the first set of indigenous political leadership reared its head essentially from 1963 in preparation for the 1964 Federal general elections - a fool-hardy, self-serving politicking that completely ignored the prevalent dangerous tension and anger in the land. But the real detonator for the Wild West’s ‘’Operation Wetie’’ fiasco was the dubiously arranged Regional elections of 1965. Its vitriolic over-flow swept in the military adventurers. More importantly, the unreasonable weakness and confounding indecision of the Tafawa Balewa-led Federal government to deal decisively with barefaced hooliganism and lawlessness in the western region persuaded the coupists that the politicians had no clue on how to rule their rich country. Does that sound like a déjà vu?

However, after surviving a couple of quickfire coups and a mindless civil war, Nigeria

… Beware of 2013! sort of straddled into some peacefulness. But about 1973, the young Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, strangely began to drop hints of amnesia concerning his hand-over date and programme. He was no longer sure if Nigerians needed civilian rule any longer.

That indolence bought him a bloodless palace coup in 1975.

And in fits and bounds, we staggered on until 1983, when the putrid cup of purposeless politicians came crashing down with the rude entrance of the Buhari/ Idiagbon bloodless intervention. The military’s return was arguably excusable because of the bastardization of politics and demonisation of honesty in the conduct of public affairs. In a now usual climate, a prostrate president appeared clueless while his subordinates traversed the entire country looting public till and flaunting their perfidy across the national countenance with despicable impunity – and all the while, Nigeria drifted about in rudderless and meaningless meanderings. Déjà vu?

1993 brought out the big lie in our muchvaunted claim of the giant of Africa, as rulers of that period driven by their Lilliputian sense of self-importance and inordinate grab and greed for power, truncated what, until then, was our best attempt at national political transition. The only profit we derived from the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, truth be said, was a great and incessant devastation on the body polity and psyche of the nation… a dull pall from which we are yet to unfurl.

Of course, we also remember 2003 and its emblematic presidential election, internationally regarded as the worst election ever organized by any human society. The fissures of that election will take political anatomists many years to correctly and fittingly dissect and categorizefor edification of the next generation.

On these precepts, let us proceed in streams that we are now familiar with….

My major fear is that the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) appears to be working furiously to breathe

life into the lurking demons that potentially may rule the coming year, 2013. The cold, disparaging realities of 2011/2012 as expressed in great revelations of incredible larceny and gargantuan pilferage indicate that the cup of our current political actors is aiming for a resounding crash in the two years leading up to the 2015 elections.

As it is necessary in matters predictive, the elements of cause and effect is pronounced and self-evident… therefore, we may say if thus and thus are allowed to emerge or continue, then such and such may occur or intrude. The possibilities for reinvention are vast, and incidentally opportunities for success are largely dependent on the will and desire of political actors to follow the honorable and responsible path. We basically choose how we want this present political drama to terminate. But enough of putative generalities… now to brass-tacks.

If the President and his cabinet, the incumbent legislators and state governments across the board do not revert from their current “I-don’t-give-a-damn”posturing, and they continue to do little or no work, and take unsightly remunerations; if they continue to transfer national wealth to private accounts with scant regard for retribution; if they continue to caress indicted thieves and cavort with determined criminals… the year 2013 is a potent number that may herald tremors and terrors that will suffocate corrupt leadership and up-end despotic do-little mandarins who purport to be selfless stewards of our commonwealth.

As predictions go, there is no absolute in this crystal ball. There is nothing to show that a change of heart and a reversal from current insensitive directions may prevent untoward consequences.

However, deeply ingrained traditions and human predilection for selective amnesia may lull the current political players to underestimate the inevitability of centrifugal forces that have plagued this nation right from the first Lagos election of 1923.

• Akintunde-Johnson, writer, journalist and author can be reached at fajswhatnots@yahoo.com

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

22

COMMENTS “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

————Pierre de Coubertin (founder of modern Olympic Games in 1894) HE London Olympic 2012 has come and gone but the memories of the revered tournament will forever linger.

Medals were won just as records were shattered by participating athletes. For countries whose athletes made proud by winning laurels, the message is that they should not rest on their oars; and for those without medals, including Nigeria, the point is that there is another time and they must go back to the drawing board to rectify whatever is amiss.

This is necessary so as to be able to make meaningful impact not only in the next Olympic Games but also in other global sporting fiestas. Afterall, Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of modern Olympic Games once said: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” What a statement! Why are countries without medals so bitter against their representatives and sports managers if this statement is indeed true?

It is trite that Nigeria did not win any medal at the games even when smaller and less resource endowed countries in the continent like Kenya and Gabon made the medal table.

But could it be said that the essential life cum Olympic spirit of fighting not inherent in Nigerian athletes at the tournament? What could have gone amiss with the Nigerian contingent that not even a mere consolatory bronze medal was won for the country? When viewed under critical examination, the salient ingredient of Olympic spirit is not just lacking in the Nigerian participants at the event but in others back home.

Majority of us are adept at engaging in buck passing rather than bemoaning our collective lack of steadfast spirit. Today in the nation’s sporting arena, it would not be out of place to ask whether we still have what could be termed as spirit of purpose in sports management and other spheres of public enterprise. The aegis for motivation and inspiration for talents in sports both in official and private circles are conspicuously absent.

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D

E ja vu! The more things change around here, the more they remain the same. Just when you think you had done a corner, lo, the selfsame bend appears ahead of you and in a fleeting moment you wonder whether what is happening around you is real or you are simply going round the bend. This is the thought that assailed one upon the appointment of Doyin Okupe, a medical doctor- turned publicist as Presidential aide on public affairs. Why on earth would President Goodluck Jonathan need another media point man when he already has one of high acclaim in Dr Reuben Abati? Haven’t we seen this subterfuge scenario play out before each time Nigeria’s presidency seemed troubled and flailing. Here we go again, you want to say?

The most recent example of this obviously confused state of affairs was when former President Olusegun Obasanjo drafted a certain Femi Fani-Kayode as an alternate spokesman in clear derogation of Mrs Remi Oyo who had held out brilliantly well as media adviser for about five years. As many of us remember, Obasanjo was on the last lap of his second term and he would not act the statesman by positioning a worthy successor; rather, he sought to succeed himself by trying to wangling a third term in office. When Nigerians railed and abused him for trying to manipulate the constitution, his recourse was to deploy an irreverent and uncouth young man to trade in abuses with Obasanjo’s supposed traducers.

We witnessed a comical Presidency unleashing something of a rabid dog to maul elders like Yakubu Gowon, Solomon Lar, and Umar Dangiwa to name a few. Their offence was that they dared to advise Obasanjo concerning the state of the nation. This scenario is playing out again today in the Jonathan administration but sadly, he has barely done one year in office. Why would the President require the services of a ‘hound dog’, a propagandist or even a publicist; would any father acquire a ferocious dog to caterwaul his family, snap at them and limit them from freely expressing themselves?

So many intriguing issues arise from the return of Okupe to the Presidency and to the job he could hardly hold down for two years in the Obasanjo days. First, why would the first wife openly chide a Presidential aide the manner Dame Patience Jonathan reportedly

Dreaming medals without Olympic spirit

•Bolaji Abdullahi

How can we develop a sporting culture reminiscent of the glorious past? In this period of Boko Haram induced suicide bombers; in this era of visionless leadership; in the current epoch of rampaging corruption and self-centred public officers, how can we produce stars in different areas of sports that can once again lighten our homes and spirit? Stars that will make us forget our collective travails, albeit temporarily, through heroic exploits in the sporting arena. These are attainable provided the nation and its peoples and institutions are ready to imbibe the Olympic spirit. The proviso is that we can only do this if we have the sense of history of how the

Olympic came about.

The first formal Olympic Games reportedly held in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece. That Olympic saw the Greek City States gathered in honour of their foremost leader, Zeus. At that period when conquest was routine, the people of Greece in deference to this man halted their war proclivity while the battle for the best athletes in all the Greece states came to the fore. That was how the Olympic Games became the cornerstone of honour, peace and unity. At that ancient Olympic Games, a naked runner, Coroebus (a cook from Elis), won the sole event- the stade - a run of approximately 192 meters (210 yards). This made Coroebus the very first Olympic champion in history.

The Olympic subsequently came up every four years for nearly 1200 years until 393 CE when the Roman emperor, Theodosius I, a Christian, abolished the Games because of what he called its pagan influences. But Pierre de Coubertin, a French man, precisely 1500 years later, began what has come to be known as modern Olympics in 1894. However today, the Olympic tradition, devoid of all traditional religious and political influences, has spread worldwide to include over 200 countries with better prospect of the Games increasing in momentum by every passing fiesta.

To participate in the Olympic or host it de-

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Re-introducing Dr Doyin (bolekaja) Okupe carpeted Abati publicly? Inadvertently, she was letting it known that her husband is not capable of managing his staff otherwise she could have passed her concern through Number One or spoken to Abati in private.

Second, she certainly is not conversant with the nature and scope of Abati’s duties. From my modest experience, having travelled that route and coupled with my training as a media professional, the Presidency is the number one office in the land and a welter of information emanates there from almost on a 24-hour basis.

Someone must lead the team of professionals to manage this tumbling tome information.

Essentially, there is need to disseminate, document, orchestrate, elucidate, give backgrounders, even withhold or divulge information (as the case may be) etc. It is a whole range of work going on in a flux.

Because the President cannot speak or respond all the time on every issue, he has a spokesman who is at the helm of all of these activities. He is one of his closest aides, he joins in during most meetings and he has regular if not daily meetings with the President. It is one of the most sensitive and demanding jobs in the Presidency. He represents the face of the president, he must possess the learning, presence of mind, carriage and gravitas if you like, because when he speaks, it is taken that the President has spoken.

In other words, it is best that a president has a single chief spokesperson and if there ever is a need for a second one, it should be subordinated to the chief for order and

effectiveness. Therefore, the office of the senior special assistant on public affairs ought to be a unit of the media adviser’s office. Where is the place for ‘attack dogs’, propagandists and media mercenary you might ask? Not in today’s world and not in peace time for that matter. No serious democratically elected government today would deploy propaganda, falsehood or abuse. It does not pay anymore to use these ‘dirty’ tactics as tools of governance. See what Tony Blair of Britain and George Bush suffered for lying about Iraq’s weapons. It did not matter that Saddam Hussein was a villain.

So Okupe is a mere yeoman, an assistant to an officer. He would try to do a lot of bolekaja stuff - a Yoruba street parlance for saying, bring it on. That is, he will try to clobber those who criticize the President or supposedly speak ill of him. But Okupe’s job is at best counterproductive to the Presidency and at worst a recipe for making even more enemies and antagonizing the populace. On the other hand, what the president needs sorely now is a respected professional media person who has the capacity to build bridges in the media constituency and who can produce a refreshing and quality weekly that can show at work, not just the presidency, but the government as well as the country.

One has also noticed that Okupe may encroach into the duties of the Minister of Information by trying to showcase the ongoing work in the MDAs. Yes, the Hon. Minister may not have been quite up and

mands serious preparation that require huge spending if necessary infrastructure and logistics must be put in place. The preparation and actual hosting of the London Olympic this year, overtime reportedly cost the British government 3.9 billion pounds. In the end, the ultimate test of the worth of athletes that participated in the events was a true reflection of the serious business that the Olympics have become in the world today. Any serious nation that is hosting or participating must really prepare in the true sense of the word because the Olympic in the current global world is not a tea party fiesta.

This much was given credence by Coubertin himself at the inaugural modern Olympic preparatory meeting of the Union des Sports Athlétiques in Paris on November 25, 1892, where he stated that athletes at the Olympic ‘…represented their nations’ competitive spirit… and bringing home world honours’ in the process. Any nation that in any Olympic games didn’t show seriousness in its preparation would definitely lack Coubertin’s definitive ‘competitive spirit’ that is necessary for etching towards ‘bringing home world honours’ by representatives of nations at such important world fiesta.

It will quite be against the spirit of sportsmanship of the Olympic Games for a nation without adequate preparation to make undue hue of its avoidable failure to win medals at the Olympics. Nigeria is presently doing that even when it is paying the price of improper planning. The way forward for repositioning of sports in Nigeria is a topic for another day.

The reasonable thing for Nigeria and Nigerians to do now is to first acknowledge the fact that for them to dream medal, the Olympic spirit must first be imbibed. Beyond the sporting arena too and in the spirit of just ending Ramadan, let Nigerians imbibe the spirit of the Olympic as enshrined in the first Olympic Games that held in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece If the once conquest hungry Greece citizenry can sheath their conquest inclination to begin the Olympic thereby spreading the message of unity and peace in the process, why can’t we in Nigeria embrace these two virtues. The Boko Haram should see the futility in the destruction being inflicted on the nation so that preparation for the next Olympic will not be jeopardised. doing in front-burnering the achievements of the administration no matter how modest, but the solution is not to create a mini office of the minister.

Finally, no amount of propaganda, spin, orchestration or abuse will sell a bad product.

The actions, inactions, utterances and public persona of President Jonathan and his wife in the last two years will stump the best efforts of even the best brandsters. The problems of President Jonathan is not with his media management (though can be better), but with him. Unless he raises his game quickly, the best media men in the world will not be able to save him. For instance, the appointment of Okupe has become a huge media debacle. As my people say, it is like a man who went into the bush to poo and then steps into a fat heap of the stuff. Don’t we do basic security checks before sensitive appointments like Okupe’s?

He carries a huge baggage from his last outing which is yet unresolved.

What Jonathan must do to earn good press?

Honesty of purpose, accountability, curtail avarice in the administration, make systems work, follow up on myriads of contracts, rein in his wife and banish second term from his thoughts. This is the recipe for good press, success and greatness as a President.

LAST MUG: the Olympics shame: what on earth can jolt our leaders enough to sit up?

Can the shame of this flop at the Olympic Games make them try to fix out sports at least?

Everything is a big deal for them including harnessing the abundant talents of our teeming youths. How can a country that cannot manage her stadia expect to win medals in competitions? The National Stadium in Lagos and Abuja are dysfunctional. Recently, Arsenal Football Club of England had to cancel a tour of Nigeria largely for lack of a pitch to play.

We have a Ministry of Sports that has hundreds of staff yet cannot grass our major stadium.

What a shame.

‘But Okupe’s job is at best counterproductive to the Presidency and at worst a recipe for making even more enemies and antagonizing the populace’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AGUSUT 17, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SEVEN-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The remains of Madam Rebecca Ayonmike, mother of Mrs. Roli Nere Uduaghan, wife of Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, were interred at Ugbuwangue Warri, Delta State last Friday amidst pomp and ceremony. SHOLA O’NEIL, OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE and POLYCARP OROSEVWOTU were there.

•From right: Governor Uduaghan; his wife Roli and Dame Jonathan

T

HE sun shone over a crispy clear blue sky till night; the rains took a break as the huge cloud that threatened downpour days earlier receded. This was the setting in Ugbuwangue, an Itsekiri community lying on the tip of a creek that flows into Warri River in Delta State, last Friday. It was the day the remains of Madam Rebecca Ayonmike, the mother-in-law of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, were interred. People came from far and wide to pay her their last respects.

Madam Rebecca Ayonmike, a sibling of Joseph and JOS Ayonmike, died on July 9, weeks after fulfilling her wish to see her great grandchild. She was 80. Her daughter, Roli, is married to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Recalling the life and times of the famous woman, popularly called Alagbokun by her admirers, her first son, Mr Emmanuel Tuoyo, told Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who visited the family before the funeral, that his mother lived a fulfilled life.

Tuoyo said she prayed ceaselessly and brought up her children to respect others.

She was a disciplinarian, he added.

Amaechi said he came to condole with the family because he would not be around during the funeral.

He said: “You must congratulate yourselves that mama lived a good and fulfilled life because you are all people to reckon with in the society. There are not many per-

Celebration of a passage •First lady leads dignitaries at farewell of Uduaghan’s mother-in-law sons that have been first lady in Delta State today, but one of them is mama’s child.”

The funeral started last Thursday, with a service of songs at her home in Ugbuwangue. A service followed at the First Baptist Church, Mission Road, off Okere Road, Warri on Friday.

The body was brought into the church in a coffee brown casket, driven in a sparkling hearse. The casket bore both her insignia and title on the number plate. She was accompanied by her children - the Tuoyos, the Uduaghans, the Pinniks and others.

The atmosphere inside the church was not funereal and if the children cried when she died, they betrayed no emotion as they bade her goodbye.

The remains of Alagbokun were ushered into the church hall with soft gospel hymns and classic music by the choir. There were solo performances by Alicia Ejeya, Precious Omoku and members of the Warri Choral Group, founded by Mr. Joseph Ayonmike.

Founder of Word of Life Bible Church, and President of Christian Association of

Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, captured the mood when he described the gathering as a celebration of mama’s life.

He recalled one of his last conversations with the late Alagbokun.

He said it was when she refused to eat for days. He said when he got the message that “mama refused her food,” he called, urging her to eat. She immediately took her food and ate.

In his sermon, backed by copious Bible quotations, the cleric told the congregation that what matters most is “where are we going to wake after we have completed our work on earth, because, it is obvious that someday we shall leave”.

He said: “Poverty is not an automatic ticket to heaven”, adding that the manner people react to the word of God will determine where they will go after falling asleep.” Conversely, he said the way wealthy people behave could earn or deprive them the chance of heavenly fellowship.

He citd Zaccheaus, a tax collector and a

sinner, who climbed a tree to see Jesus to be saved and the case of another, who asked Jesus in Mathew 19:16, what must I do to be saved?”

He explained that the passage of Madam Ayonmike calls for celebration because she lived a fulfilled life as she served God and humanity.

“Mama was not a failure but a success as exemplified by her children and she was an incredible and successful woman that touched several lives,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan described his late mother in-law as a wonderful woman, recalling that she took him as a son from the first day.

“Same way I took her as a mother, and not mother-in-law. She was always there for me at all times and mostly at the time of difficulties; she was there and had always played her role. She is a dedicated christian, humble woman and caring mother who had affected people’s lives •Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

26

SOCIETY

Celebration of a passage •Continued from page 25

positively,” he said.

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, said the late Madam Ayonmike was worth emulating because she lived a fulfilled life with the fear of God. She urged the family and the children to walk in the path of God, and emulate the deceased’s gesture of impacting on the lives of many while alive.

Her last child and Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Amaju Pinnik, recalled how his mother fulfilled her promise to one of the her grand children, Mrs. Orode Ryan Okpu (nee Uduaghan). Mama, he said, promised his niece during her illness that she would not die until she had carried her (Orode’s) child.

“Mama fulfilled that promise when she carried Makalay Ryan-Okpu, just weeks before she died.”

From the church, guests, including Governors Adams Oshiomhole, Peter Obi,

Liyel Imoke and Patrick Yakowa, and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, joined the motorcade conveying Alagbokun’s remains to her final resting place in Ugbuwangue.

The atmosphere in Ugbuwangue and its environs was celebratory.

After the dust-to-dust rite, guests including Senators Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), James Manager (Delta South), former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, and other top politicians from within and outside the state, moved to massive tents erected on a field at the nearby NPA Yard.

At the carnival-like reception, guest were entertained by ace comedians AY, Gordons, Baba Kome Kukere crooner, Nyanyan and Tiwa Savage, also thrilled the guests.

In a vote of thanks, Pinnik thanked the President’s wife, governors, Osoba and others for taking time to join the family to bid their mother a befitting farewell.

•From left: Governors Imoke; Oshiomhole and Obi

•From left: John Oyegun; Chief Osoba and Prof Utuama

•Mrs Akpabio (left) and Mrs Josephine Anenih

•Son of the deceased Mr Ete Pinnick

•Senator Manager (right) and Senator Okowa

•Members of Delta State House of AssemblyMrs Omawunmi Udoh (left) and Mrs Irene Imilar •Mrs Yakowa

•Governor Yakowa

PHOTOS: OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

27

SOCIETY AT RCCG’S 60TH ANNUAL CONVENTION HELD AT THE REDEMPTION CAMP, LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY

•From right: Pastor Enoch Adeboye; his wife Folu and Pastor M. O. Ojo

•Pastor O. Oluwalogbon (right) and Pastor C.O. Osho

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu (left) and Otunba Yetunde Arobieke

•Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili

•From right: Pastor M. O. Ojo; Pastor J.A. Akindele and Pastor D. A. Ilori

•Cross-section of traditional rulers at the event.

INDUCTION

•Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

BIRTHDAY

•

•Commissioner for Home Affaris and Culture, Hon Oyinlomo Danmole displaying his certificate after being inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators by the President of the Institute, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), left. With them is the Attorney-General of Lagos and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye.

•The celebrators Mr Oladele Balogun and his wife Taiwo flanked by Mr Idowu Ajanaku and Mrs Biodun Ajanaku during their 60th and 70th birthday in Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

28

SOCIETY

‘I ‘m the happiest man today’ Dignitaries thronged the expansive E-99 Events Centre, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, when Kayode, a graduate of Igbinedion University, Okada, and his lovebird, Ajoke, a graduate of •From left: Groom’s father Prince Korede Oluwatuyi; bride’s mother Mrs Obembe; the couple; Dr Kayode Obembe Banking and Finance, and groom’s mother, MrsTiti Oluwatuyi Ekiti State University (EKSU), got married writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

I

T was all smiles as they danced and danced. At a point, the bridegroom carried his bride and kissed her.

“She deserves all these, today,” a guest murmured beside this reporter.

Perhaps, the groom, Kayode, a lawyer, never imagined this “beautiful” girl could be his when, on October 18, 2001, they met at a friend’s birthday party in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Penultimate Saturday, Kayode and his lovebird, Ajoke, a graduate of Banking and Finance, Ekiti State University (EKSU), were joined in holy matrimony.

The occasion offered itinerant drummers the opportunity to make brisk money; they sang praises of the guests, drumming to the admiration of dignitaries outside the hall.

Taste was on display at the wedding. The shoes, dresses and other accessories worn by the bride; the groom, and their parents shared class.

From the chauffeur-driven Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in which the couple rode, to the layers of cake on display, the decoration of the hall and the refreshments, no one was in doubt about the status of the hosts.

The bestman, chief bridesmaid, grooms men, maids of honour, little bride, ring bearer, page boy, flower girl, who were all kitted in classy wears, dutifully carried out their roles.

But all these came as no surprise given the personality of the groom’s mother, Mrs Titi Oluwatuyi, a businesswoman and former Chair of Ikole-Ekiti Local Government, Ekiti

•Bola Olu-Ojo and his wife

•Dr Kayode Obembe

State.

One after the other, dignitaries, mostly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hierarchy, rode into the

•Otunba Kayode and Yeye Ogunsanwo

sprawling events centre.

At the church service, the officiating minister, Pastor Lawrence Olaiya of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ibadan, congratulated the couple and their parents.

He urged them to be God-conscious.

The cleric said tolerance is the bedrock of any marriage and that a couple need not be angels to make their work. They only have to tolerate each other, he said.

Marriages, he said, fail when couples do not accommodate and trust each other.

Pastor Olaiya said the country was witnessing a turmoil because love has vanished from the relationship between the leaders and the led.

The trend, according to him, has infiltrated all strata of our society including our places of worship.

“You will have to hold strong to the virtues of love, care and concern which have brought you to this stage

in your relationship; avoid third party involvement whenever you have cause to differ on issues. These are my words to you.”

Prince Dayo Adeyeye encouraged the couple to see their parents as examples to follow, adding: “You should understand the strengths of your spouse and understand his/her weaknesses and complement them.”

“What brings problems are couples magnifying rather than suppressing each other’s weak points while underplaying their virtues.”

He asked:”But who does not have his areas of strengths and weaknesses?”

An elated Mrs. Oluwatuyi urged the couple to put God first; settle quarrels between themselves and be ready to work hard.

“I thank God for what He has done in my life and for my son who is marrying today. It is one thing to invest by giving your children what they want; it is another for them to be upright in their pursuits. I give

God all glory today,” she said.

Soon, it was the turn of the couple to mount the dance floor and prove who could dance better, while the legion of well wishers took turns to pelt them with wads of local and foreign currencies.

“I am the happiest man today,” Kayode told The Nation.

“Ajoke has mastered me. She knows me inside out and she is humble. Our marriage is already a success,” the groom added.

Among the dignitaries at the event were former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Segun Oni, and past political leaders in state, including the former chair of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; renowned gynaecologist and PDP chieftain Dr. Kayode Obembe and his wife, Funke; immediate past Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, and the party’s chair, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe.

GRADUATION

AWARD

•Outgoing pupils of International Staff School of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) flanked by parents and staff ready to cut a cake at their valedictory.

•From right: Representative of Area Commander Area E FESTAC, Lagos, CSP Philip Eze receiving the plaque of Inovation Recognition Award from President, Youth Development and Empowerment Foundation (YODEF), Comrade Uche Udungwo, Mr Jude Eluma and Ex. Director, Mr Seyi Hodonu at FESTAC Town.

SHOPPING

29

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

•Some markets in Lagos

With the Ramadam fast ending this weekend, Muslims are stocking up food to celebrate Sallah. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Sallah fever hits markets Lagos flour sellers lament hike in price Page 30

At 24, Park ‘n’ Shop cuts prices by 24% Page 31

Give love to those children this season Page 32

30

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

SHOPPING

Sallah fever hits markets AMID preparations for Eid-El -Fitri to mark the end of the Ramadan fast this weekend, Muslims are stocking up food and related items.

In Lagos, major markets at Mile 12, Oyingbo, Ojuwoye-Mushin, Badagry and Ketu have been witnessing an upsurge in human traffic. Shoppers have been trooping in and out to purchase mainly food stuffs, such as garri, rice, beans, tomatoes, pepper, stock and fresh fish, soup ingredients, vegetable, palm oil, plantain, and yam.

Ahead of Sallah, Muslims are exepected to distribute gifts to the needy in line with the Islamic injunction on Zakat ul-fitri, that is, gift to the less privileged which is mandatory to enable them also celebrate the end of Ramadam.

The Babaloja of Badagry Market in Lagos,

Mr F. Akojenu told The Nation Shooping that some traders hoard non-perishable goods for the last week of Ramadam so as to sell at high prices and maximise profit.

“Our markets have been busier in the last one week with patronage increasing by the day as the end of fasting draws near. Sales are picking up with more crowds. More items are on display. In fact, the markets have come alive again.That is usually the spirit of Ramadan,” he said.

According to the market leader, farmers in the Southwest ensure that their products, such as pepper, tomatoes, onions, garri, and yam are made available in all the markets, bearing in mind that many of the farmers from the North may have low supplies because of their involvement in the Ramadan fast.

Reports show that various food stuffs

are also available in large quantities.

An Islamic cleric Mallam Abubakar Saliu said Muslims cook a lot after the Ramadan because they distribute food to the less privileged, friends and neighbours At the Ojuwoye market, traders are pleased with what they called “the Ramadan rush.” A trader, Mrs Rukayat Amusa said: “If you don’t have someone to assist you with selling, you might not be able to cope with the rush. I sell fresh fish. My daughter who is on holiday is here, helping with the cutting of the fish and packing while I bargain and collect money from customers.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, according to Islamic faithful. During the month, it is mandatory for Muslims to fast from dawn till sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.

•Ikorodu market

Lagos flour sellers lament hike in price Sellers of flour at the Daleko grains market in Mushin, Lagos, are lamenting the hike in prices of major items used in baking, blaming it on the high exchange rate.

TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

D

ALEKO Market in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos is big.

It attracts traders from within and outside the country, who come to buy grains.

But the incessant increase in the price of baking flour is giving the traders concern because of its resultant effect on consumers Mrs. Adetutu Adeniran, a major flour distributor in the market, told The Nation Shopping that the hike in the price of flour was caused by an increase in the exchange rate, from N160 to N165 or N166.

She said: “The extra cost incurred as a result of the new exchange rate is included in the prices of flour and sugar we sell here.

I now sell to gain only N100 on each bag.

“Some people are made to believe that the Ramadan fast is the cause of the increase. I want to use this medium to tell people that the Ramadan fast has nothing to do with

this hike.Therefore, we the major distributors of flour at the Daleko Market are pleading that the exchange rate be reduced so that the prices of flour can normalise.”

The price hike is affecting sales. According to investigation, regular buyers of confectioneries, such as meat-pie, egg-roll and sausages, have reduced their patronage.

Consequently, sellers are pleading for a reduction in the price of flour to enable bakers buy the product.

The bakers said while the official price of flour from Flour Mills is over N8,000 per bag, a baker does not have access to the company, and so, will have to buy from distributors at N9,000 per bag.

However, it is not only the price of flour that went up. Prices of some products are also affected by the increased exchange rate. They are Dangote Salt, which has moved from N2,000 to N3,300; and Dangote Sugar, which used to be N5,000 is now N 9,000

•Honeywell flour on display

Alhaja Mariam Liadi, a stock fish trader at Oyingbo Market, said: “I want to make all the money I couldn’t make during the fast. Sales were low during the fast, but in this last week of fasting, sales have improved. They buy more stock fish.”

A shopper, Mrs Mulikatu Shuaibu, said: “We couldn’t stock perishable items before now because of power failure; then I decided to wait for this last week of fasting. I have come to buy food items for EidEl- fitri celebration. And you know this year, the celebration falls on a Sunday. It is better to shop during the week. Saturdays are always very rowdy and you might not get what you want. I am taking my time. If I don’t finish buying today, I will come back tomorrow to finish my shopping because I have a lot of things to buy to prepare me for the end of the fast.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

31

SHOPPING Park ‘n’ Shop slashed prices by 24 per cent to mark its 24th anniversary. WALE AJETUNMOBI was there.

At 24, Park ‘n’ Shop cuts prices by 24%

S

HOPPERS have been trooping to Park “n” Shop on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the last four weeks. The mall turned 24 last month. To mark the anniversary, it slashed prices by 24 per cent.

Park ‘n’ Shop started as a wholesale store in July 1988, evolving to become of the largest supermarkets in Nigeria, offering a wide range of quality products.

Prices of goods slashed included electronics and household appliances, such as laptops, information technology accessories, computer printers and multimedia gadgets, gymnasium equipment, jewelry, wrist watches, sofas and bedding materials, rugs and office materials, among others.

The supermarket also offered affordable prices in confectionery, fresh and sea foods, beverages, snacks and soft and alcoholic drinks.

In 2010, Park “n” Shop entered into a trading alliance with SPAR, a South African shopping firm, with the aim of giving shoppers exciting experiences. Stores were also opened in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The alliance led to the opening of another supermarket at Ikate Elegushi layout, Lekki, Lagos.

Shoppers, who have kept faith with the supermarket, were rewarded. The event was put together by its management and Intel Semi Conductors West Africa Limited, the maker of laptops’motherboards.

A raffle draw was held to reward a lucky shopper with a weekend in one of the fivestar hotels on Victoria Island. Mr and Mrs Ernest Ikwudogu emerged winners of the draw.

During the draw, which was held at the electronic point in the Supermarket, Channel Field Sales Engineer Mr Babatunde Robinson stated that the raffle draw was for shoppers, who had purchased laptops in the supermarket.

The Victoria Island branch Manager of the shop, Sanjay Nankani, thanked shoppers at the event, saying the management would continue to offer them affordable quality products always.

A shopper, Paul Oluwadunmo, said the price slash made him to save money for another item. He said: “When I heard about the promo, I quickly came here to purchase the television I had wanted to buy. I saved about N29,000 and I think the management of this supermarket should be appreciated for this.”

Shopping Right with

Quality service, essential

S

HOPPING is essential for everyone.

The art that goes with it is equally interesting - the perfect environment, tempting treats positioned in just the right places to catch your eye, music, lighting and of course, service.

Yes, service. An attribute of formal retailing is service. The shopper is king, so he has to be lured to part with his money. That doesn’t come easy, does it? So, you sure deserve to be treated with high regard. My take is, do not stand for shoddy service. If you are not being served, walk out. The worst offenders are those who take your money while barely acknowledging your presence.

Shopping is about much more than a sales transaction and shops that haven’t got the message yet ought to get out of the game.

Even if the shop itself is 20 years past its last refurbishment, it’s amazing how much we will forgive if the staff is knowledgeable, friendly and recognise us as individuals.

Not far behind are the so-called service professionals who, when an item is out of stock, are incapable of offering you any kind of reason, consolation or better still, a viable alternative. Getting it right is so simple.

For me, people who do not give a hoot about providing an exceptional customer experience ought not to be trading.

Retailers ought to know that the service experience is the backbone of shopping.

While reviewing various stores,I have observed poor, indifferent service.

This is largely due to businesses letting loose inexperienced andunmotivated staff on the floor.

Most shop managers have the authority to look after you in different ways and also have the privilege to give a discount, so always ask for the manager if you feel underserved.

I have entered a shop where a sales girl was on the phone for about 15 minutes, discussing with her boy friend

JANICE NKOLI IFEME one who can fix your problem. Sales assistants are not the automatons they might well be taken for and in many stores; theirs could be a thankless job, dealing with demanding, moaning and rude people, so mind your Ps and Qs. However, those who understand the tricks of the trade will reap its fruits.

Similarly, although some sales staff seemingly find it impossible to hand a card or balance back to the customer, choosing instead to place it on the counter top for the customer to collect; do not stoop to their level. And when paying, put your money in the sale assistant’s hand; they are not diseased.

As in life generally, if you do not ask, you do not get. So you want a discount?

There is no harm in asking. Chances are, in a chain store, maybe the manager only is permitted to offer regular or high spending customers a discount and then rarely, head office would have set certain rules. But in an independent store, the prices are much more flexible.

To show the importance of service, a British sitcom entitled: Are you being served? was broadcast from 1972 to 1985. It was set in the ladies’ and gentlemen’s clothing departments of Grace Brothers, a large, fictional London department store.The idea for the show came from Lloyd’s brief period in the early 1950s working at Simpsons of Piccadilly, a clothing store which traded for over 60 years until 1999.

There were sight gags generated by outrageous costumes which the characters were sometimes required to wear for store promotions, and gaudy store displays frequently featuring malfunctioning robotic mannequins.

The main humorous base of the series was a merciless parody of the British class system. This permeated almost every interaction and was especially evident in the conversations between the maintenance men and the ostensibly higher-class store personnel.

The British are very particular about etiquette and decorum, which reflect greatly in their lifestyle, speech and actions.

Little wonder, service is taken seriously in British stores. But mind you, at the end of the day, it is an individual thing. The kind of service obtainable at a store depends on the store and its management. The important thing is, you sure have the right to quality service, especially if you are going to part with your money. So, get one if you care.

‘Shopping is about much more than a sales transaction and shops that haven’t got the message yet ought to get out of the game. Even if the shop itself is 20 years past its last refurbishment... ‘

•From left: Head of Marketing,John Goldsmith; IT Supervisor, Alex Akinduntire, Babatunde Robison and Nankani after the draw.

while customers were waiting. You might ask how do I know? She was not modest about it either. She kept shouting at the poor guy that she must have the money to buy the dress for a party that weekend. That phone call could have waited for when she would be out of the counter. I have also visited another shop where the sales girl was so rude to a customer. It’s all too easy to get put off by the attitude of some sales assistants, probably because so many of them aren’t competent; the simplest question-do you have this in any other colour or size?, is often met with a dumbfounded, zombielike emptiness. But venting anger and frustration will not help your cause. Build a relationship and be communicative, at least, to enable you get the best. For instance, the colour of that top that suited you so well in front of the shop mirror looks so awkward in front of the bedroom mirror. It is better if you can work on a person to person basis, especially if that person happens to be some-

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com •Shoppers at the Perfume section

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

SHOPPING Irons are relatively affordable and a must have for every home. That is why office workers wear neatly ironed fabrics to work always.

Aside killing germs, it makes clothes neater and the wearer, smarter. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI writes.

Pressing iron can do the trick

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HERE are various types and shades of the pressing iron.

Pressing Iron enhances the look of clothes, with the wearers appearing smarter. No one likes stepping out looking as rough as a wet kitten with unironed clothes.

So, the iron is a must have. but getting a good and cheap one remains a task for many who have had to change irons severally.

There portable electric travelling iron, steam iron, dry iron, industrial and charcoal irons. Our fiocus is on the electric ones usually used in the home. This is easy to buy and comes in various makes like Philips, Bosch, Richards, Binatone, Panasonic.

Pressing iron can be bought at any electronics shop around you.

However, it is advisable to purchase from a reputable store so as to have consumer privileges such

as warranty and after sales services.

They vary in forms and sizes.

There are the new ones and the fairly used ones. The new ones are better but the fairly used ones could serve as an option, especially when the new ones do not suit your budget.

It is good to hear that the new ones come with warranty, but not so for the fairly used ones. Once you pay and leave the shop, most sellers will not collect it back.

Therefore, you are strongly advised to ensure the product is in good shape and condition, before paying for it.

When purchasing the new ones, open it in the presence of the seller in order to ensure nothing has been removed from it, especially the users’ manual. Most formal retail stores have price tags on their

•Electric iron

goods but you might have the privilege of bargaining, depending on where you are buying from.

This could bring down the price to a reasonable level.

Ironing is the use of a heated tool to stretch the wrinkles from fabric, in order to give it a smooth and attractive appearance. It works by losing the bonds between the longchain polymer molecules in the fibres of the material.

While the molecules are hot, the fibres are straightened by the weight of the iron; they hold their new shape as they cool also. Some stubborn materials like cotton re-

•Stove iron

quire the additional sprinkling of water to achieve a better result.

Some pressing irons are also designed for that effect; they are called the steam iron. They have a space for water and while they are being used, the water gets hot and the cotton or stubborn material gets straightened.

The pressing iron is necessary in everyday life. You look unkempt when you do not iron your clothes.

In recent times, people have misused the function of the pressing iron. Some have turned it into weapon when they have misunderstandings, which have resulted

into a fight. They use it to create permanent scares on the body of their victims.

The pressing iron should be kept out of the reach of children, especially after use when it is still hot, because it could create burns on their body; prevention they say, is better than cure.

When using the electric iron, ensure you are not operating with wet hands or body. Also, you should put on dry rubber slippers; all to avoid a shock; again try as much as possible to concentrate to avoid any mistake which could lead to the iron hurting you.

The diversity of waste baskets

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ASTE baskets are very affordable, but their prices and sizes vary.

They are sold in markets and stores in the neighbourhoods.

They come in different colours and shapes and the markets stock new designs in large quantities.

Most popular is its function as a dustbin, where trash is kept before finally disposed off. The perforations it has will allow for air, to reduce decomposing and stink.

•Waste baskets

By Omolara Mofesola Omoniyi

Aside dumping of refuse, there are other benefits of the waste basket. It is a multipurpose item.

It can also be used as laundry basket; it can be used to store various house hold items and documents.

It can be used as bathroom or toilet accessory where toilet rolls, small towels and other accessories can be kept neatly for easy access.

They can also be used as umbrella stand where you can store

them for your next use.

The colourful or fancy ones could be used as a storage basket in your children’s room, where their toys can be neatly kept when not in use.

The large ones are used as laundry baskets where dirty clothes are kept until they are washed.

They are used to transport clothes to the laundry room because of their water resistant nature.

They can also keep hats, handkerchiefs, gloves and stockings when temporarily not in use.

Give love to those children this season Children are wise and tend to see the world more simply than adults do. Perhaps, it is time you started taking their needs into consideration.

OYINDAMOLA ADEWUYI writes

T

HE holidays are on as well as the Eld El Fitri celebrations. Parents should give their best to their children through gifts.

What kind of gift matters most to a child? The most valuable gift for children is love and freedom. Let them be free to do all that they love to do this season.

On the other hand, they should be made to understand that giving is not about the gift alone, but more

•large size waste basket

•Children’s gifts

the thought behind it. Therefore, whenever the need arises, always plan in advance to give your kids a fun-filled treat.

Be mindful to present them handmade gifts. Gifts that you make yourself will always be appreciated more.

It is better to use their special talents to make gifts for them. Whether your child likes music, arts, mathematics, drawing, sculpture or writing, there are ways to use those talents and interests to make creative

gifts for them, it is often fun.

Putting into consideration the sex and age of the child is necessary too.

Greeting cards with cartoon characters are appreciated by children more as it explains better what your intentions are.

Most importantly, praying for children is the best gift ever. It is good to see children happy as they enjoy this season of holidays.

Then, you would be satisfied that doing little things for children is good enough.

33 FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1762

With the increase of import duty paid on wheat and grains by the Federal Government in this year’s Appropriation Bill, consumers are in for a hard time as noodles, bread, spaghetti and pastries producers are set to increase the prices of their products. In this report, WALE ALABI examines the implication of this development on consumers.

F

OR Mrs Maryam Hussain, the five-minute-to-cook popular noodles brand in the market is the best thing to happen to her domestic life since she discovered the magic of the fast food seven years ago.

For one, as a busy white collar professional, whose place of work is about 20 kilometres to her abode, Hussain hardly had enough time to prepare her children for school every morning before she discovered the noodles.

She was always torn between preparing breakfast for her children and getting late to work every morning. But the discovery of the noodles changed her life. Seven years ago, when a colleague introduced the product to her, half of her domestic woes became a thing of the past.

Her children often have the noodles accompanied with boiled egg for breakfast and arrive in school on time while lateness to the office also became a thing of the past for Hussain. Thanks to the noodles.

For Gabriel Okeke, an Okada (Commercial motorcyclist) rider, there is no breakfast like his favourite ewa agoin(marshed beans) and a loaf of Agege Bread downed with water.

According to Okeke, given the tediousness of his job, he needed such kind of food to get going. The duo represent the group of Nigerians who not only savour the taste of their favourite meals, which are wheat and flour-based products, but are also beating the pangs of hunger with meagre amount of money in the biting economic climate in the country.

But with the scenario unfolded by the government in this year’s budget, the party seems to be over for the middle class and low class Nigerians who depend mostly on flour-based products, such as bread, noodles, spaghetti and pastries to quench their hunger.

The increment of the import duty on wheat and flour as contained in the Appropriation Bill portend a grave danger for the average Nigerian as producers of staple food items, such as bread, spaghetti, noodles, pastries and allied product made from wheat flour will definitely increase their prices in proportion to the rate of duty payable on imported raw materials.

This development will, no doubt, bring about another phase of hardship and aggravated suffering on the already over-burdened Nigerian populace who are just adjusting to the realities of the January

hike in prices of petroleum products.

On what necessitated increase in the duties on these commodities, the Federal Government said it was to promote the use of cassava flour, which is locally produced.

According to the government, this will lead to a marginal growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and save the country some earnings by reducing importation.

The government explained that there was no way the country could experience the desired growth in the face of unbridled importation of consumer items and, specifically, stated that the jacking up of the duties was intended to challenge farmers on the need to work harder so that Nigeria can become sufficient in food production.

Arguing for the new policy, the Governors’Forum of Nigeria said the primary goal of the new cassava policy is to cut wheat imports by 40 per cent by 2015 to conserve foreign exchange earnings and increase employment.The governors’estimate wheat imports to be worth N635 billion (about $4.2billion) in 2011.

These figures, even if they include cost, freight, insurance and duty, are overstated to demonstrate that wheat imports hurt Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and worsen the rate of unemployment. In fact, no more than $1.8 billion is spent on wheat imports yearly using the same cost, freight, insurance and duty schedule.

Successful implementation of this policy will result in a significant reduction in Nigeria’s wheat imports, they said. Additionally, the attendant increase in the price of the composite flour and consumer preferences could reduce imports further by an unknown degree as consumers may balk at “cassava bread” products. The United States has a dominant share of 85-90 per

Consumers decry hike in duty on wheat, flour

• Some of the affected flour-based products

cent of wheat exports to Nigeria.

Although these reasons may appear business minded and economically sound, the fact remains that they will cause more pain and anguish to the average Nigerian and worsen the appalling standard of living of the people of which over 80 per cent live below a dollar a day.

According to Bolaji Moses, a Lagos-based economist, “Rather than cutting the excessive cost of governance in the country, the government is hell-bent on sending the average Nigerians to their early graves with this policy. Imagine what the average price of bread will be if the bakers make good their threat. Also, look at noodles, which has become the favourite meal of the young and the old because it is easy to cook, with the policy it will become more expensive. This is unfair, our governments need to be more creative in their thinking when formulating policies.”

For Ngozi Michael, a restauranteur, the new policy is

meant to kill the masses. She said: “If the policy is not meant to kill poor Nigerians, why did the government target food products that are largely consumed by the common man? Why? I think the government is all out to make this country comfortable only for the rich. Imagine the products they target, bread, noodles, spaghetti.

These are products consumed only by poor people.”

Analysts contend that the implication of this new import duty regime is that there will be a corresponding rise in the cost of production of staple food items, such as bread, instant noodles, spaghetti, biscuits and the different pastries, which were hitherto relatively affordable. For instance, a loaf of bread that is sold at N100 will jump to between N130 and N150. A pack of spaghetti, which is sold at an average of N100 and capable of feeding a small family is likely to increase to N120. A pack of biscuits, which is sold at an average of N10 is likely to increase to about N15.

‘Although these reasons may appear business minded and economically sound, the fact remains that they will cause more pain and anguish to the average Nigerian and worsen the appalling standard of living of the people of which over 80 per cent live below a dollar a day’

Also, noodles, which is the most popular, affordable, fast and easyto-prepare meal among several children and adults may now sell far above its current N50 a sachet.

Lateef Oguntoyinbo, the Lagos State Chairman of the Association of Master Bakers and Confectioneries, said: “We have agreed to increase the price of bread by 10 per cent any time from now.”

According to the bakers, while the official price of flour from the flour mills is over N5,400 per 50kg bag, the ordinary baker does not have access to the flour mills and so will have to buy from middlemen for between N5,450 and N5,500 per bag. A 50kg bag of sugar now sells for N10,600.

“When you quantify that and other ingredients, such as yeast, salt, flavour, as well as staff salaries, you’ll find that not much profit is made at the end of the day,” he added.

For a long time, bakers have been on the edge over rising cost of ingredients needed for the production of bread and other confectioneries. As a result, many small scale bakers have been compelled to abandon baking.

Although industrial researchers believe that the inclusion of five per cent cassava flour in wheat flour could lead to a drop in the cost of baking flour; but not all flour millers have heeded this government’s policy, hence, its impact on the price of flour is not yet felt by bakers.

Apart from the above, industry operators say they still grapple with the usual infrastructural constraints of erratic power supply, poor road network and insufficient health care facilities.

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

35

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

36

Brandnews City FM gets new logo THE fledgling radio station City 105.1FM., Lagos has adopted a new logo.

The radio station is developing new programmes and upgrading its equipment to meet today’s requirements.

The re-launch of the station held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to its Managing Director, Adedoja Allen, the re-launch is to reposition the station to deliver the highest values to Lagosians and Nigerians.

“City FM was established since July 2010, but we have recently embarked on re-strategising our focus towards developing new programmes, upgrading our equipment and expanding on the quality of our staff.

“We have developed a range of creative, exciting and entertaining propositions for listeners, advertisers and entire communities at large. City 105 FM is a unique and professional organisation committed to delivering the highest values to inspire, edify and uplift people particularly our youths,” she said.

Beyond colours and logos (2)

By Raji Rotimi Solomon

• From left: Mr Talabi; Olufowose, and Chief Williams, at the handing over of Courier Plus Services Limited to Superflux, in Lagos.

Superflux acquires Courier Plus

A

LEADING secure print solutions provider to financial institutions in Nigeria, Superflux International Limited, has acquired Courier Plus Services Limited, a subsidiary of former Intercontinental Bank.

At the handing over in Lagos, Mr Ebenezer Olufowose, the Executive Director, Financial Market, Access Bank Plc, the bank that acquired Intercontinental Bank, said Superflux emerged the preferred bidder for the courier firm.

Olufowose said the bank decided to sell the company in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) directive that all banks operating in the country should face core banking.

The bid for Courier Plus Services Limited, he said, was very transparent and handled by all the parties, including the official receiver to the company appointed by the Federal High Court,Chief Olurotimi

Williams of Rotimi Williams &Company, Legal Practitioners and Public Notaries.

In his words: “We have concluded one of the major processes of facing core banking business as directed by the CBN. The process was very transparent and competitive and at the end of the day it went very well”.

He added: “We followed the court process and the bidding started since the beginning of the year. The process was conducted under the superintendence of the official receiver appointed by the Federal High Court and we are happy to see that it has been concluded”.

Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Superflux International Limited, who was happy at the approval of his company’s bid for Courier Plus Services Limited, said the company will be positioned to be a leading courier company in the country.

“We expect that by the time we integrate fully, we would ensure that they operate in a world-class standard in all their processes. We hope to build certain aspect of the businesses which they are not doing now like heavy cargo shipment, logistics, port operations, so that people will outsource all they want through Courier Plus, from importation to clearing. We are looking at giving the big courier companies a good fight, and by the grace of God, we will achieve that”, Talabi said.

SuperfIux is one of the three companies licensed by the CBN to print security documents in the country.

It recently expanded its production capacity with the acquisition of N700 million latest printing machines, which was unveiled in January 2011.

It provides secure print services to various clients spanning manufacturing, telecoms, education as well as government institutions.

CNBC AABLA honours Interswitch CEO

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LL African Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) has awarded the Managing Director of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, the West Africa Business Leader of the Year.

The AABLA, an initiative of CNBC Africa, serves as a platform to discover business leaders who are creating a culture of entrepreneurship, developing best practices and carving powerful and sustainable business models in the Nigerian and global economy.

To emerge winner of the coveted awards, leaders from various industries submitted names of nominees who were then shortlisted by a judging panel that comprised Atedo Peterside, Chairman, ANAP Foundation; Bismarck Rewane, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company and Frank Nweke Jnr, Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

According to the organisers, to emerge winner in the West Africa Business Leader of the Year category, the candidate would have exemplified the following quali-

ties: outstanding leadership in business, achieved positive financial results, increased shareholder value, provided sound management, proven corporate governance, demonstrated innovation, demonstrated best business practices and accountability, integrity and vision.

Other winners and categories were West Africa Business Woman of the Year: Ms. Funke Opeke, Managing Director, MainOne Cable; West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu, MDanaging Director (MD), Nestoil; Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr Tayo Adenirokun former MD, GTBank; and West Africa Young Business Leader of the Year, Mr Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia (Oxford & Beaumont).

In his acceptance speech, Elegbe said being chosen as the West Africa Business Leader of the Year is an honour, and, therefore, he dedicated the award to the Interswitch team, partners and customers “Few things in life are entirely the work of just one person and

this is no exception. I, therefore, pay tribute to the enormous contributions made by the team at Interswitch, our esteemed customers without which, none of this would have been possible.

“I thank everyone who thought me worthy to receive this award, he said.

Guests at the event were captains of industry and leaders in the private sector. Also in attendance were Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, who gave the keynote address and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

Head, West Africa, CNBC Africa, Frederic Van De Vyver, said in his vote of thanks: “We are very happy to celebrate leaders that have made a difference in the West African economies within their strategic sectors, such as ICT, cashless economy, local content and so on”.

The East and Southern Africa AABLA regionals would hold in Nairobi, Kenya and Cape Town.

The winners of each region automatically become finalists in the AABLA grand finale scheduled to hold on in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LET it be clear; colours and logos are vital and integral part of branding. However, beyond and before them are other elements and principles to follow. Over time, the erroneous belief has been generally accepted that colours and logos are all there is to branding. Many businesses, products, companies and so on have suffered losses by logging on to this belief, thus making their marketing effort inefficient or ineffective.

Therefore, to create a more effective brand, you need to have a strategic basis on which to find a foothold. Adopting a strategy that would illuminate that makes your offerings better, different or more relevant than the competition is in focus.

To build a solid brand, you must first of all achieve the following: • Deliver your message clearly; • Confirm your business, product, company’s credibility; • Connect your product or business to your target market emotionally; • Motivate the buyer; and • And cement user or consumer loyalty.

To achieve the above-listed pre-requisite for successful branding, here are steps to take: • Reason-to-believe According to Scott Glatstein, “your brand promise is irrelevant if your customers do not believe it. Therefore, your promise must be supported by reason-to-believe.” This would automatically add substance to the promise and define specific expectation for the customer. Believability is the bedrock of consumer-product connection.

For example, a phone manufacturing company produces a smartphone and promises potential customers that ‘smartphones just got smarter’.

What makes this particular smartphone smarter? Why should customers believe this?

To deal with this question effectively, manufacturer could tie its promise to two reasons-to-believe ... Speedy performance and advance data processor. These two reasons define the phone’s smartness and clearly set the customers expectation.

• Create strong brand touch-points Most times many companies, organisations fail to realize that that every touch-point that is in anyway associated in customers minds with the brand identity of a business or product contributes to the customers experience of that brand.

From marketing to communications, sales contact, service delivery, customer service interaction and business system, the customer comes in contact with can impact brand image and customers perception. Therefore, it is expedient to achieve excellence in all areas of customer touchpoints without neglecting any part.

Virgin Trains loses west coast mainline franchise to FirstGroup THE United Kingdom’s largest rail operator FirstGroup is to take over the running of the west coast mainline – one of Britain’s most profitable routes – run by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains since 1997.

The new deal, runs from December until 2026 and is the first of several long and lucrative franchises to be decided over the next two years. FirstGroup bid £5.5 billion, rising to £6.1billion if it sees out a 20-month extension, plus £250 million in guarantees for the right to operate the Intercity west coast services from London to destinations including Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool. The bid means it will have to find £390 million in premiums each year compared with the £160million paid by Virgin.

Branson said his company would never have bid at the levels of FirstGroup because of the risk of “almost certain bankruptcy”, and branded the Department for Transport’s decision “insanity”. Virgin tabled a bid of about £4.8 billion, £5.4 billion for the full term. The other shortlisted competitors, Abellio and Keolis-SNCF, are believed to have bid substantially less.

FirstGroup said it would add around 12,000 seats, with 11 extra trains, and new services to stations including Blackpool, Shrewsbury and Bolton. It will also reduce the amount of first class seating while reconfiguring the Pendolino trains to add more seats.

Tim O’Toole, chief executive of FirstGroup, rejected claims that there was excessive risk in his company’s bid and said there was huge scope for growth on the line. He also categorically denied there would be job losses as unions fear, although he said many would be redeployed.

O’Toole said: “Our winning bid is a deliverable proposition that is compelling for all who want to see a greater use of our rail networks.

“We think it delivers an appropriate return. This line has had all this investment, it has enormous capacity that is yet to be taken up, and even more to come.”

Longer trains and additional seating will mean 35 per cent more seats on the line in five years, O’Toole said.

37

THE NATION FRIDAY,AUGUST 17, 2012

SOCIETY Last Sunday, former Oyo State Governor Lam Adesina drew eminent personalities to the Gbadamosi Olowoporoku Adesina Memorial Mosque at Felele, Ibadan, for its maiden Ramadan Tafsir (lecture). He built the mosque in memory of his late father. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU was there.

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HE Olowoporoku Adesina Memorial Mosque at Felele, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, was filled to the brim.

The gathering went beyond political affiliations. Those in attendance underscored the significance of the event. Unlike gatherings of similar nature, last Sunday’s was purely spiritual.

It was the maiden Ramadan Tafsir organised by former Oyo State Governor, Lam Adesina in the mosque he built in memory of his late father.

It was no surprise that recitations of the Quran and the soul-inspiring lecture were the highpoints of the event.

The lecture was carefully tailored towards spiritual rejuvenation and rededication of adherents of Islam.

Hijab-garbed women added colour to the event.

Large number of women devotees came from the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland for the event which will be held yearly.

Restricted from entering into the mosque were scores of drummers and praise singers who usually storm venues of events to eke out a living. No matter, the itinerant drummers still formed part of those who enlivened the gathering, despite the absence of mouthwatering cuisines and exotic drinks.

The event was also a platform to raise funds for the propagation of Islam and maintenance of the mosque.

Over N2 million was realised through voluntary donations anchored by the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao.

The host, Alhaji Adesina, was not surprised by the large turn out.

Visibly elated, he moved round, exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries.

Salient issues affecting the nation were addressed in the lecture entitled: “The effect of fundamentalism on Islam.” It was delivered by a Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan (UI), Abdul Rahman Oloyede. He did justice to the discourse.

Oloyede, the Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, emphasised the need for unity of purpose, adding that over the years some misinformed Muslims

Gathering in Allah’s name

•From left: Alhaji Adesina; Alhaji Alao-Arisekola and Chief Abiodun

under the banner of fundamentalism misinterpreted Prophet Muhammed’s tradition to cause a lot of damage to Islam.

Fundamentalism in the past, he said, was employed to create awareness, engage in social work, charity and care for the needy and fight injustice.

On Jihad, the Islamic scholar lamented that some have labelled it as an act of bloodletting, all in the name of Islam.

“Jihad does not simply mean insurgencies, but propagating religion through various means including social work, philanthropy and fighting injustices in the society.”

The don , who wore white agbada with a white cap to match charged religious clerics to emphasise the areas that can develop their followers, and desist from divisive acts.

He said the activities of the Boko Haram sect in the past few months have proved wrong those associating Boko Haram with Islam.

He described the sect as a tool in the hands of some politicians.

Prof Oloyede who quoted copiously from the Holy Quran, called on state and Federal Governments to make religious studies compulsory in all schools.

•Chief Latunji (left) and Alhaji Isamosita Ashiru

By so doing, he said Nigerians would be well enlightened on the tenets of their religion, especially Islam.

In his remarks, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, congratulated Alhaji Adesina for hosting such an educative gathering.

He urged people to learn more about religion.

According to him, if people practise religion as brought by the

Prophet, the society would be peaceful.

He said: “With the stage we are now, we need community policing in Nigeria and the National Assembly tilts towards state police.

“This is because it is the people who live in an environment that can effectively checkmate the security problems in their areas. Although it has its own challenges including possible political victimisation, implementation, authorisation, and

imposition, but there is no problem that cannot be solved.

“We actually deserve community policing in Nigeria and the National Assembly is well disposed to it,” he said.

Lanlehin also expressed concern that Nigerians are facing “very serious security challenges which if not handled carefully, may affect the soul of the nation.”

Insisting that the challenges we are faced with as Nigerians is not essentially religious but socio-political, Lanlehin enjoined all in the nooks and crannies of the country to be patient and listen to whoever is aggrieved, no matter their grievances.

“We have to deploy wisdom and ingenuity to rsolve the problems,” he said.

Alhaji Adesina thanked guests and expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives to witness the Ramadan fasting.

Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Aminat Abiodun; former Minister of Power Elder Caleb Oyelese; the Action Congress of Nigeria’s Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke; former Oyo State Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Caretaker Committee Chairmen of the 33 Local Governments, and notable Islamic leaders.

WEDDING

•

•Bride's father, the Executive Vice Chairman of Ibru Organisation Olorogun Oskar Ibru and his wife, Wanda during the wedding of his daughter, Makashe in Lagos

•Parents of the bridegroom, Chief and Mrs Tokunbo Awogboro

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

SOCIETY Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, led eminent Nigerians who converged on the Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota, to celebrate with Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou, who turned 90, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

•From left: Governor Fashola; The celebrator Sheikh Abou; Amb Ahmadu and Alhaji Oki Balogun

•From left: Alhaji Abdul Latif Karim; Alhaji Ligali and Alhaji Iskiil Yusuf

•Alhaji SinariDaranijo (left) and Alhaji Agboola Ibrahim

•Mr Hakeem Otiti

•Alhaji Lateef Salako (left) and Alhaji Wheed Gbajumo

•Bashorun Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy (left) and Alhaji Shitta-Bey

Ageing gracefully at 90

L

AGOS Central Mosque, Idumota, Lagos Island hosted unusual guests last Friday. The weekly Jumat Service took a new dimension on that day. As early as nine in the morning, array of personalities thronged the expansive mosque.

Traders at some point concluded that last Friday's service would be extraordinary with the choice cars that streamed into the area.

The arrival of the convoy of the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar confirmed their insinuations.

Though the Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the president-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) was absent, he was ably represented by Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu.

The special Jumat service was held in honour of Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, who turned 90.

Sheikh Abou, the Baba Adinni of Lagos is the first Nigerian to obtain a masters with Licentiate in Islamic Law from the Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt at the age of 32.

The special prayer was led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim.

The event was a low key partly due to the ongoing Ramadan fasting.

It started with recitation from the Holy

Quran by two Iran nationals.

Afterwards, the Mufasir of the Central Mosque, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa delivered a short sermon.

Sheikh Giwa congratulated the celebrator.

Ninety years on earth, he said, is rare these days.

"It is a blessing on few people to attain this special age bracket even when life expectancy is put below 50. I thanked Allah for your life our dear Baba Adinni," he said.

He urged the congregation to emulate the celebrator's selfless service and move closer to him to tap from his wealth of experience.

"Some of us that have been relating with him over the years can testify to his magnanimity and God-consciousness. We could not but wish him more fruitful years on earth," he said.

He was about to hand over the microphone before noise erupted from the entrance of the mosque.

The congregation jubilated on the arrival of Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola.

He was clad in jalabia and a befitting cap.

Fashola after exchanging pleasantries with the guests quietly took his seat on the floor like others.

Thereafter, the Chief Imam mounted the podium shortly after the call to prayer was made

•Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe (right) and Alhaji Muhammad Rajee-Adenowo PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

by the Muazzin.

After the Jumat prayer, Fashola prayed for the longevity of the celebrator.

The Governor hailed Sheikh Abou on his role to move the state forward.

He seized the opportunity of the occasion to appeal to Lagosians to abide by the new Traffic laws.

Fashola wondered why someone would

leave a worship centre and started engaging in acts contrary to the law.

He wished the celebrator many more years on earth.

Afterwards, the Governor was joined by other guests including Ambassador Ahmadu for photograph.

The celebrator thanked Allah for sparing his life.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

39

SOCIETY WHAT AND WHERE?

70TH BIRTHDAY OF FORMER OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY VC PROF WALE OMOLE IN LAGOS

Obsequies

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HE remains of Mrs Victoria Olawunmi Osinubi, mother of Managing Director of The Punch Newspaper, Mr Demola Osinubi, will be interred tomorrow at the Methodist Cathedral, Imere, Ago – Iwoye, Ogun State.

Reception will follow immediately at Methodist Primary School, Imososi, AgoIwoye.

Last Wednesday, a commendation service was held in her honour at the Methodist Church Nigeria of Shomolu and Service of Songs was also held on same day at Hoare’s Memorial Cathedral, Yaba Lagos.

Her Christian wake was held yesterday at Methodist Primary School, Imososi, AgoIwoye, Ogun State.

•The late Mrs Osinubi

Wedding •From left: The celebrator Prof Omole; former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Founder of the Oodua People’s Congress, Dr Fredrick Fasheun

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OMORROW, the solemnisation of Holy Matrimony between The Nation staff, Adewale Samuel Adepoju and Folakemi Angela will take place at the Catholic Church of the Annunciation.

Reception follows immediately at the Echo Event Centre, opposite Pan African University, Lekki Epe Expressway, Alasia Ajah, Lagos.

Burial

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HE remains of the late Pa Godwin Abayomi Talabi will be interred today at his residence, Shina Adeyemi Street, Ajangbadi, Lagos. He was aged 72.

A church service will hold early in the morning at the Immanuel Anglican Church, Ajangbi, Lagos.

Guests will be entertained at Ojo Community Town Hall after the interment.

Service

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HE Kings in Christ Ministries International will on Sunday hold its cultural praise service at the Church’s headquarters on Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, Lagos.

•The celebrator’s wife Mrs Shade Omole (left) and Osun State Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori

Engagement

T

HE engagement and introduction of the children of Mr and Mrs B A Savage and Mr and Mrs S. O. Towoju,

Oluwaseun Modupeola and Ololade Francis will take place tomorrow.

•Omotosho

Visit HE Governor of the Rotary International District 9110, Dr Kamoru Omotosho, will be paying a courtesy visit to the President of Rotary Club of VGC tomorrow.

The District Governor will be hosted at the Le. Real Hotel, VGC, Lagos.

T

Meeting

O

N Sunday, members of Emekuku High School in Oweri North Local Government Area, Imo State will hold their monthly meeting at the NTA office, National Stadium, Lagos.

Vigil

Wedding

D •Chairman Elizade Motor Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo

•Olorogun Sunny Kuku

•Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye

ominion Faith International Church will tomorrow hold its annual Night of Bliss at the church’s premises at 1, Abiola Street, Ipaja, Lagos.

The event is tagged: Remember Me Oh Lord! and it will be led by Pastor David Olatona and his wife Pastor Dele Olatona.

PROMOTION

T T

•From left: Comptroller Sanusi Abubakar Umar of Nigeria Customs Service Kano-Jigawa Command assisted by S.M.D. Dakingari to decorate Assistant Comptroller Saleh Rabe with his new rank, during the decoration ceremony, at Bompai Customs House, Kano.

T

HE solemnisation of marriage between the children of Mr and Mrs I. A. .Olanlokun and Mr and Mrs T. O. Ojebiyi, Elizabeth Oluwadamilola and Amos Temitope will hold on Saturday at The Apostolic Church, Inalende Assembly, Ibadan.

Reception follows immediately at the same venue.

Birthday HE 50th birthday celebration of the Chairman United Igbo Coalition in Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Chris Ekwilo, will hold on Sunday.

The Golden Jubilee celebration will take place at Surulere Local Government Secretariat premises, Lagos.

Convention

HE 40th conventional Band of the Light of Morning Star of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Surulere, Lagos last Sunday started a seven-day Heart Transformation Programme at the church’s Prayer House.

The church’s Grand Patron, Most Special Apostle Ayodeji Oyenuga, emphasised the need for Christian groups to embrace transformation.

Apostle Oyenuga lamented the loss of fear of God in Christianity.

He attributed the problem to the accumulation of wealth and properties by religious leaders.

•Apostle Fakeye ‘’A nation without the fear of God will Special Apostle David Ogunroumbi urged perish. The result is the chaos the world is witnessing today - bombing, assassination, Christians to continue to spread the gospel kidnapping, human trafficking, rituals of Jesus to the world.

Prophet Gabriel Fakeye urged Christians among others,” he said. re-dedicate their lives to worship of God.

40

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

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IGERIAN Muslims especially those from the Southwest must be familiar with the popular cliché ‘Iwo Ilu Aafa’ (meaning Iwo, a city of scholars).

That cliché was not fortuitously coined. It is a cognoscenti intimately fitting to the intellectual reality exemplified by that ancient city. Besides Ilorin (in today’s Kwara State), hardly can any Yoruba city authoritatively claim to have preceded Iwo in getting fully Islamised. To the indigenes of that city, embracing Islam is one thing while acquiring instrumentality of scholarship from root to foliage is another. Both are seen as equal elements of faith-based culture which must be intertwined with any legitimate profession.

Like butchery therefore, Islamic scholarship is a foremost calling in Iwo. Before now, if anything connoted aberration in that city, it was the absence of Islam. Thus, any compound that distanced itself from either Islam or scholarship was perceived as an associate of shame. Today, the cognoscenti ‘Ilu Aafa’ is as sticking to Iwo as the skin is to the body. In Ramadan, every year, (even long before the innovation called Ramadan Lecture) Tafsir (exposition of the Qur’an) rendered by scholars in Iwo was like a trade fair to which people of other cities trooped for the purpose of sipping from a rich fountain of knowledge. That culture which has subsisted for centuries still remains the hallmark of Iwo city today. Penultimate weekend, a foremost Muslim group in that city, ‘Ola-Olu Muslim Society of Nigeria’, invited yours sincerely as a guest lecturer at its 17th annual Ramadan lecture entitled: ‘Recommended Final Resting Place for Believers’. The venue was ‘The Wings College’ (a focused secondary school in Iwo). The subject of that lecture was one bitter pill which most people would hate to swallow. But the choice of that subject was a deliberate reminder of man’s final destination. Incidentally, it tallied partly with the theme of an article by this columnist published in ‘The Message’ column recently and therefore made my task easier. Among the personalities present at the lecture were the Secretary to (Osun) State Government (SSG) Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Alhaji Ola Aremu (Chairman of the Occasion), Professor Lai Olurode of INEC (the chief host), Dr. Misbaudeen Adelasoye (the Chief Guest of Honour) and a galaxy of other scholars and dignitaries from that city. In the preamble to the lecture, I pointed out that knowledge anywhere is knowledge everywhere and that the separation between the so-called Western and Islamic education is only a clear evidence of sheer ignorance. If there is any difference at all in what is called education it is only in the language of disseminating it. When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) counselled the Muslims to seek knowledge even if they would have to travel to China he knew that Islam at that time was alien to China and thus he did not distinguish between what is now called Islamic and Chinese education. If anybody has a right to claim the original base of whatever is called modern education today it should be the Muslims who introduced Arabic numerals, including zero, to the world. Without those numerals especially zero, the world could not have attained any knowledge of technology that is so vivid today. For thousands of years before the Muslims introduced zero which brought decimalisation to bear, the Roman figures had been in use without any visible progress. It was the Muslims who, through the establishment of the first University in the world, (the University of Cordoba in Spain) introduced subjects like Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and the eventual professions that sprang from those subjects. The language of instruction at that time was Arabic. But when each Western nation acquired the same knowledge from the Muslims she localised it and rendered it in indigenous mother tongue. Today, there is no country called the West. Therefore, there can be no education to be logically called Western. Such claim can only amount to arrogance. And in the academic world any refusal to acknowledge a borrowed knowledge is nothing but plagiarism.

More will be said about this in the near future. Now, an excerpt from the referred article can be recalled here to reimburse last the Ramadan lecture in Iwo. And it went thus: “Mother earth can be described as man’s inseparable companion. She accompanies man day and night, in life and

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

City of scholars

•The crescent

in death. She surpasses biological mothers in playing her role in the life of man. From a chip of her natural being, man is said to have been created. We learn through Qur’an that: “From her (the earth) We created you and into her We shall return you once again”. In playing the role of a mother, the earth carries man on her back while the latter remains alive and when he dies, she incubates him in her ‘womb’ in readiness for the resurrection that will see him through the inevitable Day of Judgment. In that process, there is a similarity between the duties of a primary mother (the earth) and that of a secondary mother otherwise known as biological mother. While the biological mother cares for man only when she and man are alive, the mother earth cares for him both in life and in death. Unlike that of the biological mother, the life span of the mother earth is indefinite. Without the earth, mountains and oceans would have no habitat to call their own and the long term fossils which turn into what we now call minerals would have had nowhere to hibernate. We know that man was created from the earth. We know that the earth harbours all living and non-living things on and in her. What we do not know is the source of the earth in creation. From what was the earth created? We brought nothing into the world except the placenta. And, as soon as we settle down as babies on the laps of our biological mothers, we forget about the sojourn that brought us into this ephemeral transit called the world. No one remembers again how he or she travels down to the world. No one can describe the features of the womb through which he or she came into the world. Even the real purpose of our mission in the world becomes lost on us until we are taken through a new earthly tutorial that makes us what we grow up to become. At least, no book or document has shown the role of anybody’s placenta in the journey of life. But could that natural luggage have been in vain? Muslim pilgrims can testify to the fact that at the end of every Salat in both Sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah, especially during Hajj, there is a funeral prayer (SalatulJanazah) which confirms that people die in virtually every minute of life. Causes of those deaths might not necessarily be sickness or accident. Death is a matter of destiny rather than ill health or old age. That is why an Arab poet crafted a couplet to remind man that death could strike at any time by any means. This is how he put it: “Whoever does not die of sword may die of anything else; There are many ways of dying but death itself is only one”. Death is like a dream. You move from one spot to another as if you are alive. You interact with people of same status in the spiritual realm, at times dining and wining with them and

at other times rejoicing or grieving with them without knowing that you are already dead. After the death of a Muslim, the first duty of other Muslims is to clean his corpse and wrap it up for burial. Then, the funeral service (Salatul-Janazah) is performed congregationally and this is followed by burial. Men are to wash the body of a deceased male. Women are to wash the body of a deceased female. In Islam, the closest people are expected to wash the body of the deceased. But where such deceased had indicated who should carry out that function, no other person should do it.A husband may wash the body of his wife if there are no qualified women around to do it. Same can be done by a wife for her deceased husband for the same reason. Mature children can wash the body of their parents but the rule is that of male to male and female to female. It is only in the absence of close relatives that outsiders are allowed to carry out this duty or where his will indicates so. There are no professional undertakers in Islam. The burial of a Muslim corpse within hours of death is in accordance with the Prophetic tradition (Sunnah). Muslim bodies are quickly buried for three important reasons: One is to prevent it from decomposing and thereby impair the health of the living. Another is to minimize the grief which death of a person may bring to his relatives and the third is to let people know that life continues despite the death of anybody. After all, death is as normal in the life of a Muslim as birth of a new baby. It is for the same reasons mentioned above that Muslims are advised to create their own cemeteries and not bury their deceased fellows inside houses or in cemeteries meant for adherents of other religions or around living compounds. The dead is not expected to take over the abode of the living just as the living is prohibited from seeking an abode in a cemetery. Both the living and the dead have their different patterns of space occupation which cannot be interchanged. Cemetery in Islam is as important as community settlement.

Physically, the deceased cannot act in congregation as the living. But within the colony of their cemetery, spiritual interaction is quite possible. This does not however, have any statutory basis in Islam. Once a soul has departed from the body a reunion with the same body is possible only on two occasions. One is the brief period of transit inside the grave, when the deceased is interrogated by two designated Angels (Munkar and Nakir). The other is the Day of Judgment when all souls will rejoin their earthly bodies for the purpose of rendering account. Between these two places however is another place of longer transit called ‘Barzakh’ where all souls will be preserved in preparation for the final resurrection. Another important role of the living Muslims is to take care of the cemeteries in which their departed fellows are buried. No cemetery should be allowed to grow bushy or be left unkempt.

The environments of those buried in the cemeteries deserve as much care as when they were alive. And the living should always remember that sooner or later, they will join those in the belly of the earth. Muslim cemetery should be like a settlement of equal beings where no traces of segregation can be found. Such a cemetery should be kept tidy by the living and protected against any possible invasion, vandalisation or destruction. A nonMuslim should not be assigned or employed either to serve as an undertaker

for a Muslim bier or to watch over a Muslim cemetery. The cemetery should be weeded and tidied up from time to time.

Every Muslim community, Mosque or group should have a cemetery. And the maintenance of a Muslim cemetery should be the collective responsibility of that community or group. No funeral ritual bath or funeral service (Janazah) should be performed at the cemetery. It is desirable to plant trees in the cemetery either for the purpose of protecting it against erosion and sand storm or for making it cool and serene.

It is also preferred that a Muslim be buried where he or she died, and not be transported to another location or country which may cause delay in burial or lead to embalming of the body. The deceased should be laid in the grave without a coffin (if permitted by local law) on his or her right side, facing the Kiblah. At the grave-site, erection of tombs or other decorative materials like flowers is discouraged. Rather, one should humbly remember Allah and His mercy, and pray for the soul of deceased. All clean Muslims are encouraged to participate in Salatul Janazah though such obligation is no longer incumbent on others once some people have taken it up. Salatul Janazah contains four genuflections without bowing or prostration. It is led by either the Imam of the deceased or anybody he appointed while alive. All participants in Salatul Janazah are required to perform ablution before joining it. Only the Male members of the community are to accompany the corpse to the grave-site. Women are not encouraged to join because of their jelly nature which may turn the grave-site into a weeping site. The relatives of the deceased may observe three days of mourning but not more. The mourning period is devoid of fanfare such as the wearing of expensive clothing and jewellery. Widows are to observe an extended mourning period (iddah) of 4 months and 10 days in accordance with Qur’an 2:234.

The purpose of ‘Iddah’ is to enable the relatives of the deceased know whether or not the widow in question is pregnant. During this period, she is neither to remarry nor move out of her matrimonial home except by necessity. Observing the 8th or 40th day as now commonly practiced in Yoruba land after burying the deceased is an act of extravagance which Allah prohibits. After the burial, the care for the widow(s) of the deceased as well as the orphans becomes the priority of his relatives or the community. Once a Muslim dies, he has no more opportunity to perform any acts of righteousness and faith.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was quoted as saying that once a Muslims dies all spiritual benefits are completely cut off from him except for three: These are (1) charity given during his lifetime which continues to be beneficial to others (like building of Mosque or library); (2) useful knowledge which the deceased had imparted to people from which they continue to benefit and (3) righteous children who continue the good deeds of their parents and pray for the souls of those parents regularly. Grave is the first abode of man’s rest after death. Thus, whoever expects the coming of death should know that grave is inevitable. Grave is a place where there are neither kings nor Presidents. And there is no difference between masters and servants. Everybody lies helplessly in anticipation of resurrection and judgment.

Life is a transit. There is a time to be conceived in the mother’s womb. There is a time to be born into the world. There is a time to grow up and become a man or a woman. There is a time to work and earn a living. There is a time to marry and bear children. There is a time to rejoice over the pleasures of life. There is a time to grieve over certain calamities or tribulations. There is a time to be strong. There is a time to be weak. And finally, there is a time to die. No time can be substituted for another. In all these, the earth has a role to play. Its role cannot be denied. And when the time comes, we shall all be assembled in the presence of the Almighty Allah and give the account of our sojourn on earth. And, based on such account, each person shall take his final abode in paradise or hell. Thus, death is like visa which authorises the right of entrance into Paradise or of preventing it.

In all these you have the right to make a choice. The criteria are clear but remember that you will solely be responsible for your choice.

42

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Honourable Zakari Mohammed, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Publicity, in this interaction with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI, bares his mind on some on reasons why the House rejected the recent Aviation Road Show, the budget impasse, scandals involving the House Committee on Capital Market, headed by Hon Herman Hembe, and the $620,000 bribe for- clearance involving the chairman of the ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, Hon Farouk Lawan.

House will always stand by Nigerians, says spokesman

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ONTROVERSIES, debates, disagreements are regular features of democracy. In the 7th National Assembly, scandals and rancour have often come to the fore, especially with the determination of the House of Representatives to play the game according to the Agenda released shortly after inauguration in June last year.

In his office at the National Assembly Complex, Zakari Mohammed readily accepted to interact with The Nation correspondents on current issues, including the threat to impeach the President, scandals that have attended public hearings on crucial national matters, and worries about frosty executive-legislature relationship.

‘On Sunday, January 8, we convoked an emergency session in line with the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians; to talk about the fuel subsidy regime. A committee was put in place. “In that emergency sitting, we brought up two committees, one to interface with Labour and find solutions to the crisis. Secondly to investigate the subsidy regime’

Public perception The first query was on the general perception of the National Assembly members as people who only do things to fether their nests.

He responded: “I want to say, first and foremost, that the Legislature, especially since the return of democracy, has been greatly misunderstood. Our roles have been mistaken for some other roles. Be that as it may, the Seventh Assembly, when we came in, set out a Legislative Agenda, and in consonance with the Legislative Agenda, we have tried as much as possible to align ourselves with its contents, which of course, has been serving as our guiding principle.

According to him, the desire to put Nigerians first led to the first Sunday Session in the history of the House of Representatives.

“On Sunday, January 8, we convoked an emergency session in line with the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians; to talk about the fuel subsidy regime. A committee was put in place.

“In that emergency sitting, we brought up two committees, one to interface with Labour and find solutions to the crisis. Secondly to investigate the subsidy regime. Of course, the committee on the fuel subsidy regime later submitted it’s report and during the consideration of the report, we found out that a number of firms had been indicted and things that Nigerians never knew came to the fore.

“In spite of the fact that after it, there were accusations and counter accusations of under table dealings between the chairman of the Committee and businessman, Mr. Otedola. Be that as it may, I want to say that the House has been able to prove a point in that regard. And to a very large extent, the 7th Assembly, regarding the findings of the fuel subsidy regime has not done badly.”

He was asked to state his take on the assertions by many that the $620,000 bribe-for-clearance scandal involving the Chairman of the ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy regime, Farouk Lawan, threw a spanner into the engine of what may have easily been a great session for the 7th House?

And also that the perception that the good works of the House which should have given it glowing tributes have been dimmed by the allegations against the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market, Herman Hembe?

Mohammed was quick to respond “Where the integrity of Farouk Lawan as the Chairman of the ad hoc

• Mohammed

committee on fuel subsidy regime was called to question, the House was quick to have a session and say the law should take its course and that Farouk Lawan should go and clear his name.

We have done that.

“Secondly, the issue of the Capital Market and of course, Honourable Hembe, we have asked the law of the land to take its course and that the veracity of the accusations should be found out. And the courts are going ahead to do that.”

The lawmaker said in spite of the few smudges on the scorecard of the Green Chamber, the House has intervened on important issues that affected the populace and this intervention has affected Nigerians positively.

Positive interventions Speaking of some of what he termed”positive interventions” by the House for the benefit of Nigerians, Mohammed said that it was the House that tackled the issue of Kerosene scarcity head-on in 2011. The House had through a resolution invited the NNPC, DPR and Marketers over the issue and also urged the President to ensure the availability of kerosene to Nigerians at N50 per litre. “it was through the resolution of the House that we came about that,” he said.

He also mentioned the investigation of the House into the illegal concession agreement between the Federal Ministry of Finance and Single Windows Systems and Technology Limited (SWTL) which led to the cancellation of the agreement that could possible have cost the nation billions of naira.

“There was also the issue of the vehicle Number Plates, it came in all the way from this House. And quite recently, the budget issue. The House was the first to cry out that the budget is not fully being implemented. And to that extent you can see that we were right eventually. The figures that came out was seriously at variance with what the Minister of Finance put forward.

“We have tried as much as possible via oversight to let Nigerians know how revenue generating agencies bring in money. Of course,that was the

basis on which we said the budget was not doing too badly. So, in the last one year, we have not fared badly in spite of the challenges of the scandals of the Capital Market, Honorable Hembe and that of Honourable Farouk Lawan, the House has come out stronger because, if other arms of government adopt the style we do in dealing with issues of corruption, I am sure we are not going to have much problems in the country.

“And also remember its the House that brought out a resolution to say that the victims of the Dana Plane crash, that their compensation be paid in record time. And we instituted a probe which the joint committees of the House and Senate have done and we are expecting that their reports be laid.

“As much as possible, the area of policing the performance of the Executive and the Judiciary the 7th House of Representatives has tried as much as possible to live above board.”

I think it brings to fore the sincerity of purpose of members. Just like we said, amongst us we have very credible men and women who have made marks in their own field of endeavor before coming to the House, so, there is a degree of decency in all that we do. Our refusal to go is not confrontational, rather its the way we see it-we don’t think it’s adding up at this time for us to go on such a jamboree when the nation is begging for serious attention in various sectors, even the Aviation sector. We believe we are abandoning our duties and abdicating our responsibilities if we just go globetrotting with no visible impact on the people.”

Speaking on the lethargy that is alleged to has taken over some committees of the House and the seeming ineptitude of their chairmen, the spokesman said: “obviously, we have guidelines: committee chairmen know that there is a minimum standard that they have to abide by. Basically, we have not shied away from it. People expect magic overnight, but it’s not possible because the system has been there for a while and we just came as the 7th Assembly Aviation road show and said: look radically we have to do things differently. A year in the life of Speaking on the Aviation road show this parliament is not enough to bridge embarked upon by some members these gaps.” of the Senate Committee on Aviation on the instance of the Minister for Many committees Aviation, Stella Oduah, the Reps spokesman saw the journey meant Candidly speaking, are over 80 to take the participants through committee not too many for the House Canada, United States and China with of Representatives? a stop-over in Britain as tending “The truth of the matter is that the towards profligacy and described it House is very large. It is a means to get as a “jamboree.” everyone engaged effectively. Having He said: “I think it’s very clear that committees that are limited in number we as a House want to be identified and with a large number of members with projects that have more direct will definitely not cater well for the bearing on the Nigerian people. If interest of the House. The more you there’s roadshow in several nations break it down, the more it’s easier for of the world, members of the House them to function. That’s the principle of Representatives just did not feel behind the large number. And there is very convinced about the rationale no committee we have that does not behind the visits. have a job or the other to do. So, it’s “And of course, the leadership under about engagement and of course, we say the control of Honourable Aminu legislative activities must be all Tambuwal says that it is unnecessary encompassing. People think the number for us to go. He believes it’s not of committees is unwieldy, but we are tenable. As good as the intention of keeping faith with our mandate.” the Aviation Minister and her team And as a House, what measures are may be, we just believe that it is not there to stop members churning out the thing now- there are several other scandals due to personal scandalpressing needs for Nigeria to face. And

inducing tendencies?

“For us, there are 360 members and you don’t expect us to behave the same way. We are first and foremost from different backgrounds, we shared different idiosyncrasies before we came here and we’re from different persuasions. However, what is expected is a minimum standard and we have been trying to live up to that.

“Besides, the Committee on Ethics and Privilege is there and it monitors the behavior of members and of course, if any member’s behavior is called to question, it is normally referred to that committee.

“Gladly enough, in the 7th Assembly, apart from the two cases I mentioned earlier, we have not gotten cases that we have to be referring ourselves to the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

But I just want to say again that here in the House of Representatives, we are men and women who are honourable.

Two, beyond quotes that people begin to say that all of us are culpable of certain misbehaviour, I don’t think that is fair enough. “ I want to say that we’re Nigerians and we believe in the corporate existence of this country. And as leaders in our right too, we believe that the derivable of government must be achieved via checks and balances of government and independence of thoughts. And that’s what we are doing in the Legislature.”

Self-preservation What is the spokesman’s take on the assertions that any case that involves members, once it gets to the Ethics and Privileges Committee, it is covered up?

“I beg to disagree with that. Because the case that we have referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee in the past, they have come out. The case that you might be referring to is the case of Honourable Hembe that have been referred to the Samson Osagie Committee. Osagie had come out to tell you why the committee has not gone far. That is one. The second one is that of Honorable Farouk Lawan and the Committee is yet to submit its report. Apart from these two cases, I don’t think there’s any case that has been referred to the Ethics and Privileges that has not been brought to the floor. I just want to say that true, and that people should keep their minds open and be very fair to us.”

Mohammed however, expressed great disappointment on the level of compliance by the Presidency as well as its MDAs on the Resolutions of the House. He said: “it’s disturbing and not encouraging and that’s why you find out that on Democracy Day, the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal was bold enough to tell the President that non- assent to our bills and sometimes disrespect for our resolutions most times, is impeding our work. And of course we made it very clear that other arms of government must know that resolutions of the House and bills when they are passed to Mr. president must be signed in good time. That is the only way we can reel out laws that will impact positively on the lives of the people. And of course when there are resolutions, it should be respected by the MDAs or government agencies.

But the collection is the collegiate of Nigerians in the Parliament, the representatives of the people are saying a particular thing and I believe it should be respected as much as possible.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

44

POLITICS

Akeredolu’s vision for Ondo State

By Idowu Ajanaku

•Akeredolu

T

HEODORE Roosevelt, the revered late American president it was, who offered the timely admonition to world leaders, that when bad people conspire to enact their evil, good people must aggregate swiftly to save the citizenry from the injurious effects of such malfeasance.

Interestingly, the political expedience of this poignant statement finds a fitting need in the current socioeconomic malaise plaguing the good people of Ondo State. Here is an enormously blessed state which for the past four years has been bleeding profusely from the devious designs of top government functionaries who embark on a preponderance of overbloated, white-elephant projects with the criminal intent to defraud.

Most unfortunately, the well-oiled propaganda machinery of the incumbent governor and his acolytes has made the people to swallow line,

hook and sinker his highly orchestrated achievements as the best anybody in the state could offer. This sustained chicanery must stop!

Barrister Akeredolu’s foray into politics is therefore, a clarion call to a patriot to use the platform of the progressive Action Congress of Nigeria to pull the ship of Ondo State from the precipice. His ambition is firmly anchored on the enduring values of integrity and an uncommon dedication to the service of the people.

Furthermore, his unceasing interactions with the judiciary, legislative and legal institutions place him on a sound pedestal to ensure equity, justice, fair-play for all. On this score, his administration will ensure that there are tangible investments to turn the fortunes of the state for the better.

On the economic front, the focus of his administration will be to increase the internally generated revenue profile of the state, instead of depending solely on the monthly hand-outs from Federation Account in Abuja . He believes, and firmly too, that if other ACN-controlled states such as Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo and Edo could boast of IGR in the region of 50 per cent and above, Ondo state under him would be equally robust. And to achieve this dream there will be a synergy between the private and the public sectors. The symbiotic relationship between them will transcend mere pollination of veritable ideas to the building and

sustenance of concrete infrastructures to boost the revenue drive.

Specifically, the cardinal principles upon which Akereolu’s administration shall set sail are anchored on the critical sectors of Agriculture, Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Infrastructure, with the apt acronym, AKETI. On agriculture, the emphasis is on assurance of food security. According to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in Rome , 1948 every citizen of the world has an inalienable right to quality food that is available, affordable, nutritious and wholesome all yearround. Nigeria is a signatory to this and several others related to food security.

Unfortunately, we cannot shy away from the cruel irony that the country has suffered a reversal of agricultural fortunes over the past five decades. It is sad indeed, that a country which boasted of 68 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from agriculture, employed over 70 per cent of its rural populace and was responsible for 80 per cent of its export earnings as at independence in 1960 was listed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2008 amongst the 14 countries vulnerable to food insecurity in the world.

Yet, it remains an incontestable fact that Ondo State, with its popular cash crops such as cocoa, rubber, oil palm, timber, cowpea, cassava, yam, kola nut, maize, soya beans, citrus and

plantains was a major contributor to this revolution. The positive impact was such that the defunct Western Region under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was able to fund the Free Education policy using 25 per cent of its cocoa revenue earnings as recommended by the United Nations, UN. The policy thrust on agriculture will be increased Production, Processing, Preservation, Marketing and Export, PPPME. In 2011, Nigeria exported $3.4 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S. but a paltry $150 million non-oil products. The European Union, EU countries are eagerly waiting for our processed cocoa into cocoa beans, butter, powder and liquor. So far we have been exporting mainly unprocessed cocoa. Similarly, with the newly found huge export potentials of cassava chips from Nigeria to China , Ondo state will key into it for maximum benefit.

There is another vast opportunity in the export of coffee waiting for the sate. For instance, it was discovered that the US imports $4billion worth of coffee every year but Nigeria contributes little to this. Ondo state will rejuvenate the production of coffee as Americans consume nothing less than 400 million cups of coffee per day!

We also grow kolanut in Oke Igbo, Ondo, Ijare , Ore and the Forest Zone.

Maize grows all over the state and we can obtain corn flour, cornflakes, maize grit for breweries. From abundant oranges, grapes and other citrus fruits we can get fruit juice, animal feed, wine, baby food and

essential oils. Plantain is processed into flour, chips, crisps and plantain ball.

Since rubber is found in abundance in Araromi Obu and the forest belt there is need to return to the glorious days when the raw materials would be available to produce quality tires here in Nigeria instead of the companies relocating to the neighbouring Ghana .

We shall take a cue from Malaysia which obtained the nuts from here in 1962 and has gone ahead to earn millions of dollars from its export, every blessed year.The requisite processing technology holds the key.

Akeredolu’s ACN-led government will focus on pragmatic Public Private Partnership, PPP in the areas of establishing state-of-the art facilities for preservation and processing. The emphasis will be on the rural farmers who will be trained by agric graduates as farm extension workers on how to use disease-resistant, early maturing, high-yielding, hybrid seedlings and venture into bio-fuel production.

His covenant of faith, which is based on unalloyed trust is with the citizens; to judiciously utilize the state’s vast resources for the benefit of all and sundry irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences. As clearly stated in Section 14, subsection 2(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended, the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of his administration.

Idowu Ajanaku, Director of Media, Publicity & Strategy Akeredolu Campaign Organisation.

Intimate reminiscences on Awo and his politics •Continued from yesterday

B

UT today, anyone with cheap money just needs to establish his own structure within a party on which he wishes to run. Sometimes you may have up to 30 aspirants for one particular post- particularly the executive ones. Thus, there is the usual factionalisation within the party along the aspirants’ various structures. Reconciliations sometimes are difficult to achieve.

Elected government officials who ran under the UPN, acted in fact as party representatives in government offices.

It may be unbelievable, but it was true, that Alhaji L.K. Jakande, as Governor of Lagos State, fortnightly, always showed up at the UPN State Secretariat in Mushin to interact with Lagosians of all political leaning. Anyone in Lagos, who had any matter to relate with the Governor, had the right to personally talk to the Governor about it at that forum. The policy was first-comefirst served. The interaction usually lasted till late in the night sometimes, Chief Bisi Akande, as Osun State Governor between 1999-2003, devised his own IDI ODAN, a sort of PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT, to interact with the voters and the electorate. His other collegues, Tinubu, Adesina, Osoba, Adebayo and Adefarati, devised other methods to regularly interact with their constituents who genuinely put them in office.

It was a fact that in 1978/1979, there were incidences of bitter rivalries and unending confrontations in the UPN party primaries. With particular reference to the case in Oyo State; delegates’ primary was repeated thrice before Chief Bola Ige emerged as the party Candidate. Arch- Deacon Emmanuel Alayande, who among others contested and lost against Bola Ige, later became the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor.

In Lagos, Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu who had become the political talisman of Lagos politics (the G-O-D of Lagos), simply read the mood of OA, realizing quickly that perhaps the sage would prefer to compensate any of those who had suffered with him in the unjust prison incarceration of the First republic. G-O-D, therefore, tactically withheld

his hat from the ring; even though he was the next senior active politician after Chief Akanbi Onitiri, who by then had lost steam. Thereafter, Alhaji Jakande, a distinguished journalist and renowned editorial writer, was nominated and won election as the Governor of Lagos State. OA gave him an appellation; he usually called him “Habour Master”.

Also as early as 1981, there had been whispering campaign by deputy governors who wanted to succeed their governors in the UPN in Ondo, Oyo and Bendel states. Because of such ambitions, those states literally became war zones within the UPN states.

In Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo wanted to replace Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin; in Oyo State, Chief Sunday Afolabi was rooting to replace Chief Bola Ige; and in Bendel State, Chief Damas Akpofure wanted to replace Professor Ambrose Alli.

There was also the political war-like scenario in Kwara State playing out between Chief J.S. Olawoyin and Chief C.O. Adebayo, the latter wanting to replace the former. The conflicting interests of the gladiators led to some spectacular negative consequences. The events of the 1982 UPN National Executive which witnessed the “NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES” in Yola remain a painful recollection. The fact that both Chief S.M. Afolabi and Alhaji Busari Adelakun (“Eruobodo”), had alleged that Chief Ige enlisted General Obasanjo to help settle their intra-UPN dispute generated emotion and bad blood over whose turn it was to run for governorship, remains one event that one will not want to remember a fresh.

Chief Omoboriowo, from October, 1, 1979, was reportedly hoping that Chief Ajasin would not last more than two years before passing on. In fact, it was believed that when Chief Ajasin had to travel to England for medical treatment, Chief Omoboriowo had so positioned himself to be sworn in as the Governor just in case of any eventuality.

In fact, Chief Omoboriowo had successfully cultivated most members of the Ondo State House of Assembly through falsehood and various dubious claims. It became known that Omoboriowo had told the legislators

• Opadokun

that as Governor, he would turn around their fortunes positively by granting them various kinds of allowances which Ajasin had denied them. Also, the legislators attempted to impeach Chief Ajasin as a result of Chief Omoboriowo’s prompting.

OA political declarations were usually taken seriously because they were not made whimsically. Except this one.

There was an emergency National Executive meeting of UPN in December 1982 at the National Theatre, Iganmu and I was the Recording Secretary. OA in his address said that of all the Deputy Governors except Akin Omoboriowo who were insisting on party primaries for the sole purposes of unseating their governor bosses were so vehement because they wanted to replace their bosses so that they would be able to steal public funds. Unfortunately, Omoboriowo disappointed OA and decamped into the NPN along side of Chief S.M. Afolabi from Oyo state.

Omoboriowo recently died unsong and unheralded. He turned out to be an unfaithful Awo’s adherent who even wrote a book titled “AWOISM”. It was a painful realization that he was never genuine even as many of his likes have been even today.

The fact remains that OA’s August 1983 statement is gradually proving prophetic, to the effect that if the general election of that year was rigged, it would be unlikely that our generation

will ever see democracy again. The total corruption and perversion of politics generally, and the political institutions established by President Babangida with their ultimate objective to help him succeed himself, have done extreme damage to our corporate body polity. This has been followed

by President Obasanjo’s “politricks” that saw him single handedly dismissing and appointing four PDP party chairmen, namely Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, Chief Audu Ogbe, Engineer Banabas Gamade and Dr. Ahmadu Ali, within his eight-year tenure illustrates the tempestuous state of the party under Obasanjo’s watch. The brigandage with which he engineered removal and replacement of the chairmen of other political parties were sufficient evidence to reasonably state that for Obasanjo, party cohesion, resilience and popularity were strange commodities that the PDP President did not give any significant regard.

One can state, without any reservation, that, what Nigerians have today (in terms of political parties) are no more than party platforms for electoral contests. And that is why, since Babangida commercialized and monetized politics, aspirants have been compelled to source and steal (where possible) to win their elections, because they will have the key to the public purse once they get into office.

The fact of the matter is that Nigeria’s academic, analysis and writers have failed to do enough to unravel and dissect Awolowo as a mystical phenomena, deserving of painstaking study and analysis by all manners of scholars without forgetting the good works of Rev. Father Francis Ogunmodede and a few others. Nigeria unfairly deprived him (OA) to utilize his divine and personal gifts, talents and endowments to help Nigeria establish an egalitarian and developed society. I cannot but salute the governors of the South-West, Edo State and a few other states, who are doing a yeoman’s job to improve the quality of lives in their states. However, reeling from the hangover of IBB’s 1990s monetization of politics, the current Fourth Republic finds itself incapable of delivering genuine democratic credentials because the process of contesting election is predicated on the

depth of contestant’s pockets. Once such Candidate wins, he becomes uncontrollable and unaccountable. Such elected public servants usually disregard the electorate they believe has received its dues, pre-election; and they free themselves of their worries until another election is close by. It is for that purpose that the more petro-dollars our government receives, the worse the living conditions of Nigerians become.

To redeem the country of our birth from imminent revolt by the marginalized, the cheated and the disadvantaged, Nigerians should stop their opportunistic collaboration will evil regimes and their evil pastimes. Chief Awolowo had always reminded us that when the people are ready to take their destinies in their hands, leadership will emerge. No society can achieve development or progress when the preponderance of its elite and its people are pleasure-lovers and fun-seekers.

The emerging Young Turks in Yorubaland, who are currently adding some values to what Awolowo did and left, should not relent. They should radically turn their given spaces and spheres of authority into genuine democratic governance. The fact that they are already establishing Nigeria’s First Welfare Programme e.g– N5, 000 each for people over 65years old and other variants of elders who are not on any pension scheme, “Itoju Agba” and the likes – represent a quantum leap from the recent morass of unproductive governance.

The spirit of Awolowo lives on. The fact that my brother and friend, Ogbeni Aregbesola, has, from Day One of its administration, mobilised the people of the State of Osun with the Anthem of the Unity Party of Nigeria (whose words were written by Chief Awolowo himself, with lyrics supplied by Chief Hubert Ogunde) rekindle our hopes and aspiration. Our people at the present are being galvanized for popular participation in governance and execution of lofty programmes to improve on their well being.

With such promising glimpses, Awolowo will smile from beyond on performing governors and those who, despite the whimsical phase of corrupted Nigerian political contests, help to assist quality people get into offices.

• Concluded

APPEAL

Community leader urges Hausa, Fulani unity Edo

SACRIFICE

CARE

Okorocha urges leaders on sacrifice

Relief for Jos violence victims

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Imo

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

Plateau

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Anambra, Fed Govt revive rice mill

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•Dr. Adesina

HE abandoned rice mill at Omor, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State is coming back to life, thanks to the effort of the state and federal governments in addition to other partners.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said the mill, which was abandoned over 18 years ago, worked for only 10 hours due to poor infrastructures.

“Omor mill in Anambra

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

State…worked 10 hours in 10 years, meaning it worked one hour per year because of low power and poor infrastructures,” he said in Abuja.

But the Minister added that N3.2b has been provided to restore the rice milling facility and provide necessary infrastructures through collaborations between four

ministries of the federal government with Anambra State as well as private partners.

The Ministries are Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Agriculture ministry.

History was made in Anambra when the federal government handed over the biggest rice mill in West Africa capable of processing not less than 15,000 metric tons of rice yearly to the

state.

The mill was installed by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and commissioned in 1996 but was soon abandoned.

Governor Peter Obi said the handover was the culmination of three years of negotiations.

The governor said one major concern for him was the fact that the mill would offer employment to many Nigerians and help to feed the nation.

•Continued on Page 46

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi’s efforts to scale down unemployment in the state are yielding fruit. Many youths have found work and are fending for themselves, their families as well as helping to raise the state’s productivity index.

The Fayemi administration first took a census of unemployed youths in the state before it rolled out its job-creation schemes. The government set up the Youth Volunteers Corps through which about 5,000 were employed into various departments of government. There was also the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme through whose graduates were trained in business and provided with funds to set up their private firms. The Skill Acquisition Centre was yet another measure to create jobs, in which over 500 youths acquired different entrepreneurial skills.

The latest in the series of programmes initiated by the administration is the Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (YCAD). This programme, apart from engaging the youth in commercial farming, is also targeted at increasing food production.

Essentially, YCAD is to “systematically incentivise youths into sustainable commercial agriculture.” The programme, according to the state Ministry of Agriculture, will directly generate employment opportunities to potential young entrepreneurs by promoting high value crops (HVC) production, processing and their marketing, transportation from the point of production to storage and processing centres.

Already, the programme, expected to provide employment for over 20,000 youths, has just taken off in the state with the ongoing training of the first set of 150 young graduates. They are to commence farming activities at Orin Farm Settlement where many acres of land have been cleared for the programme. Besides, there is the extension of power supply to the settlement

•Governor Fayemi (middle) shows off cassava tubers harvested from the state agric scheme

Ekiti tackles unemployment Youths take to commercial farming

By Ifedayo Sayo

to make life easier for the farmers in the settlement and to encourage more youths to take part in the programme. Under it, “farmers are being provided with land preparation, tractor services, inputs services and marketing services at subsidised prices”.

The government under its land preparation and investment scheme

will acquire, prepare land and share among young farmers in blocks under YCAD programme.

At the end of the harvest season, each beneficiary is expected to pay back the facility in kind. The YCAD programme will take care of the marketing responsibilities and post-harvest losses. Benefiting youths may sell their produce to Fountain Agriculture Marketing Agency (FAMA) or customers of

their choice.

Essentially, the components of the YCAD include: *Allocation of ploughed service blocks to participating youth farmers for commercial agricultural production; *Structure allocation of land with expansion opportunities; *Supply of inputs such as seeds, agro-chemicals, fertilizers, sacks and services to facilitate marketing of produce by FAMA; *Supply agricultural cultivation services such as tractor services, harvesting services and other serv-

ices on serviced blocks; *Supply of commercial farm management skills and capacity building services by UNDP-AMSCO Team; *Technical support from Agriculture Extension Staff of the state Agricultural Development Programme, FADAMA, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Partner Service Provider; *Training of farmers free of charge input usage by service providers, where the need arise; *Training in other agricultural enterprise such as poultry, fisheries, aquaculture and bee keeping for supplementary income; •Continued on Page 46

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

Anambra, Fed Govt revive rice mill •Continued from Page 45

He thanked all those that helped to make the handover possible, pledging not relent on the state’s commitment to eradicate extreme poverty.

The government also seized the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture

Dr. Adesina inspected the rice mill, describing Governor Obi as a man of vision and committed leader who is very passionate about developing and repositioning the agricultural sector in Anambra •Continued from Page 45 *Structured disbursement of loan using voucher and direct payment systems; *Structured repayment system for loan acquired using estates and proceeds from farm.

Speaking while presenting a credit facility of N450 million to the first set of 150 participants in the YCAD programme on Monday August 6, 2012, the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi stressed the need for governments to develop a base for an inclusive and resilient economy by diversifying the economy through a focused commercial agricultural development agenda.

He noted that significant and rapid growth can only be achieved with thorough attention on driving the practice of agriculture as a business adding that this can only be achieved by empowering and providing more opportunities for young people within the agricultural space.

to include Anambra State in Commodity Out-grower Development and Extension Service Centre (CODEC) since the state, according to him, has met all the requirements. He also appealed to the Federal Government to hasten the construction of silos in the state.

Obi has been praised for his relentless effort in getting the federal government to hand over the rice mill.

Dr. Adesina inspected the rice mill, describing Governor Obi as a man of vision, committed and dedicated leader who is very passionate in developing and repositioning the agricultural sector.

Adesina pointed out that Obi has sustained prudent and transparent management of resources.

The Minister of Agriculture said his Ministry would equally work with the Ministry of Water Resources to resuscitate the collapsed Anambra Irrigation Project at Ifite-Ogwari to drive the mill. He lamented that such critical and viable mill, with capacity to turn out at least 30,000 metric tons of rice annually, create jobs, strengthen

•Obi (left) receives the instruments of the mill handover from Prof Sheik Ahmed Abdullah

the economy and reduce rice importation in the country, has lying waste while the country groaned under the burden of rice importation at the cost of over

N360b annually.

Obi called for integrated and comprehensive turnaround of the project that would revitalise the mill, the irrigation project the

Ekiti tackles unemployment The governor who was in company of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina said “without effective policies and agenda on youth development, the benefits of economic growth will continue to bypass a significant proportion of Nigerians, including our teeming population of youths.

“Deliberate policies focused on building capacity and incentivising youth into agriculture must be embarked upon. Policies that will aggressively create an enabling environment for youth participation in agric-business should be the bedrock of our diversification.

“As a governor, my focus and attention is on deliberate policy measures and targeted investments aimed at facilitating the participation of youths in practicing modern agriculture, as commercial entity.

“This is currently being framed by my aggressive managerial and entrepreneurship capacity building programme for emergent farmers in the state.”

He told the graduate farmers that the managerial and entrepreneurship training programme they had just gone through was to prepare them for a future in agriculture and consolidate their knowledge as commercial agric-business managers.

He hoped that the new farmers will be successful in their new found vocation saying “be rest assured that my administration will provide a strong and protected enabling environment, with required access to resources needed to sustain and give entrepreneurial youths with the advantage required in operating successful agricultural business”

He added that he will not relent in his efforts to ensure that access to finance, developed land, technology and necessary market are guaranteed.

“Let me announce to you that I have approved almost N500 million credit facilities, at a single digit interest rate, to young and emergent farmers within the YCAD Cooperative Union. Today you will all have access to an expandable credit facility of not less than N1.4 million each to boost commercial production of high value crop such as rice, cassava, oil palm and cocoa”, he stressed.

Fayemi further noted that his administration with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had finalized the engagement of the service of a business support manager to consolidate management of their indi-

canal and access roads. He assured that the state government is committed to fulfilling its side of the partnership. vidual business.

The manager, who has vast technical experience and farm business management skills, will help in hand-holding them to drive a successful commercial agricultural operation.

Besides, he pointed out that with several millions of naira committed to the purchase of farm equipment such as planters, boom sprayers, seed drills among others, the manager will support them in the usage of these equipments for commercial plantation.

The governor explained that with almost N2 million for them to open 10 hectare land for commercial operation, the state government had made adequate preparation for the provision of already developed land for each of the participants saying 1000 hectares of newly acquired land is being opened and developed into tractorable land for their uptake. Also over 2,000 hectares of government land has been allocated for their operation and cultivation.

You will all have access to an expandable credit facility of not less than N1.4 million each to boost commercial production of high value crop such as rice, cassava, oil palm and cocoa

•Ekiti youths are happy joining the jobs scheme

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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Community leader urges Hausa, Fulani unity in FCT

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ARKIN Arewa or Hausa community chief in the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Saidu has convened a meeting of stakeholders from the northern part of the country, asking them to proffer solutions to the challenges threatening Hausa-Fulani unity in the FCT. Present at the meeting were traditional rulers, Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Kantal Hore Socio-cultural Association as well as Arewa JournalistS Forum, amongst others.

At the event which took place in Jiwa, a suburb of the FCT, the convener explained that the forum was intended to usher in a new approach to fostering harmony among the people.

While urging residents from the two tribes residing in the federal capital to embrace peace and foster unity amongst themselves and other neighbours, the Sarkin stressed the imperatives of traditional institutions, urging people of both tribes to be good representatives of their stock.

He said: “This gathering is for the progress and development of the people. As such it is a platform where grudges and bitterness should be brought out by whoever is offended. In this place all our problems would be solved and put behind us so that we can forge ahead. This will lead to trust

From Dele Anofi and Gbenga Adanikin, Abuja

among them,” he said.

Food items and clothing materials worth millions of naira were distributed to indigent people from the six area councils of the FCT. Saidu, who is also the Sarduana Samaru, Zazzau, said the annual gesture was to assist people of Hausa and Fulani stock in the FCT during the Ramadan to enable them celebrate Eid-il Fitr comfortably.

“Philanthropists should always derive joy from trying to ensure that people are empowered socially, economically and religiously.

Above that, I want to remind all Muslims in the territory of their religious obligations by remembering the poor always, not just during the Ramadan as Allah will reward them accordingly for contributing towards the survival of the needy,” he added.

He said his capacity-building organisation, Habitat for Humanity Foundation, came to life to empower the less-privileged in the society in terms of education and finance, noting that government should not be left with all the responsibilities of governance.

“My generous gesture has always been to demonstrate love, care and kindness to those of lower means of livelihood irrespective of tribe,

•President, Arewa Journalists Forum, Hassan Galadima (right) 0presents Mohammed Saidu religion and skin colour. I am the Abuja to support the Sarkin appealing that well-meaning Arewa in uplifting indigent Nigerians should come to the aid residents in their midst.

As he put it, the Hausa and Fulani of the less privileged in our must rally together and support the society.”

Alhaji Suleiman Bala Sambo, a Sarkin Arewa as the demise of the stakeholder, reiterated the former Hausa Chief, Alhaji imperatives of supporting the Mohammed Birma, affected needy in the FCT. He, however, relations of both communities in decried the low level of education the FCT. The Hausa/Fulani in some parts of the territory. He interest in the scheme of things in urged the people to imbibe the the federal capital has not been culture of assisting the needy, properly represented since the stressing that it was the only way passage of the late Sarkin Hausawa, that the effect could be felt by the he said.

Alhaji Saidu was presented with greater majority. Sambo also urged the traditional institutions in an award by the Arewa Journalist

Put nation above personal goal, Okorocha urges leaders

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has asked leaders to give more, urging them to consider the country first before personal goals.

Okorocha was speaking in Abuja during a lecture titled Effective Leadership and Good Governance: the Twin Pillars of Human rights Protection.

He accused political parties of emphasising regional rather than national aspirations.

“PDP [Peoples Democratic Party]’s set goal is to rule Nigeria for 60 years; ACN [Action Congress of Nigeria]’s vision is to control the Southwest while APGA [All People’s Grand Alliance] is struggling to control the Southeast,” he said.

The governor urged political leaders to put the nation above their personal goals. ”A politician only thinks about next election while real leaders think for the future generations.

A leader must have vision and passion and where by these two ingredients are lacking, then such person has no business in leadership” He further linked the security challenges in Nigeria to leadership failure while relating the same to global crises”.

Governor Okorocha said apart from passion, unselfish attitude, responsibilities for actions and inactions, leaders should poses four major elements for quality leadership - Sacrifice, Political Will, Culture and Decentralisation.

Governor Okorocha said Nigeria is not poor but has bad leadership that is unable to manage human and natural resources of the Nations.

“When I told my people in Imo State that our state is the richest state in the federation, they felt I was joking knowing full well how much is our allocation. They did not understand I was talking from the vision I have for the state”.

The governor further warned Nigerians to be wary of leaders than cannot sacrifice. He further warned against leaders that have a “stay put” attitude.

He further decried the non promotion of the nation’s culture because “no nation can grow above their culture because that is the mirror with which the world sees us as that links our relationship to God”.

Governor Okorocha called for a spiritual rebirth in the nation’s leadership and restated the greatness of Nigeria though it may speak in different tongues.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana called for Government to redouble its effort at tackling security issues because it is the primary responsibility of Government as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Professor Jerry Gana showered

•Chairman, Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Adebayo Dayo (left), a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in the state, Chief 'Tola Odulaja and a chieftain of the party, Prince Buruji Kashamu, at a stakeholders' meeting of the party held in Ijebu-Igbo.

encomium on Governor Okorocha for his leadership skills especially for always placing the people first.

He said Human Rights is the corner stone for which every Nation is built.

Prof. Jerry Gana further expressed support for the establishment of State Police considering the large population of Nigeria and the intricacies in crime fighting. He

an award to Sarkin Arewa, Alhaji Forum for his leadership role.

President of the Forum, Hassan Galadima, during the award presentation, called on people in position of leadership to emulate Bello’s exemplary lifestyle of empowering the poor and less privileged in the society.

He said: “What you are seeing today is because of the antecedents of Alhaji Bello. From his pedigree you will see that he has the love of his people at heart. I know the zeal he has to serve them and his philanthropic attitude towards the Hausa and all tribes. He is not tribalistic”.

called for its consideration in the Constitution amendments going on at the moment.

Presidential Assistant, Dr. Mrs. Sarah Jubril, spoke on ethics and values.

Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, Prof.

Ben Angwe, described Okorocha as great leader and gift from God whose trail blazing history in humanitarianism should be emulated by Nigerians.

INEC chief urges students to fight oppression

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner and Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, has enjoined Sociology students of the University of Lagos to always spread the gospel of peaceful coexistence.

The professor said this during a lecture organised by the graduating students of Nigerian Sociological and Anthropological Students’ Association (NSASA), University of Lagos Chapter.

The lecture was entitled “Menace of Terrorism in Contemporary Nigeria”.

The university teacher-turned electoral commissioner named lack of respect for institutions as one of the causes of electoral malpractice in the country.

He gave examples of other countries where electoral officials move around with electoral materials without fear of being

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

molested by political thug.

Olurode identified lack of trust and uneven distribution of government institutions as causes of corruption.

On violence plaguing the polity, the Chairman, INEC Board of Electoral Institute, urged government to always fulfil its agreement with militant groups.

“If the government promises dialogue to a terrorist group to surrender itself and the terrorist group actually does that, most of the time, members of the group end up not engaging in dialogue but in prison. When agreements are reached, there should be no undue breach of agreement,” he said.

He urged the students not to restrict themselves to reports from the media alone. Instead, they should read wide and between the lines.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

The vision for Project DIO was aimed at assisting victims of war and attacks and most especially to coordinate donors with similar targets to impact the impoverished, downtrodden people of Dogo Nahawa village

Relief for Plateau violence victims

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ESIDENTS of Dogo Nahawa, Plateau State are coming to terms with the attack that almost wiped off the entire community. Helping them along in the recovery is help from sundry organisations, with Lagos-based non-governmental organisation Project Do It Yourself (DIO) donating relief materials.

Unknown gunmen launched a surprise attack on the community in March 2010, leaving few residents alive. Majority of women, children and the aged were murdered in the attack.

Due to the severe impact of the attack which led to famine in the community, the survivors have been living on charity from concerned individuals and organisations from within and outside the country.

DIO sent in materials, saying the organisation was moved by the plight of the needy in the community.

Founder of the NGO, Miss Abigail Kakiyes, said: “The initiative is driven by passion for the poor and less privileged in our communities who have been battered by a very corrupt and selfish leadership especially victims of genocide massacre now prevalent in our various communities today.

Kakiyes said further: “After my last visit to this community, I realised that getting the community to recover from their trauma was beyond the Plateau State

A

RRANGEMENTS have been concluded for the closure and relocation of all illegal slaughter houses around Calabar Municipality to the Ikot Eneobong modern Abattoir.

Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Sir David Nsemo, who is also in charge of the Special Task Force for the relocation, made the disclosure in Calabar during a meeting with butchers.

Nsemo stated that facilities at Ikot Eneobong abattoirs have been upgraded and expanded to accommodate incoming butchers who were operating outside Ikot Eneobong.

The Head of Public Health

•Governor Imoke

•Dogo Nahawa residents (left) receive donated items from DIO personnel From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

government. This was why I began to plan to revisit the people. We are here with our widow’s might; please accept it no matter how little.

This is just to show we also share in your pain and dilemma.”

She continued: “The vision for Project DIO was aimed at assisting

victims of war and attacks and most especially to coordinate donors with similar targets to impact the impoverished, downtrodden people of Dogo Nahawa village, Jos South.

On March 7, 2010 over 500 Christians were killed by suspected Fulani herders in Dogo Nahawa village near jos in Plateau State.

Items donated included food

items like bags of rice, salt, sugar, disinfectants, laundry soaps and clothing.

Dogo Nahawa community leader, Da Daniel Dik, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

“Our joy over your visit is immeasurable; this has further encouraged us as people of faith.

Da Dik said, “So far we have seen

Calabar to relocate illegal slaughter houses Unit, State Veterinary Service, Dr. Taiwo Neji, lauded the Liyel Imoke administration’s resolve to confine slaughtering activities to the Eneobong Abattoir which is one of the best in the country, noting that such initiative would promote consumers’ safety and strict compliance to veterinary standards.

Also speaking, a member of the Task Force representing the state Ministry of Environment, Mr. Godwin Amissime and Mr. Joseph Ingwu of Food Safety Department, Ministry of Health, asserted that the relocation has

The veterinary service lauded the Liyel Imoke administration’s resolve to confine slaughtering activities to the Eneobong Abattoir which is one of the best in the country, noting that such initiative would promote consumers’ safety and strict compliance to veterinary standards

become imperative to check environmental hazard and ensure optimum utilisation of the facilities at the Eneobong abattoir.

In his remark, the state Chairman, National Butchers Union, Prince Charles Etim commended the Council for

R

creating the enabling environment for peaceful relocation of all butchers to the Central Abattoir and pledged to ensure cordial and harmonious relationship for smooth business operation.

the handiwork of God in our lives because since the attack in 2010, charitable and philanthropic organisations all over the world have been sending us aids; this one is one of them and all we can say to you is ‘thank you’ Youth leader of the community, Mr. Chuwang Dalyop, prayed God to replenish the funds and energy dispensed to deliver the items.

A butcher, Alhaji Ibrahim Chaba expressed delight at the development and promised to mobilize his colleagues at the Nasarawa Slaughter for strict compliance with the directive.

Deadline for relocation of all slaughters to the Ikot Eneobong Abattoir expired last Saturday August 11, 2012

Oyo council steps up infrastructure

ESIDENTS of Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State are in a new lease of life.

Roads are being built and new classrooms added to existing schools. But these are only a few instances of the infrastructural renewal in the council chaired by Mr Yekeen Popoola.

The Popoola administration is addressing the challenges of dilapidated infrastructures by rebuilding roads, bridges, classrooms and public abattoirs across the council. The council is located in the northern part of the state with its headquarters in Kisi.

Popoola disclosed that a total of five roads have been reconstructed in the last one year with the sixth (Stadium Road) being under construction. He listed the roads as Koso-Gaa Baale Road, Washington Road, Alominle-Alagbede Road and Ayegbo-Temple Road.

The council chief also said his administration has constructed Oke Tede Bridge, constructed public toilets in Oja Oba as well as renovated the meat market in the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

town.

The council boss, who is also the Chairman, Association of Local Governments (ALGON) in Oyo State, called on residents and all stakeholders to continue to support the government.

He further disclosed that his administration has built a block of three classrooms each in Kisi Community Grammar School and Iba High School.

Popoola attributed the success so far recorded to the support by Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the people of the council area. He said that the task of rebuilding infrastructure is huge, stressing that without the transparency and support of Ajimobi, the success recorded so far would have been a mirage.

He stressed that the programmes of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are aimed at transforming the country, adding that no previous administration has been able to make positive impact at the

• Hon. Yekeen Popoola grassroots like administration.

the

Ajimobi

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-8-12

Fidson records N218m half year profit

F

IDSON Healthcare Plc made nearly as much profit as it made for the whole of 2011 in the first half of this year, strengthening prospects for better returns for the 2012 business year.

Interim report and accounts of Fidson for the first half ended June 30, 2012 showed that sales grew by about 47.6 per cent while the healthcare company reversed from a loss position to return a considerably strong profit.

Turnover stood at N3.57 billion in 2012 as against N2.42 billion in comparable period of 2011. Gross profit improved from N1.34 billion to N2 billion. From operating loss of N105.25 million in 2011, the company recorded operating profit of N319.68 million. Also, it replaced previous loss before tax of N188.63 million with a pre-tax profit of N218.34 million in 2012. Net profit stood at N152.84 million in 2012 against net loss of N188.63 million in comparable period of 2011.

For the full year ended December 31, 2011, the company recorded pre and post tax profits of N243.41 million and N83.21 million.

Fidson had recently distributed a dividend per share of 10 kobo for the 2011 business year, the same it paid for the 2010 business year, with an assurance of

• Equities slip further

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

better returns in the new business year.

Chairman, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei said the performance of the company in the first half already indicated that there would be marked improvement in its performance this year.

According to him, the company has continued to implement policies that would enhance its growth irrespective of the challenges in the operating environment.

He said that the company has restructured its sales policy and achieved considerable reduction in debtors’ balances. It has also made considerable progress in the development of its biotech factory.

“The board and management believe that if there are no major disruptions in the second half, the 2012 results will be an improvement on 2011,” Ohiwerei said.

He reiterated the commitment of the board and management to enhancing the profitability of the company and ensuring better returns to shareholders.

Meanwhile, Fidson’s share price rose by 1.20 per cent to 84 kobo yesterday as the

downtrend at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) entered the third consecutive day.

The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI) dropped by 0.17 per cent to close at 23,066.74 points. Market capitalisation of all quoted equities lost N13 billion to close at N7.342 trillion.

Investors traded 140.105 million shares worth N1.257 billion in 3,474 deals. The financial services sector remained the most active contributing the highest volume of 113.410 million shares worth N605.335 million in 2,030 deals.

Also, the consumer goods, oil & gas, industrial goods and conglomerates recorded relatively high volume at 7.644 million shares, 5.576 million shares, 4.395 million shares, 3.893 million shares.

The negative market situation was largely due to losses by a handful of highly capitalised stocks, especially Dangote Cement which led the losers with N2.40 to close at N110.

Unilever Nigeria placed second on the losers’ list with a drop of 50 kobo to close at N35. Oando lost 38 kobo to close at N13.61 while Dangote Flour Mills dropped by 17 kobo to close at N6.13.

On the upside, Nigerian Breweries topped the gainers’ list with a gain of N1.65 to close at N122. CAP rallied N1.20 to close at N25.32. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria gathered 97 kobo to close at N30.50. Cadbury Nigeria added 70 kobo to close at N15.95 while Guaranty Trust Bank rose by 40 kobo to N17.80 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-8-12

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

MONEY LINK

Success of cash-less hinged on PoS, connectivity

T

HE result of the current effort by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to transform the nation from a cash-based to cash-less economy will depend on the availability of Point of Sales (POS) terminal and connectivity, the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Christabel Onyejekwe has said.

Speaking at the August Edition of the Digital Jewels Information Value Chain, held in Lagos, she explained

By Collins Nweze

that the adoption and continued support for merchants in the use of PoS terminals remains a major step towards making the cash-less banking initiative a reality.

“We have the conviction that the successful adoption of PoS terminals is dependent on the readiness of stakeholders to discharge their functions effectively, especially in areas of availability and connectivity,” she said.

In her presentation titled

“Cash-Less Lagos: A critical Update Report”, she said the Cash-Less Nigeria Project is an integral part of the shared-services project of the CBN aimed at growing the economy.

According to her, the shared-services project include industrialised cash management and logistics, payment system transformation through growth of electronic payments, Information Technology (IT) infrastructure services, alignment of IT standards across industry for efficiency, and

cost reduction through shared back office operations.

Managing Director, Digital Jewels Adedoyin Odunfa identified the benefits of the policy to stakeholders at the personal, corporate and national levels. He noted the risks involved and the attendant need to guide against fraud.

According to her, individuals’ benefits will include increased convenience, more service options, reduced risk of cash-related

Nigeria, UK chambers partner on IFRS

T

HE Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the United Kingdom and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce have partnered on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The reporting standards is expected to among other things bring uniformity in financial reporting and make financial statements more informative, encourage the enhancement of foreign direct investments-leading to easy access of capital for

By Ambrose Nnaji

domestic companies and promote easy regulation among industry regulators.

Speaking during the monthly meeting in Lagos on the topic “Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards: challenges and effects on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises”, the Chief Executive Secretary of the chamber and guest speaker, Jim Obazee said the chamber

Bank recognised

F

OR its immense contributions to helping individuals and corporations to acquire motor vehicles and other assets, as well as innovation in the local automobile industry, Stanbic IBTC Bank, has emerged “Bank of the Year” at the seventh edition of The Nigerian

Auto Awards (TNAA) organised by On Wheels Auto magazine.

TNAA was instituted to reward creativity and excellence across the entire automobile value chain comprising of automobile manufacturers, dealers and financial institutions, among others.

was currently working with the Financial Reporting Council in the United Kingdom to develop a generic standard for actuary.

He also disclosed the intention of the chamber to partner the Swiss Chamber on micro entities.

He said the body was working closely with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) on tax implication for cutting over to the IFRS. “We are working closely with the FIRS new management so that we can indentify issues that needed to be tackled headlong and not bringing problems to the operators”, he said.

He informed that meanwhile; the chamber had concluded plans to establish FIRS academy as well as introducing some linkage and awareness programmes for

tertiary institutions.

To further enhance awareness creation the executive secretary said there would be learning curve from those that have gotten over, who were listed as public interest entities, saying the slowness of our Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) is a challenge that still needed to be dealt with.

According to him, nations that are moving to IFRS would have to partner with the International Council body itself with International Standards Board since it is the standard that is being in use.

He said cutting over to IFRS is a national issue every nation is one that is moving their own. But Nigeria had always had Nigeria Accounting Standards Board setting out national standards.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 16-8-12 SYMBOL

AGLEVENT INTBREW CAP REDSTAREX BERGER ETERNA CADBURY BAGCO IKEJAHOTEL AIRSERVICE

O/PRICE

1.20 6.61 24.12 2.62 6.93 2.35 15.25 1.56 1.12 1.57

C/PRICE

1.26 6.94 25.32 2.75 7.27 2.46 15.95 1.63 1.17 1.64

O/PRICE 0.63 1.75 0.92 1.07 0.55 13.99 6.30 112.40 35.50 4.55

C/PRICE 0.60 1.67 0.88 1.03 0.53 13.61 6.13 110.00 35.00 4.50

S

TANDARD Bank will press ahead with ex pensive plans to open another 30 branches in subSaharan Africa this year, aiming to cash in on booming loan and deposit growth even as the costs of such investment hit its bottom line.

Africa’s biggest bank by assets, Standard is 20 per cent owned by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

It blamed a below-forecast nine per cent increase in firsthalf profit on costs of investment.

“It really has been growing rapidly and we’ve continued to invest, which is part of the reason for the cost growth that you’ve seen,”

Chief Executive Jacko Maree told Reuters Insider, referring to its 16 operations across the continent.

“But if you look at the profitability in Africa you saw the profits growing by some 80 per cent, just looking at the on-theground banks on the continent, which is a very big jump.”

He pledged to do all he could to control spending after a 17 percent rise in the six months to the end of June but said costs would continue to climb as the bank seeks to cash in on an estimated 30-40 percent rise in loans and deposits across the continent.

CHANGE 0.03 0.08 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.38 0.17 2.40 0.50 0.05

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.06 0.33 1.20 0.13 0.34 0.11 0.70 0.07 0.05 0.07

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 16-8-12

SYMBOL CONTINSURE GTASSURE UTC STERLNBNK ROYALEX OANDO DANGFLOUR DANGCEM UNILEVER DANGSUGAR

threats, vulnerabilities and risks and respond by strengthening their IT controls and monitoring. For government at all levels, there is need to secure national information assets at all times,” he said.

Standard Bank’s costs weigh on profit

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Sanusi

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

•CBN Governor, Lamido

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

crimes, cheaper access to credit and other banking services.

“Corporate organisations will have the advantage of faster access to capital, reduced revenue leakage and reduced cash handling costs while government will enjoy the benefit of increased tax collection, greater financial inclusion and increased economic development,” she said.

To avoid potential risks, Odunfa urged card users to be careful with the information they give out about their cards. “There is also need for corporate organisations to understand the new terrain, associated

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Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 123.15 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 107.40 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,724.31 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,936.33 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 123.01 107.29 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,723.08 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,727.45 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

57

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

NEWS Court stops group from sharing N9m

US firm to partner Imo on power plant

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A

UNITED States company, Framzimex Limited, and its Nigerian counterpart, Califco Limited, are ready to build a 400-mega watt power plant in Imo State in partnership with the state government.

A delegation from the companies, led by Mr. Ike Mbaelu, said this when it visited Governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House, Owerri.

Mbaelu said the establishment of a state-owned power plant would drive industrialisation and economic development.

He said the project has been submitted to a US bank for funding.

Mbaelu said 10-20 megawatts of electricity would be generated in the first six months; 100 mega watts in two years and the development of a 400-mega watt gasfired turbine power plant and associated infrastructure in five years.

He said the plants, on completion, would generate revenue, provide jobs for over 1000 youths and attract investors to the state.

Refuse dumps take over Owerri From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

R

ESIDENTS of Owerri, the Imo State capital, have decried presence the up of refuse dumps across the city.

They fear an outbreak of epidemic, if the situation is not arrested.

Residents are also groaning over high cost of living and persistent traffic gridlock in the city.

Many civil servants and other low-income earners relocate to neighbouring villages.

Although efforts have been made by the state government, through the relevant agencies, to keep the state capital clean, heaps of refuse still litter the streets and roads.

When The Nation visited Douglas, Wethedral roads as well as World Bank Market, waste management workers were battling to remove heaps of refuse .

A public health worker, who pleaded for anonymity, said the situation can lead to breakout of cholera and other diseases.

He said waste management workers have displayed a high level of efficiency, but the right policies must be initiated to turn the waste into wealth as is done in developed nations.

A trader, Madam Grace Dikeocha, said: ”The odour emanating from the refuse dumps is suffocating us and we have to bear it everyday from morning to night because we have no choice.

Yet, we pay sanitation levies monthly.”

Madam Dikeocha urged the government to clean up the markets.

Efforts to reach Commissioner for Health Obi Njoku failed, as he did not pick his calls.

•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (right), State Director of the State Security Services (SSS) Alex Okeiyi (left), Commissioner for Police Balla Nassarawa (middle) and Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Mike Durowaiye inspecting the land allocated to goat sellers at Upper-Iweka...yesterday.

PHOTO: ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

No plan to dislodge APGA leadership, says Obi

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday denied the rumour that he has substituted the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) leadership in the state and local government areas with the APGA National Stakeholders’ Forum.

Obi spoke with reporters after a meeting with the 21 council chairmen and APGA state officials, including the Chairman, Chief Mike Kwentoh.

It was alleged that the gov-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

ernor was using the APGA National Stakeholders’ Forum, spearheaded by his uncle Chief Slva Nwobu Alor, to dislodge the APGA leadership at the council and state levels because the forum has functional offices in all wards.

Obi said: “There is no development in APGA and we would do whatever is possible to strengthen the party.

The council chairmen are

here with me and the APGA National Stakeholder’s Forum is there, as you rightly called them what they are.

Nobody is taking over APGA leadership or structure.”

He said all is well with the party, adding that whatever misunderstanding members are experiencing today would be resolved.

The governor said he met with the chairmen to strategise on how to strengthen the party.

He said they have decided

to provide vehicles and other logistics for the party’s ward offices to ensure optimal performance.

Obi said: “APGA is the party in charge and we will strengthen it and make it work better. We will ensure that the new council offices have vehicles to make them work better.”

Njikoka Council Chairman Mr. Paul Anakwe praised Obi for handling the party’s affairs with maturity and tact.

Free fuel for motorcyclists in Anambra East

F

OR one week, commercial motorcyclists in Anambra East Local Government Area will have their tanks filled with free fuel, courtesy of the Transition Committee Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Obidigwe.

Speaking yesterday at the council headquarters in

T

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Otuocha, during the flag off of the “Free Fuelling Pet Project”, Obidigwe said the gesture was to assist commercial motorcyclists.

He the exercise commenced yesterday and would run till

next Wednesday adding that till, the beneficiaries would be entitled five litres.

Obidigwe said: “We are here today to give you free fuel because by doing so, you will save the money you would have spent on fuel and use the fuel to make profit.

“It is also targeted at

mobilising commercial motorcyclists to be part of the war against criminals. Since you go into the interior parts of the area, I urge you to report suspicious movements to security agents.”

He said the exercise would be repeated every three months.

Abia Acting CJ inaugurates revenuetheircourts normal jurisdiction as a

HE Abia State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, has inaugurated special revenue courts in the three judicial councils.

The courts are to prosecute revenue offenders.

The members of the courts are: Mr. Onuobia Okogbue and Mr. Idika Udo (Aba); Mrs.

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

Nkechi Kalu and Mr. Kalu Onuma (Umuahia) and Mr. Eugene Onuoha (Osisioma).

At the ceremony, which was held in the CJ’s Chambers at the State High Court in Umuahia, Justice Nwanosike said: “Some-

times ago, the state government requested that special revenue courts be created to boost revenue generation and that is what we have just done.

“We designated individual judges and magistrates to manage these courts as a special assignment, which shall be carried out in addition to

regular court.

“If there are no revenue cases before you, you will exercise your regular jurisdiction on other matters. But, if there are revenue cases, you must give them priority. The state cannot continue to depend on federal allocation; it wants to increase internally generated revenue.”

Electricity vital for development, says Orji From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

•Orji

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has said electricity generation and billing must be addressed to facilitate development.

Orji spoke in Umuahia, the state capital, during the

Power Consumer Assembly organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

He said electricity distributors have not been fair to consumers in terms of billing.

Orji, who was represented by the Commissioner for General Duties, Mr. Nick Eleri, advised NERC to be considerate.

He urged consumers to pay their bills promptly.

The governor urged the attendees to ask questions that will help NERC serve them better.

NERC Chairman Sam

Amadi, represented by Mr. Patrick Umeh, said: “We at NERC are striving to achieve a business environment that would attract both local and

international investors to the electricity sector and ensure that consumers are protected from exploitation by service providers.”

PUBLIC NOTICE EZI OYI KA- AJONWANNE BROTHER’S CLUB OF NIGERIA KM7 MELFORD OKILO ROAD YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE NIGERIA. This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied for registration under part ‘C’ of the company and allied matters Acts 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1) MR. CELESTINE C. CHUKWU 2) MR. OKECHUKWU EZE 3) MR. STEPHEN UWAJIKE 4) MR. EMEKA ONUORA 5) MR. ONYEKA ENENUO

- CHAIRMAN

OBJECTIVES 1) To promote peace and unity among members and Nigeria in general 2) To help one another when in need Any objection thereto should be addressed to the registrar general corporate affairs commission Wuse Zone 5 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Mr. Celestine C. Chukwu.

THE N32 million land compensation paid by the Anambra State Government to the Awka Community has torn the capital city apart.

An Awka High Court yesterday stopped a cabal from sharing the remaining N9 million, pending the determination of the case.

Justice J.C. Iguh gave the order after hearing the applications of the counsel.

The plaintiffs, Emmanuel Mbogu, Chukwujekwu Ekwunife, Kanayo Obidigbo, Obi Ochije, Godwin N. Ndife and Maduka Oti from Ezinano in Awka, sued Gilbert Nwanna, B.C Morah and Arinze Ekelem over the sharing of the money.

This suit was adjourned to November 12.

Councillor, three others killed in Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

FOUR persons, including a councillor, were killed yesterday in Enugu by suspected cultists.

Two of the victims were killed in the morning at Adelabu and Peter Okoye streets in Uwani. One was killed at Onuasata in the afternoon and the councillor was killed in the evening at One Day Road, Awkunanaw.

The councillor was said to have been driving the new Hyundai Accent car recently given to councillors by the state government, when he was shot.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the killings and said the police are looking into it.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT I, Obasanjo farms Nig.Ltd lost my document Regd as 23/23/1468, 16/ 16/1574 and 24/24/1468 at Lands, Enugu.

Signed: ENGR. MOMOH A. PETER

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 , 2012

NEWS Ogun PDP chief seeks support in bid to sack Oyinlola

Northern governors salute IBB at 71

A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has urged all lovers of democracy to rally round the party in its bid to unseat former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as the Party’s National Secretary.

The state chapter of the party had on Monday filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking Oyinlola’s sack on the grounds that a court judgment had nullified the South-west zonal congress from which he was nominated as the zonal candidate.

In a statement yesterday, Kashamu said: “It was incumbent on all lovers of democracy and custodians of democratic institutions to join hands with the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to begin the process of enthroning internal democracy and respect for constituted authority in our great party – and the nation at large.

HE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday described former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), as a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

Speaking through its Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the forum said the former military leader who turns 71 today, is the symbol of statesmanship, patriotism, vision and courage which are some of the excellent leadership virtues that have guided him through his years of active public service life.

In statement signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum said the former military leader excelled in his chosen profession and went on to preside over Africa’s most influential country during which he showed rare vision, courage and exemplary leadership.

The forum prayed God to grant him excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.

Lawmakers pass vote of confidence on Speaker From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

MEMBERS of the Benue State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence on Speaker Dave Iorhemba for the mature manner he has handled the affairs of the Assembly.

Addressing reporters at the Assembly complex, Majority Leader Paul Biam said the mandate of Iorhemba is intact as he has performed his duties efficiently.

Biam, representing Ukum Constituency, described the Speaker as a man with leadership qualities who has used his wealth of experience in legislative matters to promote harmony among members.

He dismissed insinuation that members have perfected plan to impeach the Speaker and said the rumour was not true. He urged the people of Benue State to disregard it.

Govt urged to tackle insecurity AN industrialist, Chief Anthony Ughagwu, has urged the Federal Government to show commitment in its efforts to tackle insecurity.

Ughagwu, the President of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers’ Association (ASPMDA), who spoke in Lagos after the inauguration of the newly-elected officers of the association, said insecurity has adverse effect on the volume of trade carried out at the spare parts trading plaza because customers from the North are wary of travelling to the South to patronise them.

He said if insecurity is not checked, it may have negative effect on the economy, thereby thwarting the nation’s quest to be among the 20 most developed economies in the world by 2020.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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•From left: Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Bauchi State Ministry of Health, Mr Victor Emenike; Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Hassan, and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Malami, briefing newsmen in Bauchi on Thursday (16/8/ 12), on the decision of the State Governor to take a kidney patient to India for treatment

Bomb scare in Kaduna T

HREE days after two suspected suicide bombers were blown up while heading for their target, there was a bomb scare yesterday near Nagwamatse House, Kaduna, where the offices of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Brila FM are located.

The incident occurred about 8am when a man drove a metallic Toyota Camry saloon car, stopped near Nagwamatse House, jumped out of the car, climbed a commercial motorcycle (okada) whose operator sped to an unknown destination.

Workers around Nagwa-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

matse House made a distress call to the police who were said to have arrived three hours later, only to discover that there was no explosive in the car.

The Nation learnt that the incident occurred on the same Ali Akilu Road near Nagwamatse House owned and managed by the New Nigerian Newspapers.

An eyewitness said when she approached the NEPA roundabout, she saw people running in different directions and she joined them.

She said: “I ran towards the Mogadishu layout where

I saw soldiers. When I got there, I learnt that somebody abandoned his car and ran without anybody pursing him.”

A source on the premises of Nagwamatse House who preferred anonymity said: “There was a bomb scare here. The incident occurred about 8am when a man abandoned his car and took to his heels. People on the scene followed suit. There was confusion as nobody knew what was happening.

“Police arrived on the scene three hours later. They scanned the car and discovered there was no explosive

inside it. They watched the car for some time to see whether someone would come near it.”

The source said the owner of the car later surfaced and was arrested by the police when he attempted to start the engine of the car.

The source further said when the owner of the car was interrogated, he said he ran out of the car because he received a distress call from his wife that his child had convulsion and had been taken to hospital. He said he climbed a commercial motorcycle (okada) to beat the heavy traffic.

Sallah: Police close Rukuba, polo praying grounds

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S part of security measures ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr festivity, the Plateau Police Command has closed the Rukuba and Polo grounds used in the past as Muslim praying ground during the festivity.

Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ayeni said in a state-

ment in Jos yesterday that the step was one of the measures agreed to, after series of security meetings with religious and community leaders.

“Considering the security risk, an alternative ground has been provided at the Bauchi road motor

park,” Ayeni said.

The statement added that the Abattoir-Air Force roundabout road would be closed to traffic on Sallah day, and traffic would be diverted to other routes.

Ayeni warned youths against brandishing dangerous weapons and the use of

inflammatory statements during the prayers. He said anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

The police boss assured residents of protection during the festivity. He called for cooperation from everybody to ensure a peaceful ceremony.

Aggrieved candidate decries emergence of UNILORIN VC

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NE of the candidates who vied for the position of Vice-Chancellor in the University of Ilorin, Prof. Jacob Olorunfemi, has denied accepting the emergence of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali as the Vice-Chancellor–designate.

Olorunfemi said the purported applause he and other contestants gave had created a wrong impression about what transpired between the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Ishaq Oloyede, the contestants and some management workers of the university tagged, “critical stakeholders” during a meeting called by Oloyede to discuss the outcome of the selection done by the university’s Governing Council.

Oloyede’s tenure expires in October.

He said he had nothing against the personalities of Oloyede and Ambali, adding that his concern was that the process employed in the selection was capable of dampen-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ing the morale of the university workers.

The don’s comments came against the backdrop of reports that a group, the UNILORIN Stakeholders Forum, had taken the outcome of the exercise to the Presidency asking for a review and alleging the biased process employed by the council.

The university spokesman, Mr. Kunle Akogun, has denied the allegation of bias against the university’s council. He said the body compris-

es people with proven character and integrity.

He said the university was not in possession of the purported petition against the Vice-Chancellor-designate and it would not like to be drawn into what he described as unnecessary controversies over the development.

Olorunfemi said: “The story they are spreading is not a true account of what happened at the meeting where the news of the choice of VC was broken. The incumbent VC said to his credit that the matter of who became the VC should go

beyond religion and ethnicity, at which stage he broke down emotionally.

“At that stage, I pitied him and that moderated my speech.

But I still managed to take the meeting down the memory lane when I was recruited in 1976 as a Graduate Assistant.

Unless you had a 2.1 or First Class you had no place in the academics, except you have narrowly missed 2.1, in which case you have enrolled for the master’s degree. How many Nigerians fell into that class? It may sound absurd if we say how many Kwarans!”

Benue council poll for Nov 24

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HE Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has fixed November 24 for the local government poll.

According to the election timetable released by the commission and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Makurdi, collection of nomination forms by the political parties began on August 8.

It states that collection of bio-data forms by the aspirants has been fixed for September 20.

The last day for the submission of forms by the aspirants is September 28.

The programme also states that verification of candidates’ particulars will be done on October 2. The return of suitable or unsuitable list of candidates verified by the political parties will be on October 10.

It also states that the list of substituted candidates by the political parties will be returned to the commission on October 17.

2015: Ahmed, Saraki dispel rift From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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WARA State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki have dispelled rumour of a rift between them ahead of the 2015 elections.

They described the rumour as a lie concocted by the opposition to cause disaffection.

It is being speculated in some quarters that Governor Ahmed and Senator Saraki representing Kwara Central Senatorial District are no longer on good terms.

Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muideen Akorede, stressed that the relationship between him and Saraki remains cordial based on their long association and shared vision of a prosperous state.

He described the speculated dispute as a figment of the opposition’s imagination.

“Ours is a unique partnership based on mutual respect, which grows stronger daily due to our long history and standing commitment to make Kwara a model for other states in terms of economic growth and prosperity.

“We are pulling our strengths together in a determined effort to build a greater Kwara for the benefit of all. Senator Saraki is a man I have regard for. I’m happy to say that the feeling is reciprocal,” Ahmed who served as a commissioner for seven years during Saraki’s tenure as a governor said.

He described his administration as a government of continuity and said the situation in the state was unique due to the peaceful transition from the previous administration to the current one.

Ahmed said he continued the programmes initiated by his predecessor because they were laudable.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

59

NEWS Ekiti council workers issue ultimatum

‘Why we oppose competence test’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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EKITI State local government workers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have given the state government another seven days to pay the N19,000 minimum wage.

The union had threatened to go on strike after a 14-day ultimatum, which expired on Wednesday.

A statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by the state Secretary of the union, Mr Victor Ade Adebayo, explained that its leadership gave the extra time after a series of meetings with the government did not yield results.

The union said the government denied paying the N19,300 minimum wage and the special CONHESS and CONMESS allowances to health workers in the last 20 months.

The statement reads: “…The union convened a meeting to review the scenario. It, therefore, resolved to proceed with issuing another seven-day notice of dispute with effect from August 16.

“As a union that is committed to peaceful resolution of industrial disputes, we wish to further appeal that the state government to respond to the just demands of the Ekiti State local government workers.

“We view the continuous intransigence of the state government as unfortunate, in view of the overwhelming evidence that the state could do what is right as it affects this case.”

• Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya (left) displaying the National Productivity Order of Merit Award given to the agency by the Federal Government. With him are the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Ayim Pius (righ), and a guest in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE

Ekiti police, robbers in gun duel

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OME robbers yesterday hit a first generation bank in IfakiEkiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

They reportedly escaped with an unstated amount of money.

The police said they recovered three vehicles from the 20-man gang.

It was learnt that the hoodlums invaded the bank in the afternoon, sending passersby and roadside traders scampering for safety.

Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama said none of the robbers was arrested after a gun battle at Aramoko-Ekiti, where they headed after their operation in Ifaki-Ekiti.

He said the robbers fled into the bush and abandoned the three vehicles, after the police accosted them.

Wakama explained that

•Three vehicles recovered From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

the robbers entered the town in four vehicles.

The police chief said they entered Ifaki about 12.30pm and went to the police station, shooting at the officers on duty.

The police chief said the hoodlums left the police station for the bank, nearby.

He said: “I must add that no life was lost in the incident.”

According to him, the robbers left Ifaki for Aramoko Ekiti, where they ran into policemen, who had barricaded the road.

Wakama said he instructed his men to block all exit and entry routes.

He said the police were trailing the bandits from

Ifaki-Ekiti before they met his men at Aramoko.

“None of my men was injured during the attack and we could not find out how much they stole from the bank.

“After the attack, they ran into a barricade mounted by our men in Aramoko and, in the ensuing gun duel, the robbers fled into the bush and left three of their vehicles,” Wakama said.

An eyewitness in Ifaki said the robbers came in through the Ado-Ekiti road and began shooting in front of the bank.

It was learnt that the hoodlums shot their way into the police station.

According to the eyewitness, some of the robbers

Southwest youths condemn Okupe’s call for Ikuforiji’s resignation A GROUP, the Congress of Southwest Youths (COWSY), yesterday condemned the call by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, that Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji should resign.

Okupe had premised his call on a case the Speaker has at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President of the group Mr. Taiwo Ayedun told reporters in Ikeja, Lagos, that it was contemptuous for anybody to ask Ikuforiji to resign when the law says a person

By Miriam Ndikanwu

on trial in a court is presumed to be innocent, until proved guilty by a competent court.

Ayedun said: “It is sacrosanct that the rule of law should reign supreme in matters of this nature. The court remains the final arbiter in any matter of dispute.

The truth of the matter is that even Mr Speaker was never accused of misappropriating funds, neither is he being tried in the court for corruption.”

The youth leader noted that rather than engage in

the politics of witch-hunting, the Federal Government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should address incessant attacks on churches and mosques in the North by the Boko Haram sect.

Ayedun advised the Federal Government to provide lasting solution to the mayhem or lose its support.

He said the youths have endured the killing of innocent people enough and may disown the President for not addressing the insurgency.

The youth leader said millions of youths voted for the President in last year’s presi-

dential election but are now disappointed that the Jonathan administration cannot resolve the lingering crisis across the country.

Ayedun said: “Our group does not belong to any political party. But we will not like a situation where the lives of Nigerians are politicised for selfish gains by politicians.

“We are calling on the President to check the menace of Boko Haram before it spreads to other parts of the country. We will no longer tolerate the indifferent attitude of the President to the insecurity in this country.”

Court orders Akeredolu to pay N4.3m billboards levy

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N Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital, yesterday ordered the state Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to pay N4.3million to the court Registrar for his campaign billboards.

Akeredolu filed a suit challenging, among others, the constitutionality or otherwise of the state Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) Law, 2011.

He also filed a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction re-

•We’ll appeal verdict, says ACN candidate From Damisi Ojo, Akure

straining OSSAA from carrying out its duties as empowered by the law, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The matter had been adjourned by Justice Olusegun Odusola till yesterday for hearing.

Akeredolu was said to have erected billboards all over the state for his campaign before the hearing date. This made OSSAA to

issue a Demand Notice for the payment of N4.3million.

Counsel to the defendants, Adebayo Ogunsuyi, told the court that counsel to the plaintiffs had served him with a court process containing weighty allegations against the defendants.

Ogunsuyi applied for an adjournment. He explained that since the Ondo OSSAA Law, 2011 was an existing law, the court was empowered to order the plaintiff to pay the N4.3 million, being the

amount on the Demand Notice to the Registrar of the court.

Counsel to the defendant, Adekola Olawoye, objected to the plaintiff’s application, that the money be paid to the court.

But Justice O. Odusola ordered Akeredolu to pay N4.3million to the court Registrar pending the determination of the Motion on Notice. He adjourned the matter till October 11.

The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO), through its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the ACN candidate would appeal the verdict.

were at the bank; others went to the police station.

The eyewitness added that some of the robbers invaded the new police station at Esure junction, shooting into the air.

But no one was killed.

“When they finished without any opposition from the police, they went towards Ido,” the eyewitness said.

CIVIL servants in Ekiti State yesterday said they opposed the government’s competence test because they were not carried along in the plan to conduct a promotion examination for all categories of workers.

The examination, which comes up tomorrow at the School of Nursing, Christ School (Boys) and Christ School (Girls), is for those on Grade Levels 01 to 14.

In a statement in AdoEkiti, the state Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Councils, Mr Olugbenga Sobande, said the workers were not afraid of possible failure or success in the examination.

He explained that their concern was the government’s approach to the matter.

Sobande said: “Workers were neither carried along in the planning of the examination nor invited to any forum where the motive behind the examination and modalities to be adopted were explained to them.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CENTRE FOR THE REDEMPTION OF YORUBA CIVILIZATION ARTS AND TRADITIONS Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Organisation has applied for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Sophie Oluwole 2. HRM Oba (Dr.) Sanni Ashade (Ologba of Ogba) 3. Mr. Wole Ogunlolu 4. Mrs. Olanike Ogunlolu 5. Ms. Fiyinfoluwa Ogunlolu 6. Dn. Akin Dahunsi 7. Mr. Goke Babalola 8. Mr. Lekan Adewusi 9. Dr. Abiodun Adesina AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To rejuvenate the value of Yoruba Culture 2. To encourage the integration of Yoruba norms amongst the citizenry 3. To promote Yoruba culture within and outside Nigeria Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198 Garki, Abuja within 21 days of this publication.

Dapo Alebiosu Esq 018161916, 08023114264

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

60

NEWS Govt: no explosion in Rivers

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HE Rivers State Government has said there was no explosion at the Banana Plantation in Tai Local Government.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, David Iyofor, said: “Our attention has been drawn to reports of a purported bomb explosion at the Banana Plantation in Tai, Rivers State.

“We must state that there was no bomb explosion at or within the perimeters of the banana farm.

“We are aware that some sort of device went off but this was some reasonable distance away from our plantation and certainly not within the perimeters of the banana farm.

“Reporters should please always double-check their information before going to press.

“Again, we want to reassure all and sundry that Rivers State remains safe, conducive and open for business.”

Oyerinde: Court orders release of activist

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N Edo State High Court has ordered the release of a human rights activist, David Ugolor, from police custody.

Ugolor was arrested on July 27 for the murder Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s Private Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde.

A suspect, whose identity has been kept secret, identi-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

fied Ugolor as the sponsor of the murder.

Ruling on an exparte motion brought before the court by Ugolor, Justice Esther Edigin expressed dismay that respondents refused to respond despite the service of the notice of motion.

Justice Edigin held that the

continued detention of Ugolor was a breach of Section 37 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

She said: “I believe this application has merit but I cannot grant the applicant bail because he was not brought before the court.”

“However, I order the respondent to release the applicant unconditionally and immediately pending the

hearing of the substantive motion on notice. This matter is adjourned till August, 23.”

Ugolor’s lead counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, said they would take the next flight to Abuja to serve the court ruling on the respondents.

He said they would file contempt proceedings, if Ugolor is not released.

Man ‘murders’ benefactor in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE Delta State Police Command is searching for a 27year old man, Emmanuel Michael, for the alleged murder of his benefactor, Ekenne Onuorah Okeke.

Okeke (27) hailed from Nkanu Community, Agbani Local Government of Enugu State.

He was murdered on July 14 in the room he shared with the suspect and buried in a shallow grave within the compound, according to police sources Police spokesman Charles Muka said the police have begun investigation.

Muka said although the suspect is on the run, he assured that the police will arrest him.

The deceased’s elder brother, Friday, said the suspect is his brother’s childhood friend. He said both families had a close relationship stretching over three decades.

Friday said the assailant, who was unemployed in Abuja, lived in Asaba with his brother in the last three months.

He said his brother bought a motorcycle for Emmanuel Michael to use for commercial purposes

Kidnapped judge freed From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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DELTA High Court judge, who was abducted nine days ago, has been released by his captors.

Justice Marcel Okoh was released on Wednesday, according to police sources.

Justice Okoh was kidnapped after he was trailed from Umunede, Ika North East Local Government and abducted at Orhia-Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the driver of the judge is in police custody.

Two arrested for alleged kidnap

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WO persons allegedly implicated in the abduction of an Asaba, Delta State, hotelier have been arrested by security operatives.

The victim, Nduka Osadebay, was kidnapped five months ago in his hotel.

Efforts by the Delta Police Command to locate him have proved abortive.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the victim’s wife reported that on July 29 she received a phone call requesting N5 million.

He said the anti-kidnapping team traced the callers to Egbeda in Lagos State and swooped on the suspects, who were trying to collect the ransom.

The suspects are Obarakpo Onome and Chinedu Onyekwelu.

Onyekwelu ,a relative of the victim, allegedlyconfessed to making the call.

He said he introduced Onome into the deal. Muka said efforts are on to trace the victim.

Drivers protest bad roads From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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ANKER drivers and residents of Rumuolumeni and Iwofe areas of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday barricaded roads in the areas with their trucks.

They accused the government of being insensitive to their plight.

One of the protesters, Uche Chukwu, said Rumuolumeni and Iwofe roads had turned into death traps.

The aggrieved protester pleaded with Governor Rotimi Amaechi to mobilise contractors to site.

The government urged residents to be patient with the administration and continue to show understanding.

Commissioner for Works Victor Giadom said efforts are on to ensure that the roads are motorable.

‘We are looking beyond oil’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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N the wake of the loss of its 76 oil wells, the Cross River State Government has said it will look beyond oil revenue to execute its urban and rural development initiatives.

Commissioner for Information Akin Ricketts said the administration has achieved a lot since the loss of oil revenue in 2008.

“Our state has long looked beyond oil revenues for the implementation of its projects.

“Governor Liyel Imoke has introduced the creative funding policy to attract revenue from different sectors.”

Cross River, he maintained, is already gravitating towards tapping “hidden treasures” from the its rich forest reserves, as well as the many opportunities in agriculture, tourism and culture that provided huge funds for the country in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (second right), Deputy Governor John Jonah (second left), Secretary to the State Government Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru and the Managing Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Sola David Borha at the Government House in Yenagoa.

JTF, unions trade words over oil theft

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are quarrelling over who is culpable in the theft of crude oil.

NUPENG and TUC accused JTF soldiers of conniving with oil thieves.

The National President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese, said: “The security agents, including the Army, Navy,

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

Police, Airforce are all involved in oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation because the JTF is made up of all of them.”

Also, the TUC Chairman in Rivers State, Chika Onuegbu, said: “The JTF allegedly colluded with some criminal gangs in the region that are involved in oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation.

“Until JTF purges itself of

these criminally-minded officers, no reasonable progress would be made in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.”

But, the Acting Army Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt, Capt Sunny Samuel, denied the accusation and challenged both NUPENG and TUC to come up with evidence.

“Even if they won’t release it to us, they should release it to the press or any other security agency.”

Samuel, who handed over to Maj Michael Etete in Port Harcourt yesterday, also said: “Some NUPENG and TUC members are part of the theft because they own the barges and trucks that are being used for illegal lifting of oil, which we have been destroying.”

On the selective destruction of barges, Samuel also denied that and challenged the unions to come up with evidence.

SSS parades car snatching syndicate

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TRADO-MEDICAL practitioner in Delta State, Thomas Ovie Omote, popularly known as ‘Yanky’, has been arrested by the State Security Services (SSS) for allegedly buying a stolen car.

Thomas said he bought the Toyota Camry for N140,000 from a syndicate, which specialises in snatching cars in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said he earlier facilitated the sale of a Hyundai

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) brought by the gang for N640,000 because a member of the gang said he brought the SUV from London.

Thomas claimed to be 32 years and a youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward Two, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect said he was

fished out of the ceiling where he hid when officials came to arrest him.

Members of the carsnatching gang included Okechukwu Okoro, Solomon Samuel, Steven Okafor, Kingsley Ababa and Henry, who is at large.

Okechukwu said they snatched the car in New Benin Area and took it to Delta State where they sold it to Thomas.

He said he got N40,000

from the proceed.

A 500-level student of the University of Calabar, Eniola Oyewola, was also paraded for allegedly threatening his victim and asking the person to pay N25,000 into his account.

SSS State Director Bello Bakori-Tukur said the command is doing its best to rid the state of criminals.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was at the SSS headquarters, lauded the agency for the arrest.

Dickson appoints physically-challenged aides

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday announced the appointment of three physically-challenged persons as his personal aides.

The aides, drawn from the three senatorial districts, are to advise the governor on the welfare of their members He described last Monday’s protest by Persons Living With Disability (PLWD) over their alleged exclusion from government as unnecessary and uncalled for.

Hundreds of PLWDs on wheelchairs and crutches marched on the streets of Yenagoa, the state capital, to protest alleged neglect by the government.

They demanded the dedication of a ministry to their welfare, appointment of one of them to serve in his cabinet and build a home for the physically-challenged persons.

The appointees are E k p o m o k u m o r Doutimiareye, Napoleon Azeke and Itekesi Amangala.

Confirming the appoint-

‘The aides, drawn from the three senatorial districts, are to advise the governor on the welfare of their members’ ments, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel

Iworiso-Markson, said they are to advise the governor on issues affecting the physically-challenged.

Doutimiareye will represent the interests of the group in the West Senatorial District, Azeke in the East and Amangala will take charge of the Central.

“The three appointees will co-ordinate the activities of all physically-challenged persons across the three senatorial districts,”he said adding that they were to start work immediately.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

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SPORT EXTRA

Manu, Amuneke commends Calabar mock Premiership T

HE Golden Eaglets would on Friday play their 10th practice match at St. Patrick College against Akamkpa United, an Under-18 team from Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, even as coach Manu Garba (MFR) and Emmanuel Amuneke (MON) has commended the organisers of the annual Calabar Mock Premiership.

Garba said picking and grooming talents from the grassroots would boost the credibility of Nigerian football, consequently the need for corporate bodies to support tournaments that could serve as nursery for national teams.

“The future of our football is in the grassroots, therefore, we need to encourage those

....As Golden Eaglets tackle Akamkpa United Friday who are involved with the grooming of talents from the scratch,” explained Manu, a member of the Flying Eagles to the 1983 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Mexico.

Now in its seventh edition, the Mock Premiership is bankrolled by Mr.Oku Ita and Mr. Onyeka Onyekaoyekwlu, owners of Diamond Stars Academy who doubles as the Local Organizing Committee chairman of the annual popular tournament in Calabar and its environs.

Meanwhile, Amuneke, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year who broke through the ranks to play for the Super Eagles said he was quite im-

•Manu pressed with the standard exhibited during the tournament's finale on Sunday when Chelsea FC beat Manchester United 2-1 to win

the trophy for a record fifth time.

Chelsea received One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira as prize money, while Manchester United and Arsenal who were runners-up got the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira and Fifty Thousand Naira respectively.

“Organisers of this competition have really done well and we need this type of competition across the country since it would help in discovering of fresh talents for the national teams,” said Amuneke, who shot to limelight as a junior international at the 1991 All-Africa Games in Cairo.

Ogun State wins at grassroots tourney OCAL Government School 3, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, has won the 8th Edition of the Olota of Ota Football Competition sponsored by Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, Makers of Indomie Instant Noodles.

The Local Government School 3 Pupils beat their counterparts from Ilupeju Community Primary School 5-4 on penalties in a scintillating encounter after a 2-2 stale-

L

mate at the end of regulation time.

The Match which took place at St. Michael’s Primary School, Ota, was a highlight of this year’s anniversary celebration of the coronation of HRH Oba Osayintola Alani Oyede Arolagbade III, the Olota of Ota (Awori Kingdom) and has been sponsored by the noodles giant since its inception in 2005.

According to Indomie’s

Area Marketing Manager for Lagos and its Environs, Mr. Jide Adebiyi, the brand’s involvement with the football tournament is borne out of its commitment to helping discover and nurture budding sports talents who could bring laurels to their community and country in the future.

This year’s tournament featured more than 50 schools from 4 zones comprising the Atan, Iju, Ota and Sango-Ijoko

zones.

Earlier, UAC primary school, Konifewo from the SangoIjoko zone beat UAC primary school, Koko, Atan-Ota in the Atan zone three-nil to emerge the third-place team.

After the match, trophies, medals and television sets were handed to the top 3 teams.

Awards were also given to members of the Ota community who had excelled in various sports in the past.

Flamingoes maul FCT Queens, 3-0 •To play Shettima Babes FC on Saturday

I

N continuation of the build up to the U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan next month, the Flamingoes yesterday defeated FCT Queens 3-0 in a friendly match at the Area 3 Astro Turf Pitch, Abuja.

Goals from Uchenna Kalu,Bokiri Joy and Chidinma Edeji in the 5th, 21st and 64th minute won the match for the girls in their second friendly match in camp.

Head coach Peter Dedevbo, said though the team won, he still believes the girls need to do more so that they can withstand tougher opposition.

“I’m delighted that we won today, but mind you, the goal of this game is not about winning but to perfect our strategy for Azerbaijan. We will however, look for stronger oppositions in other to fructify our girls” said Dedevbo.

The coaching crew has also resolved to play boys’ teams as from next week to help toughen up the girls.

They will engage in another test match on Saturday with Shettima Babes FC at the FIFA Goal Project pitch, National Stadium, by 3pm.

Ojigwe advises Keshi

F

ORMER Super Eagles’ mid field player, Karibe Ojigwe has advised those managing the affairs of the senior national team to look towards the grassroots for the salvation of the football of the country and stop it from further going down.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, Ojigwe said that the current Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has taken the bull by the horn by trying to bring up the players playing at the local league, he however, urged him to go to the grassroots to pick and train the raw talents that abound there.

Ojigwe who is in the state to let the state government know about his plans to establish a

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia football academy in some parts of the state with the aim to hunt for talents from the grassroots, said that paying attention to that area in the country will help bring back football to the golden era.

He described the present situation facing the national team as a thing that could be easily solved once the players at the grassroots are identified and made to have self confidence, that the sky will not be the limit but the beginning of their talents.

The former Under-17 world champion at Japan in 1993 said it will be better to discover talents at public schools since private schools do not have play grounds.

NEWS

Federal Govt, southern states to clash over state police Continued from Page 6

Frowning at the centralised police, Opadokun said: “Security is, essentially, a local matter within a geographical entity, except the protection and defence of our territorial integrity as a nation.”

He maintained that, in other federal states, there are federal, state, municipal, local government police, adding that in mature countries, motor parks even have their policing system.

Opadokun pointed out that ethnic forces have started to set up militias because they do not have confidence in the centralised police structure.

He said the current structure is injurious to governors, who as the chief security officers in their states, lack the powers to enforce the laws passed by the Houses of Assembly without clearance from the Inspector-General.

Also yesterday Catholic Archbishop of Lagos State, the Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, cautioned the Federal Government against closing discussions on the need for state police.

To Archbishop Martins, state police is the key to solving the insecurity in the country, adding that it should not be a problem if

Fears against state police unfounded, says IBB Continued from Page 6

lenges.

“Our action was in good faith and in the interest of the country. We only used the Ramadan period to advise on how to handle the security challenges. We have good relationship with President Jonathan. We maintain good relation with him,” he said, adding: “We have something bigger than all these tantrums in your newspapers.

Some of these problems were heightened by you people in the media: the print and the electronic. If there is any one man the country is truly practising federalism.

He spoke at a media briefing at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Lagos. “ If it we are practicing a federal system, truly speaking, it should be possible for the federating units to have the kind of apparatus that is needed in order to maintain security in their different parts of the nation. If the federating units have a measure of control over the security agencies in their areas of operations, we shall be better to be able to manage the security of this nation.

“But if, as it were, everything

who strongly believes in the unity of Nigeria, Gen. Obasanjo and I share the same view with him, hence our working together for the good of our dear country.”

On how he feels being 71, Gen. Babangida said: “God has been kind. For every favour He has done to me, I’m grateful and I thank Him. I’m aging gracefully.”

On the recent outburst against him by Ijaw leader and First Republic Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, the former military leader accused the me-

has to go back to one single unit, then, naturally, it is impossible to have a full knowledge of what is happening all over the nation. The creeks of the Delta cannot be policed the same way as the savannah of Kano, for instance. The peoples that populate these areas are also different in perspectives and in attitude and, therefore, we need to have a situation in which these areas are policed and security is ensured by state apparatus that is capable of knowing what is going on there.

“This is not to say that one does not recognise the abuse of the state police in those days

dia of blowing the issue out of proportion.

“Chief Edwin Clark has been my friend and he is still my friend. He will not deny me. I have known him for the past 30 to 35 years. There has been a mutual respect between us, so I won’t get drawn into issues with him.’’

On 2015, Gen. Babangida reaffirmed his decision not to seek elective office. ‘’At 75 years, I don’t think I want to go around the country campaigning. The fact is, I am not contesting for the presidency of this country in 2015. I am not contesting again,” he declared.

when they were governed by different regions. If we foreclose the whole discussion about state police just on the basis of fear, then we are foreclosing a very important idea that could help us overcome the problem of insecurity in this nation.

“That there were problems in the past does not mean that people at this time cannot think through ways and means of overcoming the problems of the past. An open space should be given for discussing this issue.

“An open space should be given for addressing the short-

comings of the past so that we may be in a position to really come to a good decision on how the nation should run.”

He, however, differed on the call for a Sovereign National Conference. He said: “Personally, I think that there is and there can be a problem, in convening a Sovereign National Conference. If it is sovereign in the sense that whatever it comes up with is binding. If it is on that premise, then there is a problem given the fact that there is a government that is already in position.

We are working to restore peace, says Sultan Continued from Page 6

country. All the 160 million people in the country belong to the country, but we must tell ourselves the bitter truth.”

He stressed the need for the leaders of other religions in Nigeria to continue to be partners with their Muslim counterpart to ensure the sustenance of peace and unity in the nation.

“There must be mutual discussions and dialogue on the situation in Nigeria. It is an issue that I am very passionate about.

“At the highest level, they understand this. Mr President has high respect for Muslims and Islam,’’ he added.

Alhaji Abubakar pledged that the traditional rulers would continue to help those in government to develop the

country, adding: “We are people-oriented leaders.”

“Our forefathers did this and we will continue to do it.”

He advised journalists to be patriotic and to be positive about the country.

The Sultan also charged them to be optimistic about a greater and more peaceful Nigeria, saying: “all these problems will disappear.”

Abubakar further stated that

the dinner was a yearly routine during the Ramadan fast, adding: “ it is an informal breakfast in the holy month of Ramadan.’’

“It is an extension of brotherly love between one brother to his brothers and sisters in the holy month of Ramadan,’’ he added.

The Chairman of the NUJ in the state, Alhaji Labaran Dundaye, extolled the existing

cordial relationship between the sultanate and the union.

“We will continue to maintain this relationship and respect to the sultan and his personality. We must commend the sultan for his various peace initiatives in Nigeria.

“I call on other leaders in the country to introduce similar peace initiatives for the development of our nation,’’ Dundaye added.

Fed Govt: oil marketers have been paid N42.6b Continued from Page 6

Federal Ministry of Finance fail to pay them their legitimate subsidy claims since 2012.

The Minister of Petroleum said: “It is with a great deal of concern that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has noticed the queues at our filling stations, particularly here in Abuja. I want to assure the Nigerian public that NNPC and PPMC have no scarcity of products. And that in fact, we have about 40 to 45days stock consumption in our reserves at this time.

“Having said that, it is clear that the Ministry of Finance is working very hard at this time to address the situation at hand. And I will like to appeal particularly to the marketers to please cooperate with the Federal Government , particularly as we go into ide-fitirel and to find a way and mean and work with the Federal Government of ensuring that the strike is brought to a very quick end.”

To the newly inaugurated board members of the corporation, Madueke said their appointment is a call to duty which also requires the support of the NNPC top management in steering the corporation in the desired direction.

She noted that despite the recent achievements in the sector, the corporation is confronted with many challenges.

The minister said “We must continue to ensure good corporate governance and efficient and judicious use of the corporation’s resources, as we await the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into law.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA AFTERMATH LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES FLOP

•Nigeria's players celebrate after defeating

Nigerian winners and losers at London 2012 T

HE London 2012 Olympic Games has come and gone, but some outstanding performances for good and for bad will be etched in our memories for a very long time. Though Nigeria did not win any medal at the games, but we still have some individuals that we must celebrate and some that we must rebuke. The

•Muideen Akanji

•Maryam Usman

following winning individuals deserve to celebrated, while the followings deserve knocks.

WINNER: SPORTS MINISTER MALLAM BOLAJI ABDULLAHI In a country where leaders find it very easy to shift blame, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi , the Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission ( NSC) deserve a medal for coming out to take responsibility for our collective failure. But why would a man who become minister of sports two months ago take responsibility for a problem that is over two decades old. Mallam Abdullahi showed rare courage and strong leadership quality that you hardly find in Nigerians when he said “Our inability to win any medal so far is as disappointing for my team and myself and for all Nigerians everywhere. But we must have the courage to see it as it is. This is a clear testimony to how far our sports has fallen behind.

We shall therefore not attempt to offer any excuse or indulge in any unproductive blame game.

Rather, see this as a failure, we must see it as an opportunity to rebuild.

When other countries found themselves in this kind of situation in the past, they have used the bitter pill of disappointment to get down to work.” For such rare display of leadership, Mallam Abdullahi deserves a medal, we pray God will give the wisdom and the courage to lay the foundation that will take us

to the top ten sporting nation in the world in another ten years.

LOSER: CORPORATE NIGERIA When we talk about Team Great Britain’s success at the just concluded games, we only talk about the role United Kingdom’s lottery played in the team success, many failed to remember that all sectors of the British society, telecommunications, retailing, banking, manufacturing, service providers, clothing company, automobile, name it, virtually all the big corporations in the United Kingdom supported Team Great Britain, but apart from First Bank most of the big corporations in Nigeria did not support Team Nigeria and sports development at any level.

They are only interested in sports promotion and placing adverts when they are showing the English Premier League and other European championships and leagues on television.

The only time they support sports is when the team has won and they place advert in newspapers congratulating the team or hosting them. They see sports as Social Corporate Responsibility instead of Corporate Social Investment.

WINNER: TEAM NIGERIA BASKETBALL TEAM They may have won only one game, but Team Nigeria Basketball team to the London 2012 Olympic Games deserves our praise for not only becoming the first Nigeria basketball male team to qualify for the Olympic Games, but for their achievement of

becoming the first African team to win at the Olympics.

If one looks at the circumstances under which they qualified and personal sacrifices they made, they deserve our praise and a medal.

LOSER: MRS GLORY UDOH US based Nigerian Gloria Udoh surely deserves a lot of knocks for telling the media that, Blessing Okagbare defeat in the 100m should blamed on spiritual forces Udoh said ‘’we wept openly yesterday. You could see her struggling to get off the block. But they have failed, because God has taken supremacy and control of Team Nigeria’s activities. Her name is a blessing, and God has blessed her that no evil forces will stand in the way of the team, again. God has opened the floodgates for his children to arise and shine. Team Nigeria shall move and nothing will stand in their way again’’, she prophesied.’’

God showed that He

•Chika Chukwumerije

was not part of Udoh promise has the floodgate she prophesied was not opened. Journalists also need to show more discretion by ignoring the likes of Udoh.

WINNER: FIRST BANK First Bank deserves a medal for being the only giant corporation in a country of many giant companies that supported Team Nigeria and our Olympic Committee. The bank also saved us from embarrassment as the only souvenir that she shared during the games was the First Bank key holder at the games. If about 50 Nigerian corporations could emulate First Bank by appointing an athlete as their ambassador the way First Bank appointed Blessing Okagbare, we would have 50 elite athletes who will all be potential medallists, well done First Bank.

LOSER; TEAM NIGERIA ATHLETES Before the start of London 2012 Olympics, majority of Team Nigerian athletes talked about how well prepared they were for the games and their readiness to win medal and do the nation proud. But the moment they lost, they blamed the NSC, witches and wizards, mother and father in laws for their failure. Their counterparts from other parts of the world were humble in defeat, blaming their personal mistakes and promising to come back and win medals at the next game, not Nigerian athletes, they must blame the NSC for inadequate preparation.

My take is, if you know the NSC has not prepared you adequately for the games, why not withdraw before it started, why not say the NSC has not prepared you well before the games, why promise heaven and earth before the games start, only to say another thing after you have lost. Nigerian athletes are like our politicians, they only complain about rigging when they lose election.

WINNER: EDITH OGOKE Our female boxer Edith Ogoke deserves a medal for getting to the quarter-final in games our medal boxers did not go beyond the early rounds. Edith defeated Azerbaijan’s, Stropva Elena 14-12 to romp into the quarter-finals, though she lost to Russian Torlopova Nadezda in the quarterfinal.

LOSER: UCHE CHUKWUMERIJE Senator Uche Chukwumerije’s call for the sack of the Sports Minister probably because his son failed to win in London

shows that he lacks the spirit of sportsmanship more so when Chukwumerije did not call for the resignation of Abdurrahman Gimba and Amos Adamu after the Beijing Olympics, the condition then is not radically different from what it is today.

WINNER: AIR NIGERIA For charging the lowest fair to London, unlike other airlines that exploited Nigerians and charged very high fare during the games to London. Air Nigeria return ticket was N130, 000.00, the closest to Air Nigeria was N250, 000.

LOSER: SPORTS LOVING NIGERIANS We never showed any form of interest in our team’s preparation for games and championship, financial or otherwise, but when they fail, we bring out the knives.

•Blessing Okagbare

•Quadri Aruna

•Jonathan Akinyemi

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘But Okupe’s job is at best counterproductive to the

Presidency and at worst a recipe for making even more enemies and antagonizing the populace’ FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

T

HE distinctive fact about terrorism, what is unique to it, is the use of violence and terror to achieve political change. Therefore a terrorist is “anyone who attempts to further his (or her) views by a system of coercive intimidation” as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary. Bruce Hoffman, who has written a remarkable book on the subject, defines terrorism as “a planned, calculated, and indeed systematic act.” While the planning, calculation and systematisation are important, it is the terror— psychological and real—that makes terrorism what it is. The fact that otherwise spiritual people are afraid of going to the house of worship because of the unpredictability of the outcome is what makes terrorism indefensible.

It is noteworthy that the idea and use of terrorism first came to the consciousness of modern politics during the French Revolution when it was seen as a positive contribution to statecraft with Regime de la terreur as the instrument of order after the 1789 revolution. Indeed, Robespierre, the leader of the revolution suggested that “terror is nothing but justice, prompt, severe and inflexible… an emanation of virtue.” To learn in this day and age, that terror was once praised as an emanation of virtue is capable of turning the stomach. But as the old saying goes, the chicken soon came back home to roost for Robespierre. Still many if not most states have not relented in the use of state terror against their own people Following the lead of the state, anti-state terrorism emerged during the period following the industrial revolution as a result of the alienation created by the capitalist state order, and later still, as a result of the perceived injustice of colonial exploitation. This has resulted in the denial and counter-denial of what constitutes terrorism with different jurisdictions having different interpretations of acts that constitute terrorism and individuals or organisations that qualify for the terrorist label. In the depth of its violent campaign against the occupation of its territory, the then Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) argued for the understanding of a “difference between the revolutionary and the terrorist”, which for its purpose “lies in the reason for which each fights. For whoever stands by a just cause and fights for the freedom and liberation of his land from the invaders, the settlers and the colonialists, cannot possibly be called terrorists.”

Embedded in the PLO’s understanding of the difference between the revolutionary and the terrorist is that the former is defensible while the latter cannot be justified. This has been the understanding of states and organisations. No one wants to be labeled as a terrorist. And no nation wants to be associated with terrorism or identified with terrorist organisations.

Yet there is something unnerving about the decision of the Federal Government to

RIPPLES GOVT’LL COME TO YOUR AID–Yuguda tells flood victims

with the usual CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

NO. 2,220

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

The US Department of Defence defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.”

Again, going by this definition, I cannot see why Boko Haram is not a terrorist organisation. Thirdly, the FBI defines terrorism as the “unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” And going by the activities of Boko Haram since the inception of the organisation, it certainly fits the bill.

In a major article on this issue sometime ago, Michael Walzer, the famous author of Just and Unjust Wars, observes that “terrorism is the murder of innocent people. It is the deliberate killing of people who are known not to be government employees, government agents, soldiers, police, the deliberate killing of people like you and me.”

No one in his or her right senses will try to defend or justify terrorism these days. That such a justification was ever attempted was itself an evidence of warped reasoning.

But what could be the motivation of a government avoiding the needful in the matter? What prevents the Nigerian government from calling a spade by its real name?

How can the Nigerian government defend its decision to persuade the United States to avoid categorising Boko Haram a terrorist organisation? There are only anecdotes since we haven’t seen a policy statement on the matter.

On the one hand, there is the consideration of what happens to innocent Nigerians when they travel abroad. They will be targeted for special, perhaps, invasive, checking at airports. This sounds nationalistic.

What it misses is the fact that invasive search of Nigerians is going on even without the declaration that they are trying to avoid. Does it make sense to anyone that the United States agencies are not aware of Boko Haram? Does it sound reasonable to anyone that the border agents will not now pay more attention to Nigerians at US and European airports?

We live in the paradise of fools if such a thought ever occurs to us.

The second consideration I have heard of is that such a declaration would drive away investors and tourists from our shores. Again, we must wake up to the realisation that we are already there. The Department of State’s warning against travel has been locked in the consciousness of United States citizens. Study Abroad programmes to Nigeria are in jeopardy because no reasonable parent wants to send his or her young ones to places where their safety cannot be guaranteed. The brouhaha over the posting of Nigerians serving in the NYSC to the embattled zones of the North is all over the Internet and non-Nigerians surf the web for information about tourism.

From the foregoing, it seems clear that our so-called fears about declaration of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation by the United States is not as futuristic and not as dependent on such a declaration.

The next question is what do we gain if such a declaration is made? We can be sure of a formal assistance and partnership in monitoring the activities of the organisation, including the sources of its funding and its international partners. I think we can also count on international assistance in dealing with its menace more effectively than we have been capable of doing either for lack of resources or political will. Now we claim to be moving in the direction of dialogue but the organisation has been unrelenting in its campaign against innocent citizens. If we are serious about securing the lives and properties of citizens, the foremost duty that the administration swore an oath to discharge, then we should not be standing in the way of effectively dealing with the scourge of Boko Haram. It appears now that the government is in denial, and that is a dangerous place to be.

Let me conclude with the words of Michael Walzer: “It is in our self-interest to deny that it can ever be justified to kill you and me and people like us—and since most people are like us, it’s in everyone’s self interest to deny that terrorism can ever be justified.”

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Of terrorism and terrorists

•President Goodluck Jonathan

request the United States government not to label Boko Haram a terrorist organisation.

For the US has already identified individuals within this organisation as terrorists. These individuals are leaders of the organisation.

Of course, there is no logical fallacy in the notion of terrorist individuals without terrorist organisations. But when those individuals identify or are identified with the organisations, it becomes difficult to understand why their organisations are not also terrorists.

The second issue has to do with the United States definition of terrorism. In this case, we have to refer to the various agencies of the US as well as the US Law Code which deals with the issue. The latter defines terrorism as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetuated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents.” From this definition, it is clear that Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation.

STEVE OSUJI

A story so colourful even the police and judiciary winced

M

RS Yinka Johnson, the woman accused of committing traffic offence on the Lekki-Epe Expressway on August 10, can be forgiven for feeling like a scapegoat of the new Lagos Traffic Law. She had driven against traffic that evening and was intercepted by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). What was supposed to be a routine interception in the open soon turned into a memorable controversy full of twisted stories, emotive rebuttal and considerable “we stand by our story” stuff. The story of the traffic infraction first broke from the LASTMA angle, and it was predictably loaded against the offender. A LASTMA officer was crushed to death by the suspect, claimed the traffic agency so confidently that newspapers simply accepted the story as they were told. The agency added in detail and colourfully too how the woman fled the scene of crime and took refuge at her Ikota Estate home, behind an illegal barricade erected by estate guards. It took police reinforcement to ferret her out of her hiding place, the authorities asserted.

By the following day, a frantic Mrs Johnson, now detained by the police, got her opportunity to tell her own side of the story. She admitted to the one-way traffic violation, but denied crushing anyone. There were no blood stains on her jeep, and her vehicle was not even damaged. Another vehicle crushed the hapless officer, she maintained. She also swore that not

only was she intercepted and came to a full stop, LASTMA agents also collected the key to her vehicle and prepared to tow it away. According to Johnson, immediately a speeding vehicle crushed a second traffic officer a few metres away from her, and while she was still being detained on the spot by another officer, she was accused of being responsible for the tragic accident. In other words, the LASTMA officers began to lie against her even while she was still with them. And thereupon the story went viral, to newspapers, the commissioner of police, and perhaps, too, the governor’s office. There, at last, LASTMA officials seemed to say, was a seemingly well-to-do scapegoat the iconoclastic state governor would be delighted to make an example.

The snag, however, was that too many people witnessed both the apprehension of Mrs Johnson by LASTMA agents and the accident itself in which an agent was crushed by a hitand-run commercial bus. Some of the witnesses, it turned out, even tried to plead for Johnson, and so were right there when the commercial bus did its damage. When they read the LASTMA account the next day in the newspapers they were so stunned that they were willing to serve as witnesses wherever the matter was taken to – police stations or courts. And they were true to their threats. The weight of the witnesses’ accounts and discrete investigations eventually forced the police to back down

from charging Johnson in court for murder, while distraught colleagues of the crushed LASTMA officer plaintively cried that the public, whom they accused of bearing false witness, hated traffic officers for obvious reasons.

Three key lessons come out of this unfortunate story. First is the fact that security agents, whether traffic managers or anti-crime detectives, can and do sometimes tell tall and dangerous untruths capable of ruining innocent people’s lives. The government has a huge responsibility to put measures in place to check lying and overzealous government agents and security officers. Given the embarrassing way senior LASTMA agents and police officers at first believe the story against Johnson, they must know that their own reputation could easily be rubbished when first information reports are eventually found to be exaggerations.

Second is the fact that the government must urgently find ways of modernising the apprehension of offenders, away from the personal involvement of traffic managers and security officers, and in order to minimise dangerous interactions between offenders and law enforcement agents. And third is the fact that whether the government agrees or not, the new Traffic Law is so flawed in a few key respects that it is gradually shifting public sympathy away from law enforcement agents to harassed and intimidated traffic offenders. Let us hope the government is drawing the right lessons.

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