August 21, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Ladoja calls 26 witnesses to back petition at tribunal P8 •Buhari orders reduction of policemen attached to VIPs P5 •Ex-FCT Minister, five others jostle for PDP chair P4 •Oliseh: I dropped Mikel because he snubbed me P41 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

NEWS

Pages 2&3

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 10, NO. 3313 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

N150.00

Senator: Anyim’s office got nod for N1.4b computer software

President appoints Fowler as FIRS chief executive •Gusau is DG Budget Office

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appointed Dr. Williams Babatunde Fowler as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

This was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

Fowler will serve as Acting Executive Chairman until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

Before his appointment, Dr. Fowler was the Chief ExecuContinued on page 4

Jimmy Carter tells his cancer story

•Fowler

SENATOR yesterday spoke of how poor budgeting over the years hampered Nigeria’s growth.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia South), in his review of budgets, especially in the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, highlighted huge inconsistencies in budgetary

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

processes and duplication of subheads which accounted for poor implementation.

He cited the approval of N1.4billion by Jonathan’s administration for the acquisition of computer software for the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government between

2012 and 2015.

One-time Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim is the immediate past occupant of the office.

Abaribe, who spoke in Benin City, the Edo State capital, was delivering the 2015 Faculty of Social Sciences Annual Lecture of the UniContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: AIB RELEASES CRASHED CHOPPER’S MANIFEST P6 20 NATIONS FOR NAVY’S PARLEY P56

•IT’S THEIR D AY: Ex-international soccer star Kanu Nwankwo with photographers at the event marking World Photography Day on Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

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PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

More cash for states as 11 get CBN’s loans relief

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

11 more states to get clearance for Fed Govt bonds

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ASH-STRAPPED states will soon clear their huge backlog of workers’ salaries.

The Federal Government has approved the restructuring of the loans holding down their financial capacity.

Of the 22 states which applied for the rescheduling of their loans, 11 have been cleared.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Federal Government Bonds have been issued to 14 banks for the loans being owed by the 11 states.

The news was broken yesterday as part of the briefing on the outcome of the 60th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, one of the four governors who spoke to reporters after the meeting, said the remaining states would be cleared after the verification of their documents. He did not name the 11 states.

Ahmed said: “Discussions were looked at in terms of restructuring of

states’ indebtedness to commercial banks. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Debt Management Office (DMO) told the Council that based on the approval of Mr. President of the plans to restructure the bank loans of states into Federal Government bonds to address fiscal imbalance, 22 states Continued on page 4

•BRAND P13 •AGRIC P14 •SOCIETY P17 •POLITICS P43 •INDUSTRY P49 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

2

NEWS

Carter: At ease a

•President Muhammadu Buhari (right), receiving a letter from the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs/Special Envoy, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday.

He had lost one-tenth of his liver to a surgery he underwent on August 3 to remove a tumor. But, that was not all for 90-year-old Jimmy Carter, United States (U.S.) 39th President. The former President had the first radiation treatment yesterday to deal with four spots of melanoma that were found on his brain. Carter is, however, prepared for the worst. He told a news conference yesterday that he is “at ease with whatever comes”.

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•From left: Governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos); Ahmed Abdulfatah (Kwara) and Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: AKINOLA OLADOKUN.

• From left: Nigeria Sales Excellence (NISE) Award Committee members, Dr. Ade Yusuf (Chairman); Dr. Dele Sobowale; Mr. Joseph Mfon Edem and Assistant Registrar, Institute of Certified Sales Professionals (ICSP), Bucky Fabelurin at the unveiling of ICSP sales excellence awards in Lagos..yesterday.

•Corps Marshal/Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi; Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa at the 15th National Productivity Order of Merit Awards in Abuja...yesterday. Behind them are other awardees.

ORMER United States (U.S.) President Jimmy Carter announced yesterday that his cancer showed up in four small spots on his brain and he will immediately begin radiation treatment, saying he is “at ease with whatever comes.”

“I’m ready for anything and looking forward to a new adventure,” said Carter, appearing upbeat and making jokes as he openly talked about his cancer at a news conference.

So far, the pain has been “very slight” and Carter said he hasn’t felt any weakness or debility. Still, he will dramatically cut back on his work with the Carter Center and will give the treatment regimen his “top priority.”

His first radiation treatment was set for Thursday (yesterday) afternoon.

Carter, in a dark blazer, red tie and jeans and surrounded by friends and family, said at first he thought the cancer was confined to his liver. He thought an operation on August 3 had completely removed it, “so, I was quite relieved.”

But that same afternoon, an MRI showed it was on his brain.

“I just thought I had a few weeks left, but I was surprisingly at ease. I’ve had a wonderful life,” the 90-year-old Carter said. “It’s in God’s hands. I’ll be prepared for anything that comes.”

He didn’t give any prognosis, but spoke about receiving three months of treatments and cast doubt on the possibility of traveling to Nepal in November to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, a Georgia-based organisation he has worked with for decades.

He said other family members may have to represent him there.

A small cancerous mass was removed August 3 along with about a 10th of his liver and doctors believe they got rid of all the cancer there, Carter said.

It’s still not clear exactly where the cancer originated, although with melanoma, he’s told that 98 per cent of the time it develops first in the skin.

He also said that the rest of his body will be scanned repeatedly for months to come and that more cancers may show up elsewhere. The cancer spots on his brain are about two millimetres in size.

His father, brother and two sisters died of pancreatic cancer. His mother also had the disease. Carter, who had been tested for pancreatic cancer, said no cancer has been found there so far.

What the former president has, he said, is melanoma, and experts say his lifelong activities may have increased his risk for skin cancer.

He lives in the South, is fair-skinned and freckled, and through Habitat for Humanity and travel, has spent a lot of time outdoors, noted Dr. Anna Pavlick, co-director of the melanoma programme at NYU’s Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Carter said the radiation will focus on the tumors in his brain and he has already begun receiving a drug to boost his immune system.

Dr. Patrick Hwu, a melanoma expert at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said the key

immune system cells needed to attack the tumor can get into the brain, so the treatment gives Carter a fighting chance.

“Every patient is going to be different,” he said.

President George W. Bush and Bush’s father called him on Wednesday, Carter said, and he has received well-wishes from President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry.

“It was the first time they’ve called me in a long time,” Carter said to laughter.

Carter’s health has been closely watched this year. He cut short an election monitoring trip to Guyana in May. A spokeswoman said he did not feel well and Carter later said he had a bad cold.

Carter was U.S.’ 39th President, advancing as a virtual unknown on the national stage to defeat President Gerald Ford in 1976. But several foreign policy crises, in particular the Iran hostage crisis, crushed his bid for reelection and Ronald Reagan swept into the White House.

He said yesterday that he still regretted not being able to rescue the hostages.

The native of tiny Plains, Georgia, rebuilt his career as a humanitarian guiding the center focused on global issues. Carter earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, helped defuse nuclear tensions in the Koreas and helped avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti.

He and his wife, Rosalynn, still make regular appearances at events in Atlanta and travel overseas. When the couple is in Plains, Carter frequently teaches a Sunday School Class before services at Maranatha Baptist Church.

He plans to teach this weekend as scheduled.

“No matter where we are in the world, we’re always looking forward to getting home to Plains,” Carter said.

He and his wife have thought for many years about cutting back their work at the Carter Center, which he established in 1982 to promote health care and democracy.

“We thought about this when I was 80. We thought about it again when I was 85; we thought about it again when I was 90. So, this is a propitious time I think for us to carry out our longdelayed plans.”

What counsellors say Genetic counselors say one thing is for sure: Many families are cursed with cancer and it can be absolutely terrifying.

"Many of them think it's not a matter of if they get cancer, but when," said Joy Larsen Haidle, President of the National Society of Genetic Counsellors.

But just because family members had cancer doesn't necessarily mean you'll get cancer. There are many variables: Who in your family has had cancer -- close or distant relatives? Were they from one side of the family or both? Did they get cancer at a young age, when cancer is rare, or at an older age, when cancer is more common?

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

3

e and ready for radiation treatment on cancer

•Mr Carter announcing the result of his diagnosis which has shown four small spots on his brain ...yesterday . He underwent radiation treatment yesterday

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I just thought I had a few weeks left, but I was surprisingly at ease. I’ve had a wonderful life.

‘

It’s in God’s hands.

I’ll be prepared for anything that comes

PHOTOS: AFP

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... We thought about it again when I was 85; we thought about it again when I was 90

‘ ‘ ‘ Some eminent Nigerians who lost their cancer battles What a family history of cancer

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OING by the prediction of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the World Cancer Day on February 4, 2013 about 84 million people may die of the disease by this year.

The National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) said that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually, with an estimated 10 people dying from cancer every hour.

Some prominent Nigerians who have died of the non-communicable disease include politicians, celebrities and others.

Former President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua fell victim of the disease in May 2010 after years of battling that kept him away from his constitutional duties as first governor of Kastina State and then President.

Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, also died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that the political giant of Kwara politics “had been battling with cancer for about five years” before he breath his last on November 14, 2012.

Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009. She had to leave behind her pet project - Better Life Programme for Rural Women which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programmes.

The doggedness with which renowned activist and social crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi fought successive and oppressive military dictators was not enough to survive the monster called cancer.

If you've noticed cases of cancer in your family, the first thing to do is speak with a genetic counselor. Certain family history patterns signal there might be a bad gene in the family, while other patterns might point to a fluke.

If it does turn out you have a serious

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•The late Yar’Adua

•The late Mrs Babangida

•The late Okonsun

•The late Mrs. Oshiomhole

•The late Saraki

•The late Craig

He lost the battle to lung cancer on September 5, 2009.

For two years, ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008 when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States (U.S.). He received treatment for cancer of the

immune system.

Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer on December, 2010.

For Sonny Okosun, one of Nigeria’s great musicians, the music stopped playing when he died on May 24, 2008 at 61 in the U.S. after a prolonged battle with cancer. He

had gone to seek medical advice on his deteriorating health.

Clara, the wife of labour leader turned governor, Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter’s wedding.

This story was first published in The Nation of February 14, 2013.

NE look at President Jimmy Carter’s family history and you have to wonder whether he and his relatives live in fear.

His brother, father and two sisters all died from pancreatic cancer.

His mother had breast cancer that later moved to her pancreas. Now Carter, 89, h a s melanoma that has b e e n found in his liver a n d brain.

One of his close •The late Billy relation, B i l l y Carter, died of pancreatic cancer.

The exact cause of the cancer is not clear; some 98 per cent of melanomas start with the skin.

But Carter’s pedigree certainly raises suspicion of a sinister gene passed from generation to generation.

Genetic counselors say one thing is for sure: Many families are cursed with cancer, and it can be absolutely terrifying.

The cancer was first discovered in Carter’s liver; melanoma was then discovered on four spots on his brain as well.

family history of cancer, the next step is to decide whether you want to go searching for a bad gene. In some cases, as with breast cancer, knowing you have a bad gene can help you make decisions, such as whether to have a mastectomy be-

fore cancer strikes. Other times, knowing won't help you; it may not be worth looking for it.

Whatever you do, Otis Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer at the American Cancer Society, has one piece of advice: Talk to a genetic

counselor before you go searching for bad genes, even if it costs a few hundred dollars. Genetics is a tricky, complicated business, and doctors typically don't know all the ins and outs.

According to the American Cancer

Society, only about 5 per cent to 10 per cent of all cancers result directly from inherited bad genes.

"I've seen many people waste thousands of dollars,"Brawley said, and some who've been given inappropriate testing.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NEWS

•Members of ‘BringBackOurGirls’ (BBOG), Lagos State branch with Sen. Oluremi tinubu (fifth left), during a sitout session with the Senator on the kidnapped ‘Chibok girls’ and the internally displaced Persons (IDPs), in Lagos …yesterday.

‘Jonathan’s govt approved N1.4b computer software for Anyim’s office’ Continued from page 1

versity of Benin (UNIBEN).

The topic was “Our Country, our budget: A critical analysis of Nigerians budgeting system”. He said the office of the SGF had N1.223 billion as welfare package, with N580 million voted for subscription to bodies in the 2015 budget.

He said: “A breakdown of the money appropriated in the last four years indicates that in 2012, N250 million was appropriated for software acquisition, yet the sub head appeared again, gulping N100 million while the sum of N580 million

was budgeted for the same expenditure.

“I begin with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. What could justify the allocation of N1.223 billion to that office for welfare packages? The same office also has N367.715 million for subscription to professional bodies and N580 million for computer software acquisition.

“Computer software in this case constitutes a veritable sink holes for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) seeking to pillage the treasury.

“Still on this office, let’s take time to examine this comput-

er software acquisition. In 2012, N250 million was appropriated for software acquisition. In 2013, the subhead appeared again, gulping N100 million. Now in 2014, N580 million was appropriated for it.

“What is this computer software that a particular office acquire every year? Which privately-owned company acquires computer software to the tune of N100 million - and more - every year?

“If you check the budget for every MDA of the Federal Government, you will see identical provisions for com-

I am capable of handling INEC’s challenges, says Zakari

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HE Acting Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Amina Zakari, has said that she is capable of handling the activities of the commission.

She said she is not oblivious of its challenges and successes.

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

former Minister of State for Power Mohammed Wakil and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jalo Abdullahi.

Some governors are pushing for ex-Governor Sule Lamido, a onetime National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and a former Deputy National Chairman of PDP and ex-Katsina State

Governor Ibrahim Shema.

But party leaders, including some members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), are insisting that the Northeast should retain the position.

It was, however, learnt that Dr. Jonathan might play a key role in the choice of the new chairman.

Jonathan’s camp is said to be in favour of young elements

•Anyim

puters, software and consumables year in year out.”

According to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Sam Edo, the lectures are to foster interactions Continued on page 58

leading the party.

The party is awaiting the date for a mini-National Convention to elect the chairman.

A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “Most leaders and members are uncomfortable that we have an Acting National Chairman.

“Already, six candidates apContinued on page 58

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HE United States Government has endorsed the reforms being carried out at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) so as to achieve the Federal Government’s goals of a corrupt-free and effective oil and gas industry.

United States Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle spoke yesterday during a meeting with NNPC Group Managing

have submitted reports and applied for restructuring as at August 19, 2015.

“The DMO has requested states to reconcile figures with banks where disparities have been noticed and have been jointly authenticated with the banks as at June 30, 2015. As at August 14 2015, of the 22 states that applied for the federal government bond, 11 states have so far scaled through with respect to submission of necessary documentation to support

disbursement.

“Others have been urged to quickly put their documentation in place to see that they fit into the time schedule. The DMO is reviewing the additional submissions by other states so that it comes as phase two of their programme.”

The governor added that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance reported to the Council that the Excess Crude Proceeds stands at US$2.207 billion as at this month.

Anambra State Governor

Willie Obiano said CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele briefed the Council on the state of the economy and the exchange rate of the Naira.

According to him, the CBN governor attributed the situation to some of the following: “Declining oil price, which put a drag on the foreign reserves; Exchange rate movements and pressure on the domestic currency; Inflation and tight monetary policy.

He said the CBN governor told the Council that the apex bank had come up with some policies to address the situation. They include: •specific intervention in the foreign exchange market to stabilise rates; •cessation of foreign currency cash deposits in banks; •closure of CBN official foreign window; and •reclassification of eligible goods and services to the window.

Obiano noted that the naira had appreciated as a result of the CBN’s stoppage of dollar cash deposit.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole presented a provisional report of the five governors ad-hoc committee set up by NEC to review the operations and management of the ECA/ Federation Account.

He said: “He told the Council that the Committee invited all the relevant revenue generating agencies that contribute to the Federation Account in the course of its assignment.

“The Ad-hoc Committee recommended to the Council that in order to have a comprehensive report on the operations of the ECA/Federation Account, two International Audit Firms have been appointed to carry out Forensic Audit of the ECA/Federation Account between January 2010 and June 30, 2015.

“Regarding the above, Council will in the near future receive a more comprehensive report.” He added that there is no law that bars NEC through the committee from appointing the audit firms.

From John Ofikhenua and Ayorinde Hope, Abuja

Director Dr. Ibe Kachikwu in Abuja.

He said the United States was willing to support the NNPC management to realise its set goals.

Entwistle noted that though the job of the GMD of NNPC is one of the most challenging in Nigeria, the U.S. was conContinued on page 58

‘Diabetic mothers risk giving birth to children with brain defect’

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N Abuja-based gynecologist, Dr Kola Osibote, has said mothers with diabetic conditions are at risk of giving birth to children with brain defects.

Osibote told the News

More cash for states as 11 get CBN’s loans relief Continued from page 1

Continued on page 58

U.S. endorses NNPC reforms

Ex-FCT Minister, five others jostle for PDP chair FORMER Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed, and five others are in the race for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, it was learnt yesterday.

Others are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan,

She said apart from being an INEC official for long, working closely with former Chairman Jega has given her much exposure about the job.

She said what was needed at the moment was the will to build on the achievements

Amosun explained that NNPC Group Managing Director Ibe Kachikwu briefed the Council on the ongoing reforms in the petroleum industry.

“He told the Council that the reforms will cover aspects of performance management, transparency and accountability, proper focus in investment attraction, zero tolerance for corruption, cost auditing improved stakeholders management and relationship and image rebranding among others.”

The GMD, he said, also urged the governors to assist in protecting oil and gas infrastructure in their states.

Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badero spoke on the meeting’s decision in respect of the power sector.

He said the Council was briefed that there was overall increase in power supply by 29 per cent as at the first sixweeks of the new Administration, compared to the last weeks of the previous adminContinued on page 58

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday that diabetes increases pregnancy related risks and causes lots of negative effects to the mother and child.

Continued on page 58

Fowler is FIRS chief executive Continued from page 1

tive Officer/Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue from 2005 to 2014.

The statement reads: “He had his higher education in the United States where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Business Administration degree from the California State University.

“Before joining the service of the Lagos State Government, Dr. Fowler worked in the banking sector for about 20 years . He was at Credit Lyonnais Nigeria Limited and Chartered Bank.

“Under his leadership, the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue achieved a sharp increase in internally generated revenue from an Continued on page 58

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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NEWS

Buhari to IG: prune police attached to the rich

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to reduce the policemen attached to rich individuals.

The order was given when the President met with Arase, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Mike Okiro and the Permanent Secretary of the Police Affairs Ministry, James Obiegbu.

“You must ensure that the recruitment process is transparent. Those who will conduct the recruitment must be above board. It should not be heard that they receive gratification or extort money from those who want to enlist in the police,” Femi Adesina, special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, quoted President Buhari as saying.

On the stagnation of police-

•PSC: police have 19,500 personnel shortfall From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

men on same rank for many years, the President counselled the Police Service Commission to review the structure of the police and make recommendations on how the problem could be solved to boost the morale of policemen.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Okiro said there had been a deficiency of about 19,500 policemen since 2010.

Besides the 10,000 recently approved for recruitment by President Buhari, Okiro said only 1,500 officers had been replaced of the 21,000 deficiency since 2010.

He said: “We thought about recruitment of police officers.

Over the years, more than

21,000 police officers had retired; some dismissed, some died between 2010 and today.

Of this, only about 1,500 were replaced.

“So we discussed this with Mr. President. Of course, you are aware that a few days ago, Mr. President said the police are going to recruit 10,000.

“We discussed with him on modalities and how to ensure that the 10,000 people are recruited to maintain security.”

On how soon the recruitment would start, he said certain procedures and guidelines must first be put in place.

Speaking on the meeting with the President, he said: “We, permanent secretary of Police Affairs, chairman of Police Service Commission

and the Inspector General of Police with their members and management staff, briefed the President on the needs and challenges, success recorded and things to be done to ensure that security is maintained.

Asked about any specific di rective from the President, he said: “Of course, he has given us assurance that the police will be encouraged, will be funded, will be equipped within the provisions of the budget to make sure Nigerians are provided with adequate security.”

According to him, the issue of pension for retired officers were not discussed with the President.

The Permanent Secretary, James Obiegbu, said the President was interested in the

welfare of officers.

He said: “He was interested in the issues concerning their emotions, issues concerning their placing, he was concerned with everything that concerns them.”

He said Buhari had promised to continue to support the police family with the challenges of funding facing the force.

“Issues about funding of the police is something that has been on the front burner because it requires a lot of funding and not something the government can do alone.

“There can never be a specific amount for the police to function effectively. If you know what it takes to keep patrol all over the country, keep vehicles and men on the road, you will have an idea of how funding requirements of police can be.”

•Ayade speaking the meeting with the investors in Calabar...yesterday. With him (from left) are Cullinane, the Int'l. Director Sales Middle East West Africa, Mr. Tony Duncan, the Ground Hog, Mr. Peter Klassen and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Tina Agbor...yesterday.

Cross River, Irish investors plan 5,000 housing units

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ROSS River State government and Irish property developers are finalisng a deal for the construction of 5,000 housing units.

The investors met with Governor Ben Ayade in Calabar yesterday.

The meeting is coming barely two weeks after Ayade led a trade delegation to the Republic of Ireland.

A statement by the Chief

Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Ita, said modalities had been worked out between the state government and an Irish building firm, Affordable Building Concept International, to build affordable houses in its effort to develop new cities.

Ayade, while receiving the team which he described as “ specialists in affordable housing scheme”, in Calabar, explained that its presence was

a follow-up to an earlier discussion in Dublin on plans by his administration to provide affordable but comfortable shelter for the poor and unemployed.

Ayade said: “There is no amount of value you can give to mankind that will compensate for the lack of shelter. The investors will come with their technology and expertise and set up a factory where low-cost housing will be designed off

site and the houses set up in less than three days.”

Headded that the houses would be in three categories to cater for the needs of the people, who will key into the ambition of the government to create a new city in each of the local governments while that of Calabar will be called “Calas Vegas”.

Ayade said they would be mindful of the natural endowment of the environment

APC promises radical means to meet crease and stablise the power HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yes- energy needs situation, it would be easy to

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terday said the ruling party would use “radical means” to fulfill its promises on power to Nigerians, rather than follow the conventional methods.

Its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spoke in Abuja while addressing stakeholders in the energy sector at a one-day electricity market conference organised by Stratex pro. “ One of the promises APC made to the electorate was that it would stabilise power in Nigeria.

“Nigerians would judge APC government in the 2019 general election on the level of power stability in the country.

“To guarantee that APC fulfills this promise, it has to think out of the box to ensure that this promise is fulfilled, otherwise it would not be able to face the electorate in the next election,’’ he said.

Mohammed said the Federal Government would use

solar energy as a means to ensure that Nigerians got adequate power.

According to him, APC would use the small-scale method of power generation and encourage small-scale power investors to invest in the industry.

He said if government could encourage 20 investors to invest one megawatt per person, this would amount to 20 megawatts and it would increase the quantum of power.

Mohammed explained that the old method of waiting for five or six years to build Hydro or Thermal plants would not allow APC to fulfill its promise of stable power.

He explained that there were two things working for APC. The party spokesman said although APC had not done anything on power since it took over, yet power had stabilised.

He said if APC could in-

achieve its promise of creating jobs.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr Godknows Igali, called on the Federal Government to assist the investors on solar power by getting access to land from state governments.

He said many investors, who wanted to invest on solar energy, found it difficult to acquire land and C of O from state governments.

According to him, much was done by the Federal Government to develop the power industry.

He listed Zungeru Hydro Power Station that would produce 700 MW and Mambilla Hydro Power Plant that would also produce 3,500 MW as some of the plants government was building.

Igali explained that the major challenges facing power production in Nigeria were the North and South loops, which had not been fixed.

•Udo

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HE Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Dr. Victor Udo, has decried the absence of a transmission work centre in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking with reporters, Udo said it was not good that each time there were faults, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) deploys workers from the work centre at Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Udo said: “When faults oc-

where the houses would be located.

The Chairman of Affordable Building Concept International, Mr. Desmond Cullinane, hoped that they would achieve some measure of success in the state.

The Irish investors later visited Summit Hills, where UAC is building housing an estate of various categories, known as the Golf Estate.

Lasun: no plan to strip me of my powers From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, has denied that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, is planning to strip him of some responsibilities.

It was reported yesterday that an Ad Hoc Committee set up by the Speaker had recommended that the Deputy Speaker ceases being the chairman of the Committee of the Whole House.

However, in a reaction by his Chief Press Secretary , Wole Oladimeji yesterday, the Deputy Speaker said there was no plan by the Speaker, Dogara, to strip him of his powers.

Besides, the report of the Ad Hoc Committee had neither been considered nor adopted by the House, he noted.

It reads: “The House is constitutionally-empowered to amend its rules as it deems fit and the process is aimed at enhancing the activities of the House.

“The Eighth Assembly set up an Ad Hoc Committee to review its rule, inaugurated by the Speaker with the Deputy Speaker in attendance and once the review is concluded, the report is expected to be presented to the House for debate before it becomes the new House Rule for the Eighth Assembly.

“It should be stated clearly that this has not been done, so the rule being referred to as stripping the Deputy Speaker of his function by the Speaker is a figment of the imagination of the writers.

“It must be stated clearly that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker have an uncommon bond that cannot be threatened nor broken by unsubstantiated reports, such as this, just as others before it.

“The entire members of the Eighth Assembly is united and solidly behind the leadership they elected and no amount of sponsored reports can threaten the bond and unity that is now reigning supreme in the House.”

Power chief decries lack of TCN’s work centre inUyo

cur along transmission lines, TCN deploys workers from the work centre at Calabar.

“The implication is that faults that ought to be resolved within a short time take longer to resolve because of the logistics in transporting TCN workers from Calabar to Uyo”.

“We have four 132kV transmission substations in Akwa Ibom State at Ikot Abasi, Eket, Itu and Uyo while two 330kV transmission substations are in advanced stages of completion.

Therefore, a transmission work centre ought to be established in Akwa Ibom State.”

He added that “some other places that have only one or two transmission substations have at least one TCN work centre while we have four transmission substations with no work centre in the state. ‘’The issue has been discussed with chief executives of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and TCN. We will continue

to push until TCN establishes a work centre in Akwa Ibom State.”

Udo said the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) failed to instal sufficient injection substations.

“We need at least two more injection substations in Uyo due to the population increase. The 11KV substation installed 10 years ago is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the people.

“It is not the responsibility of government to provide injection substations although government has intervened to instal transformers in communities across the state,” he said.

Udo said providing this substations would amount to government providing mobile phone services or building masts for telecommunication companies after privatisation.

He urged the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to “improve operational efficiency to sustain the steady power supply”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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NEWS

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RIBUTES poured in as the funeral service for the 26-year-old co-pilot of the ill-fated Bristow Helicopters, which plunged into the Lagos Lagoon on August 12, Peter Kayode Bello, took place at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday.

The deceased was supposed to have been interred at the Hawkins Cemetery in Calabar, yesterday but his body did not arrive from Lagos as was expected.

The body was released late yesterday after the ceremony in Calabar.

A vigil mass, presided over by Rev Patrick Cochran on Wednesday evening, drew thousands of sympathisers.

Delivering his homily at the mass, Rev Cochran called for support and prayers for the family.

He said life was a gift from God. At the end, we all return to Him as Peter had,” he said.

Parents of the deceased, Mr and Mrs Peter and Thelma Bello, said: “We thank God for 26 years, for the wonderful times we shared with you. We thank God for your life and all it meant to us.

We can only live with these memories. We are confident, blessed that God has better plans for us because He is a good God. Lord, help us to know you more.

All we wish and pray is that your death brings others to know who God is. God is sovereign. We love you, we miss you. Rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

Bristow described him as a shining star.

Tributes at funeral service of Bristow co-pilot in Calabar

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By Joseph Jibueze

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•Parents of the late Bello, Mr and Mrs P. K. Bello, with sympathisers after the funeral Mass at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar... yesterday.

AIB releases manifest of crashed chopper THE Accident Investigation Bureau yesterday released the manifest for the helicopter that crashed last week in Oworonshoki, on Lagos Mainland.

The names of passengers and crew.

1. Ita Ekpeyong 2. Joshua Emekeme 3. Dolu Ebiejuara 4. Onoriode Onojete 5. Chukwuma Erise 6. Solomon Udeh From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Base manager of Bristow in Lagos, Captain Ayo Stilo

Oni, in a tribute, said tBello was one of the few cadets, who felt comfortable with the controls, especially for

7. Chidi Ukwunta 8. Iniala Opaimi 9. Chris Abua 10. Chukwudi Onah 11. Joseph Wyatt (Captain) 12. Peter Kayode Bello (Co-Pilot) The survivors, according to the agency, are Emekeme, Ebiejuara, Onojete, Udeh, Opaimi and Onah. The dead are: Ekpeyong, Erise, Ukwunta, Abua, Wyatt and Bello. his experience.

“He was never late for flights, never had an excuse not to fly…it was his pas-

sion.”

Others who paid tributes, praised him for his character and upright personality.

I want to rebuild Nigeria, says Buhari RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has told civil servants, who are in the habit of abandoning their duties, to change.

He said his administration would not tolerate indiscipline.

The President, who spoke at the 2015 National Productivity Day and conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit award, said he had resolved to lead the productivity crusade and directed the National Productivity Centre to put in place machinery for him to launch the Productivity Movement in Nigeria.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, the President also directed the establishment of productivity and efficiency units in Ministries, Departments and Agencies to drive the change agenda in the public sector.

He assured that the centre would be encouraged and empowered to ensure the implementation of this directive as well carry out its mandate of ensuring a productive nation.

Buhari said: “We shall dedicate ourselves to the ideals of resilience, integrity, excellence, standards, goodwill, accountability, good governance, patriotism and productivity. The time has come for all hands to be on deck to work towards a new improved, recharged and productive Nigeria”.

According to him, “...we are capable of accepting the challenges of nation-building by demonstrating that given the opportunities, we can be as efficient and effective as any group in the world.

“This administration as-

Lawyer faults NERC chief on judges

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

sumed office at a time morale was at its lowest in all strata of the society and the nation was functioning as a rudderless ship. There was a clear evidence that the system was not working the way it should and the people had lost confidence and hope in the government hence the inevitable clamour for change.

“I wish to commend the resilience of our people and the speed at which they respond to the realities of our time.

Given the right political leadership and judicious management of human and material resources, the Nigeria dream can still be attained.

“This is the onerous task that this administration has taken upon itself and we shall not rest in the quest to achieve this objective. All we need is your support patience, loyalty, patriotism and perseverance.

“The mission of this administration is to make Nigeria a strong, strategic and proactive state through a deliberate, pragmatic and productivityconscious programme of action. We want to rebuild Nigeria into a competitive, virile productive economy; a state whose citizens are creative, innovative, responsive, accountable, incorruptible, patriotic and diligent.

“The society recognises that while inadequacy of resources is one of our problems, mismanagement of the little we have through corruption and impunity is the most impactful. To get to the promised land we must leave take the battle to the doorstep of corruption.

“Corruption is dangerous and

‘

The mission of this administration is to move Nigeria forward to become a strong strategic and proactive state through a deliberate, pragmatic and productivity conscious programme of action. We want to rebuild Nigeria into a competitive, virile.

Strong and productive economy; a state whose citizens are creative, innovative, responsive, accountable incorruptible, patriotic and diligent

‘

cancerous to the nation, and this administration is prepared to stay in bed with it. We are resolute in our commitment to fight corruption .

“In consonance with our resolve to chart a new course for good governance, a great deal of premium is placed on making change a reality, especially through productivity improvement initiatives.

“Our concern is to build a productivity culture. A culture that will not only think of a measure of production or amount produced, but how good the resources had been combined and used to achieve

specific-designed results, in this regard. I shall personally lead the productivity crusade.

“The National Productivity Centre is directed to put in place a machinery for my formal launching of the productivity movement. I will expect the governors to do the same in their states.

“We have just started a race of four years. It is not a race that you run in one day and it ends there. It requires planning patience, tact and constant review so that we do not lose steam and begin to retrogress.

We need to take one step at a time.

“The public service, as the organ of government responsible for the formulation and implementation of government policies has a critical role to play in this new dispensation. It is my intention to hold the public servants collectively and individually responsible for the planning and implementation of the change contemplated by this administration. From now, it will no longer be business as usual.

Excellence will be rewarded and mediocrity will not be tolerated.

“Consequently, I wish to direct the establishment of productivity and efficiency units in all ministries, departments and agencies to drive the change agenda. The National Productivity Centre shall be encouraged and empowered to ensure the implementation of this directive as well as carry out its mandate of ensuring a productive nation”.

In his address, Dr. Illoh said increased productivity remained the key towards the realisation of the country of our dream, adding that there was

•Buhari

need to demonstrate productivity improvement in our national life.

Dr. Illoh, who was represented by the Director of Productivity Measurement, Mrs. Theresa Briamoh, said the history of Nigeria was replete with several missed opportunities from low productivity preventing the country from taking its rightful place as an economic giant in the comity of nations.

He added that in the spirit of change for positive development, it was apt that Nigerians exploit the vast natural resources and other economic opportunities the country was endowed with.

Those honoured on the occasion include Corps Marshall, Federal Road Safety Commission, Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Mrs. Uwemedimo Edet Asomugha, Saleh Dunoma, Ajibola Olasehinde Olabode, Marcus Danladi, Ijeomah Azubuike, Danliti Yahaya Isah, Comrade Lateef Idowu Oyelekun, Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi, Anthony Chinwuba Ani, and Dr. John Alfa.

Organisations honoured were Lubcon Limited and Artee Group.

HE activist-lawyer, who sued the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Toluwani Adebiyi, yesterday faulted its Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi’s claim that judges were frustrating reform in the electricity sector.

The NERC chair made the claim in an August 7 letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta.

Amadi, who noted that the judges were ignorant of the sector, accused them of handing out improper injunctions, which could discourage investments.

The Federal High Court in Lagos had restrained NERC from increasing tariff, following an ex-parte application by Adebiyi, who sought an injunction to stop NERC from raising tariff without steady power for 18 hours a day.

In a statement yesterday, the lawyer said Amadi’s claim was grossly unfair and contemptious.

He said the NERC chair should appear in court to explain and justify “this meaningless and contemptuous assertion”.

“So, Amadi expected the judges to fold their arms, identify with NERC’s failure, and refuse to grant injunctions, which have acted as a safety valve to revolt against electricity terrorism in Nigeria?

“He expected judges to watch the further extortion and exploitation of Nigerians by the inefficient power sector that has yielded no significant result since 2005, despite the huge investments?,” Adebiyi said.

According to him, over N5 trillion was estimated to have been spent on the sector since 1999.

“Is it the meaningful and timely injunctions granted by the judges that also caused this?

I invite the EFCC to visit the issues raised in The Nation of August 18, 2015,” Adebiyi said.

According to him, if Amadi was dissatisfied with the injunctions, he should appeal “instead of assassinating the character of the judges.”

Adebiyi said: “Amadi also contended that ‘when the court feels compelled to grant such orders, it should endeavour to make the return date early enough to allow respondent be heard on time.’

“In fact, the order not to increase tariff was granted on May 28; May 29 was public holiday, May 30 and 31 were Saturday and Sunday.

“On Monday, May 1, we were in court to perfect arrangement for the service in Abuja, for which the bailiff took off on May 2 to Abuja and NERC was served on June 3, which was so effective and reasonable as to give room for the seven days to reply.

“That seventh day lapsed on June 11. NERC, which is complaining of not giving an early return date, breached the seven days to file its response (Order 26 Rule 5) and 21 days to challenge the court’s jurisdiction (Order 29 Rule 4).

“Yet this same accuser of the forthright judge did not file its response until July 6 (about a month) and without any motion to regularise his filing out of time on July 6.

“The judge was ready to take all pending applications on June 11, if not for the failure of NERC to file its response on time; on NERC instance, the matter was adjourned to July 9.’’

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NEWS Fayose: we are destroying Fayemi’s legacy of betrayal

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•Director, Transmission Service Department, Federal Ministry of Power (representative of Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Godknows Igali), Mr Afolabi John Oladele (left); Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Dada Thomas; Senior Power Consultant, Nigeria Infrastructure Facility, Mr Frank Edozie and Acting Managing Director, NERCO (representing Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs Bola Ashafa, at a seminar organised by the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Court okays probe of Amaechi’s govt

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RIVERS State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, yesterday dismissed the suit filed by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi challenging the setting up of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to probe his administration.

Governor Nyesom Wike constituted the Justice George Omereji-led commission to probe the alleged sale of the state’s assets by the Amaechi administration.

Justice Simeon Amadi, who delivered the verdict yesterday, said the commission of enquiry was not meant to probe Amaechi’s personal activities but to examine the actions of the former administration as they affected the residents.

Wike, according to the judge, was empowered to establish the judicial commission of enquiry to probe the actions of the former government.

Justice Amadi said no law prevented a state government from finding out how its resources were utilised.

On Amaechi’s position that the 30 days for the sitting of the commission would deny him fair hearing, Justice Amadi said the period for the commission’s sitting did

Amaechi: my govt left N7.5b cash, others

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ORMER Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said his administration left refuted claims by his successor Nyesom Wike that he left an empty treasury.

Governor Wike had consistently maintained that he met an empty treasury when he assumed office.

On Wednesday, in an attempt to justify why he took N30 billion bank loans from Zenith and Access banks within 30 days in office, Wike, through his spokesman, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, told a radio station in Port Harcourt, Today 95.1FM, that he met an empty treasury.

But Amaechi debunked Wike’s claim, saying he left billions of naira in cash and economic assets for Rivers State.

In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by his Media Office, Amaechi said his administration left N7.5 billion cash as the balances in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account with Skye Bank, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) account with Zenith Bank, balances with Access Bank and funds in the reserve fund account at First Bank.

The statement said: “This is besides other balances in the Government House account From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

not breach Amaechi’s right to fair hearing.

The judge noted that since the former governor had not filed a memorandum

APC not aware of Ndoma-Egba’s defection plan

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HE leadership of Southsouth All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied a report that former Cross River State Governor Clement Ebri and former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba with their supporters will soon defect to the party.

A statement by Bassey Ita, the media aide to APC’s Southsouth National Vice Chairman Hilliard Eta, said the party’s leadership was not aware of the defection plan.

The statement alluded to the report that Ndoma-Egba, Ebri, Senator Bassey Otu, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo and other, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) were planning to join APC. Eta said: “I am not aware

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

of anyone defecting to our party. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, nobody is crossing over from any other party to our party in Cross River State. Since I do not know, the report that anyone is defecting to APC in Cross River State is not true.”

The zonal chairman urged APC members and the public to discountenance the report, adding that it emanated from the figment of the writer’s imagination.

Reports had said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, among the party’s top chieftains, would receive thousands of PDP defectors in Cross River State into the APC at a rally billed for September 26 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

with Zenith Bank and other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ (MDAs’) accounts, such as the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP). By the time you pull all these together, we are looking at readily available cash in the region of N8 billion to N10 billion left for the Wike administration.

“It’s also pertinent to point out here that Amaechi also left economic assets worth tens of billions of naira for the state. Just like cash, the assets store value. These assets, which are scattered in diverse sectors of the economy, were developed or built or procured with revenue that accrued to the state during Amaechi’s tenure.

“The assets belong to Rivers State, not Amaechi. Some of these assets are yielding revenue to the state’s coffers and many can be easily and readily converted to cash, if the state so desires.

“It is, therefore, disingenuous and fraudulent for Wike to claim that Amaechi left an empty treasury, in his bid to justify the N30 billion loans he collected under 30 days in office.

“Rather than this puerile and silly distraction of always pointing fingers at Amaechi, Wike should explain to Rivers residents what he took the loans for, account for and justify every kobo that has been spent from the loans.”

before the commission and had not appeared before it, he could not complain of not getting a fair hearing.

He said the 30 days for the commission of enquiry was not sacrosanct, adding that the period could be extended.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, noted that with the court ruling, the

commission of enquiry could begin its sitting.

He promised that it would be fair to all the parties.

Amaechi said last night he would appeal the court’s verdict.

Through his lawyer, Winifred Enyinnaya, the former governor said he would appeal the planned probe.

NURTW state executives intact, says president HE President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, has directed that all the zonal councils, state councils, branch and unit executives in the states should remain intact.

He said this in a statement yesterday.

Yasin has been returned unopposed for a second term as the union’s president.

In the statement, Yasin debunked the rumour making the round, especially in the Southwest that all the state councils had been dissolved.

He said: “All the zonal councils, state councils, branches and unit executives remain intact and status quo must be maintained throughout the federation.

“All state chairmen must be alive to their responsibilities by ensuring that nobody is allowed to foment trouble in their domain.”

Yasin appealed to members of the union to remain peaceful. He also called on all security agencies, especially the police, to maintain the peace and order at motor-parks.

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KITI State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said that his government was destroying the bad legacies left behind by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

Fayose, who was reacting to Fayemi’s interview in some newspapers in which he said that “his legacy was being destroyed,” said no responsible government will sustain a legacy of debt that was incurred on projects with no direct bearing on the welfare of the people.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said it was necessary for Fayemi’s negative legacies to be destroyed. He added: “Even in the APC, his legacy of betrayal of Senator Bola Tinubu, the man who made him governor, is being destroyed.”

“If he served Ekiti and its people well, why was it that he was roundly defeated in all the 16 local councils in the state in the June 21, 2014 governorship election and his party was also defeated 16 – 0 in the Presidential, National Assembly and House of Assembly elections?

“Even, his own party men described his electoral defeat as the worst in Nigeria,” he said.

The governor, who said it was shameful that Fayemi, who left two months’ salary and four months cooperative and unions deductions from workers salary, as well as pensions and gratuities unpaid could be talking about his legacies being destroyed.”

The governor said: “When Fayemi became governor, he chose to close down two universities established by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of Segun Oni and abandoned the Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, claiming that the state could not fund more than one university.

“The same Fayemi, who said Ekiti had no money to fund more than one university preferred to take N25 billion bond to build a new governor’s lodge, civic centre, pavilion and execute other irrelevant projects.

“Furniture alone, in the N3.3bn governor’s lodge that he built for himself and his wife cost N604.9 million and Fayemi wants such legacy of profligacy to be sustained in Ekiti? We are sorry to tell him that we won’t sustain such legacy of waste.

“Even vehicles bought for traditional rulers and political appointees, his government did not pay and uncompleted Oba Adejugbe General Hospital and State Pavilion were inaugurated with fanfare.

“Today, Ekiti State is under the yoke of debt, courtesy of Fayemi’s mismanagement of the state resources and what we are destroying are those legacies of mis-governance he left behind.

“One bad news that we must however tell Fayemi is that; we won’t only destroy his legacy of mis-governance and betrayal in Ekiti, we will also make sure that economic devourers like him will never taste power in the state.”

Deeper Life holds youth success camp

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HE National Youth Success Camp of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry will begin on August 25 in Nigeria and African countries.

It will continue until Saturday August 29. Hundreds of thousands of youths will participate in the programme, which will provide free lodging and feeding for all attendees.

A statement by the National Co-ordinator, Dr. Peter Elias, said the Convener of the Success Camp and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, started the annual programme 30 years ago, as a free Vacation School to assist students of secondary schools and colleges in Mathematics.

The pastor is a renowned Mathematician.

The Success Camp aims at

“stirring up godly virtues in the minds of youths”.

Over the years, the event has evolved into an annual summer camping programme with the overall objective of unraveling the secrets of all round success to youths, based on godly and righteous values.

The theme for this year’s edition of the Success Camp, which is “Developing Youths for Maximum Impact” aims at galvanising youths towards an impactful life in school, career and society. The programme will hold in major cities in Nigeria and other nations in Africa for five days.

Seasoned teachers, professionals, and Godly mentors will be on hand to impart success principles, life skills and leadership nuggets for full realisation of life aspirations.

Ekiti monarchs get chairman

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HE Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Samuel Oladapo Oyebade, is the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Oyebade succeeds the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Adamo Idowu Babalola, who has just completed his twoyear term.

The council’s chairman was sworn in by Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, AdoEkiti, the state capital.

Oyebade pledged his loyalty to the government and people of the state, promising that the council would

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

embrace justice and fair-play in all its dealings during his tenure.

Fayose promised to always accord monarchs with the respect they deserve and always tap from their experience in administering the state.

The governor pledged the support of his administration to the new chairman of the council to succeed in his new position, urging the members to reciprocate the gesture by maintaining peace and security in their domains.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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NEWS Civil war hero Alabi is dead

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CIVIL war hero, Col. Yemi Alabi, is dead.

He died in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday.

Alabi was one of the commanders of the Nigerian Army during the Nigerian civil war.

He was part of the gallant troops that captured Port Harcourt in 1968.

After the death of Major Isaac Adaka Boro on May 18, 1968, in Okrika, he assumed command of the 19 th Brigade hitherto commanded by Boro.

He was also given the addi-

tional responsibility of commanding the 15th Brigade formerly commanded by Col. Alani Akinrinade.

In the battle for Port Harcourt, he had orders to take Elele and Ahoada and hold them against all odds.

After the fall of Port Harcourt, he also had the responsibility of clearing the riverine areas of Abonema, Buguma and Ahoada.

Soon after that, he was moved to the military hospital in Lagos for surgery because he had a bullet stuck in his head from the battle.

Woman, lover, four kids burnt by fire in Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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WOMAN, her four children and lover were burnt in a midnight fire during the week in Ajumosa, Ogberin area of Ede North Local Government, Osun State.

The woman, Mrs. Hadijat Adegoke (35), her children Fawasi (13), Ishuwat (12),ý Sodiq (eight), Fatai (six) - and man friend Mr. Lawal Munirudeen (45) were said to be asleep when their yet-to-be completed house suddenly caught fire last Monday.

A source in the neighbourhood said after the incident, the woman and her man were rushed to the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

The children, who were also seriously injured, are receiving treatment at a Muslim hospital at Oke-Gada in Ede. The source said the woman, popularly called Iya Ishuwat, just moved to the area during the last Ramadan.

The source said the residents in the area, in the midnight, heard the victims shouting for help that their house was on fire before some people summoned courage to rescue them and later took them to hospitals.

One of the children said she saw an unidentified person with a four-litre keg suspected to be filled with petrol when she woke up to urinate a few minutes to the incident.

Oyo Tribunal: Ladoja calls 26 witnesses

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YO State Accord candidate in the April 11 governorship election Senator Rashidi Ladoja has called 26 witnesses at the hearing of his petition filed before the state governorship election petition tribunal.

Ladoja is challenging the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election in the suit filed before a three-man panel.

The witnesses were drawn from some of the state’s local governments, which results were being challenged by the petitioner.

They were later cross-examined by the counsel to Ajimobi, Olumuyiwa Aduroja; APC lawyer Babatunde Aiku;

• The site of new Falomo Shopping Complex, which contract was revoked by the Lagos State Government....yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Three die in Akure/Ilesa road accident

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HREE persons were feared deAd in a road crash involving six vehicles yesterday on Akure/Ilesa road.

The accident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved a petrol tanker, a truck, a luxury bus, two cars and two buses coming from different directions

on the road.

Witnesses said the carnage was caused by excessive speeding by the tanker driver.

It was gathered that some vehicles coming from Akure end of the road rammed into the tanker while it was at-

tempting to overtake other vehicles coming from the Ilesa end of the road.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials at the scene of the accident said the victims were rushed to a medical centre before they arrived at the scene.

The FRSC men also confirmed that the accident was

caused due to high speed.

They said the vehicles involved in the accident would be impounded.

It was gathered that many of the passengers in the vehicles sustained serious injuries.

The accident led to traffic on the busy road, a situation which gave the FRSC officials hectic time to control.

NURTW members, FRSC clash in Osun

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

and Yusuf Ali, representing the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Results of 21 local government areas are being disputed and electoral materials used in the councils have been admitted and marked as exhibits before the tribunal.

The petitioner’s counsel, Richard Ogunwole, has spent eight of the 10 days allotted to him to call his witnesses and present his evidence.

He will close the appearances of his witnesses today.

The respondents’ lawyers are expected to open theirs on Monday.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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EMBERS of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Osun State yesterday engaged men of the Federal Road Safety Commission in violent clash.

Many people were injured and vehicles, including a van belonging to the FRSC, were destroyed.

Some officers of the FRSC were seriously beaten and injured. A commercial driver was also said to be in coma.

It was gathered that the fracas started when the FRSC officers, led by the Sector Commander, Muhammad Husaini, impounded about 15 vehicles belonging to the

• Many injured, vehicles destroyed From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

members of the NURTW, which allegedly contravened traffic laws during their patrol along Gbongan road.

Investigation revealed that when a FRSC official jumped into one of the impounded vehicles and ordered the driver to drive to their office, the latter allegedly drove to another destination, where his colleagues joined him in beating up the officer.

The FRSC Sector Commander said: “A bus was impounded in front of our office

here and was ordered to be driven to the premises. So, one of my boys entered it.

Surprisingly, the driver drove away with the officer and I had to order my men to follow them to save our man that was in the bus.

“But when they got to Olaiya Junction, the NURTW members mobilised their colleagues and beat up the officer in their bus before they were later brought to our office.

“They broke the windscreens of about seven cars in the process. They also attacked one of our men with charms

before we took him to a native doctor for remedy.ý “But now, two persons have been arrested in connection with the crisis and we are going to press charges against them.”

The state secretary of NURTW, Alhaji Abdulazeez Najeem, denied that his members were responsible for smashing of the windscreens of some vehicles during the clash.

He admitted that there was a rift between some drivers, motorcyclists and the FRSC officers.

He urged the police to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.

Estate residents sue Ekiti for forced eviction

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ESIDENTS of Irewolede Estate in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, who were evicted from their homes, have gone to court to challenge the action of the state government.

They were evicted for failing to complete payment of mortgages on their houses within the time stipulated by the Ayo Fayose administration.

But they were saved by the intervention of traditional rulers and the state’s prominent indigenes, who pleaded on their behalf after which government granted an extension of three months within which to complete their payment.

The embattled estate residents now have up to November 30 to pay up or face a fresh eviction exercise expected to begin on December 1.

•Plaintiffs demand N20m damages From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

In a suit filed by their counsel Rafiu Balogun at an Ado-Ekiti High Court, the Irewolede Estate Landlords through their chairman Ayo Orebe and 17 others are seeking an order for the payment of N20 million as aggravated and exemplary damages for trespass, humiliation, assault and degrading treatment meted out to them by the defendants.

The defendants/respondents in the suit are the Attorney General of Ekiti State (first), Ekiti State Housing Corporation (second), Ekiti State Commissioner of Police (third) and Ekiti State Commandant, Nigeria Security

and Civil Defence Corps (fourth).

Attached to the Writ of Summons are relevant documents like receipts of initial deposits, letters of provisional allocation of houses to claimants by the housing corporation and applications for mortgage loans.

The claimants are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants either by themselves or by their agents, servants, workers, officers and men of the third and fourth defendants from ejecting or further disturbing them as they have not committed any breach of purchase/mortgage agreement until the agreement is determined by court.

Another relief sought is a dec-

laration that the acts of Ekiti State Government and second defendant by forcibly entering into the estate, assaulting the claimants, locking them out using the officers and men of the third and fourth defendants and political thugs amount to breach of context and tortuous acts of assault and trespass.

They equally prayed the court for a declaration that the purchase/mortgage agreement entered into with the second defendant in respect of their houses located in the estate as contained in their respective letters of offer is subsisting and government and housing corporation are duty bound to honour same.

In the statement on oath of the

first claimant (Orebe), he averred that house owners were requested to pay the total costs of the houses within the period ranging from five to 15 years from the day offer letters were written to them by the second defendant.

He added that house owners have not even exhausted the initial period of five years within which to pay up let alone asking for an extension of another five years as provided for in the letters of offer.

Orebe said: “I know that we were flabbergasted and rattled when the present administration under the leadership of Governor Ayo Fayose summoned us for a meeting and handed down a strong warning to us that we must pay up all the purchase prices within a period of one month or face dire

and terrible consequences of ejection.

“I know that Mr. Governor also went on air both at the state radio and television stations to embarrass all of us by saying publicly that we are occupying our houses free of charge. This was done to deliberately to incite Ekiti people against us and expose us to ridicule and hatred.

“I know that the state government started making good its threat when Governor Fayose ordered the invasion of the estate by armed policemen, civil defence officers and political thugs on August 5th and 6th, 2015, who sealed some houses and harassed occupants.

“The situation was so bad that my four-day-old baby and his mother, my wife, were locked up inside my house and the keys were taken away.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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NEWS Ooni: Senators mourn with Osun, others

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HE Senate has sent a delegation to Osun State to commiserate with the state government, the people of Ile-Ife and the family of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II. It followed a motion moved on the floor of the Senate by the lawmaker representing Osun East, Senator Jide Omoworare.

The delegation came to the state to express the sympathy of the Upper Chamber over the transition of the monarch.

The delegation, which was

led by the former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, was yesterday received by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, on behalf of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at the Government House.

The delegation, which included former Governor of Akwa Ibom and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, Senator Jide Omoworare, also paid condolence visits to Speaker, state House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, the late monarch’s family in Ife, the traditional chiefs and kingmakers of Ife.

Tribunal fixes Sept 18 for verdict in Lagos West suit

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE Lagos State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has fixed September 18 for judgment in the case brought before it by the Lagos West Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Adewale.

He is challenging the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi).

The three-man tribunal headed by Justice Sylvanus Oriji fixed the judgment date after listening to the submissions of both parties in their final written address.

Adewale, known as Aeroland, is challenging the declaration of Adeola by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the winner of the April 28 election.

He had in his petition prayed the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Adeola as winner of the election.

Adewale insisted that he won.

Counsel to Adewale, Dr. Yemi Oke, said his client is challenging Adeola’s victory on three grounds.

He argued that the nomination of Adeola is invalid, that election did not hold in some wards, and that there were irregularities, which include falsification of results in some wards.

But counsel to Adeola, APC and INEC, Mr. A. Adegoke and Dr. Muiz Banire, urged the court to dismiss Adewale’s petition on the ground that he failed to prove the allegations against the respondents beyond reasonable doubt.

They submitted that most of the allegations by the petitioner were criminal in nature and they would need to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

• Salaam (second right); Abdullahi (third left); Omoworare (second left); Dada (right); Deputy Speaker, Osun Assembly Akintunde Adegboye (left) and other Assembly members when the Senate delegation visited the Assembly to commiserate with members...yesterday.

Ekiti PDP crisis: Court orders service of summons on Fayose’s faction, others

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EGAL battle began yesterday on the festering factional crisis rocking the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with an AdoEkiti High Court ordering service of court processes on the factional loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose.

The court also ordered substituted service on the PDP National Secretariat through the state chapter of the party.

The suit was instituted by Tunde Olatunde, Tope Aluko, Afolayan Akutupu, Tunji Olanrewaju, Mrs. Busola Oyebode, Ganiyu Bankole and Femi Ogunleye.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Defendants are PDP (first) , Idowu Faleye (second), Kola Kolade (third), Ajibola Samuel (fourth), Sina Animasaun (fifth), Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi, (sixth), Kola Lawal (seventh), Babade Ige (eighth), Lateef Agbaje (ninth) and Ayo Ogungbuyi (10th).

The second defendant is the chairman of the faction loyal to Fayose. The third to tenth defendants are members of a Disciplinary Committee, which recommended suspension and expulsion of four members of the State Working Committee (SWC).

The four SWC members, who were pronounced expelled for alleged anti-party

activities, are Olatunde (acting chairman), Aluko (secretary), Olanrewaju (auditor) and Mrs. Oyebode (women leader).

Justice Lekan Ogunmoye heard a motion ex-parte moved by counsel to the claimants/applicants, Oluwatobi Fatoki.

The motion was supported by a 10-paragraph affidavit and supported by a written address brought pursuant to Sections 96 and 97 of the Sheriff Act and Order 7 Rule 5 (a) of Ekiti State High Court Civil Procedure Rule.

After the motion was moved

by Fatoki, Justice Ogunmoye granted the claimants/applicants leave to issue originating summons and other processes filed in the suit on the first defendant (PDP) in Abuja, which

is outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Ogunmoye also granted an order of substituted service of the originating summons and all other processes to be filed in the action on PDP through Ekiti State Chapter at No 161, Ureje, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti.

The judge further granted an order of substituted service on the second to 10th defendants since personal service on them might be difficult for the claimants/applicants.

He held that since the application was ex-parte, the facts therein remained incontrovertible and they were granted after being carefully and dispassionately considered.

Parties in the suit are expected back in court on October 14.

Okada operation still suspended, says Ondo

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NDO State government said yesterday that its suspension order on the operation of commercial motorcyclists, otherwise known as Okada, in the state capital, Akure, and the ban on ticketing by the operators are still in force.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said the “suspension order stands until government is done with its reformation

process on the operation of the commercial motorcycle operators”.

“The clarification came following reports that the order is being flouted by some commercial motorcycle operators in the capital city, where activities of the okada riders have been suspended,” Akinmade said.

The statement added that the ban on ticketing activities by the operators was still in

force, warning that operators should guide against falling prey to the activities of illegal ticket handlers who have been duping unsuspecting motorcycle operators under the guise of working for outlawed bodies.

It enjoined the operators to maintain the peace and cooperate with government in its determination to ensure they have a regularised and effective mode of operation.

Lagos APC to George: mind your business

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CHIEFTAIN of the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has come under fire for dabbling in what the All Progressives Congress (APC) called a family affair.

The state APC said it was mischievous of the PDP chieftain to see the speck in another person’s eye while having a log in his own eyes.

George had recommended two former Lagos governors – Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola – for investigation by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

But the APC spokesman, Joe Igbokwe, in a statement yesterday, counselled the PDP chieftain to keep quiet and continue to lick the wounds inflicted on him through the defeat suffered by his party at March 28 and April 11 general elections.

He said the defeat suffered by

the PDP at both the federal and state levels would ordinarily have given a genuine party man a food for thought and stops him from meddling into other people’s matter.

The APC spokesman said George, like the Lagos PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle, has just woken up from a chronic hallucination after suffering a devastating defeat.

The statement reads: “Bode George is yet to come to terms that it is all over for PDP in Nigeria and Lagos. He is yet to believe that Lagos APC has forcefully retired him from active politics for ever in Nigeria and Lagos State.

“Why is Bode George finding it difficult to believe that the game is over for him in Nigerian and Lagos State politics? Who will tell Bode George that nobody takes him serious again in matters of Nigerian politics? Who will persuade Chief Bode George to quit politics now in his own interest?

“What is giving Bode George the courage to believe that President Buhari will probe Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Fashola, who are the real drivers of change in Nigeria because a Bode George said so?

“How can Lagosians forget that Chief George imposed Jimi Agbaje on the state PDP and caused a big crisis at Oregun Lagos where the party conducted its primaries? How can we forget that it was this same Bode George was accused by some hoodlums of being their godfather? Did Bode George know that the President has full knowledge of his dubious activities in Lagos during the campaigns?

“Chief Bode George spoke about the cost of projects in Lagos, but the question is this: what does a hut builder know about Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge? What does a carpenter knows about gold?

What does a failed politician know about good governance and service delivery?”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘It is regrettable that the damaging consequences of the Ecowas CET policy on the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Nigeria were not considered despite our desperate attempts to draw attention to this. This policy undoubtedly spells doom for the local industry as imported medicines will become far cheaper than locally produced ones’ Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG MAN), Mr. Okey Akpa

Groups back CBN on naira stability

NERC goes tough on Discos over metering

From Olugbenga Adanikin,

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Abuja

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ISSATISFIED with the level of implementa tion of the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) by majority of the distribution companies, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has signaled its intention to commence enforcement action for non-compliance.

The Commission has given the distribution companies a seven day ultimatum to show cause why action should not be taken against them for non-compliance stemming from violation of the provisions of the licence terms and conditions.

This is contained in a letter to the defaulting utility firms -namely Port Harcourt, Abuja, Yola and Enugu distribution companies. Others are Ibadan, Ikeja, Eko and Benin Disco.

The warning read ‘’ The Commission considers your actions as manifest and flagrant breaches and therefore requires you to show cause in writing within seven days from the date hereon, why enforcement should not be commenced against you and sanctions meted accordingly for noncompliance with the Terms and Conditions of the license granted you and the order on Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation’’.

The order introducing the CAPMI scheme became effective on 14 May, 2013, in which NERC directed that the scheme should commence and be implemented at the same time in all the distribution companies.

Furthermore, the discos were to redeploy meters under the scheme to willing customers, including the installation of same within 45days from the date of the payment by any customer.

In the letter to the Discos, NERC noted that it has been observed from public consultation and monitoring exercises carried out by the Commission to ascertain the implementation level, showed that the discos either failed or neglected to fully implement the CAPMI scheme.

Condition 2(1) of the terms and conditions of the licence granted the discos provides as follows: ‘’The licencee shall comply with the conditions of this licence and the requirements of the licenced business as set out in the Act and Regulations approved by the Commission in accordance with the Commission’s statutory duty to monitor all licencees’’.

They also have been found to be collecting money from customers for credit meters not minding whether they opted for the scheme, including not publicising the scheme thus giving misleading information to customers.

• From left: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Aderemi Bello; Former Ecobank Chair, Chief John Odeyemi; Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Dr (Mrs) Nike Akande and Director, Finance and Corporate Assets, Unified Payments Services Nigeria Limited, Festus Ikediasor receiving an award for Unified Payments for winning best Innovation in the Security of E-payment Platforms at the 2015 Commerce and Industry Awards in Lagos.

NNPC set to transform downstream

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STRATEGY to trans form the downstream sector of the oil industry is ready. It will make the sector perform optimally, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Kachikwu yesterday said.

Kachikwu, who was represented by the Managing Director, National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), an arm of NNPC, Mrs Bolanle Ashafa, said the transformation becomes imperative because the Federal Government has committed over N5 trillion on sub-

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By Akinola Ajibade and Ambrose Nnaji

sidies in the last five years, pointing out that such a scheme is unsustainable in view of the amount involved.

He said subsidy creates distortions in government’s revenue distribution as a result of round tripping and unnecessary carryover of expenditure every year in a way that is difficult to sustain, or control.

Kachikwu said fuel subsidy accounted for 20 per cent of Federal Government’s budget in 2013, adding that why subsidy is not

sustainable, government is not in control of the factors that influence retail fuel price, particularly fluctuations of crude oil price at the international market.

Be sides, he stated that through the transformation strategy, the Downstream sector of the oil and gas industry would become transparent, efficient and create fair market for operators who show capacity to play better in the industry.

He said the development would help in rehabilitation of the Brown-field refineries in order to attract International Oil Compa-

nies ((IOCs) that have hitherto jettisoned them.

“We at NNPC have resolved to implement a new strategy to transform the Nigerian midstream oil sector into a transparent, efficient and fair market by ensuring the rehabilitation of the brown-field refineries using a new business model.”

Kachikwu, who spoke at the 2015 edition of the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) conference in Lagos, said Nigeria is the highest importer of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Africa, despite its huge resources.

US, IPMAN back NNPC’s reforms

HE Independent Petro leum Marketers Asso ciation of Nigeria (IPMAN) is backing the ongoing reforms in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The association has for long been yearning for positive changes, such as the reforms by Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the new NNPC boss.

According to the association’s National Secretary, Danladi Pasali, the downstream oil sector was almost dead before the rescue mission of the present administration.

“No genuine investor was happy with the past situation of the oil sector. Several of our investments were ruined due to corruption at all levels, favoritism and impunity,” it said.

The association continued: “With the appointment of Ibe Kachikwu as the new GMD NNPC by President Muhammadu Buhari, we are convinced that this administration is ready for business.

Our members will ensure

From John Ofikhenua and Ayorinde Hope, Abuja

more investments in the downstream sector.

“We have already begun to see positive signs just two weeks after his appointment.

That is enough encouragements for us as investors to put our money back in the downstream sector.

“We will continue to partner with NNPC management for the successful downstream oil sector.

“We have the capacity and investments to flood this country with fuel if given the chance. It is important to note that more than 85 per cent of the petrol outlets belong to our members, therefore, we are closer to people as far as oil distribution is concern than any group or people.”

The association thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment and assured that it will work with the new management to ensure troubled-free downstream oil sector.

It also urged the new GMD to ignore all sponsored at-

tacks on his style of leadership, saying that the interest of the nation supercedes that of an individual or group.

IPMAN also called on the new GMD as a matter of urgency to encourage private investment in the areas of refining and petrochemicals, as its refinery discussion has already gone far with its partner.

“With his background from the private sector, Dr Kachikwu is expected to give private business more priority, but not to continue relying on government as it was in the past NNPC. “We welcome the idea of running NNPC as a commercial entity not as cost house of government. Through these types of initiatives, the country will really benefits from its oil wealth,” it said.

In another development, the United States (US) has pledged its readiness to work with the new Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC in achieving the government’s reform agenda in the oil and gas

industry.

NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, who made this known in a statement yesterday in Abuja, after a courtesy call by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle on Dr. Kachikwu, quoted the envoy as saying that the US was willing to provide all necessary support for the new management to realise its set goals and objectives.

The US envoy noted that though the NNPC’s GMD’s job was about the most challenging in Nigeria, the US is convinced that he has the skills, training and requisite experience to lead the oil and gas industry through the path of growth and sustainable development.

Commending the US for the pledge to support, Dr. Kachikwu reiterated the determination of the new management to implement the spirit and letter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s reform agenda in the petroleum industry.

OALITION of Civil Soci ety Groups yesterday threw their weight behind the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) new policies towards stabilising the nation’s currency.

They said the development aimed at boosting the economy, would also promote local production ?of commodities mostly imported into the country.

President of the CSOGs, Comrade Etuk Bassey, who spoke on behalf of the coalition during a briefing yesterday in Abuja lauded the policies including the restriction of cash deposit of dollars.

He decried the huge importation which according to him has gradually degraded the nation’s economy.

Bassey said: “Given the fact that our major source of foreign exchange earnings has reduced drastically, we must commend efforts by the CBN to conserve our foreign reserves by preventing excessive imports of items like rice, eggs, private jets, and toothpicks, which are either luxurious or can be produced in Nigeria.

“By this action, the CBN is indirectly creating a huge opportunity for Nigerians to begin to look inward to produce these items here at home, thereby creating jobs for our teeming youths.

By allowing the importation of items like rice from Thailand, eggs from South Africa, beef from Zambia, furniture from Italy and textiles from china, we are simply importing poverty into Nigeria and exporting jobs to these countries. ”And this is the reason every well-meaning Nigerian should support the efforts of the CBN, particularly in this difficult time of low oil prices”.

1The groups emphasised that the restriction of cash deposits of dollars is a constructive step by the CBN towards stability of the Naira.

“The recent restriction on cash deposits of dollars is another positive step that must be commended. Notwithstanding the presence of our local currency, some individuals and business still prefer to demand dollars as a means of payment for businesses done here in Nigeria.

“The recent admission by many banks of huge volumes of dollars in cash in their vaults also raises questions on how these funds were obtained by bank customers. These huge cash deposits of dollars reinforce a recent international? report that ranks Nigeria high on movement of illicit funds.

“We therefore call on the CBN, along with relevant agencies, to trace the source of these huge cash deposits, in order to ensure that we do not have cases of money laundering or terrorism financing in our banking system,” Bassey added.

However, ?the coalition noted temporary discomforts the CBN policies and initiatives might cause but urged the people to bear sacrifices that are for the ultimate good of the nation.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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Brandnews

‘Investment in CSRs beneficial to firms’ F

IRMS that encourage community involvement distinguish themselves from their competitors and get many benefits, including loyal customers and happier employees, a report has said.

According to a May 2013 study by Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of consumers consider corporate social responsibility (CSR) when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.

But, for advertising agencies committed to giving back to the society, what gain could such effort bring to the table? Definitely not to curry more jobs from clients or patronage from the community.

The answer, perhaps, according to an expert, is to establish goodwill as a social responsible company.

In the light of this, the Chief Executive Officer, X3M Ideas, an ad agency, Mr Steve Babaeko, said for ads agencies, the need to impact on lives should be a priority.

He said such drive to improve lives of the less-privileged, assist the government in providing social services should propelled agencies into having a corporate social investment.

Babaeko’s agency invested in the campaign to support Project Alert, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) aimed at tackling women brutality.

While celebrating X3M Ideas third anniversary, Babaeko donated lavatories to the Remand Home for the Boys popularly known as ‘Welfare’ in the Oregun, Lagos, owned

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

by the Lagos State Ministry of Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

“Affecting life and humanity, especially in the educating young Nigerians, is not new to the agency.

It has consistently demonstrated the ‘doing good attitude’ from inception. With each anniversary that passes - three years back-to-back, the environment is carefully scanned to reveal the most pressing need(s) for certain people and how the agency can lend what have become very impactful helping hands to make life better and restore hope,” says a brand analyst at Brandcrunch.com.ng.

During its first year anniversary, the agency also donated at the JSS 2 Block, Opebi Junior Secondary School, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja. It was a facelift that included stocking the classrooms with furniture for the use of teacher and students.

Babaeko explained that agency was motivated into committing resources into the CSR project as a means of giving back the society, “in recognition of the fact that education they say, is the best legacy.

We hope to affect the future of these children by providing a conducive learning environment for them.”

Also, during its second anniversary, the agency also provided In-

formation Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to two schools in Oregun Senior High School, and Community High School Wasimi, Lagos to help pupils act out their expected roles as digital natives (people born during digital era).

The Principal, Oregun Senior High School, Oregun, Lagos, Mrs. Toyin Kuti and her deputy, Vice, Mrs. Idowu Deniga received the two units of laptops (pre-loaded with the required software/computer applications), one unit of Multimedia Projector, one unit of Tripod Projection Screen and 10 units of UPS. Similarly,, Community High School, Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos also got two units of laptops (preloaded with the required software/ computer applications), one unit of 2HP air-conditioners and 10 Units of UPS for its ICT classroom.

Addressing representatives of the pupils of the two schools at the presentations of the items, Babaeko advised that the they should avail themselves the best use of the tools.

“The government believes it’s better to invest in corrective measures for these children from different homes and parts of the country today rather than having to grapple with full blown criminals they are likely to become in the future,” Mr. Musbau Abdulai, Director, Social Welfare, Lagos State Youth & Social Development, said.

Meanwhile, the agency has been made the Creative Agency of the Year for the Project Alert.

TSA and the rest of us

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T is no more news that over 400 ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] saddled with the responsibility of overseeing government’s functions in various sectors such as communications and media, economy, energy, intelligence and others must implement the Treasury Single Account [TSA] initiative after President Mohammadu Buhari’s announcement.

A friend who dines with the financial bigwigs told me that the reason the President is compelling the MDAs to implement the TSA is because there is a history of poor tracking of internally generated revenue [IGR] and other government revenue and inflows. Other reasons advanced by my friend is because of the “non-remittance of revenue by collecting entities, misappropriation of revenue, collections, inadequate and out-right lack of records by the MDAs”.

However, information from the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], indicate that the Federal Government’s Independent Revenue e-collection initiative “is designed to automate revenue collection of MDAs directly into the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account at the CBN through Remita e-collection platform and other electronic payment channels”.

The TSA is a unified structure of government bank accounts, which enables consolidation and optimal utilisation of government cash resources. It is a bank account

or a set of linked bank accounts through which the government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time.

Not too long, the CBN had advised all banks in the country to establish necessary systems in their branches and to sensitise their staff on the federal government’s electronic revenue collection scheme (e-collection) because of the commencement of the TSA. President Buhari’s latest declaration is clearly a way to curb revenue-related corrupt practices in the MDAs. Following the President’s announcement, many MDAs are already in the process of adopting the TSA. “The President’s pronouncement will significantly affect the volume of liquidity in the banking sector but it would curb corruption.

Besides, TSA will promote transparency and facilitate compliance with Sections 80 and 162 of the constitution”, a source at the CBN said. TSA would help to block leakages and uncover idle cash, which usually seats in the bank’s high-yielding interest accounts. TSA would also allow complete and timely information of government cash.

With the TSA now in force, where does that leave the rest of us? Three options: 1. Increase your earnings in the face of declining revenue. 2.

Collect your debt and accumulate good debts. 3. Refer to number 1.

Winners emerge in Indomie Flash & Win promo

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• A project alert advocacy ad against gender abuse.... by X3M Ideas

e-marketing firm Pumoh.com unveiled in Lagos A

NEW e-marketing business outfit Pumoh. Com has been introduced to the e- marketing business in Lagos.

Speaking during the unveiling of the firm, its Managing Director, Mr. Francis Osuagwu, said the platform offers prioritised services for merchants and customers.

He said Pumoh.com would provide unique services to students and aspiring authors through the Virtual Academy - a platform where students can study to improve their knowledge, and aspiring authors can also achieve the fulfilment of their creative works.

Osuagwu explained: “The relatively functional infrastructure and

change in life style of the populace, including crave for internet services, online payments and point of sale facilities via various bank platforms gives impetus for the development of the nation’s e-commerce values.”

Underscoring the challenges of online payment, the management has taken a step further to partner with local and international payment gateways and logistics providers offering diverse range of online payment solutions to ensure a well secured and easier online payment for its customers.

The media launch also included the unveiling of Mr. Sam Uche Anyamele, a Nollywood actor and director as the brand ambassador responsible for the integration of the brand name among relevant publics.

Executive Director and Legal Adviser, Barrister Umoh Adingwupu, said: “Pumoh will focus on best practices while offering clients and visitors the best of local and international goods. Our aim is to foster continued e-commerce growth in Nigeria, bridging the gap between physically visiting the shop to a truly viable, stress free and sustainable endeavour.”

HE first set of winners in the ongoing Indomie Flash & Win National Consumer Promo has emerged.

They comprise the N1 million winners and others who won N100, 000 each. They were presented their cheques at a ceremony at the company’s head office in Surulere, Lagos.

The event was attended by journalists and relevant regulatory agencies.

Brand Manager, Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav, said Indomie believes in giving back to its numerous consumers. He said: “As a company, Indomie believes in giving back to the society.”

He said the promo was aimed at celebrating with consumers. “We want to give them a chance to win something substantial. It gives us joy to give back to our loyal consumers. So far, we’ve had over half a million participants. We have also given out airtime recharge to over 50, 000 consum-

ers,” he said.

On how to participate in the promo, Amber said consumers were required to buy Indomie 120g Super pack where a unique number could be found printed on the seasoning sachet inside the pack.

Participants are required to flash the unique number after which their mobile phone number would be registered to take part in the daily and monthly raffle draws where they stand a chance to win N100, 000 and N1million.

Also, the Manager Public Relations/Events Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju restated the company’s commitment to continue to reward and give back to its loyal consumers.

The Senior Public Relations Officer, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office, Mr. Nicholas Utsalo, confirmed that Dufil Prima foods Plc, adhered to its regulations.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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A cashew stakeholders forum organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Project (NEXTT) in collaboration with African Cashew Alliance (ACA) took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The forum focused on ways to promote industry growth, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Promoting cashew farmers’, processors’competitiveness

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HOUSANDS of Nigerians are engaged in the cashew industry. Most of them are farmers who cultivate the crop, while others export the produce to countries, such as India and Vietnam.

The nation’s annual production of raw cashew nuts stands at 144,000 tonnes. Approximately 50,000 persons are engaged directly in the processing of cashew, and another 100,000 are engaged in the growing of the produce.

Experts say there is a prospect of the industry creating over 50,000 new jobs in four years and injecting over N2 billion into the economy. However, there are constraints farmers and exporters face that undermine the efforts to realise the full trade potential through cashew export.

The constraints include barriers that impinge on trading, lack of access to finance, information and capacity for growth is limited. Adding to the problem, is the fact that only 10 per cent of raw cashew production undergoes further processing.

Despite these, the Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Segun Awolowo said cashew remains a big foreign exchange earner which has to be repositioned in the face of the declining crude oil price that is now more vulnerable to external shocks.

Addressing the forum on cashew business competitiveness and environmental sustainability, cosponsored by USAID Nigeria, (NEPC) African Cashew Alliance (ACA), in partnership with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) in Ilorin, Awolowo, who spoke through the Deputy Director, Product Development Department, Mr William Ezeagu, said cashew has been identified as one of the major cash crops with huge export potentials for the country.

The cashew industry as a whole, he observed is still dogged by issues related to quality. Much of the problem with quality and safety issues, he continued, related to the large proportion of smallholders within the industry who lack the finances and ability to invest in modern technologies and innovate. Aflatoxins contamination, he noted is a trade issue, which needs to be tackled with urgency. He said the contamination imposes an enormous economic cost as it prevents commodities from meeting international regulations and standards governing agricultural trade and food safety. He, however, said awareness on the deleterious effects of Aflatoxin is fast rising and there is increasing demand by country stakeholders for action.

Awolowo said NEPC is working with the World Trade Organisation(WTO) on preventive measures to address the issue that has lead to rejection of the nation’s cashew export.

He said as a country, post-harvest handling of produce should be taken seriously and farmers educated on how to mitigate Aflatoxin contamination. He said businesses must heed more attention to improving it for the industry to develop sustainably over the long term.

Business Advisory Manager, African Cashew Alliance, Mr Sunil Dahiya, said while Africa currently produces 40 per cent of the

•From left: Adegun,Kifasi,Ezeagu and NCAN Publicity Secretary, Sotonye Anga during the workshop.

•Faseru

world’s supply of cashew nuts, it operates just a handful of processing facilities. He said cashew farmers and processors face difficulties complying with market requirements and lack the technical and financial means to produce costeffective goods inz sufficient quantity and required high quality. As a result, when profitable new market opportunities arise, they are unable to be accepted as suppliers.

This, he noted has given the alliance great concern. To end, he said ACA is focusing on building the capacities of cashew farmers and exporters to meet international quality standards through training on good agricultural practices to increase yields and quality. He said ACA has developed a capacity building programme to enables suppliers to meet the internationally recognised requirements in terms of food safety and quality.

Through a combination of strategies, he said the alliance has been able to reach thousand s of farmers and processors, leading to the creation of new jobs in cashew nut processing, with 70 per cent of

•Dahiya

them for women. He said ACA has implemented sustainable pilot projects in several countries, where suppliers have achieved considerable improvement in their performance and compliance with food safety standards and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). As a result, the quality and volume of marketable products has improved. At the same time, consumers have benefited from better and safer products and can expect more stable food prices.

He said start-up processors are provided with a range of advice on how to grow their business, keep up with current market developments, improve their use of technology and expand processing of cashew by-products.

The Managing Director, KD Food Processing Company Limited,Mr Garba Dikko said the lack of adequate knowledge on cashew financing by officials of banking institutions and farmers seriously affected fund raising to support agriculture in the country. He said the lack of knowledge about the specific financial needs of cashew

farmers made the financial institutions to offer the same financial package to all farmers which often led to the disadvantage of many.

He called for the development of different financial packages for different farmers groups engaged in different types of agriculture to meet their specific needs. With high cost of infrastructure, maintenance and electricity, he called on the government to protect local cashew processors and producers.

Dikko said so much is required to establish a functional cashew processing plant. Dikko called for support for cashew processers to bring down production costs. Urging the government to offer assistance to farmers to improve production, he said poor productivity of cashew plantations is one of the major reasons behind the cashew nut processing sector performing at below capacity.

The President,National Cashew Association of Nigeria(NCAN),Mr Tola Faseru said the nation’s cashew sector has enormous potential for businesses seeking to invest in the crop.

He disclosed,however, that the sector is however suffering from declining productivity and dwindling export earnings because of structural problems. As a result, Nigerian cashew is less competitive in the international market . He called on the government to establish a N50 billion cashew development fund to support the industry . With such fund, he said it would be possible for the industry to achieve the target of 500,000 metric tonnes per annum. Faseru said the association is sensitising farmers across the country on quality control to enable them to enhance their product quality. Faseru called for more support for farmers and for government’s assistance for to develop more cashew plantations.

The NCAN chief said if the cashew crop was processed locally, new direct jobs would be created by more than 1,000 businesses that would arise from the industry and

‘Cashew farmers and processors face difficulties complying with market requirements and lack the technical and financial means to produce cost-effective goods in sufficient quantity’

millions of naira would be realised. This possible outcome is what is driving the campaign of the association to boost cashew production nationwide.

The Director, Real Sector Department ,Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC),Mr Reuben Kifasi said the cashew sector has many gaps and challenges, thereby providing opportunities at different levels for foreign investors to explore. He said there are some incentives and tax holidays for investors seeking to take advantage of investment opportunities which abounds across the agric sector. The need for high capacity processing plants, warehousing facilities, he said, are just some of the opportunities that investors can look at. He said NIPC is supporting sector players in developing coordinated efforts to mobilize domestic and foreign direct investment and enhance private sector development.

The Director,Cluster Development Department,Raw Materials and Development Council,Mrs Haraja Tanko said cashew is a big business and that the government is supporting it because the potential of the industry has not been fully harnessed. Mrs Tanko said raw materials council is working towards boosting cashew nut production by the establishing threeprocessing plants and giving improved seeds to support farmers .

The Acting Chief of Party, COP Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport (NEXTT) ,Engr Isaac Adegun said the development of the industry would not only help diversify the agriculture sector and enhance the national economy but would also be a good way of tackling poverty. To this end, he said the project is aimed at improving and expanding Nigeria’s trade efficiency domestically, within the region and beyond, so that trade, particularly in agricultural products, supports inclusive economic growth and the development. With improved support of USAID|NIGERIA through the NEXTT project, he said assistance to the cashew sub-sector has been scaled up to the level of offering technical assistance at both the organisational and firm level.

He reiterated that NEXTT is more committed to improving the processing arm of the sub- sector owing to its enormous potential of creating thousands of jobs and also contributing to macroeconomic stability through increased export earnings.

He said USAID has concluded a study on the Nigerian cashew industry, adding that steps will taken based on it to improve cashew business competiveness and environmental sustainability.

The SEAL Coordinator, ACA, Mrs Dorcas Amoh, said more demand for cashew, combined with buyer demand for product that is Seal-certified, is increasing sales. The certification, she said ensures quality for buyers, recognition for processors, and stability for farmers.

According to her, ACA Seal offers returns for all cashew stakeholders.

Mrs Amos said without adequate waste collection services, she said cashew waste can carry health risks for workers at processing facilities and local communities. She said the plan of the alliance is to assist farmers to use waste materials for their businesses and communities in other ways.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

USAID votes $2m for entrepreneurs

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HE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has set aside a $2 million Project Development Facility (PDF) for agro entrepreneurs to transform their innovative ideas into bankable investments, the body has said.

The USAID Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Programme (NEXTT) Export and Business Development Promotion Team Leader, Mr Bob Ezumah, told The Nation that the programme would work with development partners and financial institutions to enhance agribusinesses.

He said NEXTT would support agricbusinesss and other investments on the Lagos-Kano –Jibiya (LAKAJI) axis.

The PDF provides seed funding to for feasibility study for bankable ideas and investments.

He noted that the major challenges facing agro businesses is funding, adding that the programme would train entrepreneurs on investment projects’preparations and analyses n to attract investments.

He said the project has also partnered with commercial banks, leasing companies, private equity and impact investors willing to provide necessary financing.

Stories by Daniel Essiet

He said it is up to the agricultural entrepreneurs to develop the sustainable and realistic business models that encourage investment.

To be competitive in the marketplace, he said farmers’needs should integrated into the chain of production, from farm to fork, adding that USAID was facilitating this integration, enabling producers and rural industries to better connect with agricultural trade and market opportunities. Around the world, he said, businesses struggle to access the finance they need to expand.

He said: “The US Agency for International Development’s Development Credit Authority (DCA) is working to address this by providing partial credit guarantees to mobilise financing.”

With these additional resources, he said, lenders can take on additional risk, and small businesses benefit from additional access to credit.

He said NEXTT supports the government’s efforts to expand trade in the Economic Community of West Africann States (ECOWAS) sub-region and beyond, and improve trade efficiency so that trade, particularly in agricultural products, can provide

inclusive economic growth and development.

Meanwhile, the Project Director, Cashew Adding Value to Africa, Prof Kola Adebayo, said lending to the sector is the least of total lending by the banking sector.

He said commercial banks were yet to understand the agricultural sector, citing poor recovery rates, high risks and relatively high administrative costs as some of the reasons for low lending to the agricultural sector.

He called on financial institutions to get more engaged in understanding the peculiarities of the agric system to provide the much-needed financial assistance to smallholder farmers.

He said rather than allow rural farmers to continue to engage in subsistence farming, they should be supported to approach agriculture as a commercial venture to enable them to benefit from their toil.

He also stressed the importance of agricultural extension workers in agricultural production chain, saying that technical information on the right use of chemical fertilisers and insecticides was crucial to the attainment of food security if it was made available to farmers at the right time.

• From right: Dr Alfred Dixon, Head of Partnership Coordination Office, IITA

Institute warns against outbreak of cassava ATIONAL Root Crops Resaying it will not be good to the food killer-disease search Institute (NRCRI), production level of the country and Umudike,Abia State has also affect its economy.’’

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warned against the outbreak of the deadly Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD).

It gave the warning during the launch of WAVE Project, a campaign against the dreaded CBSD in Umudike, Abia State, attended by agricultural researchers from Ivory Cost, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

The institute advised the Federal Government to arrest the situation, saying the disease could affect the economy if not checked on time. It warned that the outbreak of CBSD, which attacks mainly cassava, could cost the economy about N400 billion ($2 billion) yearly.

The institute said it based its loss assessment on the effect the disease had in countries it had attacked, stressing that those who do not learn from history plans to fail.

NRCRI said the crop disease has not reached Nigeria or any West African countries. “There was great need to prepare against it as it is already having devastating effect in some East African nations like Kenya, ”it said.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation has commenced measures with $3.6 million for research and campaign against CBSD and the fund is domiciled with the University of Felix Houphant-Boigny in Ivory Cost.

The institute said as an institution with a national mandate for cassava research and development, it was taking a pre-emptive initiative to tackle the CBSD threat in Nigeria.

This, it said, is because its effect could result in complete loss of root yield in cassava thus making it a severe threat to food security in the sub-Saharan Africa.

The institute said: “With symptoms like folia necrosis, stem lesions and root necrosis, it has since emerged as the one of the two most important diseases of cassava, the other being the cassava mosaic diseases”.

NRCRI warned that a CBSD attack would affect Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava production,

It continued: “CBSD used to be confined mainly to coastal areas of eastern and southern Africa, but in the past few years it has become substantially more virulent and begun spreading across the continent.”

In his address, the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Julius Okonkwo, noted the importance of the WAVE project, saying that it would help to save the continent from serious embarrassment.

He noted that the institute has made tremendous progress in developing value added products in cassava bread, cakes, donuts, chin-chin, ginger drinks, ginger powder, cocoyam chips and soup thickener.

Launching the project, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Eme Okoro praised the project, saying that it fits into the government programme of interest in agriculture.

He also praised the Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation for initiating the research to take proactive position against the dreaded crop disease.

Govt urged to reposition commodity exchange

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HE Federal Government has been urged to strengthen the commodities market to boost trade in the sector.

The Managing Director, Multimix Academy, Mr Obiora Madu, said failure to do this would put off investors and stifle the development of commodities business.

According to him, the main factor limiting economic potential of the sector is lack of a common market that boosts the confidence of farmers, as well as financial institutions, to invest in the sector.

The move, he said, would encourage market access and fair returns for smallholder farmers and facilitate the formalisation of informal agricultural trading.

Madu said commodities trading platform has certain innovative features which have been designed to limit risks in the sector to attract agricultural investments, aside from the provision of a ready market and formalisation of commercial activities.

To create a transparent and efficient marketing system for key agricultural commodities to promote agricultural investment and enhance productivity, he said the government must commit itself to the establishment of a functional commodity exchange and associated Warehouse Receipt System (WRS). One structure of a commodity is the Warehouse Receipt System, where farmers will be provided with receipts based on the food crops that they deposit.

This system means dealers or farmers certified by the exchange to receive receipts from warehouses showing the quality and quantity of the commodity that they have delivered. The warehouses serve as the point at

which the commodities are stored with the owner of the goods issued with the receipt to confirm their existence. In the event of a pressing need, the receipts can be presented to the bank as security for loans, in a manner similar to the way title deeds and logbooks are used in lending.

At the commodities exchange, the warehouse receipts can be traded like shares, thereby becoming derivative instruments because they are derived from underlying real assets in the form of commodities.

He said it is good for the banks to understand the system, so that they could see these receipts as collateral to provide funds to various actors along the agric value chain to push sector productivity and growth.

Madu said banks would introduce financing for commodity traders and farmers secured through warehouse receipts. He said the commodity receipts will be used as collateral by exporters and commodity dealers to get loans from banks. He said dealers could then pay for their business activities even when the goods have not been sold or exported.

He said the exchange would tackle the challenges which make the sector a risky investment as farmers and sector actors would produce and deposit their crops to the designated warehouses and get the receipts to source funds from banks.

This, he said, would help smallholder farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming, as they would grow more crops which the country has comparative advantage in to promote the national quest for an export-based economy.

Expert advises farmers on natural manure

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N Agricultural Scientist, Dr Seyi Fadugba, said manure from animals’ droppings and compost process remain the most valuable properties for soil fertility.

Fadugba, the Chief Executive Officer of Fadugba-agro Laboratory Nig Ltd, said this in Abuja.

In an interview, he said adherence to the simple shifting cultivation could also help to retain soil fertility without leaving poisonous properties in it.

He said there was the need to promote the application of natural properties in soil rather than depending on ‘quick fix’ approaches.

“It could be a dis-service to frontally kick against the use of fertilisers on the soil. Our farmers must begin to go back the traditional approaches mention above.

“The fact remains that fertiliser are just temporary measures being misapplied to hurt soil organisms that were meant to support plants growth.

“Those in the agro-allied venture may contemplate investing in building natural manure farms for sale of the products,’’

he said.

According to him, the natural manure could compel some soil properties to produce humus soil.

The agricultural scientist said the misapplication of the artificial elements from fertiliser had long term effects on soil, plants and human.

On the export embargo placed on some of the produce by the European Union (EU), Fadugaba said the Federal Government must reverse the trend.

According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has the mandate to compel farmers and exporters to adhere to agriculture valuechain.

“What was the contention?

They have accused us of uncontrolled application of pesticides to those crops in farms and at the point of exporting them.

“There are standard ways to preserve crops. In fact, the best way would be to promote natural processes. If the fertility of the soil is boosted well enough, the application of fertilisers and pesticides would be minimal,” Fadugba said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

16

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Labour slams Energy Commission for anti-labour practices

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HE Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) said it has concluded arrangements to picket the offices of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) nationwide over unfair labour practices and gross insensitivity to the welfare of its employees.

Speaking with reporters, the Secretary-General of the union, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, said the anti-labour disposition of the management of the commission had reached a ridiculous level, with the head of the organisation trampling on the rights of workers with impunity.

Stories by Toba Agboola

The union accused ECN management of playing hide-andseek on serious labour issues that could snowball into serious industrial crisis.

“The scenario on ground now is that the Director-General of the Commission, Prof Eli Jidere Bala, believes he is too big to hold meetings with the workers’ representatives to discuss welfare issues affecting members.

“The general public will be amazed to know that the ECN is now a theatre for all sorts of antilabour practices. There are cases

of directors in the commission who have been functioning in acting capacity for seven years without confirmation. Instead of confirming the appointment of these competent and qualified personnel in the commission, the management preferred to frustrate them out of service through intimidation and harassment,” the union said..

Lawal said union officials are not spared of the rod, as they are posted out of the headquarters on flimsy excuses contrary to the provisions of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98 on Right to Or-

ganise and Collective Bargaining.

The ASCSN said the commission is now known for blatant breach of procurement rules and procedures in all its business transactions and that would explain why it is failing in discharging its primary and core responsibility of strategic planning and coordination of national policies in the energy sector.

Lawal also lamented that all efforts by the workers’ representatives to get the management of the Commission to a dialogue table to address the avalanche of labour

issues affecting its members had been futile.

“The DG, Prof. Bala is now operating as an emperor. He has conquered the entire Energy Commission territory. He now sees the commission as his personal property,” the union emphasised.

The ASCSN vowed to maintain the momentum until the DG meets with the union to resolve all outstanding labour issues affecting its members in line with international labour best practices.

Efforts to get reaction from ECN officials did not yield any result as none of them pick calls.

‘Skill, expertise vital to grassroots’ service delivery’

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

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•From left: Business Development Manager, OLX, Mayokun Soremekun; Managing Director, Mandilas, David Edwards; Country Manager OLX, Lola Masha and General Manager, Mandilas, Stephen Gladwin, during the OLX/Mandilas Partnership press conference held at Mandilas Headquarters, Lagos Island ... yesterday.

NLC faults NBS’s reports

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has faulted the National Bureau of Statistics reports which put unemployment rate in the urban areas of the country at 10.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year.

The NLC fumed at the escalating rate of unemployment in the country, describing the situation as a ticking time bomb that all tiers of government must give immediate attention to address.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the central labour union expressed sadness that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the government agency responsible for researching and providing reliable data to assist government’s job creation efforts, is not doing enough in this direction.

In a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Lagos, signed by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC frowned at what it called “disingenuous approach of the NBS and other agencies of government to manipulate unemployment figures in the country.”

“This fraudulent approach is not helpful to the government, which needs accurate figures to properly plan on ways of resolving the alarming unemployment situation in the country,” Wabba said.

Recently, the NBS put unemployment rate in the urban areas of the country at 10.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year. The rate indicated about 2.3 percentage points higher than the 8.8 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter and 3.6 percentage points higher than the rate in Q4, 2014.

NNPC reform: Oil workers disagree with Fed Govt

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IGERIA’S oil workers have criticised the on-going reform in the oil and gas industry, saying they would take steps to protect their members’ interest.

The workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENG/ PENGASSAN) described the reform as a cover-up and vindictive action against their members.

The workers therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the newly appointed Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, to order by directing him to stop the on-going sack in the Corporation.

Vowing to give equal response to whatever action of government they consider capable of suppressing worker’s interests, the unions suggested that a team should be set up immediately to review Kachikwu’s actions so far in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.

They said within two weeks of the commencement of the reform, Kachikwu has carried out massive restructuring of the management of the corporation. Apart from the sack and re-composition of the board, he has retired 38 top management staff, pruning the top hierarchy of the corporation from 122 to 83, while reducing the operational directorates from eight to four.

In a joint statement by the President of PENGASSAN, Francis Johnson, and his counterpart in NUPENG, Igwe Achese, accused the

•Kachikwu

•Johnson

NNPC management of executing an agenda that did not carry the workers’ unions along.

The statement, which was also signed by their General Secretaries – Bayo Olowoshile and Joseph Ogbebor respectively, also accused Kachikwu of pursuing an agenda contrary to the idea canvassed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“While we are fully in support of the fight against corruption, the fight itself should not be turned against workers whom government swore to protect,” the oil workers said, noting that the ongoing exercise portends a great danger in the oil sector if workers are meant to bear the brunt of government’s current action where the fight against corruption is now being used as an act of vindictiveness against workers.

The on-going exercise, the oil workers stated, did not show any attempt

to fight corruption and block leakages, but was “an act of cover up.”

“We dare the new GMD of NNPC, Dr. Kachikwu to recover the stolen trillions of naira in the sector than retiring and sacking of innocent workers. We are quite sure that the on-going action is not the idea of our dear President,” the workers stated.

As players in all spheres of the industry’s operation, the unions said they have been trying to meet with the President to review the on-going reforms in the NNPC, saying they have so far been kept in the dark by his protocol staff.

Despite being the representatives of organised workers in the industry, the union leaders claimed that all their suggestions on the critical challenges affecting the on-going reforms were not being considered by the authorities.

HE Director General, Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Mrs Olubunmi Fabanmwo, has identified quality skill and expertise as critical to the discharge of people-oriented services at the third tier of government.

She spoke at the end of a capacity building programme organised for Council Managers (CM) and Treasurers of the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) at the centre.

She said as management officers, the CMs and Treasurers represent the critical interface between the government and the people at the grassroots, adding that the discharge of quality policies at such level would be determined by the amount of skill and expertise available to them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Mrs Fabanmwo said the two modules, Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development and Public Financial Management Law would enrich the performance of the council administrators.

She, therefore, charged all the council administrators to commit to leading the required change in their various local governments and LCDAs, adding that this was imperative if the third tier of government would be fully integrated into the vision and development plan of the state government.

The training was among a series of capacity building programmes put together to empower local government administrators to contribute effectively to sustainable development at the grassroots.

Participants said the training has further gone to underscore the commitment of the government to effective governance at the grassroots, adding that the effort would create the required symbiotic interface between the civil service and the local governments in the state.

They appreciated the drive of government to harmonise public service activities throughout the state in line with the roles and specific contributions of all sectors to development and urged that the development planning adopted by the state be allowed to trickle down to the local governments and LCDAs, so as to provide uniform direction at the two critical levels of governance.

They admitted that the Knowledge Management Workshop has empowered them with skills and techniques required to effectively manage the knowledge and skills acquired by local government staff with a view to maximising capacity building investment, while the Financial Management Law Workshop has provided new vista into Public Service financial authorities and the application of the International Public.

17

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

THE NATION

SOCIETY For information on how to feature on this page, contact:

E-mail:societygirlontop@gmail.com Tel :08060829778

The remains of the wife of former Daily Times Managing Director Prince Henry Odukomaiya, Madam Rachael Aduke Odukomiya, were laid to rest at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, Lagos, after a funeral service at the Yaba Baptist Church last Friday. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

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FTER 20 years’ battle with cancer, it was time for Mrs Rachael Aduke Odukomaiya to take her rest. She was celebrated by her children and family members for fighting a good fight. She died on July 9.

She was 73.

She was fondly called Aduksbaby.

For three days, the rites of her passage were held. On Wednesday, last week, there was a recital of reminiscences at her residence off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The next day, a wake was held at one of the halls of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, GRA. The ceremonies were rounded off with a funeral service last Friday at the Yaba Baptist Church, where many – young and old– gathered to pay their last respects and bid her a final farewell.

A motorised hearse with a plate number made of the picture and names of the deceased brought her remains into the church.

In a sermon, Rev Steve Ogunbade of the First Baptist Church, Idikan, Ibadan, extolled the virtues of the late Mrs Odukomaiya, who “came, lived and conquered.”

Describing her as a rare gem and great disciplinarian, who was always well dressed, he urged all to see the gathering as a celebration and not for mourning.

Rev Ogunbade warned all to be conscious of the brevity of life, and see death as a necessary end that will call any time.

After the service, a handful of the deceased’s close relatives moved to the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens for the interment, while others went to the Habour Point on the Dockyard, Victoria Island for the reception.

Guests wore orange attires with silver head gears. The children and grandchildren of the deceased were uniformly dressed.

At the ceremony were Lagos Chief Judge Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade; National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Senior Pastor Trinity House Church Ituah Ighodalo; Past MD/CEO Nigeria Airspace Agency Nnamdi Udoh; Publisher Vanguard Newspaper Sam Amuka-Pemu; Managing Director Champion Newspaper Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa and Senator Ike Nwachukwu, among others.

Exit of a matriarch •From right: the widower Prince Odukomaiya and his sons Dr Abiodun and Tayo Odukomaiya and daughter Mrs Yetunde Aderinto

•From left: Prince Adeniyi Adesanya; Alhaji Mohammed; Mr Tayo Odukomaiya; Mr Segun Adeshola and Mr Seni Adio

•From right: Justice Atilade; son of the deceased Mr Abiola Odukomaiya and Mrs Adebisi Odukomaiya-Animahun (wife of Justice Wasiu Animahun)

•Senator Nwachukwu his wife, Gwen

•Amuka-Pemu (left) and Mr Folarin Ajidagba

•Prof Abisogun Leigh •From left: Rev Ogunbade; Rev Solomon Ajibade; Pastor Ighodalo and Rev Muyiwa Oyetelu

•Chief Folu Oguntade SAN (right) and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI AND DAYO ADEWUNMI

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

Omatseye bags Fellow of Academy of Letters

By Nneka Nwaneri

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IGERIA’S apex body for scholars and academics, the Academy of Letters (NAL), has inducted The Nation’s Sam Omatseye as Honorary Fellow.

Omatseye, the chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, received the honour at an investiture held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, last week.

The three-time winner of the Nigeria Media Merit Award was the only Honorary fellow chosen this year.

He has practised journalism in Nigeria and the United States and has received many awards in his over two decades career.

As far back as 1991, Omatseye became the first winner of the Gordon N. Fisher Fellowship for Journalists in the Commonwealth.

Professor Val’s Lifetime Lecture

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public speaking. It was really exciting to read all your comments on our ‘mutual friend’, Professor Val. Thanks for the questions you sent in and the suggestions you gave the Professor to save his career. I totally agree that he needs training in effective communication. In case you

•Omatseye (right) being congratulated by President, Nigeria Academy of Letters, Professor Olatunji Oloruntimehin, after the induction

Glitz, glamour as Fagboyo turns 40

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T was a day of excitement at the Regency Hall, Ikeja, Lagos, when the Regional Programme Officer of the Department for International Development (DFID), Magaret Fagboyo, rolled out the drums to celebrate her 40th birthday.

For Mrs. Fagboyo, there was no other way to celebrate the day than to appreciate God in the presence of friends and well-wishers for His preservation and sustenance.

The event, which was in two segments, was well-attended by family, friends, business partners, foreign colleagues and other dignitaries including the former first lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and a female presidential aspirant in the last election, Remi Sonaiya.

Once the guests and the celebrator arrived in their colourful attires, the event

ELCOME to your column on

•Mrs Fagboyo flanked by her husband Olu and Erelu Fayemi at the event

By Chidinma Nwagbara

kicked off with an opening prayer and praises by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rock of Ages Parish Magodo Lagos.

The hymn, ‘In Christ Alone’, was sung by the choir after which the admonition was taken by Pastor Titus Osawe , who also prayed for the celebrator and her beautiful family.

That segment of the event ended with a special rendition of the hymn “Trust and Obey” as the well-wishers trooped out in groups to the venue of the reception, which held at

COURTESY VISIT

Regency Hall, Otunba Jobifele Way Alausa, Ikeja.

The mother of three, who had adorned various styles and attires was elegantly dressed to befit the occasion.

The second part of the event started with short documentaries on the celebrator. There were testimonies by people, who she said, had impacted her life. Her husband, Mr Fagboyo, who called her “his pearl”, had a lot to say on how she brought him happiness.

Ngozi Ugoji ( CEO NGZAGSAM), Pastor Titus, Prof Dipo Kolawole (former Vice

Chancellor, University of Ado-Ekiti ) and Otunba Olumide Abidakun, Chairman, Abidakside as, among others also shared their heartwarming messages.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cake and the group photographs of the gorgeous celebrator and the ever-smiling family members and friends.

Guests were lavishly entertained with sumptous meals,drinks and a short drama by Feranmi Films and a cultural dance by the classical dancing troupe.

BIRTHDAY At the 90th birthday thanksgiving service for the Ajiroba of Igbesaland and Baba Ijo of All Saints Anglican Church, Mosafejo, Igbesa in Ogun State, Chief Elijah Kolawole Akinde.

•Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano (right) greeting the Eselu of Awka Etiti and Ochiora Ndi Igbo, High Chief Chigozie Nwolisa, who will be conferred with a Doctor of Arts Honoruris Causa in Community Development and Leadership by the University of Ghana tomorrow

•The birthday ‘boy’ Chief Akinde (right) and Bishop of Badagry, Rt Rev B.J. Adeyemi after the service

LANRE OLAOLU AMODU

(Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com.

07034737394 @lanreamodu

missed last week’s article, Professor Val was a Russian scholar who was invited to make a lead paper presentation at an international conference. While he arrived amidst glee and excitement, not much could be said of his presentation. Not that he wasn’t knowledgeable about the subject, his message was only lost in the midst of other major flaws.

As promised last week, we shall begin to examine Professor Val’s errors and learn how to avoid them. Recall that we observed last week that our dear Professor worked perfectly by the book. That was not a bad thing in itself, only that we must learn the exceptions to the rules. Therefore, the approach we will adopt is to state the rule Val obeyed and then identify its exception.

Professor Val obeyed the rule that says a speaker must earn the right to speak to his/her audience by being knowledgeable. It is, of course, expected that a speaker should know more than the audience before being qualified to speak. It is also generally suggested that a speaker should gather five times more materials than required for any given speech so as to SELECT the best resources from the pool. Please take note of the emphasis on the word ‘select’. So, we can safely say that Professor Val, who was a world-acclaimed scholar with award winning formula, was a knowledgeable person.

Where did Val go wrong? His error was that he neglected the exception to the rule of knowledge, which is, “You cannot teach people in a moment what you learnt in a lifetime”. The transmission of knowledge must be gradual, otherwise there will poor assimilation. Val, just like several speakers today, was carried away by his desire to impart knowledge that he failed to consider the time available and the capacity of his audience. His misplaced zeal led to a few errors: •Overloaded presentation slides: Professor Val made use of presentation slides that were projected on a screen.

However, propelled by his zeal, he over-loaded each slide to the extent that the text became too small to be legible.

The projection was meant to enhance the delivery of the presentation; unfortunately, it further hindered effective communication because the audience could not see it clearly. The lesson here is that it is preferable not to use any technical assistance if it would not add to the quality of a presentation. It is also very important to make the audience the priority of any presentation. As speakers, we must always ask ourselves, “What will the audience think of this? Will they see it clearly? Will they get the meaning? How far will the screen be from the audience?”.

These and many other questions will help us to see things from the perspective of our audience.

•Hasty Presentation: from the story of Professor Val, it was clear that he knew he couldn’t deliver all he had prepared in just one hour. Hence, he quickened the pace of his delivery. Again, it is important to emphasize that the priority of our presentations must be our audience. What is the use of covering a syllabus if the students have learnt nothing?

Val mistook completing his presentation for communicating with the audience. He should have taken his time to explain every step of his presentation carefully. If he had communicated with his audience but did not cover all his outlined points, the audience could have requested for more information during the question time (as you will recall, they couldn’t wait to leave the hall so there was no question for the presenter), or even request for his presentation slides. As speakers, the information we have to pass across must not take priority over the people we want to pass it to. The success of a speaker is not determined by the amount of information shared but by the amount of influence made on the audience.

Next week, by the grace of God, we shall explore another error of Professor Val and how to avoid it. I look forward to more comments from you on how Val can improve his speaking skills. I would also love to respond to your questions.

Have a blessed weekend.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

Cleansing the sleaze-dom •It’s double whammy as NPA corrals billions of earned revenues while grossly under-declaring imported cargo T may be most apt now to introduce a new word – sleaze-dom – into Nigeria’s lexicon of graft. Each day, fresh tales of fraudulent activities break out in the media just in the manner of viral diseases. No ministry, department or agency (MDA) of government seems to be free or exempt from corrupt practices. Those not yet on the front page of infamy are only those not yet placed under the spotlight.

Since the advent of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has literally turned out to be an era of confounding sleaze and malfeasances. Never in Nigeria’s history of nationhood has there been such widespread and wholesale plundering of her common wealth as it has turned out in these last five years.

Among the current heart-breaking missives is the story of the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA). It is a double whammy at the NPA where it has been revealed that last year alone, revenue amounting to N162 billion was realised and only a paltry N2 billion was remitted to the treasury.

Still at the NPA, it was reported last week that 80 per cent of cargo imports into Nigeria was under-declared by the managers of Nigeria’s ports. This revelation was made by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC).

These two pieces of information though seemingly disparate, are tied by the underlying billions of naira which ought to have accrued into Nigeria’s treasury but which ended up misappropriated or in private pockets.

I

It isn’t that there would not be underhand practices in environments imbued with a constant streaming of large volume of cash. What rankles is the degree of greed and the rapacious hunger to loot it all. It is bad enough that the NPA management declared merely N162 billion (even though it could have been double that amount), there seems to be a troubling reluctance to remit funds into the national treasury.

In the same manner, in-coming cargoes had to be under-declared not even by 50 per cent, but a numbing 80 per cent! In simple terms, it means that additional revenues could have been lost by a whopping 80 per cent. These incidences only epitomise the level of financial and administrative recklessness bordering on impunity that characterised the running of most MDAs, especially in the last 16 years.

It may not come as a surprise that the NPA, not unlike most other honey pot agencies (like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG), has turned out to be a probable house of sleaze as has been reported. Recall that in the last one and half decades, NPA had been chaired by the bigwigs of the nowdiscredited former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Chief Bode George. What this suggests is that the highly liquid agency could easily have served as conduit pipe for political slush funds.

Worse, such huge funds were generated and simply siphoned with no attempt to

plough back into the system or develop the ports. The known improvements that have taken place in some of the sea ports over this period were the result of private participation and concessioning of portions of the major ports to private operators. Other than these, the ports under the NPA have become dilapidated and bereft of basic facilities.

At the premier Apapa ports for instance, the rail line running through it for easy evacuation of cargo have been long moribund. The major roads round about the ports have been in a state of disrepair for over a decade, with attendant bottlenecks and crippling traffic for port users.

We urge the Buhari administration to hasten to sweep out all the bad eggs in this crucial sub-sector of the nation’s economy and revamp it for the good of the economy. We also demand that those who have ravenously raped this institution must not go unpunished; they must face the law to serve as deterrence. Government must vanquish impunity which has become pervasive in the system; it must cleanse this sleaze-dom.

‘What rankles is the degree of greed and the rapacious hunger to loot it all. It is bad enough that the NPA management declared merely N162 billion (even though it could have been double that amount), there seems to be a troubling reluctance to remit funds into the national treasury’

New VP’s residence •The plan to build a N16billion edifice for the VP is unacceptable and should be urgently reviewed by the Buhari administration

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HE proposed new residence for the Vice President within the Aso Villa has generated angry response from the public and calls for a quick decision by the Buhari administration. The Jonathan administration had planned to expend N16 billion of the scarce federal resources on building and equipping the house. Already, N7 billion has been reportedly spent on the white elephant project and the contractors are demanding another N9 billion if they are to return to site.

The house is a reminder of the profligacy of that administration that abandoned so many areas of national life to pursue such luxury projects at a time the same government was commending austerity to the people.

When the project was conceived, the Jonathan administration’s response to the outrage it generated was that it was not out of place as the country required a befitting edifice for the second citizen and that it would enhance the country’s im-

‘A Federal Government that won the hearts and votes of Nigerians on the promise to transform the country and revamp values within the shortest possible time frame cannot afford to spend another N9 billion on a house for the vice president’

age. Officials of the Federal Capital Territory that were saddled with the task of executing it were quick to point out that the American Vice President’s residence is even more grandiose. They were however unable to relate such plans with a comparison of the relative sizes of the Nigerian and American economies and the levels of development.

We recognise the dilemma of a more serious government in deciding what to do with the house which is said to be almost 80 per cent completed. Should it simply be abandoned; scaled down or converted to a more purposeful use? The onus is on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to decide within their plans to turn around the national fortunes, what to do with the project. It is our view that abandoning it is not a viable option. It is unacceptable that any project on which N7 billion has been expended should be shelved.

We recommend that a review of the design, contract procedure and construction so far be instituted immediately. Second, the terms of the contract should be scrutinised by legal experts with a view to determining if the national interest was put in jeopardy.

A Federal Government that won the hearts and votes of Nigerians on the promise to transform the country and revamp values within the shortest possible time frame cannot afford to spend another N9 billion on a house for the vice president.

The Aguda House which officially houses the second citizen is adequate for the purpose. None of Mr. Namadi

Sambo’s predecessors, military or civilian, ever complained about the residence.

It is even more outrageous that the new plan was put in place after the former vice president had got the administration to spend more than N2 billion on his residence. In 2011, about N900 million was committed to refurbishing and furnishing the house to meet the taste of Mr. Sambo, an architect. Such profligacy should have no place in our national life, and officials who have shown such proclivity should be shut out of high offices by a more discerning electorate. Since former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, made the unfortunate comment that Nigeria’s problem was not money but how to spend it, no government had given practical effect to the statement as the Jonathan administration.

In a few months, the Buhari administration would be presenting its first budget to the National Assembly. The government owes it a duty to walk its talk.

We want to see a drastic reduction in estimates for feeding by the presidency which in the past years gulped an average N1 billion yearly, furnishing the official residences of the president, the vice president and other Federal Government officials. This would give the government the moral right to query any attempt by the National Assembly to ignore public opinion on its spending.

Millions of Nigerians who live below the poverty line, deprecate the ostentatious lifestyle of many of our public officials. The time to effect a change of attitude is now.

Corruption: Before the prosecution starts

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IR: A few weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians that the prosecution of those who have short-changed the country and have stolen our collective wealth will soon commence.

In the past, there have been attempts at prosecuting persons perceived to be corrupt.

Sadly, most of those trials achieved little results. Very few of them were diligently prosecuted to a logical conclusion, while the convicted criminals were usually given a pat on the back through the judgment of the courts. Otherwise, how does one explain the short prison sentences handed down by the courts, or the amounts the courts ask corrupt convicts to pay in lieu of a prison term, which is usually a far cry from what was embezzled or stolen?

The general feeling among Nigerians is that the current administration will be different in its fight against corruption. In fact, the anticorruption posture of the president was what endeared him to Nigerians during the elections. Their expectations are therefore are very high. What then can the administration do to sustain and maintain the goodwill it currently enjoys?

In order to maintain and sustain the confidence of Nigerians, the fight against corruption should be total. In prosecuting corrupt individuals, the searchlight must go beyond the immediate past administration.

From May 29th 1999 to May 29th 2015, there has been monumental embezzlement and the circulation of our collective patrimony by and among a selfish and greedy few. From 1960 to 1999, Nigeria reportedly lost $400 billion to corruption. Although there is no accurate figure, the country must have lost about $300 billion or more within the last 16 years.

The prosecution of corrupt individuals should also not be limited to political office holders alone. The system is in dire need of a complete overhaul. Anybody who has illegally eaten our yams must return them.

Every institution of government should be cleansed.

However, we will be merely scratching the surface if we are focused on fighting corruption by prosecuting corrupt individuals alone without tackling the root causes. There are multiple reasons why corruption thrives in Nigeria. These are (but not limited to): poverty, poor remuneration, nepotism, lack of openness and transparency in government, the mentality of Nigerians that an opportunity to serve is an opportunity to grab their share of the national cake, weak institutions to fight corruption, slow determination of corrupt cases. To curb corruption, we must cut it from its roots.

• Frank Ijege frankijege@yahoo.com

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The term “Judas” can be found in many languages as a synonym for betrayer, and Judas has become the classic exemplar of the back-stabber. To illustrate this, let us take look at three figures and their impact in the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria as a whole: former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Governor Nyesom Wike. Enter Jonathan: This former President is perhaps the luckiest politician in the history of Nigeria.

From his incidental emergence as the Governor of Bayelsa State, to his ascension as Vice President, and President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is an epitome of unmerited favour, and his story is best told in a movie or bestseller.

But the irony of it all is that like the colloquial ‘money miss road’ cliché, Jonathan will score the highest mark as that President who did little or nothing for his motherland Bayelsa/Niger Delta - all through

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Judas as metaphor his six years in the saddle. From zero Federal Projects allocation to Rivers State, his refusal to implement the UNEP Report, noncompletion of the second Niger Bridge, to the substandard Federal University of Otuoke, among many others. The only difficulty I have in expressly tagging this one a Judas, is my limited knowledge as to whether or not his wanton negligence of his people was in exchange for silver or gold. Meet Amaechi: Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is perhaps the most intriguing character in our recent political history. From

Stealing is now corruption

S

IR: The immediate past prodigal administration would remain a reference point as the most corrupt and insensitive government in our nation’s democracy.

To the immediate past president, stealing is not corruption. He identified with the corrupt and presided over a government that embezzled public funds with reckless abandon.

After much criticism of his government, the immediate past president, in an attempt to demystify corruption made the worst political gaffe. “What is being referred to as corruption is common stealing,” he said.

And when the opportunity came for Nigerians to decide who would rule them, the majority defied all odds to ensure that Muhammadu Buhari, a renowned and reputed anti-corruption crusader, was elected as president.

With the emergence of Buhari as

president, stealing is now corruption and all those that partook in one financial misappropriation or the other in the past have all been thrown into yesterday’s dustbin pending when the long arm of the law would descend on them.

Before President Buhari’s inauguration, the fear of probe made many jittery, but Mr. President, in his wisdom, told the world he would not probe his predecessor’s government. How would someone elected to cleanse the Augean stables not probe those that contributed to the filth and corruption?

Some have been manufacturing excuses why the immediate past administration should not be the first to be probed. The last time I checked - you don’t jump 3 to count 4.

• Joe Onwukeme unjoeratedjoe@gmail.com

his highly competitive emergence as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, his landmark victory at the Supreme Court, and subsequent eight-year reign as one of the strongest governors in Nigeria, to his two- term victorious survival as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum during the ’16 is greater than 19' saga, Amaechi is nothing short of a colossus. During his years as governor of Rivers State, Amaechi became almost restless about the condition of the masses. He embarked on numerous people-oriented and capital-intensive projects, many of which he completed before his exit from office. He also championed the course of Education, the UNEP Report, Treasury Single Account (TSA), Sub-

sidy Probe, and he ferociously fought against the ceding of Rivers State Oil Wells to other states by Jonathan. The man Nyesom Wike represents different things to different sets of people in Nigeria. The more enlightened people see him as the worst Minister of Education in the history of Nigeria – during his tenure, students and lecturers roamed our streets like touts for almost a year, simply because of his refusal to keep to government’s agreement with lecturers. He is seen as a man whose governorship ambition cost him the friendship of his political master and brother Amaechi, and according to some of his Rivers supporters, he is the ‘the high tension,” meaning that he has the ability to ruthlessly cling to any

political interest, not minding the outcome. Throughout his stay as Minister of Education, Wike was of little or no advantage to the Niger Delta Region, rather his main focus was the entrenchment of a volatile group of young people in the political system of Rivers State, for the sole purpose of achieving his unpopular governorship ambition.

The only time that Wike mentioned the UNEP Report was when he visited Ogoni land during his campaign tour, but sadly, he made a mockery of the report when he lied that it would be implemented in two weeks. You know the rest of the story. I have highlighted the advent and political growth, public view, and overall impact in Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole, of the above-mentioned characters in order to ascertain whose participation in the politics of our country has brought good tidings to us or not, and who sold us out because of politics. Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus is a subject of many shades.

• Solomon Okocha, Abuja.

Ariara tragedy

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IR: Recently, a tragedy befell Ariaria International Market, a hub for commerce and trade in Abia. Security agents, allegedly on an operation to raid drug hideouts within the market’s neighbourhood, inflicted pain on the peaceful and serene environment.

The incident left in its trail scores of people severely injured, including a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Ariaria Police Station, who sustained a serious machete cuts from miscreants, and a few other civilians whose lives were cut short in the process.

The first casualties of the Ariaria tragedy are members of the National Drug Law Enforcement

Agency (NDLEA), who engaged in such operation in a densely-populated market and threw professionalism and rules of engagement to the wind.

One would have expected the agency to take a critical study of the operations and design the best approach to use. The lives of innocent civilians are worth more than whatever operation they went for in the market, and no amount of provocation should have warranted the use of live ammunition in a densely- populated environment.

I don’t want to delve into the argument of why our security agencies are still using live ammunition in the 21st century to demobilise mobs, while pepper spray and syn-

thetic ammunition can serve the same purpose. That is an argument for another day.

The second casualties are the miscreants who allegedly took the law into their own hands and made two frantic efforts to burn down Ariaria and Uratta police stations, and in the process injured the DCO and burnt two exhibit vehicles. People are not expected to take the law into their own hands.

Abia State is peaceful and stable.

Security agencies should live up to expectations by complementing the laudable efforts of the state government.

• Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, Abia State

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 16

21

COMMENTS

Babatunde Fashola as the APC’s broken idol (1) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC)’s mantra of ‘Change’ flaunts a supreme theme: that of the remarkable radical - or reformer if you like.

Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos State, impressively rose to become the poster-icon of the ‘Change’ movement. In APC-speak, he actualised the development master plan facilitated by his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, a two-time governor of Lagos State and leader of the APC. Fashola soon became the worst nightmare of Lagos’ brutish crowd.

Parts of the coastal city that erstwhile listed like a vessel bearing the coastal city’s rejects cum worst elements, cleared out to the purge of Cyclone-Fashola. Oshodi for instance, pulsated in the throes of the brilliantly rigged catharsis - a paroxysm that rid the transit township of the city’s worst’s elements, to birth an enchanting vista of change. Lagos had a no-nonsense governor. There was bound to be change. There was.

Armed robberies, the Ebola scare, impunity of Lagos motorists, educational hiccups, dwindling revenue and infrastructural collapse were some of the maladies Fashola faced and tackled with admirable zeal.

Large segments of the citizenry were of course, appreciative and enthusiastic of his radical and transformational style of governance, despite its shortcomings. Fashola thus enjoyed the resounding applause of a turbulence-weary citizenry that earnestly acknowledged his significant contributions to the progress of the coastal city.

Citing Fashola’s achievements among others, the APC campaigned for its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos governorship candidate, Akinwumi Ambode, before an increasingly critical Lagos electorate. While the APC

campaigned, Fashola was a sight to behold; memorable punch lines and poetic depiction of facts and proAPC slogans leapt from his mouth to persuade and titillate the consciousness of a wary and increasingly critical electorate. The responses were habitually awesome, particularly when platitudes meshed with facts to substantiate the party’s promising imagery of change.

The polls took place and the APC’s candidates emerged victorious with the party claiming gubernatorial victories in 22 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

The party was ecstatic; the future seemed promising for the new power bloc. But like Ola Rotimi would say, “Joy has a slender body that breaks too soon.” So does change. If anything, the APC’s much hyped change suffers the affliction of prodigal vigour, in Lagos State to be precise.

Fashola, the APC’s prodigious prince of change soon evolved to become primping peacock in the estimation of certain interests within the party. Scandalous snippets of a ‘progressive’ rebellion drifted from the party’s circuits, spilling beyond its ideological walls and sullying its promise of change. In the ensuing drama, Fashola is serially pitched against Tinubu, the man widely acknowledged as his benefactor and mastermind of his ascension to power and political acclaim. But like his staunch loyalists would say, Fashola rode to acclaim on the wings of his excellent performance as Chief of Staff in Tinubu’s cabinet and twotime governor of Lagos State.

“Therefore, asking him to man the driver’s seat was arguably on merit...Those who settled for him knew they merely gambled for obvious selfish extrapolations,” reads a recent diatribe against the political machinery that produced

C

ONCERNING the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I doubt if there is any serving or ex-corps member who would not have a story to tell. As for me, I have a thousand and one stories to tell. The ordeal of corps members across the federation is so heartbreaking and enormous that it would be difficult for one to discuss them in detail here. From poor welfare, problematic postings to the harassment and extortion of corps members by some NYSC officials, the list is endless.

A young lady who finished her service last year recently told me, “If not for the fact that I met a lot of young wonderful folks who hail from different parts of the country—and that was real fun for me, I would have comfortably tagged my NYSC year a ‘wasted’ one.” She continued, “You won’t believe that our LGI (Local Government Inspector) at that time would always harass ladies up and down, threatening them with all sorts of sanctions. Not bad enough, he would compel all corps members to pay, sometimes N200 or N300 each, before we could have our monthly clearance done, despite having been cleared in our Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) as well as Community Development Service (CDS) groups. For goodness sake, isn’t that absurd?”

On a fateful morning when they had all gathered for their monthly clearance, the LGI actually assaulted her. “We all gathered for the July clearance, I think, and we were told to pay the sum of N300 before we could be allowed to sign the Payment Voucher (PV) and I politely told our LGI that I did not have any money to pay. All of a sudden, he got angry and stood up and moved towards my direction and then pushed me in the chest violently. I was really, really dejected.” “Honestly,” she said, “it was as if I was dreaming.

No one has ever assaulted me in my entire life. Well, I reported to the nearest police station and got the Zonal Inspector (Z.I) and other officials involved. It’s a very long story.” She wouldn’t conclude the story without saying this: “Many corps members are passing through a lot. I’m sure

‘If the necessary reforms are carried out in the right way and at the right time, the NYSC scheme that frustrates Nigerian graduates today can go on to empower them tomorrow’

Fashola. The article, titled, “Fashola’s indestructible record,” makes an interesting read on web and social media.

This comes in the wake of the former governor’s rebuttal by a press release, of what he considers “manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing.” According to his statement, “They range from allegations of extramarital paternity of children, to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million, which is being distorted.”

All is clearly not well with the APC’s golden boy. But he keeps an appearance of calm anyway, like a bejeweled idol, exulting, self-intoxicated in the electric moment before lightning strikes. Lightning struck the former governor recently as the APC’s top hierarchy and all its prominent governors stayed away from his recent book launch thus leaving him severely shaken and bereft of spunk.

The APC’s golden boy has lost his fabled swagger and equilibrium, what is left is a feeble attempt at valour, a necessary performance of will. But how did things degenerate to this point?

Are the rumours about him unfounded or is his recent rebuttal of the allegations a frantic quest for empathy and recapitulation of facts?

Various unprintable stories pervade the social media and junk online publications. If his rumoured spat with Tinubu is indeed true, are the several versions of the truth worth acknowledgment? Has Fashola fallen to hubris or a chthonian overflow of the elements that entwine the fate of every promising politician?

There is no gainsaying he performed remarkably in certain areas of governance; Fashola no doubt deserves the applause he earned. However, contrary to the sentimental drivel of his army of self-confessed

loyalists, Fashola hardly qualifies for a Messianic status. He is a leader still in process. But the former Lagos governor, sadly, is entangled in the designs of self-seeking characters around him. The latter spiritedly ply him with earned and unearned plaudits as a practiced lecher plies a starry-eyed maiden with exaggerated flattery. Like the proverbial maiden, they draw him into a maenadic dance of death. Not mortal death per se but the demise of his legend even before the exhaustion of its prologue.

Fashola is very much alive but the golden boy of APC dies by the sedition of his own fable; the intelligible momentarily loses to the irrational, manifested as a fiery ego, an army of intellectual thugs and habitual fops gratuitously fostered by an innate lust for acclaim. The APC’s golden boy, trapped by his tar-baby loyalists and burdensome ego thus mutates into a crusted corpse in the party’s garden of change.

The impending crisis may be averted once affected parties agree to sheathe their swords and rein in their attack dogs. It was hypocritical of camp Fashola to claim that he was appointed Chief of Staff to imbue the administration he served with credibility. If Fashola was truly a man of integrity, he’d steer clear any political environment that could sully his name and dignity.

It is an open secret Fashola would never have emerged Chief of Staff and proceed to become governor had he not soared on the platform of the one (s) who his attack-dogs claimed “merely gambled for obvious selfish extrapolations” by choosing him - whatever that was in-

tended to mean.

Truth is, Fashola became governor because Tinubu took notice of him and enabled him.

As governor, he did what he was paid to do. And he was handsomely rewarded for being governor too.

Fashola did Lagos no favour, he was simply doing his job as governor.

Lagos however, did him great favour by allowing him serve despite the fierce antagonism initially accorded his candidature by interests allegedly in disagreement with Tinubu’s belief in him. Nonetheless Lagos appreciates Fashola but if he erred in his duty as governor, the law will make him pay. If not, he will experience the karmic onslaughts of the universe.

Those that pushed Fashola to rebel, goading him with sophistry and sycophantic allusions to his invincibility are urging him to his doom.

In time, Fashola will learn that they simply see him and his estranged benefactor as meal tickets, projects to be exploited and profited from.

It’s about time he extricated himself from the vicious grip of sycophant journalists, politicians and so on, deviously urging him to his end, in pursuit of their own meals. Tinubu is already yoked to such mad men and specialists in greed - but he seems to have mastered the art of navigating through the folds of their treacherous ways. Fashola should simply mend fences with Tinubu and retire to his law practice for a while. He would be stunned to see his self-confessed army of loyalists disperse to realign with fresh ‘projects’ or mugus to fleece.

• To be continued...

‘Fashola is very much alive but the golden boy of APC dies by the sedition of his own fable; the intelligible momentarily loses to the irrational, manifested as a fiery ego, an army of intellectual thugs and habitual fops gratuitously fostered by an innate lust for acclaim. The APC’s golden boy, trapped by his tar-baby loyalists and burdensome ego thus mutates into a crusted corpse in the party’s garden of change’

Reforming NYSC

By Kofoworola Ayodeji there are those who have really been traumatised but we never get to hear their stories. It doesn’t make sense at all and this has to stop!”

I’m also quite aware that a number of states still use dilapidated primary or secondary school buildings as their ‘NYSC orientation camp’. For corps members serving in these states, their three-week stay on camp is like ‘hell’ for them—considering the poor welfare. Having jumped over the first hurdle, corps members then begin to grapple with the issues associated with postings to their stations of primary assignment. And what operates today is a typical representation of square pegs in round holes. Take for instance, a Mechanical Engineer or perhaps an Accountant who is deployed to serve as a teacher in a secondary school. Isn’t that totally strange?

Established by Decree No. 24 of 22nd May 1973, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil War. And then, a little over four decades later, what has become of this brilliant initiative?

Within the past few years, there have been a lot of arguments as to whether the scheme should be scrapped or not. Those who argue for the former cite the incessant killings of corps members by insurgents and accidents, and ineffectiveness of the programme, as their main concerns while their opponents believe the programme helps to promote unity among Nigerians. To a very large extent, it seems as though these arguments have finally been laid to rest as President Muhammadu Buhari boldly declared recently: “I firmly believe in NYSC and I think it should remain a national programme to promote integration.” I also think the scheme should not be scrapped but it has to undergo very serious rehabilitation.

A total overall of NYSC Scheme is needed. This should start with effective and transparent monitoring of all activities of the officials—from the highest to the lowest— who have been saddled with the responsibility of running the National Youth Service programme. All cases of corruption must be thoroughly investigated and properly dealt with.

Corps members should be posted to their areas of competence so that they can use their fresh-from-school ideas to transform the economy—and the nation at large.

According to Mrs Rabi Jimeta (the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development), the yearly enrolment of corps participants had increased from 2,364 in 1974 to 229, 016 in 2014. And it’s been projected that the number may rise to 300,000 by year 2020. This is a huge number and the nation should take advantage of it. Imagine the deployment of over two-hundred thousand young energetic minds into the various sectors—Agriculture, Education, Health, Information and Communication Technology, Oil and Gas, Mining, Manufacturing, Banking.

This is not enough; they should be empowered and also given an enabling environment to work. You would agree with me that many of our dead sectors shall come alive. After all, the future of any country depends on the youths. If adequate provisions are not made for them today, then we are obviously sleeping on a time bomb.

Effective leadership as well as various capacity development programmes should also be introduced into the scheme. I’m not talking about one-week training on bead making or baking of cakes which mostly take place during the orientation camp. Inasmuch as those trainings are helpful, they are not good enough to prepare the next generation of Nigerian leaders who are expected to take the bull by the horns and cause transformational change—I mean our future leaders deserve more.

It’s also not a bad idea if low-interest medium to long term loans are made available to corps members who desire to set up their own Small and Medium Scale Enterprises postNYSC. Who knows? Maybe this would give birth to thousands of Dangotes, Elumelus, Adenugas, Alakijas in the years ahead.

The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi recently said, “We are still thinking of ways we can use the scheme to address present challenges beyond the original challenge of national unity and integration.” If the necessary reforms are carried out in the right way and at the right time, the NYSC scheme that frustrates Nigerian graduates today can go on to empower them tomorrow.

• Ayodeji is a writer and transformational speaker

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

22

COMMENTS

Job creation beyond lip service

S

PEAKING at the 11th Benson Idahosa University convocation in July, former president Olusegun Obasanjo advised that the nation has to reverse the trend of unemployment by “empowering the youth with skills and taking them off the yoke of the unemployed.”

Interestingly, it was exactly a week after President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted as saying: “We will no longer allow our markets to be flooded with things we can produce ourselves. We must believe in our system. Whenever you need my intervention at anytime, please come to me.” President Buhari was speaking to the Permanent Secretary, Abdulkadir Musa, and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Also, Buhari said with its focus on job creation, his government was ready to do whatever it considers necessary to boost domestic manufacturing and industrialisation. Buhari said: “So, we will shun all anti-development policies, and make the climate more suitable for entrepreneurs.

We will create the environment for them to thrive. Generating employment was one of our key campaign promises and we will keep that promise”.

While there seems to be a consensus on the need to teach Entrepreneurship in the formal schools as one of the strategies to create employment, little is done to practically and effectively achieve this. While there seems to be more emphasis and energy on the ‘hardware’ of infrastructure needs by entrepreneurial endeavour, the actual ‘software’ that will make more Nigerians willingly (my emphasis on ‘actual willingness’) embrace entrepreneurship with their heart and soul seems to remain unaddressed - or is, at best, not yielding noticeable result.

Consequently, I suggest the following steps

By Sunkanmi Vaughan must be urgently implemented: Firstly, public office holders must identify with fledgling business owners/entrepreneurs in their constituencies and tacitly endorse madein-Nigeria service/product through visits to the entrepreneurs’ business premises. This will serve as a form of motivation to these entrepreneurs grabbling with a lot of discouraging factors and help stimulate patronage for such businesses as people will love to patronise such businesses on the strength of such endorsements. In turn, business owners will work hard not to lower quality of service in order to live up to such endorsements. I commend and recommend to other political leaders, the personal example set by the current governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who has personally attended the launch of a few startups like a new school recently set up in Lekki and a hotel on the mainland. He should keep it up and extend such visits to other sectors like the printer in Shomolu, the fish farmer in Epe, the Cane village in Mende etc.

Secondly, most Nigerian formal educational institutions are presently teaching entrepreneurship without a comprehensive business opportunity handbook that adequately compiles the thousands of local and international business opportunities like it is done in most nations that have successfully got more of their citizens to start and run their own businesses.

The scope of entrepreneurial education for most Nigerian undergraduates is restricted to the knowledge of the few popular business ideas commonly executed in Nigeria and most of them are not even aware that there is a Nigerian-published comprehensive business opportunity handbook that contains thousands of business ideas, summary of

‘Government should immediately meet with the large corporations, wholesale importers, mega superstores and trade associations to track the sourcing of these ‘banned’ items by the big players, address their genuine fears and give incentives to large corporations that will genuinely abide by this policy by patronising local producers and suppliers of these items. The media should also help to report progress made in this regard’

H

AS anyone else, besides me, noticed the avalanche of persons, experts and groups telling, advising, imploring, mandating, demanding, and even begging of President Muhammadu Buhari what he must and should do to move Nigeria forward, carry everyone along or pacify given interests? If one were to be on the streets of the United States of America, one would say “It’s All Good” to see these calls and demands because it means that democracy is alive and at work in Nigeria. Some are even impatient, and upset, with President Buhari for “being slow” in sharing the dividends of democracy which recently got him to be christened “Baba Go Slow”. Again, “It’s All Good”, because democracy in Nigeria means that there is freedom of speech.

Following on the heels of these persons and groups, I want to add my own “request, demand, and urging” of President Buhari. Mr. President, please, you must find innovative ways to deal with ‘our teeming unemployed youths’ because conventional ways would not be enough to solve this problem.

To paraphrase my hometown’s man, Professor Chinua Achebe, of blessed memory, “when a game animal starts to run in unusual ways, then the hunter must devise unusual ways to shoot at it.”

The issue of unemployment among the youths of Nigeria, given Nigeria’s economic realities, on the backs of corruption, incompetence, inefficiency and prolonged bad leaderships, would not be solved by applying only known economic models. Mr. President, you must find out-of-the-box ways to tackle this monster because it is primed gunpowder waiting to explode in our faces. If we do not move urgently to solve this problem, and the unemployed youths unleash their energy, in their numbers, in bad ways, then the safety of lives and property in Nigeria would never be guaranteed despite the provisions of the Constitution to that effect, and in spite of whatever law enforcement or military efforts we make.

The lessons of the Niger Delta militants and the Northeast Boko Haram insurgents ought to be educative enough for us.

As a candidate in the just concluded 2015 elections, I was one of those, as was then candidate General Muhammadu Buhari, who went around and talked about “the teeming population of our unemployed youths”. Although the phrase means different things to different persons, the concept of “teeming population of our unemployed youths” needs to be universally described and better understood by Nigerians and our policy makers, for the issue can be properly addressed. Otherwise, it would be another electioneering

how to execute each idea, contacts of credible local and international funding sources, sample business plans and business plan templates, marketing tips and so much more valuable practical business information.

Consequently, most undergraduates are not sufficiently exposed to the limitless benefit of a business opportunity handbook. To reverse this trend, schools should take a cue from what’s being done in Covenant University, Ota, which has integrated entrepreneurship education into its academic programme and gone an extra length to provide its students access to the mobile app of a popular business opportunity handbook.

The uniqueness is that this mobile application is regularly updated with new business ideas, funding sources, business contacts etc. at no extra cost even after leaving the university.

Such a laudable programme and initiative should be extended to all schools all over the federation.

Thirdly, the media has a critical role in giving enough exposure to Nigerian entrepreneurs to serve as motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Most Nigerian media houses, especially those in the online, print and electronic categories are guilty of a discouraging practice of having the same advert cost regime for large corporate organisations and small/ medium scale business owners and startups. Perhaps, by no fault of the media organisations, the cost of acquiring media leverage by Nigerian startups for their goods and services is presently to the disadvantage of such category of Nigerian entrepreneurs’ potential marketing gains and brand penetration. The ultimate loser is the society in terms of job creation and the media itself, which in the long run may lose patronage from struggling entrepreneurs who eventually turn out successful.

To address this concern, media organisations should provide special advertising price packages for the Nigerian small or medium business owners either through individual or trade group mutual partnership arrangement or outright discount incentives.

Influential organisations like National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON),Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria(NPAN)

can facilitate such partnerships. Furthermore, the media should do more to extol the merits of self-employment and the small firm as a vehicle for self-fulfillment, economic rejuvenation and employment generation.

Finally, the small and medium enterprise economy relates to the large corporations and public sector sub-economies in a variety of ways. The real economic implications of the present Forex squeeze and tactical banning of 40 imported items by the Federal Government are yet to be fully understood even by most stakeholders and the government. The general theoretical assumption that these policies will automatically benefit the Nigerian entrepreneur as it is expected that more indigenous made-in-Nigeria products will be patronised will prove to be unrealistic unless the new government chooses to act differently. The immediate beneficiaries of this policy are the smugglers and corrupt customs/immigration officers because the demand for such imported products will result in their scarcity and fuel increase in such commodities’ prices which will in turn serve as incentives to the smugglers. Within a week of this policy, the unofficial price of forex in the parallel market has spiralled out of control, further increasing the pressure on the depreciating naira. Also, within a week, the price of frozen chicken (one of the 40 items removed from the import list) has surged from N750 per kilogram to N1100 per kilogram, an equivalent of approximately 50 per cent increase.

Yet these are the same imported poultry products, not those supplied by the Nigerian poultry farmer-entrepreneur. Except the government moves in immediately, this policy will not translate into economic benefits for the Nigerian entrepreneur.

Government should immediately meet with the large corporations, wholesale importers, mega superstores and trade associations to track the sourcing of these ‘banned’ items by the big players, address their genuine fears and give incentives to large corporations that will genuinely abide by this policy by patronising local producers and suppliers of these items. The media should also help to report progress made in this regard. No doubt, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will need to investigate and possibly prosecute corporate players that may want to support smuggling or sabotage this policy.

• Vaughan is the host of Biz Lifelines on Lagos-based Inspiration FM and Radio Continental.

Buhari, one more thing

By Chibuzor Obiakor slogan that fails and adds to the general failure of our leaders and the cynicism of the youths themselves.

Some of these “teeming population of our unemployed youths” are educated, employable, but unemployed. To have such assets wasting away is not only foolish on our collective part, it is dangerous because they are educated, young and energetic and have plenty of time in their hands. It is only better imagined what they could do if their educated minds, young and energetic bodies veer towards ill rather than good.

Some of the youths are educated, but unemployable; which is a verdict on our education standards. Others are uneducated, employable, but unemployed. Finally, there are some that are uneducated, unskilled and unemployable. It is equally dangerous to ignore the last two groups because they are ready tools capable of doing anything with their plentiful idle time along with their young and energetic bodies.

One of the reasons why “normal” economic models alone would not suffice in the approach to solving the unemployment among the youths in Nigeria is that each group of unemployed youths, as described above, needs different approach. The solution cannot be a one-size-fits-all; otherwise, our efforts at solving the problem would yield incomplete results. President Buhari should, therefore, seek unusual and innovative approaches to this issue.

Rather than have these human capital assets of Nigeria continue to waste away and pose potential dangers to our collective being, we could take advantage of their youth in nation building by designing specific programmes targeted at specific segments of the unemployed youths. Opportunities abound for them in education, agriculture, manufacturing and environmental work. For example, the educated and employable group could be used to revive our falling educational standards. The educated and employable, and the educated and unemployable youths could become “Graduate Farmers” that would employ not just themselves, but would create employment opportunities for others. Our moribund manufacturing sector could be revived with targeted programmes that can employ these young bodies.

Several numbers are bandied around about the unemployment of the youths of Nigeria. What cannot be debated is that in the proper context, youth unemployment confers economic and psychological states most worrisome, and which speak directly to “The Promise of Nigeria” to them as the future of our nation. But is there a “Nigerian Promise” as there is “The American Dream”?

Although this question is better left for a bigger space of discussion, if there were to be a Nigerian Dream, what would it entail for any Nigerian young person? To enable them to compete in the global village, that dream must include “Stay in school. Get an Education. Play by the rules. Get ahead”. However, under the prevailing circumstances, what is the motivation for any young Nigerian to stay in school to get an education if he or she would end up being “educated and unemployed”? Rather than have these Human Capital assets go to waste, we ought to use them to make Nigeria better for our overall good. Such is the Change we need.

• Obiakor was All Progressives Congress (APC) 2015 Candidate for Federal House of Representatives, Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Anambra State

‘However, under the prevailing circumstances, what is the motivation for any young Nigerian to stay in school to get an education if he or she would end up being “educated and unemployed”?

Rather than have these Human Capital assets go to waste, we ought to use them to make Nigeria better for our overall good. Such is the Change we need’

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Gains of Imo women’s August confab •PAGE 26

Aba as lawmaker focuses on roads •PAGE 38

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

PAGE 25

FRSC launches Operation Scorpion in Anambra, Delta •PAGE 40

At this year’s Iri Ji, the time-honoured annual yam festival, there is a sense of melancholy. Few bother to farm these days, and the ceremonial tubers are now bought, rather than cultivated. OKODILI NDIDI reports

•Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere flanked by Traditional Rulers, Ondo State Hon. Bekeknimi Idihiarhiand HRH, Eze Chidumem Okoro as Imo Deputy Governor performing Iwa Ji na Iri Ji at Itu Ezinihitte Mbaise during 2015 Iri Ji National Cultural Festival

Is New Yam feast losing its taste? ginning of every harvest season to thank the gods of the land for blessing the people with a bountiful harvest and to mark the beginning of another farming season.

In Igbo land, new yams cannot be eaten especially by titled men, until the festival has been celebrated as a mark of respect for the crop that is regarded as the king of all crops, which can only be cultivated by men.

The feast is associated with heavy eating and drinking. Friends and visitors are lavishly entertained with various yam delicacies like pounded yam, yam porridge and roasted yam eaten with vegetable soup and red palm oil and smoked fish.

In the past, great farmers with large barns of yam were recognised and rewarded with traditional titles during the feast.

But with the incursion of

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F

EW crops are celebrated more than yam. In the region, this tuberous produce is not just eaten at the beginning of harvest; it is celebrated with fanfare.

But is the king of crops not starting to taste a bit sour, especially at the Iri Ji, the yearly ritual dedicated to its celebration?

How? Very few people bother these days to till the soil and cultivate it. So, why celebrate what you no longer have any interest in producing as the forebears did?

The grandeur, essence, hallowedness of the annual event is disappearing with each new edition, leaving behind a norm that few traditionalists struggle to keep.

Iri Iji is one of the most significant and popular traditions of Ndigbo. It is celebrated at the be-

Very few people bother these days to till the soil and cultivate it. So, why celebrate what you no longer have any interest in producing as the forebears did?

,

civilisation and its resultant effect on farming, the New Yam Festival has lost the meaning and is now another gathering of politicians who use the platform to expand their political frontiers by making endless speeches without corre-

sponding action.

Another factor that has continued to deplete the beauty and mystery of the New Yam festival is religion. With the growing acceptability of the Christian faith, most traditions have been jettisoned as idol worship, including the

New Yam Festival. It is no longer acceptable for one to abstain from eating new yams until it is offered to the god of fertility, which the festival signified.

Even the titled men have embraced the new reality and can eat the new yam without observing the tradition nor considering the consequences, more so when the yams are not cultivated anywhere in Igbo land but imported from the Northern parts of the country This year’s edition of the New Yam festival in Imo State, known as ‘Iri ji’ Mbaise, confirms the fear that this rich cultural heritage may soon go into extinct like many others that have been termed obsolete and retrogressive.

•Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

26

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

,

Gains of Imo women’s August confab

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•Vice President's wife, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo acknowledging salute from the marching women From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

gracefully as they awaited the arrival of the special guest, wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari.

The event as expected did not fall short of expectation in any ramification. The expectant but cheerful

Enugu doctors stress standards

T

HE Enugu State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged members to uphold standards of the profession.

The doctors, who made this known during their 2015 Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference held in Enugu, expressed their commitment to quality healthcare delivery, pledging to work with the state government to improve the profession and overall healthcare delivery.

Declaring the event open, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi expressed satisfaction at the dedication of doctors to their obligations.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Ngwu, also urged the doctors to see their calling as a divine one and approach it with the needed passion.

He further stressed that the state government would continue to do all within its power to see that it worked out hand in hand with the

From Chris Oji,

doctors to bring adequate healthcare delivery to the people of the state.

The State Chairman of NMA, Dr. George Ugwu, said that the event, which was tagged ‘Group Medical Practice: Happy Doctors, Happier Patients’, is an annual programme which serves as a platform for doctors in the state to come together and deliberate on issues bothering on effective medical practice.

He expressed commitment to ensure that doctors in the state will continue to key into the principle of group practice which according to him, will make health delivery more convenient for the masses.

Ugwu also noted that the current state of medical practice in Enugu State is encouraging adding however that more still needs to be done to move the profession to greater heights.

He said,“In Enugu State, we have

•Aba-Ukpakiri-Umu Okpor-Ikot Ekpene Road

•Continued on page 28

looks on the faces of the women, confirmed that this year’s theme, which challenged the women to rise above traditional limitations and dream of a better tomorrow was apt and appreciated.

One by one the colourful groups filed out according to their Local Government Areas and marched round the expansive Square singing and dancing to the admiration of the cheering crowd.

The wife of the President, who was impressed by the large turnout of women and their obvious craving for a better society, charged them to continue to preach peace and work for the unity of the

country.

Aisha who was represented by the Vice President’s wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, stated that women have no option than to ensure that the nation remains united, adding that, “Nigerian women must continue to dream big, and work towards achieving big”.

According to the President’s wife, “the time has come for women in Nigeria to rise and do what they are good at doing, which is to build good homes. If women in the country do what they are expected to do the nation will not be the same and the women them-

selves and Nigerians will never be the same too”.

She enjoined Imo women particularly to remain united adding that “with unity of purpose they can upgrade the state to an enviable height of greatness”, while commending the Governor’s wife for changing the lives of the less privileged women through her pet projects.

Governor Okorocha in his speech solicited for more opportunities and roles in governance so that they can exhibit their potentials, noting that “if I didn’t give my wife the opportunity to showcase her •Continued on page 28

Is New Yam feast losing its taste?

•Continued from page 25 Unlike in the past, where great yam farmers gather at the village square to display their prized yams with the traditional rulers in their royal attires performing the tradition with precise caution to ensure that every detail is religiously observed, this year’s edition can best be described as a political exercise that fell short of all expectations.

For instance, most key actors in the event, who are members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the event because the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was invited as the special guest.

Instead of the harmony and unity that had often hallmarked the festival, the titled men also avoided the traditional venue and observed the New Yam festival in their respective homes, an exercise that was lacking in meaning, scope and motive.

Although the Governor in his congratulatory message to the Okorocha Mbaise Nation for the consistent effort in ensuring that the culture and tradition of Ndigbo remain relevant, it is obvious that ‘things are fast falling apart’ and may never be the same again.

The Imo Governor who was represented by his deputy, Eze Madumere, said that “the New Yam festival is another occasion to do honour to our culture and tradition as Igbos. It is not a surprise that year after year the great Mbaise nation, with friends and well-wishers assemble from different parts of the world to promote our culture and Identity as Ndigbo”.

Reviewing the situation, Eze Leo Nwokocha, described the New Yam festival as a veritable tool of unity for the Mbaise nation and a preservation and promotion of the people’s cultural heritage.

But Reverend Father Chijioke, hold a different view. According to him, the New Yam festival has lost its meaning and essence, “today none of these traditional rulers or titled men can boast of a tuber of yam harvested from their farm, so how can you be celebrating a crop you don’t produce. If you go to Benue state where most of the yam consumed in Nigeria is produced, they don’t hold such elaborate New Yam festival”.

He continued that, “the New Yam festival if for anything, should be a time of sober reflection on how our people abandoned the industry of their forbear, which is farming and to look at possible ways of re-launching into agriculture instead of leaving the false life of celebrating what we do not have”.

Nze Ozioma Chukwukere said, “It is painful that every aspect of our

public life has been taken over by politics. For instance, the New Yam festival in the past was devoid of any political partisanship but today you notice that PDP members hold their own differently from APC members.

“Another painful aspect is that our people have completely abandoned farming. In the whole of Mbaise nation today you can hardly find a yam farmer with a rich barn of yam as it was in the past. Any tuber of yam you see today is bought from the market. In the riverine areas where the people engage in fishing festival, they don’t buy the fish, they catch the fish by themselves and that is the beauty of the tradition”.

Eze-elect of Umuohiagu autonomous community, Attan Agbakuru, dismissed the insinuation that the aura of the New Festival is diminishing. According to him, “the New Yam festival in the Igbo annual calendar is not all about cultivation of yam but rather a form of thanksgiving system to appreciate God for keeping the people alive from one planting season to another. The yam was choosing as the centre focus because it is regarded in Igbo land as the king of crops”.

Agbakuru, however expressed worry over the growing lack of interest in farming in the state, especially among the youths, adding that, “it is really worrisome that our people no longer cultivate the land because of oil money but I am optimistic that with what the government is doing to revamp agriculture in the state, the people will soon return to the farm”.

In his contribution, Chief Amby Uneze, insisted that the New Yam festival still retains its traditional value and essence. According to him, “we still cultivate the yams used for the festival. In most Igbo communities, especially in Mbaise nation, we still have the yam producers known as the ‘eze ji’ who can still boast of barns of local yams”.

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HE curtain has been drawn on the one-month long activities that marked this year’s August Meeting in Imo State, but not without its benefits.

This year’s theme was ‘Dare to Dream…it is Possible’. The empowerment of women and the girl-child was the focus of deliberation.

Various women groups from across the country and beyond sponsored such communal projects as healthcare centre, markets, town halls, as well as award of scholarship to deserving students.

The wife of the state governor, Nneoma Rochas Okorocha, also gave out fully furnished buildings to widows and other indigent persons under her pet project, She Needs a Roof Project (SNARP).

As early as 6.30am, thousands of gaily dressed women converged on the venue, defying the early morning drizzle and dancing

Thousands of gaily dressed women converged on the venue, defying the early morning drizzle and dancing gracefully as they awaited the arrival of the special guest, wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

27

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Group defends ministerial list sent to Buhari

‘Moghalu suitable for SGF’

A

GROUP known as NESTLE has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to consider Chief George Moghalu for the position of Secretary to Government Federation (SGF), adding that the office should be held by a core member of the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said that by doing that the President would have given Ndigbo a sense of belonging and helped to strengthen the APC in the zone in addition to giving it a strong footing ahead of 2019.

In a statement signed by the leader of the group, Ben Ezinma, it said that the zone parades a galaxy of decent, reputable citizens with strong character and integ-

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

rity, adding, “No one fits this position better than Chief George Moghalu”.

He said that Moghalu is one of the national leaders of the party and the best for the SGF position from the Southeast, as he is tested and trusted, ready to work at any given opportunity.

Ezinma said, “Some of the rare qualities Moghalu which differentiates him from other leaders are his calm disposition, stable character, articulation, disciplined life style, integrity and high spirit of service which a good secretary to any organization must possess.

His past experiences speak volume of his capacity and compe-

tence to function as SGF in this administration. He has served in out of governments in many capacities.

NESTLE, hereby admonishes President Buhari to consider appointing Moghalu as his SG, a decision the president will never regret. Having served in similar capacity as the national secretary of APP, the office of SGF will be a familiar terrain and environment for him”.

The group said that Moghalu is like President Buhari, as he maintains a tough stand against corruption, having urged the President to set up Anti Corruption Tribunal for faster, efficient hearing, trial and quick dispensation of justice on corruption related matters.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A

•Chief Moghalu

•The suspects

Abia NSCDC arrests five over stolen oil product

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HE Abia State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded four men and a woman suspected to have stolen over 33,000 litres of blue diesel.

Parading the suspects at their Isiala Ngwa Junction Exhibit office, the state commandant of the corps, Dr Benito Eze said that the suspects were intercepted follow-

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

ing security tip-off.

Eze said that the four men were arrested with a trailer belonging to Chisco, a popular transport company which was loaded with empty crates of Heineken beer, while 75 drums of blue diesel were hidden inside.

He said that the suspects concealed the drums of blue diesel with over 40 creates of empty Heineken beer which the driver was supposed to drop at Enugu plant of the Nigeria Brewery.

The Abia NSCDC boss said that the truck with registration number EKY-847-XB is being investigated to find out if the owners of the truck are involved in the ille-

Federal roads being fixed in Abia

•Continued on page 38

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We resolved that we shall nominate and recommend some of our credible and dependable sons and daughters for consideration in your present and future appointments as a way to mitigate corruption in public office

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

T

HE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has started repairing failed portions of the Ikot Ekpene/Umuahia as well as other federal roads in Abia State.

Inspecting the progress of work at Umudike, FERMA Zonal Coordinator, Southeast, Mr Adebayo Adedayo, an engineer, said that remedial work on failed portions will continue till bad roads are made good again across the country.

The FERMA zonal coordinator urged that people should desist from destroying roads by building speed breakers on them.

•Continued on page 28

gal trade, Eze said, “But it has been proved that the truck driver and the owner of the stolen petroleum products are aware of the illegal trade and they will be taken to court for prosecution after investigation”.

The command also paraded a woman who gave her name as Mrs

SOCIO-CULTURAL organisation, Igbo Ekwezuo, has justified a list it sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for ministerial consideration.

The list was detailed in a letter to the President on July 13.

It read in part, “Your Excellency in our 2015 second quarterly meeting held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, we reviewed the activities of the government in the recent years and posited corruption as the bane of governance in the country.

Consequently, we resolved that we shall nominate and recommend some of our credible and dependable sons and daughters for consideration in your present and future appointments as a way to mitigate corruption in public office”.

In a statement made available to journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, after its monthly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and signed by the President General, Chief Chibuike Obieshi, the group explained that the action was necessitated by the need to ensure that political appointees of Igbo extraction meet the standard of the new government.

It noted that most of the political appointees from the Igbo extraction, who had served the country in the past, soiled the image of the subregion, adding that its intervention in the current process is to redress the trend.

The statement said, “It is high time the integrity status of an individual determined how far he can go on the leadership ladder of the country and this group will henceforth help the government to connect with those who have the right pedigree to serve the country”.

The statement also faulted those criticizing it for forwarding some names of politicians to the President, insisting that the action was designed for public good.

The group further challenged other ethnic nationalities in the country to emulate the example and ensure that “political appointees from their domain are people who are morally above board and this will guarantee the opportunity for the right caliber of people to mount the reins of governance in the country”.

Giving insight on the list sent to the President, the group disclosed that “the list contained 13 names from the 5 Igbo speaking states in Nigeria including one each from the Igbo speaking parts of Delta and Rivers states. Three women made the list and the choice of the names was neither based on partisan or religious sentiments”.

,

•FERMA asphalt truck for the repair job

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

28

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Prof. Frank Ezugwu delivering a lecture on reducing maternal mortality at the conference

a good crop of doctors that are dedicated and passionate to serve the people. But there is still need for improvement because our goal is to make the state a medical tourist attraction in the Southeast and even in the whole country. We have the brains and all it takes, all we need is encouragement from good spirited individuals and government.

“We are working in collaboration with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to ensure that healthcare delivery is taken to the least privileged per-

Enugu doctors stress standards sons in the rural areas; he is such a compassionate person and has given us the go ahead order on our plans”.

In a keynote address on the theme of the conference, the guest speaker, Dr. I. D. Onyia who is a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, harped on the need for doctors to work as a team in the course of their service delivery.

,

We are working in collaboration with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to ensure that healthcare delivery is taken to the least privileged persons in the rural areas

,

Onyia, who is the Managing Director of Imperial Specialist Hospital, Enugu, stated that it is when in unity and working as a group that doctors will be able to achieve efficient service delivery while attending to their clients. “We all need to work together because together we will get there and become successful”, he said.

Also, delivering a sub-theme lecture on Reducing Maternal Mortality in our Society, Prof. Frank Ezugwu; a Professor of Obstetrician and Gynecologist enjoins health practitioners and government to ensure that pregnancy and delivery are made safer in our land.

Similarly, the immediate past Commissioner of Health in Enugu State; Dr. George Eze also said that group medical practice should be the vogue of the medical practice in today’s world just as is seen in advanced countries as according to him, “such practice enables total care of the patients since others can be able to make good input”.

He advised that the medical profession should become more people-centered adding “the world is moving towards people-centered health care system and we expect that the health sector should become more responsive to the needs of the masses”.

In an interview with newsmen at the occasion, the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Emeka Ugbuagbor, revealed that as part of measures aimed at bringing about the best

Federal roads being fixed in Abia •Continued from page 27 Adedayo maintained that the repairs will continue to Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, urging road users to bear with them.

The Abia State Resident Engineer of FERMA, Abraham Akange said that all the materials they are using

•The women marching at the grand finale in Owerri •Continued from page 26 endowment, I would not have known that she is a woman with great ideas.

He assured that Imo people would do all they could to support President Mohammadu Buhari to ensure he succeeds, stating that “President Buhari must succeed since he has all it takes to make a good President”.

He commended the wife of the President and wives of state governors who were in attendance for

Gains of Imo women’s August confab honouring the 2015 Imo women August Meeting.

In her speech, the host and wife of the state governor, noted, “The value of every office depends on the extent such office is used to serve God and humanity.

The office of the Governor’s wife would be meaningless if it is not used to add value to the lives of the people and that realisation gave birth the pet project chris-

medical practice in the state, the state legislators have put up laws that will improve medical practice in the state. “I expect that the doctors will review on issues bothering on qualitative medical practice and that the practice of the doctors will become more people centered,” he said.

The conference brought over 2,000 doctors together. It was chaired by the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus; Prof. Earnest Onwuasoigwe.

to work are tested at their zonal laboratory.

Akange said people should alert FERMA whenever they notice failing portions on the roads, urging motorists to avoid speeding.

He cautioned people against building on the roads or on drainages, stressing that such are the things that help to destroy the roads whenever waste water gets on the roads.

One of the commuters, a driver with Goshen transport, Godstime commended the management of FERMA for their good works on the federal highway, which he said will make their work easier.

Godstime said that whenever the roads are in good condition that there are fewer accidents on the roads and urged them to move faster to cover other bad spots on the highway.

Another commuter who is a research fellow with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, A. A. Ikoro said that people have been expecting FERMA to commence their rainy season road repair and is happy that they have started.

,

•Continued from page 26

tened ‘She Needs A Roof Project’ (SNARP)”.

She stated that she had used the opportunity afforded by her office to her to spur women of the state to dream big to enable them achieve big, which she said necessitated the theme of this year’s Women August Meeting.

The Governor’s assured that she would continue to pilot the affairs of the Imo women to discover and

promote hidden talents among them.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of the state, Eze Madumere and wives of the governors of Edo, (Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole), Enugu State (Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi), Plateau (Mrs. Lalong), Abia (Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu), and the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Kelechi Ugwu.

People should alert FERMA whenever they notice failing portions on the roads, urging motorists to avoid speeding

,

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

PAGE 29

N400 acid, suicide attempt and… four years later: Man seeks life without pain D

INSIDE

ELTA State-born Taiwo Eko was tired of his life. It was not worth living again.

Ending it was the only option. And to a mechanic workshop he went.

He lied that he needed raw battery acid to kill rats that were troubling him in his house. The mechanic bought the lie and sold him a N400worth of the deadly substance. He consumed it. That was in 2011. But death did not take Taiwo Eko, 30.It instead left him with a health challenge. Now, he is desperately in search of how to regain his health.

The acid destroyed some organs in his body system. Now, he has been told he needs to go on another medical tourism to India for the damaged organs to function well again. His efforts at home and his first trip to India did not yield the expected result.

The acid has left him unable to eat on his own. He now depends on a device known as Naso Gasgric Tube to feed. To breathe is also impossible without artificial oxygen.

Eko told Niger Delta Report that he had confessed his sin to God for attempting to take his life. He obviously regrets it now. He added that his condition was getting worse daily.

He noted that after he attempted suicide, his throat and his voice cracked. His tongue was also affected, which made him unable to speak loudly.

Narrating how he attempted to take his own life, Taiwo said: “ I drank acid; I wanted to kill myself because I was not happy with my condition. I have no parents and I have been suffering for many years without help. I went to mechanic workshop to get the acid with N400 but the acid didn’t end my life the way I wanted. The people who rushed me to the hospital said I was already dead, that the first hospital rejected me. I was referred to an hospital in Delta State and nothing happened. They took me to University of Benin Teaching Hospital where I stayed a year and six months.

“But later the hospital management changed their mind to perform surgery on me. As God wants it, I met Dr. Richard Okonye, a man of God who volunteered to take me to India where I got treated.

But when I came back to Nigeria my condition got worse. So I need help to bounce back to life, please

Questions as Agip pipeline explosion victim is buried From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•Eko at The Nation's office in PortHarcourt .

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

forgive and help me.

“Apollo Hospital in India treated me to the extent that I no longer

breathed with artificial oxygen or ate through tube. I was surprised and confused that when I returned to Nigeria, everything got worse. I’ m now begging for medical attention to get back to India. I

PHOTO: PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA

know I will get better again if anybody could help me. I had contacted a doctor in India who promised to save my life. But my major problem is fund; I have no parents or source of earning income.”

Bad times as rains pound Joy as Lulu-Briggs takes medical mission Warri, Effunrun, others to the Island PAGE 30-35

PAGES 31

TODAY a vibrant, young Niger Deltan, Mr. Duabo Theophilus, will be buried in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Theophilus, who worked with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, died untimely. He was 46.

His demise is a grim reminder of environmental abuses, reckless exploration and exploitation of oil many of the International Oil Corporations (IOCs) operating in Nigeria have subjected the region to. It has also raised question on the sanctity of life and value placed on life of a Niger Deltan by multinationals when oil is the business.

The late Theophilus was among the 12 persons who died horribly on July 9 when the Tebidaba-Azuzuama pipeline belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, exploded and went up in flames.

The inferno resulting from the blast also injured four others with one person declared missing. The explosion which was described as deafening also quaked the nearby Azuzuama community and created panic among the residents.

Theophilus and his departed compatriots died in active service. The victims were at the scene of the blast to conduct Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) and carrying out repairs on ruptured spots of the pipeline when the incident occurred.

Six employees of an indigenous company, M.G. Vogas Nigerian Limited, hired

by Agip to maintain the line, two Agip workers, a soldier and an official of the National Oil Spill Detection and Regulatory Agency (NOSDRA) including an indigene of the host Azuzuama community were among the dead victims.

•Continued on page 31

Rat race tears Okpella community apart PAGES 34

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Joy as Lulu-Briggs takes medical mission to the Island

Port Harcourt gets new museum, zoo

I

T has been fourteen years since High Chief Olu Benson LuluBriggs, (a k a O. B. Lulu-Briggs), a native of Kalabari Kingdom, an Island of the Niger Delta, established a foundation to carter for the poor.

The multi-faceted foundation “O.B.Lulu-Briggs Foundation” operates five different programmes. Its Care for Life is exclusively for the aged who are poor ). The Free Medical Mission is for all, irrespective of age, class or gender. Under the free medical mission is also the foundation’s annual free eye test and free children deworming programmes and rural water purification programme.

The foundation also has a robust scholarship (local and oversea) programme as well as Law School Scholarship award. This is to ensure no strata of the society is left out.

The foundation has transversed communities in the Niger Delta, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and almost all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

But in all its mission trips, the core Island dwellers of the region (those behind the River banks) have been the least of the beneficiaries.

The reason is not unconnected with the difficult terrain of the core riverrine community and the obvious lack of health care facility in such communities to host the team for the five-day long medical treatment.

But beyond all odds, the foundation recently broke the jinx when it ferried over 70 medical and none medical personnel on a free medical outreach to Minama community of Asari-Toru.

It was a huge success, as health seekers came from neighbouring river-rine communities, to benefit from the gesture. The joy of both the beneficiaries and their benefactor at the success of the exercise knew no bound.

To the beneficiaries, it was like wonders in dreamland. They were happy they were remembered for such kindness. Their benefactor was happy that such exercise is possible in an Island community. Pa Lulu-Briggs’ long-time desire to also reach out to his own kith and kin behind the ocean has finally come through. He urged other island communities to wait for him.

Despite the inability of the team to carry out surgery in the outreach for lack of operation theatre in the facility the exercise was held, about 2,500 patients, including paediatrics, were treated in the outreach.

The joy of the community at the event cannot be over-emphasized. This was clearly demonstrated in the reception they accorded the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs. Sienye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, who is also the wife of the founder of the foundation on arrival to the community.

Old and young, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the community rolled out their drums to welcome the August visitor. They sang, danced and gyrated at the community’s water front for hours waiting for her arrival.

Mrs. Lulu-Briggs was visibly amazed at the kind of reception given her and members of her entourage. She described it as overwhelming and the best reception the team had received from any community since the inception of the foundation.

“The people of Minama are the most hospitable so far in our fourteen years of going out for the five-day free medical mission. We’ve been to almost all the 23 local government areas of the state, as well as Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states for this programme but Minama has been the most hospitable of them all.

“This is the only community that has, apart from providing accommodation to all our over 70 resident medical and

•Alabo Amachree leading the guests on tour of the museum

•SIGHT: A woman going through an eye test.

•DENTAL: Doctors attending to a man with dental probelm

•People waiting to be attended to.

•Volunteers for the medical mission

•Mrs. O.B. Lulu-Briggs being treated to a warm welcome by corps members at the Community water front.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

non-medical personnel for the period, but also fed us.

“Normally, we go with our food, but in this case they provided food for every one of us. Minama people are indeed the true example of the hospitality of a Rivers’ man.”

The chairman of the community, Chief Probyn Herbert Grans-Ege, had extolled the rare virtues of the High Chief at assisting the governments to carter for its citizens, especially in the areas of health care delivery and care for the poor.

Ege, who spoke through Diepreye Granville, said O. B. lulu-Briggs had used his foundation to lift the health burden of the country, and state in particular by, offsetting the high cost of accessing healthcare treatment by the indigent poor of the society mostly in rural areas like theirs.

“The foundation dared our difficult geographical terrain, which

•PEADIATRICS: A doctor attending to a baby

makes transportation cumbersome to bring its free medical mission to us; we are indeed grateful. “ It is a common knowledge that health is wealth and also that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, the health needs of any nation are of top priority all over the globe.

Health care services remain one of the basic necessities of man, so long as man’s existence on this planet earth is concerned.

It is also incontrovertible fact that health services are very expensive and consequent upon this, many people could not afford their medical bills and have been sent to their early graves.

“We commend all your efforts in making life very meaningful to the down-trodden and the less privileged of the society. Your Foundation coming to Minama is a blessing to us and the communities.”

The people sought the inclusion of their indigent elders into the foun-

•People being attended to at the pharmacy

‘

O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s free medical programme is indeed a very big support to the Rivers State Government; for us to achieve a healthy society and closeness to medicare

‘

dation’s Care For Life programme and scholarship scheme.

Sienye Lulu-Briggs recalled: “Since the inception of the free medical mission outreach of the foundation, this is the first time the foundation has taken the outreach to the Island dwellers.

“This is a breakthrough to O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation. We have been working, going to places, but we have not gone across the river to a community that is not accessible otherwise.

“When we came here the first time to check out the venue for the programme, we discovered that they are a people that are so separate, they are not the only one, none of the villages in the Niger Delta(core river-rine communities), has a hospital.

“If the present government of the state would consider and reintroduce the former Governor Peter Odili’s days of mobile hospital to villages in the across the river to take care of the sick among them.

“Although the foundation has a fully equipped mobile theatre and clinic but it is not for the riverine terrain but for communities on land.”

She expressed deep concern over the plight of the people living without any health facility.

“From our records or medical pro-

fessionals and volunteers treated close to 2,500 patients consists mainly, 481 persons that consulted our general practitioners, 430 children were seen by the paediatric doctors, 143 were treated for dental problem, 326 for the eye treatment, while 1, 012 for the laboratory tests while 62 persons were attended to at the Physiotherapy section.

“However, the surgery section of this programme is not in session in this outreach, the reason being that the health facility we are using here for this outreach has no facility to carry out any form of surgery.

“This is the fate of not just Minama Communities but the entire 33 Island communities and villages of Kalagbari Kingdom, that spread across three Local Government areas(LGAs), of Akuku-Toru, AsariToru and Degema.

“While we note the predicament of Minama community, the World Health Organization (WHO) in its statistics of health care system ranks Ni-

geria 187 out of 190 member countries.”

The event also featured prostate cancer disease awareness workshop with advice to men to form the habit of going for routine blood test from the age of 40 for early dictation and cure of the disease. The disease does not present with any serious sign and symptom unless in its advance and incurable stage.

The Deputy Governor , Dr. Ipalibo Banigo- Harry, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Somieari Isaac-Harry, said: “Prostate cancer awareness session of this outreach in a hard to reach community as this is very commendable.

“This foundation has been into free medical treatment to indigent rural dwellers in the past 14 years, it is not easy task, considering the cost of accessing medical treatment is generally high, the decline in the price of crude oil in the International market has even made it more difficult, because access to funds to purchase the drugs and other consumable for the treatment is not easily come by.

“O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s free medical programme is indeed a very big support to the Rivers State Government; for us to achieve a healthy society and closeness to medicare.”

He acknowledged the efforts of the immediate past Chibuike Amaechiled administration in achieving easy and effective medical care by his massive construction of health care facilities across the state, but noted that the present administration would do much better by improving on what is on ground.

He urged residents of the community to adopt the habit of accessing health care facilities in their communities for routine checks and also endeavour to eat right to avoid preventable ailments and deaths.

T

OP tourism industry stakeholders in Nigeria last week converged on Port Harcourt for the pre-opening facility tour of the Museum of African History and Culture and Zoo located in the Brooklyn Tourist Centre on EastWest Road, Rumuosi in Obio-Akpor council area on the outskirt of Port Harcourt, near the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The tourism complex is the brain child of one of the leading tourism practitioners in the country, Alabo Mike Amachree, the owner of Brooklyn Group of Hotels and former president of the Association Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

The practitioners were taken round the new complex to see the new zoo and the museum.

The museum has history of top monarchs that has left indelible marks in the history of Nigeria.

After the tour, the practitioners visited the chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Amayanabo of Opobo.

Amachree said tourism a major economic activity which generates income and create employment for the people. He added that for a country or state to attract tourists both local and inbound tourists, necessary infrastructures and superstructures that are capable of attracting tourists have to be put in place in addition to the tourists attractions. He said it was on that basis that the practitioners are visiting the monarchs to make suggestions on how the state could built its tourism profile and attrct tourists.

According to him : “Rivers State with international airport, seaport and

By Okorie Uguru

network of roads and the petroleum industry, has comparative advantage over other states in the country foe tourists’ inflow. Secondly, Rivers State was the first state in Nigeria to establish a tourist site known as the Isaka Holiday Resort in 1967 by the first military governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete Spiff. The second tourist site was established by my humble self known as the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach. It is also on record that my association, the ATPN organised the first Abuja Carnival under my leadership in 1991 without government assistance.

We organised the second Rivers State Cultural and Musical Carnival in 1993, tagged RIVCAM ’93.”

Amachree said tourism was not just about building hotels, fast food restaurants, organising carnival festivals that will attract the desired tourists to Rivers State as these facilities are mere ancillary or support service for tourism promotion and tourist delight. He said the state has to develop high class tourist sites and museums where our history and cultural relics, artifacts and monuments would be permanently exhibited for admiration by our visiting tourists. The tour operators would then market the sites and bring in visitors. He said also that development and promotion of tourism was entirely a private sector affair, and that government was to provide enabling environment.

Amachree said traditional rulers, as custodians of culture, history and tradition, should be assisted by the government to equip their palaces with relics and artifacts to promote tourism in their various communities.

He also called on the private sector and the government to jointly open up the rural areas by establishing private tourist sites, monuments, museums, tour operating and tour guiding enterprises which will create more jobs for people like the one he had just built.

In his response, the Amayanabo of Opobo praised the Alabo Amachree for the consistency in his efforts in developing tourism in the country. He also praised him for the new project, the new Museum of African History and Culture.

He said: “Tourism is a product that enhances the dignity and prestige of most countries and provides so many opportunities, employment and entertainment. It helps in boosting national economies. We are lucky so many tourist sites abound in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, we have so many places to go to. It requires government assistance to private sector to develop them. Your call came at the right time.

We will try to talk to the government to look at that area for developing in the area of employment possibilities.”

The monarch said if tourism was developed to its full potentials, oil would take a back seat. He said people want to see new things in Africa. He promised to be at the commissioning of the tourist centre later in the year.

The monarch also used the opportunity to call on the government to return History as a subject in secondary school.

Among the stakeholders on the trip were Malan Garba, President, ATPN, Dr. Mumbo Eniola, ex-permanent secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Dike, former director general, National Gallery of Arts, Prof Alegoa and many others.

Ibibio group celebrates 28th anniversary

M

BOHO Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), the socio-cultural and pressure group for the Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State, is 28.

As part of the activities marking its 28 anniversary, it reviewed its achievements and vowed to not only sustain but intensify the fight against the marginalisation and the violation of the right of the Ibibio sons and daughters.

It said: “Mboho will continue to respond to political issues, marginalization of the Ibibios, and will fight anytime and any day to ensure that the right of an Ibibio person is not violated while at the same time uniting the state and the entire country by living in harmony with other ethnic and socio-cultural organisations.”

Speaking with reporters at the International Headquarters of the organisation, the International President, Akparawa Monday Etokakpan, who was flanked by five of the 11 surviving founding members as well as three out of the eight past International Presidents of the group, said at 28, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio was matured and had achieved a lot.

Etokakpan hinted that the socio-cultural organisation will this year create additional three new chapters in Italy, South Africa, and Israel to add to the already existing 55 chapters spread across four continents of the world.

Etokakpan, who is the ninth president of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, expressed satisfaction seeing the group that started August 1, 1987 with just twelve members grow up to 25,000

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

members worldwide and has not also failed in its objectives, especially that of agitating for the well being of the Ibibios both at home and in the diaspora.

The founding members said the organisation has achieved a lot in training the youths of Ibibio land for leadership positions and as well recognised and celebrated their past heroes that were abandoned without due recognition.

The week-long activities marking the 28 anniversary/ founders day has as its theme, “ Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio: 28 years of leadership, so long, so good, so much more.”

As part of the celebrations which ended on Sunday, the group undertook a charity walk to Saint Anthony Destitute Centre at Uruan Street, Uyo, held a public lecture/ cultural display while the event climaxed with a thanksgiving service at the Apostolic church, Obio Imo Street, Uyo and the induction of new members at the international secretariat.

Among those present during the briefing were; Akparawa Ikpong Essienudom, Idongesit Udokpo, Comrade Ama T Ama, Akparawa Emmanuel T Umoh, Okon Ime, Dr. Sylvester Okon, Udo Silas.

Out of the twelve founding members, only the founding president, Akparawa Anietie Ekong had passed on about twelve years ago.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

31

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Bad times as rains pound Warri, others A

NYBODY who has lived or is living in the Oil-City of Warri, the economic hub of Delta State, knows that the rainy season is not a good time. Inhabitants of the city and its twin, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, dread that time of the year when the heavens opened up incessantly, pouring oodles of water into the haphazardly laid city. The fear of the season also stems from the anguish, suffering, dirt and diseases that come with human feaces from overflowing septic pits pouring into the streets and living rooms.

The state of roads, not only in Warri, but across parts of the state, has worsened over the past few months.

Niger Delta Report’s extensive check on condition of roads in the areas showed that over 95 per cent of roads in Warri metropolis and adjoining suburbs are in dire need of repairs.

Except for the recently dualised Refinery Road and network of roads in the Odogun (New) Layout in Uvwie, built by the Direct Labour Agency (DLA) and Okumagba Avenue in Warri among others, there is hardly a road in the area that is not fraught with fissures. The situation is worse in Abraka and not much better in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele and other parts of the state.

The Airport Road is punctuated by dozens of potholes of varying sizes from Effurun-Warri junction to Court 4 and various sections are washed away by water. A pitiable attempt to resurface the road left residents and motorists seething from poor job done by the construction companies.

The PTI/Jakpa road, which was dualised by the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2009, is not faring any better. Apart from being cut off at the Sokoh Estate junction by an end-to-end cavern, the road built by Niger Cat Construction Company, is riddled with potholes around the Canewood Hotel, White House and several other sections and junctions.

The story is the same for the Okere, Emebiren and Esisi roads as well as network of roads within the Marine Quarters, Ovie Palace, Sokoh Estate, Commissioner and several roads in the cities.

Roads in Ubeji, a serene community in Warri South, are as pothole-ridden as their counterparts in the mainland.

Traffics in and out of the one-access-

Delta Roads - An area submerged by flood in Ekpan From Shola O’Neil, S’South Regional Editor, Warri

road community are so knotty that it sometimes takes hours to navigate to the NPA expressway from the town – a distance of about one kilometer – during the rush hours.

The federal roads in the areas are worse off. The Warri-Effurun-Sapele road has gone from being one of the best roads to the deadliest nightmares for motorists. The dual carriage road stretching from NPA to the Effurun roundabout is in ruin due to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) initiative of the past government.

The plan to expand the road in order to create an exclusive bus-only middle-lane hit a snag when the planners realised, late, that a further expansion is needed to increase the incoming and outgoing traffics to double lanes. Bus stops (built on the centre of the road) coupled with concrete barriers separating lanes have not only reduced the road, but have made driving a big test and a course in patience and control. A broken down vehicle (or tricycle) on the now one-lane can unleash chaos.

The NPA Expressway is not faring any better. The nearly four-decade

highway has withstood a lot – heavy duty vehicles, tankers loading products at the WRPC Depot and several other vehicles use it. But the road seems to be saying ‘enough is enough’.

The constantly gathering pools of water from the Bypass and Ogunu area and other parts have started taking their toll. Traffic from the port complex to other parts are now diverted to the incoming lane to avoid the pits that have secretly crept in and taken over the road over the past years. The road has deteriorated further because of the stoppage of the routine maintenance usually done by the past administration.

The expressway pours into the East/West Highway at Effurun roundabout in three branches: one going into Warri via Effurun; the other to and fro Benin and Port Harcourt (through Ughelli/DSC roundabout).

The onward Port Harcourt road has also deteriorated these past months, especially between the PTI Conference Centre and Woodridge Hotel, where it is now more of an earth road than a federal highway.

Mr Aaron Aghorigho, a businessman, told our reporter that before car owners leave their homes to the office every morning, they need careful plot-

ting of routes in order to avoid the most pothole-plagued roads like Sokoh Estate Road, Housing Complex Road (Ekpan), Alegbo, Ugbolokposo and NPA Bypass among others.

“Unfortunately, the options are becoming fewer by the day as one road after the other gives way to potholes and become gutters. You cannot truly avoid them; you can only calculate the ones with lesser bad spots, the width and depth and decide if the pain of crashing your car through them is worth the mission. For most routes, you do not have that luxury, especially when the crooked road is the only option,” he said with a sardonic smile.

The appalling condition of roads around Warri and other parts of Delta State is not due to lack of efforts by the government. The immediate past governments in the state and the Niger Delta Development Commission invested billions of naira on the construction of access roads, rehabilitation and dualisation of major roads in the city and other parts of the state.

It was learnt that the problem of flood in Warri and environs is compounded by the jinxed ADB-Assisted Water Project, whose nearly 20-yearold underground network of pipelines are constantly rupturing and erupting

like volcano on Airport, PTI/Jakpa, Housing Complex and other major roads in the twin cities of Effurun/ Warri during tests. The hope that the project would pump water to homes and not continue to be unwanted fountains on the streets is dying.

Our finding revealed that intra-city roads in the university town of Abraka and those in Ughelli; those linking communities in Ughelli North and South, including the Abraka-OrogunAgbarha-Otor- Ughelli and Sapele metropolis are badly in need of repairs that may not come soon as a section of state fears that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa might concentrate on roads in the state capital and Delta North area to the detriment of those areas because roads in Agbor, Issele-Uku, Ibuzor and others are also awful.

In his reaction, Mr Victor Efeizomor, media aide to Governor Okowa, assured that the governor remained committed to his promise to make the state prosperous for all.

“It should be on record that the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has vowed to remained focused as his administration has begun to match words with action in its bid to fulfill electioneering promises to the people of Delta State.

“You will recall that the government not too long embarked on the inspection of some sectors of the construction work on the Asaba/ Ughelli road dualisation. He also carried out inspection tour on some major roads in the state, including Warri and its environs, with the intention of ensuring that the project continues. Also, the state government made available funds for the rehabilitation of failed portions of the Asaba –Ughelli road near Ogwashi- Uku. “Similarly, the government earlier embarked on the desalting of drainages across the state to provide immediate temporary solution to the issue of flooding being face by our people in most communities across the three senatorial districts.”

Efeizomor blamed the slow pace of road construction and repairs on the season. He said there was very little government can do under the prevailing incessant rain.

“Once the rains give way, the issue of bad roads in all the three senatorial districts of the state will be given adequate attention.”

Questions as victim of Agip pipeline explosion is buried •Continued from page 29 The Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment led by Mr. Iniruo Wills, has been mourning the incident especially the painful death of Theophilus. Indeed, Wills is determined not to allow the matter to be swept under the carpet. Even the governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson, after the incident, threatened fire and brimstone and read the Riot Act to oil companies operating in the region.

Dickson immediately called for a forensic investigation into the explosion. He summoned officials of NAOC to Yenagoa for an emergency meeting, but was unhappy that the Managing Director of NAOC refused to attend the meeting.

The governor vowed to explore all legal means to seek redress.

He expressed dismay at the absence of NAOC’s Managing Director at the meeting, saying that henceforth he would want to relate directly with the Chief Executive Officer when discussing weighty mutual issues.

He consoled the families that lost their loved ones to the incident and restated his administration’s commitment to the protection of the environment against any further destruction by oil companies and perpetrators of

pipeline vandalism.

He said: “In this government, we are concerned about the environment. The statistics that have been read out is alarming, to say the least. I can’t imagine in this state, how from your facilities alone, 656 spills occurred in one year.”

Some state officials, including Wills, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu and Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Boma Spero-Jack, decried Agip’s attitude.

But what caused the fire that resulted to the explosion? Even as Theophilus who hailed from Bassambiri, Nembe in Bayelsa State, is buried today, there is no official report indicating the real cause of the explosion. Maybe, the final report of the investigation if it is eventually compiled and made public will disclose how a JIV turned tragic.

Could it be that the oil company and its servicing firm failed to observe the minimum required safety standard recommended during visits to spill sites? The Commissioner for Environment, Wills, went into the books recently, dug out and documented guidelines on sequence for oil spill response and management in a condensed form.

The one-page document, titled Lives

before Oil, stated 12 actions that must be undertaken in responding and managing spills. First is to shut down pipeline or other spill source facility and notify regulators within 24 hours as stipulated in NOSDRA Act. Secondly, before conducting a JIV, there must be sufficient fire prevention/ fighting equipment, materials and competent personnel certified by the regulators.

All the persons in the JIV must be kitted with appropriate fire resistant protective equipment and a gas leak test must be conducted in the incident area.

Others are, protect spill area and relevant personnel and contain immediately as soon as possible; provide relief materials and services for af-

•The late Theophilus

fected communities; establish muster point at a safe distance determined by regulators, cordon off incident hazard area and conduct toolbox, safety meeting at the muster point.

Speaking to the Niger Delta Report in a briefing attended by the ministry’s Director, Petroleum and Pollution Department, J. Blanks and Deputy Director of the department, A. E. Adire, the commissioner said the government was exploring wide range of measures and sanctions in the law to hold oil companies operating in the state accountable.

He said companies could be dragged to court on corporate manslaughter to seek remedies for a firm which conducts its business so recklessly

that it leads to the death of a person.

He said the laws were not being implemented against environmental violators because of lack of political will across all tiers of government.

“We have not been resting on our oars. We are not satisfied with the level of compliance because there have been settled culture of corporate impunity in the oil sector. But we are now insisting on 100 per cent of compliance.

This time around, we must force change to occur by taking distinct legal action against environmental violators”, he said.

In fact, everybody is waiting for the forensic investigation ordered by the state government to determine the cause of the blast that killed Theophilus and to ascertain whether Agip complied with the minimum safety standard before engaging in the tragic JIV. Unless violators are punished to forestall future occurrences, Theophilus and other fallen heroes may have died in vain. Besides, the family of the deceased and the state government are demanding adequate compensation from the oil firm to some extent cater for the abandoned responsibilities of the deceased especially the child, wife and other dependents left behind by Theophilus.

32

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Navy’s battle against oil theft, illegal refineries T

HE criminal activities of the oil thieves and illegal refiners and bunkerers made the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral IbokEte Ekwe Ibas, to visit the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State shortly after he took over.

While at the NNS Pathfinder, which has as Commander, Commodore Shuwa Abdulrahim Mohammed, who assumed office on May 15 this year, Ibas warned the naval personnel against aiding and abetting crude oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum products, declaring that anybody caught would be sanctioned appropriately.

The CNS, while addressing naval officers and men, stated that the navy had declared total war against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and refining, as well as other criminal activities in the creeks and waterways, noting that the government and the Nigerian navy had done a lot, to ensure better performance.

The crude oil theft is becoming worse, with a whole community/village now getting involved in artisanal/illegal refining of crude oil, especially into diesel, which is sold for local consumption, while the criminals are now role models in most of the communities, without the elders and monarchs being able to call them to order, as some of them aid them for pecuniary benefits.

Nigeria loses more crude oil than any other country in the world – more than seven per cent of daily production. The Federal Government of Nigeria and the oil companies suffer huge financial losses, an estimated $6 billion per annum.

An artisanal refining unit is a simplified petroleum distillation unit, which is conceptualised like a crude school science project. It can also be likened to the production of the local dry gin, commonly called “Ogogoro/ kaikai.”

The aim of artisanal refining is to boil barrels of stolen crude oil with naked fire in a metal constructed sealed tank. The crude evaporates and passes through two parallel pipes, connected to the tank through a wooden constructed cooling water bath. The refined product then drips out slowly into a container at the other end, with different products emerging at different intervals.

Artisanal refining sites can be easily seen in creeks, forests and villages

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

of the Niger Delta and it takes about three days to get up to five drums of refined petroleum products. After the refining processes, the products are filled into rubber and metal drums for transloading and storage, from where they are transported to their final destinations.

Since most of the artisanal refining sites are located near the creeks, the refined products are usually transported through the waterways to the neighbouring towns and villages, while transportation of large volume of crude oil to mother ships offshore is done by the use of barges.

The barges and Cotonou boats are usually anchored within the creeks, where they are filled with the required volume of crude oil, before they are transported and transferred into the mother ship, which can be in the coastal waters of Ghana or Benin Republic.

It is unlikely to visit jetties within any of the communities involved in illegal bunkering, without seeing piles of drums and rubber containers used for transporting the petroleum products.

Most of the locally-produced petroleum products (through artisanal refining) are transported to the cities, where they are probably mixed with the regular products and sold in conventional filling stations. The dominant product is diesel.

Since the tolerance of diesel engines is high, it is usually not easy to detect locally-refined diesel from the regular product.

A major driving force of the thriving illegal bunkering business in Nigeria is market demand. There is a huge local and international market for the crude oil stolen from Nigeria.

While the stolen crude oil is sold in countries within the West African subregion and Europe, the locally-refined petroleum products are mostly sold in the local villages and towns, but now getting to Onitsha in Anambra State and Lagos.

A drum of locally-refined diesel goes for N7,000 in the creeks and as much as N12,000 to N15,000 in the cities.

The involvement of women in the whole process of illegal bunkering and artisanal refining is more or less secondary, because they are generally not involved in obtaining crude oil or in the refining process.

Women, however, play pivotal

roles in the transportation and marketing of the refined products, as well as cooking and provision of sexual services for the predominantly male operators.

Children, mostly orphans and aged between 10 and 13, also work in the illegal bunkering sites and run errands at the camps, while absentee owners of illegal refining sites always appoint managers to run the operations.

In 2010, there were 1,500 illegal refining operations in the region, with Bodo Creeks in Gokana LGA of Rivers state harbouring over 1,000 youths, who were directly involved in illegal refining, which might have been higher now.

There are three main sets of actors involved in illegal bunkering: those who compromise the pipelines by breaking and installing taps on them to procure crude oil for sale; those who buy the crude oil for export and the local operators who process stolen crude oil into low quality fuels for

the domestic market, with the three sets of actors referred to as oil thieves or illegal bunkerers.

Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States account for 80 per cent of Nigeria’s onshore oil production and a predominant proportion of crude oil theft.

Illegal bunkering and artisanal refining are rooted in the grim economic and social circumstances of the Niger Delta. Poverty is endemic and unemployment is high. Nigeria loses $6 billion to oil theft annually. 28,000 people receive incomes directly or directly from illegal bunkering.

The illegal bunkering economy has an annual value of $9 billion. Those who export 80 per cent of the stolen crude oil are not poor people. They are connected to the political and military establishments, as well as the oil bureaucracy.

Concerted international action to check the Nigerian crude oil theft is not feasible, because the stolen crude oil represents a minor fraction of interna-

tional crude oil traffic and does not present any credible threat to the world’s economy and international security.

Some Niger Delta youths are angry and have developed a deep sense of alienation. Their resort to illegal bunkering is an effort to earn a living and live their dreams, as well as being their expression of rebellion against the Federal Government.

Cult and militant groups also take part in illegal bunkering and artisanal refining processes in the Niger Delta.

Another important group that is involved in the illegal oil refining business is made up of individuals, who are not involved in any cult group, but are simply unemployed youths, with their ages ranging from 18 to 30.

The wages of the unemployed youths are usually calculated on a daily basis, but they normally get paid at the end of the week, when the products must have been evacuated and sold, while their wages vary accord-

U

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

exuberance and having a lot of fun, travelling around the world, making money but at the end of the day, everything went upside down because I was not properly managed. I was not close to God; I did not even know what the bible was. I did not even care about my standard of living until things got really bad and I met God and He changed my life.

“I was one person who never believed in churches. I am one person who believed that church is a fraud, a means through which people make money and all that because you read about a lot of stories.

“I have always argued with pastors and I never liked them and that distanced me from churches. But I was proved wrong when my wife had a major operation. Her fallopian tube got ruptured. For three months, she was in the hospital after spending close to N3m, I almost gave up my life.

“After leaving the hospital, she was still not

ing to the bunkering area. Some are paid N1,500 or N2,000 per day.

Marketers of the locally-refined products evacuate them from the producers and market them in bulk quantities. Then the women and children take over and sell to the members of the public in small retail units.

In some cases, stolen crude oil from pipelines are loaded in small barges and taken straight into the sea, where it is transhipped into larger barges (mother ships) in return for money and weapons. The practice has in recent years fuelled the violent communal clashes within the Niger Delta communities.

Artisanal refining is now undergoing structural changes, featuring concentration and centralisation, making possible oil theft on an industrial scale. The huge storage steel tanks being constructed and other requirements, including insurance in case of arrest, require considerable starter capital of about N1 million.

A major implication of this change

is that many of the small operators of the past now work for the powerful “big boys” and financiers, who can muster the capital requirement and necessary law enforcement contacts for the protection of the business.

Workers and other people with legitimate livelihoods are investing in the illegal businesses of artisanal refining and bunkering, in order to provide for themselves an additional and more rewarding income stream.

The industry is also undergoing technical innovations, while expanding its commodity chain. Well paid specialists now drill the holes and install valves on them for siphoning crude oil from pipelines.

The fee for drilling a tapping point in some Niger Delta creeks is now between N250,000 and N300,000, with the changes giving the illegal bunkering and refining business the grounding for sustainability.

It was also confirmed that the nationals who are mostly involved in moving stolen crude oil are mainly non-

English speaking, while it is common to sight Lebanese, Cameroonians, Pilipino, Romanians, Thais and Ghanaians, with the recipient refineries of crude oil stolen from Nigeria being in the United States of America, Brazil and the Gulf of Guinea.

Some naval officers are also believed to be willing tools.

Ibas said: “The navy has never tolerated its personnel conniving to wreck the nation. Any naval personnel that is involved in criminal activities will be sanctioned appropriately.

“Nigeria deserves a navy we all should be proud of. A navy that finds itself at sea, doing what other navies of the world do and not the navy that finds itself at shore, engaging in things that are strange to most navies. We are all aware that our nation depends majorly on the maritime environment for its survival and we are constitutionally mandated to ensure that the maritime domain is safe and secure, to enable us to reap from the resources therein, for the prosperity of our na-

tion.

“In recent times, the insecurity in the nation’s maritime environments has denied our nation of the needed revenue for developments. If we continue on that line, even the navy, as an institution, will find it difficult to survive.”

The Commander of NNS Pathfinder (Commodore Shuwa Abdulrahim Mohammed), while briefing reporters, after destroying 78 illegal refineries and setting ablaze 1.9 million litres of stolen crude oil in the creeks of Rivers state, stated that the operations were part of navy’s efforts to put an end to crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in the nation’s waterways.

The commander of NNS Pathfinder, who was receiving the CNS, at the same time the illegal refineries were being destroyed, was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Commander Chidi Ejiofor, and noted that the naval personnel had carried out many operations, aimed at eradicating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering

and operations of illegal refineries in the area.

Since the assumption of duty of Mohammed on May 15 this year, it was disclosed that the NNS Pathfinder had regularly been deploying gunboats for daily patrols and show of force along Port Harcourt and Bonny channels, as well as within the creeks in its areas of operations.

The commander of NNS Pathfinder said: “In all, from June 15, 2015 till date, the NNS Pathfinder has destroyed 78 illegal crude oil refineries and set ablaze 1.9 million litres of stolen crude oil in 65 days. Boats and many other items being used by the oil thieves were also destroyed.

“Our gunboats are deployed for patrols across various areas, including Onne, Bolo, Alakiri, Bile and Ke areas, Port Harcourt channels and Bonny areas.

“These deployments are in response to the Nigerian Navy’s renewed commitment and the Chief of the Naval

Akwa Ibom land owners to Fed Govt, Emmanuel: save us from untimely death

Why I became an evangelist, by Edo Reggae musician NTIL recently, Ovie Richard Okagbare (aka Ovie Whiskey) was a popular reggae musician but his calling has changed from the dread-locked man on the microphone to a man on the pulpit, using gospel to preach the world.

Okagbare, who was recently ordained as an evangelist, revealed that God’s call on him has helped to refocus his life towards using his music to propagate the message of salvation and spiritual healing.

The musical act, who recorded six studio albums before he temporary bowed out of music for other businesses, confessed that he was reckless with the fortune he made from music until God rescued him.

He told our reporter how the miraculous healing of his wife who had a ruptured fallopian tube, which is known in medicine as ectopic pregnancy, led him to God. According to him, “In fact, I started by having my hair like a female. I was in the world living dangerously and recklessly filled with youthful

•Destruction of stolen crude oil by personnel of NNS, Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

•Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and some naval officers, during the CNS' visit to NNS Pathfinder

F

feeling fine until she was preached to and somebody told me to take her to a particular church where I was told by the pastor that she was going to die because it was a spiritual attack and that during the operation, there was a mistake spiritually.

“How could my wife die? I was crying until somebody convinced me again to take her to Believers Ministry. I met the man of God, Pastor Samuel Osaghae who prayed with my wife. It was shocking I think God wanted to prove to me that there are few of His servants that He has sent because my wife could not walk after the operation. I was shocked. My wife who could not walk had to trek from the church to the junction. That was where I know there is God. I went back to him and I was prayed with and delivered.”

Ovie said he would now focus on using music to win souls and worship God forever adding his new album would soon be released.

Pastor Osaghae said that he encouraged Ovie to work for God through music.

• Ovie

IVE villages in Ukana Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area, which donated their land for the establishment of Universal Basic Education (UBE) Special Vocal School (a Federal Government project), have decried non-payment of compensation on economic trees that were destroyed in the area to give way for the project.

They have also decried government’s neglect following the destruction of their means of livelihood.

Members of the five villages, which consist of Ukana Ikot Ngwo, Ukana Ikot Udo Etim, Ukana Ikot Osom, Ukana Ikot Udo Inam and Ukana Ikot Ide , told reporters in Ikot Ekpene that the donation of their land for the project and refusal of government to compensate them for the destruction of their means of livelihood, had made life unbearable for them.

The land donors who spoke through the village head of Ukana Ikot Ngwo, Chief Effiong Akpan Udoeshiet said, “Since 2013 when government demanded the use of our

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

land for Niger Delta vocational school, we gave it to them as we saw it as a project that would bring development to the area.

“Shortly after we gave out the land which government promised to pay compensation for the economic trees destroyed, we never heard anything from them again. All we saw was the raising of structures which are nearing completion.

We never heard from the government again even when some of our kinsmen have died due to the fact that what used to sustain them as peasant farmers have been taken from them and they don’t have anything to lean on. Till now, nothing has been done to alleviate the suffering of our people.”

The monarch said while they appreciated government’s lofty project for the community, he decried the negative effect and untold hardship that they are currently suffering.

He made a passionate appeal to the fed-

eral and state governments to come to their aid by paying them compensation.

The Village Head of Ukana Ikot Udo Etim, Chief Effiong Udo Udo Enwene, said while the community really appreciated the siting of the project, it was however unfortunate that they have been made to suffer while they should be thanking God and the political leaders of the community.

Other leaders of the five communities who spoke with reporters to express concern over their total neglect were the village head-elect of Ukana Ikot Osom, Chief Monday Sunday Udo, village chairman of Ukana Ikot Ngwo, Ime Akpan Umo, Village chairman of Ukana Ikot Udo Etim, Ime Akpan Okure and family head of Iwe, Alphonsus Johnsons Iwe. They said the call for federal and state governments to pay compensation has become necessary as they do not want members of the community especially youths to react confrontationally with the authorities.

A human rights group in the state, Community Policing Partners for Justice, Secu-

rity and Democratic Reforms, has expressed displeasure over government’s taking over of the communal land without payment of compensation to owners of economic trees destroyed in the cause of raising structures on the said land.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr. Saviour Akpan, in a letter to Governor Udom Emmanuel, said the acquisition of the land without adequate compensation is a ‘serious violation of the people’s right to food.

Akpan urged the governor to take an urgent action to meet with the owners of the said land to “forestall unnecessary tension and a possible breach of the peace”.

The communities said the youths are gradually losing their patience and may be forced to embark on a mass protest.

They called on political leaders in the area who might have gotten their due from government to give them their rights.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT BRIEFS

FEATURE

Rat race tears Okpella apart

Ayomike: $16bn Delta Gas Project controversy is resolved From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

A

C

RISIS is brewing in hitherto peaceful Okpella community in Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State as Komunio, one the clans that make up the community, is at daggers drawn with the monarch, Okuokpellagbe, and other clans.

The battle may not be unconnected with the huge mineral deposits in the community, as it was gathered that some influential leaders of Komunio, also known as Afokpella, are on a mission to excise the clan from Okpella, in a move for their people to gain unfettered control of their resources.

A source said: “The revitalisation of the Okpella Cement Factory under the ownership of the BUA Group and other economic interests appeared to have triggered recent demand for autonomy by the Komunio clan as the company is located in the clan.”

It was further learnt that the agitation for autonomy by the Afokpellas is coming at a time Okpella community is locked in a battle with its neighbors in Kogi State over ownership of a large parcel of land with huge limestone and other mineral deposit.

The growing tension escalated recently when the President of Komunio Community, Chief Charles Adogah, authored a letter dated 24 July to the Chairman, BUA Cement Company Limited, hinting of the community’s move for autonomy.

Adogah told the company that his clan had decided to indefinitely boycott activities at palace of the Okpella monarch, Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRH Andrew Yusuf Dirisu, citing perceived highhandedness, tyranny, and injustice.

He asked the company not to transact any business whatsoever with the Okpella monarch on any matter that concerned the Komunio community and reminded the company that the parcel of land where the company is currently located and the minerals therein form part of the landed property of Komunio community.

It was gathered that those leading the agitation by Komunio clan included Chief

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Adogah (SAN), Dr Ayuba Giwa, Philip Magnus, a community leader and Messrs Edward Sado and Anthony Usman, both of whom are lawyers.

Our findings revealed that trouble started on June 16 when the traditional ruler summoned a meeting of the Okpella Traditional Council based on series of petitions from Ogiriga community that it wants to be a clan of its own and not under the Komunio community.

It was also alleged by elders of the Komunio community who were at the meeting that a hidden agenda of HRH Dirisu was to dissolve the Komunio Ruling House and make part of Komunio an annex of the Imiegiele Okashie quarters so that no others parts would form part of the Ogiriga and Iddo sub-clan/ruling house.

Chief Adogah, Dr. Ayuba, Sadoh and Usman wrote a strong-worded letter to the monarch accusing him of plotting to dislodge them from the place they have occupied for over 300 years.

They reminded the monarch that the same gazette legal notice, which recognised his position as Clan head or Paramount Chief of Okpella equally recognised the Komunio Ruling House of the Oteku Subclan of Okpella clan.

The letter reads: “No law or rule of law vests jurisdiction in you to decapitate Okpella, eliminate kindred and or villages or sub-clans or ruling houses that you hate and add more to your own village or any other for the purpose of “divide and rule” or to ignite inter-kindred conflicts.

“No law or rule of law vest in you or any Clan head of Okpella as at today in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, any jurisdiction to make any declaration of the title to land as you have purported to do in favour of your own kindred and others or at all, certainly not after more than 300years of our ownership and occupation of the said land area.

“We have hitherto believed that the unity and peaceful coexistence of Okpella was one of your primary responsibilities and not its economic exploita-

tion and despoliation, which is the only reason you are attempting this patent lawlessness and illegality after all the assistance we have personally rendered to you to assist in the maintenance of peace in our beloved clan.

“We shall make a report of this lawlessness and caprice to the Government of Edo state that made the legal notice under reference so that they can be forewarned of your moves to cause significant and serious security breaches and challenges for the State where none currently exists,” the letter added.

The monarch was accused of deliberately increasing the number of villages in Okpella from seven he inherited in 1971 to 120. This action, they argued, made Okpella too large to be under the leadership of one traditional ruler.

In his response to the letter from the lawyers, HRH Dirisu explained that no final decision on the issue raised at the meeting was reached regarding the dissolution or annexation of any part of Okpella and described it as the figment of the imagination of the authors.

He said: “The Palace expresses dismay at the language of your letter and content on issue which it is displaying every act and diplomacy at its disposal in resolving. More painful is the fact that you are all gentlemen who have unfettered access to the palace from which you could have obtained the facts of the matter.

“The substance of the matter is that there were petitions from Ogiriga Community regarding their continued grouping under Ukhomunyo. As these were continuing unabated and increasingly provocative, the Palace summoned the Okpella Traditional Council to discuss and evaluate the issues raised at its meeting held on 16th June 2015. No decision was arrived at that meeting regarding the dissolution or annexation of any part of Okpella.

It is the figment of the imagination of the authors.

“The Palace is undeterred by the very strong unwarranted and unjustifiable vituperations and threat in the tone of your letter. It will continue in its efforts and

Afegbua endeavors in ensuring the unity and co-existence of our clans.”

It was learnt that another meeting slated for June 27 was boycotted by Komunio clan.

Sadoh explained that they viewed it as a matter beyond the legal competence of Okpella Traditional Council.

He stated that it is now a matter within the exclusive competence of the Edo State Executive Council and the legislature.

Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, who hails from the community, said nobody can redraw the map of Okpella. He accused the Komunios of seeking autonomy for economic reasons.

Prince Afegbua stated that the Komunio clan earlier kicked against agitation by his ruling house for the creation of more clans for more political and economic patronage.

He said some companies left Okpella because of economic agitation which he noted left many youths jobless.

According to him, “Are they conducting a plebiscite or are they going to rewrite the history of Okpella? I am surprised that a particular community wants to pull out. Are they going to use caterpillar to uproot their houses? Are they saying they are no longer under the political leadership of the king?

If they want to take such measure, there are procedures in law to take such measures. I expect that as we are moving forward, people should be talking about how to move community forward and not issues of clannish and ethnic sentiments. It should not be the driving force in promoting communal prosperity.”

Dr. Ayuba, who faulted Afegbua ‘s claim, said the battle for the Komunio clan land was because of the huge mineral deposit therein not found in other clans. He said their agitation was to free them from oppression and further incursion on their ancestral land.

When contacted on phone, HRH Dirisu said he traveled out of the country and described the agitators as his subjects whom he would not join issues with on the pages of newspapers.

FRONTLINE Itsekiri leader from Ugborodo (Escravos) in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa J.O.S Ayomike, has assured that the controversy over the $16 billion gas project in the community has been laid to rest.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent comments on the project, the Itsekiri leader advised his kinsmen, particularly of Ugborodo lineage, to refrain from unauthorized statements capable of derailing the multibillion dollar project in the Itsekiri community.

The $16bn project had generated controversy among the Ugborodo leaders and later between the Itsekiri community and their Ijaw neighbours of Gbaramatu clan, leading to concerns that the project might be relocated from the state.

However, Ayomike said, “As a frontline Itsekiri leader (and of Ugborodo), I have been at the centre of the on-going reconciliation to bring lasting peace to Ugborodo Community, hence I have refrained from making statements concerning the EPZ Project.

“This silence has to be broken at last in the interest of the Community regarding the NNPC-driven EPZ Project in Ogidigben-Ajudaibo in Ugborodo Community. The controversies trailing the project-siting had long ended and work is progressing as programmed. Therefore, recent comments and press interviews on the project, not authorized by the Chairman of the EPZ Interface Committee, should be completely ignored by the public.

“Until early this year when President Jonathan turned the sod on the site, negative reports/comments often appeared on the siting controversies. A reconciliation process, at whose centre I am, working round the clock to achieve full peace in Ugborodo, is nearing conclusion.

“Therefore, nobody of Ugborodo – no matter his personal feelings – is permitted to comment outside the Chairman of the EPZ-Interface Committee on the proposed Gbaramatu Seaport Project, an arm of the Escravos Development Programme promoted by the Nigeria Port Authority, for which land is yet to be acquired.

“In making this statement, full consultations have been made with all peace-loving people of Ugborodo Community who are anxiously inviting our new Governor to visit this biggest projectto-be in his State, in preparing the ground for the visit of Mr. President,” he added Pa Ayomike urged all prospective investors in the project to take advantage of the restructured NNPC to get involved in the project, which, he said, will help develop Ugbodoro.

Award for Bayelsa NSCDC

T

HE Bayelsa State command headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently witnessed a beehive of activities. It was not the regular parade of suspected vandals neither was it the regular lectures on security and related topics.

It was rather an award ceremony. The state Commandant of the outfit, Mr. Desmond Agu, was singled out for a befitting honour by the Credible and Strong Saron Communications Limited, the publishers of African Peoples Voice.

Agu was recognised as the best civil defence commandant in the country. His virtues, commitment, discipline, agility and passion to rid the state of vandalism and stop the scourge of oil theft stood him out. Besides, Agu has been a role model for his men and officers who without mincing words describe him as an amiable, friendly and generous commandant.

He is known to have repositioned and remodeled the hitherto dishonorable state NSCDC. His reign has made the security outfit competitive, admirable and respected among other security agencies in the state. Little wonder Saron Communications came all the way from Abuja to Yenagoa to confer on Agu an award of excellence.

Presenting the award, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saron Communications, Elder Samson Olayinka, described Agu as a distinguished icon, a professional expert, the most proactive civil defence senior officer and the best state com-

From Mike Odiegwu

mandant in the country.

"We have come across many people that are shinning in their fields of endeavour. There are many Nigerians who do beyond the call of duty in their respective chosen careers, offices and in different position of leadership they find themselves," he said.

He said the commandant fell into the categories of persons who deserved to be appreciated and awarded. He said Agu has contributed immensely in the professional development of security in Nigeria. According to him Agu's professional contributions, leadership style and administrative acumen were incomparable.

He said the award was given to him after carefully analysing the period he took over the state command of NSCDC and the level of improvement he brought to the command.

He said: "This is a man that met the command in total decay and has worked tirelessly to transform the command through his commitment to the provision of critical infrastructure as well as other facilities to change the face of the state command officer to a better one".

He described the profile of the commandant as intimidating and a source of inspiration.

Addressing Agu, he said: "He has achieved relevance, respect and recognition through hard work and dedication to his calling. All these attributes, antecedents and recommendations from sampling opinions are what earned you the honour of this prestigious position and award".

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

remember. I will always remember Brother Nyesom Wike was in the spirit.

He could not have been anything less.

The atmosphere at the crusade ground of the Lord Chosen Charismatic Renewal Ministry was enough to turn even the devil to an angel.

Invisible eyes could see angels singing and praying. The presence of the church’s General Overseer added the impetus to make the environment not conducive for anything that was not of God. And if anything not of God had sneaked in there, the spirit would have arrested it. It is, however, not impossible that the spirit can relax its grip after the fellow must have returned to his or her natural habitat.

I forgot for a moment that the man speaking was a politician. “The way the God of Chosen did it on April 11, that is how he will do it again,” he said, and I saw the image of a believer.

He was to add the clincher later on: “Those who are fighting and plotting to truncate the lifespan of the mandate freely given to me by the people of Rivers State will be disgraced by the God of Chosen.”

Like an obedient servant, Rivers State Governor Wike knelt and Pastor Lazarus Mouka prayed for him. His mien was that of a man who had surrendered all. And it would have been perfected if he had bellowed: “I surrender all, I surrender all.”

The following day, Pastor Muoka visited him in his office. There again, he laid hand on Brother Wike. A day later, another man of God was also at the governor’s office. He also laid hand on Brother Wike.

Looking at the pictures bring to mind the trials of Brother Wike, the commander of Rivers politics as he is addressed by his supporters.

With all his trials, he sure needs all the prayers available. It won’t be out of place if clerics take turn every morning to pray for him. Emissaries can also be sent to the mountain tops for supplications on behalf of our dear brother.

Since May 29 when he took office, it has been one challenge after the other, which as far as he and his people are concerned are mere sound and fury amplified by the opposition media to create the impression that all is not well.

Of the challenges Brother Wike has faced, one has stuck out like a sore thumb: his visits to the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. A subAssistant Editor with The Punch, Olusola Fabiyi, got wind of the visits and it made the front page of the national newspaper. It was published with Wike’s reaction explaining why he visited. One of the reasons was that he visited to thank the CJN for sending the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State to swear him in as governor on May 29. He also said he was there to discuss the issue of a substantive Chief Judge for Rivers State.

The report made not a few accuse the governor of ulterior motive. Their argument is that at a time the Election Petition Tribunal is hearing Dr. Dakuku Peterside’s case against his election, such visits could not be plain. He fired back with a full-page statement published in This Day.

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

The praying governor

‘

So far, on the legal fronts, the APC has cause to smile. But there is nothing prayer cannot do. His Excellency is praying.

Men of God are laying hands on him. He has done thanksgiving more than any other elected officials.

He even worshipped at Dr. Peterside’s church •Brother Wike receiving the anointing There he attempted to impugn the character of the reporter and The Punch. He even attempted to give a lecture on what news should be.

But of all the things he said one sounded like he was saying would he have visited in the afternoon if he was there to influence the CJN. This raised the poser: So, is it at night that judicial officers are compromised?

The pictures of the governor submitting to prayers make me remember two books, The Power of a praying husband, which my wife bought for me when we were going to get married and The Power of a Praying wife. Now, Wike is selling to us the image of a praying governor. Will his prayers be answered? It is too early to tell.

‘

Already the attempts of his legal team to stop the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr Peterside against him have failed.

The last of the attempts failed earlier in the week.

The Justice Mu’azu Pindiga-led tribunal held that the joint request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Wike for the dismissal of the petition, was misplaced.

INEC, PDP and Wike had, in separate motions by their lawyers, sought the dismissal of the petition on the ground that the petitioners failed to comply with the provision of Paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act 2010 by

LAST WORD

O

N May 21, 1994, Ken Saro-Wiwa; Ledum Mitee, Dr. Barinem Kiobel and twelve others were arrested by soldiers and charged with the murder of the four prominent Ogoni sons.

Saro-Wiwa, like other suspects, was severely beaten and injured, even before interrogation, and his legs were chained together for ten days, in spite of his heart condition.

The Justice Ibrahim Auta-led Ogoni Civil Disturbances Tribunal, set up by the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was inaugurated by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Bello, in November 1994, to try the fifteen Ogoni men, who were charged with the killing of the Ogoni-Four. The trial commenced in February 1995, while the members of the tribunal were sitting in Port Harcourt.

Saro-Wiwa and others, except Mitee, were hanged after a kangaroo trial. At the heart of Ogoni’s crisis is oil giant Shell, which the people eventually banished. Its land and water are polluted and not useful for productive use. And when former President Goodluck Jonathan, who spent the bulk of growing up years in Rivers State, where Ogoniland is, became President, the people were hopeful that the clean-up of the area would be done. Jonathan spent six years as president and failed the Ogoni people.

Buhari seems ready to perform where he failed. On Wednesday, the president approved the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the United Nations

not paying the stipulated fee of N100 for their application for the issuance of pre-hearing notices (Form TF 007) to parties.

They added that by not paying the fee, the petitioners were yet to key into the tribunal’s jurisdiction and were deemed to have abandoned their petition.

The tribunal, however, said the issuance of prehearing notice was not part of documents for which a filing fee must be paid as prescribed in the First Schedule to the Electoral Act. The tribunal also held that contrary to the argument by INEC, PDP and Wike, the APC and Peterside validly applied for the issuance of the pre-hearing notice within seven days after the conclusion of exchange of processes by parties.

Justice Pindiga: “There is no defect in the prehearing notice. The tribunal therefore holds that the application filed by the 1st respondent (INEC) is hereby discountenanced and accordingly dismissed.”

Earlier, the tribunal refused to strike out the petition by the APC candidate as prayed by Wike, who argued among others, that Peterside lacked the locus standi to file the petition on account of his not being a valid candidate for the election.

Wike had faulted the notice issued to INEC by the APC in relation to its congress, alleging that it was issued less than the 21 days stipulated by law.

He also challenged the constitution of the tribunal and its decision to sit in Abuja as against where the election was held.

Justice Pindiga held that the notice to INEC was validly issued and that the tribunal was duly constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal, adding that its sitting in Abuja on security reason had not rendered it incompetent to hear and determine the petition.

At another time, the Judge faulted Wike’s legal team’s argument that proximity and accessibility were major determining factors in deciding the sitting venue of a tribunal.

The tribunal held that proximity and accessibility could not be determined in the absence of security for the tribunal members and litigants. And just two days ago, the tribunal insisted that the poll materials must be inspected.

So far, on the legal fronts, the APC has cause to smile. But there is nothing prayer cannot do.

His Excellency is praying. Men of God are laying hands on him. He has done thanksgiving more than any other elected officials. He even worshipped at Dr. Peterside’s church. I think he will continue to seek the face of men of God. My final take: As Wike is praying, Dr Peterside is also praying. That brings me to an unresolved issue in football. Each time two teams want to start a match, each of them offers prayers to God. Who should God answer? The best team most times carries the day. For me, in the matter of Rivers, where blood flowed before, during and after the elections, it is the truth that will prevail.

Whoever has a hand in shedding the blood of others will not reap the benefits. Amen.

BISI OLANIYI

Ogoniland, Buhari, Jonathan and history Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) environmental assessment of Ogoniland. It is a fulfillment of his electioneering campaign.

During the 2015 presidential campaigns, he visited Ogoniland and he promised the stakeholders that upon his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he would ensure the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the UNEP report.

The Ogoni are excited.

On August 4, 2011, the 262-page UNEP’s main report was received by Jonathan. He set up a Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), headed by the ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The primary objective of the PIC was to review the UNEP report and make recommendations to the Federal Government on the remedial and long-term solutions. The report of the committee was subsequently submitted to former President Jonathan, without the content made public.

Rather than implementing the UNEP report, the Jonathan’s administration, on the eve of the first anniversary of the release of the allencompassing and strategic UNEP report, set up the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) on July 20, 2012.

The inauguration of HYPREP was based on the provisions of the Petroleum Act CAP 350

LFN 2004, as a special unit under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to cover all pollution sites in the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.

HYPREP is to investigate and evaluate all hydrocarbon polluted communities and sites in Nigeria and make recommendations to the Federal Government. HYPREP will also restore all the communities and sites established as impacted by hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria.

An Ogoni daughter, Mrs. Joy Nunieh-Okunnu, was appointed as the National Coordinator HYPREP, but MOSOP kicked against the Federal Government’s HYPREP initiative, while insisting on the full implementation of the UNEP report.

The UNEP report stated that the water in Nsisioken-Ogale-Eleme, Eleme (Ogoni) Local Government Area of Rivers State, contained cancer-causing Benzene (carcinogen), which was 900 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standards for water contamination, thereby requiring urgent attention.

The report also revealed that the sustainable environmental restoration of Ogoniland would take up to 20 years to achieve and would require coordinated efforts from government agencies at all levels, thereby recommending that the Federal Government should establish an Ogoniland Environmental Restoration

Authority.

The UNEP report indicated that the full environmental restoration of Ogoniland would be a project, which would take 30 years to complete, after the pollution had been brought to an end, while recommending the establishment of an Environmental Restoration Fund for Ogoniland, with initial fund of $1 billion for capacity building, skill transfer and conflict resolution and that the management of the fund should be the responsibility of the Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority.

Following a meeting on the directive of President Buhari, it was also agreed that a deposit of $10 million would be made by stakeholders, within 30 days of the appointment of members of the BoT for the trust fund, who will be responsible for collecting and managing funds from contributors and donors.

A new implementation template has also been evolved at the instance of President Buhari and the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland will commence in earnest with the President’s inauguration of the HYPREP Governing Council and the Board of Trustees for the trust fund.

Between Buhari and Jonathan, who will history judge right? The answer depends on whether or not the president sees through his implementation template. Ogoni, Nigerians and the world are watching.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Free medicare for six communities

Y

OUTHS in Afikpo Northeast of Ebonyi State now know what their representative at the state House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Udeh Nwachi has in store for them.

Hon Udeh said she intends to provide jobs in tourism as well as sports. She said this at a thank-you rally following her victory in the April 11 election.

The lawmaker who is the Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly made a history when she swept the polls against all odds, beating both the ruling party and Labour Party candidates to become the first female lawmaker to represent the constituency.

She seized the opportunity to visit the Ulo-uni traditional elders council not only to appreciate their support but also unveil her plan for her constituents.

Hon Nwachi also ceased the opportunity to tell the people that it will never be business as usual at the council headquarters of Afikpo North as she solicited the support of the people to enthrone a leader with A kind heart and passion for selfless service.

Spokesperson of the Eto, Essa and Onikara age grades, in their separate responses, took turns to eulogise the lawmaker and enjoined her to continue to work in unity with her team and promised her full cooperation.

At the Amuro/Mgbom primary school field, Mrs Nwachi was received by a mammoth crowd who trooped out to to re wive her.

In her address she revealed that work has already started on the road rehabilitation projects and the toilet facility she is personally carrying out for the people restating that the burden of her constituents remains her burden.

Mrs Maria Ude Nwachi says plans are in motion to float a football team for Afikpo Town in Ebonyi State.

The ancient city, best known for being the home town of former Premier of old Eastern Nigeria, Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam, is the State’s second commercial city after Abakaliki, the state capital.

Mrs Nwachi stated this at the opening match of the Maria Unity Cup which she is sponsoring.

While revealing that 24 teams will be taking part in the tournament, Mrs Nwachi expressed hope that the tournament will help to discover talents who could go on to represent the country in the near future internationally.

She said, “The best players picked from the 24 participating teams will form Maria Football Club. My goal is to revive sports in Afikpo and

One of the African–Americans that was on the trip to Anambra, Mrs. Teressa R. Kemp traced her ancestral home of her father to Awka about 187 years ago

,

Ozubulu, both in Ekwusigo council area as well as Oba in Idemili South local government area.

Anakwenze, said the medical mission is supported by ASA-world membership in 27 countries that embraced others like Canada, Dubai and Switzerland among others too.

At Oko, 1,100 people suffering

from different ailments were treated and drugs given to them, while Abagana counted 8, 500 people, Ihembosi, 1,200, Obosi 1, 300 and Ozubulu with 1,200 patients.

Interestingly, one of the black– Americans that was involved in the trip to Anambra State, Mrs. Teressa R. Kemp traced her ancestral home

of her father to Awka about 187 years ago.

She said that she organised Igbo Arts and Cultural festival in South Carolina as she has taken interest in works of African people, while describing Nigeria especially, Ndigbo as hardworking, intelligent, unassuming and entrepreneurial in nature.

Kemp, said her great grandfather named Osinachi, was trafficked over 187 years ago as a blacksmith from Awka into slavery as confirmed by DNA. She told the Nation that she had written a book “keeper of the fire” an Igbo metal smith from Awka, detailing the story of her forefather.

According to her, “I am proud to be linked to Ndigbo, the world has prospered because of Ndigbo” •Continued on page 40

My plan for youths, by lawmaker

•Mrs Nwachi dancing with one of the troupes during the tour

,

•Dr. Dumaka Relief has come for needy residents of six communities in Anambra State.

An organisation called ASA-World made up of the state indigenes resi-

dent overseas provided free medical care for the people.

The mission, according to the ASAworldwide and ASA-USA President, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, who led the delegation, will cost 800,000 dollars.

The group told The Nation that they have no regrets thinking home because medical challenges the poor masses face are much.

It was the reason the team brought diagnostic equipment and drugs to be left behind for resident doctors and other health officials to continue using.

The six communities that benefitted in this first phase of the ASAWorld largesse are Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area, Abagana in Njikoka and Obosi in Idemili North council areas.

Others included Ihembosi and

,

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Spokesperson of the Eto, Essa and Onikara age grades took turns to eulogise the lawmaker, enjoining her to continue to work with her team for the progress of the constituency

,

•Mrs Nwachi kicking of the tournament From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

beyond. I will leave no stone unturned to make sure it is achieved.

“The ‘’Maria Unity Cup” is a sports concept primarily for talent hunt. That means players with the requisite wizardry can go profes-

sional from this fiesta”, she added.

Nwachi who represents Afikpo North East State Constituency said more packages are on the way to ensure that the youths have a sense of belonging.

The government Secondary School, Afikpo, football field was filled to capacity as people of the

town thronged the venue to witness the opening match of the tournament.

The match was between Unwana FC and NYSC FC and after 90 minutes of soccer artistry ended in a 11 draw.

The lawmaker also revealed plans to stage the Miss Afikpo Beauty

Pageant-2015 at the Maria Island Resort.

According to her the winner of the pageant will go home with a Honda Accord car amongst other packages. The event comes up on August 29.

Mrs Nwachi said more packages are in stock for the youths and will be unveiled as time goes on.

She said,” I am not in government to make money but to give my constituents a sense of belonging. All I need is their support”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

38

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Onicha Ngwa-Umuokpor Road

•Asanetu Port Harcourt Road

Lawmaker draws attention to roads From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

major route in and out of the city may soon collapse due to the volume of commercial buses and articulated trucks that ply it on a daily basis.

A visit to Aba especially during the rainy season shows that successive administrations in the state and at the federal level have failed to address the situation.

The deplorable roads in Aba are not only taking a toll on business and economic activities; virtually all the sectors in the state are affected as hoodlums such as kidnappers and armed robbers take advantage of the situation to unleash mayhem on the innocent citizens.

There are accidents and deaths too.

A driver, who plies the Aba-Ikot Ekpene route, lamented that they are steadily losing passengers due to the woeful road.

Prestige, an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, drew the attention of the members of the Green Chamber to the plight of the people of his constituency.

His motion was titled “The De-

plorable State of Federal Roads and the Insecurity in Aba, Abia State and the Need to Rehabilitate them in Order to Preserve Lives and Properties of Indigenes and Sustain the Status of the City as the Commercial Hub of Southeast and Nigeria”.

He said the roads are so bad that some travellers to Aba for business or other reasons have shelved the idea.

The federal lawmaker lamented that the growing rate at which innocent Nigerian citizens and residents of the commercial city were being kidnapped and taken into hiding by hoodlums who uses the abandoned roads as safe havens for keeping

•Port Harcourt Road, Aba

their captives feared that if no urgent steps were taken to address the situation, the city may witness a mass exodus of its in-

,

A

LAWMAKER in the House of Representatives Hon. Ossy Prestige has urged colleagues to take action on the deplorable federal roads in Aba, the state’s commercial capital.

Aba roads are woeful; hazardous to commuters, agonising to shopkeepers, business people and residents alike.

When it rains, the city is halfsubmerged, many areas flooded and practically impassable.

Business has suffered, while criminals have thrived.

How? It is said that kidnappers exploit the poor roads to swoop on victims and make away with them without much challenge, if any.

The lawmaker may be on the verge of making history because if he succeeds to galvanise enough response from his colleagues to repair the roads, he would have made a difference where governments failed repeatedly.

The Aba-Ikot Ekpene, OvomOpobo-Azumini, Ohabiam-Port Harcourt, among other roads, have remained impassable in the past three years or more and if nothing is urgently done, the Osisioma-Aba-Owerri Road which now serves as the only

Aba roads are woeful; hazardous to commuters, agonising to shopkeepers, business people and residents alike. When it rains, the city is half-submerged, many areas flooded and practically impassable

,

Abia NSCDC arrests five over stolen oil product •Continued from page 27 Chioma Okezie who was arrested with a Toyota Sienna car with registration number YAB-699-AE filled with petroleum product known as blue diesel.

The commandant said that the suspect concealed the product in cellophane bags inside the Toyota Sienna Space-wagon car, adding that the product was allegedly loaded at Port Harcourt.

In an interview, Mrs Okezie a mother of four and a widow said that she works with Abia State Environmental Protection Agency [ASEPA] but went into the business with her friend Joy who is now on the run.

Okezie said that she has not been paid for several months by the state government, “So when my friend came and told me that I could make money to take care of my children, I decided to go for it”.

In his own reaction Michael Okechukwu from Ikwo in Ebonyi

•The Chisco truck with the stolen products state the alleged owner of the prod- less.

Okechukwu said that his friend uct in the truck said that he was a taxi driver but that his cab was sto- told him to come and carry the len and since then has been job- product from Abonema wharf in

Port Harcourt since he was not doing anything, “I am not aware that it is an illegal business and I was to be paid after delivering the goods”.

habitants as was witnessed in 2011 when most corporate and financial agencies shutdown operations and over 200, 000 people left the city in droves.

He said that the rehabilitation of federal roads in Aba would boost economic activities, reduce accidents, ensure improved security and similarly attract local and foreign investors who were going to come to the city and the state in general and invest their resources and in the process create job for the teeming unemployed/jobless youths that would be meaningful to the state and their respective families.

The lawmaker urged the Federal Ministry of Works to as a matter of urgency include in 2016 budget, Appropriations that will aim at the reconstruction and total rehabilitation of the entry roads in Aba, called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to in the interim; urgently take palliative measures towards the rehabilitation of the roads so as to alleviate agony of the people, mandated the committees on works and road maintenance agency (when constituted) to liaise with the relevant authorities with a vow to ensure compliance and report back to the House fortnightly.

They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to restore full military patrol and full presence in Aba just like it was done in 2011 to check the menace of notorious kidnappers in Aba. The House resolution which was made available to The Nation also urged the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to deploy an anti-terrorist squad to police every part of the city and its environs.

They also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to declare Ndiegoro, Obohia, Ohanku, Ngwa road and Port Harcourt road areas as a disaster area and take urgent steps to compensate those whose house/homes were devastated by flood.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

39

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

,

Kinsmen honour Ugwuanyi

Governor Ugwuanyi said he had already inaugurated a committee to actualise his desire to drive the state economy, adding that his administration would also ensure the electrification of Adada River Dam

E

NUGU STATE GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to give a new lease of life to the people of the state through economic rejuvenation plans that will also enhance the state’s revenue base.

The governor who was given a resounding civic reception by his kinsmen at Orba, Udenu council area of the state, spoke to a capacity crowd at the Boys Secondary School in the town, venue of the event and told the people that his administration would carry out its plans to modernise Nsukka urban town to the standard of a university elsewhere in the country.

He recalled that he had already inaugurated a committee to actualise his desire to drive the state economy, adding that his administration would also ensure the electrification of Adada River Dam currently being constructed by the Federal Government for irrigation to enhance agricultural activities in the area to create employment.

Governor Ugwuanyi at the event put together by the Orba-Udu General Assembly, noted that the foundation for the construction of Orba General Hospital in the community has been laid which he said would bring health care delivery nearer to the people.

,

•Ugwuanyi with his kinsmen From Chris Oji, Enugu

He noted that his administration is facing challenges occasioned by lean resources, calling on all to join hands with government to surmount the challenges for the set goals to be achieved.

He also announced that a modern market would be built in Nsukka where people from all walks of life will converge for business transactions in a such a manner that traders and other business operators who pass through the state on business trips to Onitsha in Anambra state would be made to do the same kind of business in

the coming market.

In an address presented by OrbaUdu General Assembly, Chief Charles Mbah, the people described the governor as an astute and sagacious leader, adding that since he took the mantle of leadership of the state that he is carrying everybody along.

The people assured Governor Ugwuanyi of their firm, unflinching and total support of your administration.

In their words, “we are totally committed to and wish to be part of the success story of his administration.”

They added that they would at all

time ready to take any challenge or responsibility that would enhance the smooth-sailing of his administration.

They noted that the governor knew the problems of the area, adding that it would be needless to enumerate them for him.

The event was preceded by a church service at the field in which in a sermon an indigenous priest, Very Rev. Father Martins Ozioko noted that foolishness of Adam and Eve pushed them to sin against God which the punishment is shared by the world.

Rev. Fr. Ozioko called on Christians to always embrace wisdom

that would encourage them reject wickedness and enthrone intelligence to follow the ways of the Lord.

According to the clergy, Governor Ugwuanyi became governor through hard work and intervention of God. The priest applauded the governor for his acceptability by all, urging him to endeavour to deliver on their mandate.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by people of the area in their numbers and display of different cultural dances where the people showcased their rich cultural heritages.

M

•The road

Community seeks intervention on road From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

area was in the 70s when the road was built, “I’m sure that if not for people who travel to the city, some of them may not have seen a caterpillar in their lives”.

Ibe said that government should come to their aid if they want them to have a sense of belonging and save them from untimely deaths because of the poor standard of the road over the years.

An indigene of the place, Abel Kalu decried the poor nature of the road, saying that it has cost them revenue which they would have got from cocoa merchants who have stopped coming to buy from them

,

OTORISTS and residents have appealed to government to repair the Ndiwu Itumbuzo in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The road is described as a death trap characterised by large potholes and gullies.

It leads to Itunmbanuzo in Akwa Ibom State which was last repaired many years ago.

The road was built in the 70s by the government of late Chief Sam Mbakwe under the old Imo state government and currently those using this road are doing so at the risk of their lives with its attendant potholes which are big enough to swallow a car.

This 7km rural road infrastructure has never been touched by subsequent administrations after it was built years ago, even as the road has economic value with the area being a food basket from the state A trip from Itzumbuzo to Bende the headquarters of the local government area which usually take less than thirty minutes has now become a journey of one hour due to the poor state of the road and the people need government attention urgently to survive.

Over the years due to lack of maintenance the road has become a pitiable one and intervention from government was not forth coming and need urgent repairs, while cocoa which is abundant from the area has been left to the economic benefit of the people of a neighbouring state.

Gullies and sizeable potholes have taken over the roads, motorists and okada rider have to meander and manoeuver in order to make their journey and a trip from Itumbuzo to Bende local government area or any other part of the state.

The people are therefore calling on the government to come and help them and mobilise a quick intervention to repair at least the damaged portions of the roads for now because the suffering is becoming unbearable.

One of the motorists who gave his name as Sampson Ibe said that the last they saw a caterpillar in the

A woman from the area said that government should come to their aid, as many of their people have died because of lack of good road to access health care facility outside the community

,

because of the bad road.

Kalu said that they have waited to no avail for government assistance and intervention on their rural roads, which has taken over twenty years and have decided to

embark on a make shift repair and maintenance of the roads.

He said that women and men are made to fill empty cement bags with sands; the girls bring stones while the young men do the road

repairs by dumping the materials at the gully part of the road to make the road motor able.

A woman from the area, Mrs Ori Kalu said that government should come to their aid, as many of their people have died because of lack of good road to access health care facility outside the community and called for urgent attention on the road.

Mrs Kalu said that their farm produce are being consumed by them as people who normally come to their place to buy food have stopped coming, “Making us to consume whatever we produce instead of selling them for us to make money”.

40

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

‘We want to ensure safety of articulated vehicles’

T

•The Operation Scorpion in action

,

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has stepped up surveillance of vehicles to ensure they are in good condition to ply the roads.

Of particular interest are articulated vehicles.

This much came to light in Onitsha, the commercial capital of Anambra State, where the FRSC launched “Operation Scorpion”.

The aim, according to the Assistant Corps Marshal, in charge of the Federal Operation of (FRSC), Mrs. Mary Wakawa, is to curtail road carnage.

The action is coming on the heels of the petrol tanker inferno in Onitsha on May 31 which claimed over 70 persons, while many were injured.

The tanker fire shook the entire country with the Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo visiting the state and the state governor Willie Obiano offsetting the hospital bills of injured victims.

Recently, the bodies of unidentified and unclaimed victims were given a mass burial at Obosi community in Idemili North Local Government Area by Obiano.

Following the spate of road carnage in the state, the FRSC has pledged to stop crashes caused by articulated vehicles in the state.

To accentuate the message, Delta Sector Commander, Mr. Rindom Kumven, his Anambra sector counterpart , Mr. Sunday Ajayi with other senior members of the agencyteaamed up with Wakawa.

Wakawa said Operation Scorpion was carried out for all drivers of articulated vehicles- lorries, trailers, trucks, tankers and lowbed vehicles.

The agency mobilised over 100 officers and men, seven vehicles and a tow truck for the operation, while the two state commanders had vowed to see to its success in Delta and Anambra.

The exercise, according to the FRSC boss was meant to sensitise articulated vehicle drivers on the imperatives of putting other road users into consideration.

She said that the commission would continue to enlighten the various articulated vehicle drivers associations and unions, adding that enlightenment and advocacy were keys to FRSC success.

Furthermore, she said that the corps would focus more in Anambra state, as according to her, the state holds two major road corridors, adding that they would not want such crashes to continue further.

Following the spate of road carnage in the state, the FRSC has pledged to stop crashes caused by articulated vehicles in the state

,

•From left: Kumven, Wakawa and Ajayi From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

According to her, “In recent past, a lot of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) have been caused by these articu-

lated vehicles and the nation had lost a lot, both in terms of human and finance.

“And we need to check this trend by beaming our searchlight on these articulated vehicles since our

country is much depended on road transportation” “And if we do not, these articulated vehicles crashes would soon cripple our economy and affect the lifestyle of our people’’

“We aim to ensure that their loads are properly secured, their vehicles are properly maintained, their construction strong enough and their vehicles road worthy” she said.

Free medicare for six communities •Continued from page 37 The vice president, ASA-worldwide and president of ASA-UK, Christian Onuoha, said they are taking off the challenge from the government, adding that they are doing things that would benefit the poor masses.

He lamented that the people could not go to hospital because of lack of funds, adding that area of the 2015 medical mission to include scholarship mission from ASASouth Africa, while ASA-Canada will embark on awareness and orphanage visits.

A London-based early year’s education specialist, Mr. Bright Dumaka said Nigeria would maximise its potentials for greatness through a sustained strategic

long term planning and implementation of an early year’s education policy.

This, according to the man with interest in tourism and hospitality, would translate to gains in so many areas.

Dumaka argued that the society as a whole would be far stronger as a cohesive and leading force, if this is made a priority project undertaken by the stakeholders responsible for the communities.

He said, “In addition, it makes the care for the re-evaluation of community values by policy makers, stakeholders and adults in general to consciously adopt a long term strategic plan to maintain those values that make us dynamic and enterprising as a community but change the ones that adversely affect us.

APOLOGY •Mrs Kemp (second left) with other doctors of ASA-USA

A report entitled ‘Senator cautions Imo Assembly new speaker’ which appeared in our edition of Friday, June 19, 2015, was published in error. We apologise to the people hurt by the article, and assure them that we bear them no malice. -Editor

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Fifty-seven years after his demise, successive governments have not immortalised the populist politician and Ibadan leader, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu. As the people of the ancient city prepare for his centenary, Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the life and times of the foremost nationalist, who died at 43.

When ‘ll Adelabu be immortalised?

I

BADAN, the modern political headquarter of the Southwest, has produced men and women of valour, great warriors, administrators and statesmen in the last 200 years.

Many of them, including the legendary Lagelu, Balogun Oluyole, Basorun Ogunmola, Aare Latoosa, Baale Fijabi, Apampa, Awanibaku Elempe, Oba Sanusi Alesinloye, Oba Babalola Akinyele, Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura and Iyalode Wuraola Esan, left indelible marks on the sand of time.

In post-colonial era,t he ancient city has also produced great politicians. They include Chief Adisa Akinloye, Chief S.O Lanlehin, Chief Durosaro, Canon Emmanuel Alayande, Chief Moyosore Aboderin, Chief Busari Adelakun, Chief Busari Obisesan, Chief Richard Akinjide, and Chief Lamidi Adedibu.

But, none of them has been able to match the exploits of the irrepressible grassroots politician and mobiliser, the late Chief Adegoke Gbadamosi Sanusi Adelabu, fondly called Peculiar Mess (Penkelemeesi) by admirers.

The Ibadan megastar died 57 years ago. He was 43. The indomitable politician, according to historians, passed on without realising his full potentials. But, his name continues to ring bell.

Indeed, death was cruel to his generation by plucking other colleagues in their prime. His contemporaries who were snatched by the cold hand of death included the famous politician, Chief Bode Thomas, who died in 1953 at the age of 34, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, who died in 1957 and Hon. Olokesusi from Ondo Province, who passed on in 1958. Thomas, an Action Grouper, was a federal parliamentarian and minister like Adelabu. Like Adelabu, Ojike and Olokesusi were disciples of Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe, the leader of the defunct National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC).

Next month, Ibadan will celebrate the centenary anniversary of Adelabu. A Planning Committee headed by the Are Alasa Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, has already unfolded a programme of events. Only few of his contemporaries are still alive.

These elder statesmen and the children of their departed colleagues will converge on the city for a memorial. Also, old students of the Government College, Ibadan, Adelabu’s alma mater, will honour to his memory.

The name towers. The records of the eminent politicians are impeccable. But, according to observers, the legacies are not sustained. To keep his memory alive, Ibadan Foundation, a socioeconomic group led by Dr. Lekan Are, has been hosting eminent Nigerians for memorial lectures in the memory of the undisputed Ibadan political leader. Many have described him as an astute, charismatic and controversial politician, who left behind a big vacuum.

He was the indefatigable NCNC National Vice President, a member of the old Western Regional House of Assembly, councilor and Chairman of Ibadan Distric Council, member of the House of Representatives and Federal Minister of Social Services in the fifties. Adelabu was one of the pathfinders of modern Nigeria and a political crusader for freedom. Ironically, he died in an auto crash two years before the country achieved independence. To the consternation of his admirers, the great politician has not been immortalised by successive administrations.

He was Ibadan’s folk hero. He was a crowd puller. In the ancient city, people are full of nostalgia for the glorious past when the iconoclast and egoist bestrode Ibadan district politics like a colossus. During the maiden yearly lecture in his memory, Are, who ran errands for Adelabu in the fifties, said Adelabu was a man of the people. “He contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria. He struggled for independence, the attainment of which he did not witness,” he noted.

A vocal legislator, Adelabu was a combatant debater whose mouth was sharper that razor. His colleagues and orators like him, Ayo Rosiji, Remi Fani-Kayode and Samuel Akintola, who were parliamentarians in pre-independence days, envied his verbal facility. In the parliament and council of ministers, he was acknowledged as a man of ideas. His ideas gave birth to productive agricultural policies, especially the River Basin Development, Mass Literacy Scheme, and indigenization, which he enunciated in 1957.

But, the grassroots was his base. Adelabu bestrode Ibadan political firmament as a bright, irrespressible star. He was exceptionally charismatic. His oratorical power enhanced his magnetism. But, as Are noted, he identified with the poor and the down trodden by adapting to “the uncomfortable circumstance of their low estate.”

In life, he was a towering figure. But in death, he has become more famous among his die hard admirers who make glowing reference to the Penkelemesi years as the baseline for Ibadan patriotism. Under his guidance, Ibadan rose to its political zenith. Adelabu’s organizational prowess, his pursuit of power and uncanny capacity for acrimony and antagonism were legendary. Adelabu’s power and influence were awesome. While alive, he was the main political issue in Ibadan.

•The late Adelabu

No politician in Nigerian has ever had organisational power in local sphere comparable to that of Adelabu in Ibadan in 1954. No Nigerian leader was closer to his people or more familiar with their thinking. When they rejoiced, he danced with them, when they sorrowed, he wept and when they mocked their enemies, he was the rudest of tongue he was not born with a sliver spoon in his mouth. But, from a poor background, he rose to prominence as an Ibadan irredentist.

AAs Professor Emeritus R.L. Skalar noted: “Probably no politician in Nigerian has ever had organisational power in local sphere comparable to that of Adelabu in Ibadan in 1954,” observed Prof.

R.L Skalar, who added: “No Nigerian leader was closer to his people or more familiar with their thinking … when they rejoiced, he danced with them, when they sorrowed, he wept and when they mocked their enemies, he was the rudest of tongue.”

Adelabu rode to stardom in Ibadan on the back of the historic “Agbaje crisis,” which threw him up as a populist leader. Chief Salami Agbaje, an educated chief at that time, was the like the prime minister of the city, next in rank to the Olubadan. The junior chiefs had signed a petition in 1949 to the Native Authority, accusing the high chief of appropriating official largesses.

The crisis engulfed the town, thereby living to its billing as a garrison.A mock coffin was carried from the Olubadan palace to Ayeye residence of Agbaje by the crowd, who demanded for his exit from the exalted position.

The colonial masters set up the Butcher Commission of Inquiry to look into the allegation of misconduct against Agbaje.

The chief was exonerated. But, Adelabu had stolen the show.

As Taslim Layonu, author of “Politics of Adegoke Adelabu” noted in his book, “Adelabu emerged out of the chaos a hero, a young man to be reckoned with in politics.” The late politician subsequently built on that profile of anti-oppression campaigner.

His party, Ibadan Peoples Party (IPP), won the 1951 elections at Ibadan with a clear majority.

As a pioneer member of Western Region House of Assembly, his colleagues included the late Chief Adisa Akinloye, S. O. Lanlehin, S. A. Akinyemi and Daniel Akinbiyi, who later became the Olubadan. On the day he took his seat in the House, Adelabu whispered to a reporter: “I will shake this House.”

Unlike another Ibadan kingpin, Adelabu was a highly educated man in the context of his days. He was also a brilliant writer. He was proud of his status. “I had a brilliant scholastic career, earning accelerated promotion on three occasions in the elementary, primary and secondary schools. Despite this, I never took a second position throughout my school days. Instead, I was always in several laps ahead of my runner-up and not infrequently, saved tutors from tight holes,” Adelabu wrote.

A historian, Dr. Nina Mba, Rosiji’s biographer, described the Ibadan politican as a brilliant pupil, who achieved double promotion twice at Government College, Ibadan (GCI). His school mates were Rosiji, Saburi Biobaku, histoty scholar and former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, and Akintola Williams, foremost chartered accountant.

“He was also reputed in school for being first in all subjects.

He was always taking the first position in the class he was promoted to. His essays were passed around the school for everyone to read. He also came first the entrance examination to Yaba Higher College,” Mba added.

In his reminiscences, Adelabu had tested to the power of schooling and education. He paid tribute in his writings to his teachers, employers and super ordinates at work.

According to him, “Powell (GCI teacher) inculcated into me at a very impressionable age, the value of team work in all human undertakings, Richardson (of UAC) taught me how to apply a vigorous intellect to the task of economic organization and administrative co-ordination. Haig (of Colonial Cooperative Department), with his great implicit contempt for wordly possessions, set me the example of idealistic who had crossed the corrupting bridge of materialism.”

In Mba’s contention, Adelabu shone with the same brilliance as a politician. It is an understatement. His deft moves as a politician often sent his opponents jittery. Once he pronounced Ibadan as his political base, he guarded his territory jealously against external political aggression. While his colleagues in IPP cross carpet to the Action Group (AG), led by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he stayed back in the NCNC alliance. As the Leader of the Opposition in the region, he was a thorn in the flesh of the AG government.

Adelabu could be described as a politician with a national outlook. Thus, while all Yoruba rooted for Awo during the parliamentary race for premiership, he collaborated with Adeniran Ogunsanya, Theophilus Benson, Odeleye Fadahunsi and Denis Osadebey to rally support for Azikiwe, an Igbo.

Paradoxically, despite being the seat of the AG government, Ibadan remained an NCNC fotress. Awo’s party could not gain control of Ibadan city, despite the fact that Awo and Rosiji, the influencial AG secretary, had resided in the town for years. Neither did the efforts of starwalts of Ibadan origin, including Emmanuel Alayande, Akinloye, Adedibu, Aboderin and Yinuola Ogundeji, make a difference. To prevent the acceptance of the ruling party, Adelabu mobilised his people to rally support for his Mabolaje Group, which from 1954 was in an uneasy alliance with the NCNC His intense campaign against AG, which had an ethnic toga, was effective. A great political manipulator and propagandist, Adelabu was fond of inciting Ibadan against Ijebu by branding Awo as a chief promoter of Ijebu interest. As the Chairman of Ibadan District Council, Adelabu once locked up Mapo Hall to prevent Awo from holding a rally. On that day, Lamidi Adedibu, a member of the AG, forced the door open.

The late politician re-enacted the primodal sentiments, urging the people of Ibadan not to support AG because it was controlled by Ijebu. When Awolowo appointed Akinloye as Minister of Agriculture, Adelabu went to town with the propaganda that the Ijebu premier, who appointed Oba C. D. Akran as Minister of Finance and Chief E.A. Babalola from Ekiti as Minister of Works, made Ibadan son Minister of Ege (cassava).

When Western Regional Attorney-General and Justice Minister Chief Rotimi Williams set up a panel to probe his administration as Ibadan District Council chairman, he turned the heat on the eminent lawyer. To Adelabu, Wiliams was a chief without a kingdom, a reference to his emergence as cabinet minister from the House of Chiefs. The Ibadan Council was dissolved.

But, in the next election, Adelabu won back his seat.

His political career was turbulent. As a member of House of Representatives, he was a federal minister for one year. Adelabu had to resign to face a murder case in his natiuve Ibadan. Layonu • Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

During the campaigns, Buhari visited the South-East several times, up to seven ‘visits to Igboland. Still Igbo believed that Jonathan would win. But he lost. Was that because Buhari hated Igbo? Our people should not eat their cake and have it

’

POLITICS Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was governor of Anambra State from 1999 to 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with reporters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he faults the antagonistic posture of the Igbo to the Buhari administration and enjoins the Southeast to vote objectively in future elections. Assistant Editor GBADE OGUNWALE was there.

‘Igbo cannot eat their cake and have it’ Y

OU were in the PDP for about 16 years, but you defected to the APC recently. How would you assess the two parties?

Your question is lopsided, given the fact that PDP has been a party on the ground for about 16 years, and the APC is just about a year. But, the issue I think is “performance” and not necessarily the number of years each party has been in existence. Defection from a political party to another in a democratic setting is not new to politicians. But this was rare in the Shagari era. But since the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan years, there have been incessant defections from one party to another, and unless the APC’s slogan of change takes root and cuts down drastically, the number of defections will continue to increase unless the judiciary intervenes. In my case of defection from PDP to APC, it was not for fun that I did it. It was from a new angle that I began to tell my friends that I didn’t defect but that PDP defected. I said this having in mind the question of performance as between the PDP and the APC. The PDP was a party destined to save Nigerian’s democracy but it failed. And because nature abhors vacuum, the PDP was no longer able to take care of its members, and I became one of its victims. PDP became a party of the past not party of today and tomorrow. It also became a party of “use and dump” according to its National Chairman. From this point on, what I did was “to keep moving” from PDP’s injustice to justice; from PDP’s rigging machine to winning election by rule of engagement; from PDP’s godfatherism to cheating and to avarice, greed, corruption, waste, and ostentation. That was not the PDP I helped to nurture from 1999 when the PDP faithful gathered at the Jos convention. Instead of Chief (Dr) Alex Ekwueme clinching the presidential ticket after working very hard for it, he accepted the wrong done to him by his party (PDP). For this, all Nigerians owe him a debt of gratitude. So the PDP began from the Jos Convention in 1999.

Anyone who said he would remain in PDP with all the load of insincerity, greed, corruption, killing and more, the person will know he is also an accomplice. The PDP of 60 years to come has become a dream and a PDP that could hardly manage a PDP of 16 years and thus the APC has gone ahead.

President Buhari will soon clock 100 days in office. How would you

• Continued on page 43 noted that Adelabu was arraigned 17 times for murder in the court and he triumphed on each count.

The politician was also humorous.

When he survived a mob attack sponsored by his opponents at Ibadan, he said that, if he had died, that would have been the end of Adelabuism. The concept encapsulated his ideas as a radical, an intelleectual, political evangelist, socialist, and community man with a passion for the poor and downtrodden.

No doubt, Penkelemeesi was a controversial actor. But,when he was accused of corruption by the Western Regional Government, his subsquent indictment did not diminish his political stature. The people of Ibadan said they were contented, if Adelabu, and not outsiders, carted away the

access the administration so far?

I don’t really know which visible accomplishments will be authentic more than the other. All I know is that political opponents from PDP never gave Buhari any chance or any hope that APC will ever win the last election. But these elections have come and gone, and whereas Buhari was to them an “under-dog”, they now have seen after the elections that indeed Buhari remains the man to successfully pilot the ship of the Nigerian state. But what I didn’t understand was the opposition view that Buhari was not in line to win, perhaps relying on their rigging machine. Some even said that the candidate was looking “fragile” and may not be able to conclude the election campaign nationwide. All the opponent’s speculations failed as they kept seeing the same Buhari growing stronger, virile, and traveling all over from Europe to America, to G7 and ECOWAS nations and many places both at home and beyond. Many Nigerians have not yet seen the type of zeal the President has displayed, which has put shame on the face of opponents who see nothing good, even with his accomplishments everywhere.

Buhari has not appointed Igbo people into his government. Is it that he hates them, or that they didn’t vote for him in the last election?

Answer is none of the above. As for appointments, some Igbos across the Niger are also complaining. Even Jonathan whom Igbo gave almost all their votes did not deliver. So what did Igbo get from Jonathan? Nothing. Is it the 2nd Niger bridge or Onitsha to Enugu to Abia to PortHarcourt roads? I’m not holding brief for President Buhari but truth is that the President still has a lot of appointments to make running into hundreds if not thousands. Should Igbo need to antagonize the President at this early stage? There’s no evidence yet to show that the President hates Igbo. If Igbo had given their votes to Buhari, obviously Igbo will have gotten their own fair share of appointments. But I’m saying that appointments are not yet done and over, but

it’s still a reward of what was done.

It is not by antagonizing the President, or by force that he’ll give Igbo the said appointments. Rather, Igbo should find a way to reach out to the President and plead, not by force. It should be a friendly encounter. So as Jonathan failed Igbo, we must try and see the best way to reach and relate with the President and relate with him properly. President Shehu Shagari worked well with Chief Alex Ekwueme as Vice President, and through Ekwueme, Igbo got more than anticipated. Such can still be repeated. To get more appointments for Igbo, they must vote for candidates that can win and be useful as one sage said, “he whose bread I eat, his song I will sing”. This means a lot for Igbo.

During the campaigns, Buhari visited the South-East several times, up to seven visits to Igboland. Still Igbo believed that Jonathan would win. But he lost. Was that because Buhari hated Igbo? Our people should not eat their cake and have it.

There are too many abandoned projects left behind by Jonathan, but which were budgeted for. What is your reaction?

Your question on this subject is the same question right-thinking Nigerians have been asking too. The question is where is the money? Nigerian money belonging to Nigerians? As we ask for the missing Chibok girls, so also Nigerians are asking about their monies which are on flight to different parts of the world. This is the dilemma President Buhari has been confronted with. One man alone cannot handle this problem. There is need to expect Nigerians to help in this national dilemma of “monkey dey work baboon dey chop” The President has encouraged Nigerians to know that most of the funds stashed abroad must be found wheresoever they are hidden in foreign banks. This problem is not academic. It is not one we can fold our hands and ask government alone to do the job. This is the job for everyone; all hands must be on deck. It is hard for a common man to handle issues of billion of dollars and pounds or Naira missing in this country which President Buhari is

President Buhari has a good vision of what he wants Nigeria to be and this is where the concept of change will be more useful. Buhari is the architect of change and he will carry it to its logical conclusion

Adelabu: 57 years after resources meant for their welfare because he was the greatest defender of their cause.

His career as an NCNCer, was also turbulent. Despite his commitment and services to the NCNC, Adelabu confided in his friend, Rosiji, that the party discriminated against him because he was not an Igbo. The historian, Mba, noted that his anti-NCNC propaganda campaign was so successful that the party leaders arranged to ‘placate’ him.

Adelabu had foresight. As a nationalist, he anticipated independence for Nigeria. But, he could not witness the glorious dawn. Hdid not have a premonition of his death. The auto-crash that claimed his life on the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway occured at OdeRemo. He had left Ibadan for Lagos

in company of Albar Yuanan, a Lebanese. His death unleashed a communal violence in Ibadan. Mba said his death robbed the country of a brilliant leader who never realized his full potential.”

As the House received the news of his death, proceedings were adjourned to enable lawmakers pay him tribute. Some of his colleagues wept.

Tributes poured in torrents. Journalists also eulogised him because of his mettle of speech and brilliant ideas.

Veteran journalist the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose said that the politician was a factor in the old Western Region. “Adelabu was a powerful speaker, a crowd puller. At a time when parliamentary carpet crossing was being practiced for reasons other than that of conviction, Adelabu

labouring with his assistants and advisers to fish out. But we know that with God, nothing shall be impossible. This is the target, but it won’t be over-night. There may be initial resistance but “it shall be well” as Nigeria keeps working.

What can you say about politics in your state, Anambra. How would you assess the present government in the state?

I have the feeling that the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano is an easy-going gentleman who came to Anambra to do a job and will not be distracted from that mission. I welcomed him on the day of his inauguration and I took space in the newspaper to congratulate him. I visited him at his lodge only once and I noticed a passion in him to transform Anambra. In the course of our discussion, I mentioned a few problems unsettled by former Governor Peter Obi since 2003. But Governor Willie Obiano promised to look into the matters. When I went to Awka during my tenure as governor, there was not much on the ground. The military just went back to the barracks and left nothing in the treasury. There were times revenue allocation gave Anambra N200 million for a monthly salary of 483 workers in the state.

Nobody could believe it. With good management, we started paying workers as when due, and cleared the three months salary owed workers and began to pay them Christmas bonus which no other government did till today. I went to Umuleri Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam where natives fought for 50 years and bur-

ied their dead in wheel-barrows. I invited the then President Obasanjo to visit us and he did. After that, I developed a blue print for the community, and nobody had fought there till I left. As for security, Anambra was very secured under my watch throughout my four years in the state.

It remained the most peaceful state and in a national competition I took first position on security and welfare and in the competition of 36 states, I was awarded a gold cup, first position. I can go on and on but time and space will not allow me. The present Anambra state governor is from Aguleri and he never neglected doing everything for God and for his people and for the state as a whole.

As for the oil, I was the first governor to begin exploitation before others after me. Anybody entering Awka now will see things differently in road and bridge constructions. The slogan at Awka now is “Willie is working” and I agree. The politics of Anambra remains what it shall be.

For example, I was the person who established the Anambra State University for the first time. But, the governor after me, Dr. Chris Ngige, took the university away and tried to put it in his own town, but it failed. He then returned the university to where it was. Peter Obi took his turn and carried the burden of removing the university again and putting it in a place nearer his local government area. Perhaps, another governor may arise any time and may still return the university where I kept it from the start.

What will be your advice to the President Buhari in his effort to ensure that the impact of governance is felt by ordinary Nigerians?

Well, President Buhari must first bake the cake before sharing. The President does not even need advice as to what he has already done, what he is doing, and what he will do. The Buhari-Idiagbon period worked well but was short-lived. So, what Buhari did before, he will surely do again. I believe that perhaps with some modifications. Nigerians will see what will develop as the years roll by. President Buhari has a good vision of what he wants Nigeria to be and this is where the concept of change will be more useful. Buhari is the architect of change and he will carry it to its logical conclusion. For him, this is just a start where first thing should be first.

Buhari will raise an army to lead in the direction of what is, what was, and what is to come.

stood his ground, a strong character,” he added.

His colleague in the parliament, the late Anthony Enahoro, said that he left enviable records as a legislator.

“He is the first leader of opposition in any part of Nigeria to die in office.

The House will not easily forget him,” he said.

To Fadahunsi, who later became the governor of Western Region, Adelabu was a courageous man, whose death was an unforgettable loss. Osadebey said: “while we are living, we are next door to death.

None of us knows who will be next.”

Hailing his resilience, Awolowo said: “As he was uncompromising in his opposition to his political opponents, so he was in every cause that he believed in and espoused, and in particular, in the cause of Nigerian free-

•Adelabu dom.”

The Prime Minister, the late Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, said: “If anybody died fighting for a cause, it was Adelabu.

•Mbadinuju

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Sudden death cases are on the rise in Nigeria. Old and young are its prey. SEUN AKIOYE and WALE ADEPOJU write on the causes and prevention of sudden death.

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HE last time Adediran Adebanjo placed a call to his wife was on August 2, when the Young Shall Grow Bus got to Ibadan. Since he embarked on the journey from Kano, the 58-year-old man had made it a point of duty to regularly update his wife on the progress of his journey. He had given instructions concerning his home-coming and promised to call his wife back as soon as the bus gets to Lagos.

Two hours later when the wife did not receive the usual updates from Adebanjo, she placed a call to his mobile number; a fellow passenger picked it and informed her Adebanjo was still fast asleep. About 30 minutes after, another passenger picked the call and informed the wife her husband may have been too tired and he was still asleep.

Finally, one hour later, a man who identified himself as an official of the bus company said in an unkind voice: “ Your husband is dead, come and pick his body at our head office.”

“That was it, they just told us like that and when we got to the office, they had packed up his body. My father died so suddenly,” Kunle the deceased son said.

Adebanjo’s death was sudden and without warning, his family says he had not exhibited any prior signs of heart problems before his sudden demise. With the autopsy on the way, the family is left stunned and depressed.

But Mrs Juliana Okoh, has hypertension which she had tried to control without success most of the time. In December 2013, she bid her family farewell as she retired to bed and she died suddenly in her sleep.

Sudden cardiac death reaches alarming level The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines SD as death occurring within 24 hours of an abrupt change in one’s previous clinical status.

In Sub- Saharan Africa, cases of sudden deaths have been prevalent for a long time before clinical examinations were able to determine their causes.

According to medical experts, cardiovascular diseases, however, are the major culprits in the definite cases of sudden deaths.

Statistically, the global death from cardiovascular diseases is put at 17 million with about 80 percent of this casualty coming from low andmiddle income countries like Nigeria. In Nigeria, the reality of Sudden Cardiac Deaths (SCD) has become evident with more high profile cases of SCD. Last Saturday, Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha died in his sleep of cardiac arrest. He was in his hotel room in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, when he lost his life suddenly. Last year, former Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele, died suddenly and the presenter of Focus on Africa, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World News programme, Komla Dumor, collapsed and died at his home in the United Kingdom; legislator, Raphael Nomiye, a member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo Constituency in the House of Representatives, also died last year.

Last year, tragedy struck the family of former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Agagu, whose sudden death was both tragic and dramatic.

Former Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Tonye Ezekiel and his Taraba State counterpart, Haruna Tsokwa lost their lives to heart attacks.

The sporting world is not spared. In August 2013, during the yearly fitness exercise for referees in Abuja, Osita Nwadashi suddenly complained of weakness, medical assistance was called but Nwadashi did not survive. He died

•The late Dr. Agagu

Metaphysical and the Physiological dimensions. According to the Naturopath, more of these cases have to do with spiritual issues more than physical or natural causes.

Adebisi gave a vivid description: “Metaphysical aspect of sudden death is when somebody is attacked either during sleep or in walking or eating.

When that strike comes in, it goes straight into the heart just like when you strike an arrow. Once the spiritual arrow is in the heart, it deposits the poison inside it and such a person can die suddenly.

“Somebody was struck like that recently and they took him to Ibadan. I went there and told the doctor to allow me treat the patient for three days after which he can take over if the patient did not improve. But I have treated people who were shot like that and many of them are now out-patient if they call on us early,” he said.

Even though Adebisi also believed there are natural causes like unhealthy diet that can cause sudden death, the spiritual aspect however, “cannot be ruled out.”

Obesity is a risk factor

•The late Mustapha

Is sudden death with us? inside the ambulance. Nwadashi’s sudden death was not a one-off event in the referee association; in 2010, during the exercise, Oyetola Olatunde and Faloye Matthew also suffered same fate: they died suddenly and without notice.

Consultant cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, said sudden death is just not happening today.

“It has always been among the people.

It is not a new thing, ancient history bears fact to it, but it is on the increase now,” he said.

Understanding heart attack Consultant cardiologist with the General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Dr Lasisi Taiwo, said: “Heart attack means the heart suffers an attack the heart receives blood coming from the lungs. This blood which is mixed with oxygen is rich in nutrient the heart receives it and pumps it to the brain and other parts of the body.

The heart also supplies/pumps blood to itself to be able to function.”

Heart attack, he said, occurs when one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart ruptures suddenly. “This

means that section of the heart that is supplied is at the risk of dying. The effects and manifestation will now depend on how massive the heart attack is, whether it involves one or more arteries or the major branch of the arteries. When it involves the major parts of the heart itself, it will lead to heart attack,” Taiwo added.

Olusegun-Joseph said lifestyle was a major risk factor, adding that people who were not physically active, especially those who live a sedentary lifestyle are liable. “They are more at risk of developing cardiovascular problems and sudden death by extension.

Also, smokers are vulnerable to cardiovascular issues. From taking tobacco they can have potential trigger of sudden death,” he added.

“People with hypertension who have not been taken care of themselvesor using their drugs regularly are also at risk. The more uncontrolled blood pressure a person has, the more risk of coming down with cardiovascular illnesses, such as a stroke and heart attack.

“Many people who are hypertensive

but don’t know can die suddenly. A lot of these people are going about with elevated blood pressure without prior knowledge or medical checkup.

Also diabetes mellitus can trigger sudden death so diabetics who have not been controlling their condition can die suddenly if their blood sugar rises.

“They may have a headache and go to a chemist to buy paracetamol. When they use it the headache subsides a little and then returns afterwards. They are only postponing the evil day. Also at risk are those with increased cholesterol in their system. Those who are aggressive or belong to what is known medically as Type A personality are equally at risk. This is because they are the multi-tasked.

Studies have shown that they are susceptible to cardiovascular ailments and sudden death.”

But there are other Nigerians who believe there may be some spiritual dimensions to the sudden death syndrome. A traditional medical practitioner, Dr. Lambo Adebisi, said there are two dimensions to the issue: The

Unknown to a lot of Nigerians, obesity is another major factor which can give rise to sudden death, according to Lasisi and Olusegun-Joseph; it is a common phenomenon, especially among young people.

“It is now very common among Nigerians, especially among school children. When people get to primary schools, they will see young children that are very fat. This is childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is increasing while obesity generally is on the rise.

This is due to the kind of food we are eating,” Olusegun-Joseph said.

Advising Nigerians, he said: “People should be health and healthy living conscious. Health is wealth. If they are not healthy; they can’t function maximally. If the people do regular medical check it will help to unravel the ailment. If the illnesses are identified early, they can be tackled.”

Taiwo also advised that the easiest way to cut off sudden death is to reduce all the risk factors. He said there is need for regular screening for diabetes and control of obesity through weight control regime. He counseled that Nigerians should eat food which is low in saturated fat, fruits and vegetables.

He said: “Hypertension is the most common in the country, it is alarming.

Majority of patients we see have hypertension. As a cardiologist I see over 100 patients with hypertension and complication of hypertension weekly, but it can be controlled.”

Nigerians warned against sedentary lifestyle

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IGERIANS have been warned against living a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart problems, especially coronary heart disease.

At the continuing medical education (CME) training for surgeons by Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, in Abuja, a Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Rajeeve Rajput, said coronary heart disease was rife in Nigeria and the world at large.

He said the increase is due to the high incidences of diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking, adding that they aid heart problems.

Moreover, they do not exercise enough, and many live a sedentary life by being inactive.

“All these are factors, which make people have blockages in the blood supply to their heart. Majority of them

By Wale Adepoju

come down with chest pain, artery pain and heart problems in the process,” he said.

Besides, Africans and Asians are more prone to artery blockage than other races.

He said a lot needs to be done to train doctors in the country.

On treatment, he said: “The gold standard of managing heart attack these days is to do a gene venography of patients and open the artery and put a stand. I spoke to the doctors who came here that there is one centre doing it. It is not routinely available in Abuja.

“With Abuja population of about four million, if it were a developed country, we need to have between 12 and 15 cardiology hospitals to take

care of cardiac problems. The information I have is that there are only two big cardiac centres here and the two are not offering the best services.”

Rajput said there is room for improvement in the management of the problem, saying New Delhi in India was where Nigeria is 15 years ago.

“What we have today is a general reflection of the development of the economy. When you have a better economy, education and infrastructure; better hospitals will come up.

There is no developed country without good facilities, especially good hospitals. Health in all developing countries does not get as much money as it should get,” he said.

To prevent coronary heart problems, he said, people should change their lifestyle by quitting smoking and

avoid second-hand smoke too. “Quitting smoking may be the best thing you can do to prevent heart disease.

They should also exercise regularly.

There are lots of ways that exercise boosts people’s heart health. It can improve cholesterol and blood pressure as well as helping people have a healthy weight.”

He enjoined people to talk to their doctor before starting an exercise programme to make sure that it is safe for them.

“They should also eat a heart-healthy diet. The way people eat can help them control their cholesterol and blood pressure or mar it,” he said.

People, he said, should stay at a healthy weight be getting active. Eating healthy foods can help people stay at a healthy weight or lose weight if you need to, Rajput added.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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HEALTH

Fidson partners foreign firms on product marketing

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IDSON Healthcare Plc has partnered United States (US) firms - Immune Therapeutics, GB Pharma and American Hospitals & Resort (AHAR) - on the marketing and distribution of a new drug, LodonalTM. The drug is patent-protected because it is indicated for the management of patients with immune-compromising diseases.

The deal will leverage Fidson’s strong and experienced marketing base, robust distribution channels and efficient customer and technical support services to promote the drug in Nigeria. The distribution will become effective, upon completion of the ongoing NAFDAC approved 90-day bridging trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the product.

Its Managing Director, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, said: “Fidson is truly excited about this collaboration with Immune Therapeutics and GB Pharma/AHAR. We know that success in this industry going into the future will be dependent on having the right partnerships, and we could not have asked for better partners at this stage of our growth.

The international experience of Immune Therapeutics and GB Pharma/AHAR in different markets, and their strong commitment to research will be of immense benefit to our company. Likewise, Fidson’s towering presence in the Nigeria Pharma space will open a great door for the group to access one of the biggest and most rewarding markets in Africa.”

This partnership is another strategic approach by the management of Fidson Healthcare Plc, to further strengthen the company’s growth. It

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

also comes on the heels of the recent visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States and President Barack Obama. The significance is monumental as a concrete symbol of US-Nigerian commerce in a non-oil/ gas related sector and a show case for the future of local manufacturing of quality pharmaceuticals on the continent.

President/Chief Executive Officer, GB Pharma, Dr. Gloria Herndon said: “This is the crescendo of a great masterpiece that partnership of GB Pharma, American Hospitals & Resorts, Immune Therapeutics, each with its distinct role. Fidson Healthcare markets and distributes throughout the extensive Nigerian Network. We feel that Nigeria and US bilateral relationship will benefit from this amazing initiative that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people all over the world. This is the spirit of collaboration that President Obama and President Buhari were talking about during the State visit.”

Fidson Healthcare, which was recently recognised by Frost & Sullivan as the recipient of her ‘2014 Growth Excellence Leadership Award in the pharmaceutical industry, recorded sales of N9.7 billion in 2014 financial year.

The award was in recognition of the company’s consistent performance in the pharmaceutical sector, which has seen its revenues rise at a 15 per cent CAGR over the last five years.

The company has also won other corporate awards, including the Financial Standard ‘Pharmaceutical Sector

Leader’ Award in 2008 and the ‘Nigerian Pharmaceutical Company of the Year’ at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) last year. Fidson’s definitive growth and consistent performance in the Nigerian stock market also earned her CEO the 2014 BusinessDay Top 25 CEOs Award, which the company has won consecutively for two years.

To offer options in manufacturing and grow its product portflio, Fidson will inaugurate a N7.5 billion manufacturing plant this year. The new facility will double the company’s production capacity and will also for the first time, add intravenous fluids to Fidson’s product portfolio.

The facility is built to conform to the World Health Organisation (Geneva)-Good ManufacturingPractice(WHO-GMP)standards.

AHAR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Afonja said: “We are well positioned to effect this novel approach to treating HIV/AIDS and other immune compromised diseases in the whole of Africa, starting with Nigeria. Bringing Fidson on board will enhance the facilitation of getting this much needed treatment approach for these conditions.”

To achieve her strategic imperative of improving her products and consolidate her market position, Fidson has continued to invest in research and development across various disease areas. This has seen her record a number of firsts, key among which was becoming the first company in sub-Saharan Africa to manufacture antiretroviral drugs in 2005.

The company has over 200 products across several therapeutic classes, which cut across anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, antiretroviral, anti-malarial, cardiovascular, analgesic, haematinics and supplements.

• From left: the Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Mr. Gupta Tarang; President, Nutrition Association of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam; Senior Scientist, Global Nutrition Development, FrieslandCampina Innovation Centre, Dr Anne Schaafsma; and Marketing Manager, (IFT) FCWAMCO, Mrs. Zatur Hassim, at the 10th Nutrition Seminar of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria held in Abuja.

Exhaust fume is highly poisonous, says expert

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XPERTS have warned of the danger in inhaling exhaust fume.

In an interview with The Nation, a chest and respiratory physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Cyril Chukwu, said exhaust fume contains carbon monoxide which is very poisonous.

Carbon monoxide, he said, can harm the body by reducing oxygen delivery capacity of haemoglobin.

The don said carbon monoxide is a very deadly gas, adding:”When it is excessive in the body, it can lead to death.”

He said fumes affect haemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the human respiratory organs to the rest of the body.

Haemoglobin, he said, releases the oxygen to allow aerobic respiration to provide energy to power the functions of the organ.

According to him, carbon monoxide is difficult to detect because it has no smell, taste or colour, adding that it can be inhaled without realising.

By Faruk Hamzat

Besides, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can occur at any time, in any home or enclosed space.

The specialist said carbon monoxide poisoning is just like putting someone under the water, the ability to breathe could be reduced till the person would not be able to breathe again.

He advised that generating sets should be used in well-ventilated area, adding that they should be sited far away from the window.

“There was a case of a family that put on a generating set indoors and slept in the same room. In the morning, they were all dead. On no account should anybody put a generating on in a room and sleep in the same room.

“The exhaust fumes on the road are not as dangerous as that of generating set because the road is not enclosed so carbon monoxide spreads round and it is not concentrated,” he said.

Consultant Physician and Clinical Head, Medical Emergency, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

(LASUTH), Dr Tunmise Bamisile, said apart from carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes contains up to 40 other gases.

According to him, it contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and benzene hydrocarbons, among others.

Describing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, he said, they are dangerous gases because “they are toxic and carcinogenic”.

Moreover, incomplete combustion occurs when the supply of air or oxygen is poor.

Bamisile said: “If the body contains 10 units of carbon monoxide and 15 units of oxygen, the carbon monoxide will still overpower the oxygen, and as such, denies the body of metabolism.”

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he said, is one of the most dangerous diseases that can result from breathing in excessive exhaust fumes in an enclosed space.

He said COPD is the fourth commonest source of death which makes exhaust fumes very dangerous to take seriously.

HEALTH TALK with How to deal with challenges of puberty Introduction

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EEN children and their erratic behaviour are every parent’s nightmare. Perhaps, one of the most perplexing and in fact, challenging areas of family and society’s life, in modern time, is how to deal with children in an age with growing gap between discipline of children on one hand and the right of parents and children on the other. Increasing liberal laws in some countries and independent minded children makes dealing with children very delicate. On the other hands, the challenges of biological changes in adolescent make rebellion very likely.

Similarly, it’s the desire of parents to raise responsible children. This article will help the youth and their parents or guardians to achieve the above desires. This article will cover two areas: the biological changes in children up to the age of 20, for both boys and girls. It would also cover restrictive demands of the law as well as the society’s expectation that these young minds should behave in certain way.

The idea is to guide the parents and children to live a healthy lifestyle free from criminal behaviour.

Before Birth: The idea that growing up starts from before birth might appear laughable to some readers. Yet this is the starting point for a future healthy living. Starting here will also aid the understanding of issue relating to growing up.

What a person is, the way he/she will behave in future, the gender, the height, and the other physical appearances are all determined even before conception, as some readers might appreciate. The genes in each parent will combine to form the new individual. Therefore, the mental and physical character of this new person (baby) is in part made at the time of this combination of parental genes. If each or any of the genes is out of order or carries a particular disease, it may be passed to the new person. In the same way, if the genes carry excellent personality, it will also show up in the new individual.

From Conception to Birth: At formation, the choice of the baby’s sexual category (that is the gender of the baby) is determined by the parents but importantly by the man as well as the environment, and timing (day and month and of the year) of the pregnancy. At conception, the new baby that is growing is being prepared to achieve one thing later in life: to be productive biologically (reproduction) and to be productive economically. Now that the character of the new individual has, partially, been made up by both parents, the future personality of the new person that is being formed will be influenced by the environment in the womb.

For example, taking alcohol, cigarette (nicotine), heroin, cocaine or exposure to radiations, absence of good food and vitamins, exposure to infections such as rubella, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and so forth may all combined or act alone to affect the behaviour, appearance (and future productivity) of the new person. Stiffening the growing person of oxygen by say anaemia in the mother, may affect the future well-being of the new individual. It should be remembered that the sex (gender) of the new person will from the time of conception affect his/her future character.

Right from before birth, the hormones, that influences children at puberty (growing-up changes) begins to be active at very low level.

If for example, the baby is a boy, the male hormones will direct that the baby should appear as a boy as we know it when he is born. If the parents had passed a female character to the new baby, then she

Dr Joel Akande Infertility Specialist and Consultant 08188343865 managementlease@yahoo.com

will by default failed to develop as a boy but rather develop as a girl.

Unpleasant as this may seems to some, a girl develops for failure of boy to grow as a boy, even if the parents had passed to the baby the instruction to develop as boy.

If he failed to show up as a boy, then he will appear as a girl. This will have a lot of future legal and social as well as productive (biological) implications for the future, as we shall see later.

Birth: The destiny, so to speak, of the new person would depend to a great extent, on the circumstances of his or her birth. A stressful birth such as if the baby is too big for the birth canal or if he was distressed by instruments used by the delivery team, a prolonged birth, a pregnancy that went on for too long or just about anything that may stiffen the child of oxygen could equally damage the brain.

In future, this brain damage may lead to bad behaviour (criminal behaviour), and low productivity (reproduction and economic productivity). The bad behaviour and appearance could be made worse if the new person, as stated above had inherited from both or either parents, bad characters. It could similarly be made worse, if the child had been exposed to any of those agents, as stated above, that he/she came across while in the womb. All these could affect the person’s lifestyle and shorten his/her life.

Day 1 to 5 years: Contrary to some opinions, this age is not the formative years of any child. As I have explained above, the formative years started years back and is going through further stages. Now that the structure, appearance and gender of the new person is known, it should be remembered that the hormones and chemicals that will continue to shape the life of this individual will continue to act though at a low level. Except through adornment, naming, or social identification as a girl or boys, neither of the gender can easily be classified as a boy or girl from appearance. That is to say, if the private (genitals) areas are covered and there is no clothing and adornment appearance, it would be difficult to say if a person is a boy or girl.

Nonetheless, the formative years continue. Nurture: The continued appearance and behaviour of the new baby to the world will now be under the influences that he/she receives from parents, guardian, friends, peers, and the society.

These influences will include food taken and how nutritious it is and how appropriate for the age. Other influences include the graphics and images that he/she sees, the type of words, morality, home and society norms and messages or education he hears, the kind of touch he feels, (whether brute, gentle, lovely or not), the nature of activities he/she is exposed to will radically influence how the baby and the future adult behaves.

•To be continued

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

SHOWBIZ

‘NBC ban won’t affect our song’

Charly Boy out with Talk Junction

By Joe Agbro Jr.

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CCENTRIC artiste, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has launched a new radio programme tagged Talk with us.

The show which will air every Saturday by 10:30 am on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network will see Oputa, and Koko talk about different issues.

“Talk Junction, is an interactive phone in programme where we X-ray the way we live and proffer possible solutions to social issues by inspiring people towards an improved lifestyle,” Charly Boy posted on his Facebook account on Wednesday.

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OURS after it was announced that the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has placed a ban on some songs, including 17 by Nigerian artistes, the management of Made Men Music, the record label under which Nigerian affected singer, Iyanya, is signed, has said that they were not officially informed about any form of restriction.

Speaking to The Nation on behalf of the group, Iyanya’s manager, Ubi Franklin said that as far as the label is concerned, no such ban is in effect.

“I only saw it on social media. We were not contacted officially that there was a ban on any of our songs. I have actually not been written officially, so I don’t know anything about it,” he said.

As to whether the label is not bothered about the effect such a ban would have on the song, he said; “My song don blow already so whether them ban am, I no mind. I don’t feel bad in any way. Nobody can fault the NBC. It is a body that decides whether a song has vulgar lyrics or whether it should fit for airplay so it is their decision to make. I don’t know the criteria they used for banning the song but by my own assessment, it wasn’t vulgar. I don’t see any reason why the song should be banned.”

On Wednesday, the internet was agog with the news of the ban of some local and foreign songs by the NBC, citing sev-

Juwon steps up with new style

• Iyanya and Ubi Franklin

By Ovwe Medeme

eral reasons, including obscenity, vulgar lyrics, violence, and indecent exposure among others.

The affected songs include three foreign songs: Nicki Minaj‘s Anaconda, Post to be by Omarion featuring Chris Brown and Jhene Aiko and Ace Hood’s collaboration with Rick Ross titled Bugatti, and 17 Nigerian songs such as Wizkid‘s In My Bed, Fans Mi

by Davido (featuring American rapper Meek Mill), Olamide‘s Shakiti Bobo and Iyanya‘s collaboration with Don Jazzy, Gift.

Others are Tony Montana by Naeto C featuring D’banj, Oyari (Dr Sid and Tiwa Savage), Gbese (Lil Kesh), Ibadi (May D), Tesojue (Reminisce), Yayo (Phyno), Lomo (Jhybo) and

Pre‘s The Girl.

Most of the banned songs are already big hits, and will continue to get played in night clubs, and on websites across the world. They will also remain on cable platforms like Hip TV, MTV Base and Soundcity.

NBC memos to the station heads say the labeling reflects how the commission’s officers categorise the music. Free-toair channels are not allowed to broadcast music containing vulgar lyrics, obscene scenes and. violence One particular instance, according to insiders, is Davido’s Fans Mi which the NBC believes is promoting ostentatious lifestyle, drug trafficking and indecent exposure.

The Nigerian Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had also expressed concerns about the video.

Mrs. Nigeria pageant is about giving back, says Ebele Enemchukwu

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RS. Ebelechukwu C h i n e l o Enemchukwu recently won the 2015 edition of Mrs. Nigeria United Nations beauty pageant. It was the maiden edition which held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. The show follows a previous one, whereby she represented Nigeria at the international stage in Kingston, Jamaica, in June where she won Mrs. Tourism, and the People’s choice Awards. She thanked all those who voted for her at the competition that enabled her to win the Mrs. United Nations award, especially as it was not a free-of-

By Jane Kolade

charge voting system.

Unlike most competition in its ilk, it is a different kind of pageant system, which centers mostly on charity, she said. “It is different for the following reasons; first, my title is one for married women, second it is a nonswimsuit pageant system, and third, it is more about giving than getting.”

The svelte beauty, whose looks belie her status as a happily married mother of three, is a training specialist with a passion for transforming lives through her different roles as

• Charly Boy and Koko

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UDDING Nigerian artiste, Habeeb Juwon Lawal, who goes by the stage name Juwon has said that his mission is to change the face of the country’s music scene.

This, the artiste intends to do by floating a new genre which he calls Highlife on Hip Hop. The artiste brings this style to bear in his new track titled Big Money.

“It is a style I created myself which, like I said, makes me. I live through music. Basically, I have been singing for about three years but I didn't get the support of my friends. I decided to go deep into music because music got me right at all times.

Music is my voice and mouthpiece,” Juwon enthused.

The singer, who says that he fell in love with music way back in High School, revealed that he will be dropping a track in two weeks with Ajebutter22.

“It's titled Overdose and also I have on a song which will be featuring Phyno. I titled it Omo Ibo. I’m also working on another track with Legely the Golden son of Island titled Mummy Mi and I have several features with the like of Q.dot and Reminisce scheduled for next year. It's a whole lot of work but I’m on it,” he added.

The artiste who says that he'll love to work with the likes of Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Patoranking, Wizkid and Davido also talks about his forth coming album; “It will

• Juwon

BET to debut entertainment show

• Ebelechukwu Enemchukwu

By Ruth Iluobe

wife, mother, professional, and beauty queen.

The queen, who is a charming mix of beauty, and brains, says that her focus during her reign will be education; on making education fun for youngsters, and also a plan to enable them access educational content online, without being connected to the internet. will be better than last year’s edition.”

According to the Smooth Promotions CEO, all entries are to be submitted online via the awards website on www.the headies.com between August 11th and September 15th, 2015.

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Talented trio headline Hennessey Loves Music

• Vector, Praiz and Burna Boy

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S premium cognac brand, Hennessey, celebrates its 250th anni-

By Joe Agbro Jr.

versary this year, Hennessey

Artistry, its innovative music platform, is set to emphasize the brand’s love for music in a

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be what Nigeria as a whole would anticipate. It will be passing a whole lot of message to the street and the market where I belong. That's it about the album. I’m based in Nigeria but most times I’m usually out because I’m also schooling outside Nigeria but in close by Cotonou.”

celebration themed Hennessey loves Music.

Recently, Hennessey unveiled R and B singer Praiz, hip hop act Vector and dance hall artiste Burna Boy as artistes to headline the show as it holds across different months.

“Hennessy in Nigeria has been known in recent times as a key player role in the growth of the music industry,” said Brand Manager Hennessey.

“And as such, Hennessy is drawing attention to other genres in the music industry that may not be celebrated as

they should in Nigeria.

“We also want to explore music through our headliners’ experiences, their stories and their potentials. We are identifying with the artistes’ personal struggle of realizing and never giving up on their talents amidst all the challenges, especially in their choice of music genres.”

Previous Hennessy Artistry headliners include Jesse Jagz, Nneka, Cobhams, Kas, Jude “MI” Abaga, Banky W, Sir Shina Peters, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, El Dee, Bez, Wizkid, 2face and others.

FRICA’s biggest channel, Black Entertainment Television (BET) is set to debut its entertainment show, BET Buzz, which would feature entertainment news and celebrity gossip from all African continents and the world at large.

The channel has appointed South African singer and DJ, Tamarsha Khanyile and Top Actor, Altovise Lawrence as hosts of the show.

Following their achievements, Tamarsha came to limelight through presenting on Selimathunzi and covering the Metro FM Awards Black Carpet show while Altovise rose to fame after winning BET’s reality show contest, Top Actor earlier this year.

Tamarsha said: “I’m so excited to be part of this exciting new show for BET, and to being able to grow my profile within the entertainment industry.”

Also speaking, Altovise said: “BET gave me an amazing entrée into the entertainment world, thanks to Top Actor, and I am now looking forward to forging even closer links with this amazing global brand.”

The show is to air daily on BET (DStv channel 129) from September 1st at 6pm and on BET2 (DStv channel 135) at 6:30pm and a weekend compilation on Saturday on BET(6:40pm) and BET2(8:40pm).

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

48

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

“Marriage is part of my tradition. Whoever is capable but refuses to marry is not part of me” Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

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REAMBLE

Today’s article is not new. It is only being recalled here due to popular demand. When it was first published in this column some years ago, many Muslim couples in Nigeria saw it as a true mirror of their matrimonial homes. Many others took it for a matrimonial handbook capable of serving as a guide for the conduct of their homes. Yet, many who missed it at that time but only heard of it from others who read it have severally called for its repetition in this column. And because of the value it may add to Muslim homes and the role it may play in resolving conflicts in those homes, ‘The Message’ decided to re-publish it here today for the benefit of all and sundry. Here it goes: “A radical 20th century India-born British journalist and novelist, George Orwell, wrote a famous allegorical novel entitled ‘ANIMAL FARM’ in 1945. His focus in that novel was mainly on the Russian revolution of 1917 which he satirised venomously. While writing the novel, that social critic never thought that any possible ripples could arise from it which might have a backlash effect on the entire human social life in the 21st century. But ironically, with the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), in the early 1990s the read application of that book became manifest on the entire social life of today’s mankind. This will be explained shortly.

Institution of Marriage

Perhaps no institution in human life is as temporally or spiritually valuable as marriage. This is an indisputable fact across nations, races cultures and religions. Marriage is the main axis around which the continuity of human existence on earth rotates. It is either a pivotal source of decency or a clear cause of malfeasance in any given society. Without marriage, human societies would have been like Orwell’s Animal Farm. And were Orwell alive today he would have probably redirected the attention of his novel towards the matrimonial homes globally.

Rate of Dissolution

Nowadays, the rate of dissolution of marriages is by far higher than the rate at which marriages are consummated. At least, going by the local customs of the various tribes in Nigeria one can conclude that marriages are conducted weekly throughout the country as against the daily occurrences of their dissolution.

Definition

Some people define marriage as a legalization of intercourse and procreation of children without any reference to its divine sanctity. Others call it a social contract culturally or legally consummated between two consenting mature people of opposite genders. The latter definition is also silent on the obligation and responsibilities of such a union. In Islam, marriage is much more than both definitions. It is on the one hand, a promise made by the male gender who is soon to become the husband and on the other, a trust personified by the female gender who is soon to become the wife in the custody of a husband. Thus, marriage is an agreement between two families aimed at creating an avenue for continuity of social life through a common social venture jointly managed by the two representatives of both families in their bid to set up a home of their own.

Essence of Life

In the life of any serious human being, three events are fundamentally essential.

These are birth, marriage and death. The three form the axis around which the entire human life rotates. All other events in human life are merely peripheral.

Throughout the world today (Nigeria inclusive), marriage has become a balloon which can be casually inflated in one minute and deflated in the next minute. It has been taken for a mere chess game played for the fun of the players as well as that of the onlookers. To most Nigerians of today, marriage is not more important than dining, wining, singing and dancing. It has been reduced to mere fun and entertainment which many young couples see as a legitimate means of actualizing sexual urge that would have been perceived as a social aberration without passing through a formal matrimonial communion.

Parable of Marriage

While conducting a marriage in Lagos sometime ago, yours sincerely compared a marital couple to a pair of scissors which

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Muslim Marital Homes

•A couple

has two blades. Each of those blades faces a different direction. The one faces right whilst the other faces left. These positions are not naturally interchangeable. Yet, with the nuptial tie knotting them together in the middle to seal their common destiny, the two blades jointly work assiduously in their move to certify the essence of that togetherness.

Looking at a pair of scissors very carefully, one will discover that the two blades therein sometimes stick closely together and sometimes stand out separately. Their meeting and parting randomly accentuate the essence of their togetherness. Through those meeting and parting, the two blades of the pair of scissors communicate effectively and mutually function dutifully. And when they stay apart, the tendency is for some intruders to assume that they cannot jointly function again and therefore attempt to penetrate the gap between them.

But as soon as that intruder comes in, the two blades of the scissors quickly come together to crush it. There is a marital lesson for human beings to learn from this.

Division of Labour

No husband can play the role of his wife.

Neither can any wife play the role of her husband. The division of labour in the matrimonial home as naturally ordained is the main determinant of the separation of powers in that home.

Just as the two blades of a pair of scissors face different directions but work intimately together so should any marital couple do. If the blades stick together permanently without opening and closing, the tendency is for them to rust away and become useless to each other. And, if on the other hand, they stay apart consistently thereby leaving the scissors in a permanently open position they will never be able to jointly carry out the assignment for which they are manufactured. Thus, through random meeting and parting of those blades, the pair of scissors is able to perform its duty without any hindrance. And as the blades grow older, they become weaker and less active. So is the situation with marital couples.

Implications

Unfortunately today, marriage has become like the country called Nigeria where projects are hurriedly executed to satisfy the secret (under the table) terms of contract without any consideration for the quality and maintenance of such projects. When two young people of different genders and backgrounds are coming together to form a couple, they hardly think of the implications of such a union in terms of individual differences and the possible challenges that may emanate from those differences.

Young couples of today perceive love either from beauty point of view or from endowed wealth or even from pleasure of sexual intercourse. And that is a way of turning infatuation or possession of material wealth or sexual enjoyment into love which is usually the cause of marital collapse.

In marriage, love develops only gradually with mutual understanding especially when it becomes evident that one spouse accommodates the weaknesses of the other through tolerance and compromise. The attraction which beauty or wealth or intercourse engenders can only at best generate tentative LIKENESS and not LOVE in the real sense. This is where the foundation of divorce is often laid even before the consummation of marriage. There is nothing called love in a matrimonial home in the absence of thorough study and understanding of each other as well as compromises and tolerance. It is not enough to claim mutual understanding through mutual study during courtship. No matter how long it may last, the period of courtship can never be enough for any couple to fully understand each other. That period is usually to impress each other while the tendency to pretend is often disguised. That is why and Arab poet once coined a couplet thus: “A liking eye sees nothing wrong in the conduct of the liked one; but a hateful eye only searches for the faults in the hated person” Marriage is a serious business which must be seriously negotiated initially by the concerned couples and their parents or guardians. At the courtship stage, the concerned couple must not only discuss the modalities of coming together as husband and wife they must also negotiate the factors of sustaining their marriage through proper maintenance of the home. Any marriage without a programme of maintenance and sustenance will become like dew used by a farmer to water his crops into fruition.

The Prophet’s recommendation

In his recommendation to Muslim men searching for wives, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Wives should be married on the basis of four factors: beauty, wealth, family background and faith”. He however emphasized (Islamic) FAITH as the strongest factor for Muslim couples. He did not recommend such factors to women knowing the difficulties that women might face in making choices of men but he strongly recommended that a woman’s consent in her marriage is germane. The Prophet then concluded that any marriage without such consent is invalid. This means that forcing a girl into marriage without her consent is illegal in Islam.

Marriages are globally collapsing at an alarming rate today because couples and their families have closed their eyes to two key factors in maintaining the matrimonial home. These factors are COMMUNICATION and MUTUAL RESPECT. No marriage can ever survive or succeed without a thorough pre-marital counseling by parents, guardians or religious clerics who must not only tutor potential couples but also demonstrate practically to them how marriages are sustained using their own marriages as examples. Newly married couples often dream of building their homes on the models of certain older couples in the society. The consummators of new marriages in the Muslim community must be part of those models.

Communication

There can be no matrimonial peace in the absence of adequate communication between husband and wife based on mutual respect. Nothing signals the collapse of a marriage more than the breakdown of communication in the home. A marriage without communication is like a house without door. Of course, the children from

such homes are mostly the victims of any ensued divorce. If a marriage is initiated and consummated with communication, how can anybody think that such a marriage can be sustained without communication?

The real essence of marriage is for husband and wife to disagree in order to agree, not the other way round. And in the process of disagreeing or agreeing, communication is the only key instrument without which the home can never remain intact.

Any couple that closes the matrimonial door to communication has surely opened that door for divorce. Even divorce, whether through mutual agreement or through court injunction, must be communicated in one way or another to both parties.

In Islam, one of the most potent ways of ventilating communication in the home is to worship and pray together at least twice in a day (morning and evening). A Muslim husband must at least be knowledgeable enough to lead his family in Salat and to preach and pray for such family daily.

Through such worship and prayer, many knotty matrimonial issues are untied. And besides, the children will learn to be goodmannered and to resolve disagreements among themselves. That is why Muslims are urged to acquire knowledge about their religion. The spate of divorce in any society today is much higher among the ignorant couples than the knowledgeable ones.

The Role of Mosques

By remaining indifferent to the rate of divorce among Nigerian Muslims, the Mosques are shirking one of their foremost responsibilities. It has been said repeatedly in this column that Mosques are not meant for Salat alone. As a matter of fact, Salat can be observed congregationally or individually anywhere that is clean and not necessarily in a building called Mosque. A Mosque in Islam does not have to be a building if its purpose is just to observe Salat. That is why Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “the entire earth has been made the Mosque for Muslims once it is purified”.

One of the fundamental duties of a Mosque is to sanitize the society by finding resolution to conflicts. And since no conflict can be more devastating to any society than that of the matrimonial homes it becomes incumbent on every Mosque to have a Conflict Resolution Committee constituted by learned scholars and headed by an Islamic jurist.

As a duty, the Imam of the Mosque must also be well educated enough to educate the congregation in his Mosque on the need to take their matrimonial conflicts to the Mosques or Shari‘ah courts where such conflicts can be solemnly resolved rather than to customary courts where marriages are dissolved with fiat. Matrimonial conflicts are not new to any modern society. What seems new and worrisome about them is the geometric leap they are taking these days.

Reflection

The very first conflict in human history was over marriage. And that was the conflict between the first and second sons of Adam (Qabil and Habil) otherwise known as Cane and Abel over the choice of wife.

And the genesis of the perennial disagreement between Muslims and non-Muslims of Semitic origin in the world today was the matrimonial rivalry between the two wives of Prophet Ibrahim, Zahrah and Hajarah, (Sarah and Hagar). If the Mosques cannot resolve conflicts arising from the marriages they consummated to save Muslim homes, what other conflicts can they claim to be resolving? It is embarrassingly shameful to see hundreds of Muslim marriages demolished by customary courts while the Mosques keep aloof.

Conclusion

Today, Nigerian society is prone to danger of insecurity mostly because of matrimonial instability. And the more marriages are consummated, the more matrimonial homes crumble. Who, then, will save the society by saving our matrimonial homes? That is the biggest question of this time which is begging for a very positive answer. The security of Nigeria as a country depends very much on the stability of matrimonial homes. That is why emphasis should rather be laid on stability of homes than on distribution of contraceptives for the purpose of reducing procreation. There can be no peaceful nation without peaceful homes. This is a panacea for national insecurity. The battle for Nigeria’s future peace is rather in the matrimonial homes than in the Sambisa forests of this world.

God bless our homes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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THE United States has reauthorised the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) for another 10 years. This may have opened a fresh window of opportunity for Nigeria to drive her non-oil export business. But there are fears that unless poor infrastructure, lack of adherence to standards, value addition, and product packaging are resolved, Nigeria may yet again fail to benefit optimally from the trade policy, which allows exportation of products to the US market, tariff and quota-free. Asst. Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA reports.

How Nigeria can leverage on AGOA to boost non-oil export

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HE’S a trade policy bodes well for Nigeria’s plan to diversify her economy by promoting the non-oil export business, especially agriculture. But Nigeria failed to maximise opportunities under the US trade policy, known as the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) within the last 15 years. The Act initially covered eight years (October 2000 to September 2008), but with amendments signed by former US President George Bush in July 2004 AGOA was extended to September 2015. Yet, Nigeria still could not ride on the back of the programme to boost non-oil export.

AGOA, seen as the cornerstone of US trade and investment in Africa, was aimed at giving Nigeria and other eligible African countries opportunity to build capacity in global markets. It offers tangible incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets. Essentially, the trade policy sought to increase market access to Nigeria and 38 other eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export about 7, 000 product lines tariff and quota-free to the US market.

However, issues around Nigeria’s monoproduct economy centered on oil, and perceived lack of adherence to standards and product packaging methods as well as weak manufacturing base and infrastructural challenges, among others, are said to have conspired to rob Africa’s largest economy the opportunity of riding on the crest of AGOA to become globally competitive.

But a second chance came the way of Nigeria to exploit the opportunities in AGOA when the US Congress on Thursday, June 11, renewed the Act for another 10 years. The Nation learnt that the renewal of the trade agreement enjoyed the overwhelming support of members of the US Congress, with 392 members against 32, voting for the endorsement of AGOA. The programme, which was to expire on September 30, 2015, now ends in 2025. It has since been signed by US President Barack Obama.

Expectedly, the 10-year extension of the programme is music in the ears of President Muhammadu Buhari including stakeholders and operators in the private sector.

Governments of other eligible African countries are no less excited. Already, because of the passage of US legislation reauthorising AGOA for an additional 10 years, a ‘2015 AGOA Forum’ is scheduled to take place from August 24 to 27 in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. The Forum will be an opportunity to celebrate AGOA’s success over the last 15 years, and explore strategies to maximise impact over the next decade. It also hopes to launch a dialogue on Africa’s shared vision for the post-AGOA future of US-Africa trade.

At a ‘Live At State’ online video press conference held at the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 18, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda ThomasGreenfield and Assistant United States Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser, both expressed hope that the reauthorisation of AGOA would allow African countries including Nigeria to improve their trade and investment environments to take advantage of AGOA to boost non-oil export. According to Liser, this is particularly so considering

the fact that oil export from Africa to the US is declining.

For Thomas-Greenfield, African countries must work on their safety and other industrial standards and tackle constraints to meet US specifications. She said the forum would seek how Africans can work together to utilise and maximise the benefits of AGOA in the next 10 years. According to her, the implementation of the trade policy in the last 15 years has created several jobs not only in Africa, but also in the US. For Nigeria, the 10-year extension of AGOA and the upcoming AGOA Forum could not have come at a better time. This is so considering the current emphasis on growing the non-oil sector. This was sequel to the economic downturn caused by the plunge in oil prices, which put the nation’s finances under severe pressure. Even before the crisis in the international oil market, which forced Nigeria to look towards the non-oil sector for succour, experts had acknowledged the non-oil sector as being more inclusive and sustainable, growthoriented and also characterised by high economic linkages.

However, despite the strategic focus on the non-oil sector and the expectation that the sector would receive a major boost on the strength of the renewal of AGOA, there are fears that the same issues that stood in the way of maximising the full benefits of the Act before the 10-year extension might yet again conspire to throw spanner in the works unless they are resolved. “Quality is number one. It is the first thing that ought to be considered as the nation focuses on building a robust export-based economy,” the National President, Association of Systems Management Consultants, Mazi Coleman Obasi, said.

Obasi told The Nation that at present, locally manufactured products and services lack global quality certification hence, they are denied access to markets in developed economies. The situation, he said, explains why the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturers suffer. He said Nigeria is not making progress under AGOA because of poor standards arising from poor packaging, which makes it difficult for manufacturers especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to penetrate the US markets.

The Director General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Emeka Okereke, could not agree less. While describing AGOA as ‘a right and brilliant policy,’ he said: “The challenge has to do with standardisation. America being a developed nation will not take the second best in terms of quality products.”

He told The Nation that Nigeria failed to take advantage of the policy to boost her export drive to the US market due partly to her

•Assistant United States Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser.

•Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield

failure to improve on products standardisation especially in the area of packaging.

The ECCIMA DG added that although many local businesses tried to export products under the scheme, most of them met with stringent US import measures. He, therefore, said there is need to critically look at the Act again to smoothen the grey areas in its implementation. Sir Okereke, who estimated Nigeria’s export drive to the US at about 30 per cent, while putting Ghana’s at about 60 per cent, noted that it was possible that the US had more confidence in Ghana’s method of processing products for export than Nigeria’s.

“I think there is a systemic lack of confidence on Nigeria by the US. Ghana may be having a cutting edge because she has the ears of the US. The image of Nigeria before the US is different from Ghana,” he said, recommending that “We need to work on our trade diplomacy with the US; we need to work on changing that negative perception if we must benefit from the extension of AGOA this time.”

Similarly, former Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. John Isemede, said although, he is not condemning AGOA, there is need for Nigeria to assess how she started and where she is today to see whether to go ahead with the old system or there will be some adjustments. He noted that the programme has not contributed in any way to the development of Nigeria’s economy, neither has it raised the business potential of any Nigerian entrepreneur.

The NACCIMA chief decried a situation whereby America dictates the price of what they buy from the exporting countries under AGOA. He said: “If you are taking produce from Nigeria and we can’t meet your standard, you had better come and invest in Nigeria or bring your own experts to come and teach us the standard. You asked for ABCD products and you have every right to determine the quality and quantity, but you

don’t have every right to determine the price for what you don’t produce. What is the essence of determining quality when you have not even worked with our people?”

The Nation learnt that under AGOA, there are three sectors, namely ‘energy-related products,’ ‘textiles, apparel’ and ‘transportation equipment.’ These account for over 90 per cent of exports currently qualifying for AGOA benefits. However, in the last 15 years of the implementation of the policy, Nigeria was only able to feature prominently in the energy-related products sector. The country performed woefully in the textiles and apparel, agricultural products and mineral and metals sectors. Unfortunately, these are areas Nigeria has huge potential.

The crux of the matter, according to experts, is that Nigeria shot herself in the foot by refusing to diversify her economy away from its over-dependence on oil. The oil & gas sector, which provides the bulk of Nigeria revenue, contributing as much as 95 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and about 80 per cent of its budgetary revenues, made it difficult for agric exports to play an important role in Nigeria-US trade under AGOA. According to experts, agriculture provides 70 per cent of employment in Sub-Saharan Africa and 30 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Yet agric products constitute less than one per cent of AGOA exports. As if that is not enough, the few agric products Nigeria would have exported were faced with the challenge of quality and standard. Because of the country’s poor infrastructure and lack of laboratories to ensure that exportable agric products and other goods meet required international standards, as well as lack of value addition, among others, Nigeria failed to maximise opportunities under the scheme.

Poor infrastructure particularly power supply, which has continued to push up cost of production is also believed to be partly responsible for the lack of competitiveness of the manufacturing sector especially SMEs. For instance, at a recent Bank of Industry (BoIAGOA training programme in Lagos, high cost of production, lack of adherence to contractual terms, and ignorance of local and U.S. customs regulations were identified as some of the hindrances to the export capacities of most Nigerian SMEs. With the 10-year extension of AGOA presenting a new window of opportunity for Nigeria to give her non-oil export business another push, stakeholders and real sector operators insist that the time has come for government to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

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Stakeholders and real sector operators insist that the time has come for government to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Exporters should intensify efforts at adding value to local raw materials instead of just exporting them

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

INDUSTRY Review education policy to accommodate research, RMRDC urges

Regional trade key to food security, says World Bank T T

HE World Bank has fore, called for a new commitment to regional trade in the West African Subregion to accelerate agricultural production, boost growth and ensure food security.

World Bank in a recent report, ‘Connecting Food Staples and Inputs in West Africa: A Regional Trade Agenda for ECOWAS Countries’ called on Nigeria and other governments in West Africa to move beyond nationally-focused food policies and address regional trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to link farmers with consumers in the region’s booming urban areas.

“Food staples belong at the heart of the ECOWAS agenda on agriculture,” said World Bank senior economist and lead author of the report Jean-Christophe Maur.

He said the importance of crossborder cooperation to secure food supply, as well as manage common natural resources, regional diseases and security challenges, has been made painfully clear in recent years.

According to Maur, now is the time to act and embrace regional trade for what it is—the opportunity to feed populations, reduce poverty, generate jobs and promote shared prosperity.

The report obtained by The Nation builds on the lessons of the World Bank report, “Africa can help feed Africa,” and examines the specific circumstances in West Africa, which is home to one-third of the continent’s population, and bringing new analysis to the food

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

staples trade and policies in the region.

The report regretted that though Africa has tremendous agriculture potential with more than half of the world’s fertile yet unused land, countries on the continent are increasingly dependent on food imports from the rest of the world.

It stressed that regional trade in West Africa is key to food security and agricultural development, and can play an important role if supported by policies and commitments from neighboring countries.

“Trade across borders will create economies of scale in food production, expand opportunities for producers, and sharply reduce the vulnerability of families, especially the poor, to price volatilities, drought and other shocks,” the report added.

An active regional agenda exists in West Africa, and regional institutions such as ECOWAS have shown initiative with the recent adoption of harmonized trade and quality control rules for seed and fertilizer markets. Yet despite commitments to integration, many of the 15 ECOWAS member states are pursuing policies to support national self-sufficiency, including import bans on food staples from neighboring countries.

The report stated that because of lack of adequate regional policies on trade across borders, food producers in West Africa suffer from

poorly managed transport and warehousing, a lack of financing, and fragmented supply chains such as refrigeration for perishables, all of which hamper the sale of food staples.

Responding to the report, the Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Emmanuel Cobham, said local industries need protection against the influx of foreign products in the wake of the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET).

NACCIMA‘s position on the policy is that manufacturing companies need some level of protection against the influx of foreign products that the tariff favours.

Cobham said since the CET regime has commenced, government may need to consider ways by which the hardship on importers and manufacturers alike could be alleviated.

Under the new policy, goods are grouped into five categories of tariff rates: zero, five, 10, 20 and 50 per cent. Goods dutiable under the zero per cent category are special drugs as well as industrial machinery and equipment.

Under the five per cent category, goods dutiable include raw materials and other capital goods.

Those dutiable under the 10 per cent category are intermediate goods while finished goods attract 20 per cent import tariff.

Finished goods that can be manufactured locally, however, attract 35 per cent import tariff. But the World Bank seems unimpressed by the success so far recorded by the policy in the region.

HE Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has advocated for a review of Nigeria’s education policy to accommodate research and development.

The Director, Chemicals and Materials Department, RMRDC, Dr Moses Omojola, made the on the sideline of a stakeholders’ interactive meeting on research and development held in Abuja, Tuesday this week.

The theme of the meeting was ‘’Institutionalisation of Research and Development in Tertiary Institutions as a Launch Pad for Nigeria’s

T e c h n o l o g i c a l Advancement.’’Omojola said researchers need a guideline on national focus instead of embarking on individualistic research. “We cannot continue doing what we have been doing 20 years ago; if there is a review, it should accommodate Research and Development (R&D),” he saidAccording to Omojola, focused R&D is critical to tackling societal challenges and bringing the much needed economic and industrial development. He said education policies should survive beyond government and that national interests should be paramount.

NEPC boss sees enormous potential in Nigeria’s services sub-sector

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IGERIA has substantial po tential in non-oil export, especially in the services subsector, the Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, has said.

Awolowo made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday during an interactive meeting on the review of the implementation of the National Strategy for the export of professional services in Nigeria.

He said the service sector was the second largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Nigeria has huge potential in export of services, such as in the creative industry (Nollywood and music), financial services, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) among others,” he said According to the NEPC boss, Nigeria is a leading exporter of banking services in West Africa with a strong financial services sector. He said, for instance, that 11 Nigerian banks have established subsidiaries abroad in over 20 sub-Saharan countries; nine out of 11 also have

branches in four continents outside of Africa.

Awolowo however, said one of the major challenges for companies in the services sector was access to information about opportunities in and requirements of foreign markets. He said to overcome the challenges, the council would collaborate with the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the Trade in Services Programme (TSP).

He noted that this would enable Nigerian companies take advantage of ITC’s interventions in the Business Process Outsourcing and Information Technology sub-sectors..

“As you are all aware, in 2009, the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council formulated a strategy to develop the export of professional services in Nigeria.

“The overreaching goal of the strategy was to contribute to the country’s long- term objective to create wealth, generate employment and reduce poverty as enshrined in Nigeria’s National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy.’’ he said.

Youths urged to take advantage of programmes

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•Muda Yusuf, DG, LCCI; Remi Ogunmefun, DG, MAN; Kehinde Awoyale, Cordinator, German Vocational Training; Baerbel Freyer, delegation of German Industry and Commerce; INGO herbert, Consul General, German Embassy in Nigeria; Laolu Oguntuyi, Director, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board; Jens Gebhardt, German vocational training expert.

NEMPLOYED youths in Delta State, south-south N i geria, have been called upon to take advantage of the State Government’s empowerment programmes.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made the call while addressing newly recruited but disengaged protesters from the State Civil Service by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

Some persons were recruited into the state civil service in April 2014 by the former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The CPS said the Okowa’s administration meant well for the people of Delta and for those disengaged, adding that the state government’s decision to disengage those recruited one month before his inauguration was in good faith.

Expert decries penchant for imported products

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HE penchant of Nigerians to patronise imported products at the detriment of locally manufactured products fuels an insidious and relegating effect on local produce and the economy, Director, Foraminifera Market Research, Mr. Nnamdi Anakuwe, has said.

Speaking with The Nation, Anakuwe said the importation of all kinds of commodities from simple domestic tools as toothpick and match stick to complex equipment amounts to a disservice to local

By Temitayo Ayetoto

manufacturers and the economy generally.

“Even when some manufacturers manage to channel efforts and resources into making quality goods and services, the usual penchant of Nigerians for foreign made products rub off negatively on the competitiveness of locally made products,” he said.

The expert said despite research, which found that there is no much local production for toothpick be-

cause of the attitude of Nigerians, for instance, a lot of toothpicks in the market are imported.

“Though there are one or two companies that do local manufacturing but again the quantity and quality they produce is quite small. In fact, most toothpicks don’t come with manufacturer’s details except you buy them in cartons,” he said.

Anakuwe pointed out that Nigerians’ preference for foreign goods could be viewed from two perspectives. The first, he said, is that the growth and development of the

manufacturing sector is not enjoying a healthy level of support and encouragement from the government and banks.

He noted that although, some investors have indicated interest in local production, existing policies are not encouraging enough to propel substantial investment in manufacturing.

The other factor, especially in the area of manufacturing simple domestic products such as toothpick, is the unavailability of consistent farming of bamboo and wood, which are

essential raw materials for toothpick processing. He noted that those who manage to produce toothpicks and matches are in stiff competition with the construction industries who are major users of bamboo.

“The challenges are too numerous as you are in competition with those who are doing wood export, wood furniture product etc. So if you look at the raw material from wood, it’s already too difficult for someone who just wants to do a project of toothpick production.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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Between April and July, many housewives adopted various survival strategies to cope with escalating prices of tomatoes and pepper as well as other staple foods—no thanks to naira devaluation and other factors. However, other food items maintained their old prices while few others are experiencing increment, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Food prices drop in Lagos markets

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INCE the beginning of this month, the prices of tomato and pepper which used to be extremely expensive have started falling, quantity has also increased. The situation was not like this in the last four months when many households faced hard times as prices of food items increased by over 100 per cent due to factors such as insecurity, flood caused by heavy rainfall which washed away large quantities of ripe crops before they could be harvested and the steep fall in the value of the naira.

While the situation lasted, consumers adopted different methods to cope; many households bought little quantities of fresh ingredients, combined them with dried pepper and packaged tomatoes in cans.

Housewives lamented that it wasn’t easy coping that period, especially having to manage the monthly allowance every time.

Most of them said they would have to do lots of explanations to convince their husbands to increase food allowance.

From investigations, the situation was worsened by alleged extortion by policemen at the many checkpoints on the way to Lagos when farmers who harvest and distribute these items return from the north.

This is in addition to the activities of state and local government officials that charge and collect all manners of spurious charges when they finally get here.

According to the famers, the scarcity and hike in the price of staple foods, was due to high cost of transportation occasioned by the fuel scarcity in the country that virtually killed the economy at the beginning of the year and off season period for perishable food items.

•Agboju market Mile 2 Lagos

In April, acute nationwide fuel scarcity caused increment in the prices of staple foods. Traders who buy produce in small quantities attributed this to high cost of transporting goods from their places of purchase to the market.

In June when Ramadan fast began, price-sensitive markets across Lagos suffered from higher food costs which affected the demand for food items, particularly those of tomato and pepper. And visits to some major markets in Lagos where these items were sold in large quantities showed then that prices of tomatoes, pepper, chilli pepper and others moved up sharply without any likelihood of coming down any time soon.

Today, the price of the produce have become very affordable, a big

OneCard, SPAR Park n Shop partner

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AST moving consumer goods (FMCG) company that provides top up solutions on multiple platforms, OneCard Nigeria, has announced its partnership with SPAR; the largest chain of hypermarket stores in Nigeria. The partnership introduces the sale of airtime in all SPAR Park n Shop outlets across the country.

Shoppers can now purchase airtime of all the major networks in the country; Airtel, Etisalat, Glo, MTN, Visafone and Multi-links right from the stores. They can choose any amount they desire; from as low as N10 to N50, 000.

Additionally,’ change’ to settle bills will not be a challenge, as shoppers will have opportunity of settling the change issue with airtime.

Speaking on the partnership, the General Manager, OneCard Nigeria, Femi Muka, said, it is firm’s desire to constantly raise the bar in provision of easy and convenient top up solu-

tions to all Nigerians while also ensuring that the solutions are easily accessible. He expressed OneCard’s delight in the partnership with SPAR who has for several decades provided Nigerians a first class shopping experience.

He, therefore, employed all Nigerians to enjoy the SPAR experience.

Also speaking on the partnership, Mr John Goldsmith of SPAR said the firm is committed to providing Nigerians with an ever growing range of high quality consumer goods that meet their daily needs, bundled with world class shopping experience. He therefore expressed his delight in the partnership with OneCard as it offers shoppers a stress-free alternative to topping up airtime right from the store. New SPAR stores are lined for launch across Nigeria, among which are the MM2 and Ilupeju stores which will be the first ones to start. SPAR looks forward to offering airtime top up services to its customers at their new stores from the very first day of operation.

increase to the rain. “Whenever it is rainy season, tomato and pepper would be very expensive or relatively out of stock.

Before now, a basket was N30, 000 for tomato and N16, 000, N20, 000 for pepper from Mile12 Market, it has reduced to,” the trader said.

Expressing joy, a seller of the produce, Mrs. Silifat Kunle said, it is a good thing the price of tomato and pepper reduced because her customers had resolved to patronising tin tomato and dried grinded pepper sellers, popularly known as ‘Atagungun’, trying to safe cost.

On the other hand, a palm oil seller, Adam Umar said the price of item he sells has increased with five litres of groundnut oil now selling for N1,200 against the former N1, 000. Palm oil has also increased by 20per cent but like his colleague,he is optimistic that the price would reduce soon.

In recent times, beans has been the most expensive and consumers have not stopped lamenting due to its unstable price-especially those brought in from the northern part of the country. Mrs Adenike Taiwo, who sells beans in small and large quantities at Daleko market in Iyana-Isolo, Lagos, complained that a bag of Oloyin beans which used to cost N12, 500 is now N13, 500. At Mile-12 market also in Lagos, a beans seller, Nwode Friday, blamed the hike in the price on the government. “A bag of Oloyin beans which formerly cost N12,000 and N12, 500 has now soared to N13, 500. Also, a Derica priced at N180 now costs N200”, he said.

For onions, the price remained the same; a bag sells for N14, 000, while other small quantities go for N1, 000 and N500 respectively.

The price of rice has also gone down. A bag which formerly cost N9,000 now goes for N8, 600. The reason for this is unknown by traders as they believe it is just a normal happening in the market.

basket of tomatoes now sells for N20, 000 or less depending on the size and type of the produce. Medium size is N18, 000. Traders have attributed the price decrease to change in season. According to them, new and fresh tomatoes are out now; there are no pests spoiling tomato like it used to be when the rain was very heavy in the north.

Consumers can now get the item for which they previously paid between N300 and N500 for between N50 and N100 respectively. An average bag sells for N6, 000 at Mushin market.

A pepper seller at Mile 12, Mallam Oseni Usman, who confirmed the fall in prices of ingredients, attributed the development to the season, adding that farmers are no longer afraid to cultivate new

crops. Another trader also attributed this drastic development to seasonal changes.

At Mile 12 market, Mrs. Bimpe Olowu, a tomato seller said: “The price of these tomatoes change based on the season because it is not a stable market. These are perishable goods. The price of tomato will continue to be unstable because it is a seasonal good.”

The price of melon also known as Egusi has gone down because of its seasonal nature. A derica of melon seed sells for N300; N1,200 for plastic and N39,000 for a bag.

Mr. Amos Osai, a melon seed seller simply said “The price came down because this is the season for it,” he told The Nation Shopping.

Traders at Ojuwoye market, Mushin attributed the former price

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Jumia, Google, Infinix, partner to unveil Android One

OOGLE’S Android One programme has unveiled in Africa with the launch of Infinix Hot2 device exclusively on the Jumia online store.

The launch which was in partnership with key players in the Nigerian mobile ecosystem including Jumia, Google, MTN and Infinix, offers Nigerian consumers the Smartphone device valued at N100, 000 at N17, 500 exclusively on jumia.com.ng.

In a statement, Jumia said: “As the 15 per cent market shareholder of Smartphone sales across Nigeria, Jumia Nigeria is indeed committed to being a world-class organization and maintaining its status as Nigeria’s number one online retail store. In every sense of the word, more than ever before, the company is set to drive the implementation of its e-commerce model in its first-ever partnership with Google, Infinix and MTN to encourage technological innovation in Nigeria via the introduction of Android One in the form of the Infinix Hot 2 mobile phone. This partnership brings Jumia closer to accomplishing

its ultimate goal of placing one Smartphone in the hands of every Nigerian.”

Recall that the Android One and the Infinix Hot2 was officially launched in Lagos recently.

The Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Jeremy Doutte said Jumia entered into the partnership becasue: “Any forward-looking organization must have real time, cutting-edge wits at the fulcrum of its business operations and that, is what Jumia Nigeria consistently espouses in pushing the frontiers of its operations to everyone in the country.”

He added that, “Jumia will continue to drive and make premium technological equipment available to Nigerians at an affordable price.”

Google has just introduced an affordable Smartphone in six African countries to enable low-income earners to gain access to an inter-

connected device. Nigeria is the first to sell the device, which will be followed by Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco in the coming weeks. The price for the Hot 2 phones starts at N17, 500, which makes it a steep markdown from other Smartphones.

Speaking on the partnership, Google Vice President, Caesar Sengupta said, “The combination of the Google software, Infinix hardware, MTN network support and Jumia helps to facilitate easy delivery of the device to consumers.

According to him, “What better partnership can bring you the best functional device at an affordable price? Google is proud to be associated with Nigeria’s development, and is committed to working with Jumia to advance the access to technology for all citizens within the country.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 , 2015

52

SHOPPING

Wired, wireless convergence, network management in malls, offices Technicians, information technology (IT) management personnel are working under great pressure. They have to work in big shopping malls, telecoms rooms chock-full of devices, expending considerable effort to construct and maintain IT infrastructure platforms. LUCAS AJANAKU reports on innovative solutions that could reduce these burdens.

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HOPPING malls have become part of the reality of fast developing cities across the country. Similarly, offices have emerged from small to large depending on the scale of services being provided.

These have placed burden on IT manager. They have little time to pay attention to new technologies and trends in the industry. As a result, they cannot provide suggestions for service innovations for technological decision-makers.

The best way to simplify network Operation and Maintenance (O&M) management is to reduce the numbers of network types and network devices. In this way, device configuration, fault troubleshooting, and network maintenance can be substantially lessened. Then how can we unify network O&M management methods and reduce the number of network devices without changing the scale of existing campus networks? What are the critical technical difficulties?

According to experts, there are multiple mature technologies for simplifying network O&M management in both wired and wireless networks.

For example, stacking technology can be used in wired networks to virtualise multiple switches into one logical switch; in wireless networks, devices can work in master/ backup mode, and a wireless AC can manage a large number of wireless APs in a centralised manner. If wired and wireless networks can be deeply converged, network

O&M management will be significantly simplified.

However, wired and wireless traffic is forwarded in a completely decentralised manner.

As a result, the two networks adopt two independent mechanisms for device and service configurations, network management, fault troubleshooting, user authentication, and policy management. Although we can use stacking technology and AC cards to make network devices look like only one device and use the same authentication system to permit users to access wired and wireless networks through the same account, the problem of decentralised forwarding of wired and wireless traffic cannot be fundamentally solved.

But experts say centralised forwarding of wired and wireless traffic simplifies network management If wired networks are capable of wireless network control, no independent wireless AC device or AC card will be needed, because identification, forwarding, and control of wired and wireless packets can be integrated on one network device. Such convergence at the Network Element (NE) level eliminates separate control and forwarding of wired and wireless traffic, unifies management of devices, services, and configurations, and shields management differences for IT personnel. In this manner, we can integrate the advantages of both wired and wireless networks.

Wired and wireless networks take advantage of each other’s

management capabilities, reducing the number of management devices Wired networks can take advantage of the plug-and-play and zero-configuration capabilities of wireless networks to reduce the workload of configuring large numbers of access switches. At the same time, wireless networks can take advantage of the stacking and virtualisation capabilities of wired networks. In this way, all wired and wireless access and core devices can be virtualised into one device for management.

By introducing Software-Defined Networking (SDN) ideas, we can enable network devices to automatically coordinate command translation, message synchronisation, and policy delivery. IT management personnel only need to manage one device, simplifying device, service, and user management.

Chief Executive Officer, SO4 Engineering Limited, Soji Oluwasuyi said unified wired and wireless user authentication and policy management simplifies user management.

According to him, IT management personnel can unify wired and wireless user authentication regardless of the role of the user desiring access. They can uniformly set all service management and security control policies such as service priority, bandwidth, and access rights. Network devices can judge these policies automatically and intelligently. Devices closest to the user side can automatically execute rights-related policies to enhance access security. Service

experience-related policies such as bandwidth and priorities take effect on the link through which traffic is transmitted. As a result, all wired and wireless services can be configured with one mouse-click, and IT management personnel can be further relieved of heavy manual work.

According to him, the Huawei Agile Campus Network Solution (ACNS) featuring wired and wireless convergence greatly reduces the burden of IT management personnel.

As long as user traffic on wired and wireless networks can be forwarded in a centralised manner, multiple wired and wireless convergence solutions at device, service, and user levels can be used to simplify network O&M management. To address this problem, Huawei introduced its ACNS, which puts the SDNbased idea of “wired and wireless convergence” into effect, and translates traffic forwarding into a software process. This idea implements converged forwarding of wired and wireless traffic and consistent user and management experiences on both wired and wireless networks.

Huawei remains committed to freeing IT management personnel from complex technical terms and tedious manual configurations of massive numbers of network devices. With Huawei’s help, IT management personnel can use their knowledge and experience to the fullest and focus on suggesting IT planning and construction ideas for valuable enterprise service development and innovation.

Hoodlums threaten our market, say traders

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DIOLOWO/Ojuwoye Market is one of the numerous markets situated in Mushin Local Government Area in Lagos. The market is always filled with people trooping in and out to buy goods in bulk to resell or to buy in bits for consumption. The market which opens as early as 7am and runs till evening witness the influx of people buying and selling different items.

But with these busy activities going on in the market, the traders are faced with a major problem that has become a nightmare to them.This is the issue of the hoodlums popularly called area boys, they trouble not only the traders but also the shoppers.

Speaking with the Iyaloja of the market, Alhaja Mufuliat Abimbola Adebumi,who was very bitter about the issue,she said: “One of the major problems we have in this market is the issue of the area boys that are troubling the marketers by extorting

By Ochu Ohunene Latifah

money from them on a daily basis and when they are not ready to pay, they get harassed. It is a big problem for us here”.

A seller in the market, Mrs Sikirat Abodunrin, also complained about the activities of area boys in the market. She said it is becoming alarming and a great cause for concern to all.

“We are always troubled by these area boys all the time as they are always taking money from us and if we don’t want to pay, they won’t allow us to sell and make our business miserable for us leaving us with any choice than to pay. They say they are collecting tax for the government but it is too much. The minimum amount they collect from us is N500 and they even tax us as high as N2,000 and above. This is too much because some of us don’t even make as much as that as gain in one week”.

For Mr. Kelechi Martins who

sells different items, it is high time Governor Akinwumi Ambode came to their rescue. He said: “It is not funny at all because on a daily basis, they come and take money from us. Sometimes, some of us end up paying twice to different groups because they claim not to be working together and we have to pay them if we don’t want any trouble”.

Further speaking, some other traders at the market made instances that during festive seasons, it is always worse because the ‘tax’ tends to increase beyond imagination and some of the traders might even get beaten.

As regards finding solution, the Iyaloja appealed to the state government and its agencies to come to their rescue as it is battle that cannot be won alone. Her words: “We have written a lot of petitions and we are still writing to the government agencies both at local and state level to help stop the activities of the area boys. We did that during the administra-

•Governor Ambode

tion of former Governor Babatunde Fashola and we are still doing that. We are hoping that something will be done by Governor Ambode to put an end to this problem because it has become a threat to the traders and a major setback to trading activities in the market. Even some customers who have fallen prey to these boys are scared. This means people who would have come to patronise us would rather go to other markets.”

Alausa mini-market strictly for govt workers

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LAUSA Mini-Market, established 32 years ago can be referred to as a shopping complex set up to accommodate residents, travellers or passers-by but most importantly, workers.

The mini-market is sited in office areas to make it accessible for corporate workers especially government workers who constitute the larger part of their customers.

The mini market which is very organised is made up of

By Oyewole Priscilla

shops, stores, a bakery, supermarkets, canteen, and fashion shop with various names such as Bread Winner Bakery, Olympia Business Centre, Time Supermarket, Bisod Enterprises, Kash Klassic and the likes in contrast to the sheds, stands that are found in traditional market of the day.

Stationeries, shirts, trousers, shoes, perfumes, voile lace, designers bags, wrist watches,

Guinea brocade, jewelleries, ladies slippers, bread accessories and the likes are on display to attract the corporate workers and other prospective customers. Services such as lamination, photocopying, typing, printing, binding of documents are also available.

Most of the goods sold in the market are of high quality because of the calibre of the customers, hence, an increase in price. A worker of the Bread Winner Bakery,

Mary Osundaunsi told The Nation shopping why their bread price is higher than the local made bread.

“We produce loaves of high quality to suit the taste of our customers, which is why we have different types of bread such as Fish loaf sold for N150, Family loaf sold for N250 and the fruit bread which comes in small and big sizes of N150 and N200 in order to open our customers to having a range of choice,” she said.

TRUE VALUE 360

Abuse of office

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HIS is a column that seeks to mould, shape societal values and protect the interests of consumers, citizens and touch other broader relevant topics. 'TRUE VALUE 360' is an

By Kemi Otegbade interactive column as sugtruevalue360@gmail.com gestions, complaints and day to day experiences are welcome.

This week's edition is ABUSE OF OFFICE I tried to run away from this topic, but I just found my thoughts coming back here. A man asked his neighbour, who is a member of staff of the University of Lagos to assist his 18-year-old daughter in securing admission into the same University of Lagos. But lo and behold, the 42year-old man, a part time lecturer, Baruwa Afeez, raped the girl and later claimed after his arrest that the girl was willing; that the act was consensual. Lord have mercy, willing for what reason? I could have removed this man's eyeballs if I would get away with it, but I know I would not.

How low can our men get? Can this man for a moment imagine if this was done to his own daughter? He has brought shame to his family forever just because of his momentary madness. To me, only castration will be the right penalty if he is found guilty in the court of law. I have always detested men, who cannot grant a favour to the opposite sex unless they sleep with them. Why should women, especially young girls, be subjected to such treatment?

Many people will wag their tongues at this man, who of course, is guilty in my court; people's court and by God's grace with the right evidence, will be found guilty in the court of law. But so many men are guilty of ABUSE OF OFFICE. Abuse of Office is if and when a man sleeps with you before you get a contract, an admission, employment letter, higher grades for a course etc. This lack of value has been the norm for so long that it is almost accepted as the status quo. Almost all the men are guilty in various industries; women are seen as fringe benefits that come with an office. Imagine that!

Many CEOs sleep with their secretaries or member of staff, though both know it will lead to nowhere. At least two male CEOs have confided in me that they had to sleep with all their secretaries to ensure their loyalty to their business so that a competitor or another friend would not get them and split their loyalty. This is gross abuse just like our UNILAG part time lecturer. Of course, they lost my respect after that. Many men abuse their wards and house girls, and see it as fringe benefits. A special law should be put in place for these men, especially when it concerns underage and helpless girls. Some lecturers threaten to fail their students if they don't get their ways.

Some female employees are threatened if they do not succumb. Men should remember that they were born by women and each family has a daughter or a niece. Will you wish this upon them?

Where the women cannot get justice immediately, these men should be reported to their families as most of them are saints at home. Let us unmask the devil.

Parents should beware, who they allow into their homes or who they allow their daughters to have access to. So many uncles are doing this without the parent's knowledge. I have several examples A fresh female school certificate job seeker was handed over to a man, who happened to be her mother's boss at a government agency to help get a job so the mother, who is a widow can have some reprieve in financial inflow for the family.

The man was bold enough to tell the poor girl to go and wait for him in a short time hotel before she could be employed. The girl was afraid to tell her mum, but she called me. I simply told her I will go with her to the hotel; you need to see the stupid man's face. Of course, she got the job without compromise.

So many uncles, who come on vacation abuse their nieces and warn them not to say a word to anyone. Our girls are vulnerable. Let us be vigilant as so many unreported cases of rape abound. Parents, learn to be your children's friend, let them feel free to tell you anything, absolutely anything so we can know when they are being abused or blackmailed.

In this age of total access to the internet, there are many paedophiles lurking to abuse and even use children for rituals. Get your kid's passwords and check what they are up to once in a while. If you cannot have access to their passwords, restrict their exposure or internet access. They do not know how cruel the world is until it happens to them.

Reactions and contributions are welcome.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

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EQUITIES

Access Bank rallies as shareholders get N5.7b interim dividend A CCESS Bank Plc was a major contrarian stock in the negative trading at the Nigerian stock market yesterday as the top-tier commercial bank released its halfyear earnings report, showing impressive growths across key fundamentals.

On the strength of the sixmonth earnings, which saw 43 per cent growth in gross earnings and 39 per cent in profit after tax, the board of the bank has recommended distribution of N5.72 billion as interim dividend to shareholders. The breakdown of the dividend recommendation indicated that shareholders on the register of the bank as at the close of business on September 3, 2015 would receive a dividend per share of 25 kobo. More than 830,000 shareholders would benefit from the interim dividend, which becomes payable on September 10, 2 105.

Against the average decline of 0.98 per cent, Access Bank’s

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

share price rose by 4.91 per cent, the fourth highest percentage gain, to close at N4.29 as the news made the round at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Key extracts of the audited report for the six-month ended June 30, 2015 showed that gross earnings rose by 43 per cent to N168.3 billion in first half 2015 as against N117.9 billion recorded in comparable period of 2014.

The top-line was boosted by an 18 per cent increase in interest income to N98.9 billion in the first half of 2015 compared with N83.6 billion in the comparable period of 2014. Group profit before tax leapt by 44 per cent to N39.1 billion as against N27.1 billion in previous year while profit after tax grew by 39 per

cent to N31.3 billion in first half 2015 compared with N22.6 billion in first half 2014.

Non-interest income had risen by 101 per cent to N69.4 billion in first half 2015 as against N34.6 billion in first half 2014. Return on average equity improved to 21.6 per cent in first half 2015 from 16.5 per cent in 2014.

Group managing director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said the results reflect the bank’s concerted efforts to deliver on its growth objectives for 2015.

According to him, while the first half of the year was defined by significant macroeconomic and policy headwinds with major impact on all aspects of its business, the group despite those challenges reported improved profits in the first half of the year with significant contributions from its securi-

ties trading business.

He commended the strong support from shareholders of the bank noting that the success of the recently concluded rights issue which raised N41.8 billion has placed the bank in a stronger position.

“With our capital position secure, our priority will be to focus on; driving migration of our customers to alternative platforms to boost profitability of our channels; implementing our customer service improvement initiatives; generating low-cost liability from continued engagement with customers; growing risk assets by deepening market share in target sectors; optimising and improving penetration of our customers’ value chain and driving operational efficiency through cost containment and procurement optimization measures,” Wigwe said.

Sterling Bank grosses N55b in first half

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TERLING Bank Plc recorded modest growths in the first half with 12 per cent growth in the top-line and 6.9 per cent increase in net profit.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts for the half year ended June 30, 2015 released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed steady growth in key performance indices, underlining the resilience of the bank against inclement operating environment and regulatory headwinds.

Gross earnings rose by 12 per cent to N55 billion in first half of 2015 as against N49.39 billion in corresponding period of 2014. The topline was driven by a 32.2 per cent increase in non-interest income to N15.2 billion from N11.4 billion reported in the corresponding period of 2014. Profit before tax inched up by 1.43 per cent from N5.97 billion to N6.06 billion. Profit after tax rose

by 6.9 per cent to N5.4 billion in first half 2015 as against N5.1 billion in comparable period of 2014.

Further analysis showed that operating expenses was relatively flat at N24.2 billion leading to an improvement in cost –to-income ratio. The bank’s balance sheet also came in stronger with shareholders’ funds increasing by 4.4 per cent to N88.4 billion as against N84.7 billion in 2014.Total assets , excluding contingent liabilities, increased by 1.2 per cent to N834.0 billion as against N824.5 billion in 2014.

Commenting on the results, managing director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the bank continued to strengthen its mid and bottom-line performances, as its increasing focus on cost reduction, credit risk management and operating efficiency cushioned macro headwinds and retained value for sharehold-

ers.

According to him, the performance in the first half underscored the steady progress of the bank’s growth plan and its resilience in the face of regulatory and other macroeconomic headwinds.

He noted that the bank prioritized performance optimization and operational efficiency leading to a 260-basis points improvement in cost-to-income ratio while it also achieved pre-tax return on average equity of 14 per cent with a double-digit growth in top-line earnings.

He pointed out that the capital position of the bank has remained strong with capital adequacy ratio at 15 per cent, 50 per cent higher than the regulatory benchmark.

Adeola said the bank would in the second half complete the ongoing implementation of a number of technology-led service

Twitter falls below IPO price

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WITTER Inc shares fell below their $26 initial public offering price, down almost two-thirds from a peak soon after the stock began trading.

The selloff was triggered three weeks ago, when Jack Dorsey, co-founder and interim chief executive officer, warned that it would take a while before Twitter is able to reverse a slowdown in user growth.

While his candor was applauded by analysts, investors appear to have taken his comments — which also described product performance as “unacceptable” — to heart. The board’s search for a new CEO, and uncertainty over whether Dorsey is in contention for the job, also have weighed on the shares. At stake is whether Twitter — used by 316 million monthly users posting and sharing 140-character messages — can become a mainstream platform instead of a niche forum favored by journalists and ce-

lebrities.

Bloomberg reported that Twitter was down 5.9 percent at $25.97 on Thursday amid a general market selloff. The company’s shares have declined about 28 percent so far this year.

At the time of Twitter’s November 2013 IPO, the company was heralded as a highgrowth stock with the potential to be the next Facebook Inc. Yet the San Franciscobased company has failed to grow as fast as expected.

Twitter has endured months of pressure over the user numbers, tweaking its features and shuffling its product and engineering leadership, without much progress.

Further share declines could add pressure on Twitter to seek a takeover, or complete its search for a CEO. Dorsey also runs Square Inc., which he couldn’t leave without straining the payment company’s planned IPO, people familiar with the matter have said.

When Twitter reported earnings on July 28, Dorsey and Chief Financial Officer Anthony Noto struck a critical tone, saying user growth won’t improve until the service boosts its appeal to a bigger market and that product improvements and marketing so far have met with minimal success. Even since the IPO, Twitter’s growth has stagnated while rival social applications, including WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, have drawn hundreds of millions more people.

Twitter’s board also is planning a shakeup that involves the departure of former CEO Dick Costolo, people with knowledge of the matter have said. The changes, which could be announced when the company names a permanent CEO, are aimed at making the group of directors more diverse, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations aren’t public.

improvement initiatives across core and subsidiary systems in order to improve operating efficiency and employee productivity.

“Furthermore, we remain confident that we will complete the final tranche of our capital program in order to build additional resilience in view of the prevailing difficult macro-economic conditions while also strengthening earnings capacity”, Adeola added.

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HAREHOLDERS have passed a vote of confidence on the board and management of the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) Plc for improving the fortunes of the company in the last one year.

The shareholders spoke on the sidelines of the company’s 36th Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of a shareholder group, Shehu Mallam Mikail, National President, Constance Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the track record of the company, saying it has continued to deliver shareholders’ value.

According to him, “The sterling performance of the company was made possible because the Board and Management are being transparent in their reports and also comply with all the necessary rules that govern all the quoted companies in Nigeria.”

Besides, he said the company was able to declare substantial dividends in spite of the poor state of infrastructure, among others.

“With a proactive approach of the Board/Management which prompted the company to make an alternative measure in maintaining a stable production line by using Biomass as a supplementary Kiln fuel through which it as able to reduce the cost of energy. And the company is really abiding to the company mission of producing and marketing high quality cement for national development.”

Judging by the modest success achieved by the company, the shareholders said they would continue to throw

Kud os for CCNN their weight behind the board.

“Shareholders would surely support companies that put smiles on their faces when dividends are being declared,”Afolabi Bankole, a shareholder said.

“We are happy with the performance of the company thus far and that is why we have promised to continuously support all the resolutions passed by the Board/ Management because it shows they know how to carry along all the stakeholders, including minority or majority shareholders of the company.”

They however stressed the need for the company need to raise more funds so as to able to complete the coal line project as expected to be completed by 2017.

CCNN posted a profit after tax of N1.9 billion in the financial year ended December 31, 2014, indicating an increase of 23 per cent over the N1.56 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

From a high of N2.77 billion in 2013, CCNN Plc’s production and operational expenses significantly declined to N2.40 billion in 2014.

Shareholders were also apprised of the developments the company took in the financial year, including CCNN Plc’s proposed N48billion cement plant expansion, which will modernise production facilities and raise the company’s output to 2.0 million metric tonnes of cement annually.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-08-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-08-15

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

55

MONEYLINK NGO urges EFCC to probe management of defunct Afribank

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HE Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has been asked to reopen the case involving the management of the defunct Afribank, it was learnt.

The Nigerian Transparency Network (NTN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), petitioned the EFCC on the issue with the aim of ensuring justice for the affected shareholders of the bank.

According to the group which is calling for the prosecution of the top management of the failed bank, EFCC should revisit the case in line with the present administration’s zero tolerance for corru[tion.

The group in a press statement signed by its Executive Director,

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Aliyu Ibrahim, stated that the only way the anti-graft body could assist the shareholders who are already counting their losses is to ensure that those responsible for the collapse of the bank are brought to book in line with the present administration anticorruption stand.

The statement reads in part: “We wish to address you gentlemen of the press today as a responsible and responsive civil society organization on behalf of the helpless and seemingly hopeless shareholders of the defunct Afribank Plc whose investment in the shares of the bank has been hanging since the collapse

of the bank in 2009 occassioned by alleged financial misappropriation and fraud by the erstwhile executive directors of the said bank.

“Gentlemen of the press you would recall that sometime in 2009 the economic and financial crimes commission began the prosecution of members of the management staff of the bank over alleged complicity in the issue of financial dealings that led to the collapse of the bank.

“We also recalled that we have written a letter of petition to the current chairman of EFCC dated 31st of July, 2015 and a copy of it published in an advertorial in the Nigerian Tribune of Monday 3rd

August, 2015 requesting for the Chairman of the commission to revisit the matter with a view to properly investigate the matter and begin a fresh prosecution in the general interest of justice and particular interest of the shareholders who are already counting their losses.

“We therefore use this medium to call on the leadership of EFCC to immediately look into the matter.

“It is also worthy of note to state that the current administration under the astute leadership of President Muhammodu Buhari has promised a zero tolerance to corruption, a feat we hope the EFCC will uphold in order to support the objectives of government as it relates to corruption.”

Ecobank, GTBank, Diamond Bank customers get e-payment reward

C

USTOMERS of Ecobank Nigeria, GTBank and Diamond Bank emerged the maiden winners in the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS).

The winners who emerged during a raffle draw held in Lagos are Adeyinka Adejuwon, who banks with GTBank and won N100, 000; customer, Julie Chioma Ukwosah , an Ecobank customer won N50,000 cash prize while Jerry Boakye-Mensah

By Collins Nweze

who banks with Diamond Bank got a N15,000 cash prize.

Head, Acquiring Cards and e-Banking Department, Ecobank Nigeria, Funso Oyelohunnu, commended the CBN reward initiative, stressing that it would further encourage the use of e-payment channels.

She noted that the emergence of Ecobank customer as one of the winners of the draw attest to the effi-

ciency of the Bank’s e-payment channels. “This is a great initiative. As a bank we are glad that one of our customers is one of the winners. This is a further proof that our various epayment channels are efficient. This is an opportunity to urge both customers and non customers of the bank to make our e-payment channels their choice,” she said.

Speaking during the redemption of prizes in Lagos for the first three winners, representative of the Banking

Payment System Department of the CBN, Isah Abubakar, said the apex bank will keep giving the desired support for the EPIS project. He commended the transparent process used in selecting the winners, noting that the cash-less banking initiative is helping to promote financial inclusion and getting banking to the grassroots. “The CBN is behind the incentive scheme and will support any project that takes banking to the grassroots,” he said.

NABG urges CBN, DMBs to invest more in agric sector

T

HE Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to pay more attention to investment in the agriculture sector and help government diversity the economy away from oil.

This was the position of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG Associates Unlimited), the brainchild of a 23 member Executive Leadership Group headed by ma-

jor players in the Agro allied sector.

NABG Chairman, Sani Dangote explained that with the current low prices in oil, agriculture is inevitably the way forward for development adding that with the formation of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, the group now has a platform to address challenges and find solutions to issues pertaining to the agric industry.

He spoke at the group’s maiden Annual General Meeting held in Lagos, with theme: “Setting Policy direction, Strengthening Agriculture and Agribusiness Associations, Engaging Strategic Partners and Donors.

He said the group was created as an organized private sector platform to lead in all matters affecting agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria through setting of policy directions, engaging policy and decision makers in government at

all levels and forging strategic partnerships with public and private sector groups across Africa and the world.

NABG Co-ordinator, Emmanuel Ijewere praised every partner who contributed to the formation of the association. “We appreciate the support of every partner which has led to the formation of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group and look forward to engagements with relevant stakeholders as it concerns the industry” he said.

Pay your N250m contribution, BoI urges Gombe From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

T

HE Bank of Industry (BOI) has called on Gombe Sate govern ment to urgently release its outstanding counterpart contribution of N250 million to the matching fund to enable it facilitate job creation in the state through funding of loan under the matching fund scheme.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Bank, Rasheed Olaoluwa spoke in Gombe during the commissioning of the Bank’s branch in the state capital yesterday.

He said the sum of N903.4 million was approved as loan for 171 projects; but only 55% of the approved loan amount could be funded under the Matching Fund Scheme because available matching fund was N500 million.

He said: “Notwithstanding, BOI had disbursed N110 million to 16 enterprises in the state from its own resources” all of which had culminated in the creation of “1,277 direct and 623 indirect jobs, totalling 1,900 jobs created”.

Gombe state government had in 2011 signed a N1 billion entrepreneurship development partnership with BOI in which both parties contributed N250 million each to create a pool of N500 million which was distributed as loans to prospective entrepreneurs in the state.

Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo on his part promised that the second tranche of N250 million would be made available to BOI “when government’s finances improve.”

He said achievements obtained through the entrepreneurship development scheme include: “171 cooperative societies benefiting from the programme, creation of 1,190 direct jobs, creation of 562 indirect jobs and establishment of 171 enterprises in 24 product lines in agriculture and minerals sectors”.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.2457 1.3572 0.7762 1.1739

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.2393 1.3572 0.7637 1.1739

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

SKYEBANK NESTLE PAINTCOM ACCESS AIICO MAYBAKER UBCAP KINKASSURE UNITYBNK NPFMCRFBK

1.76 840.00 1.00 4.07 0.83 1.30 1.24 0.50 1.63 0.85

1.90 882.00 1.05 4.27 0.87 1.36 1.29 0.52 1.69 0.88

0.14 42.00 0.05 0.20 0.04 0.06 0.05 0.02 0.06 0.03

LOSERS AS AT 20-08-15

O/PRICE

EVANSMED TRANSCORP WEMABANK CHAMPION ACADEMY SEPLAT OKOMUOIL IKEJAHOTEL ASHAKACEM DANGFLOUR VITAFOAM

0.73 2.37 0.85 4.50 0.80 258.20 22.85 3.15 23.00 3.00 5.85

C/PRICE 0.67 2.19 0.79 4.26 0.76 245.30 21.71 3.00 22.00 2.87 5.60

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE -0.06 -0.18 -0.06 -0.24 -0.04 -12.90 -1.14 -0.15 -1.00 -0.13 -0.25

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 18-08-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Tenor

16.5%

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

May 27

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices 27 May Statistics 5 May All Share Index 34,649.3 29,383.93 Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) 11.8 9,804.36 Deals 3,385 3,714 Volume (mn) 564,28 377,75 Value (NGN’mn) 6,087.80 6,568.66 GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NEWS BEDC agrees to restore electricity to Ekiti communities

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HE management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has agreed to restore electricity to Aramoko and Erio in Ekiti State after the two communities were disconnected from the national grid a month ago.

The development followed the resolution of contentious issues at a meeting convened by the Ekiti State government.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the two communities, led by their rulers, management of BEDC and representatives of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Deji Adesua, said the government was interested in the resolution of the issues so that the peace in Ekiti could be sustained.

Head of BDEC in Ondo and Ekiti states Mr. Ernest Edgar noted that the com-

pany came in as investors to salvage the national crisis in the power sector.

He said the epileptic power witnessed by the two communities was “as a result of the nationwide shortfall in megawatts supplied to the national grid in May and June, as the operations of the company are based on an agreed share-ratio formula”.

Edgar regretted that of about 1.7 million in Ekiti State, only 59,000 had proper records with the company.

He noted that the company would embark on an enumeration exercise, so that illegal consumers would be properly brought in for sustainable power.

On behalf of the two communities, the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, promised to abide by decisions at the meeting, including the setting up of a technical committee to resolve the issues.

Advertising practitioners alert to quacks in the profession

T

HE Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has alerted to the take over of the profession by quacks in Anambra State.

OAAN’s National President Tunde Adedoyin, who led a team of the association to visit Governor Willie Obiano, said the state must get it right.

Governor Obiano was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mrs. Uju Nwogu.

The team included the Secretary, Femi Ogala, Southeast Coordinator Chike Anyaonu and the Managing Director of Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSA) Jude Emecheta, among others.

Ogala alleged that quacks harass, intimidate and ridi-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

cule their members by overcharging them anytime they placed adverts in their communities.

They said the situation had become unbearable in Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ekwulobia and other communities, adding that they would partner the government to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

OAAN implored the government to stop the culprits, remove unauthorised billboards and direct all outdoor advertising through ANSA, among others.

Mrs. Nwogu said OAAN’s decisions would move the state forward, adding that the state government would checkmate activities of the quacks.

Fire razes market in Enugu

A

N early morning inferno razed stalls in the Afor Awkunanaw Market, also known as Garriki Market in Enugu State, yesterday.

It was learnt the incident began around 4 am.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained but it is believed it might not be unconnected with a spark

From Chris Oji, Enugu

from an electrical appliance.

Two of the affected stalls belonged to electronic gadgets repairers while the rest housed cloths and building materials.

Chairman of the market association Mr. Abraham Okenwa could not be reached for comments.

Revival at Elohim Pentecostal Ministry

T

HREE-day revival will hold at Elohim Pentecostal Power Bible Ministry, also known as Elohim Power Ministries.

The revival will begin on Friday, August 28, with a Power Night, by 10pm and continue the next day.

It ends on Sunday at the church auditorium,69, Olowora Road, Ojodu-Berger.

The revival is themed: The Lord of Hosts.

Host and General Overseer Apostle Lawrence Chukwudi Udeze said: According to Isaiah 31: 4-5, the God of host is a mighty warrior; the God of the Army of Israel, is in charge of heavens and no one can resist his power. God will fight your battles.

Funeral for Abdul Ramoni

T

HE final burial ceremony of the late Abdul Ramoni (a.k.a Kerudaun) comes up tomorrow at Girls Grammar School, Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

The time is noon, a statement by the family said yesterday.

•Left-right: Chairman Advocacy Committee of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Lagos State branch, Mr. Henry Awodele, Registrar of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) Ms Biekoroma Amapakobo, Registrar/CEO CIPM Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, Vice Chairman CIPM Mrs Toyin Ojudun during an advocacy tour to Yabtech ... yesterday

20 countries security conference Fire alarmforatNavy’s NNPC’s Aba depot T O rid the waterways of criminals, the Navy has concluded plans to host this year’s Off Shore Patrol Vessel (OPV) conference.

The conference, slated to commence on August 20, at the Four-Point by Sheraton Hotels in Lekki, according to the Planning Committee Chairman, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo, would have 20 countries in attendance.

Ibe-Enwo, who doubles as Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Western Naval Command (WNC), spoke at a pre-conference briefing at the command’s headquarters in Lagos.

He said the conference, to

By Precious Igbonwelundu

be held in partnership with Messrs International Quality Productivity Centre (IQPC), is aimed at improving maritime security in Africa, particularly the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region.

Themed:”Facilitating cooperation across Africa and focusing on Naval System and Coastal Surveillance to enhance Maritime Security”, Ibe-Enwo said piracy and oil theft and solutions would be addressed.

His words: ”Several papers will be presented and discussed by international maritime security experts

on issues that are of interest to African and global maritime stakeholders.

“Participants will include global experts in maritime security and naval operations, service chiefs and flag officers from international and African navies.

“The participants will focus on anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance systems, cost-effective OPV and naval system acquisition, international best practices in OPV operations.

“Also, multilateral and innovative protection measures for offshore oil and gas assets, technology transfer and development of domestic ship building capabilities will be discussed.

“There will be an exhibition of security and defencerelated equipment for protection of oil and gas assets and cooperation and information-sharing among maritime stakeholders.

“Maritime industry key players, including offshore oil and gas security experts will display ground breaking technologies that could be beneficial to the navy and other African littoral nations.

“These are geared towards dealing with various maritime security threats on our waters and we will keep emphasising and sensitising ourselves so that incidences of maritime insecurity will be a thing of the past.”

Rivers VC sent on compulsory leave

R

IVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has directed that the Vice Chancellor of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Prof. Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu, proceed on a compulsory leave following the fallout of her alleged kidnap.

Wike, who spoke yesterday through his media aide, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, said the directive was to allow peace in the university.

Another statement by the Director of Media and Publicity in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kio Obumanu, said Governor Wike

•Crisis over alleged fake kidnap From Precious Dikewoha and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

ordered the VC to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), IAUE chapter described the development as “the end of rascalism and victimisation”.

A lecturer, who pleaded anonymity, said “we are free from intimidation and victimisation. As I speak, many senior workers are on suspension because they were bold to stand up to the VC.”

Trouble started when the VC was allegedly kidnapped but released to the family a week later. The situation degenerated when some university workers claimed the VC’s kidnap was fake.

Prof Dele Osahogulu, who heads the Information and Communication Technology Unit (ICT) and the VC’s husband, was accused of being behind the fake kidnap allegation.

He was suspended for three months without pay.

It was gathered that their marriage had been strained.

•Prof Green-Osahogulu

But ASUU kicked against the suspension, describing it “as unfair and unjust”, calling on the management to reverse the decision pending investigation.

Why I said APC will govern Imo for 24 years by Okorocha MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has explained why he said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will govern the state for 24 years.

The governor said his statement was based on the party’s performance.

Okorocha insisted that his statement differed from the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor’s prediction that PDP will rule the country for 60 years.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, accused PDP

I

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

members of trying to misrepresent his statement by comparing it to Ogbulafor’s.

The statement reads: “The Imo State government acknowledges efforts by some PDP elements to wrongly situate Governor Okorocha’s claim that the APC would become stronger in the Southeast and govern the state for 24 years.

“Since then, some members of the PDP, yet to recover from the shock of losing, have been making fruitless efforts to read meanings into that innocent claim by trying to compare

it with a similar one by the former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Vincent Ogbulafor, who boasted that his party would rule for 60 years.

“The backgrounds of both claims are not the same. That of Ogbulafor was anchored on federal might, which they had always leveraged on to perpetuate impunity during elections, while Okorocha’s was anchored on enviable achievements by his administration.

“The Okorocha-led government introduced free education that is working effectively, as most street hawkers have gone back to

school.

“Governor Okorocha brandished the 27 General Hospitals, with one in each council, and nearing completion. ‘’The 305 schools in each ward, the network of urban and rural roads, infrastructural development, and over 1,000 projects speak for the APC-led government.

“Hence, the governor’s claim that the APC would govern the state for 24 years was not made in a vacuum but based on what his administration achieved in its first term and what it set out to achieve in its second term.

Facts and figures do not lie”.

57

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NEWS I’m not for do-or-die politics, says Wada

Air Chief orders hospital, borehole for IDPs’ camp

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

K

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

OGI State Governor Idris Wada has decried do-or-die poli-

tics.

He said he would accept defeat in a free and fair primary election by .

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ruled out automatic ticket for the governor’s reelection bid.

Wada, who was at the national secretariat of the PDP yesterday to obtain his nomination forms, said he was not bothered by the party’s position.

He said: “If I win, I will thank God. But if I lose in a free and fair primary, I will support whoever emerges. It is not a do-or-die affair.”

The governor admitted that the Buhari Tsunami had an impact in Kogi.

He, however, said contrary to the impression that the PDP might have faded out, it still had a strong base across the three senatorial districts.

T

HE Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, has directed the building of a twolevel hospital and a borehole for the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camp in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

A statement yesterday by the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said Abubakar’s directive was informed by the need to provide potable water and medical care for the IDPs. The statement said the Chief of Air Staff observed that elderly men, women and children in the camp were in need of the services.

“Consequently, Air Marshall Abubakar has given the NAF Director of Medical Services an order to establish a hospital to enhance the IDPs’ health care needs,” Alonge said.

The statement said the Air Force had intensified aerial bombardment of the Sambisa forest, adding that the F-7 fighter aircraft carried out interdiction mission over designated targets and suspected Boko Haram locations.

•Governor Wada receiving his Expression of Interest Form in Abuja...yesterday

Aspirant to prioritise health

A

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election in Kogi State, Dr. Onukaba AdinoyiOjo, has said he will prioritise health if he gets the mandate.

He said he would improve the health care delivery system.

Adinoyi-Ojo decried the alarming maternal deaths and infant mortality.

The aspirant quoted Governor Idris Wada as saying that “it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of newborn babies who die in and around birth and women who die during childbirth.”

He said the governor’s comment was an admission of the failure of present and past governments.

According to him, he had put together a team of experts to design a workable system.

Adinoyi-Ojo said his government would be innovative by promoting the community as the basic unit of primary health care.

The politician, a visiting lecturer at the University of Abuja, said: “It is my intention to improve routine immunisation coverage in the three senatorial districts.

“This will reduce infant and under-five mortality and morbidity rates as well as reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates.”

Osun monarch for installation From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

P

RINCE Jimoh Isiaka Adesina will be installed today as the Alase of Ilase-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.

Adesina, a civil engineer from Ajarabiolu royal family, will be installed following Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s approval of his nomination by the kingmakers.

The stool of Alase of IlaseIjesa became vacant following the assassination of the town’s monarch about two years ago.

He was burnt to death in his palace by unidentified men.

Baptists meet

T From left: Member, Mamalette.com Mrs. Maryam Salami; Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Anike Lawal and Regional Director, Africa, BEN TV, United Kingdom (UK) Mr. Lanre Ijaola, at an interactive session with Mamalette community and the media in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

Buhari advised to probe Centenary City project

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to probe the multi-billion dollar Centenary City project.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National ViceChairman, (Southsouth), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had accused the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, of unilaterally acquiring the Centenary City project with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road, Abuja, project.

The National Coordina-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

tor of the Coalition of Northern Activist Groups, led by the Northern Patriotic Front (NPF), Comrade Ali Abacha, at a news conference in Abuja, faulted the comments credited to Dr. Ojougboh.

He said: “The allegation is not only misleading, but is aimed at negating the good intentions of the project. More so, Dr. Ojuigboh’s attempt at disparaging the character and personality of the ex-SGF is unaccept-

able. We declare such utterances emanating from Ojuigboh as baseless, directionless and a desperate man’s reckless depicting of acrimony.

“The Federal Government should look into the project, but should not kill it.”

The statement, which was read by NPF’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa, said: “Dr. Ojuignoh has unwittingly allowed his personal crises into the public domain to expose himself as a confused man, who does not know the next point from his

current position.

“As against his claims of vindictive removal from his position as the former chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), by the former SGF, Dr. Ojougboh was relieved of his position on account of gross inefficiency. What has he done as the national vice chairman of the party to forestall this dangerous trend and hold out on his duties and responsibilities as the party’s reference point in that zone? Rather, he has created the picture of a man busy chasing rats while his house is on fire.”

Military to curb rustling in Northwest

T

HE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said it is coordinating a joint operation of the Army and Air Force to combat cattle rustling in Kamuku forest.

Acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said the joint operation became necessary because “criminals, miscreants and thugs had taken over the forest, thus constituting a nuisance.”

It said in the course of the operation, a number of rustlers had been routed and many stolen cattle recov-

ered.

The statement said the operation would be sustained until the forest was free of criminals and miscreants.

It said the Joint Task Force, code-named ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, in the Niger Delta, had intercepted a large barge conveying about 150,000 litres of illegally-refined petroleum products.

“The JTF boat was on a routine patrol when it accosted the barge on illegal mission at Frado Oil Company Tank Farm at Oghara in Ethiope Local Government Area of Delta State.

“The captain of the barge and the crew are in custody and are helping security agencies in their investigation.”

According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters restated the resolve of the military to guarantee the safety of life and property.

“While the military will continue to work hard to fight piracy, bunkering and operation of illegal refinery, it will also prevent economic saboteurs from doing further damage to the economy.

“The DHQ warns perpe-

•Col. Abubakar

trators of illegalities in the maritime domain and those engaging in cattle rustling to desist from before the law catches up with them,” it said.

The statement said the DHQ reassured the public to go about their normal and legitimate businesses without fear of harassment or molestation.

HE Executive Committee meeting of the Lagos East Baptist Conference holds tomorrow at the Conference Room, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, from 10 am.

The Conference President, Dr. Emmanuel Awotunde, said members should be punctual, adding that kingdom matters and other businesses affecting the conference would be discussed.

Ortom: we met requirements

B

ENUE State Governor Samuel Ortom has said he has released funds to meet the accreditation requirements of the College of Health Sciences and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

He said he hoped that the problems of accreditation of the College of Health Sciences would soon be over and students, who had stagnated for 12 years, would graduate.

The governor, who spoke yesterday in Makurdi when an accreditation team from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria visited him at the Benue Peoples House, said the team would do its work efficiently to ensure that medical schools do not produce half-baked graduates.

He described the medical profession as a delicate one that dealt with life.

According to Ortom, if any area required strengthening, the team should bring it to his attention.

He noted that at the end of their assignment, stakeholders would smile.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

NEWS Senator: Anyim’s office got nod for N1.4b computer software Continued from page 4

between the government and the governed through the req-

uisite exposition thereby making learning pleasurable.

Senator Abaribe graduated from the faculty 30 years ago.

Ex-FCT Minister, five others jostle for PDP chair Continued from page 4

pear to be interested in leading the party. While four of the candidates are from the Northeast, two others from the Northwest (ex-Governors Lamido and Shema) are being recommended by some governors and leaders of the party.

“We are not sure whether or not the former governors are interested in leading the party.”

A member of the NWC said: “So far, only the ex-FCT Minister appears to have launched a subtle campaign for the post.

The other candidates have been consulting.”

The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to release the guidelines for the election soon.”

But it was gathered that party leaders, including some members of the BOT are insisting that the Northeast should retain the chairmanship slot in line with Article 47(6) of the PDP Constitution.

The Article says: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from…”

The NWC source added: “Anyone elected from the Northeast will be completing the tenure of the erstwhile National Chairman, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, who was elected on March 24, 2012.”

But some forces in the party have said its constitution is not sacrosanct on the choice of the new national chairman.

They cited Article 49 of the PDP constitution to support their backing for Lamido and Shema.

The Article reads: “Every registered member of the party who has satisfied the requirements for nomination and election under this constitution, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any other law, rules or regulations in force shall be eligible to contest for any of the offices of the party.

“The guidelines for election to any office of the party shall be approved by the NEC of the party in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

“No member of the party shall be qualified for nomination or election or appointment into any of the offices of the party, unless he or she has been a registered member and is of good financial standing in the party.”

Fowler is FIRS chief executive Continued from page 4

average of N3.6. billion per month in January 2006, to an average of about N20.5 billion per month in 2013.

“Fowler, who holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree of the Irish International University, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Business Management Association of the United Kingdom,” it stated

President Buhari has also appointed Mr. Aliyu Yahaya Gusau as Director-General , Budget Office of the Federation.

Gusau’s appointment, the statement said, is effective from August 18, 2015 and is for a term of four years, renewable for another four years, unless he attains the retirement age of 60 years or completes 35 years of pensionable service.

Glo hosts Soyinka, Oyelana, D’Banj

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ONDON-BASED multiaward winning Nigerian musician, actor, folk singer and composer, Mr. Tunji Oyelana, is billed to lead an array of popular artistes to entertain guests at an event organised in honour of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka by total telecoms solutions provider, Globacom.

The literary event entitled “An Evening with Wole Soyinka and Nigeria’s Young Literary Stars” is scheduled for next Friday at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It will also feature Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (D’banj), Emmanuel Bezhiwa Idakula ( Bez) and Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions revered for their Broadway musical drama.

Footprints of David Art Academy will also be on hand to thrill guests at the literary event.

Uncle Oyelana’s albums were considered bestsellers by any Nigerian High Life musician and is one of the most listened to Yoruba musicians in history.

Among contemporary musicians, D’banj is reputed to be an outstanding performer, singer-songwriter and harmonica player whose works

have earned him several music awards, the latest being the Evolution Award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards.

D’banj has also won laurels for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards, Best International Act: Africa and Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards.

Multi-talented instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer, Bez, who plays “alternative soul,” a hybrid of soul, rock, jazz and R&B released his first album titled Super Sun in 2011. The album has the monster hit single, That Stupid Song and other soulinspiring songs.

•President Muhammadu Buhari (third right), Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arasae (second right) with other officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs including Permanent Secretary Dr James Obiegbu after briefng the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday.

Customs boss jerks up weekly revenue from N13bn to N35bn

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CTING ComptrollerGeneral of Customs John Atte yesterday directed Area Controllers to increase their weekly average revenue from the current N13 billion to N35 billion.

According to a statement by the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, in Abuja, Atte gave the directive at a strategic session of Customs Management and

Area Controllers.

The meeting deliberated with officers on various areas of revenue leakages and ways to put in place measures to plug them.

Atte directed the immediate setting up of anti-corruption seats in all area commands to monitor officers’ conduct and report to his office accordingly.

On anti-smuggling activi-

ties, Atte directed the Federal Operations Units to intensify their border patrols to bring smugglers to book.

He also directed an immediate review of operational procedures to give maximum effect to the ban on all hinterland patrols in the country.

“All Task Forces under any name or guise operating in all seaports, airports and

land borders are disbanded with immediate effect.

“Officers serving in these ad hoc units are to be withdrawn and redeployed immediately,’’ Atte said.

Atte also directed Area Controllers to take full control of their areas, adding that they would be held responsible for staff conduct and discipline in their jurisdictions.

We’ll soon defeat Boko Haram, says Buhari

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his conviction that the end of the Boko Haram insurgency is in sight with the added vigour the war against the terrorist sect is now being prosecuted by Nigeria and her allies.

Speaking during a visit by Mr Mousa Faki Mahamat, Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of President Idris Deby, Buhari said that with higher morale

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

among troops on the frontline against Boko Haram and their improved logistics, equipment and training, a rapid end to the insurgency could be expected.

A statement by Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said Nigeria and Chad must be prepared to make more sacrifices to end the scourge of Boko Haram since they were at the “very heart of the

insurgency”.

“We will sustain our efforts, and the insurgents will be defeated soon,” President Buhari vowed.

The Special Envoy said President Deby appreciated the leadership being shown

by President Buhari in the war against terrorism. ”We also appreciate the diligence shown in appointing a commander for the Multinational Joint Task Force, and President Deby believes that

the fight will end in a few months.

“Our people rely on us to end the insurgency, because economic development is being hampered. This fight has to come to an end. My coming here is to reaffirm our full commitment. Beyond the number of troops earlier announced, Chad is still ready to commit more soldiers.

“The enemy is weakened already. Let’s stand firm, and neutralize them,” he said.

‘Diabetic mothers risk giving birth to children with brain defect’ Continued from page 4

He explained that brain, spinal cord and heart problems associated with diabetes could be identified at the early stage of pregnancy.

He said that blood sugar was the baby’s source of food which passes to the child through the placenta.

“When a woman has diabetes and her blood sugar is poorly managed, excess amounts of sugar are transported to the baby.

“In this case the baby does not have diabetes and can increase the production of insulin substantially in order to use this extra sugar,” Osibote said.

The gynecologist stressed that the existence of the abnormal cycle result in diverse complications.

He said one of the complications associated with diabetic pregnant mothers is giving birth to over weight ba-

bies also known as “macrosomia”.

“Diabetic pregnant women stand the chance of been delivered of over weight babies weighing more than 3,500 grams or be born greater than the 90 percentile of the gestational age.

“This happens because the baby responds to the excess sugar which the large amount of insulin produced by the baby is converted to body fat.

“We can just say that the baby is been overfed while still in the uterus,” he said.

The expert said the delivery of such a baby could be more difficult for both the baby and the mother; adding that caesarean delivery would be required.

He observed that most obstetricians conduct an ultrasound to approximate the weight of the baby before delivery so as to determine if

vaginal delivery could be attempted.

Osibote warned against delivering a large baby through the vagina when the mother is diabetic.

He added that it could be life threatening and exposing the woman to the most frightening obstetrical emergencies.

He also said that such a delivery could expose the child to a shoulder dystocia (where the baby’s head delivers but the shoulders are too large to fit through the birth canal).

Osibote further said that a child could also have low blood sugar after birth, which is “neonatal hypoglycemia”.

“If the baby’s pancreas is making large amounts of insulin in response to the mother’s high blood sugar, it will continue to do so for a time after delivery.

“Since the sugar supply from the mother is no longer

present once the baby has been delivered, blood sugar can drop too low,” he said.

Osibote advised that it was important that babies born to women with diabetes should be monitored very closely for the first few hours of life to check their blood sugar.

He added that such babies might require more frequent breast milk or bottle feeding to maintain their blood sugar at a normal range.

The expert said that birth defects could be recognised within the first six months of pregnancy, adding that infecting the child at that stage could be preventable.

“The most common birth defects to a diabetic mother are brain, spinal and heart defects, and some of these defects can be detected during the first half of the pregnancy.

“This can be diagnosed through ultrasound checks and prenatal tests,” he said.

More cash for states as 11 get CBN’s loans relief

Continued from page 4

•Soyinka

istration.

The Federal Government is targeting generation and distribution of 5,000 megawatts of electricity by December.

According to him, power generation reached 4.662MW

by July 29.

He said that the Council has urged state governments to pay electricity bills by their vendors’ MDA, stressing that the Council was informed that at the moment, there is a 45 per cent default rate.

The governors, Badero said, were also urged to assist with

security to reduce vandalization of power distribution assets.

He said they were also urged to encourage embedded generation for state-owned facilities.

According to him, the TCN management contract has been extended for one year.

Badero said that the Council

was also informed that the top priorities in the next two months included repair of stranded hydro capacity, reduced load rejection

by Discos, stopping hemorrhage of gas from power plants to industrial off-takers and fixing major transmission and transformation constraints.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS Florida treasure hunters find gold coins worth $4.5m

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REASURE hunters in the US say they have discovered a haul of Spanish gold coins from the 18th century that are worth $4.5m (£2.9m).

The 350 coins have lain on the Atlantic sea bed off the coast of Florida for the past 300 years.

The coins are from a fleet of 11 Spanish galleons that sank during a hurricane while making the journey from Cuba to Spain.

Treasure hunting is a popular activity in the waters around Florida.

The discovery is the second major find by treasure hunters in recent months. In June, they found about 50 coins worth about $1m.

The 350 coins, which were brought to the surface at the

end of July, turned up in just a metre of water close to the shore, buried under the sand.

Under US state law, Florida will keep 20% of value of the find.

The diver who discovered the coins, William Bartlett, declined to say what his cut would be, telling a local newspaper: "I'm just a guy on a boat living the dream."

Brent Brisben, who owns the rights to the wrecked ships, says the find includes nine rare pieces known as "royal eight escudos". Only 20 were known to be in existence before this latest find.

"These royals are perfect specimens of coinage of the time and they were made on royal order for the king of Spain," Mr Brisben said.

Tsipras resigns, calls for snap elections G

REECE is to hold a snap general election after prime minister Alexis Tsipras resigned and asked the Greek people to pass judgment on the latest bailout deal.

In a televised addressed, the leader of the leftwing Syriza party said he would tender his coalition government's resignation to Greece's president, triggering the sixth general election in eight years.

First FT is our new essential daily email briefing of the best stories from across the web "I'm putting everything I've done [in the past seven months] to the judgment of the Greek people," Mr Tsipras said.

His move makes way for the appointment of an interim administration to oversee an

election likely to be held on September 20, officials said.

Fresh elections - called on the very first day of Greece's new •86bn international bailout programme - will plunge Greece back into short-term political uncertainty. But they could allow Mr Tsipras to capitalise on his enduring popularity in the hope of yielding a more stable government that is not held back by far-left critics of the rescue terms.

Officials raised the possibility of holding a snap poll last week after lawmakers from Syriza's extreme left faction voted against a new three-year rescue package, wiping out the government's majority.

The package was approved

thanks to support from three pro-European opposition parties but the Left Platform's rebellion left the Syriza-led coalition hostage to the centreright New Democracy party in any future vote.

In his address, Mr Tsipras acknowledged that he did not obtain the bailout terms that he had wanted but said the deal was the best that could be secured in the circumstances. He had resisted pressure to cut pensions and privatise Greece's electricity utility, he added.

Mr Tsipras' decision to go to the polls came hours after the finance ministry announced that the European Stability Mechanism, the EU's rescue fund, had approved disbursement of •13bn from Greece's •86bn new bailout package -

• Tsipras

enough to cover Greece's funding needs for the next two months.

The European Central Bank confirmed that Athens had repaid •3.2bn in bonds that came due on Thursday.

South Sudan journalist Peter Moi shot dead

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UNMEN have killed South Sudan reporter Peter Julius Moi by shooting him twice in the back in the capital, Juba, his family said after identifying his body.

He is the seventh journalist to be killed this year in South Sudan, where a civil war is ongoing.

His killing comes days after President Salva Kiir threatened to kill reporters “working against the country”.

A presidential spokesman said the words were taken out of context and police were investigating Mr Moi’s death.

Ateny Wek Ateny said a statement would be issued to clarify President Kiir’s remarks, made at the airport in Juba before he went to Ethiopia for peace talks to end the civil war.

Mr Moi worked for South Sudan’s Corporate Weekly newspaper and was killed at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Wednesday night by identified gunmen on the outskirts of Juba.

Juba-based journalist Jason Patinkin told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme that the killing of Mr Moi was a very worrying development for the journalist community in South Sudan, which has seen a steady decline in press freedom since the outbreak of the civil war in December 2013.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says security agents shut down two privately owned newspapers earlier this month as well as a media group that produced a popular radio series.

The media freedom lobby group has also been critical of Mr Kiir’s comments, which local journalists believe were connected to media criticism of the protracted peace negotiations.

“The leader of any country threatening to kill journalists is extremely dangerous and utterly unacceptable,” the CPJ’s Tom Rhodes said in a statement.

President Salva Kiir has ruled South Sudan since independence in 2011 Mr Kiir has also been under fire from diplomats for failing to sign a peace deal on Monday.

The US state department has said he has now promised to sign after “a couple more days of consultation”.

EXPRESSO

•Burundi president Nkurunziza being sworn in for controversial third term...yesterday PHOTO: AP

Burundi President sworn in for third term PMB: The dangers of one-man-show

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URUNDI's President Pierre Nkurunziza has been sworn in for a controversial third term in office.

The BBC's Prime Ndikumagenge in Burundi says the ceremony came as a surprise, as Mr Nkurunziza had been expected to be sworn in next week.

At least 100 people have died in protests since Mr Nkurunziza announced in April he would run for a third term.

The government accuses the opposition, which says the third term is illegal, of

causing the violence.

In his inauguration speech, Mr Nkurunziza promised to end the violence within two months.

No foreign head of state attended the inauguration.

Burundi's government says a number of countries apologised for not sending their delegates, because of the change of date.

BBC Africa correspondent Alastair Leithead says that by being sworn in a week ahead of schedule, the president sidestepped the opposition, headed off predicted protests and gave any heads

of state who didn't want to come, a good excuse for not turning up.

The African Union, European Union and the US State Department have all expressed concerns that July's election was not free and fair.

The UN observer mission said the election was not free and credible and was held "in an environment of profound mistrust" between political rivals.

The African Union did not send observers - the first time it has taken such a stance against a member state.

Another Cairo security building rocked by bomb blast

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powerful car bomb has exploded outside a state security building in northern Cairo, Egyptian security officials say.

The blast, which was felt across large parts of the Egyptian capital, injured 29 people, six of them police.

The explosion happened in the early hours of Thursday morning. There were no reports of any deaths.

The militant group Islamic State (IS) says it carried out the attack "to avenge Muslim martyrs".

The statement was not attributed to IS's known branch in Egypt, Sinai Province, but simply had a logo reading "Islamic State,

Egypt".

A BBC correspondent in Cairo reports a heavy police presence on the streets.

Residents across Cairo reported hearing and feeling a large blast just before 02:00 local time (00:00 GMT).

There have been several bomb attacks by Islamist militants in Cairo this year.

"A man suddenly stopped his car in front of the state security building, jumped out of it and fled on a motorbike that followed the car," a ministry statement said.

"The car exploded wounding six policemen," it added.

Media caption "Jihadi groups that were battling...

in the Sinai, they've really started to launch attacks outside of the confines of that area", reports Bel Trew of The Times The blast left a crater in the street and partially destroyed the building. Locals said glass from blown-out windows was strewn across several streets nearby.

Sinai Province militants based in northern Sinai have been behind many of the recent bomb attacks in Cairo.

Thursday's bomb comes just days after President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi approved new counter-terrorism laws designed to fight the growing jihadist insurgency.

•Continued from back page

In fact, the dangers and shortcomings of the President discharging executive functions in the manner he has been doing are numerous and indeed, scary. First, most of the activities so far wholesome and positive as they may be - are at best adhoc and direly limited. He does not have the option of robust debate and a weighing up of numerous alternatives to arrive at the best options.

One example was the setting up of the Adams Oshiomhole-led panel to probe the management of the Excess Crude Account during the Jonathan era. It had one month to report back to the National Economic Council (NEC). But it took all of one month to find out that the panel was inadequate and indeed awkward for that assignment. It took one month to know that audit firms are better suited for the job. That was one month wasted and several opportunities lost.

Another shortcoming is that the country has remained at a standstill and will be so till a cabinet is formed. A visit to federal secretariats will prove this. It was not that diligent activity was the hallmark of the Nigerian civil servant, but ask anyone of them now and he will tell you there is nothing doing since the new dis-

pensation. Again, it is not for fun that the weekly cabinet meeting is held: it is for setting broad policy guidelines, tracking implementation and reviewing performance and progress taking place simultaneously in all sectors. No one person can do this alone.

What really is the purpose of the current exercise of having permanent secretaries review their ministries before the President one at a time?

This exercise, which is taking months to carry out, would have been better accomplished in a one week summit under a full cabinet. This way, even the ministers would benefit immensely and at the end of the day, the President would set the tone for his presidency and government in the purview of all – the appointees and civil servants. So we would have done in one week (and with better result) what we have been grappling with for months.

And there is the more foreboding danger of the President getting used to the current situation of ‘working’ alone and all the minnows around him falling all over themselves when he sneezes.

He is in danger of creating a debilitating environment that does not allow for debate, questions and a weighing of options. If he gets used to dishing out instructions and people jumping, his cabinet would be ineffectual and he, as much as

Nigeria, would be the worse for it.

Now and for as long as the President’s slow motion lasts, the budget is in abeyance, most projects are abandoned, work cycle is lost and funds are disbursed whimsically from the presidency.

APC’s slumbering new era? If PMB is taking things slow to dredge the rot in the system, are governors too, who have followed his example, also dislodging sludge?

It is worrisome that most of the ruling APC governors have conveniently neglected to initiate governance; even second term governors.

If Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State (a first timer) could get started immediately, what is holding up Governors Akin Ambode (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), among others? Why is it taking Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) almost one year to form government?

This precedent is dangerous and unacceptable. Apart from the fact that they are running government from their breast pockets, some fellow will come tomorrow and take all of two or three years to form an executive council (exco), standing on Aregbesola’s example.

One sees absolutely no benefit in a president or governor hedging to form government upon inauguration.

None.

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

CITYBEATS Lagos urges court to vacate order on Ikorodu monarch

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OVERNOR, Akinwunmi Ambode has urged a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja to vacate the order it made last Friday stopping the coronation of Kabiru Adewale Shotobi as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu.

Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan had issued the order while ruling in a motion ex-parte brought by an applicant, Odupitan Adeniyi Eniola, through his lawyers, Joseph Okobiemen and Folarin Dalmeida.

The court had stopped Chief Shotobi from presenting himself for coronation or to be crowned for the vacant stool and title of Ayangbure of Ikorodu pending the determination of the suit filed

by Eniola, from the Lambo branch of the Lasunwon chieftaincy family of Iko-

By Adebisi Onanuga

rodu.

It also restrained Ambode or anyone acting under his authority from going ahead to crown the Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Kabiru Shotobi, as the new Ikorodu monarch.

The Ikorodu kingmakers had scheduled the crowning of Odofin Shotobi for last Saturday having completed all the traditional rites precedent to coronation of the new Ayangbure.

The court had also restrained Shotobi from parading himself as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, or from actualising any recognition thereon and from exercising any of the Ayangbure Royal functions until the determination of the motion on notice.

In addition, the court barred Lagos State Governor, the Attorney-General,

the state’s Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and the seven other defendants or any of their agents, from performing last Saturday coronation.

But at the resumed hearing yesterday, the governor, who was represented by a state counsel, Mr. S.A. Quadri, urged the judge to vacate the order, saying it was made in error.

Quadri, who described the ex parte application that led to the order as an abuse of court processes, pointed out that the order was made after Shotobi had already been given the staff of office.

According to him, the former Governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola on May 25, installed Shotobi as the new Ayangbure and presented him at the 17th meeting of the State Executive Council held on May 26.

Quadri claimed that contrary to the facts presented before the court, what took place last Saturday was not a coronation but a mere social gathering to celebrate Shotobi’s installment as a monarch.

“The ceremony which took place on August 15 is a mere fun fare organised by the Ikorodu community and the first defendant (Shotobi) to celebrate his ascension to the throne of his fore fathers and to accord notable distinguished personalities with chieftaincy titles.

“The first defendant was surprised when it became news that a ruling was delivered on August 14 pursuant to an ex parte application restraining the 1st defendant and other defendants from proceeding with the coronation fixed for the 15th day of August.

In an affidavit deposed to

in support of Ambode’s application, one Usman Danboyi argued that the ex parte ought not to have been granted if the facts were revealed to the honourable court.

“The order was obtained by misrepresentation of facts and should be set aside,” Danboyi said.

Counsel to the Ikorodu kingmakers Olusegun Fabunmi, also raised a preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.

The kingmakers - Chief Zacheus Odusoga, Chief Afolabi Adekanyaoja, Chief Karimu Ore and Chief Jacob Adaraloye - are urging the court to not only vacate the restraining order but to dismiss the entire suit.

Fabunmi described the suit as an abuse of court processes, claiming that the sub-

Court sentences student for ‘theft’

Man, 28, docked for alleged rape

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28-YEAR-OLD driver, John Godwin, who allegedly raped and assaulted a 20-year-old woman, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

Godwin, who resides at Oluwakemi Street, Ajegunle , Lagos, is facing a two-count -charge of rape and assault.

Prosecuting Inspector Frank Inah, told the court that the accused committed the offences on August 8, at his residence.

Inah explained that the accused assaulted the complainant by beating her, and also had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

“The complainant said she was at Agbado area of Lagos, when the accused approached her and asked for her telephone number.

“The woman said she hesitated at first, but later gave him her number, after which he invited her to his house.

“The complainant said when she got to the accused’s apartment, he lured her into his room and forcefully had her carnal knowledge without her consent, “he said.

ject matter had already been determined by Justice M.A. Savage of the Ikorodu High Court in a ruling delivered May 22.

Fabunmi urged the court to vacate the order restraining Shotobi from exercising authority in the capacity of Ayangbure of the ancient town.

Justice Ogungbesan adjourned the matter till October 6.

Kanu joins photographers for ‘photo walk’

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N Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, yesterday sentenced a student to one week community service without an option of fine over theft of cable wires worth N200,000.

Magistrate O.A. Komolafe gave the ruling after Abayomi Adebayo pleaded guilty to charges preferred against him.

The accused, 23, was charged with a four-count charge bordering on stealing, wilful damage and breach of peace. Earlier, the Prosecuting Sergeant Joseph Ajebe, said that the accused committed the offence on August 16, at Mosco Road, IJaiye, Lagos.

Ajebe said that the accused broke and entered the warehouse, where Etisalat Nigeria Limited mast was mounted and stole the wires.

“The accused used an iron spanner to destroy the padlocks in order to gain entrance into the premises.

“The security men guarding the mast caught him while he was trying to escape with the wires and handed him over to the police,’’ he said.

Ajebe said that the offences contravened sections 21,166,307 and 337 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

•Oba Shotobi

By Evelyn Osagie

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•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (fourth right) listening to Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area Executive Secretary Princess Opeyemi Adunni Akindele during his visit to Alimosho. With them are Secretary to the State Government Mr Tunji Bello (second left); Hon Bisi Yusuf (second right) and residents of the area

NDLEA arraigns man over alleged attempt to export narcotic substance T HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arraigned a middle-aged man, Emmanuel Nzubeka, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged attempt to export 1.050 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.

Nzubeka is standing trial on one-count of exporting narcotic substance.

He pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Mr Augustine Nwagu, said the accused was caught with the narcotic

substance on June 4, at the SAHCOL Export Shade of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the substance was found inside Nzubeka’s luggage, adding that Methamphetamine was a drug similar to cocaine and heroin.

Nwagu said the alleged offence contravened Section 11 (b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of Federation

2004.

“Due to the plea of innocence by the accused, I urge this court to remand him in prison custody pending trial,’’ the prosecutor said.

Nwagu also said that the court should refuse to hear any bail application because of the gravity of the offence.

But Counsel to the accused, Mr Oreofe Ogunleye, said that the offence was the kind

that an accused can be granted bail.

“I ask this court to neglect the prayer of the prosecutor and instead grant bail on liberal terms to my client,’’ he said.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa said the accused should be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to September 3 for ruling on bail application.

Three businessmen docked for alleged stealing of N1.3m fuel HREE businessmen yesterday, appeared before Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged stealing of 15,000 litres of petroleum products worth N1.3 million.

The accused persons Jamiu Ajani, 25, Damilola Lawrence, 30, Ramon Adedejo,42, of no fixed addresses, were arraigned on a fourcount charge of conspiracy, unlawful tampering with petroleum pipeline and stealing.

The prosecuting police officer Mathew Omosun said the accused committed the offences on July 2, around 1pm, at Magidun, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Omosun said the accused persons unlawfully tampered with petroleum pipeline and stole 15,000 litres of PMS, valued at N1.5 million, property of the Nigerian Na-

T

tional Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He said that the accused persons dealt in the product without any lawful authority or appropriate license.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act C38, Laws of the Federation 2004 as

amended.

“The Sections contravened also includes 7 (a) and (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004 as amended,’’ he said.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Omosun urged the court to remand the accused in pris-

on custody pending the determination of the case.

The accused counsel, Mr O. O. Onun, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms.

Justice Yunusa remanded them in Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case till September 3, for ruling on their bail applications.

Two held for ‘stabbing’ man at viewing centre

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WO men, who allegedly stabbed another man at a football viewing centre, yesterday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The accused - Akinbo Toyin, 29, a printer, and Adekunle Olaniyan, 29, a barber are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

Prosecuting Officer Donjor Perezi said the offence were committed on August 8 at a football viewing centre at Amikanle, Alagbado, Lagos.

According to Perezi, a fight ensued at the veiwing centre over a petty argument and

the accused stabbed one Abayomi Akapo, on the neck, head and jaw, causing him a very deep injury.

“The victim was rescued by people at the centre, who quickly rushed him to the hospital, else he would have died,’’ he said.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 171 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate O.A. Akinde admitted the accused to N100, 000 bail each, with two sureties in the like sum, and adjourned the case till September 28.

OOTBALL icon, Kanu Nwankwo yesterday joined Nigerian photographers who stage a walk to mark World Photography Day in Lagos.

The walk took off from the Freedom Park, Lagos Island, to Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island and ended at Ember Creeks, Ikoyi, where an exhibition and a talk held.

Nwankwo joined the entourage at the Silverbird Galleria where his appearance threw the place alive with excitement. While screaming his fond name, Papilo, in excitement, eager photographers and photo enthusiasts rushed to take snapshots with him.

After the walk, he pledged support for the photography industry.

According to him, the photography industry holds large potential that would yield a lot for the great country if well tapped.

He urged photographers to keep their dreams alive and focus on being the best in what they do.

“It feels great celebrating this day with photographers and lovers of photography across the world.

It feels great to be loved by them; and seeing them rushing to me in exciting made me really happy, that I had made the day memorable for them. They made it memorable for me too.”

The convener and founder of the World Photography Day Nigeria, Mr Yemi Royal, lamented that the industry has remained an untapped goldmine, urging government to support it.

“There several opportunities waiting to be tapped in this industry, we are using this day to call on the government and investors to take advantage of what the industry has to offer.

Our mission today is to engage, educate, empower and stimulate the photography community in Nigeria,” Royal said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

61

CITYBEATS One feared dead as hoodlums clash in Oshodi

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By Kingsley Diko

NE person was reported dead after two neighbourhood gangs clashed in Mafoluku area of Oshodi, Lagos on Wednesday night.

The Nation learnt that the two factions were fighting over supremacy in the environment.

The fight, which started at Ayo Motor Park, spread to Olaiya Street, Mafoluku where the hoodlums wielded guns and shot at themselves. Residents and passersby ran for safety. Shops were looted.

An eyewitness who owns a restaurant said: “This has been on for three days now, and we have been off business since Monday.

“Our sales are mostly at night; this is a place where people come to relax, drink and work. We have been having sleepless nights and also most of our properties

have been destroyed; like cars and shops. The police came in late after a while, less movement has been on the road since yesterday and we don’t know how long this would continue.”

Another witness, a trader said: “When this started around 6pm, I locked myself in my shop with some of my costumers and other passersby. We watched them shooting one another; they have been on this fight for years now but these last three days have been worse. They usually have physical fight but this time around, it’s quite different. Some of my goods and properties were destroyed.”

According to him, one man died during a fracas between two factions of tout at Keke Marwa’s park along OshodiAirport road, Ajao Estate.

Court dissolves 14-year-old marriage over sex

T

A

N Igando Customary Court in Lagos yesterday dissolved the 14-year-old marriage between Mrs Adeola Adelani and her husband, Olajide, after the wife said she had been sex-starved for eight-years.

In his judgment, the court’s President, Mr Hakeem Oyekan, said the estranged couple were tired of the marriage and all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.

Oyekan ruled: “Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage. The couple can no longer stay together because the marriage has broken down totally; both parties are no longer husband and wife, they are free to go their separate ways.

“Both parties are to keep the peace all the time; any violation of the order should be reported to the police for redress.”

The petitioner, Adeola, 39, had approached the court seeking to dissolve her marriage to Olajide for allegedly refusing to make love to her for eight years.

She told the court that she was married to Olajide about 14 years ago and had a 12year-old son with him.

“My husband refused to make love to me for eight years. I want to have another baby because our son is 12year-old and I am not satisfied with only one child,’’ she said.

The petitioner accused her husband of abandoning her and their child for an unknown destination since 2013.

She alleged that her husband had refused to disclose where he lives and where he works, but said that he always sent his son’s school fees and house rent through her bank account.

Mrs Olajide said her husband told her pastor that he had married another woman and had children, and that she should find another husband for herself.

The petitioner said she was a sad woman with neighbours referring to her as a “rejected and abandoned property.’’

She begged the court to dissolve the marriage because she wanted to move on with her life.

Olajide, 45, a businessman,

HE remains of the late Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Samson Alade Balogun will be interred today at the palace.

The late Oba Balogun, 80, was due to travel to the United Kingdom before his death last Friday.

The Christian wake was held yesterday at a hall inside the palace.

The three hours event was coordinated by the Shaddai Baptist Church, Egbeda, La-

•The scene of the fracas (inset) broken windscreen of a Keke Marwa

Elegbeda’s funeral holds today

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

gos.

It featured praises, hymns, scriptural reading, brief testimony, exhortation and a special prayer for the family.

Former Lagos Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa enjoined the gathering to emulate the late monarch’s selfless life-style.

The late Oba Balogun, Opeifa said, was very accommodating and always ready to contribute to the growth of the community.

Former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, said Awori has lost an industrious son.

In his tribute to the late monarch, Oyefeso said, he brought orderliness and mo-

dernity to the community.

“Of course, we are pained because we lost a great man; Awori in particular has lost an industrious person. He was very trendy and passionate about the development of the community,” he said.

The former LASIEC chief appealed to the traditional institution to look for a suitable person to succeed him.

Our plans for Togolese asylum seekers,

by Lagos

glish.

Akindele said before being accommodated, each of them were screened by medical experts, and those with serious health problems were referred to the Igando General Hospital and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

According to him, NCFRMI officials will send an Eligibility Committee today to determine those to be granted refugee status.

He said: “Last week, Governor Akinwumni Ambode gave a directive that we should move in and relocate them to a secure location.

“It was borne from his passion for security of lives not minding where they are from but so long as they are already within Lagos,” he said.

The asylum seekers expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for treating them like VIPs.

‘I only threatened my wife with hot water’

A

•Some of the children at the camp in Igando

By Joseph Jibueze

“In replacing him, they should look for a very passionate person who will be keen about the welfare of the people; who will consider the development of the area like the deceased’s monarch.

Development is springing up fast in Egbeda, so there is need for a monarch that will assist the government in carrying out its policy,” he said.

By Robert Egbe

L

AGOS State yesterday said the Togolese asylum seekers who it accommodated at its Relief Camp in Igando are safe and sound.

They had besieged the Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos Office of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) last week.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) General Manager, Mr Michael Akindele, took reporters on a tour of the camp to see how the asylum seekers are faring.

There are 110 Togolese at the camp, made up of 27 families. Among them are 60 adults (35 males and 25 females) and 50 children (24 males and 26 females).

There are five furnished dormitories with double beds and mosquito nets, each of which can accommodate between 2000 to 5000 persons.

Also within the premises is a dinning hall, a kitchen and clinic/sick bay with two doctors and nurses.

Armed guards provide security, while a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) official was seen teaching the asylum seekers English language in a large air-conditioned hall.

The Camp Commandant, Fakilade Olatubosun, said the asylum seekers have been cooperative.

He said they are fed three times daily. Beside receiving English and Mathematics lessons, they also engage in sporting activities. He said only a few of them speak En-

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

One of them, Sogbo Mounou, said they were among opposition members who fled Togo to Benin Republic in 2005 following threats to their lives due to a political crisis during presidential election.

According to them, the Benin Republic government, after nearly 10 years, did not recognise them as refugees, hence their decision to seek asylum in Nigeria.

Agbokou Komlan, 42, who has a wife and a child, said they are already in love with Nigerian food, especially “Semo”. “Nigerian soup is nice,” he said.

Akindele said: “So long as they are in Lagos, they will receive the best treatment.

We did not need to obtain approvals before relocating them because it was an emergency situation. Imagine if all this children had been outside till night or if it began to rain.

“Immediately the Federal

Government saw the action of the state government, the NCFRMI Southwest office in Ikoyi informed us about the statutory steps they are also taking.

“The office is in contact with us. Tomorrow (today), the Eligibility Committee comprising the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), will be visiting the migrants to assess their eligibility status.

“Until the committee concludes the assessment, we cannot say how long they will be in the camp. We operate with the best international standards.

“We have a standard clinic with doctors, nurses and pharmacists running a 24-hour shift. We have a caterer on stand-by who cooks their three-square meal. All these are been done out of Governor’s passion for the life of everyone in Lagos.”

40-YEAR-OLD trader, Salau Kehinde, yesterday admitted beating up his wife, Shakirat, over sex, but denied planning to pour hot water on her.

Kehinde was taken by his wife before an Ikorodu Customary Court, Lagos, for dissolution of their marriage.

He agreed that he used to beat her whenever she denied him of sex and if she came home late from her trading business, but he “merely boiled the water so he could threaten her with it. I had no intention of bathing her with hot water.”

“She refused to cook for me when she was pregnant. She also said I should look for another wife,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Shakirat, 32, told the court that they got married 10 years ago and had two children together, but had been living separately for two years now.

She said: “He always refused to give me money and this made us quarrel and fight a lot. I had to leave him when he kept threatening to pour hot water on me.

“His friend advised him to beat me up and he became fond of beating me. He would beat me whenever I returned from work, he would beat me when I told him I was too tired to have sex, or for any flimsy excuse.”

She added that Kehinde also lacked respect for her family.

When the court’s president, Olu Adebiyi, asked her what she wanted, she replied: “I want this court to dissolve our marriage and grant me custody of our children.”

Kehinde promised to stop beating or threatening her, saying he was willing to take her back if she wants to stay with him.

The court adjourned the matter to September 13.

62

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3313

‘Fashola is very much alive but the golden boy of APC dies by the sedition of his own fable; the intelligible momentarily loses to the irrational, manifested as a fiery ego, an army of intellectual thugs and habitual fops gratuitously fostered by an innate lust for acclaim. The APC’s golden boy, trapped by his tar-baby loyalists and burdensome ego thus mutates into a crusted corpse in the party’s garden of change’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

HE recent visit of the National Peace Committee to President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) has generated a lot of buzz from a public that has been reenergised by the president’s approach to national issues in general and the fight against corruption in particular.

PMB’s campaign promise was anchored on confronting the evil that corruption has wrought on fatherland, reversing the tragic loss of lives and property to insecurity, and combating the undesirable effects of both on the economy, which has stagnated despite the attraction of rebasing.

Nigerians liked the message of a new beginning with its prospect of a national rebirth and they gave their solid support to the messenger, candidate Buhari. He won the election and set to work to match his words with action. After all, this is what integrity is all about, and for a leader who has volunteered himself as the symbol of integrity, nothing less is expected.

The reaction has, however, been mixed.

While the generality of the public support the president’s approach, PDP leaders and their surrogates have cried wolf where none is sighted. Among others, they have insisted that the investigation and prosecution of corrupt officials must be holistic and must go beyond the Jonathan administration even back to 1985. They have complained that only former PDP officials are being investigated.

They preached the rule of law to a president who had pledged to make it the centrepiece of his administration.

On his part, the President has reassured his critics that he has no intention of protecting anyone, including members of his party.

There are no sacred cows, he insisted, and the finger that commits a crime will suffer the penalty. But his critics are not relenting.

To be sure, the complainants and critics have not all been partisans trying to score cheap political points. There have been credible contributors to the debate on what the approach to the fight against corruption ought to be. It is on one of these credible contributions that I would like to make some observations.

Professor Ben Nwabueze has proven his credentials as a true patriot even before he co-founded The Patriots and his many contributions to the constitutional and political development of the country are not inconsequential. He has made the cause of the social and political transformation of the country his consummate passion.

Back in 2013, Nwabueze advised former President Jonathan to abandon the idea of running for a second term in order to focus on true national transformation. But after Jonathan agreed to convene the national conference of 2014, Nwabueze and other mem-

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Anti-corruption matters

•President Buhari

bers of The Patriots forgot about partisanship standing in the way of national transformation; they endorsed him for re-election.

On the whole, however, Nwabueze’s message deserves to be taken seriously. But to be taken seriously only means that his views must be interrogated seriously and adequate response submitted on behalf of reason, which I believe to be the only basis of his own submissions.

Nwabueze’s views on this matter were contained in a three-part article in the Vanguard Newspaper Special Reports section on August 13, August 17 and August 19, 2015. But I limit myself to the first instalment, which contains the core of the position canvassed, as others were just embellishments.

The title: “Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position on probe of past governments”, gives the impression that the position canvassed by Nwabueze is that of Igbo leaders. However, the only author identified in the three instalments is Professor Ben Nwabueze. There is also no indication that he signs on behalf of Ndigbo as the title would suggest. At any rate, group sponsorship shouldn’t detract from the import of the message, provided it has no ethnic colouration. For in addition to the destructive nature of religious divide and the debilitating effects of corruption highlighted by the professor, ethnic rivalry has proven to be a

P

ERVERSIVE aura of power We must not grant President Muhammadu Buhari too much comfort. We cannot afford to blink or take our eyes off the ball.

Not anymore; not after all the tormenting disappointments that have emanated from that Aso Rock Presidential Villa since 1999.

Why should a President Olusegun Obasanjo have failed so woefully having rode into the scene with cognate experience none else in Nigeria’s history had? Yet he managed to set us back many years. Did we not think that President Goodluck Jonathan brandishing a PhD, and all that shoelessness, was indeed a breath of fresh air? But he fouled our air so much we are still choking.

The mere fact that the sheer aura and majesty of power would circumscribe both the holder and beholder is enough reason we must be even more on our guards now and not assume that the long-awaited messiah has finally arrived. It is true that comparatively, PMB is imbued with finer character and personal integrity, but there are a dozen other virtues begirding transcendental leadership and transformational governance.

It is for these reasons that we, the watchers of all the Estates of the Realm, must wear our skeptic’s cap always and set it askew at an irreverent and annoying angle. Now more than ever before, we must not be afraid not provoke and run against the grain of popular leaning. And like my

nation buster.

The main thrust of Nwabueze’s argument is that the Buhari administration’s fight against corruption must be holistic to succeed. By this, he means that it should not be limited to the Jonathan administration; that it must be extended to past administrations, including the former PDP administrations as well as the military administrations of Babangida and Abubakar, which according to him, had not been probed by successive administrations.

For this conclusion, the professor of constitutional law offers two arguments as follows: 1. A probe of corruption must have the purpose of deterrence. Presumably, then, he wants to argue, without pushing it explicitly, that probing the Jonathan administration alone will have no deterrent effect on corruption.

2. Probing the Jonathan administration alone when other administrations before his were as corrupt as or more corrupt than his is unfair because it is selective probe with the appearance of vendetta.

Now, the first argument above concerning the possible deterrent effect of a limited probe is to be determined by experience, not by logic. Nwabueze himself made reference to the Murtala Muhammed probe which, based on the example of Muhammed himself, with its focus on the military administration before it, including civil servants, succeeded in instilling probity and discipline in public life before Muhammed was silenced by the assassin’s bullet. Therefore, by this example, it appears to me that the deterrent effect of a probe of the immediate past administration can go a long way in deterring future prospective looters.

On the second argument above, Nwabueze answers his own query, but for some incomprehensible reason, he appears to ignore the salience of the point by rejecting the argument as strange, which insists that Jonathan had a “duty to have probed the (Obasanjo) government from which he took over.” What makes this a strange argument in Nwabueze’s view?

First, Nwabueze makes the insignificant

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

PMB: The dangers of one-man-show PRESSID: Let’s not throw Jonathan away with bathwater

O

NE of the most ingenious initiatives of former President Goodluck Jonathan was setting up of the Presidential Special Scholarship Scheme for Innovation and Development (PRESSID).

The scheme, which is in its third year, selects about 100 best of Nigeria’s first class graduates for scholarship in the best universities abroad. The idea is simply to harness a critical mass of thinkers and leaders in all spheres of life for Nigeria’s future. The US has perfected this strategic initiative, reaching beyond their borders to poach the best from around the world.

The successful candidates for the third batch for the 2014/2015 academic session, who have been offered admission in universities across the world, have been left hanging since President Buhari came to power. If these young Nigerians are being denied their wellmerited national scholarship, which they have already won, by the new government, they at least deserve to be informed formally so that they may move on with their lives.

America, Israel, China, etc., lead the world because they make serious effort to select and groom their very best minds. It is hoped that PMB would sustain PRESSID. brother Azu Isiekwene once said, we must not stop at ruffling feathers, we must make

sure to pluck some feathers. Especially so when we are sure we are doing so in the

point that Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua, and not from Obasanjo. Jonathan was the Vice President to Yar’Adua who took over from Obasanjo. And Jonathan himself told the nation that his was a continuation of the Yar’Adua administration. It had to be, since he completed the term of the deceased Yar’Adua before starting his own administration in 2011.

Second, Nwabueze argues that Jonathan couldn’t have been expected to probe Yar’Adua or Obasanjo because they were all PDP administrations. “All three administrations were PDP governments and it seems inconceivable that one PDP government should probe another.” This is the most bizarre argument that the professor presents in defence of his position.

Why is it inconceivable that a new president who canvassed for and received the people’s vote would fearlessly do the people’s will by moving to fight corruption through the investigation of wrongdoing by his predecessor? If governors can probe their predecessors belonging to the same party, why is it inconceivable for a president to do so?

Third, since Professor Nwabueze and The Patriots turned round and endorsed Jonathan for a second term in the last election, if he had succeeded, we will not now be talking about fighting corruption, holistically or partially because it will be “inconceivable” to expect Jonathan to probe Obasanjo or Yar’Adua or himself. So for as long as a political party is in power, corruption can and will flourish! This is the logic of Nwabueze’s position.

The reason that corruption had the upper hand during the previous administrations is that the leadership of the ruling party including its office holders was neck-deep in it.

Though anti-corruption agencies were put in place, they were not empowered and certainly were not accorded the independence they deserved. This is what Buhari has vowed to reverse.

We are now witnessing the activities of anti-corruption agencies emboldened to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

However, the goal must be to move to a situation where they can perform effectively without executive or legislative prodding and independent of their fear or favour.

Finally, Buhari knows that he cannot afford to be distracted by an open-ended probe of the past. For the same groups that insist on a holistic probe back to 1985 will be in the forefront of those gearing up to accuse him of doing nothing beside probing past governments. The promise of change is certainly much more positive than the negativity that indefinite investigations and probes seemingly imply.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 interest of both the man in the pristine prison of the Villa and the hapless fella on the street.

The breeding a benign dictatorship This is why we must not fail to sound the alarm about what is clearly an incipient one-man government and the making of a leviathan; a benign dictatorship. It is not acceptable and neither is it justifiable that PMB would take almost half of a year to form a government. We simply do not have that luxury of time. He tells us he will not appoint members of his cabinet till September. We hear the Senate may not complete ratification of nominees till end of October and we know that it would take these men and women upmost of another six months to master their not so simple environment and begin to deliver any reasonable result.

Why should we hand over one full year of our lives to a man we elected to office to play around with as he wishes? There is absolutely nothing PMB is doing now that he could not have done with the full complement of his cabinet in tow. It is a dangerous fallacy for one man to imagine he could reform a deeply rotten system all alone in a few months.

•Continued

on page 59

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Editor Daily:08111813080, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO