August 27, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

NEWS

Police Page 5 redeploy commissioners in states

•Fed Govt, states, local govts share N490.2b for July P12 •Appeal Court dismisses Agbaje’s case against Ambode P7 •Tears as baby, 13 others die in Ondo road accident P8 12 •Kwara, Zamfara get bank loans to pay salary arrears PP12 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3319 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•LA WYERS ALL: The immediate past Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola (middle) with President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Augustine Alegeh, SAN (5th right) during the NBA •LAWYERS Showcase Session with the theme, “Contribution of Lawyers in Public Office to National Development”, at the 55th Annual General Conference 2015 of the Association in Abuja...on Tuesday. With them are Head of Service Danladi Kifasi (left), Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong (2nd left), Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (3rd left), Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar (4th left), former Governor of Akwa Ibom and Senate Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio (left, back row), Hon Linda Ikpeazu (2nd left behind) and others.

•INSIDE: DANGOTE, CHINESE FIRM SIGN $4.34B CEMENT PLANTS DEAL IN 13 COUNTRIES P11

Tinubu: why Fashola is under stinking attacks ‘Enemies of progressives are at work’

NNPC opens tender for 2015/ 2016 crude oil term contract

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RESIDENT Muhamadu Buhari has approved a tendering process for the 2015/2016 Crude Oil Term Contract and the evacuation of Nigeria’s crude oil equity from the various crude and condensate production arrangements.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which announced the presidential approval, said it will begin with the

By Olukorede Yishau

F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attacks on his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. He remains proud of Fashola and will never be part of any part of any process to bring him down, he said yesterday.

Tinubu, in a statement by his media office yesterday, said Fashola would be victorious in the end.

He said the immediate past governor contributed immensely to the development of Lagos.

The statement reads: “The past elections were an epic confrontation between two opposing political camps. Those who believed in the progressive governance of the people gathered under the banner of the APC. Those who hearkened to the conservative elitism that had cast this nation downward for so many years.

“The elections clearly showed the preference of WILL THE the average Nigerian. They CHIBOK chose the APC and rejected GIRLS EVER the PDP nationally and in RETURN? Continued on page 4

?

advertisement of the Crude Oil Term contract in both National and International print media for one month.

The new arrangement has been “carefully structured to weed out briefcase companies and rent seekers,” a statement by the Corporation last night said.

The NNPC confirmed Continued on page 4

Senate in turmoil over probe of EFCC boss •Committee walks out EFCC officials

S •Tinubu

•Fashola

ENATORS are restless again, divided by the probe of of an alleged diversion of recovered N1 trillion loot by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Priviledges and Public Petitions launched the investigation yesterday when it took evidence from George

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Uboh, the petitioner, who is said to be on trial for alleged fraud.

Committee Chairman Samuel Anyanwu walked out the EFCC’s Legal Director, Mr. Chile Okoroma and Mr. Osuakwu Ogbochukwu, Lamorde’s counsel.

The Peoples Democratic

An attack against the performance of Governor ‘Fashola is indirectly an attack against me and the edifice of achievements we have constructed ’ •ENERGY P13 •PROPERTY P16 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P45 •N/HEALTH P47 •FOREIGN P59

Continued on page 4

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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NEWS

Boko Haram: The trouble with the war (I) •Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right), discussing with the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy (middle) and an official of the Ireland Consulate, Mr. Connie Guilfoyle (left) when the embassy officials visited the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

IF wishes were horses, President Goodluck Jonathan would not have left behind for his successor the Boko Haram insurgency. He vowed several times that the terrorists would be defeated by his administration. But, by the time he signed out on May 29, the bombings and the orgies of killings had not abated. Despite the huge budgets for defence in the last five years, including the $1b loan secured last year, the bloodletting has persisted, due to lack of transparency in the application of defence votes, leaving the war against terror fraught with obsolete equipment and ill-motivated personnel, reports ADEKUNLE YUSUF

I

•Pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Women Forum, Stella Ugboma (left); wife of the former Cross River State Governor, Onari Duke, Chairperson, Nigeria Bar Association Women Forum, Mrs Fatima Kwaku and guest speaker, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at the NBA Women Forum in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•From left: Head, Strategic Brand Management, Access Bank Plc., Amaechi Okobi; Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Seyi Kumapayi; Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Roosevelt Ogbonna; Executive Director, Personal Banking, Victor Etuokwu and Head, Corporate Communications, Olubusola Osilaja, at a news conference at the bank's Lagos Head Office...yesterday.

•From left: Head, Strategic Brand Management, Skye Bank, Nduneche Ezurike; Priority Banking Officer, Joseph Udo; winner of N1m category who is a civil servant at the Lagos State Secretariat, Mr. Kazeem Adewale and Head, Retail Banking, Nkolika Okoli at the presentation of cheques to winners of the on-going "Reach for the Skye millionaire" in Lagos...yesterday.

T is a taboo of sorts, but few people probably saw it as one at the time. Hundreds of angry women and their children, who defied the curfew order, took to the streets to vent their spleen in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. As wives of soldiers, they protested that their spouses were ill-equipped to take on Boko Haram insurgents, let alone defeat them.

Numbering about 300, the irate mothers and their over 500 children gathered at the gates of a military base where they made bon fires – all done to register their displeasure over their husbands’ deployment to the strongholds of Boko Haram to fight. After decrying the sending of their breadwinners to places they regarded as danger zones for soldiers, they recounted how their spouses were needlessly wasted. They said Boko Haram fighters were better equipped than the soldiers sent to fight them.

That was August last year, when the timeline of Boko Haram carnage in the northeastern part of the country had assumed a frightening dimension.

According to the protesters, in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents were semi-automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and modern Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). Nigerian troops relied on out-of-fashion - mostly unserviceable - tools.

Rahina Ali, wife of one of the soldiers, said the Nigerian Army lacked the requisite firepower to dislodge the insurgents, adding that “our husbands are always given inferior weapons while the Boko Haram terrorists have superior weapons.”

Another woman, Thabita John, even went ahead to proclaim: “No weapons for our husbands, no trip to Gwoza or any volatile place.

“We are tired of burying our loved ones”, she said.

The strange protest, which was one of the series embarked upon last year by military officers’ wives, who seemed to have lost faith in the system, may not be uncalled for. It was an open secret that the military was hamstrung by obsolete facilities, among other challengesunder the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. But, the claim was often fiercely contested by both the military and political authorities.

“The days of insurgents are numbered” was the routine assurance to Nigerians, until the last administration bequeathed the problem to President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, with a change in the political leadership, a new wave of optimism seems to be swirling in the military. Not only is a fresh strategy being explored in the onslaught against terror, with the Lake Chad Basin nations of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and the Republic of Benin responding with the 8,700 troops in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The countries were taciturn in their commitment

to the anti-terror war.

Obsolete equipment, low morale - how bad?

The record shows that Nigeria, compared with its neighbours, boasts of overwhelming military prowess and strength. In terms of size, the country’s armed forces are capable of defending Nigeria’s territorial intergrity against any external threat and of even projecting power in the region, some military top brass told The Nation. The Nigerian Army alone - consisting of infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, signals, intelligence and other supports arms - is estimated to be about 100,000-strong, all ranks. The figure excludes latest recruitments.

Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force and the Navy have about 20,000 and 10,000 - all ranks - respectively. Besides these three forces, Nigeria has a great advantage, having a large pool of armed personnel in the police, the Nigerian Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC), among several other paramilitary forces that can be effectively deployed to perform peripheral duties in war situations.

That is where the good news ends.

According to Gobalsecurity.org, a leading site dedicated to defence, military weapons systems news and information on armed forces worldwide, the Nigerian military, arguably the largest in West Africa, is “significantly less capable than its size and equipment inventory would indicate.” This is because “a large percentage of the Army is capable of little more than basic defensive operations, and most of Nigeria’s ships and aircraft are inoperable” – no thanks to “a lack of investment in training, failure to maintain equipment and dwindling cooperation with Western forces has damaged Nigeria’s armed forces.

“As a large, complex organisation, the Nigerian military contains a number of contradictions, incongruities and internal disjunctions. At the same time, chronic under-resourcing has led to low operational readiness, lack of training, and relatively poor conditions of service.

“These problems, along with endemic corruption, have made the Nigerian military somewhat of a hollow giant resting on its reputation - more capable than any other force in the subregion, but considerably less capable than it should be with tens of thousands of troops and a large stock of major weapons systems and other equipment. A high percentage of the heart of the force — the 60,000-soldier strong Army’s 25 infantry battalions — are capable of little more than basic defensive operations,” the Globalsecurity.org report further said.

As unflattering as it is, the report is not the only one that paints a damning picture about the military capability. According to the 2015 report of the Global Firepower (GFP), which also provides data concerning today’s world military powers, Nigeria, Afri-

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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NEWS

•Soldiers wives all...protesting the deployment of their spouses in Maiduguri, Borno State ....August 2014

ca’s most populous nation and largest economy, is ranked 41st out of 126 countries. The GFP ranks the most powerful militaries in the world based on multiple factors, including available manpower, total labour force, and access to strategic assets, among other criteria – without including nuclear assets in its calculations. At the African level, where Nigeria is ranked 4th, Egypt, a country of 80 million people, is rated number one. The second and third slots are occupied by Algeria and South Africa, in that order, while Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya Angola, and Niger complete remaining first ten positions in terms of military strength – also in that order.

Besides rating Nigeria 4th, GFP also credits it with an available manpower of 72 million, out of which 41 million are said to be fit for service annually.

Of her estimated 177 million people, 3.5 million reach military service every year. However, in terms of arms and armament, Nigeria’s armed forces do not seem to enjoy much good news, as the estimated 177 million people they are paid to secure would have wanted. The GFP record shows that the Nigerian Army is estimated to have 363 tanks (light tanks and tank destroyers either wheeled or tracked), 1,420 Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), 25 Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs), 339 Towed Artillery, and 30 MultipleLaunch Rocket Systems (MLRSs).

And for the Nigeria Air Force, it has 96 aircrafts, going by the GFP’s index.

This includes 10 fighters/interceptors, 42 transport aircrafts, 35 trainers aircrafts, 38 helicopters, and nine attack helicopters. Sadly, an Air Force that is expected to take on Boko Haram is credited with only 10 fixed-wing attack aircrafts, which are equipment used for counter-insurgency operations. Even the Nigerian Navy, which has pleaded over the years with successive governments for the provision of the right mix of platforms, does not fare any better.

The GFP says the Navy has no aircraft carrier, no destroyers, no corvettes, and no submarines. To face Boko Haram, GFP says the Nigerian Navy has only two frigates, three marine warfare and 12 coastal defence craft.

Further investigations by The Nation showed that the Navy’s fleet is made up mostly of patrol and defense boats; no warships. It also does not have a submarine or an aircraft carrier needed to bring the activities of pirates and oil thieves to a halt, which would have probably saved the country the daily loss of about 400 thousand barrels of crude oil to thieves. But it has two Frigates-NNS Aradu and NNS Thunder; 51 Coastal Defense Crafts and two mine warfare, while all its helicopters belong to the training class. There are also NNS Aradu (F89), MEKO 360 Type H1 Frigate, built in Germany (inactive); NNS Thunder (F90), Hamilton class cutter/OPV, which was bought by the Navy after it was decommissioned by the United States (active).

In the Navy’s fleet is also another THUNDER-like ship from the US, NNS Okpabana, which is yet to arrive the country after its acquisition. There is NNS Centenary (F91), P18N Class OPV built in China, commissioned earlier this year and expected in Nigeria around July; a sister ship to NNS Centenary, which has been given fleet

The Army we presided over, by Badeh, Minimah

W

ITH a degree of candour, alien to military establishment in the country, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Kenneth Minimah gave Nigerians food-for-thought at their pullout parades.

The duo said the Army their headed was inadequately kitted for modern operations.

In his validictory speech to a violence-weary nation, Air Chief Marshal Badeh said the military he headed lacked the equipment to do its job. He said at a pull-out parade organised in his honour last month: “Permit me to also add here that the nation’s militaries are equipped and trained in peace time for the conflicts they expect to confront in the future. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience as a nation.

“Over the years, the military was neglected and under-equipped to ensure the survival of certain regimes, while other regimes, based on advice from some foreign nations, deliberately reduced the size of the military and underfunded it.

“Unfortunately, our past leaders accepted such recommendations without appreciating our peculiarities as a third world military, which does not have the technological advantage that could serve as force multipliers and compensate for reduced strength.

“Accordingly, when faced with the crises in the Northeast and other parts of the country, the military was overstretched and had to embark on emergency recruitments and trainings, which were not adequate to prepare troops for the kind of situation we found ourselves in.”

The ex-CDS was echoed by the immediate past COAS (Gen. Minimah) who admitted that he was “confronted with a decay in the service due to long periods of neglect the Army had suffered. “At the time he settled into office, there was spate of bombings across the country. Attacks on soft targets such as civilians and vulnerable communities were on the increase. The Armed Forces and security agencies appeared helpless to address the situation and sadly, the nation began to lose confidence in its army and military.

“The situation was no less grim in the Northcentral and Northwestern zones where armed bandits, cattle rustlers and militias held sway. The nation seemed to be heading towards the much publicised disintegration many had predicted would occur in 2015.

“A nation is as strong as its Armed Forces and the strength of the Armed Forces is in the quality of the individual soldier and his fighting spirit. Fighting spirit imbues him with confidence to stand up to the adversary rather than flee like we witnessed in the recent past, while adequate attention to his welfare demonstrates his nation’s commitment to his wellbeing and motivates him to sacrifice everything, including his life. Government must provide the necessary and right political environment to recruit, train, equip, kit and remunerate our servicemen,” he advised.

MANPOWER

LAND SYSTEMS

Total Population: 177,155,754 Available Manpower: 72,319,838 Fit for Service: 40,707,659 Reaching Military Age Annually: 3,455,147 Active Frontline Personnel: 130,000

Tanks: 148 Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 1,420 Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs): 25 Towed Artillery: 339 Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs): 30

Active Reserve Personnel: 32,000

AIR POWER Total Aircraft: 98 Fighters/Interceptors: 10 Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft: 10 Transport Aircraft: 42 Trainer Aircraft: 35 Helicopters: 38 Attack Helicopters: 9

NAVAL POWER Total Naval Power: 75 Aircraft Carriers: 0 Frigates: 2 Destroyers: 0 Corvettes: 0 Submarines: 0 Coastal Defence Craft: 12 Mine Warfare: 3

number F92, though it is still under construction and expected to be brought to Nigeria by the Chinese firm for completion at the Naval Dockyard in Port Harcourt. For Corvettes (small boats), the NN has NNS Dorina (F81), donated by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); NNS Otobo (F82); NNS Erinomi (F83) and NNS Enymiri (F84).

The Navy also has fast attack crafts or patrol boats and this category include: NNS Andoni (P100), a Seaward Defence Boat built in 2012 and the first platform to be constructed by the

Navy at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard; NNS Ekpe (P178), NNS Damisa (P179) and NNS Agu (P180); NNS Siri (P181), NNS Ayam (P182) and NNS Ekun (P183); NNS Burutu (P174) and NNS Zaria. Its patrol cutter includes NNS Kyanwa (A 501); NNS Ologbo (A 502); NNS Nwamba (A 503); NNS Obula (A 504). Inshore Patrol Craft are Shaldag Class Patrol boats (five); Manta Class Patrol Boat. Minesweepers are NNS Ohue (M371) and NNS Barama (M372); Amphibious Ships-NNS Ambe; NNS Ofiom. Other classes in-

clude NNS Lana (A498); NNS Amariya; NNS Agungu (P156); NNS Yola (P166), among others.

It is however instructive that most of the vessels listed above are just occupying space. They are no longer sea worthy, while poor funding over the years forced the Navy to desist from deploying them to the sea. For example, NNS ARADU, which is Nigeria’s flagship and the only Frigate in the Navy’s fleet, is currently undergoing repairs after staying comatose for several years. The vessel, which is the first of the MEKO360 General Purpose frigates built by Blohm and Voss, Hamburg, Germany, was laid down in 1978, launched on January 25, 1980 and commissioned on February 20, 1982 by the Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration.

Aradu was bought by the Shagari’s government, following the need to have a modern and sophisticated frigate to replace Nigerian Navy’s longserving frigate, NNS Nigeria (decommissioned Obuma). The old lady, as NNS Nigeria was popularly known then, was fast becoming irrelevant in the fast-changing world of naval technology, as Nigerian Navy needed to reach blue waters with the appropriate ships in terms of firepower, extended operational range and enhanced surveillance capability. However, after 11 years of active operation in the Nigerian Navy, NNS Aradu also broke down in 1993 and was ashore for over 12 years – no thanks to the placement of military embargo on Nigeria during military era under the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha as the refusal of successive civilian administrations to approve funds for its repair. Therefore, with a workforce of 5.5 million merchant marine strength of 89, three major port terminals, 193,200 road coverage 3505 railway coverage, 54 serviceable airports, landmass of 923, 768km, coastline 853km, waterways 8,600 kilometre and shared border, 4,047 kilometre, security professionals say the military cannot but be overwhelmed in the firght against terrorism.

A check of facilities belonging to the Nigerian Navy units and formations in Lagos, undertaken by the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, was not too heart-warming – though renovation of equipment was ongoing in virtually all the units.

Among the places visited were: the NNS BEECROFT; NNS QUORRA; Defence jetty; Naval Dockyard; Naval

•Ex-CDS Badeh

•Ex-COAS Minimah

Ordinance Depot; Navy Reference Hospital; Underwater Warfare School; Joint Maritime Training Centre; NNS WEY and Naval Air Base. At the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, where ships are built or refurbished, The Nation observed that about five old ships are being refurbished and a new one in the class of the country’s first indigenous warship, NNS ANDONI, is also being constructed. At the Naval Air Base, it was observed that some of the helicopters that were grounded for years are currently being refurbished, now nearing completion. The Nation observed that several Agusta class helicopters, including a rescue aircraft belonging to NIMASA, are being maintained at the air base.

Going by the threats of piracy and other forms of terrorism, experts say the Agusta copters, which are basically training crafts, had become obsolate for current and future challenges.

The Nation also observed at the Underwater Warfare School that some new tranches of equipment are being installed, with renovation ongoing in the facility. Despite the good news, it is also apparent that the Navy still lacks the right mix of vessels and needs more platforms, particularly Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in order to navigate the creeks and give illegal bunkering the much-needed hot chase. The defence jetty in Marina is in a state of disrepair.

It has not received any attention in the last 20 years. Having caved, if the water currents are high, the pavement may pose danger to the people. The facility could be mistaken for criminals’ hideouts but for the presence of military men, who keep watch at the decrepit premises. The navy jetties, though, not as terrible as the defence jetties, also need urgent attention, because without good jetties, the Navy cannot carry out its responsibilities as a maritime force. Disturbed by the sight of the jetties, Obanikoro, who was recently on tour of the facilities, made an on-the-spot pledge that urgent attention would be given to rebuilding the jetties as well as rehabilitating the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC’s) training pool for greater efficiency.

But things may not be entirely bad for the armed forces. According to the Globasecurity.org, Nigeria armed forces, in all, between 2001 and 2008, entered into contractual agreements and/ or taken delivery of the following: nine Mi-34 helicopters, six-35P gunships, Mi-24 gunships, four Mi-17 utility choppers, seven Agusta A109 Power helicopters, four Agusta A139 helicopters, 77 units of T-72 tanks, 16 units of AMX-30 tanks, 50 additional units of T-55 tanks, 67 units of MT-LB APC/ IFVs, 193 units of Otokar Cobra APCs, 47 units of BTR-3 APCs, 18 units of BTR-70 APCs, 6 units of BTR-60 APCs (probably complimentary hardware from Russia), 18 units of Panhard M3 APCs, 70 additional units of 8X8 MOWAG APCs, 18 additional units of Oto Melara 105 mm howitzers, 23 additional units of Palmaria 155mm self-propelled howitzers, and 48 units of BOFORS Archer 155 mm gun-howitzers.

The new administration of Buhari is also leaving no stone unturned in getting the military back to its glorious era in terms of training and ammunitions, among other things.

•To be continued

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NEWS NDDC: our N183b story

T

•A delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) during their condolence visit to Osun State over the passing of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II...yesterday. Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who received them is (fifth left).

Senate in turmoil over probe of EFCC boss Lamorde Committee walks out EFCC officials

Continued from page 1

Party (PDP) Senate Caucus had dissociated itself from the probe, saying it was not aware of any petitiion against the EFCC. It insisted that due process was not followed.

The statement by the PDP caucus was signed by Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and Senator Philip Aduda.

Watchers of the development in the Senate are wondering why the ‘probe’ of the EFCC chairman is coming at a time the wife of Senate President Bukola Saraki is undergoing interrogation before the anti-graft agency.

Supporters of the Senate President have described the invitation and interrogation of Mrs. Toyin Saraki as politically motivated.

There has been no love lost between Saraki and the party leadership, following the controversial way Saraki became Senate President.

He also shunned the request of his party – The All Progressives Congress (APC) – to name principal officers.

Yesterday members of the Unity Forum faulted the

O

FFICIALS of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were yesterday walked out of the sitting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The committee, which sat at the Senate Hearing Room, is investigating alleged diversion of over N1 trillion by EFCC Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

The controversial investigation had started smoothly by 10.45 am with the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, hitting the gavel to open the proceedings.

Anyanwu asked the committee’s Secretary/ Clerk, Freedom Osolo, to read out petitions before the committee.

Osolo read some petitions, including the one written by the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems (PASS), Dr. George Uboh.

Anyanwu asked Uboh to affirm that he wrote the petition.

Lamorde probe.

The Forum said Lamorde’s invitation was illegal and a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.

It said that there was no record indicating that Uboh’s petition was presented to the Senate in plenary.

It asked the Senate leadership to halt the probe.

In a statement signed by Senator Ahmed Lawan; Senator George Akume; Senator

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

Uboh answered in the affirmative.

Uboh was half way into his evidence in chief when some EFCC officials led by the Director (Legal), Mr. Chile Okoroma walked into the hearing room.

Among the EFCC officials was also Barrister Osuakwu Ugochukwu, who said he was at the hearing to represent Lamorde.

Okoroma sought and was given permission to speak.

He noted that they (EFCC officials) were taken aback because most of the documents the petitioner referred to were not made available to the commission.

He also said the documents referred to the EFCC as a body and not to Lamorde as a person.

Okoroma said that the petitioner claimed that the alleged frauds were committed by

Abu Ibrahim; and Senator Barnabas Gemade, the group said: “The Senate Unity Forum hereby declares that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions probe of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde is illegal and a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.

“In standard parliamentary

Continued on page 58

practice, a petition is routed through either a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives. Upon receipt of such petition, the representative will inform the presiding officer of the chamber and, thereafter, present the petition in plenary.

“Upon presentation in plenary, the presiding officer will invite the Senator/Representative to lay the same Continued on page 58

HE Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia, yesterday denied the allegation that N183.7 billion was missing from the commission’s account.

A special periodic check report of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation claimed that N183.7 billion was mismanaged by the commission.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura, insisted the report was correct and directed those not satisfied to be prepared to defend their position before the National Assembly.

But briefing State House Continued on page 58

NNPC opens tender for 2015/2016 crude oil term contract Continued from page 1

the cancellation of crude oil swap contracts as well as Offshore Processing Agreement Contracts (OPA), which the corporation entered with traders under the previous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The corporation announced new measures aimed at cost reduction and strengthening of operational efficiency across its value chain.

It said after proper evaluation and in line with the terms of contract for the delivery of crude oil to the refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna, it cancelled the current contract due to exorbitant cost and inappropriate process of engagement.

The Corporation noted that as a stop-gap measure, NIDAS Marine Limited, a subsidiary of the NNPC has been engaged to provide crude delivery service on negotiated industry standard rate pending the establishment of substantive contract.

The statement signed by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe added: “We have also commenced a

rigorous and transparent process of securing capable and competitive contractors for the delivery of crude oil by marine vessels to Port Harcourt and Warri/Kaduna Refineries pending the restoration of the Crude Pipeline infrastructure.”

The NNPC said it resorted to the delivery of crude oil to the refineries by marine vessels following incessant attacks on the Bonny-Port Harcourt refinery pipeline and the Escravos crude pipelines by vandals and oil thieves resulting in the complete unavailability of the pipelines in 2013.

The corporation also said the OPA contracts it entered in January 2015 with three companies, namely- Duke Oil Company Inc., Aiteo Energy Resources Limited and Sahara Energy Resources (Nig) Ltd, has been cancelled because it was “skewed in favour of the companies.”

Under the agreement NNPC allocates a total of 210, 000 barrels of crude oil per day for refining at offshore locations in exchange for petroleum products at preagreed yield pattern.

Continued on page 58

Why Fashola is under stinking attacks, by Tinubu Continued from page 1

Lagos State. Since the commanding victory of the APC in Lagos and all over Nigeria, the enemies of progressive governance have cleverly been at work, trying to regain through intrigue and subterfuge what they so openly and fairly lost in the elections.

“Our political opponents now try to steal victory when their only entitlement is resounding defeat.

“Having fared woefully with the electorate, their game plan is to sow discord within the ranks of the party people had chosen to lead them. The PDP hopes to strike division in the APC, in that way weakening us and our ability to govern.

“Apprised of their wiles, we in the progressive camp must be wiser still. We must not allow ourselves to be pawns in this cynical strategy. We cannot fall into their obvious snares for that would be embracing defeat when victory has already been won. It is our responsibility to govern as the people want. It would be to our detriment to fall victim to

our opponent’s sly instigations by allowing ourselves to be utensils picking each other apart.

“This brings me to recent developments in the Lagos political scene. Born of this motley stew is the recent gossip mongering that I have wilfully instigated false and negative reports against former Governor Fashola to thwart him from being appointed to a major post in the Buhari administration. I want to declare clearly and categorically that these rancid attacks do not come from me nor do I endorse them. Neither my hand nor my heart is in these mean submissions. I deplore them.

An attack against the performance of Governor Fashola is indirectly an attack against me and the edifice of achievements we have constructed in leading Lagos State out of a protracted time of stagnation and into an era of sustained progress and development.

“Lagos is a much better place than when we came into governance in 1999. Each year, it has gotten better. With the APC at the helm, each sub-

sequent year will be better yet.

Babatunde Fashola has been an integral part of this improvement. He does not deserve the pillory. His record has been applauded and will continue to be when all this rumour mongering has died natural and quick death.

“I am proud to say that I played an instrumental role in bringing Governor Fashola into politics in the first instance. He served as my trusted chief of staff, performing excellently in that role. Due to his leadership qualities and diligent work ethic, I endorsed him for governor notwithstanding the stiff and vocal opposition of many. I am not ashamed of backing him.

I believe the progress the state made under his administration has more than vindicated my endorsement.

“Fashola, the present Governor Akin Ambode including myself are the products of a progressive political institution and its programmatic expressions. I laid the governance foundation and started the first lap, running as well as I could. I handed the baton

to Fashola, knowing he would do the same. He did; he ran as well as he could. Now, he has handed to Ambode who is off and running as well as he can. We have achieved much in Lagos; but, we recognise as much as anyone that we have much more to do.

“We also know that progress is fragile and easily undone while destruction is easily transacted but hard to undo. I for one I’m not the type to tear down my own house or to bring my enemy’s rubbish into it.

“We must remember something. We have always governed Lagos state as an open forum where democracy and free expression were respected. Those who are against us were never placed in fear of the heavy hand of government descending on them even as they played funny tricks. We also must remember than in any democracy, a number of people will always oppose you no matter the quality of your performance.

If an office holder has an approval rating of 70 per cent, this means, in Lagos, roughly

five million people dislike the person. Also remember the PDP is just recently out of office at the federal level and that it built a vast, unprecedented financial war chest to contest the elections. The residual of that war chest is still at work, buying media space to plant rumours in hopes of spreading discord through the APC. Thus, the enemy camp may be a minority but it is a large and well-funded one that knows its only chance lies in us attacking each other.

“I for one will not bend to the artificial provocation of those seeking to tear at what we have painstakingly built over the years. In my mind, Governor Fashola and I are and shall always be political allies and fellow travelers on a vital journey; that alliance is unshakeable and our journey must not be interrupted. I would no more attack his character or his administration than I would attack myself.

“I see this present moment as crucial to Nigeria’s future.

The nation faces acute chal-

lenges of security, corruption and economic development.

Our task is to create policies that bring prosperity, dignity and hope to all. Great change is in reach because we have progressive governments at the federal and state levels for the first time. With great change at hand, it would be a terrible abdication of our duty to allow agents provocateur to prompt us to suspect and toss dirt at each other at a time when we should be focused on building a better, more equitable nation and society.

“I for one shall never allow myself to be a tool of a political enemy that has nothing good in mind for Nigeria. I for one will never engage in the intramural character attacks of which I am being accused.

I stand for the unity of the APC and for the progressive purpose we serve. I will not be guilty of tearing down our progressive house, not a brick of it. That I vow to all.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

5

NEWS

Relief as ex-militants’ payment begins

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HE payment of backlog of allowances to exmilitants in local and foreign educational and vocational institutions will begin today, it was learnt yesterday.

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, who coordinates the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Brig Gen Paul Boroh (rtd) told a delegation of the European Union (EU) yesterday in Abuja.

Boroh said about 20 ex-militants’ leaders were invited to Abuja, adding that Nigeria could not afford the consequences of not paying the former militants.

While receiving the EU delegation, led by Brian O’Neil, Boroh said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had concluded the due process.

•EU promises assistance From Dele Anofi, Abuja

“Between today and next week, all onshore and offshore debts would be paid.

All ex-militants would be paid arrears of their allowances.

“The Federal Government is most concerned, especially about the offshore students because the image of the country is at stake.

“That is why the debt has to be settled since we have completed the verification of assets and accounts of the programme.

“The new policy change on remittances caused the delay but it was meant to check excesses and we have been able to sort that out.

“Between today and next week, our foreign accounts will be credited by the CBN”.

Saying that the presence of EU in the Niger Delta was a positive sign to the global community that it was not all violence in the region, Boroh urged the union to expand its scope for the stability of the region.

While praising the commitment of N500 million by the EU to the Niger Delta region since 2005, he assured that money spent on the region would be judiciously utilised to benefit the people.

Earlier, O’Neil said EU’s interest in the Niger Delta region was to stabilise the region due to the strategic im-

portance of the Gulf of Guinea.

While he assured that the EU was committed to the Presidential Amnesty Programme , O’Neil said the EU would build on what had been achieved since its intervention 10 years ago.

“The EU wants to work and build on what has been achieved. There is a need to settle down, there is need for peace, employment and empowerment.

“We will see what else to do and attract other organisations towards achieving that goal,” he added.

Two hundred and twentyfive ex-militants have benefited fron EU’s empowerment programmes since the commencement of the collaboration.

T

HE Nigerian Navy yesterday said a new policy directive will be promulgated to address private maritime security firms and oil theft.

Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas spoke while closing the second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Africa conference in Lagos.

He said the new policy, to be enacted by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to run a transparent, cost-effective and efficient government, was in line with global best practices.

According to him, the new policy directives and strategies aimed at tackling oil theft and other maritime vices would yield result shortly.

While acknowledging the role played by private security firms, Ibas said the President’s desire was to recapitalise and reposition the navy.

He said: “The navy remains a cornerstone of President

Navy to enact new directive on oil theft, others

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts at running a transparent, costeffective and efficient government in line with global best practices.

“With these noble and patriotic objectives in mind, a new vista has been established in our quest to derive maximum economic benefit from the seas.

“In this regard, policy directives and strategies aimed at tackling oil theft and other maritime vices will be promulgated by President Buhari.

“I warn that it will no longer be business as usual for criminals. The result of this new approach will manifest shortly.

“The new policy will address private maritime security companies bearing in mind the cardinal interest of Nigeria.”

•From right: Communications Manager, ICRC, Mrs. Deborah Chinwe Okafor, Technical Adviser to the Director General, Mr Chiedu Ndubisi, Director, Contract Compliance Department, Mr Mike Ohiani, Director General of Infrastructure concession Regulatory Commission, Mr Aminu Diko, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and Executive Director, PPP Resource Department, Engr Chidi Izuwah after a briefing session with the President at the state house in Abuja.

T

HE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of 37 Police Commissioners in State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory.

One of the affected officers is the Force spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, who has been deployed to Kogi state.

J. Habila (Abia State); Adejo Gabriel Adaji (Adamawa State); Muritala U. Mani (Akwa Ibom State); Karma Hosea (Anambra State); Mohammed K. Mohmmed (Bauchi State); P. Okafor (Bayelsa State); Dibai P. Yakadi (Benue State); J. Opadokun (Borno State) and Henry Fadairo (Cross River State).

Others are Usman Bala Alkali (Delta State); P Abdallah (Ebonyi); Chris Ezike (Edo); Etop J. James (Ekiti); Moham-

NAFDAC arraigns Beninoise for ‘importing’ fake insecticide

Police commissioners for states, Abuja From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

med Adamu (Enugu); Wilson Inalegwu (FCT); Austin Iwar (Gombe); T. Lakanu (Imo); U. Tilli Abubakar (Jigawa); U. U. Shehu (Kaduna); M. Katsina (Kano); U. Abdullahi (Katsina); Yakubu O. Jubrin (Kebbi); E. Amadasun (Kwara) F. Owoseni (Lagos); Mohammed Sani Usman (Nasarawa); Abubakar Marafa (Niger); Abdulmajid Ali (Ogun); M. Ogbodu (Ondo); K. Shodipo (Osun); Leye Oyebade (Oyo); Nasiru Oki (Plateau); Hyelasinda Kimo Musa (Rivers); Salisu F. Abdullahi (Sokoto); Oke-

chukwu Nwodibo (Taraba); Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim (Yobe) and Femi Ogunbayode (Zamfara).

In a statement yesterday by PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, quoted the chairman of the PSC, Sir Mike Okiro to have said the deployment was aimed at reinvigorating the various state commands.

The exercise, he added, is geared towards effective and efficient policing, in line with the change agenda of •Okiro the present administration.

He advised the state com- forcement of law and order missioners to take their jobs and protection of lives and seriously and ensure that property within the ambits they are committed to the en- of the rule of law.

T

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday arraigned a Beninoise at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly importing counterfeit insecticide.

The accused, Nimota Yusufu, 35, was charged with four counts of importation, selling and distribution of an unregistered product.

The prosecutor, Mr Umar Shamaki, said Yusufu was caught by NAFDAC officials on August 18 at Ebute-Ero in Lagos.

He alleged that the accused imported an unregistered brand of ‘Read A Dream Insecticide’ from Cotonou, Benin Republic, and sold it to the

By Joseph Jibueze

unsuspecting public.

NAFDAC said the product was fake and dangerous to the public.

The alleged offences contravene sections 3 and 6 (1) (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provision) Act Cap C34, Laws of Federation 2004.

Yusufu, who said she could not understand English, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was interpreted to her in Yoruba.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa ordered that she be remanded at the Kirikiri prison until her bail application was heard.

Her trial will begin on December 2.

Buhari gets United Nations backing in war against corruption

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S part of its contributions to the anti-graft battle in Nigeria, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has trained civil society organisations and other agencies to strengthen the synergy in the war against corruption.

The two-day training, which was funded by the European Union, was aimed at bridging the gap between civil society groups and anticorruption agencies.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the training, themed: Sharing Responsibilities and Building effective partnership: Bridging Civil Society

Organisations and State Institutional Gap, UNODC’s National Project Officer in Nigeria, Sylvester Atere, said the training would build the capacity of anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations.

He said: “First, we discovered there is a gap when we don’t talk because civil organisations are working for Nigeria and the anti-corruption agencies are equally doing same but when the two are not talking, there is no cooperation, no synergy, and no cordial relationship. ‘’They will be working at extreme ends, that is why we

•Anti-graft agencies, civil groups trained in synergy said come together and speak together so that it will be to the benefit of the country and the citizens.

Continuing, Atere said: “Under this project, we are supporting 14 anti-corruption agencies and building their capacities. Part of what we are doing is to forge a cordial relationship between civil societies and the anticorruption agencies so that they can workfor the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Also, we have been providing funds for some civil groups under this project for

awareness creation and other related activities, and we are not putting them under pressure as to what they do with the funds and how they spend it.

“In any case we don’t implement programmes directly, we do that through the agencies of government but in this we build capacity, support them as you have seen in this atmosphere where we are going from the known to the unknown.

“Tackling corruption is very fundamental to Nige-

ria fulfilling its potentials in terms of human and material resources, and as an organisation we try to create a synergy between these organisations and the anticorruption agencies,” Atere said.

Similarly, a resource person, Kehinde Bolaji stressed the need for strengthening the relationship and synergy between the organisations and anti-corruption agencies.

He identified constraints to the present collaborative approach between the two,

saying “the first constraint is the lack of trust between them.

“We acknowledge that good mechanisms have been established at the national level. You have the national anti-corruption coalition of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“We also agree that to build a synergy with the government, anti-graft agencies and civil society groups should address integrity, capacity deficit and funding of their programme.’’

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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NEWS

Senate crisis: Ndume meets Tinubu on reconciliation

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ENATE Leader Ali Ndume yesterday met with All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The meeting focused on how to reconcile Senate President Bukola Saraki and Unity Forum members, led by Senator Ahmed Lawan.

It was learnt that the outcome of the preliminary session might lead to an enlarged session of senators in the Like Minds Group and the Senate Unity Forum.

A source in the National Assembly, who said: “Ndume met with Asiwaju Tinubu about noon and the talks lasted for about an hour. The talks

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

dwell on the reunification of the APC Caucus in the Senate.

The Senate Leader said it was time for the crisis in the upper chamber to end.”

The meeting was at Ndume’s request. He is said to be leading a fresh initiative for reconciliation of all senators, who have been locked in a cold war since June 9.

“He pleaded with Asiwaju to bury the hatchet as the election of principal officers on June 9 was not targeted at eroding the political influence of the former governor of Lagos State.

“In fact, Ndume went to the

extent of saying that he was ready to make any sacrifice to bring peace to the Senate,” the source said.

Responding to a question, the source said: “It was a strictly personal initiative of Ndume to feel the pulse of Asiwaju who welcomed him with open arms.

“The preliminary meeting was designed to set the tone for an enlarged session between Asiwaju, the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and other key actors in the Senate crisis.

“We hope that his colleagues will buy into the project when they resume on September 29.”

Ndume’s visit to Tinubu was the second in one-and-a half weeks when Saraki’s loyalists will seek reconciliation with the aggrieved senators in the Senate’s Unity Forum.

Some Saraki loyalists had met with President Muhammadu Buhari, who advised them to also “reach out to the aggrieved senators in the Unity Forum”.

The aggrieved tabled two conditions for ceasefire.

These are: *respect for the supremacy of APC and compliance with the party’s directive on principal officers; and * Ndume and the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, should step down

for Lawan and Akume - in line with the party’s wish.

Senators in the Like Minds Group want unconditional reconciliation; acceptance of Saraki’s leadership; withdrawal of all suits relating to the election of principal officers on June 9; and withdrawal of the petition on alleged forgery of the Senate Rules 2015.

The APC directed Saraki to accommodate the party’s list of principal officers. He declined.

On the party’s list are: Sen. Ahmed Lawan (Majority Leader)—North-East; Prof. Sola Adeyeye (Chief Whip)— South-West; Sen. George Akume (Deputy Majority

Leader) —North-Central; and Sen. Abu Ibrahim (Deputy Chief Whip) —North-West.

But adopting Caucus Politics to sideline the Lawan group, Saraki’s power-sharing formula led to the emergence of the following principal officers: Ali Ndume( Senate Leader); Bala Ibn Na’Allah( Deputy Senate Leader); Francis Ailimikhene ( Deputy Chief Whip).

Although the Office of Chief Whip was ceded to the Southwest, Senators from the geopolitical zone have spurned the offer, insisting that Lawan and Akume must be accommodated before the consideration of any offer from Saraki.

PDP inaugurates e-membership registration committee

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EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) yesterday in Abuja inaugurated a committee to conduct a nationwide biometric registration of all members of the party.

Inaugurating the committee members, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus urged the members to make the registration process transparent and marketable to Nigerians.

“We believe that for us to succeed in our objective of rebuilding the party, we must be courageous enough to implement the e-membership registration of our party members.

“Everybody agrees that this is imperative for any organisation that wants to run effectively in the Information Technology-driven world we find ourselves.

“It is obvious that this is the only single thing that will empower the grassroots politicians through a viable internal democracy in the subsequent operations of the party,” Secondus said.

He said with the online registration, every member of the party now had equal right to vote and be voted for.

“Gone are the days that the PDP belonged to the high and the mighty, the party now belongs to the people,’’ he said.

Secondus urged the committee members to work with the consultant, e-collect Technologies Ltd. and the states party chairmen to further coordinate the state chapters for the effective implementation of the system.

•Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (second right), Kwara State Head of Service Hajia Zahra Omar (left), Colonel A.A Ojajuna (second left), General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigeria Army Major General Laz Ilo (middle) and Commander 22 Brigade, Sobi Brigadier General Abdul Nani when they visited the governor at the Government House, Ilorin...yesterday.

500 days after: Activists march for Chibok girls in Lagos, Abuja

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AGOS State members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBG) are to march on the Government House, Alausa to demand the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

The group is coordinated by Mohammed Oyebode.

A member of the group, Mr. Niyi Onabanjo, said the group was not happy that up till now, the girls are still missing.

He said: “We will commence our protest march from the Obafemi Awolowo Round About, at the Allen Avenue Junction, Ikeja and proceed to the Government House, Alau-

Musa Odoshimokhe

sa.

“We will deliver a paper to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and expect him to convey it to the relevant authorities on the matter.

“We expect the Lagos State Emergency Management Board to get in touch with the Internal Displaced Persons (IDP) and render whatever assistance it can to the suffering people displaced by insurgency.”

Also speaking, Babasola Olalere said they would mo-

bilise not less than 300 people, bearing placards of different inscriptions, highlighting the plight of the parents and their guardians.

He said the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) had been mobilised to control traffic, stressing that the police and other relevant authorities had been contacted to give protection.

He added that government must do everything possible to give respite to the parents of the captured girls, noting that some of them died due to the grief they experienced

over the girls.

“It is time the government do something about the girl, we believe it is within what they can do. On our part, we will continue to draw attention to the plight of all the people concerned and we hope this will be addressed within the shortest time possible.”

A youth march and candlelit vigil will hold today in Abuja to mark the 500 days of the capture of the Chibok girls.

One of the leaders of the Bring Back Our Girls cam-

paign in Abuja Aisha Yesufu said: “We keep on hoping that the girls will be found. We will keep up the fight, there will be no retreat, no surrender on the Chibok girls until each one of them is accounted for.”

Muslim and Christian prayer services, a tree planting ceremony and a march through Abuja, have already been held to mark the day.

The girls were abducted from their dormitories at the Chibok Girls Secondary School in Borno State on April 14, 2014.

Ambassador denies link with visa issuance to Lebanese terrorist

F

ORMER Nigerian ambassador to Lebanon, Oluwole Idowu, has refuted reports linking him with the issuance of Nigerian visa to a wanted Lebanese terrorist, Ahmed Al Assir.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Idowu described as

malicious and defamatory such media reports which, he added, were deficient in facts and professionalism.

He said he could not have been involved in the issuance of any Nigerian visa in Beirut in August 2015 when he completed his tour of

duty in Lebanon on April 6 and ‘’meritoriously” retired from service after 35 years on August 14.

The former envoy said while his lawyers were already taking up the issue of false and libellous publications with the concerned me-

dia organisations, he considered these clarifications most expedient because “of the embarrassment which the publications have been causing me, family, friends and associates which I had cultivated locally and internationally in the past 35

years.”

Idowu pledged his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, his government and the Foreign Affairs Ministry which, he said, he had committed his entire work life as a diplomat and career ambassador.

NBTE chief urges rectors to imbibe Fed Govt’s culture of zero-tolerance for corruption

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HE Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), ) Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, yesterday urged rectors of polytechnics to key into the Federal Government’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption.

Kazaure spoke in Kaduna at a one-day workshop on carrying capacity for rectors of polytechnics.

He said all institutions and the NBTE needed to im-

bibe the culture of zero tolerance to corruption.

The executive secretary observed that polytechnics were in the habit of lending lecturers and non-academic staff to fill up the missing gaps.

“This is not proper. The heads of various institutions should ensure zero tolerance for corruption of this nature. Institutions must strictly adhere to the regulations guiding facilities and carrying capacity. There

must be transparency, particularly in the provision of facilities by all institutions,” he said.

According to him, the essence of the workshop was to brainstorm on how best to expand access and equity in technical and vocational education in tune with international best practices.

“International best practices provided for 30 students per class in technical and vocational, and 40 for manage-

ment based programmes, but some institutions are advocating for 70, some even 100.

“Based on this, we have to come together and look at international best practices, and how to make necessary adjustment without compromising quality,” he said.

The NBTE boss acknowledged that ‘carrying capacity’ was not easy to fully implement due to inadequacy of higher educational insti-

tutions in the country.

He described ‘carrying capacity’ as`` admitting students into various programmes based on available facilities, such as adequate lecture rooms, well stocked libraries, convenient staff/ student ratio, availability of laboratories and equipment, among others.”

“This policy is aimed at ensuring quality of instruction, as such institutions must not exceed their capacity if do-

ing so will compromise basic minimum standard,” he added.

Kazaure said there were currently 556 technical and vocational institutions under the purview of the NBTE. “This number is grossly inadequate, considering the unprecedented level of demand for higher education in recent times, and the institutions can only accommodate a fraction of the youths seeking admission,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015

7

NEWS

Rumpus in Muslim community over Aare Musulumi

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ORUBA Muslims are divided over the selection of a successful trade merchant, Alhaji Dauda Akinola, as the Aare (President) Musulumi of Yorubaland.

The last holder of the title, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao, died last year. He was a business mogul and philanthropist.

The Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheik Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, in a statement last week, announced Akinola (aka

From Bisi Oladele and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

Dedamak), as the new holder of the title.

But some Muslim leaders, who craved anonymity, said they were not involved in the selection of Arisekola’s successor.

They said they were still in shock because, if anyone would be conferred with a title covering the entire Muslim community in Yorubaland, consultations were expected to be made

with all major leaders, groups and stakeholders in the six states of the region.

The states are Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti.

A source close to the leadership of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest said the league was still waiting for those who conferred the title on Akinola to brief them on the “unilateral” decision.

The source added that all groups within the Muslim community should have held meet-

ings to review nominations for the position and agreed on a candidate before such announcement can be made.

Another source close to the leadership of Ibadan Muslim community said they were still at a loss over the decision, which is viewed as an error.

The Nation also learnt that some other qualified Muslims would have been nominated for the post, if it was thrown open.

Akinola is a business merchant, who deals in automobile

and building materials.

With sales outlets spread over the country, especially in the Southwest, Dedamak, as he is fondly called, imports asbestos, roofing sheets, KVA generators, motorcycles and others.

He was said to have made fortune at a time when only few people showed interest in the business.

Agbotomokekere was not available for comments last night.

Appeal Court affirms Ambode’s defeat of Agbaje

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HE Court of Appeal, Lagos Division yesterday held that Akinwumni Ambode was validly elected as the governor of Lagos State on April 11.

It dismissed the appeal filed by his challenger, Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and awarded cost against him.

The appellate court affirmed the verdict of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which, on July 1, upheld Ambode’s victory.

The three-man tribunal, led by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, struck out Agbaje’s petition seeking to nullify Ambode’s declaration as winner.

Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 811,994 votes against Agbaje’s 659,788.

Justice Sirajo said the petition by Agbaje and the PDP were defective because they failed to pray for the conduct of a fresh election.

The Appeal Court, after dismissing Agbaje’s appeal on the ground that it is “incompetent”, ordered him to pay compensation cost of N50,000 to each of the respondents.

Ambode, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were the respondents.

The Appeal Court rejected the appellant’s argument that the tribunal ought to have made the order as a consequential one.

It held: “There is no doubt that one of the inherent powers of the court is to make con-

Governor, APC hail verdict LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the state All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday hailed the Court of Appeal’s decision upholding confirmation of his victory at the April 11, 2015 governorship election.

Ambode described it as a welcome development and a vindication of the people’s mandate, which was expressly demonstrated on election day.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said “the decision of the Appeal Court is a further testimony to the affirmation of our victory by the tribunal and a vindication of the mandate of the people as expressed in the April 11, 2015 elections”.

He urged the opposition to sheath their swords, move beyond partisanship and join hands with his administration to move Lagos to the next level.

“With the Appeal Court decision, I think it is time for us to put electioneering matters and its attendant issues behind us. Our victory at the polls had earlier been adjudged as fair and square. The tribunal confirmed this and now the Appeal court has upheld that decision. Isn’t it time for our opponents to sheath their swords?

“I have never for once doubted the outcome of the polls. We had one of the most gruesome campaigns that took us across the length and breadth of the state. Our party’s strides over the last 16 years were also a

By Joseph Jibueze

sequential orders in the interest of justice, even when such orders have not been prayed for.

“But the inherent powers of a court to make consequential orders does not include the power to grant a substantive or principal relief.”

The tribunal had struck out Agbaje’s petition due to his failure to ask for a fresh election.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

scorecard that Lagosians voted for. I have consistently maintained my administration’s desire to work with every Lagosian, no matter the party,” he said.

A statement by APC spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the court’s verdict “goes once again to prove there is no meeting-point between light and darkness, between progress and backwardness, between serenity and confusion and between performance and non-performance”.

The statement reads: “Lagos PDP has never posed any serious threat to Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), or APC in Lagos in the past 16 years because Lagosians have never considered the party as a serious alternative.

“To them, Lagos is too important in Nigeria to be left in the hands of mediocres, apprentices and learners.

“While APC leaders and supporters were busy campaigning all over Lagos, Lagos PDP and its leaders were busy plotting with former President Jonathan how to steal Lagos by any means possible, including the use of brute force and intimidation” “While rejoicing with our governor, we want to remind His Excellency that the sum total of every man’s achievement is simply the beginning of a new journey. The reward for hard work is more work.”

It held: “In the instant petition, apart from seeking an order nullifying the election of the second respondent, the petitioner did not ask for an order of fresh election.

“So, if, for instance, the election is nullified, the people of Lagos State would be left in an anarchy situation as no order can validly be made for the conduct of fresh election, same having not been sought for.

“A petition that is found on

disqualification of a respondent and an order of nullification of the election must, of necessity, contain a prayer for an order of fresh election.

“Where such a prayer is lacking, the petition will be incompetent and academic as even the resolution of such a petition in favour of the petitioner will not confer any utilitarian value on the petitioner(s).

“Where no relief for fresh election is claimed in a peti-

•Ambode

tion, a ground of petition founded on section 138(1)(b) of the Electoral Act and the entire petition itself are incompetent and liable to be struck out.”

The Appeal Court agreed with the tribunal, and held that the prayer for a fresh election was the livewire of any election petition.

The appellate court also upheld the argument of the respondents that the appellant failed to successfully fault the grounds on which the tribunal based its judgment when it dismissed the petition at the preliminary stage without going into the petition’s substance.

The appeal court said in the face of the irregularities in the petition, it would amount to “embarking on a journey to nowhere” for the tribunal to proceed into the main petition, as suggested by the appellant.

The higher court, therefore, dismissed Agbaje’s notice of appeal as earlier done by the tribunal.

Clerics back Buhari’s anti-corruption war •Deeper Life, CAN, PFN to begin crusade Sept 8

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HURCH leaders yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in his bid to rid the country of corruption, saying they are fully behind him.

They spoke at a media briefing on the forthcoming state-wide crusade being organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in association with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

The Chairman of Lagos PFN, Bishop Sola Ore, who was represented by the Financial Secretary, Pastor Leke Akinola, said no corrupt official, past or present, should be spared.

He said prosecution of crooks and looters of public funds must not be selective.

“We are in support of what is happening. But we want the

By Joseph Jibueze and Musa Odoshimokhe

fight to be all-embracing.

There should be no sacred cows,” he said.

Akinola added that the church also supports the anticorruption fight through “spiritual revolution”, which involves helping people realise the futility of illicit wealth acquisition.

Deeper Life’s Church Moderator, Pastor Joseph Fasanmi, who represented its General Overseer, Pastor William Kumuyi, said despite government’s efforts, “robbery, cultism, drug menace, prostitution, kidnapping and other crimes still exist”.

“A fearsome swarm of iniquities is yet rife in the state.

Ours is a state that has been held under siege for too long.

If not for God’s abiding grace, our city, nay the state, could

•From left: Akinola, Fasanmi and Secretary, Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC) Pastor Jerry PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI Asemota at the news conference...yesterday.

have gone under altogether.

“While we salute the positive actions so far taken by our respected Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, we hasten to state that unless the required spiritual renaissance and moral rearmament are put in place, enduring change in Lagos, or any other place for that matter, will remain a pipe-dream,” he said.

Fasanmi added that the cru-

sade will begin on September 8 in Ikeja and will cover “20 staggered days”.

It will hold in Lagos Island, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ketu, Gbagada, Festac, Isolo, Agege, Alimosho, Oshodi, Orile, Ajegunle, Surulere, Apapa, Shomolu and others.

It has the theme: “Supernatural Power of God’s Wonders”.

The cleric said unless the

heart of man is changed and turned around by God for good, measures by government to end evil would less impactful.

Fasanmi said despite efforts to improve the socio-political and economic space since the return of democracy in 1999, the citizens’ attitudinal disposition, moral and spiritual make-up remain low.

APC organises free coaching for pupils

By Enitan Seriki

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has started free coaching for pupils in Isolo Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), Lagos State, as part of its efforts to promote education in the area.

The free coaching is sponsored by the Olusegun Jubrilled council, in conjunction with the Community Initiative for Child Education and the APC Initiative Group (AIG).

The programme is holding in three centres - Gideon Comprehensive High School, Okota, AUD Primary School, Isolo and Kusoro Primary School, Ilasa.

Beneficiaries are primary school pupils, who are expected to devote part of their holiday to extra-mural classes.

A member of the group, Peju Taiwo, said the programme is consistent with the vision of the APC to promote qualitative education in Lagos State.

She said the group will also hold a workshop for parents and kids on September 1 and 2 to sensitise them on security challenges.

The theme of the workshop is: “Security challenges and the Nigerian Child in modern times”.

The seminar will hold in Surulere and Alimoso councils. Speakers include Assistant Police Commissioner Austin Akika, Pastor Deborah Folajaye, District Police Officer James Chu and Mr. Adeola Falowo.

Guests include House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, APC Chairman Otunba Oladele Ajomale, his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku and Mr. Ganiyu Johnson, an engineer.

Guest artistes include OJB Jezreel, Daddy Fresh, Lanre Teriba, Joe El, Lizzy Anjorin and Vortex All Stars.

He added: “The leaders themselves are out-crops of a depressed environment, who cannot be expected to provide enduring solutions to the multi-faceted challenges facing mankind and summed up in one word - sin.

“We make bold to state that it is only a completely changed heart of man by God through the gospel that can bring about a fundamental and un-adulterated transformation in our broad landscape.” Fasanmi said the crusade will serve to expose and deal with the problem of acute unrighteousness with the objective of giving millions opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness and mercy.

He added: “The crusades will also prayerfully bring down the power of God with a view to ameliorating the rather punishing challenges many daily contend with.

“Our firm conviction is that once the hearts of the general citizenry are made right, it will be easier for the government to prosecute its programmes fairly successfully.”

THE NATION THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015

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NEWS 14 die in Ondo mishap From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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OURTEEN people died yesterday in an accident on the Benin-Ore –Lagos Expressway.

The accident occurred at Akinfosile in Odigbo Local Government Area. A trailer and a bus were involved.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Crops (FRSC) confirmed the death toll while witnesses blamed it all on overspeeding.

FRSC Head of Operations in Ondo State Mr. Akin Adedipe said 11 males, two females and a baby died.

Adedipe noted that two injured passengers were receiving treatment at Ore General Hospital. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

The FRSC chief said some of the items recovered from the vehicles, included four SIM cards, eight ATM cards, N39,699 and other personal effects.

He advised the motorists to always avoid over-speeding on the highways and to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of traffic to avoid crashes on the roads

•From left: Baale of Sango-Tedo, Lagos, Chief Rafiu Ajakaye, Paramount Ruler of Ajah Chief Fatai Lawal Olumegbon and the Deputy Executive Secretary of Eti-Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, at the inauguration of a transformer donated by MTN Foundation to the Sango-Tedo community.

Ogun police arrest 27 cultists, robbery suspects •10 vehicles, arms recovered

PDP dying in Ekiti, youths lament T

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GROUP, Concerned Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youths, has expressed concern that the ruling party is fast losing ground.

It urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to “urgently intervene to arrest the drift in its fortunes”.

In a statement yesterday, its coordinator, Busuyi Omotoso, and secretary Dapo Faleye said many prominent party leaders have adopted a “siddon look” posture and others have concluded plans to defect to opposition parties.

The youth urged the party’s national leadership not to be carried away by the victory recorded at the general election, but to ensure that aggrieved leaders and members were appeased to prevent the

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

state PDP from collapse.

They alleged injustice in the distribution of appointments, saying Ekiti PDP had been turned to a one-man party contrary to the dictates of the party’s constitution.

The statement reads in part: “We also noticed that all the 2014 governorship aspirants are not carried along in governance by so doing, they and their followers are no longer in the party. The aftermath of the kangaroo primaries conducted in the state have turned the party apart.

“In addition, to crown it all, the political imbalances in appointments in the state have worsened the situation. The most recent impunity that could be tagged ugly politicking is the suspension of virtu-

ally all the state executives, who suffered and paid through their noses to ensure the party won all the elections in the state - from governorship, presidential, national assemblies and the state house of assemblies.

“The reversal of this unconstitutional, tyrannical decision on the prominent and ever loyal excos is imminent.

“We strongly observed that if these abnormalities are not corrected, the party will not win any future elections, no matter how small or big.

We the youths are now resolute across the state and vowed not to support the party henceforth.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) is hereby advised to step in with immediate effect to ensure that PDP extinction in Ekiti State doesn’t

come to reality.

“The failure in the political promises made to party faithful that appointments will be in accordance to performance in election and several other agreements have been breached. We detest strongly the injustice in the distribution of the appointments.

“This and many more are our grievances and we have no doubt that same is applicable to all that passionately worked for the party in their respective unit, ward and local government.

“As a group that has the interest of the party at heart, we want to avert the total destruction that looms and the National Working Committee is hereby called upon to wage in and reconcile the members across the state.”

Tribunal to rule on petition against HE National Assembly Gbajabiamila Sept 28 Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, La-

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gos, has fixed September 29 for judgment in a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for Surulere Federal Constituency I, Mr. Tony Ashikodi.

He challenged the declaration of Dr. Olufemi Gbajabiamila of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the March 28, 2015 election.

The three-man tribunal, led by Justice C.U. Anwuka, fixed the date yesterday after listening to the submissions and adoption of written addresses by counsel to the parties.

Ashokodi petitioned the tribunal through his counsel, Kalu Onuah, alleging irregularities in the election.

He said the irregularities breached the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) approved guidelines for the polls.

At the resumed hearing of his petition yesterday, counsel to the petitioner said Gbajabiamila was not duly elected or returned by the majori-

By Adebisi Onanuga and Vivian Anaba

ty of lawful votes cast at the election in the constituency.

He prayed the court to void the election due to alleged manifest breach and violation of the Electoral Act 2015 Guidelines.

The PDP candidate urged the court to order that a fresh election be conducted by the INEC. The petitioner claimed that “the final figures in the tally of results in the Form EC 8C (i) were cancelled and altered by the second respondents with a view of declaring the first respondent the winner of the election. The 14,351 received by the first respondent/ APC was whimsically changed to 21,715 while 16,079 earlier recorded for the petitioner was changed to 14,550”.

Making his submission, Onuah relied on Section 53(2), which provides that “where the votes cast at an election in any polling unit exceeded the number of registered voters in

that polling unit, the result of the election for that polling unit shall be declared null and void by the commission and another election may be conducted at a date to be fixed by the commission, where the result at the polling unit may affect the overall result in the constituency.”

He further cited Section 63, 71 and 74 of the Act, which states that the form shall be signed and stamped by the presiding officer and counter signed by the candidates or their polling agents, where available at the polling unit.

Omotayo Olatunbosun, who represented the first respondent, submitted that the petitioner’s argument was based on misconception of the law and a misrepresentation of facts.

“The documents were actually dumped on the tribunal without any witness demonstrating the specific purposes each document was meant to serve. It is on record that none of the documents tendered was linked with specif-

•Gbajabiamila

ically in open court to the allegations in the petitions nor to specific paragraphs of the petition.

“The only witness called by the petitioner himself. His testimony constitutes, at best, documentary hearsay. All he said about the occurrence of the event in issue is that he briefly visited the ward collation centres. There was no attempt on the part of the petitioner to call persons, who actually witnessed the alleged events of alterations, cancelations, manipulations and falsifications,” he submitted.

T.N. Olaitan, who represented the second respondent, aligned himself with the submission of the counsel to the first respondent.

HE police have arrested 27 suspected members of cult groups in Ogun State.

They were arrested during raids by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence.

Police said the suspects were involved in killings and robberies in Ijebu area, Agbara and others before they were arrested.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said investigations have revealed that the suspected cultists participated in robbery attacks, including snatching of cars within major cities and on highways.

Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), gave the names of the suspects arrested in Ijebu as Ahmed Olasunkanmi (aka Ahmed the killer), Sadiq

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Muli, Adewale Olumide (28), Rafiu Oluwatosin (27), and Ifeanyi Idor (27).

Others include Ifeanyi Okeke (34), Abiodun Taiwo (39), Ola Hammed (40) and Odion Ozasuwa (23).

Ten vehicles and eight guns and ammunitions of different calibres were recovered from them. In Agbara area, the police also arrested 14 suspected members of a cult group.

Two suspects - Idris Adejunwon (24) and Muideen Bello (26) - were arrested in connection with August 5 killings at IjokoOta. Police Commissioner Abdulmajid Ali has ordered his officers and men to step up measures in ridding the state of cultists, robbers and hoodlums.

Rehoboth Women Foundation’s concert holds Saturday

By Opeyemi Samuel

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HE Rehoboth Women Foundation’s special musical concert will hold on Saturday at Block 68, Plot G, Basheer Shittu Street, Magodo GRA Phase ll, Lagos. Time is 12

noon.

It is aimed at empowering women and children as well as build lives and the nation.

The concert, tagged: “Blessed to be a blessing concert”, will feature music, comedy, Utomi Ukwushiuba, Funmi Faithful, Yemi Levite and some other gospel artistes.

Utomi, a gospel artiste said: “We are organising this concert to empower people in the society to achieve their dreams. We want to help people, who cannot pay their school fees. ‘’We also want to take abandoned children off the streets and give them a befitting home under the most conducive atmosphere,” he said.

Faithful said: “We dream of our great country devoid of street children; we also dream of beautiful and well-equipped rehabilitation centres for the needy.’’

Oyo urges private firms to access loans

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YO State has urged private business organisations to access the state government and Bank of Industry’s (OYSG/ BOI) loans to increase productivity and improve the economy.

The Executive Secretary, Bureau of Public Private Partnership, Mr. Yinka Fatoki, said this at a meeting with business owners in Ibadan.

Fatoki, who spoke on behalf of the state government, explained that the scheme was designed to provide fund for business organisations to make their business-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

es triumph.

He said the government and BOI founded the scheme with N5 million each.

He assured the private business owners of the scheme’s legitimacy and appealed to them to cooperate with the government by accessing and making use of the fund judiciously.

The State Coordinator, BOI Mrs. Adebisi Ajayi admonished the beneficiaries to utilise the fund judiciously and manage their businesses effectively to meet the objectives of the scheme.

Traditional rulers’ delegation commiserates with Osun

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delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) yesterday paid a condolence visit to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola over the death of Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

The six-man delegation were represented by traditional rulers from the nation’s six geo-political zone.

The Chairman, NCTRN Coordinating Committee,

Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who led the delegation, described Oba Sijuwade as a wise monarch.

He added that the late Ooni would be missed because of his love and robust relationship with other traditional rulers.

Abubakar prayed to Allah to give the people of Osun State and the family of Sijuwade the fortitude to bear the loss. Receiving the delegation on behalf of the governor, the Chief of Staff to Aregbesola, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, ex-

pressed appreciation to the royal fathers, urging them to support the Buhari-led Federal Government.

Oyetola, who described the late Ooni as a true friend of the Aregbesola administration, said that “his close affinity and

love for the governor was demonstrated till the end.”

He added: “This fact was clearly evident in last text he sent to Ogbeni on the eve of his departure to the United Kingdom for medical treatment...”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NEWS Row in Bayelsa over ex-PDP chair’s health From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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ONFLICTING reports on the health of a former Chairman of Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Sam Inokoba (retd.), yesterday, sparked controversies.

Inokoba, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), was said to have collapsed at Nembe during a reception organised by the residents for the state’s leader of the party and former Governor Timipre Sylva.

It was learnt that the programme was underway when Inokoba collapsed and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was said to be under intensive care.

Doctors were said to have made frantic efforts to stabilise him.

But a group loyal to the PDP’s ex-chairman, the Bayelsa Great House (BGH), slammed those behind the report, saying they were working for Governor Seriake Dickson.

Addressing reporters in Yenagoa, the state capital, BGH’s Chairman Ebinimi Owei, and Secretary Victor Woyinkuro, said there was no time Inokoba collapsed at an APC rally in Nembe.

Orubebe is afraid of probe, says Oshiomhole

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, is afraid of President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned probe of several billions of naira allegedly squandered on the East-West Road and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under his watch.

The governor said this informed the former minister’s latest media outburst against him.

A statement yesterday in Benin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said the “incompetence” of people like Orubebe contributed to the dismal failure of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the latest outburst of ...Godsday

Orubebe, in his attempt to taint the image of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

“It is no surprise that former President Goodluck Jonathan failed woefully because he surrounded himself with such charlatans as Orubebe, whose only credential is his ethnic origin and the large size of his bowler hat.

“Here was a man whose ‘unministerial’ conduct at the election nearly plunged the nation into an avoidable crisis.

“Does Orubebe really think Nigerians are fools? Does he truly believe Nigerians have forgotten so soon the ignoble role he played in his attempt to truncate the release of the election results and the announcement of the eventual winner of that election, a move that could have plunged the nation into another civil war?

“Is it not a shame that Orubebe, who should be in jail for that

failed plot to truncate democracy, has now found a convoluted voice?

“We are not surprised at the timing of Orubebe’s latest outburst. It is no doubt unconnected with the planned probe

by President Buhari of the billions of naira allocated to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, even as the East-West Road remains in bad shape and the probe of the fleecing of Amnesty funds under his watch.

“We are aware that Orubebe, the perpetual noise maker, has raised the decibel of his noise a notch higher so that he would have a ready-made defence of witch-hunting, if he is indicted in the planned probe of Amnesty funds.

“Orubebe is a yesterday’s man. We could have chosen to ignore him, like his Delta brother, Mr. Sunny Onuesoke,

•Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, (Retd.) Brig.Gen. Paul Boroh (left) with the leader of the European Union Delegation, Mr Brian O’ Neil, during the visit of E.U. delegation to the special adviser in Abuja...yesterday

Man jailed 14 years for stealing N51m

PHOTO:NAN

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

N Oredo Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital, has sentenced a 45-year-old man, Gbenga Lawal, to 14 years imprisonment for stealing N51,168,230, belonging to Lukas Corporate Business Nigeria Limited.

The offence was said to have been committed between 2008 and 2010 when the convict was the company’s manager.

Lawal was arraigned in 2010 on a seven-count charge of stealing and altering the purchase books of the company.

Magistrate Frank Idiake found Lawal guilty on count two and seven charges but acquitted him on other charges bordering on stealing 3,484 cartons of medium stout beer valued at N11,877,807.

The magistrate sentenced Lawal to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour on counts two and seven.

Idiake held that the sentence was without an option of fine, adding that it would run concurrently.

Also, a 40-year-old man, Johnbull Omoike, was arraigned yesterday before an Egor Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defiling an eightyear-old girl.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Sunday Lucky said the offence was committed at Uwelu Street in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

Lucky said the offence was punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code.

an unknown entity who does not know the arithmetic of financing, but decided to delve into a matter of a World Bank loan, something completely beyond his mental and intellectual capacity. But we simply cannot let Orubebe have the last say.

“We are not unaware that it has now become the fad for drowning and neophyte politicians to take cheap shots at the impeccable character of the Comrade Governor, just to gain cheap publicity. However, Orubebe’s image, as he himself knows, is beyond redemption.

“Is it not laughable that Orubebe accused Oshiomhole of biting the fingers that fed him? Pray, how did Jonathan feed Oshiomhole? Did he feed Oshiomhole by supervising over a government that fleeced the nation of trillions of naira,

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French Embassy intervenes in deaths’ probe

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FFICIALS of the French Embassy in Abuja have intervened in the investigation into the death of the wife of former Eleme Local Government Area’s Chairman, Mrs Ebiegberi Ejor (nee Amungo) and a French citizen, Mr Freedom Rondue Harrison, in a hotel in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Mrs Ejor was the wife of the former council chairman and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Ejor Ngowa Ejor.

Harrison, a business associate of Mrs Ejor, was a Nigerian-born French citizen who hailed from Khana, Rivers State.

On July 6, both were found dead in the shower cubicle of a hotel room in Agip Estate, Port Harcourt, owned by a prominent PDP politician and lawmaker.

The police deposited their bodies at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

(UPTH) mortuary on the same day and obtained a magistrate’s order to conduct an autopsy on them.

The result of the autopsy, which a UPTH doctor said showed that the deceased were electrocuted, has been rejected by the woman’s family.

Mrs Ejor’s family at Adubabiri compound in Angiama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, alleged that there were signs of torture in the pictures of the deceased.

A statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by the Head of Amungo’s family, Dr Ebimo Amungo, said the family doubted the result of the autopsy because on July 5, Chief Ejor informed the world that his wife had been kidnapped and blamed it on his political opponents.

Dr Amungo, who is also a journalist and lecturer, said: “After being unable to contact her husband in Port Harcourt, following his disappearance, Mr. Harrison’s wife, also a French citizen, asked for the help of the French Embassy in locating her husband.”

The family’s spokesman noted that initially, “two Caucasian French Embassy officials were said to have visited the UPTH mortuary to find Mr. Harrison”.

Dr Amungo added: “Sources say they were denied access to his body on their first visit to the mortuary but were allowed to view his remains a week later when they visited again.

“Mr Harrison was a known business associate of the late Mrs. Ejor, by acting as her gobetween and agent in France for her various business interests, which include the exclusive sales of Forté Pharma health care

products in Nigeria and her line of lingerie products for her Ebilabelle Fashion House in Port Harcourt.

“Before his disappearance and eventual death, Mr. Harrison was said to have visited Nigeria for the burial of his younger sister. He was also said to have helped Mrs. Ejor to import some products through Lagos.”

The spokesman said he got information from the at Ada George Police Station in Port Harcourt, which has been investigating the deaths, that “a relative of Mr. Harrison said he (Harrison) received a call to meet Mrs. Ejor on the evening of July 5 to discuss the difficulty they were facing clearing the imported products in Lagos but was never heard from again until concerned family members were contacted by the police close to a week after his disappearance”.

Ndoma-Egba: I can’t stay with PDP any longer

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FORMER Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, who represented Cross River Central in the National Assembly, has said he cannot continue to “hang around” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) any longer.

This is against the background of speculations that he is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with our reporter yesterday in Calabar, the Cross

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

State capital, he said: “What I would say is that for the past three years, I have not had any political life within the PDP because I was shut out. I still have a political life in me. So, I cannot hang around, hoping ...for the rest of my life. I am not getting younger.”

On whether or not he would join the APC, he said: “Definitely, I will seek a

platform to express my political life; consultations are still going on. When we conclude the consultations, I will issue a statement and it will be a very loud and clear statement.”

Reacting to reports that he should apologise to APC members for allegedly persecuting them in the last elections, Ndoma-Egba said: “The philosophy of the PDP was to destroy Victor Ndoma-Egba.

They spent more time pursuing

me than they spent pursuing the elections. In the last elections, I did not even show up because I was being shut out completely.

Some of my supporters have joined APC and others to Labour Party (LP). So, I did not even come home. I was in Abuja all through the elections.

“I was politically inactive during that period. I did not follow the PDP or any other party to any campaign. I was here in Abuja...”

thereby denying Edo State its rightful share of funds for development? Or, did he feed Oshiomhole by canvassing votes for him?

“Our candid advice for Orubebe, a perpetually failed governorship aspirant, is to go to his family and apologise for the irreparable damage he did to his name with his infamous outburst beamed live to the world, before coming forward to confront Governor Oshiomhole who is not in any way in the same class with him.

“It is no wonder that Nigeria was at a state of near collapse until President Buhari came on a rescue mission and rendered people like Orubebe irrelevant.

“Never again will characters like Orubebe take us on the path to Golgotha; never again will they hold sway in the affairs of Nigeria and ruin the collective aspiration of the people.”

Professionals seek probe of Delta’s looted funds

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group, Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals, has urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to investigate the state’s finances, beginnging with the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) funds.

In a statement yesterday, the group said it expected a full external audit to have begun and outstanding DESOPADEC funds released to the commission, especially the N226 billion withheld by the past administration.

The statement reads: “The Delta State APC Professionals believes Governor Okowa’s claims to have good intentions for the state. But the governor must not pretend that our money was not looted. The best way to convince Deltans is by commencing a full scale antigraft crusade in the state, starting with DESOPADEC. “We expect Governor Okowa to go beyond DESOPADEC and commission a full scale investigation into all diverted state funds, especially the N40 billion hurriedly taken two weeks before the handover ceremony.”

The group frowned at the mismanagement of the 13 per cent Derivation Fund meant for oil producing communities.

The statement noted that “over 1,000 contracts were awarded and there is nothing visible on ground to show in the state, which by now should have been investigated”.

The APC Professionals said there was preponderance in the annual budget where contracts, such as the clearing of creeks and installation of solar street lights, attracted amazing contract figures.

The group noted that the regenerated contracts awarded by the past DESOPADEC board, valued at over N1 billion, included the clearing of six creeks for N125 million; fencing of Koko police station for N30 million; installation of street lights in Warri for N460 million and several such “inflated contracts”.

It said: “We cannot continue to have a government whose delight is executive recklessness and financial recklessness. Governor Okowa should take note that the 13 per cent Derivation Fund is meant for the development of the oil producing areas only, to address the environmental degradation occasioned by oil exploration in the oil producing areas.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 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

Power generation rises to 4,810.7Mw

TSA: Kano eyes N10b monthly From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Transmission Com pany of Nigeria (TCN), said in Abuja yesterday that it had attained new peak of 4,810.7 megawatts (Mw) of generated electricity.

In a statement signed by its Managing Director, System/ Market Operation, Mr Dipak Sarma said this was achieved at 20.45 hours of Aug. 25 following a record set on Tuesday when 4748 Mw was generated.

According to NAN, it said these successes were due to the joint contributions of the gas companies, generation companies, distribution companies and the TCN. Its Managing Director, Mr Paul Stefiszyn, said: “The Federal Government has been supportive in coordinating the activities of the sector across the value chain.’’

FBN Capital concludes Cross River bond issuance offer

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BN Capital Limited has announced the successful conclusion of the SeriesOne Bond Issuance offer for the Cross River State Government, under its N40 billion bond issuance programme.

The seven-year tenured bonds with maturity due in 2022 were issued via a Book Building process by FBN Capital Limited, following its appointment as the Lead Issuing House by the state government in May this year.

The state, in line with its mandate to develop infrastructure, had embarked on several projects, including roads, water and health facilities which were financed through bank loans.

The proceeds from the Issue were therefore earmarked for refinancing the state’s outstanding obligation to the lending banks.

The bonds which were offered at 17 per cent coupon rate (paid semi-annually) proffered a cheaper financing option to the state.

FBN Capital as Lead Issuing House, led the league of the Issuing Houses to underwrite the transaction to the tune of N6.25billion on a standby basis.

The Bond Offer was secured by an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance as a first line charge upon, and payable out of the Statutory Allocation of the state. By this order, a Sinking Fund Account was created and managed by the Trustees to the Issue from which bondholders’ obligation (interest and principal) would be repaid.

Its Deputy Managing Director, Taiwo Okeowo, said: “Despite the market volatility which characterised the bond issuance period, the transaction was closed at a favourable pricing mark, raising N1.75billion over the underwritten sum.

“FBN Capital leveraged on its distribution relationships to obtain commitment for the transaction, and on conclusion of the offer, a total of N8billion was raised, significantly reducing Cross River State’s outstanding loans to banks and lowering the service cost for the loans,” he said.

K

• Dangote, (2nd right)exchanging document with Mr. Jun. With them are President, Sinoma International Engineering Co, Limited, Mr. Yin Zhisong, (left) and Mr. Edwin during the contract signing ceremony for the construction of the new cement PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. plants across Africa and Asia at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos....yesterday.

Dangote, Chinese firm sign $4.34b deal for cement plants in 13 countries

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ANGOTE Cement yesterday signed contracts with Chinese firm, Sinoma International to build cement factories in 13 countries – 12 in Africa and Nepal, an Asian country.

On completion, 25 million tonnes of cement will be generated annually in what is a revolution the cement sub sector. This will bring the capacity of Dangote cement to 70 million tonnes per annum.

The $4.34bilion deal was sealed in the presence of ambassadors of some of the beneficiary countries.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, signed for his group while the Chief Executive Officer, Sinoma, Mr. Shen Jun, signed for his company.

The Chinese firm will execute the construction projects with equipment sourced from

Germany.

Aside Nigeria, whose two new plants at Itori, Ogun State with a combined capacity for six million tonnes are already under construction, a three million tonnes factory will be built in Nepal.

The African countries that will have the integrated plants are: Ethiopia with 2.50m tonnes, Kenya with two plants and a combined capacity of three million tonnes, Zambia 1.5om tones, Senegal with 1.50m tonnes and Niger with 1.50mtonnes.

The 1.50m tonne plants to be built in Mali, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana are grinding units.

Dangote said the a 1.5m tonnes plant in Douala, Cameroon will be inaugurated today.

Some of the countries to host the new plants already have Dangote plants.

All the new plants are to be completed within the next 30

months, Mr. Dangote promised, adding that on completion, the capacity of the combined factories will move up to 70 milion tonnes per annum.

“But our goal is to attain 100million tonnes by 2020,” Dangote declared yesterday.

According to him, the plants are being built because of the need requirement of the countries.

He gave an example of Niger Republic which currently imports all its cement requirements despite having in abundance all the raw materials needed to manufacture the product.

Dangote said: “We want to make Africa self-sufficient in cement production and not to become a dumping ground.

We are very focused on what we are doing.”

Dangote hailed the Nigerian government for providing the enabling environment for the business to thrive, adding that his company and Sinoma had

been together for eight years “in spite of the economic recession in the world at this time.”

He said Nigeria currently has the capacity to export 10m tonnes of cement, adding that this will go higher when the new plants go on stream.

Jun promised that his company will provide excellent technology in the construction adding that it had completed 16 projects with Dangote.

He vowed that the high standard which his company is known for will be kept in the execution of the projects being “a leading company in cement production worldwide.”

With the Dangote CEO at the ceremony are Group Executive Director of Dangote Group, Mr. Devakumar Edwin and the Chief Operating Officer, Mr Olakunle Alake. Three other officials accompanied Mr Jun on behalf of Sinoma.

EU, UK, others invest N900b in agriculture

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HE Federal Govern ment has said key de velopment partners under the New Alliance Cooperative Agreement Framework/Grow Africa initiative are committed to injecting $500million (N100billion) to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

It also stated that international and local business establishments were committed to make investments of about $4billion (N800billion) in the agricultural sector.

The government said the funding will last for a threeyear period.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sonny Echono, spoke during the validation workshop on the New Alliance Report between Nigeria, private sector investors and its development partners.

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

The development partners, according to Echono, include the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), Japan, France, Germany and the United States (U.S).

The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Ademola Abiri, said the New Alliance was a collaborative approach geared towards developing the agricultural sector of the economy.

He said: “In Nigeria’s new alliance agreement, the government is committed to 13 major policy actions in the areas of seed and fertilizer, Bank of Agriculture, agriculture insurance, nutrition, land tilting, staple crops processing zones, commodity exchange, enterprise registration and power availability.

“Key development partners including the EU, UK, Japan, France, Germany and U.S, are committed to funding equivalent to about $500million for Nigeria’s agriculture sector in the 2013 to 2016 period. International and local business establishments are committed to make investments of about $4billionn in the agricultural sector.”

Echono said the Federal Government was hopeful that through the partnership, more investments would come to the sector as the ministry implements the 13 policy actions in order to improve the environment and attract investors.

He explained that the New Alliance was formed in Nigeria about two years ago when the Federal Government, private sector players and development partners made written commitments

on key actions to be embarked upon.

Echono said this was in order to improve agricultural investments and food and nutrition security in line with the principles of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme.

He said: “Each stakeholder is therefore accountable to other stakeholders for commitments made. The Nigerian government made policy reform commitments while the private sector made commitments on the level of agricultural investments in the medium term. “Development partners on their part committed to funding levels for the medium term. The civil society is to ensure that the commitments reflect the views of the intended beneficiaries.

ANO State Finance Commissioner, Prof Kabiru Isah Dandago has said the state government is going to generate N10 billion revenue monthly, through the blockage of leakages and use of treasury single account.

The Commissioner who spoke with reporters shortly after the dinner organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) (Kano-Jigawa state branch), said the government is currently in the process of reform, so as to enhance its revenue base for self-reliance.

He said: “The present Kano State government was first to introduce single treasury account in July, 2015, before the Federal Government.

“Single treasury account introduced by Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led state government is a deliberate policy to block revenue leakages and jack up revenue generation from N1. 5 billion in the recent past to about N5 or N10 billion.”

Also, the Commissioner said all the revenue sources of the government is now remitted into one account, pointing out that no one is in doubt about how or where to deposit government money.

Dandago said sources of revenue to Lagos State government are similar to that of Kano’s, adding that Lagos however generates N20.5 billion monthly, while Kano state government generates only N1.5 billion.

“Why we are not generating as high as Lagos State is simply because the money goes to different baskets, ending with peanuts,” he said.

However, Prof Isah admitted that under the present government, they will close up the revenue generation gap like Lagos government and jack up their revenue base to the region of N10 billion.

African ministers, to discuss growth

By Akinola Ajibade

K

EY Finance Ministers, central bank gover nors, and private sector operators from Africa would meet to discuss ways of implementing development financing initiative in the continent.

Tagged, Financing For Development (FFD) Agenda, the meeting is part of the Africa Investors (AI) summit that is coming up on September 24 this year concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

AI said the meeting will discuss issues bordering on a new development agenda in Africa, universal agreement on climate change, among others.

Being the first summit after the FFD meeting which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, critical problems affecting development in the continent are going to be discussed with a view to finding lasting solutions to them.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

12

BUSINESS NEWS World Bank earmarks N30b for communities

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HE World Bank as sisted Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) says it is now set to start disbursing additional $140million (about N30 billion) to 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for community driven projects.

The project had disbursed $200 million from 2009 to last year in the first phase of the project.

“States to benefit from the additional financing will focus on the most vulnerable households in poor communities in the country, while Anambra, Kaduna and Sokoto states are also set to participate in the additional financing.

“The additional financing is expected to fund microproject facilities such as rehabilitation and construction of school class rooms, health centers and clinics, skills acquisition, rural electrification, rural transport, community water schemes, community housing schemes, rural market infrastructure to mention but a few.

“Vulnerable groups will also benefit from special grants in the projects. Such groups include internally displaced poor persons,

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

marginalised or chronically poor households, widows and the physically challenged,” a statement from the lender read.

World Bank Task Team Leader for the project, Foluso Okunmadewa, said: “This project will not only help vulnerable people in the short term, including those in conflict-affected areas, but will also help build and rebuild long-lasting partnership between local governments and communities. In addition, it will help integrate communities as well as make smart investments in people for the future.”

The first phase of the funding of the Community Social Development Project (CSDP) which benefited over 5,600 communities and about two million people in 26 states of the federation was fully disbursed by December 2014 “ “The bank is happy to approve additional funds for this project to scale up the impact on more communities in Nigeria and, particularly, the vulnerable in the society.

Fed Govt, states, LGs share N490.2b for July

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HE three tiers of gov ernment of the federa tion got a shock to their finances yesterday as they recorded a drop in the allocation they shared for the month of July from the Federation Account.

At the end of the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, N490.222 billion was shared by the federal, states and local governments for July lower than the N518.533 billion shared in June.

After deductions and refunds were made to the collecting agencies of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), N411.866 billion was shared by the three tiers of government with the Federal Government pocketing N202.111 billion (52.68 per cent); states went away with N102.513 billion (26.72 per cent) while lo-

• ECA grows to $2.257b From Nduka Chiejina (Asst.

Editor)

cal governments received N79.033 billion (20.60 per cent). The balance of N28.209 billion was shared among the oil producing states under the 13 per cent mineral revenue derivation formula.

The sum of N71.947 billion was shared as Value Added Tax (VAT) with the N10.792 billion or 15 per cent; states received N35.974 billion or 50 per cent and local governments got N25.181 billion or 35 per cent of value added tax (VAT) proceeds. N6.409 billion exchange rate gains was also shared by the three tiers of government.

N6.330 was refunded to the Federal Government by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) furtherance to the decision to compel the NNPC to refund what it withheld from the Federation Account in the past.

The reason for the drop in what was shared for July was attributed to the “shut-down and shut-in of production for maintenance and emergency repairs as well as the declaration of of force majeure

by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)” as the major issues that negatively impacted crude oil revenue.

Also there was revenue loss of $22.53 million as a result of the drop in average price of crude oil from $65.76million in May to $61.27million June, this year.

Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Fed-

eral Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwaobia said the accruals into the Excess Crude Account (ECA) increased slightly to $2.257 billion.

Also speaking, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Alhaji Ahmed Idrissaid there will be no exceptions or exemptions of any government agency from remitting all their proceeds to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Idris said the Federal Government is coming up with the guidelines for government agencies to comply with on their remittances to the Federation Account.

He insisted that all agencies were already complying with the directive. The TSA, he said will allow the Federal Government to know how much it has in its account to enable it control and manage its revenues.

• Director, Enforcement, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Bede Obayi, Director-General, Dr Joseph Odumodu, National Chairman, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers, Engine Lubricant Dealers (EDL) branch, Comrade Segun Braimoh, National Treasurer, Comrade Sola Soleye and National Secretary 1, Comrade Omorodion Ogunseri PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID during a courtesy visit to SON DG in Lagos.

States’ bailout: Banks to release funds for salary arrears T HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has ap proved the request by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to provide financial accommodation to state governments to enable them pay the backlog of salaries of their workers.

A statement yesterday by the CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Mu’azu Ibrahim, said the statement, the approval was based on the CBN’s decision to collaborate with stakeholders to consider ways of liquidating the outstanding staff salaries owed by state and local governments.

“The conditions for accessing the loan facility include State Executive Council authorisation, state House of Assembly consenting to the loan package, as well as issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to ensure timely repayment.

“Out of the 27 states involved, funds have been disbursed to two states, namely Zamfara and Kwara states, that met the requirements as agreed with their respective

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja and Uja Emmanuel Makurdi

banks.

“Efforts will be made in the coming days to conclude disbursements to other states so that all outstanding salaries to civil servants can be cleared.”

Earlier in the week, DirectorGeneral, Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, said bonds had been released to 14 commercial banks to enable them aid states.

The DMO boss said the debt restructuring was open to all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The decision for states to borrow money from commercial banks is sequel to the decision by the National Economic Council (NEC) at its meeting of June 29, requesting the CBN, “in collaboration with other stakeholders to appraise and consider ways of liquidating the outstanding staff salaries owed by State and local Gov-

ernments.”

Last week, 11 states recently had their commercial debts to DMBs restructured with a proviso to pay 14.83 per cent of the value of their bonds which their commercial debts were converted to.

Dr Nwankwo said: “the restructuring was effected using a re-opening of the FGN-Bond issued on July 18, 2014 and maturing on July 18, 2034. The pricing was based on the yield to date of the bond at a 30-day average, resulting in a transaction yield of 14.83 per cent.”

The impact of the restructured states’ commercial debts to domestic bonds he said is that “management operations will include: monthly debt service burden will drop by a minimum of 55 per cent and a maximum of 97 per cent, among the eleven; and interest rate savings for the eleven States ranging from 3 per cent to 9 pee cent per annum.”

Yesterday, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom said the State Government would

access N28 billion facility from the CBN. Speaking at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Pastor’s conference holding at the Bethany Resort, Gboko, Ortom said loan was approved with single digit interest of nine per cent by the Federal Government as bail out to states owing salary arrears.

He said N2.5 billion would be for the payment of state government workers’ salary arrears while N15.5 billion would be for local government staff.

He assured that the money would be used strictly for the purpose for which it was intended adding that repayment had been spread over many years to enable states to stabilise on payment of salaries. “ I’ve taken over a state with a debt burden of over N169 billion but I have the faith that God will help us to overcome this and other challenges to the glory of his name at the end of the day,” the Governor stated.

“I’ll leave Benue better than I met it, by the grace of God”.

13

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

The deregulation of the downstream segment of the oil sector is key to the growth of the petroleum industry. In this report, experts proffer ways of achieving this goal, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE.

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HE oil and gas industry requires a level playing field driven by economic and market forces and removed from the government’s control, operators have said.

The industry, operators added, should also operate a system that is devoid of monopoly to promote a well-deregulated market that will ensure economic growth.

The operators, who spoke at the this year’s National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Conference in Victoria Island, Lagos, advocated a business model where there no inhibitions and where some operators are favoured above others.

The operators include the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Managing Director, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Mr. Thomas Dada, Group Managing Director, Aiteo Power, Dr Ransome Owan and Dr Frank Edozie, Senior Power Consultant, Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NAIF), Chief Executive officer, Egbin Power Plc, Dallas Peavey Jr., and Dr Oladele Amoda, Chief Executive officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

Speaking on the topic “Deregulation: Key to sustainable development in the oil and gas, they identified the issues affecting deregulation, the methods, and benefits visà-vis what operators and the industry stand to gain when they operate in a fully deregulated environment.

Kachikwu said there would be a fair deal because of the abundant petroleum resources, fair product prices for consumers, full cost recovery and reasonable profit margins for operators whenever the Federal Government implements the deregulation policy. He said implementation of the policy would entrench efficiency in product usage, product availability and effective competition among operators. The development, according to him, would put an end to product shortage.

He urged the government to fasttrack the implementation of the policy to grow the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. This, Kachikwu said, would go a long way in encouraging the inflow of local and international investment, and further foster the industry’s growth.

Oyebanji said there must be a level playing ground for operators, before full deregulation could be achieved. He said the deregulation meant the removal of government hands from fixing prices. Therefore, the government’s participation through fixing prices of products or services would cease when deregulation takes off.

He said deregulation presupposes market forces as the determinant of prices, and not fixing of prices by administrative fiat with its attendant bias in favour of certain interest groups. He explained that the low rate of investment in the industry, was a result of the government fixing the prices of petroleum products for operators.

According him, when this happens, investors would not increase their profit margins and stop products adulteration.

He said: “One of the problems faced by downstream operators, especially owners of fuel retail outlets, is a fixed price regime. Government fixes the prices of fuel, a development which makes it difficult for operators to determine their

‘One of the problems faced by downstream operators, especially owners of fuel retail outlets, is a fixed price regime.

Government fixes the prices of fuel, a development which makes it difficult for operators to determine their own prices, and further achieve a reasonable level of profitability

•United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, being welcomed by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, during Entwistle's visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

How to achieve full deregulation, by operators own prices, and further achieve a reasonable level of profitability. To make up for the shortfall in profit realised at the end of each financial year, some operators were allegedly adulterating the petroleum products. Cases abound where people mix petrol with kerosene to make money. These situations would not arise when prices were fixed by market forces, as against government’s price fixing.”

According to him, regulated prices cause problems, such as distortion in the market, prolonged product outages, absence of innovation, indiscriminate construction of stations and terminals and unhealthy competition.

Oyebanji also said fuel stations were springing up indiscriminately across the country because the government fixes the prices. “If you go to some areas in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, you would see new terminals coming up. In some places, you would see more filing stations than houses, a development which has created unhealthy com-

petition in the oil and gas sector,” he added.

Edozie said there was nothing like monopoly when there is full deregulation, urging the government to provide anti-monopoly laws to prevent or forestall monopoly oil and gas sector. He said the government assumed greater powers which resulted in the fixing of prices for products, when the market is partially deregulated.

He said deregulation must be handled with caution to prevent a situation whereby operators would come together in a locality and dictate the prices for others.

“Deregulation of the energy sector requires that market forces (forces of demand and supply) determine the prices of products as against a situation in which some operators would gang up, for example, in a place like Lagos and dictate the price for others. To forestall this, there must be anti-monopoly legislation, which would ensure that the market is open to every player,” he added.

Edozie, formerly of Federal Ministry of Power, said various business models exist when it comes to deregulation, arguing that a country or industry is allowed to choose the one that suits its purpose.

He said in deregulating the nation’s oil and gas industry, operators would be allowed to choose between a business model in which prices are controlled to some extent and the one in which prices were not controlled at all.

He said the former model requires that a maximum ceiling is placed on prices to prevent operators from going beyond the ceiling, while the latter model suggests there is no barrier to price fixing.

He said operators in oil and gas industry would fare well, when the market is deregulated in such a way that the government removes the ceiling placed on prices of petroleum products.

Similarly, Dada, the Chief Executive officer, Frontier Oil Limited, said a fully deregulated petroleum industry presupposes free entry and

free exit for players. He said there would be inflow of investments when operators are allowed to come into the sector freely and leave in the same manner.

He said gas price is fixed and regulated by the Federal Government, arguing that the idea is at variance with the aims and aspirations of a deregulated industry. According to him, operators in the gas value chain are yet to get a fair value for the product, in spite of the decision of the government to review the prices of gas upward in 2014. ‘’If the government is fixing the price of gas at $3 per 1000 standard cubic feet and I cannot sell above that price due to one reason or the other, then the market forces which is one of the features of a deregulated industry is yet to be operational,” Dada said.

He said full deregulation of the oil and gas industry would bring in more operators, urging the government to incentivise the private sector operators to increase their gas production.

Similarly, Peavey said full deregulation is the way out for operators in the power sector. His representative Mr. Kingsley Okotie, said there was need to remove the caps or ceiling placed on some fees charged by power firms, stressing that Power Distribution Companies(DISCOs) were yet to fix some prices.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, said partial deregulation would not help the oil and gas industry and the economy. He said when the government removed its hand from the sector by allowing market mechanism to determine prices of petroleum products, the better for operators and the industry.

Niger Delta Petroleum Resources wins Global Gas Flare Award

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HE Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited has been declared the winner of the “Global Gas Flare Reduction Excellence Award.”

In a statement, the oil and gas industry regulator, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), expressed its appreciation on the recognition of the indigenous petroleum firm.

It said the achievement was more remarkable as the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited pre-

pares to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

DPR said: “It is a further testimony of Nigeria’s progress in its effort to strengthen indigenous capacity in adhering to international best practices while exploiting our natural resource. ‘’We commend the relentless efforts of the management and staff of Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited in ensuring gas flare reduction in their Ogbele gas field project, in line

with government’s flare down policy, which has led to this global recognition.

“We rejoice with them and acknowledge their excellent achievements as being the first indigenous company with a fully integrated oil and gas operation across the entire value chain of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.’’

It continued: “The Department of Petroleum Resources will continue to provide needed support and guid-

ance to all operators in an effort to encourage optimal productivity of their respective assets in line with global standards, as this will ensure a positive economic growth in Nigeria and sustainable development in the sector.’’

Niger Delta Petroleum Resources would be conferred with the award by the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership – a World Bank Group between September 9 and 10, 2015 in the Russian Federation.

Ver

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

ENERGY VIATIONEKO Disco from CourtAstops operating parallel account

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FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos has restrained the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) from operating a parallel account under the Credit Advance Payment Meters Implementation (CAPMI) in violation of an agreement with Momas System Nigeria Limited.

Presiding Justice Mohammed Yunus gave the order in a ruling on an ex parte application filed by a Lagos lawyer, Wahab Shittu, counsel to Momas System Nigeria Limited, against EKEDC operating a parallel account under the CAPMI meter installation scheme with Ecobank.

The order, which was carried out through ex-parrte motion stopped EKEDC from operating a meter account number 2562128948, which was domiciled with Ecobank Plc pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The court directed Eko DISCO to direct all its electricity customers

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

in the area exclusively assigned to Momas to pay fees for the supply and installation of meters into the Escrow CAPMIbank account controlled by EKEDC and Momas .

MOMAS maintained a joint account with EKO Disco as signatories pursuant to Credit Advance Payment (CAPMI) scheme.

MOMAS said the company was contracted to supply and install various meters to six business units under EKO DISCO, which comprises of Ijora, Lekki, Island, Apapa, FESTAC and Surulere under the CAPMI scheme.

MOMAS said contrary to their agreement, the distribution company operates another parallel account without informing it who is also a signatory to the joint meter account with Eko DISCO. According to Momas, rather than consider its plight in the installation of the meter, EKEDC con-

tracted the job to a company which imports pre-paid meters. The act was a breach of contract and guidelines on CAPMI committed by EKEDC. ‘’We suffered technical crisis including pile up of unsold meters and spare parts. The effect has caused our inability to service our loan facilities obtained from banks at high interest.

“This has also affected the Company from paying his workers and contractors. The frustration of the contract with his foreign technical partner and payment of high repudiation cost paid to the foreign partner, who has denied a number of benefits of the agreement with transfer of technology,” the company said.

The company also said Bank of Industry (BoI) has written to the Ministry of Power on the huge debt owed by Momas, which caused imminent collapse of the bank’s investment and business.

Frontier Oil seeks better deal for local gas firms

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HE Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Oil Limited, Dada Thomas, has called on the Federal Government to discuss with indigenous gas companies on ways of boosting gas production to meet the nation’s power and other domestic gas needs.

He made the call in Lagos at the yearly conference of the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) titled: “Tackling gas supply challenges to arrest power crisis.”

He said about 182 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas is in Nigeria waiting to be developed but that what is required to achieve it, is the political will, enabling policy, commercial and regulatory framework.

Thomas said the future of gas and gas-to-power in the country is bright and called on the government to grant the kind of incentives it gave International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the past to the indigenous operators who contribute over 53 per cent of local gas production in Nigeria.

He said: “I strongly believe that the Federal Government should incentivise indigenous operators to undertake domestic gas projects, which will help Nigeria meet its power and other gas related requirements. If the government could give incentives to IOCs in the past, then surely it is only fair and equitable that it also give similar incentives to the indigenous operators.”

He said the highly successful Nigeria LNG project at Bonny owned by the Shell-led Joint Venture, the Chevron Escravos Gas project and similar projects were all given incentives to ensure these projects

came to fruition.

He condemned the gas prices in Nigeria, saying it is lower than what obtains in other markets around the world. This, according to him, has made the gas business less attractive than the oil business for more than 40 years.

He said: “For the gas transactions to be based on a willing-buyer, willing-seller driven commercial platform, government should stay away from regulating the commercial transactions between interested parties.”

He said though the Federal Government increased baseline gas price to the power sector to $3.3 per thousand standard cubic feet in 2014, the gas producers, transporters and end users were yet to actualise the new pricing regime as the necessary modalities were not put in place for the implementation of this price regime.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to get a collaborative gas distribution system between the private sector and the government, which would be led by the private sector, and based on an open access and economic tariff basis. This, according to him, would enable gas producers tie in to the nearest pipeline and reduce the security challenges facing gas distribution in the country.

“In spite of the fact that we lack adequate pipeline transportation and distribution system, the disturbing thing is that the little we have has been subjected to attacks and sabotage over the last five years, a phenomenon that created the crisis this conference is trying to address,” he added.

Total E&P to fix vandalised oil export pipeline

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•From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, presenting the this year’s National Productivity Order of Merit Award on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari to Mr. Taiye Williams, Managing Director, Lubcon Limited. With them is Mr. Mohammed Umoru, Executive Director Business Development; and Ben Chukwu, General Manager, Commercial.

Indigenous operators fault reports on tax holiday

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NDIGENOUS independents and marginal field operators have faulted reports, which described the five-year tax holiday for pioneer status, granted them by the Federal Government as fraudulent.

The local oil firms said the tax holiday was a policy aimed at empowering them to boost production and curtail security issues through increased employment and investment in their corporate social responsibility projects.

Operators of these firms condemned reports that oil and gas firms got $4.5 million tax holidays, which they were not entitled to. The reports alleged that the tax holiday given during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to 20 local oil companies was bonanza to the firms for buying marginal fields from some International Oil Companies (IOCs).

“The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is investigating the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) for tax holidays to about 20 oil companies,” the report added.

But the indigenous operators said

the pioneer status is in the national tax policy and it entitles companies and firms to tax holidays as an incentive not only to oil and gas companies but to qualified firms in other industries anywhere in Nigeria.

“The grant of Pioneer Status to a company in Nigeria is aimed at enabling such company operating within the pioneer industry make significant capital expenditure and a reasonable level of return of profit within its formative years without having to pay company tax,” said Azeez Alatoye, a tax and regulatory expert.

The enabling legislation on the Pioneer Status in Nigeria is in the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act 2004. The Act provides that where the government says any sector or industry is not being undertaken on a scale suitable to the economic advancement of Nigeria or that it is in the public interest to encourage the further development or establishment or advancement of trade in such sector or industry, the President is authorised to publish in a gazette, a list of such industries who qualify for pioneer status.

“Whoever is insinuating that the tax holiday is fraudulent is either

being mischievous or not wellinformed, and do not understand the policy,” Alatoye added.

He said the Petroleum Profit Tax of these firms meant to pay for the first five years will not be taken out of the book and shared as dividends among the shareholders of the company but invested to meet the aspirations of the government who have targeted to boost oil output from the region of about 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 4mbpd in the nearest future.

“The money is in the book for the five year-period and not taken out. It is like government’s investment, which when matured in near future will mean that government will collect 85 percent of 4mbpd instead of 2.5mbpd as PPT. The government is not losing any money. There is absolutely nothing like that. The money is used as investment to boost production output,” he said adding that most of the oil companies went through due process to procure their pioneer status. The processes of obtaining tax holiday cuts across different agencies of the government like the NIPC, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service, among others. Therefore, to say

OTAL Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNL) has begun repairing its vandalised export pipeline in Rivers State.

The company in a statement signed by its Deputy General Manager, Media & Public Affairs, Charles Ogan, said: “Following the oil spill reported at Kilometre 25 and 27 locations on our Obagi – Rumuekpe oil export pipeline, on August 16, 2015, a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), in accordance with the extant regulations, was carried out on the oil spill locations, with relevant regulatory agencies including the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NOSDRA, and Rivers State Ministry of Environment). The JIV team recorded that the oil spill incident was due to third-party interference (sabotage).

“Total mobilised intervention teams to clamp the leaks on the pipeline. Relevant agencies and service

providers were also mobilised and have deployed containment booms to contain the spill and prevent further spread.

“TEPNG is committed to preventing further spread of the spill and to restore the environment.

Total will continue to work with the relevant government authorities and communities, to ensure that this is achieved.

“Further updates shall be provided in due course. Total E&P Nigeria operates oil mining lease (OML) 58 with a 40 per cent interest, alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with 60 per cent.”

On August 17, this year, the company reported it had stopped the expedition of crude on its ObagiRumuekpe oil export pipeline, after observing an oil spill at Kilometre 25 and 27 locations and said relevant authorities were informed immediately.

Lubcon Oil is ‘Best Indigenous Lubricant Company’

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N indigenous lubricant oil producing company in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Lubcon Limited has emerged winner of the National Productivity Order of Merit Award, given by National Productivity Centre, an arm of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

The award was bestowed on Lubcon by President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity, Dr. Clement O. Illoh, at a ceremony marking the 15th National Productivity Day, which held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

He expressed delight about the criteria for choosing the overall winners at this year’s edition of the awards. “Ten thousand entries were received this year by the award committee; the entries were shortlisted to 11 winners in the individual category and two winners in the corporate category.

Lubcon Oil was picked for its high level of professionalism, the use of

cutting-edge technology, optimum returns to shareholders, and immense contribution to wealth creation, employment generation, and overall development of Nigeria,” he said.

He said the President signed the certificates of Honour of the awardees and that this year’s recipients should prepare for greater challenges in nation building, which his government is currently driving. The award, President Buhari says, is meant to redirect the minds of Nigerians from various walks of life to work harder, and renew hope of a better Nigeria.

The objective of the award is to establish and institutionalise a culture of productive work ethics. The award is also intended to provoke a more positive attitude to work among Nigerians and to serve as a spice to higher productivity.

It is also purposed to widen the scope of productivity awareness in Nigeria and, thus, stimulate productivity consciousness, productivity reorientation and reawakening among the citizenry.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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THE NATION

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Kwara Assembly summons Town planning authority From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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• One of LaFarge WAPCO’s affordable housing scheme...an example of the Social Housing Scheme being propagated by FHA

FHA’s Social Housing Scheme to transform sector’s deficit

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S the housing shortage in the country persists, and home ownership becoming more difficult especially with the high cost of construction, more Nigerians are now keying into home ownership through the mortgage system. And to make the process easier, especially for people in the informal sector or those not captured under the National Housing Fund (NHF), Nigerians are now taking advantage of the window of opportunity now made possible by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), through its Social and Co-operative housing programme. This scheme allows the informal sector, especially artisans and traders, to form themselves into cooperative societies, through which they can apply for mortgage financing or support from the authority. Through this scheme, financially weak members of cooperative societies could latch on to the strength of the group to make real their home ownership dreams.

As at the end of last week, about 800 Co-operative societies nationwide, with no fewer than 50,000 members, have indicated interest in the Social and Co-operative housing programme of the FHA, says the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Authority, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin. Many of the cooperative societies, he disclosed, approached the FHA on their own prompting having heard of the social and cooperative housing scheme of the authority, adding that the authority is deliberately cultivating cooperatives in various parts of the country so as to strengthen them to tap into the programme.

Al-Amin said the authority was focusing on housing delivery for the most vulnerable groups in the society comprising the no-income, lowincome and middle low-income earners. To that end, he said the authority had developed special packages for collaboration with non-governmental, faith-based and communitybased organisations.The FHA is also

·• 800 Co-operative Societies embrace scheme Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

working with research institutes for the development of local materials for the construction of houses to make building construction cheaper.

The FHA boss also hinted that the authority was initiating a savers scheme which would enable workers in the formal and non-formal sectors of the economy own their houses.

Also, he said the FHA was working with state governments towards the implementation of a rent-toown housing scheme which would convert rents paid by tenants for the eventual ownership of such houses. Al-Amin said the preference of many Nigerians for bogus housing designs was one of the major impediments to home ownership, adding that the authority would embark on a campaign to get people to moderate such tastes. He identified

• Al-Amin

lack of housing finance for offtakers, poor conceptualisation and haphazard land acquisition processes as the major causes of the collapse of the National Housing Pro-

grammes of the former President Sheu Shagari and the late General Sani Abacha administrations. The FHA, Al-Amin explained, is conscious of these problems, and mobilising all stakeholders to ensure the success of its housing programmes.

Al-Amin, who was part of the Management Team of the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (FMLHUD) that briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of affairs in the housing sector, said the President was passionate about the delivery of affordable mass housing for Nigerians and the rehabilitation of houses destroyed in the on-going insurgency in the North East.

The President’s interest, he explained, made him request for a viable road map for the implementation of Social Housing for the masses, adding that Buhari was emphatic that an efficient and effective social housing would, among others, make Nigerians benefit from governance.

HE Kwara State House of Assembly has summoned the state management of the Town Planning and Development Authority over non-enforcement of town planning regulations in towns and cities in the state.

This is part of resolutions of the House of Assembly after considering a motion titled: “Conversion of residential buildings to hotels, club houses and beer parlours.”

The motion was moved by a member representing Ilorin Central Constituency, Hajia Segilola AbdulKadir. The Speaker Dr Ali Ahmad while reading the resolutions of the House said that the nonenforcement of the town planning regulations had led to disorderliness of towns and cities in the state. The House equally charged the Town Planning Authority to be alive to its responsibility by ensuring that residential buildings are not inappropriately converted to event centres without necessary approvals and taking into consideration the public nuisance and security implications that such places would pose to residents.

Hajia Abdul Kadir had observed in her motion that the town planning and development Authority was charged with the responsibility of controlling, regulating and maintaining all laws guiding the physical planning of the state to ensure healthy development of settlements and communities.

She however expressed worries that the indiscriminate conversion and distortion of environmental planning as well as the master plan of cities in the state had resulted into security and social problems for other residents in the affected areas.

Others, who contributed on the motion, said the authority had over stretched the patience of the people, and as such, had caused numerous problems for government and the people of the dtate to content with.

Environmental degradation: LASG to restore Oshodi

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FTER enjoying commendable sanity, especially in the early years of the last administration in the state, Oshodi, an area noted for its beehive of commercial activities, is fast losing the beauty and sanity it once enjoyed. Indeed, while the former governor Babatunde Fashola administration got thumbs up for the unbelievable transformation it brought to the Oshodi metropolis, this transformation began to systematically fall apart, and gradually returning the area to the notoriety it was noted for, especially in the twilight of the administration.

For instance, from the early

hours of the evenings, from 6:00pm up to 11:30pm, journeying through Oshodi is a nightmare, as mini buses take over the entire road, parking and loading passengers indiscriminately. The presence of policemen and other law enforcement agents has not helped matters, as they also turn a blind eye to the lawlessness perpetuated by the bus drivers, and extorting money from them. This, it is believed, has emboldened the commercial bus drivers on this route.

Now, the Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over the attitude of traders and mini buses operators on environmental degradation of Oshodi area occasioned by illegal street trading, hawking and indiscriminate parking habit on the

road thereby creating heavy traffic bottleneck for other road users. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, during an assessment tour of the area, noted that the area had been littered with refuse dumps, human wastes, illegal shanties and stalls, illegal motor parks, street trading and noise pollution among others.

Onisarotu, who emphasised that the state government remains unwavering in its commitment to a clean, hygiene and flood free environment urged traders and mini-buses operators in the area to desist from their indiscriminate loading and

off-loading of passengers and goods on the main road, adding that open urination and defecation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and unapproved sites, illegal street trading/hawking, indiscriminate displaying of goods/wares on drainage alignment, road set-backs, trading along the railway line, medians are forbidden by the State Environmental Sanitation Law. He stressed that the peace, security and health of the people living and doing legal business in this environment is being compromised daily through the indiscipline being perpetuated in the area daily.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Lalong’s intercession

•It is parochial and improper for the governor to dabble into routine civil service procedure OVERNOR Simon Lalong of Plateau State must be living in the past to have visited President Muhammadu Buhari to intercede for the suspended Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Shikfu Parradang. Mr Parradang was suspended by the Federal Government for illegally issuing appointment letters to 700 Assistant Inspectors of Immigration as well as 900 Immigration Assistants III into the NIS without approval. The service’s deputy comptroller-general, Martin Kure Abeshi, was directed to take charge of the NIS immediately.

Parradang’s letter of suspension, with reference number: CDFIPB/IMM/348/ Vol.1/54, dated August 21, 2015, and signed by the Director and Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB), A. A Ibrahim, accused him of “deliberate disregard to the extant laws, insubordination to constituted authority and improper behaviour inimical to the Service that is unbecoming of a public officer…”.

Not only did Mr Parradang not follow due process in the recruitments, he also, like someone steeped in impunity, refused to take corrective measures when advised to do so. These are serious offences in the civil service and a man who has risen to such a high level in the system as Mr Parradang cannot claim ignorance of this. So, the civil service did the needful by suspending him, if only to serve as deterrence to others.

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That Governor Lalong could travel down to the seat of power to intercede for such a man, and for the reason that he gave, is baffling. Hear him: “Parradang’s case is still under investigation. A man was suspended and he is from Plateau State. It is my concern because I am the governor of the state. For every appointment, we must show concern, no matter how small. The president is handling it. At the end of the day, whatever is the outcome, I will agree with it. But I also need to get some explanation as the governor of the state”.

If we may ask: would the governor have tolerated such impunity on the part of civil servants in his state? Put succinctly, could any civil servant in Plateau State have recruited without approval as Mr Parradang was said to have done without attracting sanctions? While not saying whether Mr Parradang is guilty or not, the point must be made that inasmuch as the governor has the right to be concerned about matters affecting his state, including appointments of its indigenes into positions of authority, he has no right to dabble into routine official matters at the national level. Even if the issue had happened in his own state, the normal thing is to allow procedure to run its full course.

The country would not make progress if every governor must visit the president over matters of routine discipline concerning their indigenes. We can only imagine how much time President Buhari would have to attend to state matters if the state governors of public

officials that have been sacked by the government since the president came into power in May had come to plead for them. Governor Lalong sure knows that the Federal Civil Service has its extant rules and regulations which must be obeyed by every public official in the service. It is only normal that infringements are punished.

If, as the governor himself noted, the matter is under investigation, why visit the president? At any rate, going to the president should not even help his cause in any way in a country where structures are left to function unfettered. If at the end of the investigation Mr Parradang is innocent, he would return to his seat and if he is found guilty, the board must apply appropriate sanctions. The earlier we allow our system operate unfettered, the better for us all.

‘Going to the president should not even help his cause in any way in a country where structures are left to function unfettered. If at the end of the investigation Mr Parradang is innocent, he would return to his seat and if he is found guilty, the board must apply appropriate sanctions. The earlier we allow our system operate unfettered, the better for us all’

Protecting local content •Is Agip riding roughshod over an indigenous oil firm?

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IL industry experts seem to believe that one major reason the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has not seen the light of day is because of the overarching influence the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have over Nigeria’s oil sector. These giant firms include Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC), Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, (Agip).

These oil majors that have operated in the country since pre-independence sometimes wield such powers and influence that are overwhelming even among government circles. At a point in Nigeria’s history, the leading ones among them were said to have their own police and quasi-army. In fact they did not only have the capacity to critically influence the course of government, they could actually effect a change in government.

While this may have been possible in the military era, so much have changed in the polity now. Notwithstanding, occasional muscle-flexing and power shows still go on. Perhaps this undergirds

‘We will urge Agip to endeavour to be sensitive to the local content laws and requirements of the country. And since the matter is in court, we urge both parties to return to status quo as requested by the court’

the long-running tiff between one of the majors, Agip and an indigenous oil service firm, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Plc., (Arco).

According to reports, Agip, an oil giant, may be dealing unfairly with a small indigenous oil service firm for the following reasons: One, Agip which has Italian origin, is accused of unilaterally revoking its service contract with Arco, and awarding same to another oil service firm of Italian origin, not minding the requirements of the local content laws.

Two, Agip is said to have repudiated a court injunction that status quo ante be maintained in the matter between the two firms. And three, Agip is alleged to have taken advantage of the crises in Nigeria’s petroleum industry to trample upon Arco and deny it of a legitimate business proposition.

As the story goes, in 2006, Agip signed a maintenance contract with Arco which had Nuovo Pignone as its foreign technical partner. It was a five-year contract which lapsed in 2011. The contract was for the maintenance of Agip’s Obob/Kwale/Ebocha Gas Plant.

This is a strategic plant that supplies gas to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG); Eleme Petrochemicals and Omoku Power Plant. Arco had also carried out an interim contract up till 2013; six months of which it handled alone without foreign partners because the Niger Delta areas were too hot for expatriates at that point.

All these contracts were approved by the board of the joint venture partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS). However, when time came to award another five-year contract, Arco was literally bypassed and the job was unilaterally handed to an Italian oil service firm based in Nigeria, Plantgeria.

The NNPC board was supposed to approve all such contracts but because it did not meet for quite a while, Agip acted unilaterally. Though the oil major averred that it offered the job to the firm with the most cost-effective bid, Plantgeria, having quoted $10 million against $37 million for which Arco had done the job all these years.

But Arco insists that Agip was being clever by half and economical with the truth. It stated that it is not possible to deliver the sort of maintenance job it does for the sum Plantgeria has bid; besides, the low bid must be a ploy to remove Arco from the picture only to increase the contract sum down the line.

It also noted that the offshore component of the job handled by its new technical partner, GE had been extracted from the contract. In other words, the contract had been split.

To buttress the point that it has been hard done by, Arco says that both Plantgeria and GE are now poaching its staff.

We will urge Agip to endeavour to be sensitive to the local content laws and requirements of the country. And since the matter is in court, we urge both parties to return to status quo as requested by the court.

Nigeria arising

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IR: Perhaps the sun is shining on Nigeria. The beauty of the land is beginning to blossom. The presence of President Muhammad Buhari on the political landscape is turning new leaves. Nigerians are feeling hopeful once again. Those in mourning for many years of decadence in society are trembling to look at the horizon of transparence. The sunshine is bringing succour.

Subdued atmosphere in the polity is a refreshing modesty. There is no longer obscene show of excesses of power by politicians. The dinosaurs of the not-so-longago era pouncing with impunity appear to have been blown away by the breeze of sanity.

Good things are happening and folks are waking up to a life of civilisation. An event that might be considered trivial to many economically displaced citizens but of cultural vitality took place in Anambra State recently. Gov. Willie Obiano is supporting the arts to thrive. Awka Literary Society showcased a magical poetry extravaganza titled: Return to Idoto. The two-day charged event was a posthumous celebration of the 85th birthday of the late poet Christopher Okigbo. Poetry lovers and those who never had the opportunity of such experience watched the spirit of Christopher Okigbo come alive literally through the performances of six great poets from across the country.

The big attraction at this phenomenal occasion was creativity, the ability of the human spirit to rise above the mundane. This is what moves a society to greatness and not arrogant posturing by politicians. The nation lost from gross engagement in the theatre of political recklessness.

The evident consequence is lack of growth. Leaders without vision have become heroes. One wishes that the bandits will run and never return.

Benefits of transparent governance are beginning to show up on Nigerian shores.

Politicians in the past deluded themselves with false representation of the economy.

Foreign investors were not fooled; they have the shrewdest analysts to sift through the garbage of the abused system. Nonetheless, Nigeria’s endowment is very attractive to business and investors will capitalize. There is ready-made human and natural resources to grow a powerful economy.

The missing ingredient has been leadership. The shift in the mindset of the nation’s leadership is comfortingly projecting towards a positive ground. The president is bound on a quest to reverse the damage of the past.

One hopes that after he finishes doing environmental sanitation on corrupt politicians, he will focus on the task of nation building. Encouragingly, the land is green and will flourish if unadulterated manure is used to cultivate the government.

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

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• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

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•Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: From the inception of his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State in October 2007, Amaechi directed efforts and deployed significant resources of the state towards the development of infrastructure.

Against the backdrop of this commitment, the administration articulated its vision with respect to the road sector as “A Rivers State where all communities are accessible by quality roads…” This vision by emphasizing quality roads implicitly acknowledged the finding of a study that there is a strong positive correlation between the economic development and the quality of the road network of an area.

Between 2007 and 2014, over 300 contracts relating to roads and bridges, land reclamation and shore protection projects were awarded. As at August 2014, 165 of these contracts had been successfully completed with the remainder at various stages of completion, with the exception of two in which the contractors were not mobilized before the end of the tenure.

The administration also completed 23 major bridges in different parts of the State with six other bridges at various stages of completion. The completed bridges include nine bridges on the Unity Road (Ogoni-AndoniOpobo) Road; two Steel bridges at Eagle Island; Ndoni Steel Bridge; three bridges on the Okrika Ring Road; bridge at the Abuloma-Woji Road; Mbiama-Akinima Bridge; Bolo Creek bridge. The on-going bridges include WojiAkpajobridge (70% completion); Luwa-Bere bridge (50% completion); Orashi Steel bridge (60% completion); Tema Steel bridge (40% completion) and two bridges on the Unity Road.

The administration completed two major flyovers: Agip Roundabout on Ikwerre Road and Eliozu

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

Which roads did Amaechi build? on the East-West Road. It reconstructed the collapsed flyover on Aba Road near the Nigeria Air force Base. Another flyover at Woji has reached 85% completion level.

Two interchanges were also completed at Rumuokwurusi (at the intersection between the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway and the East-West Road) the area erroneously called “Eleme Junction”; and at Obiri Ikwerre (at the intersection between Prof. Tam DavidWest Boulevard and East-West Road).

To evidence, Amaechi’s concern for all the residents of the State, 70 percent of the roads are located in the rural areas with the remainder 30% are within the Greater Port Harcourt Metropolis. From the rural areas to the urban centres, no part of the State was left out in the development of good road network. The Amaechi Administration expanded and completed the Okrika Ring Road. It expanded the Mbiama-Akinima Road. It constructed the Kpopie-Bodo Road. It substantially completed the Unity Road, which traverses three local government councils – Khana, Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro.

Before he left office, Governor Amaechi ensured that the people of the Ancient Opobo Kingdom could get to Opobo by road. Anxious to ensure that all parts of Rivers State were accessible by road, the Amaechi administration entered into advanced discussions with the Nigeria LNG Ltd with respect to the completion of the

Bodo-Bonny Road, which had been abandoned by the Federal Government. The administration also completed the Rivers State end of the Port Harcourt Owerri Road, in order to create relief for Rivers people, in the same way it attempted to reconstruct the Rivers State end of the East West road, but was refused to do so by the then Federal Government. To improve movement of farm goods and encourage trade and commerce, the Amaechi administration constructed a major spine road between Isiokpo and Omerelu.

The Isiokpo/Omerelu road reaffirmed the high premium the Amaechi administration placed on transportation. The criticality of some roads made them a compelling proposition for the Amaechi Administration. These included the Ada George Road (Mile III Diobu to Mgbuoba) and the Port Harcourt – Owerri Road. The Amaechi Administration constructed a dual carriage Highway from the Port International Airport Junction to the boundary between Rivers State and Imo State; the rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt – Aba Expressway (from the Rumuokwurusi Interchange to the boundary with Abia State). The Administration also awarded the contract for the Trans-Kalabari Highway which construction had commenced before the end of tenure.

Within the capital city, the need to decongest the Aba Road led to the conception and construction of a Relief Road before the ever-busy

Rumuola Junction to link Aba Road to Rumuomasi/Elekahia/TransAmadi. This Relief Road opened the area for residential development. The Old Stadium Road (renamed Ken Saro-Wiwa Road) was dualized. Similarly, the Old Aba Road up to Rumuogba (Artillery) was also dualized. Okporo Road was dualized to take traffic from Aba Road to the East-West Road.

To address access to the Industrial Area: Trans-Amadi, the Amaechi Administration dualized the Elekahia-Rumuomasi Road linking Aba Expressway. It also dualized the Oginigba – Rumuobiokani Road. It dualized Nkpogu Road, which takes traffic to and from Eastern By-Pass. Save for a disagreement between the Contractor and the Ministry of Works, the bridge that opens up the second lane of the road would have been completed before the end of term.

The Administration conceived, awarded the contract and commenced the construction of another major spine road linking Garrison to East-West Road (Garrison-TransAmadi-Oginigba-Woji-Elelenwo) with an interchange at Garrison, three bridges at Waja River, Oginigba River, Woji River and underpass at Oginigba (near the Zoological Garden. The execution of the road project is phased.

The Woji section had attained a level of completion since 2014 that allows for reasonably unimpeded use by commuters. Work continued at the Trans-Amadi section

before the end of the term. Within the same Trans-Amadi axis, the Amaechi Administration conceived, awarded the contracts and substantially constructed the Abuloma-Woji Road and the WojiAkpajo Road. The objective of this road is to take traffic to or from Eleme axis (Akwa Ibom) away from Aba Road.

The Administration also conceived, awarded the contract and commenced the reconstruction of the Rumuepirikom – Rumuolumeni Road; the Elioparanwo Road; the IgurutaEneka-Rumuokwurusi Road as dualized roads. The Administration reconstructed the Ikwerre Road from Education Bus Stop to Agip Roundabout. To provide relief to Ikwerre Road for commuters from Rukpokwu, Iguruta, International Airport, and the Administration reconstructed the G.U. Ake Road linking Aba Road to Ikwerre Road close to Rukpokwu.

The Amaechi Administration also conceived and awarded the contracts for the dualization and reconstruction of the Old Aba Road (Rumuogba) – Woji Road and OilMill –Elelenwo-Akpajo Road (the Old Refinery Road.)

In summary, Amaechi gave significant attention to the development of good roads in Rivers State on the understanding of its many benefits to the socio-economic wellbeing of the State. The Amaechi administration left a number of nearly completed roads that now serve as low hanging fruits for the new administration.

What is required is for the present government to build on the excellent foundation laid. Those who are resorting to cheap muck-raking rather than face their work are only wasting their time and that of the good people of Rivers State.

•Victor Tambari Giadom is the immediate past Commissioner of Works in Rivers State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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COMMENTS

Kabiyesi Okunade Sijuwade Waja, Erin wo ajanaku sun bi oke (2)

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HEN Okunade Sijuade became the Ooni he was well-prepared for the throne following in the footsteps of the great Ooni Sir Adesoji Aderemi who was at a time the Governor of Western Nigeria and who had earlier on used his considerable influence in 1951 to sell the then new Action Group to the Yoruba people who had been supporters of the Herbert Macaulay-led NCNC .

Oba Sijuwade’s grandfather, Olubuse1, was on the throne when the British took over Ife. And unlike some Yoruba kingdoms, Ife did not insist a prince must have been born while his father was on the throne (Omo ori ite). In Benin, the Edaiken of Uselu (heir apparent) being the first son normally takes over when his father passes on. In Ife, one must come from one of the ruling houses apparently not sequentially.

Kabiyesi Okunade Sijuwade brought glory to the throne using his contacts and charm all over the world to spread the glory and civilisation of the Yoruba, particularly in South America and the Caribbean, most especially in Cuba, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago where there exists substantial Yoruba Diaspora as well in the West African states of Benin Togo and Ghana.

Okunade Sijuwade was a bridge builder in Nigeria and his close relationship with Alhaji Ado Bayero and later with the Obi of Onitsha is too well known to be dwelt upon here.

His relationship with the Oba of Benin was a bit prickly apparently because of the old age of the Benin monarch and the pressure on him not to accept any notion of subservience of Benin to Ife. Kabiyesi was also very close to the Igbinedion family, having been of great help in the business growth of the Esama of Benin. This close rapport with the Esama may not have been favourably regarded in the palace. Kabiyesi nevertheless held his Benin son, as he called the Oba of Benin, in great respect; and in spite of his rather cold relations with the Alaafin of Oyo, he tried to get on as well as he could. Many people stoked the fire of discord between Iku Baba yeye Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi and Onirinsa Okunade Sijuwade; but the two, in spite of occasional public sniping at each other, continued to maintain reasonable and correct relationship.

The Ooni was a thoroughly modern ruler, some may say too modern for a traditional throne. The question is at what point modernisation becomes destructive of the old order rooted in mystery and mysticism. Some critics of Yoruba Obas say the institution is suffering from overexposure and that the institution is becoming too familiar and that they

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E and his party promised change and little by little, the country is experiencing change. Even without him saying it, we are all acting correctly, especially the anti-graft agencies and government workers. Yet President Muhammadu Buhari has not spent 100 days in office. So far, he has done 90 days, but see what is happening in the country. His predecessor spent over six years in office and never made half of the impact Buhari has made in three months.

What is it that has made Nigerians change overnight with the coming of Buhari? It is the Buhari persona, say analysts. Buhari came into office with the reputation of a no nonsense man and with his integrity intact. Nigerians know him too well having been military Head of State between December 1983 and August 1985.

For the 18 months he was head of state, he did not allow power to get into his head; he maintained his major general rank unlike others who rushed to promote themselves as soon as they got into office.

They succeeded because by then, Buhari’s cup had become full in the eyes of the people. Yes, his administration had alienated itself from the people because of what they perceived as some of his harsh policies, which led to the execution of three drug traffickers through a retroactive law; the execution of a woman trafficker, who had a handicapped child, and the imprisonment of two journalists under Decree 4. Buhari had a mission and he was in a hurry to execute it, but we were not on the same page with him. He knew what he wanted for the country, but we misunderstood him.

500 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

are many times seen at public gatherings including parties.

Ordinarily, Yoruba Obas do not eat in public or should not eat in public. But in these days of thoroughly modern traditional rulers, not just in Yoruba land but all over Nigeria, it is becoming difficult to put traditional rulers in some kind of cultural straightjacket. But at the same time we cannot afford to sacrifice the institution on the altar of modernity.

People point to the Bini monarchy’s aloofness and its hidden isolation from the public is greatly admired by many people who admire African tradition. I remember some years ago, precisely in 1991; as a new ambassador to Germany, I went with some colleagues to the Emir of Kano Ado Bayero who was a close associate and bosom friend of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, for a familiarisation tour.. The Emir, having served previously as ambassador to Senegal before becoming the Emir, was very happy to see us as colleagues, wanted to chat with us and wanted to shake hands with all of us. When it was the turn of Ambassador Subeiru Kazaure to greet the Emir, he refused to allow the Emir to shake his hand. The revered Emir got the message and he stopped shaking the hands of the rest of us. When I remember this episode, I think the Emir was right because when our rulers become too familiar we may no longer hold them in awe as we should do.

This problem is global. Even the European monarchies are struggling to be both popular and remote. The Japanese and the Thai monarchies are like the Bini monarchy in their remoteness. I would like the Yoruba Obas not to be seen everywhere and to be a little remote but not totally cut off from the people they are ruling over. To strike a balance will be a problem but the current familiarity would have to be reduced in order to preserve the sanctity of the monarchical institution.

On a personal level, the transition of Kabiyesi Okunade Sijuwade, Olubushe11, is a great loss. I used to see him visit Chief Oduola Osuntokun in the 1950s and 1960s in Ibadan.

Chief Osuntokun himself being young related well with the young prince from Ife. He was introduced to him by another Prince of Ife Ademiluyi who served as parliamentary secretary to my brother who was at one time or the other minister of Finance, Lands and Housing, Health and Social Welfare and lastly Education in a long parliamentary and ministerial career spanning the years 1951 to 1966. When Chief Osuntokun left Ibadan, Prince Okunade Sijuwade, now Ooni of Ife, transferred his affection to my most celebrated and cerebral brother Professor Kayode Osuntokun.

I remember when our mother died in 1985 the Ooni sent a large sum of money to Professor Kayode Osuntokun as assistance towards burial expenses and also the royal staff of office as a mark of respect for Jide the dead.

Osuntokun Since my brothers passed on, he has been very affectionate to me, sending for me and others to advise him on national politics. I remember his asking me to draft a speech for him which he delivered when General Abacha drafted him to chair an advisory committee of traditional rulers. He again once called the late Professor Kunle Olusanya and myself in the presence of the late Professor Saburi Biobaku to intervene and intercede on our behalf when the late Professor Omotola the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos was giving us a hard time after we were hurriedly recalled from France and Germany respectively by General Abacha in his onslaught on the Yoruba people who were considered enemies of his regime.

The last honour he did to me was attending my 70th birthday and giving me unforgettable gifts. It is, therefore, obvious that I lost a brother and a father just as Yoruba people lost a symbol of unity. My greatest regret is that as Bapitan of Oyo I never tried to reconcile both the Ooni and the Alaafin because I felt the division between the two was so deep-rooted and was like a riddle and a puzzle wrapped in an enigma.

‘In these days of thoroughly modern traditional rulers, not just in Yoruba land but all over Nigeria, it is becoming difficult to put traditional rulers in some kind of cultural straightjacket. But at the same time we cannot afford to sacrifice the institution on the altar of modernity’

The Buhari magic Thirty years after, we have come to appreciate the worth of Buhari. We virtually begged him to come and lead us now and bail the country out of the mess it has been thrown into by successive governments. It has been so far , so good under his watch even without his full complement of aides. It is as if we are no longer in Nigeria going by what we have been witnessing since his return to power as elected president. Just imagine what Nigeria would have been like today if Buhari had been allowed to sanitise the country the way he wanted in his first coming as military head of state.

But, we were not patient enough with him. We wanted the easy way out and see where that has led us.

Our leaders - the happy going and smiling leaders - whom we preferred to Buhari, who we accused of not smiling, stole the country blind. Our country is still bleeding from their atrocities. Buhari may not be a smiling leader, but he knows what he is doing and what he wants for the country. He wants a Nigeria where things work; not a country where few people corral the wealth. This was what happened under past administrations and this was what he wanted to prevent back then; unfortunately, the corrupt, but wealthy minority had their way over the poor and gullible majority.

The scales have now fallen off our eyes. We have come to appreciate that Buhari meant well for the country then having weighed him on the same scale with those who sacked him from power. Has Buhari not been vindicated? He has. Our prayer is that God see him through during his second missionary journey.

He has yet to lift a finger, so to say, and things have started to fall in place.

Before he took office on May 29, it was hard getting fuel to buy. It was queue, queue everywhere and filling stations were selling at over N150 per

litre where the product was available.

There is now orderliness at filling stations and petrol is selling for N87 per litre in many parts of the country. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) like other agencies has suddenly become proactive,, working as if it has just been created to regulate the operations of these Shylock dealers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have also woken up from slumber. They have become so busy of late, inviting one person or the other and seizing one property or the other. It shows that where the leader does not condone corruption, the anti-corruption agencies will also not be afraid to do their work. The people at EFCC and ICPC know what Buhari can do if they do not do their job the way it should be done. But can they be trusted to truly prosecute the anti-graft war having kept criminally quiet under the immediate past administration.

They may have been hamstrung in the discharge of their duty by the body language of our leader then, but that is no excuse for them to shirk their duty. Why did they hold on tenaciously to their job under such circumstance? It would have been more honourable to quit than to work in an environment where corruption thrives. Can they now, in all honesty, pull in those they hobnobbed with just in the recent past for dipping their hands in the till?

This is why the Senate is threatening to probe EFCC chair Ibrahim Lamorde over a matter it should have since exercised its oversight power.

Is it now that Lamorde is beaming searchlight on some former governors, who are now in the Senate, and/ or their spouses, that the Upper Chamber should be talking of probing him over the weighty allegations

of diverting funds seized from some past government functionaries totalling N1billion?

The wind of change is blowing in all directions. Even the National Assembly is not left out. It has cut its yearly budget of N150billion to N120billion. The lawmakers are also contemplating cutting their N42, 000 monthly wardrobe allowance in line with the prevailing mood in the country. Their salary may soon be slashed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which Buhari carpeted on Tuesday for the lawmakers’ jumbo pay. Buhari has shown that leadership matters in the life of a nation. A good leader will grow his country; an inept leader will kill it. We saw that happen under Jonathan. May God forgive him and his bedfellows.

Buhari’s distaste for corruption is legendary. And without being told, all those in his administration know that they must live above board because

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

it is no longer business as usual.

Whether in or out of government, the people are feeling what is going on and we are all wondering is this not Nigeria? Of course, it is. The only difference is that things are now being done the right way. Buhari is a breath of fresh air. Our prayer is that may this romance endure

Chibok girls: 500 days on

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T is 500 days today that the Chibok school girls were ab ducted. 500 days! It sounds incredible, but unfortunately it is true.

These girls have been separated from their loved ones for this long because of the immediate past administration’s failure to act when it should. Rather, it chose to play politics with a matter of life and death. If only the Jonathan administration had acted swiftly and responsibly, perhaps, things may have been different today.

At least, if not all the girls, many would have been rescued. But for two weeks, nothing was done to get back

the girls because the government felt that it was impossible to abduct such number of girls in one fell swoop.

When it dawned on it that this was for real, it was too late in the day. All hope is not lost with the present administration’s determination to rescue them no matter what. We may not get back the over 200 girls intact, as some of them may have been used as suicide bombers, but let’s get back those who are still alive, no matter the cost. That is how governments worldwide show that they care for their nationals in distress. We cannot afford to be different.

‘Buhari has shown that leadership matters in the life of a nation. A good leader will grow his country; an inept leader will kill it. We saw that happen under Jonathan. May God forgive him and his bedfellows’

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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COMMENTS

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RCHBISHOP Mathew Hassan Kukah has been under severe stress and strain these past weeks. His role, agenda as well as the motive of the peace group he empanelled have come under deep scrutiny.

His view as a cleric who daily seeks forgiveness of sins, no matter how grave, that Jonathan’s act of conceding defeat must be appreciated even if he stole all the monies in the world has been described as ‘dishonest’ by thePunch newspapers because it ‘raises larger questions about our moral values’. Osita Okechukwu of CNPP has described Kukah’s argument as ‘subtle blackmail’.

A prominent member of his peace group, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has distanced himself from Kukah’s call for remission of punishment. The Congregation of Catholic Bishops has pitched its tent with Buhari. His other platform that was expected to be more sympathetic has turned itself into an intellectual lynch mob. Yet the only weakness of this Nigerian patriot is his passion for the country. This he has abundantly demonstrated in the last few years by serving selflessly in various ad hoc committees set up to address the ‘Nigerian question’, starting with the Oputa Panel .

Kukah is a cleric greatly misunderstood. Having taking vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Kukah cannot be seen as supporting corrupt practices. For him, “We all must defeat the ogre of corruption which has consumed our past, destroyed our present and threatens our future.” He, however, believes ‘corruption is a symptom of our semi-primitive state of existence which can only be defeated by development and not by threats, moral exhortations or lachrymal denunciations but by adopting scientific skills; an understanding of the causative factors’. And here, he does not speak as a cleric. ”I consider myself a public intellectual”, he says, “My job is to stir the hornet’s nest, generating new ideas and pointing the way forward. I make mistakes; my views are not gospel and people are

In defence of my Archbishop free and welcome to nourish me with new ideas.”

If he, therefore, says, “Nigerians must have heroes and heroines; people whose names will inspire some awe, not because they are saints but because of what they have done,” he is speaking as a stakeholder in the Nigeria project. And if for him, Jonathan, like all our surviving leaders who many have accused of betraying our nation, fits the bill, he is not asking anyone to swallow his prejudices which are likely going to be coloured by his accident of being a member of an oppressed minority ethnic group that has for years fought for selfactualization and membership of a persecuted minority religion. Above all, Kukah’s critics must be told he is protected by our federal system which as a social philosophy strives to liberate individual and groups from the tyranny of the state.

With the above clarification, we can go back to Kukah’s thesis. First he says ‘corruption is a factor of underdevelopment in Africa’. But so is leadership. We cannot separate leadership from crisis of underdevelopment which manifests in various forms. I am not sure if any of our leaders, including the incumbent President

‘We cannot separate leadership from crisis of underdevelopment which manifests in various forms…Statesmen are not leaders who exploit ethnic and religious fears of citizens for personal gains but those who demonstrated their faith in their nations through selfless service.’

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HAD the privilege of being the guest speaker during the ground-breaking ceremony for the Bindow Housing Estate, Yola on 19th August, 2015. The ceremony flagged off the programme of His Excellency, Senator Muhammad Bindow Jibrilla, Governor of Adamawa State, for improving housing delivery in the State. I would like to congratulate him and the people of Adamawa State for the good works he has so earnestly begun.

It is a good time for housing in Nigeria. The Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari has targeted the delivery of one million housing units per annum, as part of his bold measures to close the supply gap for housing in the country.

Based on the empirical evidence that the construction of a threebedroom unit creates up to 17 jobs, the President’s housing initiative will create 17 million jobs.

Part of the recent major developments in the housing sector was the approval of the National Policy on Housing. The policy makes provision for social housing for low- and no-income earners; emphasizes private sector-led housing delivery; more robust financing; improvement in institutional capacity to deliver housing; and inclusion of local content and adoption of local building materials.

As the foremost institution facilitating affordable housing in the country, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria is proud that the people of Adamawa State have always embraced the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme of FMBN. This ensures that we are ever ready to support housing initiatives in the State. As at April 2015, the State contributed a total of N2.97 billion to the NHF scheme, being 2.5% deductions from workers’ monthly income.

The FMBN has in turn invested a total of N2.8 billion in supporting the provision of affordable housing in Adamawa State.

This was by way of disbursing N1.62 billion under FMBN’s Estate Development Loans (EDLs) to the State-owned Adasolid Properties Ltd, and to two private developers, for the construction of about 500 housing units which have been successfully completed and sold to NHF contributors in the State. Another EDL of over N800 million for additional 240 units is being finalized.

With the housing units already delivered, we estimate that FMBN has contributed to the creation of no less than 8,500 jobs in Adamawa State.

Aside from Estate Development Loans, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria has also provided affordable mortgage loans of about N1.18 billion to 833 beneficiaries through Adamawa Savings and Loans Ltd. I wish to assure that FMBN will be providing mortgage loans at an affordable interest rate of 6%, repayable over 30 years, for the off-takers of the Bindow Housing Estate, Yola as part of our contribution to the success of the new housing project.

In line with addressing the shelter needs of our most unfortunate fellow citizens that were affected by the insurgency and violence in the North East region, I wish to assure that the FMBN will also be actively involved in the implementation of the Federal Government’s resettlement programme for Inter-

Buhari whose first policy statement is fighting corruption at the LGA when there is no known federation where the centre usurps the functions of states and local governments, has sincerely articulated our crisis of nationhood.

We must ask ourselves why our past leaders behaved like foreign conquerors with little faith in our nation. In four years, 1979-1983, Shagari’s NPN administration frittered away all the foreign reserve left behind by Obasanjo in 1979. The economy collapsed while his NPN wheelers and dealers became intoxicated with specially branded imported “Akinloye Champagne’ to wash down their profligate consumption.

Buhari came in on a rescue mission rejecting IMF liberalisation dose and insisted Nigerians will not eat grain until they produced their own grain. Babangida sent him to detention, embraced IMF liberalisation, paving the way for the collapse of our budding industries, today’s N1b daily importation of grains, and exchange rate of about N2 to $1 to today N212 to $1. And in an act of betrayal of our nation, he went on to annul the most credible election in our nation’s history. Abdulsalami Abubakar is tarred by the inexplicable death of MKO Abiola in his custody on the eve of his expected release after serving his expected four-year presidency in detention instead of presidential palace desecrated by Abacha.

Shonekan who neither contested nor won an election was an impostor used by crafty Babangida to supplant MKO Abiola, his fellow Egba.

Obasanjo has publicly admitted tampering

with the democratic process in 1979, imposition of Yar Adua in 2007 and Jonathan in 2011.

He has been accused of presiding over the worst-conducted presidential election in our nation’s history in 2007. Statesmen are not leaders who exploit ethnic and religious fears of citizens for personal gains but those who demonstrated their faith in their nations through selfless service.

We similarly have no evidence to support Kukah’s unrestrained declaration that “Jonathan will be remembered as a great Nigerian statesman who put God and nation first”. Not many will see promoting religious intolerance by moving from church to synagogue in Nigeria, from Jerusalem to Nazareth and to Rome with indicted government officials and governors without character and using every opportunity to exploit our ethnic divisions for electoral victory, as evidence of putting the nation first.

Kukah also wants the nation to treat Jonathan well so as not to “give excuse to those African leaders who want to go to their grave from the throne bringing shame to Africa and diminishing their people, breeding hatred and war by their greed.” Here also, Kukah seems to suffer from selective perception. We find no evidence to show Jonathan conceded defeat out of altruism. What we know is that Jonathan who played Dr Okwelieze Nwodo against Vincent Ogbulafor to immorally secure the PDP ticket in 2010, outwitted the northern states’ governors as well as his godfather he later dismissed as ‘Motor Park tout’, is a very resourceful politician. He had undermined the credibility of the military by involving them in “Ekitigate’, Osun pacification and in shifting the date of the election to buy time. He had frittered away the goodwill of the people by allegedly funding TAM led by those EFCC had questioned over the N1.7t fuel subsidy scam to assault Nigerians with lies.

Besides pressure from the international community, Obasanjo, Jonathan’s estranged godfather has become his nemesis. With Elder Orubebe’s theatrics after he had lost the election in four of the nation’s six geo-political zones, he was smart enough to concede defeat without first consulting PDP wheelers and dealers that he claimed had caged him. He sensed if he had done otherwise and violence broke out, he would have ended up in The Hague just like Gbagbo.

Impacts of FMBN on housing delivery in Adamawa State

By Gimba Ya’uKumo nally Displaced Person (IDPs), being anchored by the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development. I am reliably informed that as part of its contribution, the Adamawa State Government has expeditiously provided unencumbered land for this worthy intervention.

In general, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria is focused on service improvement and operational efficiency. The National Housing Fund scheme has become the cornerstone of the strategic deployment of our corporate resources. For instance, we deployed the NHF e-Collection Platform for transparency and accountability in the NHF process, while providing the contributors, including those in Adamawa State, access to up-todate records of contributions online.

Our products portfolio is being boosted to include services to the non-salaried/informal sector which accounts for about 85% of the national working population. We are also focusing on cooperative societies and trade unions. Our latest products are the Nigeria Diaspora Mortgage Scheme which will provide opportunities for Nigerians living abroad to acquire houses in the country after minimum of two years of contribution to the NHF. We have also innovated by developing the Home Renovation Loan which will enable contributors have access to quick loans to improve their housing conditions, at very affordable rates. These products, which will be launched by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari very shortly, will also make impacts in housing delivery in Adamawa State as with every state of the country; but in particular those states that have signed up to the National Housing Fund.

I would like to make some recommendations. No nation can develop structurally and economically without housing being on the front burner. As the efforts at eradicating the threats of insurgency and violence have intensified, Governments at both the Federal and State levels must, as a matter of urgency, commence the rebuilding of lives and property.

In this regard, I would like to commend Governor Bindow Jibrilla, who has shown leadership in addressing this national imperative in earnest. The ground-breaking for the Bindow Housing Estate within his first 100 days is indeed very commendable.

It will be recalled that after the World War II, the conquering U.S. Government embarked on the European Recovery Programme. This programme, popularly known as the Marshall Plan, helped to rebuild European economies that were battered by the war. While the activities of the insurgents in the North

East remain deplorable, we are happy that we continue to see various efforts at rebuilding our towns and villages, and more importantly, lives.

Construction is one of the most effective ways of rebuilding lives and the economy. It does not only help in effectively reclaiming lost territory and pride; it revitalizes trading activities; boosts social interaction; and restores a sense of normalcy in daily life. However, much more than these, housing construction will provide our teeming youths the much-needed employment from which they will gain a sense of belonging in the society; and, therefore, shun anti-social and criminal tendencies.

As part of the strategies in providing a suitable environment for housing construction-led boom, I would like to make some assertions. Closer collaboration between the Federal and State Governments is very important in making unencumbered land available for housing development. This will also improve intergovernmental agency partnership in housing delivery. Review of the legal and regulatory framework for housing and mortgage finance, especially the reduction of time and cost of transfer and titling of property, is very germane.

Increased workers’ enlightenment on the benefits of the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme and interaction with Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria is also very important. As mentioned earlier, FMBN is embarking on a Home Renovation Loan Scheme that will be of immense benefit to workers. However, the prospective beneficiaries are contributors to the NHF Scheme.

Finally, there is need for improvement in stakeholder collaboration in housing delivery. While FMBN will continue to reach out to every potential and existing contributor, it requires the support of state governments and labour groups for us to fulfill our mandate under the Scheme.

I wish to reiterate the determination of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to sustain its drive for affordable mass housing delivery for low and medium income earners. Although the Bank is facing funding challenges due to reliance on only NHF contributions at present, we will continue to improve our work processes and service delivery to satisfy the yearnings of NHF contributors within the limits of our resources.

On behalf of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, I would like to congratulate Governor Bindow Jibrilla once again, and assure him and the other state governors of our enduring support in housing delivery as a key strategy of moving the nation forward.

• Gimba Ya’uKumo, OON, is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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COMMENTS

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APPLAUD President Buhari’s courageous and focused assault on the hideous evil of corruption. I believe that if he succeeds with it, he would give our country some moral strength and a fair chance to return to the path of socio-economic progress.

But that is not all that our country needs.

Our country’s most important need is to find ways to be a stable country – to find ways to make our hundreds of nationalities live together in reasonable harmony as members of one country. It can be done. Many multination countries like ours – such as India, Switzerland, Britain in its own way, and others – have done it or are doing it with reasonable degrees of success. Without finding a reasonably broadly acceptable solution to this problem, we are not likely ever to make Nigeria a stable country; in fact, we doom our country to continued instability, conflicts and probable ultimate break-up. President Buhari is the President of Change and Hope that Nigeria has long needed and desired.

He must not continue to appear to be unaware of, or to be ignoring, or to be evading, this fundamental problem.

This fundamental problem is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is common to virtually all Black African countries. And it is because no Black African country has found a broadly acceptable solution to it that virtually all Black African countries are forever going through turmoil and conflicts. And the reason no African country has found a solution to it is that African leaders, in general, do not accept fact as fact concerning this problem and deal with it as reasonable humans should.

The root of this fundamental problem is that Black Africa is peculiarly a land of mostly small nationalities. After its three largest nationalities (the Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani and Igbo of Nigeria) and a few sizeable ones, the remaining thousands of Black Africa’s nationalities are very small – many not more than a few hundreds of thousands, or even only tens of thousands, in population.

With this minute ethno-linguistic fragmentation of the Black African sub-continent, virtually every Black African country of our times comprises tens of nationalities. Nigeria, the largest in population, with some 170 million people, has over 300 nationalities – of which the three largest share about 130 million. Clearly, over 100 of Nigerian na-

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S the governorship election in Kogi State draws close, possible permutations on chances of respective contestants have started emerging from an assortment of quarters. Even conjectures regarding the likely party standard-bearers are unfolding while party primaries are yet to be conducted. In as much as these efforts may just be regarded as speculations, there exist some pointers that convey probable truths and worries about the forthcoming elections. Emphatically, the echoes of imposition of candidates are beginning to sound very loud especially in the camp of the present ruling party, the PDP, where the incumbent Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has indicated interest for re-election.

Presently, the gossip being peddled is on Governor Idris Wada’s endorsement by his party’s national leadership. This purported approval though best assumed as mere hearsay, has in a style reminiscent of rumours, sent a message that has been promoted by its beneficiaries to rapidly travel round the political spectrum of Kogi State.

Well, for many analysts, if at all this is anything to go by, it simply means that the PDP which Governor Idris Wada belongs to, is entangled in a risky issue of skewed political disposition that may expose a serious jeopardy resulting from political party impunity as witnessed in the 2011 PDP elections.

Right now, even though Governor Idris Wada bills himself as the best candidate from the PDP for the forthcoming elections, nevertheless, his public rating has hit rock

‘The simple reality about Kogi politics is that the incumbent Governor, Idris Wada has fallen far short of the people’s expectations and does not seem to have the faintest idea of how to make Kogi work’

Nigerian thoughts

Buhari must initiate process for dealing with Nigeria’s fundamental problem tionalities have populations of only a few hundred thousand or even less each. The small Republic of Benin next door, with a population of about eight million, is home to about 40 nationalities. Tanzania, with a population of about 38 million people, has about 120 nationalities.

Therefore, no matter how Black Africa had organised itself into new modern countries at the beginning of the last century, this fundamental problem would have been indeed a difficult reality to handle – since almost all countries would have needed to contain many nationalities. But, in fact, and unfortunately, Black Africa’s organisation into our modern countries actually happened in the worst way imaginable. It happened through conquest, control and direction by European imperialists who had no respect whatsoever for Black African peoples. In the process, these European imperialists compounded and confounded Black Africa’s fundamental problem. They twisted and mangled this problem, and now it is a tenacious nightmare for all the countries, and all the peoples, of Black Africa. Approaching African peoples with deep disrespect, the European creators of our modern countries simply trampled down our various nationalities, cut boundaries through the homelands of countless nationalities, and created new countries in such ways as to make room for little or no likelihood of cohesion or stability ever.

To convey some picture of this sordid disrespect, let’s quote statements of two participants in the creation of our countries. In 18845, representatives of leading European countries met in Berlin in Germany to share Africa among them. One of those representatives later wrote: “We have been engaged in drawing lines on maps where no white man’s foot has ever trod; we have been giving away mountains and rivers and lakes to each other, only hindered by the small impediment that we have never known where the rivers and lakes and mountains were”. One British offi-

cial who took part in creating the eastern boundaries of Nigeria wrote later: “In those days, we just took a blue pencil and ruler, and we put it down at Old Calabar, and drew that blue line to Yola. I recollect thinking when I was sitting having an audience with the Emir (of Yola) surrounded by his tribe, that it was a very good thing that he did not know that I, with a blue pencil, had drawn a line through his territory”.

That is the ignorant, disrespectful and shoddy manner in which our country, Nigeria, was created – and in which all other countries of Black Africa were created. That is also the ignorant and disrespectful manner in which the internal boundaries of our Nigeria were created. When we feel like making noises about our Nigeria or about our North, or whatever, we need to remind ourselves of these sorry pictures. Starkly put, our country and its international and internal colonial boundaries are one package of ignorant and presumptuous errors. They are a package of wounds that still pain many of our nationalities.

This does not mean, of course, that Nigeria is impossible to keep together and to build into a successful country. What it does mean, however, is that those who manage the affairs of Nigeria must keep consciously aware of the fundamental realities of the country we call Nigeria. It means that we must consciously nurture a culture of respect for every nationality, large or small. It means that we must be committed to a true federation, and to a federal structure and order based on respect for our nationalities. With these, we can make success of Nigeria; without them, we cannot. President Buhari needs to show that he knows these things.

President Buhari must show that he knows what is known by a total foreigner like Elliot P. Skinner who wrote, “African countries will continue to be racked by conflicts unless leaders agree about how to govern their multi-

faceted nationstates and how to distribute t h e i r e c o nomic r e sources equitab l y .

Banji Akintoye

Without compromise that would ensure “ethnic justice”, neither so-called “liberal democracy” nor any other species of government will succeed in Africa”.

In short, no matter what else we do, no matter how successfully we suppress corruption under Buhari’s leadership, we still must provide a broadly acceptable solution to the fundamental problem created by the fact that our country is a country of hundreds of different ancient nationalities. To make a success of Nigeria at all, we must provide solutions acceptable to our various nationalities.

Some of our most prominent citizens think that the answer to this enormous problem is to keep asking us Nigerians to think of ourselves only as Nigerians and cease thinking of ourselves as Yoruba, Ijaw, Hausa-Fulani, Ibibio, Igbo, Kanuri, etc. Some think it is something worthy of pride to keep telling us that they see themselves as Nigerian leaders only and detest being seen as leaders among their own nationalities. It does not amount to a solution.

‘To make a success of Nigeria at all, we must provide solutions acceptable to our various nationalities’

Kogi 2015: Revisiting Wada’s second coming

By Petra Akinti Onyegbule bottom as the suffering of Kogi people has become increasingly obvious with escalating unemployment and gross dilapidation of public infrastructure under his leadership. These compelling facts about Kogi State in Governor Idris Wada’s present tenure, no doubt, suggest the existence of an avalanche of intolerable and unprogressive actions of a leader. Already, Governor Wada’s government has been tagged with many derogatory labels as regularly expressed in the media, thus making his tenure an embarrassment to the PDP. Consequently, the belief by many Kogi citizens is that there is no testimony to Governor Wada’s claim on strong credentials in governance aside from commissioned articles in the newspapers and paid advertorials.

Indeed, these negative indices have signaled that Governor Wada’s ambition to contest for a second tenure can only find sustenance and victory in a flawed electoral process. Realistically, any party with such a candidate should be deeply troubled.

Now that Governor Wada’s underperformance has become a major concern for the Kogi electorate, the likelihood that he would be made the PDP candidate in the forthcoming election will further distance the party from politics of consolidation and stability. Simply put, the conclusion by the majority of Kogi voters is that Governor Idris Wada’s second coming is offensive to their sensibilities. Thus, it is evident that any party that presents him would find it extremely difficult to win the votes of the majority. The point herein is uncomplicated because, barring a divine intervention or an act of God or sudden intervention of the national leadership of PDP for a fresh candidate, the opposing APC party will defeat the PDP with land-

slide victory in the coming elections. Thus, any endorsement extended by the PDP leadership to Idris Wada for a second term in office will obviously expose the quality of its leadership and to a large extent, the party’s intentions for the Kogi citizenry.

Presently, many observers of the Kogi politics believe that for progress to be witnessed in the state there would be a strong need to bring about leadership adjustments that will overhaul its governance. Unfortunately, Governor Idris Wada seems to be at variance with such a concrete reality because his recent remarks while speaking on how he would easily defeat the opposing APC party at the polls do not reflect an understanding of the complex political situation in Kogi. In fact, Governor Wada’s comments on his anticipated victory are not only shocking but they invite suspicion because instead of focusing on the major hurdle of party primaries, he rather chose to delve into matters relating to the major electoral contest, thus, indirectly confirming that the party primaries is already a done deal for him. How he arrived at this, may not be very far from allegations that he has planned to manipulate the party primaries.

Nevertheless, given Governor Wada’s poor track record and lack of evidence on fresh initiatives, it is hard for any objective mind to feel optimistic about his assumptions of electoral triumph. Indeed, for a large section of the Kogi electorate, the popular public opinion has shifted unfavourably against Idris Wada. Thus, his rumoured choice as the PDP candidate will not only make Kogi election unexciting and uncompetitive but will be PDP’s gravest error since it exited the status of national ruling party in Nigeria. Indeed, if Governor Wada eventually emerges by hook or by crook as the PDP candidate in the forthcoming elections, the picture that will be portrayed is that the PDP has advanced a

failure strategy and has again repeated the unpopular approach of party imposition.

On this, some analysts predict that such may not only guarantee the PDP an early loss at the Kogi polls but might make the PDP unfit to be victorious in any of the twenty one local government councils in the state. If this happens, it is unlikely that the PDP would get any moral consolation when it gets defeated at the elections.

Besides the fact that Wada’s purported party endorsement is already feeding the APC propaganda mills, it is important to state that the main political battle for the PDP right now is not necessarily the struggle between its candidates or even between intra political camps but rather between Idris Wada and the majority of Kogi citizens.

The simple reality about Kogi politics is that the incumbent Governor, Idris Wada has fallen far short of the people’s expectations and does not seem to have the faintest idea of how to make Kogi work. Consequently, his second coming must be tamed by his party leadership, especially now that it has been reported that some high-minded appeals have already been made by PDP party faithful to Governor Wada to step down for another PDP member in the coming election. It will be most honourable for him to accept such soft landing because Lord Lugard’s House certainly deserves a new occupant and the PDP will do well in giving the Kogi electorate a candidate that will enable them make a good choice. On the other hand, a refusal

by Governor Wada to step down, might not only lead to the sinking of his party’s ship in the forthcoming elections but expose his selfish politics of defiance that will only end up watering the seeds of victory for APC opposition party.

• Onyegbule wrote in from Ogori Magongo

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

22

SHOWBIZ I’m not a professional actor - Patrick Doyle

I never smoked or drank alcohol in my 30 yrs as a musician, says Ras Kimono

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ETERAN reggae artiste, Ras Kimono has decried the heavy use of drugs and alcohol by young Nigerian entertainers. Speaking to The Nation, the root reggae crooner said, “With the rate at which our young entertainers are abusing drugs, and alcohol, many of them will be raving mad, in asylums, or rehab in the next 10 years”.

He opined that many youngsters fail to heed the fact that so many lives have been wasted by the twin evils of alcoholism, and drug addiction in different parts of the world over the years from Canada, to Europe, Africa, and the United States.

The practicing Rastafarian who is a vegetarian, and neither smokes nor drinks stated that contrary to the Ganja (Marijuana) smoking culture associated with reggae music, which

A

By Jane Kolade

has its roots in the Jamaican culture, “I have never smoked ,nor drank alcohol in my over thirty years as a musician. There are a number of reggae musicians who do not abuse drugs, nor drink alcohol.”

Speaking further, he urged aspiring musicians to focus on improving their music craftsmanship, and learn how to play musical instruments rather than seeking cheap popularity to acquire many women.

Although an Asaba, Delta State indigene, the father of five prefers to be identified as an African, following the ideological footsteps of African statesmen like Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana; who believed in the unity of the African continent.

CE broadcaster and actor, Patrick Doyle, has not been very active in Nollywood movies in recent times. Speaking to The Nation about his hiatus from the industry, he said, “I am not a professional actor, rather I see myself as a broadcaster who made forays into acting. It would be belittling to a noble profession to call myself an actor. An insult to the professionals in the business; people like Olu Jacobs.”

These days, Doyle, who sees himself primarily as a communicator, avers that he is now into Narrative Management for public figures, a new phrase he recently coined for what he now does. In times past, it was called Public Relations perception management, which is to articulate policies (albeit from the background) for visible/public personalities, aka politicians. “I write position papers, speeches, and the like,” Doyle said.

Decrying the current spate of insecurity bedeviling the country, he said; “During the Nigerian civil

war, we were educated on radio and television on security measures; things like how and where to hide during air raids and such like.

Unfortunately, today, we face the menace of Boko Haram, kidnapping, and so on, yet the government has not deemed it fit to articulate a policy, and craft educative and entertaining programs to educate our people on security measures to safeguard individuals, families, and organizations on things like, How to identify a suicide bomber, Security consciousness tips for children to mention just a few.”

Going down memory lane, the actor reminisced that he stumbled into acting as a young continuity announcer with the NTA. Whilst watching rehearsals • Patrick Doyle for a production, he had asked the producer for a

Ray steps out with Bala

By Ovwe Medeme

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• Ray

Award for Nikki Laoye

By Ovwe Medeme

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OR her effort at elevating the plight of the less privileged, Nigerian singer, Nikki Laoye has been bestowed with an award as Humanitarian Personality of the Year, at the recently held World Humanitarian Day. Put together by a Nigerian/ American Organisation known as World Hope Foundation, the World Humanitarian Day ceremony was held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki last week.

The plaque, a gold plated hands on whose palms rests the insignia of love, was presented to Laoye by Mr. Fola Kudehinbu, Managing Director of Fountain Initiative for Social Development (FISD) who was supported by the main speaker of the event, Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs and Mr. Oludotun Olugbemi (CEO/ Founder, World Hope Foundation).

“Much love to my entire team and volunteers at @Angel4LifeFoundation and with a heart of gratitude, I say thank you to our network of Angels - all the wonderful people that donate and support our projects, I couldn’t do it alone. You made this happen for me. God bless you more,” the songstress wrote.

Laoye has been known to be heavily involved in humanitarian and charity works through her Angel 4 Life Foundation. In the past, she has visited internally displaced persons with relief materials. She has also given aid and scholarship to the sick and needy.

This is the third humanitarian award the singer is receiving for her selfless work.

role, and that was it. Over the years however, the actor, who is happily married to a popular actress, Ireti Doyle, has acted in quite a number of Nollywood movies; all from that happenstance beginning.

By Jane Kolade

UDDING UK-based Nigerian artiste, Rahman Bisiriyu, who simply goes by the stage name Ray has released a new single titled Bala.

Produced by Young Jon, the Krystal City artiste describes the new track as a rhythmical drum pattern that is capable of putting fans on their feet at all times.

Combined with an infectious melody, complimented by Ray’s lyrical ability, the artiste sings about his ability to woo his woman with all the right words. A party track with a banging beat, Bala defines the artiste as parading his own brand of Afro hip hop.

According to the artiste, Bala is a track he intends to use to make his presence known in not just the Nigerian music scene but on the world map. “This is my style. I am not here to compete with anybody but to make a difference. That is what Bala is all about. It is a song I dedicate to all the beautiful ladies out there. They should expect a lot more from me in weeks to come,” the enthusiastic artiste stated.

The management of Krystal City, UK, the label on which he is signed, states that the decision to back Ray’s career stems from the young artiste’s lyrical prowess, abundance of talent and a wholesome thirst for success.

“We are the home of entertainment in the UK and we are here to unleash another one of our artiste who goes by the name, Ray. Ray’s mind-blowing freestyle brought him to the attention of Krystal City Records after moving from Lagos to London. We are determined to push his career to whatever lengths attainable because we believe in his abilities,” a statement from the record label reads.

To his credit, Ray has had previous musical experience while working with the likes of Reekado Banks (MAVIN), Bayoz Muzik, Moelogo, 2Face Idibia and Iyanya. The label also describes him as an artiste with an effortless persona that reflects within his personal sound.

234Radio will take Africa to the world – DJ O’kay Megamixer

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ITH their stake in the reinvention of online radio, owners of 234Radio have said that they are not resting on their oars by making the unfamiliar terrain the toast of many.

The station continues to redefine radio broadcasting with a mix of DJs touch and quality radio programming, bringing unparalleled entertainment on the go, beyond geographical barrier.

Speaking on the success of the radio in its two years of operations, its General Manager, Kayode Olowoyeye popularly referred to as DJ O’kay Megamixer said that 234Radio is a product of several years of in-depth research in online radio programming, hard work and dedication.

“234Radio is blessed with dedicated and hardworking team that toils day and night to ensure that listeners are entertained. We have been applauded for not recording a minute of downtime since we started transmission two years ago. This wouldn’t have been possible but for our resolve to be a

leading radio station in not just Africa but the rest of the world,” he said.

According to DJ O’kay, 234Radio has positioned itself as a radio of first choice for all and sundry. “We are aware that people listen to radio for different reasons and we factor this in our programming. On 234Radio, we have something for everybody.”

The station started transmission in Nigeria and across the world two years ago with a promise to be a one-stop shop for entertainment.

The online radio has since then grown in leaps and bounds. With transmission points in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States of America and Jamaica.

“One of our priorities is to export Africa to the rest of the world. This we have been able to achieve by ensuring that about 95 percent of our programmes and contents are about Africa. This has however received commendations from our listeners both within and outside Africa who now see 234Radio as a point of call for everything African,” said DJ O’kay.

• DJ O’kay

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

educationdeskthenation@gmail.com

In the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, four colleges of education were upgraded to university of education. But, rumour has it that President Muhammadu Buhari has allegedly ordered the suspension of the new status of the institutions; a development that is generating tension between workers and their managements. Our reporters LEKE AKEREDOLU (Akure) KOLADE ADEYEMI (Kano) OKODILI NDIDI (Owerri) and ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWEW (Kaduna) report.

Protests trail ‘suspension’ of four education varsities

• Protest at Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri…On Tuesday.

•Workers accuse provosts, elements in government of sabotage •Four provosts cannot be greater than the people, says managment •Govt urged to conduct national debate before verdict

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AST May, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan took some last-minute decisions, among which was the upgrading of four colleges of education to university status.

The institutions are: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (now Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo); Federal College of Education, Zaria (now Federal University of Education, Zaria); Federal College of Education, Kano (now Federal Uni-

INSIDE

Rumpus in KWASU over proposed ASUU -Page 27

Adebule, others celebrate Erogbogbo -Page 39

versity of Education, Kano); and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri (now Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri).

However, reports in some social mediums had it that the Federal Government, last week suspended the

new status of the institutions, fuelling fresh protests and stiff resistance by workers. Many of them are pointing accusing fingers at provosts of the institutions, saying they connived with certain elements in the government to bring about the reversal.

CAMPUS LIFE Face-to-face with displaced children -Page 29

Genesis The new government of President Muhammadu Buhari had hardly settled down for business when reactions from various quarters on whether to retain the new status of the institutions or revert them to their old status began to pour in.

Those opposed to their new status felt the upgrade was politically motivated, and that the four institutions were better off as colleges of educa•Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

26

EDUCATION

Protests trail ‘suspension’ of four education varsities •Continued from page 25 tion. Some also wondered why the sudden move in less than two months to Jonathan’s exit from office. Others, particularly workers, who were favourably disposed to the university idea, held the view that aside being the oldest colleges of education nationwide, the institutions have the infrastructure and faculty staff to transform to universities.

In addition, some of them, prior to their upgrade, were running degree programmes and Post-Graduate Diplomas (PGD) in affiliation with some universities. To the host communities of the institutions, who had long craved for the new status, it was a welcome development and they were a lot happier.

Protest rocks Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo But there were mixed feelings about the new status. While some members of staff were happy with the host communities, others were not. And those not favourably disposed to the new status allegedly worked against it.

Although their identities are not known and some workers have refused to disclose those allegedly behind the move, investigations revealed that some lecturers, who had spent many years in the system, worked with some prominent people in the society to reverse the schools' status.

It was further learnt that the alleged sponsors have refused to improve themselves, especially in attaining their Ph.D degrees, and were afraid the new status of their institutions might either choke them, or make them inferior.

The Nation reporters gathered that the 'anti-university' promoters secretly formed a group in the four affected colleges of education, using the platform to push their demands.

The group was alleged to have been in touch with some highly connected people in government to get their message to the Presidency.

Their agitation was anchored on the fact that majority of the teachers in the four institutions have no Ph.D degrees, raising the fear that they might be sent back to the labour market that is replete with unemployed.

However, their argument was at variance with that of the non-teaching staff of the institutions.

The non-teaching staff, through their unions - Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities

(SSANU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), also formed a joint union called 'Joint Non-Teaching Staff Action Committee' (JNTSAC) to work against the planned reversal.

The President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Femi Lademikan, was made their chairman at an emergency congress at an occassion which held at the institution’s premises in Ondo State.

Some of the aggrieved workers, who stormed the congress venue, were armed with canes, ostensibly to go straight to the offices of those pushing for the reversal to flog them.

Nonetheless, they were prevailed upon by leaders of the unions, who admonished them not to be violent in pressing for their demands.

Addressing the workers at the congress, Lademikan said union leaders had not gone to bed, adding that they had been seeking assistance, particularly from prominent indigenes of the Ondo kingdom.

"Immediately we heard about this (reversal to old status), we rushed to Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, but, unfortunately, the monarch was not in the country. That took us to his second in command; the Lisa of Ondo, Chief, Simeon Oguntimehin.

"He expressed sadness on the issue and immediately called the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, his wife, Dolapo and President Muhammadu Buhari's media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina on the issue.They all said the news was strange to them and that there was no such plan in the Presidency.

"We told him of our plan to stage a protest to the Osemawe's palace and also the Governor’s Office, but Chief Oguntimehin appealed against the idea, fearing that some unscrupulous elements might hijack the process,” he said.

But the aggrieved workers insisted that, despite Oguntimehin's appeal, they must march to the gate of their institution on Ondo-Ore-Lagos Expressway.

They displayed placards with various inscriptions, such as "Mr President take away corruption, not our university”; “University status, no going back”; "Forward ever, backward never”.

Their action caused a gridlock on the route for about an hour.

Addressing reporters, Lademikan said: "We want our university to remain, and we are appealing to the government through this peaceful demonstration.

"We are telling President

‘The memo received from the Federal Government specifically cited two major issues, saying that by the copy of this memo, you are directed to revert the school to its original status’ Muhammadu Buhari that we have everything- manpower, people, structures and resources that it will take to maintain the new status of this institution. We are peaceful and cooperative. Mr. President must not listen to people, who don't love him, sycophants and those enemies of progress.

"There are so many publications in the media that the institution should be returned to college, but because of this forum, we won't mention names.

We know them and we are waiting for them."

Teachers in the institution, under the umbrella of Lecturers’ Union of Adeyemi University, had quickly aligned with JNTSAC, describing the upgrade to university as a step in the right direction.

A statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Olaolu Olaniyan, said: "The union notes with utter dismay and outright displeasure, the rumour making the rounds about the purported reversal of the hardearned university status of Adeyemi Federal University of Education and three other newly upgraded universities of education.

"We want to emphatically express our rejection of such a reversal which is only capable of creating avoidable tension in the new university community and the host community by extension.

"The upgrading of the institution into a full fledged university was premised on several factors, chiefly, the high quality of academic staff, who have worked assiduously over the years to produce an array of trained teachers for the primary and secondary school components. The institution also runs Post-Graduate Diploma in Education programme. " It is, therefore, in the light of the foregoing that the union rejects in absolute terms any attempt whatsoever to truncate the upgrading of the institution to a full fledged university status. It is an ill wind that blows nobody no good, and capable of precipitating crisis in the immediate university community and the host community.”

Also, the President, Students' Union Government of Adeyemi Federal University of Education. Isiaka Kamarudeen, lent his voice.

"We have celebrated this and that is how it should be. Nobody should reverse our status. It will look so bad on

‘We are telling President Muhammadu Buhari that we have everything- manpower, people, structures and resources that it will take to maintain the new status of this institution. We are peaceful and cooperative. Mr. President must not listen to people, who don't love him, sycophants and those enemies of progress’

•Another protest at Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo last week.

the side of workers and students of the institution if such negative decision is taken. Government must not take any decision that can cause students’ unrest," Kamarudeen said.

But a member of the management, who preferred anonymity, expressed shock over the development.

He said "I was surprised that some of our lecturers were fingered in this plot and I don't know why people will be against good thing? I still remember the efforts of the former ACE Provost, Prof. Idowu Adeyemi, the Osemawe of Ondo and other prominent people in the state in this drive.

How come some few people will now be planning to scuttle what a large number of people had laboured for?

"The former Provost gave room for lecturers to develop themselves and through that many of them got their Ph.D, and I don't know why some people will now complain that we have fewer Ph.D holders?

It's one week warning strike at the Federal University of Education, Kano Members of the Academic Staff of the Federal College of Education, Kano, on Monday, shut down the institution paralysing academic activities. The development followed their one week warning strike made known to members last week.

The workers’ aim was to ask the government to clarify issues on the alleged controversial reversal, based on the circular forwarded to the institution.

The aggrieved workers alleged that the Provost, Dr Rabi Jubirila, doctored the memo signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Hindatu Umar Abdullahai, for her selfish interest.

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of the institution, Dr Abubakar Sadeeq Haruna, accused Jubirila of saying that the said memo directed the institution to revert to the status quo, which, according to him, was contrary to the contents of the memo.

Haruna said government only directed that the institution put everything on hold pending further instructions, and not to immediately revert to the former status.

But, speaking to The Nation, Dr Jubirila confirmed the purported letter.

“The memo received from the Federal Government specifically cited two major issues, saying that by the copy of this memo, you are directed to revert the school to its original status," she said, quoting a part of the memo.

She continued: "In addition, you are directed to continue to administer the college as Federal College of Education and as the Provost of the college with all right and privilege."

Nonetheless, Jubrilla denied allegations that provosts of the four affected colleges were the architect of the reversal. “Four provosts cannot be too powerful to influence the Federal Government's decision,” she protested.

However, Haruna described the reversal as ‘too hasty’, and failed to comply with due process.

He lamented that, despite an earlier memo sent to the government, highlighting the advantages of the upgrade to university, and the negative consequences its reversal may generate, the latter still stuck to its guns.

The union urged the government to toe the line of due process, and subject the planned reversal to a national debate before jumping to conclusion.

Another strike at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education On Tuesday, joint academic bodies of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, comprising the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and National Association of Technologists (NAT) began a one-week warning strike against the plot.

The aggrieved protesters displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: “Welcome to Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri; farewell to Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri'; 'We want a Vice Chancellor. We reject a Provost'; 'Forward ever, backward never! We can never go back to Egypt,', among others.

The ASUU Chairman, Comrade Okachi Wachukwu, who led the protest, said Dr Ijeoma intimated her of the reversal on Friday last week.

Wachukwu said: "Even if we have been told that it was going to be reversed, the status quo should have been maintained while deliberations are on."

The workers alleged that Dr Ijeoma, whom they said lost out in a bid to clinch the position of the Vice Chancellor, in conjunction with some lecturers, who were relieved of their duties because they lacked the requisite qualifications, were behind the move.

However, Dr Ijeoma declined comments.

"I don't want to say anything on this issue," she politely told our reporter.

Fed Govt ill-advised, insist workers at the Federal University of Education, Kaduna In Zaria, the combined unions, which have already metamorphosed into Joint Unions of Federal University of Education (FUE) Zaria, said President Buhari was ill-advised.

The unions, comprising the Academic Staff Union of Universities of Education (ASUUE), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and SSANU, argued that the new role of the institution could not be underestimated.

Speaking on behalf of the three unions in Zaria, ASUUE Chairman, Zaria, Malam Yahuza Salmanu, said: "Mr President, our attention has been drawn to a purported move by the Federal Government to revert the four federal universities of education recently upgraded to university status.

"ASUUE- FUE, Zaria considers the move as retrogressive, ill-advised, counterproductive and totally out of tune with international best practices in teacher education programme."

Salmanu said ASUUE feared the move would further draw teacher education backward.

"At present, degree holders are being clamoured for to teach right from nursery school. Why then should the government be thinking of reverting universities to institutions that would produce only NCE teachers?

"The four universities of education are not new per se; they have structures, personnel, and have been teaching undergraduates and this should not be derailed," he pleaded.

Meanwhile our correspondent, who visited the institution last week, observed that a circular containing the Federal Government's directive to put the conversion on hold littered the institution.

When contacted, Head of Public Relations Unit of the institution, Hajia Rakiya Sidi, said the management did not have any choice other than to comply with Federal Government's directive.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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EDUCATION

Rumpus in KWASU over proposed ASUU

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EACHERS at the five-year ld Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete and the management are set for a showdown over the former's plan to form KWASU's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Members of the academic staff hasve inaugurated KWASU's ASUU caretaker committee, preparatory to the formation of the union.

The chairman and secretary of the caretaker committee are: Dr Dauda Adeshola and Dr Shehu AbdulGaniyu Salau.

But the management has described any form of unionism on campus without its consent as illegal.

Adeshola, shortly after his inauguration, urged members to be resolute in their determination to bargain for better conditions of service. He assured that the proposed association would not contravene laid down rules and regulation.

Interestingly, the caretaker committee had informed the management of the inauguration of KWASU-ASUU. A letter dated August 17th, 2015 and signed by Adeshola stated thus: "This is to officially inform the university management and the academic community that ASUU, KWASU chapter was officially inaugurated on Thursday the 13th of August, 2015 where a caretaker committee was set up for the take-off.”

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The letter entitled: "Inauguration of ASUU, KWASU chapter," was addressed to the registrar.

"We pledge the loyalty of the union to the university authorities and the government of Kwara State.

Kwara State University established in 2009, is now about to witness union activities after the five-year waiting period stipulated by both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and KWASU conditions of Service and Regulations," the letter added.

A circular by the principal/protocol officer, KWASU, Hamidat Yusuf, described the meetings that cumulated to the emergence of the caretaker committee as "illegal, cultic and combative unionism."

The circular reads: "This is to inform the university community that the management is aware of groups of KWASU staff holding clandestine meetings in odd venues in Malete in the name of cultism or combative unionism.

"The university wishes to warn all concerned that this is illegal under KWASU rules and no nefarious clandestine group, no matter what name it disguised itself, will be recognised by the university. The university only recently attained five years of peaceful and purposeful academic calendar.

"An acceptable legal unionism for

students, academic and non academic staff will be ushered in within an open framework with active participation of management and all concerned. No amount of effort by the handful 17 staff that met outside the campus and held cultist meeting to create chaos in the school will succeed.

"The police, office of the university safety and other security agencies have been put on alert to monitor these nefarious individuals and each of the 17 staff or any other who might be misguided is hereby warned.

"A timetable will be published at appropriate time for peaceful unionism. Some gangs are obviously sad about the peaceful nature of KWASU in the face of national difficulties and seek to cause disaffection with government."

However, the Provost College of Information and Communication Technology, Prof Innocent Okoye expressed his happiness on the development.

"For the first time, I am feeling that I am in a university. For once an issue of common interest is being discussed and people are taking sides based on their interests. It is very good for KWASU. So let the controversies continue; conflict is needed for change to take place."

The provost who said he was at the meeting from beginning to the end, protested that the meeting was

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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• KWASU VC Prof AbduiRasheed Na'Allah

not clandestine, having been convened with prior knowledge of the Nigeria police and national headquarters of ASUU. Also reacting, Head of Department (HOD), Aeronautics and Astronautics, Prof Chris Odetunde is disappointed that any peace-loving administration will address peaceful gathering as an illegal union.

"If the administration enjoys controlling the going and coming of faculty, staff and students then it should change KWASU to Kwara state secondary school; KWASU is a citadel of learning for matured thoughts and cross pollination of ideas. Such circular needs to be retracted as it dislocates the peace on campus. It is unconscionable," Odetunde added.

N annual lecture in honour of the former president of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, has been instituted by the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL).

The Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Muhammad Nasiru Maiturare, announced this while declaring open a national conference on the life and writing of the late Gimba hosted by the university’s Faculty of Languages and Communications Studies.

Maiturare said the late literary icon who was the pioneer Pro Chancellor of the university lived a life of modesty, absolute devotion and loyalty.

Maiturare said both workers and students of the institution owed their stay to Gimba’s commitment to work as the chairman of the committee set up by the former Abdulkadir Kure which eventually birthed the university.

“To us at IBB University, Mallam Abubakar Gimba gave us the job that we have today. His sacrifices and commitment culminated in the establishment of a great citadel of learning which we are all proud of,” Maiturare said.

He stated further that the university will endeavour to continue to maintain standard, transparency and excellence as they constitute values cherished by the late writer.

Govt to hike TETfund’s 2% education tax

• From second left: Mrs Dehab, Obembe, Adeniji, and Isiekwe (far left), showing their plaques.

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Student shines at essay competition

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IBBUL’s annual lecture for Gimba

ISS Oluwabukumi Obembe has won a 10.1 inch android tablet at the Youth Square National Essay competition that focused on the electoral process in this year’s general elections.

The contest was organised by Youth Square, an offshoot of Hacey Health Initiative, a non-governmental organisation committed to supporting women to live a healthy and productive life.

It engaged women of between1825 to express their views on election matters in the essay sponsored by the United States Consulate in Nigeria.

Oluwabukumi, a National Open University of Nigeria Accounting undergraduate, wrote on: “My expectation on the 2015 election and beyond”.

By Jane Chijioke

In her essay, she repeatedly advocated good governance, total ridding of corruption in the society, and complete awareness of human rights, among others. She expressed optimism on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Oluwabukumi, who recounted how she stumbled on the contest online, added that she participated because she had always wanted a platform with which to express her views on governance.

Opeyemi Adeniji came second while Nneka Isiekwe took the third place.

Though the competition, which received about 180 entries nationwide, was held in March, only 15 were shortlisted for the final. The

‘If you continue to be involved in governance, when you are done with school, you might want to participate in politics. Read about your country and beyond that think of about what you do’

lucky winners were rewarded at the Consulate on Victoria Island, Lagos two weeks ago.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Youth Square, Ms Rhoda Robinson, said the project aimed to engage young women on governance.

"We realised that it is not everybody who is qualified to vote, be voted for, or show interest in the voting procedure. So, we want them to know the essence and play their role in the political affairs of the country."

The Director of the Consulate, Mrs Dehab Ghebreab, advised the finalists to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

"We need more women to be involved in politics not just in Nigeria but all over the world.

"If you continue to be involved in governance, when you are done with school, you might want to participate in politics. Read about your country and beyond that think of about what you do. Make a difference in people's life. It starts from home; make your presence felt by people around you,” Ghebreab said.

HERE are indications that the Federal Government may have started the process of doubling the two per cent education tax with which it supports the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).

TETfund Executive Secretary Prof Suleiman Bogoro, who disclosed this, said the Federal Ministry of Education had already sent a comprehensive report to the Presidency. It recommended an increase in the tax from two per cent to between three and four per cent.

He spoke in Abuja at an event organised by the Fund tagged: “Institutionalisation of Research and development in tertiary institutions as a launch pad for Nigeria's technological advancement.”

Bogoro, who said as soon as the Presidency reviews the proposal for the increase in the tax and the National Assembly amends the TETfund Act to accommodate the increase, the fund would play its supportive role as expected.

Said Bogoro: "In a recent report by the Ministry of Education to the Federal Government, the case was made for the increase of the 2 per cent education tax collection by Federal Inland Revenue to raise it to three or four per cent.

"We are supportive of it and we believe that with what we have done and if you notice now, some five years ago there was no African university ranked among the top 100 in Africa, that was embarrassing enough.

"Definitely the process will begin as soon as government gives the go ahead. There is a proposal to Mr. President, government will review and see the benefits and demerits and when government decides they should formally take it up.

"For us at TETFund, it may just be that government has taken a decision and we are supposed to ensure that it is facilitated and whatever contribution we need to make to add to an Executive bill emanating

•Prof Bogoro From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

that would raise the collection from two to four percent.

That would mean a lot for us; definitely you cannot change TETFund Act without legislation, it requires the National Assembly."

He noted that the interventions by the fund in research and development have led to improved performance of Nigerian institutions, some of which according to him, has also impacted on their ranking in Africa.

His words:"Today because of aggressive intervention and concentration of government attention on our public tertiary institutions and with massive support of TETFund we now have 28 Nigerian universities ranked among the top 100 in Africa.

"We are not feeling good that we are still outside the 2000 mark for the world. Out of the 1000 global universities there are only five African universities, three from South Africa and two from Egypt.

"Nigeria is yet to be there. We remain quite embarrassed but you better imagine if we increase the intervention and there is patriotic application of the funds in the priority areas, the ranking of our universities will begin to compete with the very best in the world," Bogoro concluded.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

Schools to train students in computer maintenance

T

HE management of King Solomon International Secondary School (KSIS) Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is set to train students on computer hardware maintenance and repairs.

The proprietress of the school, Lady Grace Asuquo, who announced this in her address during the 2015 valedictory and award service for the 2014/2015 graduates of the school in Ewet Housing Estate Uyo, stressed that the students will also be trained on computer software installation.

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

She said the school has already hired the services of Information and Communication experts (ICT) experts to train students in both theory and practical, Asuquo noted that in the quest to improve students’ performances in both internal and external examinations, the school has engaged the service of external examiners and consultants to complement supervision of academic activities.

She said: “Since the advent of King

Solomon Secondary School in 2004, it has served and met the academic, spiritual and emotional needs of our children and neighbouring communities.”

The chairman of the occasion, Francis Umoh,a surveyor charged graduands to be good ambassadors of their alma mater. He advised them to choose their career based on their passion and interest in the profession and not by sentiment or any form of pressure.

The school Principal Obong Ubong

Akpan, described the graduands as ‘worthy in learning and character.’

“We shall continue to maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, and cult-related activities among our dear students and staff as well as lead by example.”

Being a faith-based school, Akpan stressed that it is determined to train and shape students for future leadership so as to match same with global leaders in character and learning.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Dream big’ the guest speaker Mr Charles Inyang,

charged the graduands to have big dreams and also work hard towards making them a reality.

In his farewell address, the school senior prefect, Daniel Eyo who congratulated their predecessors also wished them success in their future academic pursuit.

Replying, the outgoing senior prefect of the school, Kamtoro-Abasi Okon who spoke on behalf of others praised the management for providing a good environment for learning so as to actualise their dreams in life.

Don seeks corporate governance

P

ROF Babatunde Mohammed of the Department of Education Management of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), has proffered corporate governance as the key to achieving the set goals of a university.

He spoke at the 25th graduation of LASU (Lagos State University) Staff School, with the theme: Education and progressive changes in democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

In his lecture titled: ‘Education and good corporate governance' Mohammed who once served as teacher in the school, explained that societies whether micro or macro, has a system of educating its youths and as such, education for a good life has been one of the persistent of man in history.

He said because schools are considered ‘domestic industries’ while pupils are ‘domesticated pets’, school managers should know they cannot manage schools like other industries they know.

He said corporate governance is an internal system encompassing policies, processes and people who are shareholders and stakeholders who direct and control management activities with good business objectivity, accountability and integrity.

Using LASU as a case study he said: "In my opinion, all stakeholders in LASU which include the management (Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian), Deans and Com-

By Jane Chijioke

mittee of Provosts, Heads of Departments, lecturers, Deputy Registrars, administrative staff, student and others should reflect on how we are managing LASU. A university that is over 30years (eight vice chancellors) and had experienced close to two third of its years of existence is still wallowing in crisis.”

To obtain good corporate governance; school managers should abstain from activities that speak no good for the school, but rather embrace integrity, transparency, accountability, fairness among others.

He advised the school not to engage any staff without the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) certificate, urgingthose without the certificate to obtain one.

He also said staff school teacher should embrace dialogue in line with the principles of corporate governance in pursuing their affairs, rather than conflict, noting that the school should continue to be seen as part of staff welfare package.

The head teacher of the school, Mrs Adeola Aribike, called on stakeholders to go back to the drawing board and retrace their steps for the desired change to be achieved.

She advised the graduating pupils to maximise what they had learnt and also not to relent in their pursuit of a fulfilled life.

• Graduating pupils of Sephy's School, Igbe Road Ikorodu, Lagos State in a group photograph with two of their teachers to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the School.

College holds annual valedictory

T

HE class of 2015 of Fortlad College, Mushin, Lagos, has celebrated its valedictory service amidst pomp. It was tagged: 'Bearing lasting fruits'.

The service which took place at school hall, was well attended by parents and family members of the grandaunds, guests, staff and other students of the school.

The proprietress, Mrs S. F. Omosule, wished all the graduads success in their future endeavours.

She advised them not to forget the values instilled in them from their first day as students of the school.

"The 2015 graduating set has distinguished themselves as respon•General Consol of Italy in Nigeria Andrea Pompermaier, General Manager Loving Gaze a NonGovernmental Organisation Barbara Pepoli, and Educational Director SS. Peter and Paul School Ikate, Lagos Lucia Melchiori, (Left) the school head teacher John Williams, (extreme left back row) during the school end of year party in Lekki.

sible, disciplined and highly intellectual individuals.

“They are the best I have had the opportunity to mentor. I am positive that you all will maintain the integrity inculcated into your characters from the first day you enrolled as students of this prestigious institution,” she said.

Mr Ojewale Kehinde Paul who emerged as the best graduating student told The Nation that the journey in achieving such a feat was hard work and dedication to studies. Kehide said he hopes to study Medicine in the university in future because he wants to save lives.

•Cross section of SS 3 & JSS 3 graduands at Triple Crown College Class of 2015 valedictory & graduation ceremony at the school premises in Ketu, Lagos.

‘Words of God will curb childhood delinquency’

E

XECUTIVE Director, Grande Oak Bridge Montessori School, Lekki, Mrs Royeke Obalade, has said repeated preaching of the words of God in schools will help

By Ibrahim Adam

curb Juvenile delinquency in the society.

Obalade said this at the 2014/2015 end of the year concert/graduation held at the Monack Garden event centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Mrs Royeke said teaching the students the way of the lord; in addition to morals and values will go a long way to cub vices in the society.

"Childhood delinquency is very true. I am a Christian and as much as we do not enforce our religion on people, we make use of that opportunity to groom the children in the way of God. For instance, we pray every morning and share the words of God with the children because I believe it is the only way to stop juvenile delinquency.

"If you don't share the words of God with them, you later find out that because you have taken that words of God out of the school, you see them going out to do whatever they like."

Mrs Royeke charged the students to concentrate on their studies while also tasking their parents to support their wards to be successful.

"The kids should concentrate on their academics; some because they are still young don't know why they are here but we keep letting them know how to set goals, how to have a vision.

In her address Headmistress and Co-owner of the Santa Maria Montessori School, Surulere Mrs Peju Njideaka, charged the students to be diligent and articulate in their career, adding that their parents should continue to support them.

The event also featured different presentations in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. There was also award presentation to toddlers, as well as nursery and primary school pupils.

One of the parents, Dr Blessing Ishiomo, said: “I am so much impressed with everything I see here today despite having three students here because they have really improved.”

The head girl of the school, Amy Olafusi, emerged the overall best student of the session. She also came tops in literacy and science.

Ishiomo described her leadership role as a ‘good experience’ and thanked her parents for their support.

How the nation can have peace, by Tambuwal

UNILAG students design electric car Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

It was supposed to be a free drug donation exercise. But, for the Pharmacy students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), their visit to the camp of the Internally-Displaced People (IDP) in Isihor Village on the outskirts of Benin City, the Edo State capital, revealed several humanitarian crises facing over 1,400 children in the camp. EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (400-Level Pharmacy) reports.

Face-to-face with displaced children T

HEY all looked frail and malnourished; an indication that they were in dire need of medical attention. The available medical scheme has been overstretched, leaving many of them vulnerable to contagious diseases and hunger.

This has been the fate of over 1,400 children in the Internally-Displaced People (IDP) camp in Isihor, a village on the outskirts of Benin City, the Edo State capital. The poor living condition in the camp made Pharmacy students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), under the aegis of members of National Fellowship of Christian Pharmacy Students (NFCPS), to visit the camp.

When the students got to the camp, the children were moving around aimlessly; some of them withdrew themselves from the crowd, crying in isolation. To compound their woes, news got to the IDPs that they would be moved to an unknown location by the Federal Government.

As the students discussed with the pastors in charge of the camp, about 60 Toyota Hiace buses loaded with security operatives arrived to relocate the children. This did not deter the students from carrying out their mission.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the camp is owned and operated by a non-governmental organisation. It was initially an orphanage, with about 400 children before the arrival of 900 children whose parents had been killed by Boko Haram insurgents.

The President of NFCPS, Miss Victory Obiri, led her colleagues to distribute drugs to the children who needed urgent medical intervention.

Victory said the mission of the NFCPS was to boost hygiene in the camp. She said: “We were informed that the camp was in need of some OTC drugs to treat scabies. This is why we brought drugs that would help stop the spread of infectious

•The Pharmacy students donating drugs to the displaced children

disease.” She stated.

An agent of the Department of State Security (DSS) said the camp was not safe for the children, which warranted their relocation.

He said: “For security reasons, we are not disclosing the location we are relocating them. We have been in this camp for four days now. We just got an order from above to move the IDPs back to the North, where it would be relatively easy to reunite with their parents.”

A 14-year-old Hosea, one of the displaced children, relived the incident that wiped out his family, vowing not to go back to his village in Borno State.

He said: “The government told us they want to give us good place to

stay in the North. I don’t want to go back. If they want to help, they should bring the help to us here.

We are one Nigeria. They should come and build schools here. They should give us security here.”

According to Hosea, the IDPs initially supported the move to relocate them but later rejected the plan when they learnt the plot was to take them back to the North.

He added: “We heard some of the policemen said they were taking us to Jigawa. Others said it would be Kano. This is why we reject their plan to move us away from here.

We don’t want to go back to any northern state. I am not from Jigawa or Kano. I have never been there before. Help us here or leave us

alone.”

Things in the camp went awry when some of the children, having got the news of their relocation, slumped and convulsed.

Pastor Solomon Folunrusho, who led other clergy on evangelical mission to the camp, said some of the children were yet to recover from the shock of horror scenes they witnessed in the North.

He said: “Some of them had recently been discharged from UNIBEN Teaching Hospital. Now, the relocation plan triggered another round of shock that reminded them of the gory incidents they witnessed. Most of them actually saw their parents being slaughtered.”

The pharmacy students joined pastors in the camp to resuscitate the children, who fainted.

Folurunsho described the students’ visit.

The pharmacy students condemned the manner with which the children were to be relocated. One of them said “There is no reason relocating the children back to the states close to the area of Boko Haram activities. If the government wants to help them, they should provide security for them. The children could fall victims of bomb blast if they are relocated back to the Northeast. Moving the children would further traumatise them.”

The atmosphere became rowdy •Continued on page 30

•78 pharmacists take oath of practice -P32•Dept gets first woman president -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

Uncanny bravery

F

public esteem, not just by embracing humanitarian projects but by taking decisions that required moral courage.

He was asked if with he wished he had done anything differently as 08116759750 president. After thinking about it (SMS only) a moment, •aagboa@gmail.com for Carter smiled. “I wish I had sent the most important aspect of Christianity,” one more helicopter to get the hostages, and he said, and read from the Sermon on the we would’ve rescued them, and I would’ve Mount in the Book of Matthew: “I say to you been reelected.” Analysts and historians say love your enemies and pray for those who the Iranian hostage crisis was at the forefront as to why he was not reelected. Fifty-two persecute you.”

He mentioned his conflict resolution work, American were taken hostages during the including the Camp David peace agreement crisis.

Ex-presidents either disappear into the and negotiating a nuclear program with North Korea, and said mediation can help sunset to write memoirs or they lend their resolve any conflict, be it between two name to laudable goals that are also largely uncontroversial. Not Carter. He rebuked his countries or two people.

Carter’s grandson, former Georgia State own Democratic successors like Bill Clinton Senator Jason Carter, tweeted that it was the and Barack Obama over issues such as drone 689th time that his grandfather had taught strikes, Guantanamo Bay and other issues.

Sunday school at Maranatha. He teaches He even took on the powerful Israel lobby about 40 times a year. Carter – it would be calling its policies in the Palestinian recalled - served as president from 1977 to territories apartheid.

On the religious front, the devoutly 1981 and became active in humanitarian causes and monitoring elections after leaving religious Carter who served as a deacon office. As a result of his numerous works he severed his own ties with the Southern Baptist Convention because he found their won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Another lesson from the press conference doctrine “increasingly rigid.” None of these was that Carter was at peace. “I’m perfectly decisions could have been easy and all of at ease with whatever comes,” said Carter. them exposed him to criticism.

His decision to hold a press conference to “I do have a deep religious faith which I am very grateful for.” It is instructive to note that bare his health issues is just as gutsy and his religion is not the type that deny that principled. One cannot but be admiring of a sickness and death exists, or the one that public figure who chooses to do that. It attributes all illnesses to the devil. He is well requires both courage and humility that aware that as a good Christian he should politicians rarely have because an admission accept, with grace and faith, everything that of illness is often viewed as an admission of weakness and vulnerability. come his path.

This ex-president could have just quietly Though very young, I vividly recollected that Jimmy Carter left his presidency a stepped down from his foundation and diminished man even though he had come dialed back his active schedule without to power as a man famous for his decency disclosing the real reason; no one would have and honesty. But because of the Iran hostage questioned a 90-year-old man’s decision to crisis, he left office as a leader regarded as step down.

In our part of the world, most of us are somewhat weak, deposed by a more swashbuckling Ronald Reagan who played reluctant to discuss our private health issues up his own cowboy image. But in his long because we do not want the attention, the pity, post-presidency Carter has steadily risen in the barrage of endless advice, and depending

OR close to an hour last Thursday, I listened with rapt attention to former United States of America President, Jimmy Carter speaking and answering questions on the state of his health on Cable News Network (CNN). He revealed that doctors had found spots of melanoma cancer on his liver and brain and that he would begin radiation treatment immediately. The news is surprising considering previous speculation that the 90-year-old Carter might have been suffering from pancreatic cancer, which claimed the lives of his father and all three of his siblings.

During the press conference, the former president was willing to answer any question thrown at him by newsmen that day. He was in high spirit as he spoke about his family, his regrets, what he would change in his life if given another opportunity and the advice he has for people passing through similar circumstance. I could not but admire the uncanny way he spoke; blunt, calm, optimistic and even encouraging. He made my day that Thursday.

Immediately the press conference ended, I started reflecting: Would our leaders – both past and present - speak with such honesty about their health status? What is it about us that make discussing anything about health and dying such a taboo? Is it our religion, culture and tradition or simply the way we are ‘wired’ that cannot make us come out clean on issues? I can go on and on asking questions that may take series of books to answer.

What I equally found inspiring about the Carter story was that he taught Sunday school in his local church the following Sunday. Reports had it that a larger-thanusual crowds of well-wishers thronged the church - the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia – to hear him teach about love. He had to teach extra classes because of the crowd. This was a man who just told the world three days ago that he has cancer!

Carter told the 300 people who filled the church’s sanctuary that: “We are studying

Agbo Agbo

on the malady, the judgement – from religious, village, lifestyle and others – that would follow. But for a political leader or public figure, there’s also the fear that they will be regarded as damaged and weak in the public eye, and lose some of their clout, thus become more easily replaceable.

In all fairness, we are not alone when the issues of health are raised. That need for secrecy was also obviously true in the Soviet Union where the health of leaders was a state secret. The news of Stalin’s stroke came out only a day before he died. Leonid Brezhnev’s failing health was apparent but never mentioned. His successors died in quick succession but their illnesses were never disclosed as other leaders jockeyed for power.

Current US President Barack Obama’s physical test results are announced publicly but our leaders are far more tight-lipped about their health. Again while it’s absolutely the prerogative of the patient and the patient’s family about what they want to disclose, it also means we often enter a breeding ground for rumour when it comes to illness.

Leaders should not feel the need to make their personal medical history a matter of public record but it is also true that the secrecy clampdown around it adds to the burden of the illness in the public eye. But I firmly believe that it would make enormous difference to millions of cancer patients - not only in the US, but across the world – that an ex-president like Carter is suffering from the same disease and will likely be on the frontline in fighting the disease and looking for a cure.

Cancer is terribly commonplace and becoming more and more common by the day. We fear it enough to not want to go for check-ups in case we find out something we would rather not know. The secrecy around it adds to the aura of the feeling of a death sentence. It becomes the great taboo.

What Carter did was break that taboo and face his disease squarely. He did not do it with false optimism but with great grace, tying his prognosis with the debilitating parasitic guinea worm the Carter Center has been trying to eradicate.

During the press conference, he jokingly said: “I hope the last guinea worm dies before I do.” Listening to him that day, this great man made the illness simply a human condition. It sounds obvious but it was a truly rare and remarkable thing to do. He is worth emulating.

‘I derive endless joy playing music’ Oredolapo Otedola is pursuing a career in Computer Science at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Yaba, Lagos. But, he has a passion for gospel music. He tells MARY SONUGA (100-Level English) what he wants to achieve with music.

•Sympathisers attending to one of the children who fainted

Face-to-face with displaced children •Continued from page 29 when Senator Mathew Urhoghide visited the camp to mark his 60th birthday with the children.

He assured the IDPs that nobody would force them to leave the camp.

The lawmaker dismissed the insinuation that the displaced children were security threat in the state, saying: “Federal Government has better understanding for the security situation in the country but no one is saying that they are posing a threat to the state.”

Charity Chinaka, a 400-Llevel student, said the visit afforded her an opportunity to know the living

condition in IDP camps, urging the government and its agencies to step up efforts to solve the humanitarian crises facing the nation.

Her words: “The visit to the Isihor IDP camp gave me first-hand information about challenges facing victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

While I am glad to be part of the team that donated drugs to bring relief to the children, I will use this medium to appeal to the government and various humanitarian agencies on behalf of these children.

The conditions in the IDP camp are harsh and they go beyond what we see on our television screen. How many people know that some of the children are stricken by life-threatening ailments?”

W

HEN did you start singing gospel music?

I cannot say when I started, because music for me is natural. My late dad had a passion for the guitar. That tells you that I was born into music; it is in our gene. So, I was born into it, but I started singing outdoor some two years ago.

Since you started, what has it fetched you?

Gospel music has taken me to places where I would not have been in my life. I cannot imagine myself playing outside the country many times. It has made me reach out to the world. I have worked with popular artistes, such as Sinach, Nosa, Cobhams and Tosin Martins, among others.

What has been your low moment?

That was the day I went for a concert and I forgot the powerpack to my guitar. I was confused and had to rush down to church to get it. I did perform at the event,

but after my performance, I got a call that I lost my dad.

As a student and gospel artiste, how do you combine your studies with music?

It has not been easy for me, but God is my strength. There were times I had gone for rehearsals and concert when I had test and examination. But, I could manage the two areas properly.

Has there been pressure from parents on you to face your studies rather than music?

I only heard some people complained outside my home front, but my parents have always encouraged me. I remember my dad always said ‘son, you have to add academic certificate to whatever you do. I graduated with distinctions and I also did music’. But some would advise me to focus on my studies. Music is my passion. I love science discipline but I derive unending joy from music.

What is your aim in the next five years?

I want my mother to be proud of

•Oredolapo

her son as one of the best gospel artistes in the country.

How have you contributed to the music industry?

I have been contributing by helping budding artistes to hone their talents.

I also organise free seminar for people who have interest in music. I have a plan to establish an outfit, where I would be teaching people music.

Who are your mentors?

My best mentor is Olumide Iyun, because I marvel at the manner he plays the guitar. I also like Joyce Meyer and my brother, Olumide, who always encourages me to do things I think I cannot do.

What is your advice for budding artistes?

First, I want them to get their calling right. That is the foundation on which other things will be placed. It would be disastrous for anyone not to know what he wants to do. I want them to follow their dreams. Challenges will come but we must not give up our passion, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

31

CAMPUS LIFE

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HAT could have been a bloodshed was averted at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Enugu State, last Monday. While activities were at the peak on the campus, some hoodlums, suspected to be secret cult members, struck. There was pandemonium as everyone ran for dear life, turning the campus into a ghost town.

The cultists’ target, a witness said, was a burly final year Mechanical Engineering student, who was in a storey-building classroom when the assailants arrived. The three-man gang isolated their target from the crowd and pushed him to the floor, pulling out their gun.

The witness told CAMPUSLIFE that the suspected cultists made attempts to shoot at their victim but their gun could not discharge bullets.

While this was going on, students, who were around the building, ran in various directions. Some, who were trapped in the classrooms on the upper floor of the building, jumped down. Many students got injured as they tried to escape from the scene. Some girls, who could not run, stood dazed, watching the horror scene.

A student, who simply gave her name as Norah, told CAMPUSLIFE that the assailants aimed at their victim’s head but their gun’s trigger seized. She said two of the cultists continued to hit the victim with hard materials, while one of them reloaded the gun.

“When he was done, he made another attempt to shoot at the victim, who was now bleeding profusely, but the gun still could not discharge

A final year Mechanical Engineering student of the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu cheated death, last Monday, when a three-man gang attacked him on the campus. The attempt to kill the victim failed as the gun held by his assailants failed to discharge, but many students got injured in the incident. EMMANUEL AHANONU reports.

Scores injured as cultists strike at IMT

•The IMSU gate

bullets,” she said.

When it dawned on the assailants that their mission had failed, they fled the scene, abandoning their victim in a pool of blood. The cult-

ists, CAMPULIFE learnt, escaped through AfriHub Building, where they joined a waiting car and drove out of the campus.

One of the victim’s classmates,

who pleaded anonymity, said it was the second attack in the building by secret cult members in one week.

He said: “The cult members visited exactly a week earlier. When

they arrived in our class, they brought out a gun and ordered everyone to lie down. After a while, they ordered us to raise our faces and looked around. When they discovered that the person they were looking for was not in the class, they left. Now, they have come back again to terrorise us in the class.

While all these happened, the school security officers were nowhere to be found.”

Another student, who also did not want his name in print, said the school authorities deployed Man O’ War cadets, more than 20 minutes after the assailants left the campus, to harass students and search their bags.

Investigation by CAMPUSLIFE showed that the campus has become unsafe because of the incessant attacks by cultists. A lecturer, who simply gave his name as Mr Ugwu, said cult clashes were becoming a common occurrence in the school.

It would be recalled that government had recently embarked on “operation wipe out cultism”, following cult clashes that led to the death of students in Nsukka zone.

The institution’s Director of Public Relations, Dr Ifeanyi Ojobor, denied the incident when he spoke to CAMPUSLIFE on telephone.

He said: “I was on campus till the evening on that day and I never heard of such cult attack.”

But, students have appealed to the management to strengthen the security on the campus. They urged the authorities to equip the school security officers to combat the growing violence on the campus.

A group of Mechanical Engineering students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has unveiled a zero-emission automobile built to reduce global warming. KAWTHAR BABATUNDE (300Level Petroleum Engineering) reports.

UNILAG students design electric car

T

HE project was conceived last year and the aim was to build an automobile that will not be powered by fuel. Months after they started the project, the engineers came out with a design of the car.

The eco-friendly automobile was unveiled last Wednesday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The engineering students, who designed the zero-emission vehicle, named it DOVE P1 at an exhibition organised by Designed for Zero Vehicle Emission (DOVE) Initiative at the Julius Berger Hall.

The 200 kilogramme automobile is powered by a high voltage battery and has no carbon emission. It has only a driver’s seat and a speed limit of 15 kilometres per hour. It is fitted with a tabular frame chassis and a 16-inch diameter tires.

The project was initiated by Olusanya Olukoya, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering of the university, who said the car was built with locally-sourced materials.

Olusanya told CAMPUSLIFE that the car was designed out of their desire to encourage eco-friendly inventions. He praised the school management for supporting the project and their passion for practising what they were taught in the class.

He said: ‘The project DOVE Initiative is a design and innovation group established to encourage innovativeness of the youth to design and create vehicles of the future in Nigeria. We want to create pure, clean, eco-friendly and energy efficient automobiles. This informed our idea to build an electric car as against the conventional fuel-pow-

ered cars.”

He said electric vehicles would be become a new trend in the future, noting that the world was running out of fossil fuels. Electric cars, Olusanya said, has an advantage over the conventional vehicle, because it reduces carbon emission into the atmosphere.

During the presentation of the techniques behind the design, Peace Omoruyi, a 500-Level Mechanical Engineering student and leader of the project team, said they had already started the design of DOVE P2, which would be an improvement on the DOVE P1.

According to him, the new automobile would have an ergonometric design, accident prevention system, fingerprint port and anti-theft technology.

The exhibition was attended by guests from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Corporation, Mr. F.A. Akandu.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahmon Bello, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof A.O. Fakinlade, hailed the students, expressing hope that the project would place the nation on the global map.

He said: “We must learn from countries that have vibrant automobile industries. The extent to which our automobile industry goes depends on the level of support we give young inventors and how fast we can learn. I urge other engineering students to emulate this initiative and design life-changing projects that can boost local inventions.”

The Managing Director of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mr Adedamola

• Members of the DOVE Team (in black shirts) test-driving the automobile with their colleagues

‘We must learn from countries that have vibrant automobile industries. The extent to which our automobile industry goes depends on the level of support we give young inventors and how fast we can learn. I urge other engineering students to emulate this initiative and design life-changing projects that can boost local inventions’ Adeojo, said he was impressed by the students’ creativity, noting that the development could boost local expertise for vehicles’ production.

He said: “We are here to celebrate ingenuity of our youths. I see inventions like this to have to potentials to change the thinking of unemployed youths to become inventors.

I will encourage the designers of

DOVE P1 to transform the project into a business idea.”

Prof Oluremi Olatunbosun, Head of Automotive Engineering Laboratory of the University of Birmingham in United Kingdom, said he was surprised by the students.

If supported, Prof Olatunbosun expressed optimism that the project could make Nigeria a vehicle-manu-

facturing nation, adding that it could provide jobs to the unemployed youths.

He said: “One of the areas we can create jobs is manufacturing industry and that is how countries like China and Singapore developed.”

Akandu said Lagos government would maintain partner with the DOVE P1 designers to create opportunities for youths in the state.

Maduka Smart, a final year Mechanical Engineering student and a member of DOVE Initiative, while unveiling the group’s plan for the future, said the team had the plan to take to take the initiative beyond the campus. He solicited support of the government and engineers.

The NSE through its representative, Mr Tunde Jayesinmi, pledged its support, saying it would maintain cordial relationship with the group.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE Management, students discuss exam challenges From Faith Olaniran and ‘Tola Ajose FUTA

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•The graduands after taking the oath

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HE Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), last week, presented 78 graduates of Pharmacy before Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) for induction and oath taking. The PCN Registrar, Mr Elijah Muhammed, administered the oath on the graduands in a ceremony held on the Sagamu campus of the institution.

Halimah Badmus emerged best graduating student, having graduated with highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Saburi Adesanya, led top management staff to the event, including Deputy VC, Prof Sule Odu and Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof Mbang Oyewo. Also, the Perma-

78 pharmacists take oath of practice From Sanya Boluwatife OOU nent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr Daisi Odeniyi, and Pharm. Ibukun Oyeloninu, attended the event.

Halimah, who graduated as the best student in pharmaceutics and pharmacy technology, was presented with a plaque and N50,000 cheque. Others, who had the best results in their departments, were also honoured. They are Oyinlade Odujoko (Pharmacognosy), Yewande Adebanjo (Clinical Phar-

macy and Biopharmacy) and Latifat Edalere (Pharmaceutical Microbiology).

While describing the faculty as one of the best pharmacy schools, Prof Oyewo praised the VC for his support, describing him as an agent of change. She advised the gradaunds to be humble and adhere to the ethics of the profession.

Halimah attributed her success to God, saying the road to her success was not smooth. “There were challenges and there were times I asked why I chose to study Pharmacy. I thank God that I am able to sur-

mount the challenges and graduate as best students.”

Mr Olawale Badmus, a parent, said her daughter had been showing a trait of brilliance since her primary school. Badmus said he was not surprised Halimah graduated as the best student of the faculty.

He said: “I am not surprised by my daughter’s feat. In fact, we do call her first lady, because of her trait of brilliance since primary school. I remember we wanted her to study Medicine but she did not subscribe to that because she did not like to see blood.”

Ex-CAMPUSLIFE man gives scholarship to pupils

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FORMER CAMPUSLIFE reporter at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Reuben Agu, has given scholarship to pupils of UNICAL Staff School during the 31st graduation. The beneficiaries, who also won various categories of awards and prizes, were the best among the pupils graduating from the school.

The beneficiaries were presented with the prizes at the event held in the school hall. They include pupils in nursery, kindergarten and Grade 1 to 4.

Reuben, who gave out the scholarship through his foundation, said he was motivated by the performance of the pupils when he observed his National Youth Service with the school.

Reuben, who is now a lecturer at the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology in UNICAL, said he was using the scholarship to recognise the effort of the pupils and to encourage them to work hard for excellent results.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to focus on what they are taught in the class, telling them not to hesitate to ask their teachers whenever

From Stanley Uchegbu UNICAL they face challenges in their studies. He praised the school authorities for giving him the opportunity to give back to the society.

The Headmistress, Mrs Florence Eleng, was full of praise for the donor, describing the scholarship as a kind gesture. She said the prizes would encourage the pupils to work harder and sustain moral standard in the school.

Mrs Eleng said: “This is not the first time Reuben will be donating to the school. When he was a Corps member here, he purchased and donated 14 white magic boards to the school. The magic boards have made the school to teach effectively.”

A beneficiary, Ejiro Olose, said the scholarship would boost her zeal to strive for excellence. Another pupil, Essien Okon, promised to study hard to achieve his dream of studying Medicine and Surgery.

Dignitaries at the event included the UNICAL Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, and Prof Simeon Utsalo.

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From Samson Uwala NIJ created to give young people a platform to showcase their innovation and their exploits, which are not reported by traditional media.

He said: “The website is created to bring under-reported activities of young people to the world. We want to create a network of young people in Nigeria and Africa that will be a

Mixed reactions trail union election From Joy Hananiya IBBU TUDENTS of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, have gone to the polls to elect their leaders. Both campuses of the institution were agog for the Students’ Union Government (SUG), which was keenly contested.

At the end of the exercise, Sadiq Abubakar Gimba emerged the union president, having polled 869 votes to beat his opponent. He made history as the first union president to be elected from Faculty of Education.

Speaking after the inauguration of the elected officials, a 200-Level Sport Science student, Aisha Musa, described the event as a new dawn.

She said the union leaders must work hard to earn students’ trust, noting the new administration must be seen as representing students’ interest.

Sylas Abraham, another student, said the election took many students by surprise, because it was the first time a candidate would win the union presidency from the less-populated Kobo campus. He said he suspected the electoral process may have been skewed in favour of the winner.

A student, who simply gave her name as Princess, said: “I am not surprised by the outcome of the election. It used to be students in permanent site, won the presidential position, because of the population. We are happy that a student has won the election. We should thank God that there was not violence. I hope Gimba would do better than his predecessor.”

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•Reuben (right) presenting the scholarship letter to one of the pupils

Students unveil online youth magazine O boost the coverage of young people’s achievements, a group of students of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos have launched an online magazine, www.passionAfrica.com, centred on youth activities.

Speaking at an event where the medium was unveiled, the website co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, David Atilola, said the website was

O promote academic excellence, management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State has held a counselling session for students. It was aimed at inspiring and motivating students facing challenges in their studies.

The Dean, Students’ Affairs (DSA), Dr Kayode Alese, said the initiative was borne out of the management decision to make students focus on their studies.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Prof Tunde Arayela, said the management did not want any student to perform below standard, noting that the school counselling unit had been equipped to help students overcome their challenges.

Mr Damilola Adamolekun, a staff of the counselling unit, advised students to approach the office to list obstacles they encountered last session, which hindered their academic success. He said: “Failure is not the end of life. The product of failure is the raw material of success, because those who have never failed before may not know how to succeed.”

Students hailed the management for the programme, pledging to intimate the school counsellors of their challenges ahead of their examination.

platform through which youths can propagate their innovative ideas.”

David said there were many young people whose achievements remained unknown to the world, because the traditional media failed to give them an opportunity to showcase their feats.

“We will open campus chapters in various schools, which would create an avenue for student-journalists to write about events in their

school. We also want to use this medium to promote citizen journalism. We will be welcoming contributions from youths and students, who want to express themselves,” he added.

The president and co-founder, Alice Ajakaiye, corroborated David, saying the online magazine would make young people to move with the trend and get them involved in -making process.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE Dept gets first woman president

Medical lab scientists honour provost

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CADEMIC activities gave way to electioneering, last Wednesday, at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE) in Jos, the Plateau State capital. Students of the college went to polls to elect their leaders in departments of the institution.

Zakiya Usman, a 300-Level Television Journalism student, was elected the first woman president of Television Journalism Students’ Association (TEJOSA).

Election of Television Production Students Association (TEPSA) ended in controversy as one of the presidential candidates, George Holly, got disqualified moments before the election started.

The electoral committee chairman, Mr Mohammed Babawuro, said the disqualification was in line with the guidelines of the election.

He said: “The electoral committee worked with all the guidelines governing electoral conduct to ensure

•Zakiya

•Mafeng

From Augustine Anyanwu TV COLLEGE credible, transparent, free and fair election is conducted in the interest of all students and management of the college.”

He added that George’s disqualification was not conceived in the last minutes to the polls, noting that the candidate did not meet the criteria to stand for election. The barred student was also said to have ongoing disciplinary case with the authorities, while his academic results could not be accessed.

George supporters, who besieged

the election venue in their numbers, left in anger, threatening to disrupt the process if their candidate was not recalled. George pleaded with his supporters not to resort to violence, saying there was no cause for alarm.

After the election, Mafeng Musa emerged the TEPSA president.

In a related development, the college chapter of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPPS) held its elections, which had Jerry Bot elected as president, defeating Prince El-Sadiq Nyam Izang.

ROVOST of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Umunze, Anambra State, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, has been honoured with a Distinguished Excellence Award by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).

Ogbuagu was honoured at a professional development workshop held by the association at Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies Complex in UNIZIK. AMLSN chairman, Dr Chukwujekwu Nwabueze, said the award was to recognise the association’s role models, who contributed to the development of medical laboratory science profession. He said the association was also recognising Ogbuagu’s strides in development of infrastructure in the college and his effort to provide conducive learning atmosphere.

He said: “A man who has and is still contributing his quota to nation

From Emeka Chukwuemeka FCE UMUNZE building, humanity and the promotion of qualitative education, which remains the best legacy that can be bequeathed to our children, should be recognised when they will appreciate it. This is why we consider Prof Ogbuagu for the honour.”

Replying, the provost, represented by his wife, Dr Adaora Ogbuagu, said the honour would make her husband to be focused and increase his effort more to improve the standard of education in the college.

She said: “We have not achieved the aim of improving education standard yet. Those of us, who have seen the standard of education in other countries, would be pained by the level of education in our country. We will continue to do our best to make it better. We are not doing this to impress anybody; all we have done was to do the right thing and we will continue it despite the challenges.”

•A member of the staff of the Students’ Affairs Unit, Mr Ganiyu Yusuf (second left) and members of the union unveiling the event’s logo

UNILAG set for sports festival

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•Onyenokwe with some of the participants after the seminar

NGO trains ladies in leadership skill

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NON-GOVERNMENTAL o r g a n i s a t i o n , Entreprenurship Action in US (ENACTUS) has held an empowerment seminar for female students, with the aim to mentor them to become successful leaders in business and politics.

The event took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos and was attended by 900 students from 20 universities.

Head of ENACTUS media team, Mrs Elizabeth Okwoho, said the seminar was informed by the need to engage the female students in community-based project aimed at influencing and educating women at the grassroots.

She said: “What brings up the idea of women empowerment is the need to train female students, who will engage women population in the northern part of the country that has been edged out of economic opportunities, because of religious barrier. We need to break this barrier and this is why we have brought successful women to inspire the trainees.”

The event was in two phases- the discussion and engagement sessions. During the discussion, Edi-

By Medinat Kanabe

tor-in-Chief of TW Magazine, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, inspired the participants with her personal experience in leadership, advising them to always strive to achieve success in their endeavours.

In the engagement session, the participants were paired with a mentor who, led discussions in the group and responded to questions from the mentees.

Discussions at the seminar focused on overcoming the challenges of being a woman in leadership position, balancing work and family responsibilities, becoming a role model in a hostile environment, and applying entrepreneurial skills to achieve success, among others.

Other speakers at the event included Public Affairs Officer of the United States (U.S.) Embassy, Melissa Ford, officials of U.S. Embassy, Deb Maclean and Chinenye Uwadilike, former Executive Director of Junior Achievement, Kunbi Wuraola, Executive Director, Ideas Builders Initiative, Lucy Kanu, a banker, Osayi OrueneAlele, Managing Director, Cardinal Developers, Bernadine Okeke, and former Dean of the Faculty of

Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in IleIfe, Prof Olabisi Aina, among others.

A 100-Level student of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Islamiat Abdulsalam, said she learnt leadership tips from seminar, promising to engage in vulnerable women in her community in economic empowerment.

Excel Deyofege, a student of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), said her dream to become a business leader had become realisable after she received mentorship during the seminar.

“I had a problem on how to manage my time. I always do a lot of tasks, which sometimes I felt I should give up on them. Now, I have learnt how to go about managing my time for various activities I engage in. I have plans to have business and I have been inspired to go steps further to achieving my dream,” she said.

Emem Asuquo of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) said she learnt how to make decisions and combining both family responsibility with career.

ETERMINED to train best sportsmen and women that will be the nation’s pride, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG) has unveiled its plans to hold maiden sporting fiesta tagged: UNILAG Sports Festival 2015.

The week-long event, with the theme: Think great, do great, is billed to start September 6 at the institution’s sports center.

At a press briefing last weekend, the union Sport Secretary, Stephine Etiaka, said the objective of the event was to develop sport talents of the students.

She said: “The sport festival has been set to be an event that would

From Miftaudeen Raji UNILAG make the nation proud of the students’ talents in sport. It is planned with a mission to improve sport participation among students and to train the best sets of sportsmen and women for the nation.”

Stephine expressed optimism that the events would draw participation of students in both campuses of the institution, management staff and stakeholders in the sport sector and the media.

The highpoint was the unveiling of the event logo by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Rahmon Bello, represented by the Dean, Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Tunde Babawale.

The VC said the event must focus on conveying the message of positive thinking and productivity to the students. He added that the sport festival would not only make positive impact on the university community, but also leave a mark of pride in the heart of students.

Confusion as parliament suspends union leaders

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HE executive and legislative arms of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG) may have been on collision course, following the suspension of Financial Secretary and Treasurer by the parliament.

The executive arm said it rejected the resolution of the Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) signed by the Speaker, Sherif Akinpelu, saying it the decision was unacceptable and unconstitutional.

The executive arm said the union’s constitution allows the SLC to summon any member of the executive for meeting after a notice of 48 hours in writing through the General Secretary. The executive said the house did

From Misbaudeen Raji UNILAG not follow due process before it took the decision.

It was gathered that the SLC clerk, Adeyanju Adeonipekun, only gave a 24-hour notice to the affected members.

The executive described the suspension as a witch-hunt and unnecessary, urging the parliament to rescind its decision.

It was learnt that the suspension motion was moved by Samuel Oshinuga of the Faculty of Science and seconded by Timileyin Akegbejo of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who cited Section 4, sub-section J,K and N of the union, for their action.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was the guest at a conference organised by the Faculty of Social Science of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), where he gave tips on how the nation can surmount its security challenges. ISMAT ANIFOWOSE (300-Level Economics) and YASIN OLAWUMI (300-Level English Language) report.

How the nation can have peace, by Tambuwal

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HE fifth conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) was aimed at enlightening the public on the role of security in national integration and development. And the special guest of honour – Governor Aminu Tambuwal – believes security is critical to any effort aimed at rebuilding the nation.

The nation’s security challenges, he said, would be solved if people gave useful information about criminal activities in their areas.

Tambuwal, who spoke on Security, National Integration and Challenges of Development in Nigeria, said security of lives and property remained the challenge facing 21st societies, stressing the need for a partnership between the people and security agencies.

He said: “Without doubt, insecurity is the most daunting challenge undermining the growth and development of Nigeria as a nation. As the chief executive and, by implication, the chief security officer of this state, an event of this nature is

necessary in enhancing our understanding of the dynamic and complex requirements of the challenges that could inhibit sustainable peace and security in the state.”

He said insecurity had led to the diversion of resources meant for the development of key sectors of the economy to respond to the challenges of security at various levels.

Tambuwal said the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was alive to its responsibilities of providing adequate security to ensure sustainable political and socio-economic change.

He said: “The turn of events in the last two months attests to the commitment and resolve of the present government to liberate the country from security challenges. The various arms of our security forces are being repositioned to reduce the nation’s battered image. At the state level, similar responses are also underway to institutionalise coherent security mechanisms that will consolidate the peace and security that our state is famous for.”

Tambuwal charged the partici-

•Tambuwal speaking at the lecture

pants on enlightening the public to join hand with the government to secure the state. He said adequate security would promote economic growth and human development, but he said it could only be achieved if people are vigilance and give information about criminal activities.

The chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Sokoto State University, Prof Nuhu Yakubu, said the event’s theme was timely, given the current security challenges in the Northeast. The Boko Haram insurgency, he said, has led to extreme poverty and bred corruption in the management of security budget. While saying security of the lives and properties should be the primary focus of government, Prof Yakubu said people had key role to play in proffering solution to their challenges.

The UDUS VC, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, said economy could only

thrive in a peace environment, adding that insecurity had hampered the nation’s development in the last five years. He believed said he expressed national integration could be achieved if there was security.

A lecturer of the Department of Economics, Anas Sanda, hinged the cause of insecurity to income inequality and unstable growth in the economy. He said he carried out a study, which examined relationship between income inequality and economy growth in African countries.

His findings, he said, suggested that income inequality has a negative effect on economic growth, which means a country that has high level of inequality is to experience decline in economic growth.

Sanda said the study showed that income inequality could generate tension in the society. He urged

the government to implement policies that would close the gap between income and economic growth. He said there would always be security challenges in a society where majority of the citizens are hungry and could not have access to the basic needs of life.

The session was followed by question and answer session, after which the Deputy VC for Administration gave the closing prayer.

The university auditorium, where the event was held, was filled to the brim. Guests at event included the Deputy Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Head of Service, Alhaji Suleiman Shinkafi, Governor of Zamfara State, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof Abdullahi Shikafi and Ssultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Alhaji Buhari Abubakar, among others.

Igbo students at the Faculty of Humanities of the Imo State University (IMSU) have marked their Cultural Day during which a female student was installed Ada di Igbo Mma of Lake Nwaebere. EKENE AHANEKU (400-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

•Chiamaka presenting an award to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Imo State Command, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, as Igwe Mbanefo looks on

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HE Department of History and International Studies of the Imo State University (IMSU) is a place where students are taught history of nations and cultures. But, such instructions are only given in theory. Last week, Igbo students of the department had an opportunity to showcase their culture to members of the school community.

It was during the department’s Cultural Day and coronation of the first female chief.

The event started with a cultural dance by the department’s troupe.

This was followed by the cultural performance by the Department of Theatre Arts. This drew students to Faculty of Humanities annex building, where the event was being held.

It became colourful when the His-

•Eze Emetumah (third right) and Prof Nwadike (third right) with members of the assoication

Their culture, their pride tory students marched round the campus in elegant traditional attires. As they proceeded, some of them sang odes in praise of their cultural values and their ancestors.

At the venue, various traditional cuisines were served to guests. The students prepared Ukwa (breadfruit porridge) and local beans known as Akidi to entertain their guests.

There was also Ugba Agworagwo, which is African salad garnished with garden egg and stock fish. The students said they served their native food to promote their culture.

The climax of the event was the coronation of Chiamaka Osueke, a 400-Level student, as Ada di Igbo Mma (an adorable woman) of Lake

Nwaebere, which is a nickname the university is called by students.

Her coronation was to demonstrate changes and civilisation, which Igbo culture undergoes to bring about gender equality and eradicating gender stereotypes that existed in the traditional society.

Sandra Odunze, a 400-Level Law student, described the event as epic, saying it was a reminiscent of cultural celebration in traditional Igbo society. She said Chiamaka’s coronation indicated that women could now be allowed to take up chieftaincy titles of their choice in the school.

She said: “As women students’

leader, I am delighted to witness the cultural display by students of the Department of History. It is a wonderful event organised to educate people on the changes the Igbo culture has undergone. I am happy that women can now be offered traditional titles in our different cultural organisations on campus and in the larger society. This will go a long way in eliminating the agelong barrier placed before the women in our society. Gender equality is what we seek and if many people identifying with this cultural campaign, the gender stereotype in Igbo land would be a thing of the past.”

Chiamaka’s friend Silva

Mmegwa, a 300-Level Psychology student, said: “I am happy because my friend has just broken a jinx, having been installed as Ada di Igbo Mma of IMSU. It is a good development for Igbo students and it sends a strong message that Igbo tradition is coming off age. We must praise the department for this beautiful event in this 21st century when we are campaigning for gender equality. I believe that if this is continued, our cultures will never be relegated to the background.”

Dignitaries at the event included Ofor IX of Umuofor, His Royal Highness A.F.C. Emetumah, Head of the department, Prof Martins Nwankwo, Archdiocese of Okohia, Dr S.I. Nwabugwu, Prof J.C. Nwadike, Chief Andrew Ewerew, Hon. Ezeji Odinaka, Mr Emeka Uba and Barry Nwabueze, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

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OME of us would have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death over and over again before we get to the mountain top of our heart desires.” Said Nelson Mandela.

For me, the pursuit of a university degree brought me face-to-face with the reality of that valley.

I was a Yoruba man with no knowledge of the language or lifestyle of the northerners. But my desperation for a university degree and the limited admission spaces in the Southwest pushed me to Maiduguri.

I arrived Maiduguri in the wake of Boko Haram insurgency. My first trip to Maiduguri was by road. As the rainforest of the Southwest Nigeria paved the way for the Sahel Savannah soil of the North, the fear of the unknown began to grip me. I was going to a people of strange language and tongue; a people so firm in belief and rugged in disposition. But my confidence was that God was always involved. That was the greatest confidence I had. After a 23-hour all-night journey, I arrived Maiduguri. The climate was arid, the land was hot and there was heavy military presence.

One Thursday night, in my third year, I returned home around 9pm and I was so tired that I retired to bed immediately. At 12am, a loud and reverberating explosion woke me up.

Scared, I leaped to my feet and turned

In the throes of death to my roommate, “What was that?”

He replied: “Explosion; and that was the fifth explosion tonight. There have been explosions since 11pm.”

Cold shivers ran through my spine.

It is one thing to read of terrorism on the pages of newspaper or watch it on television. It is another thing to witness it live. I sat quietly at my reading table and listened patiently as sounds of gunshots collided with that of armoured tanks. I stayed awake till 4am when the sounds of gunshots and explosions subsided. Despite the allnight explosions, my exams scheduled for 8am that morning still held.

Then, I learnt that insurgents’ attacks or explosions do not change any schedule. One is expected to adapt and survive.

My closest shave with death was when I travelled along PotiskumDamaturu Highway on my way to Maiduguri in my second year. As usual, it was an all-night journey and at around 6.50am, our bus collided with a trailer fully loaded with cement.

Heaven and earth stood at a standstill as we struggled for life. Though the accident was ghastly but the snare broke and I escaped.

The Maiduguri sandstorm, heat and

cold are difficult experiences that shatter every prejudice and open a man up to a new reality entirely.

There are days hell overflows its boundaries and its excesses spill on the earth. March 14, 2014 was one of such days. I was taking breakfast at around 7.50am when the first Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) ever landed on the soils of the university. I turned to my other two room-mates and said, “That grenade landed right on this campus.”

My second room-mate, Philip Jude screamed, “Taiwo, Idris, prepare!” We scrambled for our credentials, money and phones. As we stepped out of the house, another grenade landed about five buildings away from our house.

We froze. My heart leapt. We immediately positioned ourselves at various corners around the house to know the direction of the terrorists’ advance before we know which direction to flee to. While we waited for a face-to-face encounter with Boko Haram, the Nigerian military fighter jets arrived and ended the tyranny of the insurgents.

Time and space would fail me to tell of the occasional and sudden midnight explosions around the university community that were constant threats

to the very life I live and many of my narrow escapes from death.

Despite all these tough times, I excelled in my studies and made an impact through my youth development programmes in secondary schools and orphanages in Maiduguri and other cities in Nigeria. I brought the university to limelight by representing her at conferences and workshops. I won laurels in essay writing, public speaking and through several of my social works. I was nominated for awards and granted offers and opportunities by various companies and organisations, both nationally and internationally. To crown it all, my final year project research in Medical Sciences was accepted for publication on merit by the International Organization of Scientific Research in its next journal.

It was not all rough as I had many exciting moments in Medical College and during fellowships and mentoring sessions with my mentees. All my northern friends were loyal to me.

Many of them crossed the barriers of religion and tribe and stood by me, most especially Idris Suleiman, Philip Jude and Blessing Samuel. I learnt many things about these wonderful

By Taiwo Isola people from the northern part of the country. My intermediate comprehension of the Hausa language is a testament to my immersion in the culture of the people. My love for kunugeida remains matchless.

A few weeks ago, as I was walking out of Medical College as a graduate of Human Anatomy, I knew I had walked through the den of lions and I’d survived. It’s not natural; it’s simply supernatural. The cake was worth the candle.

Taiwo has just graduated from Human Anatomy, UNIMAID

Military might and national security

T

HE strength of any nation is determined by its ability to protect its citizens from foreign and domestic aggression. Overtime, students of history have come to realise that it is completely erroneous to presume that population density alone or the size of a nation’s land mass are major determinants needed to gauge the strength of such nations.

In the world today, some nations have attained the status of ‘world power’. These nations, based on their ability to sway the tide of international policies, appear invincible on the global stage. As a matter of fact, the stability of such nations has allowed their citizens to flourish, having attained self-reliant status. Amazingly, many of these world powers have maintained their role as such, by keeping other nations perpetually dependent on them when it comes to self-sufficiency and security matters.

After a thorough understudy of great nations on earth today, one can easily assume that lasting security leads to lasting peace, and lasting peace

By Shakir Akorede translates into societies that have the capacity to pursue positive innovations.

Following the military history of Nigeria – from the Congo crisis to the Nigerian Civil War and to the first and second Liberian Civil War, down to the insurgency by Boko Haram, it is easy to reason that Nigeria’s once great armed forces, has deteriorated over the years. This is, however, problematic as it is on record that the Nigerian military has served as the backbone of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) peacekeeping forces in the West African sub-region.

More so, Nigeria has always contributed significantly to the United Nations security operations around the world.

Recently, especially under civilian rule, Nigeria has experienceduntold decay and crass failure of military operations and intelligence gathering.

The once-great ‘giant of Africa’ has steadily lost the once-revered

potencyof its militarypower due to weak institutional frameworks, corruption, indiscipline, technical deficiency, poor motivation and training.

A former Military Head of State and President, Chief OlusegunObasanjo, gave a shocking revelationof the Nigerian military in his inaugural address in 1999 when he said: “…professionalism has been lost… my heart bleeds to see the degradation in the proficiency of the military.” Similarly, Major Michael Stafford of the US Marine Corps also noted that “inexperienced, poorly trained and ineptly led soldiers manifested the lack of professionalism and indiscipline by massacre of innocent civilians and failure to effectively execute infantry tactics.”

As a matter of urgency, Nigeria needs to immediately embark on a pivot of complete restoration of its armed forces. This pivot must work to replenish the lost glory of our men and women in uniform, by intensifying efforts on meeting the operational, logistic, training and welfare

requirements of the armed forces.

At this juncture, it is important to acknowledgeable that President MuhammaduBuhari, a former military man, and President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, has immediately swung into action by working to identify the remote challenges within our military that have led to the spread of insecurity and insurgency.

The new government has implied by its actions, that the armed forces of the nation remains our only hope to secure the sort of lasting peace that is required to bring about sustainable development. The directive of the President to the Ministry of Defence on the graduation day of Course 23 of the National Defence College in Abuja on Friday, August 7, 2015, points to the fact that the Buhari administration is working to ensure that Nigeria becomes more self-sufficient in regards to its security challenges.

As a matter of fact, the president’s statement has captured core areas

Courtship in times of service

By Ikechukwu Samuel

F

OR anyone who is conversant with the dynamics of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), it is said that when a corps member gets married to another during the service year, the government blesses the union with N500, 000. And over the years, this saying has come to remain as the permanent undercover for the unrestrained promiscuity prevalent among corps members across the country. The narrative begins at the various orientation camps or what could be lightly referred to as ‘Garden of Eden.’

Yearly, young graduates churned out from the various higher institutions of learning across the federation, are mobilised for the compul-

sory one year service to their father land. While packing their bags and leaving for this one year service, they leave behind family and friends as well as their lovers. They proceed to their various orientation camps with the hope of honouring their commitments to the people in their lives.

But on getting to camp, their senses of control betray them. They lose sight of the very weight of their commitment to their initial lovers while they take on make-shift affairs, buried in their thirst for amorous adventure.

The various platoon meetings and relaxation spots – Mammy markets – combine to provide ample opportunity for corps members to meet one another and kick off what would later turn out as an affair.

Just like my lecturer back in my alma mater (University of Benin) would say:”all relationships in the university end at the main gate.”

My lecturer’s position is validated on the premise that most romantic relationships between corps members are nothing but a one-year stand which starts and ends in khaki. But one also wonders if this statement is entirely true when seen from the purview that some relationships in khaki have actually blossomed into

marriage. Of significance is the case of the Ekiti State NYSC Coordinator Mr T.C. Ibeh, who met his wife while he was the president of his CDs group.

However, in addressing this issue, one vital question comes to mind: why do corps members go into romantic relationship seeing that they have barely a year together?

Several reasons abound as to why corps members venture into romantic relationship, of which geographical proximity remains paramount.

A majority of corps members are already into romantic relationships before they set out to serve their father land in their various states of deployment. But on getting there – due to the challenge of distance between them and their lovers and the seemingly herculean task of maintaining long distance relationships - most embark on new relationships without doing away with the old.

They begin to cheat on their partners with their fellow corps members.

Consider the case of Funmi, a corps member serving in Akwa Ibom State. She got engaged before she was mobilised for the national service and had to leave her fiancé to serve her fatherland.All efforts to redeploy to Lagos where her fiancé

works proved futile. So she faced the stark reality of living the one year without the warmth and unfettered presence of her fiancé.

Due to her fiancé’s tight schedule at work and coupled with the challenge of distance, the two began to drift apart, fuelling an avalanche of temptations. And just before one could scream Jack Robinson, Funmi is already burning with passion for her newly-found lover, her oneyear stand.

Corps members also date themselves during their osne year of service to avoid the feeling of loneliness.

In a place where one necessary does not have any relative or friends, most corps members take solace in embarking on romantic relationship amongst themselves. For the male folk, dating a fellow corps member comes with its attendant blessings, including a steady supply of good meal and domestic assistance, where necessary.

However some corps members, in defence of their rationale for embarking on such relationships, believe that having gone through the four walls of a tertiary institution, they are mentally and socially ready for relationships that can even culminate in marriage. On the other hand,

that the military must take cognizance of: “Such weapons when produced, would meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces,” the President said. He added: “we must evolve viable mechanisms for nearself-sufficiency in military equipment and logistics production complemented only by very advanced foreign technologies.”

If these developments continue to play out in our public arena, Nigeria can once again occupy its pride of place in the league of global powerhouses. This development will also enable Nigeria to embark on innovative approaches to securing its own development, as it is envisioned that with the efficiency of the military, lasting peace will lead to prolonged development in the country. Such a situation – if ever attained – would surely be to the benefit of every Nigerian that hopes to see the country succeed.

Akorede has just graduated from UNILORIN some have argued that romantic relationship between corps member is nothing but a casual union to while away the service year. The two arguments compel one to recourse to the poser: “is the love in khaki a purposeful relationship or merely a one year stand?”

Khaki love can be a purposeful relationship leading to marriage.Or it can simply be oneyear stand depending on the reasons both parties had for embarking on one.

For corps members who venture into romantic relationships in other to satisfy the yearnings of their stomach or defeat the forces of loneliness caused by the long distance between them and their patners, one can safely assume that such relationships are nothing more than a one year stand which, most times, are prone to creating cycles of emotional trauma for the parties involved.

On the other hand, khaki relationships established on the tenets of trust, companionship, compatibility and love can be tagged as one which can possibly progress into blissful union.

Love will forever remain a beautiful thing irrespective of whether one finds it on a dying bed or wearing the NYSC crested vest.

Ikechukwu just finished his NYSC in Ekiti State

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

36

CAMPUS LIFE 17,904 write entrance test at AAUA

O

•Ugwuogo addressing the students at the orientation

College students get SIWES orientation

S

TUDENTS of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Umunze, Anambra State, have received an orientation on Industrial Training in preparation for their participation in the scheme.

The orientation was organised by Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) unit of the college in collaboration with Southeast zonal office of Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The SIWES coordinator in the college, Dr C.C. Ugwuogo, urged the students to acquire useful industrial skills during the period. He said the Federal Government established SIWES to bridge the gap between theory and practice, noting that the scheme was strategically designed to prepare and expose students to industrial techniques.

Addressing the students, ITF Area Manager, Mrs Chinwe Okpara, praised the students for

From Emeka Chukwuemeka FCE UMUNZE turning out for the event, noting that it was a sign that the students were ready to learn. She advised them not to engage in truancy, but take the skill acquisition exercise seriously. She said the experience would help to boost their curriculum vitae for good jobs.

Mrs Okpara frowned at the behaviour of some students, who, she said, see SIWES period as holiday, warning that ITF would pay impromptu visit to monitor the activities of the students. She admonished them to be mindful of their dressing and appearance during the SIWES period, saying they must abide by the rules and regulations of their place of attachment and comport themselves well.

Speaking on Roles and responsi-

bilities of stakeholders in SIWES, ITF Head of Training, Mrs Chioma Egbobe, said efficiency of SIWES depended on the policy of the government and supervisory mechanism put in place by the agency.

Earlier, the ITF team visited the provost, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, who hailed the parastatal agency for the orientation. The provost lauded the Federal Government on the scheme, which, he said, was designed to promote needed technological skills for national development.

Ogbuagu added that the success of the scheme depended on coordinated efforts of the government, ministries of Industry and Education, ITF, managements of tertiary institutions and employers. He called for efficient supervisory system, saying such would boost qualitative man-power for productivity.

VER 17,903 admission seekers besieged the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, last week for post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The computer-based test was held at the institution’s Computer Test Centre for candidates, who scored 180 and above in the last UTME. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Prof Oluwayemisi Adebowale, described the exercise as well-organised, saying there was improvement compared to the previous year.

Unlike the previous year when results were released after the whole exercise, Prof Adebowale said candidates got their results immediately on their mobile phones. She said the improvement had checkmated fraud and manipulation.

The DVC expressed satisfaction on the efficiency of the computer-

From ‘Yomi Ayeleso AAUA based test, saying it reduced time and resources. Noting that the institution’s admission policy would be merit-based, she said candidates would not be offered placement beyond the quota allotted to the school.

An applicant, Joshua Olayinka, said the test well-arranged, hoping to get placement.

Yetunde Amusola, another applicant, said she was optimistic about being offered admission, praising the school management for organising the “hitch-free test”.

In another development, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has listed the institution as the most subscribed varsity in the Southwest of the country. The school, according to JAMB ranking, is the 20th most-sought after university.

According to JAMB statistics of choice institutions for 2015, more than 22,831 candidates chose AAUA as 1st choice, while 165,222 candidates chose it as second, third and fourth choice.

The Dean, Students’ Affairs (DSA), Dr Bolanle Ogungbamila, said the ranking did not come as a surprise, saying the school enjoyed a stable academic calendar and offered its students quality academic programmes.

•Applicants writing the test

Graduating students defend project

G

RADUATING students of the Department of Geography at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have defended their final year project theses. The exercise created fear among the students, because none of them did not know what to expect.

The department’s Project Defence Coordinator, Mr. C.A Onyekwelu, said the exercise was to enable lec-

From Chikezie Mgbebu UNN turers know it was students, who carried out the projects. He added that the exercise would make the students defend their theses anywhere if they were called upon to do so.

Students, who successfully defended their projects, came out of the venue jubilating and taking photographs. One of them, Onyedika Onwujubah, said he was pleased with the conduct of the exercise, adding that he was happy because he would be leaving the school after four years of study.

A lecturer, Mr A.T. Mozie, advised the final year students to be consistent, saying it was key to becoming successful. He also urged them to be good ambassadors of the school.

•Some of the students after their defence

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

37

EDUCATION

ASUU to govt: set up Visitation Panel •’We shut LASU gates to draw govt’s attention’

T

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has called on Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to set up a Visitation Panel in the Lagos State University (LASU).

The union said a panel was the antidote to the myriad of problems facing the institution. ASUU also recommended the implementation of the Universities Miscellaneous Act of 2012, to put the 31-year-old institution on the right path.

At a briefing on the university’s premises in Ojo Lagos, Chairman, ASUU Lagos Zone, Dr Adesola Nasir, said following the above recommendations, Ambode should also constitute a Governing Council to appoint a successor to the Vice Chancellor, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa.

He said Obafunwa being pelted with objects and chased out of the institution by aggrieved workers on Monday, March 16, and prevented from entering, meant he was no longer accepted by the various unions.

Nasir said: “As ASUU, we are not proud when a whole vice chancellor was pelted with sachet water by workers. It shows such a vice chancellor has lost all forms of respect from the community he is supposed to govern. When this happen, the best for such vice chancellor is to resign honourably.Obafunwa’s line of thought does not agree with the people and things have degenerated to a level where he can no longer enter his office.”

He said no matter how deep a crisis is, an ideal vice chancellor must

By Adegunle Olugbamila

reconcile warring parties through dialogue and cross fertilisation of ideas, noting that Obafunwa has failed to achieve both.

According to Nasir, the allegation by workers against Obafunwa, including the latter’s victimisation and non-promotion of workers, setting up of illegal Budget Monitoring Committee to access the Federal Government intervention fund, victimisation of union heads, inappropriate appointment of underserving staff who are Obafunwa’s cronies as well as using media to disparage workers, among others, are documented in two volumes submitted to government by ASUU LASU, who now awaits its decision.

ASUU lamented that industrial crisis in the university is getting out of hand; hence the union’s intervention to end it for good.

“What we expect from Obafunwa whenever he grants interview in the media is to tell us his achievements in terms of grants that his administration has attracted to the university, the number of Ph.D awardees, and how he has consolidated on the university’s internally generated revenue. But to our disappointment, he keeps painting workers in black. Sincerely, we are all tired of anybody saying: ‘LASU is this or that.’ LASU has had enough problems. All we want are the strides and not pronouncements that would foment more trouble,” ASUU further stated.

ASUU said the union is informed

• Block 1 which houses the vice chancellor's office overgrown with weeds. Inset: The lawn opposite the building now deserted and overgrown.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

of secret moves by Obafunwa to use some students outside the university to puncture the peace that has since returned.

“Our union is not unaware of some clandestine moves to unleash some ill informed students group mainly from outside LASU to foment additional crisis in the university. Our union wishes to advice our students, who are our ally in the restoration of dignity of LASU to focus on their studies as our members are doing all within their means to ensure a smooth session. Exams have been concluded and scripts marked,” ASUU counselled.

Chairman, ASUU-LASU Adekunle Idris, said against misconceptions in certain quarters, the union is in understanding with the LASU Students’ Union, noting that when the struggle is eventually won, it is the students that stand to reap the greatest dividend.

Meanwhile, LASU Students’ Union has called on Ambode to get the university on full swing with re-

‘Engage govt in schools’ crisis management’

H

EAD of Department, School of Media and Communications (SMC), Pan Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki Lagos, Dr James Tsaaior, has counselled higher institutions to engage the government in better relationships to avoid incessant crisis that have the hallmarks in the nation's education system.

He said this while speaking to reporters at the sideline of the institution's eight distinguished guest lecture series.

Tsaaior, who spoke at the university's premises venue of the event, faulted governments' tradition of not responding to repeated agitations of institutions, coupled with its lack of cooperation.

He said: "There is the need for people in managerial positions in the universities and other learning •From left: Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Sakirudeen Alase, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Israel Parish, Pastor Niyi Osunubi, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 6, Mrs Amidat Anifowose and Principal, Agidingbi Junior Secondary School, Alausa, Mrs Oluyinka Fadeyibi, with two pupils at the commissioning of a block of classrooms donated by the church.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

institutions in the country to have the managerial skill and competencies to be able to curb crisis. But it is also necessary to have synergy between university administrators, and administrators in other tertiary institutions in the country with government.

"If you observe most of the time, the problem is not so much with the institutions, it is also with government. If there have been strikes and industrial actions, it is usually predicated on the unwillingness of government to cooperate with the institutions and that explains why there are unrests. So it is not just the institutions alone, it is also left to government to play its role and play it very reputably."

Further, Tsaaior said the lecture was predicated upon creating com-

petent and vibrant professionals in the media industry in order to strengthen its role.

"The School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University is a school, which is intended to professionalise the media and deepen its consciousness by those with skilled competencies to make it vibrant and alive to its responsibilities as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. That is essentially why we have decided to organise these lectures; to sensitise the public and to carry out our statutory mandate as a School of Media and Communication," he said.

The guest lecturer, Anambra State Governor, Dr Willie Obiano, who spoke on the theme: 'Sustaining the legacy of growth and development in Anambra State,' was presented with an award of recognition.

•Prof Obafunwa

spect to academic activities.

LASUSU PRO, Adebanjo Fatai told our reporter on phone that LASUSU was not interested on whether Obafunwa returns to LASU or not, noting that it is a staff/management affair. Another condition, Fatai stated, was that no leader of the union should be victimised for his

F

ORMER Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi, has implored the graduating students of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) to take up leadership responsibilities for youth and national development.

He was the guest lecturer at the FUTA Graduating Class 15 awards and lecture series.

Said Olorundahunsi: "The role of youth in peace building is very critical in view of the impending security challenge in the country and the need to inspire the youth towards adding their contributions to peace building." The programme was tagged: "Youth and national development: Issues, challenges and viable solutions in the contemporary Nigeria.”

"It is worthy of note that the sector is still faced with myriads of challenges which affect all segments of the nation's youth population," Olorundahunsi added.

He recalled that the development led to the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development in February 2007 to promote the physical, mental and socioeconomic development of youths through advancement and protection of their rights.

He added: “The vision of the ministry is to empower the Nigeria youth to become self reliant and socially responsible and the ministry set out with a mission to provide a sustainable framework for integrated planning and collaboration among stakeholders for the development of policies and programs, laws and other initiatives that promote and enhance the development of the Nigerian youth and the protection of their interests.”

Referring to the 2006 census population which declared youths as constituting over 70 per cent of

or her role in the ongoing crisis.

Fatai said prevention of vehicular movement in and out of the university premises by students on Thursday, last week, was to draw government’s attention to their plight.

“Immediately government heard that we had locked up the two gates of the university, Deputy Governor Dr( Idiat) Adebule had to call and appealed to us on phone.”

He continued: “It is so sad that this is what we had to do (protest) to get government’s attention. Ahead of the protest, we had sent a letter which we copied to the governor, his deputy, Ministry of Education, and all unions in LASU as well as stakeholders in the state for quick intervention, to no avail.

“You will also recall that before we commenced the (first semester) exam, we had made repeated appeals to the government but with no result until we eventually stormed the Governor’s Office in Alausa in a protest, before we could be answered.”

‘Take up leadership responsibility’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Nigeria’s population, Olorundahunsi described such quantum as a great asset for the Nigerian state if harnessed and utilised in the right direction.

"Nigeria is not poor, the problem of Nigeria is poor leadership," he said while admonishing graduands adding, "education liberates the mind and that is the tool you have in your mind. You don't have to let your situation push you into crimes, but have to engage your minds," The chairman of the occasion, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, urged the gradaunds to be diligent, honest and reduce their latent potentials to find a lasting solution to all the problems confronting the nation, as the future leaders of the country and Black race.

Fasoranti, a politician and former commissioner for finance, hinged his advice on the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (2007-2015).

The chairman of the FUTA Graduating Class 2015 and former Student Union Government (SUG) President, Adeleye David said the event offered the students opportunities to have a working relationship after school and develop a synergy to harness opportunities to their advantage.

Adeleye listed, among other benefits, that the lecture gave the youth awareness, sensitisation and opportunity to take up leadership responsibilities in their societies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

38

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE ICFOnest+ Postdoctoral Program (COFUND): International Fellowships in Spain, 2015 Continued from last edition

•Dr Odedina

NANS honours Provost THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D (Southwest) has honoured the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Dr Samson Adeola Odedina, with the ‘Outstanding Leadership’ award.

He was awarded at the NANS zonal convention held on the college premises in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The convention drew participants from higher institutions across the six Southwest states. It was attended

by Joint Campus Committee (JCC) chairmen of the states, and over 55 Students’ Union presidents, past leaders of the organisation and a representative of the host institution.

The event kicked off with NANS Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Asefon Sunday, who welcomed all to the ceremony.

Odedina expressed happiness with NANS’ decision to host the conference in the institution. He highlighted various transformation the college has experienced since the inception of his administration, especially on students’welfare.

These, Odedina said, include measures such as reduction in school fees, abolition of excursion fees, provision of good student learning environment, and excellent management-students relationship, among other things.

He further admonished delegates to explore the leadership opportunities NANS would afford them.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the award to Dr Odedina by Comrade Asefon.

Odedina dedicated the award to the students of FCE Akure. He informed the audience of ongoing agricultural value chain projects (in collaboration with four international partners and the Federal Government of Nigeria) aimed at providing employment opportunities for students.

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted online via the corresponding call at ICFOjobs, our job openings site and online application interface, available at http://jobs.icfo.eu. The application to the ICFOnest+ Postdoctoral Program is a two-step procedure: First Application Step: Suitable

candidates are requested to submit: •A presentation letter with a declaration of interests, including an explicit indication of the potential ICFO research group(s) that may be of interest, •An updated complete Curriculum Vitae, including: full address, a contact phone number and e-mail address (and indicating any career breaks), and full list of publications, •A copy of the PhD degree (if available at the time of application, or certificate stating the planned award date of the PhD degree), •As part of the application material, and within deadline, applicants should

have contacted their two referees whom they have listed in their application form, asking them to submit reference letters to the ICFOnest+ Screening Committee. The reference letters must be submitted electronically directly by the referees to icfojobs@icfo.eu (mailing label: candidate name + "ICFOnest+").

Once an application has been submitted, the candidate will receive an acknowledgement of receipt together with an application reference number for further enquires and the upcoming revision deadline. Updates of application material will only be possible within this deadline.

Second Application Step: Applicants

that pass the first evaluation stage will be informed about this decision and asked to submit: •A 2-pages research proposal indicating the ICFO research area/s of main interest.

Applicants will be invited to get in touch with ICFO Group Leaders in the scientific area of their choice, in order to discuss with them the possible lines of investigation.

Deadline for submitting the Research Proposal will be indicated to the corresponding applicants.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is September 30, 2015

‘IT can tackle mismanagement in schools’ T HE entrenchment of an Information Technology (IT)based accounting system is the antidote to recklessness and mismanagement in tertiary institutions, Dr Moses Igbape of the Department of Computer Science, Auchi Polytechnic, has said.

He spoke at the institution's fifth inaugural lecture held in the school’s new auditorium.

The lecture was entitled: “Information technology: Antidote to cancerous ailments in Nigerian education system.”

Igbape said: "With appropriate development of Information Technology (IT) based accounting information system in schools, there can be prudent management of the available funds and elimination of fraudulent expenditure of school money because a lot more information is available in the information system to track income and expenditures. IT boosts the schools internal revenue through subscribed services, training programmes and consultancy."

He described IT as invaluable beyond schools to facets of government establishments, including personnel/payroll, revolution in students academic information processing, IT literacy, admissions, stu-

By Sampson Unamka

dents examination malpractice, as well as controlled use of school facilities.

Others, according to him, were: students enrolments/registration, teaching and learning, and invaluable resource to local, state and federal levels of government for proper and implementable planning etc.

Igbape, a Chief Lecturer, said Auchi Polytechnic has adopted administrative styles and strategies that rely on IT-based information system for pursuing Quality Assurance. This, he noted, made the institution more visible.

"The resolute passion with which the management of the polytechnic have embraced and massively de-

ployed IT facilities in pursuing Quality Assurance agenda has seen the polytechnic ranked as the most visible polytechnic in Nigeria, 10th best tertiary institution in Nigeria and the only polytechnic ranked amongst universities, the best polytechnic in West Africa and second best in Africa consistently for over six years by Webometrics," he said.

He admonished the government to put in place appropriate legislations for proper integration of IT tools in managing the education sector.

"Let there be proper funding of IT-related research projects and sponsorship for production and use of the products of these research endeavors.

“Government should remove import duties imposed on IT appliances and computers to make them affordable to help schools,

‘Government should remove import duties imposed on IT appliances and computers to make them affordable to help schools, organisations and homes in the effort to raise IT literacy level in Nigeria’

•Dr Igbape

organisations and homes in the effort to raise IT literacy level in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, Igbape identified some draw backs in educational development in Nigeria to include inconsistent government policies, poor funding, inadequate staffing among others, factors Igbape considered 'undesirable variables.

He indicted parents, students and education managers as contributors to the problem, noting that policy sommersault and poor implementation of strategies have adversely affected education standards in Nigeria.

‘Entrepreneurship answer to graduate unemployment’

I

NCULCATION of entrepreneurship skills into graduates is the only way to tackle unemployment, experts have said.

They spoke at the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) during a four-day workshop for rectors, provosts and directors of entrepreneurship programmes of tertiary technological institutions at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.

NBTE’s Executive Secretary Dr Mas'udu Kazaure, said for

By Jane Chijioke

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to achieve success, there must be effective delivery of technical and vocational education (TVE).

He said unemployment is rife because of lack of technical and vocational skills in graduates.

Represented by the board’s Director, Planning and Research and Statistics, Mr Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, Kazaure noted that the National Bureau of Statistics

• From left: Member, Nigeria Society for the Blind, Adisa Olushola; Vice Chairman, Nigeria Society for the Blind, Mrs Shade Adefisayo; Head of Public Relations, Dufil Prima PLC, Mrs Tope Ashiwaju; Chairman, Nigeria Society for the Blind, Mr Asiwaju Fola- Oshibo; Chairman, 10th White Cane Day celebration, Chief Micheal Olufallomo; and member, Nigeria Society for the Blind, Ogunshina Deborah at the 10th edition of the White Cane Day in Lagos.

(NBS) survey records 1.3 million Nigerians entering the job market yearly while the National Committee on Job Creation recorded 49 million unemployed Nigerians.

Consequently, he said the army of the unemployed has led to an increase in urban violence, kidnapping and militant insurgency.

He listed the challenges facing the TVE, as low access, low motivation, low societal esteem and discrimination as well as inadequacy of facilities.

Lamenting students'preference for universities, he said: "The trend is that so many children have become lazy in their studies. They run away from Mathematics and Sciences. They go into universities to read Business and at the end of the day, they want to be managers of a bank.’’

He continued: “This trend is not good for our country because when you go to a developed world, it is not the government that is driving the economy but the private sector, and until we go that way, Nigeria may still remain where it is.”

Coordinator of the event Alhaji Abdul Isa Kafarmata, noted that TVE is though expensive, yet receives less attention from the government.

"If you want to train a university student in Political Science, Sociology, Law etc, you need only a chalk and a board but for you to train a technician or mechanical engineer, you need much millions of naira for equipment, workshop, laboratories. Unfortunately, the

priority of the past administration and also the attitude of our country men is not favouring technical education, and as such parents may find it difficult to come to terms with the disparity that exist between the university and polytechnic education, and they are misled most of the time.

"However, what I want to emphasis ise is that the economy should be allowed to dictate the manpower needs of the country.

Do we really need this bachelor degree all around, turning our millions of graduate in Humanities, Natural Sciences without any skill?’’ Kafarmata, a Director with NBTE, Kaduna, asked.

The Rector of YABATECH Margret Ladipo, argued that entrepreneurship could make graduates become self-reliant, adding that this is only possible through changing the mindset of graduates and inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship in them.

She said it would also bring out the skills and competence, making them job creators and, ultimately, reducing the number of unemployed graduates.

Stressing the significance of polytechnic education, she said: "We are talking about bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry. We are talking about skills and competence, by the time we bridge that gap, we will not be looking at paper qualification or what you can actually do; we are talking about what you can do, if you are skilled enough, you will be employable.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

39

EDUCATION

Adebule, others celebrate Erogbogbo at retirement

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AGOS State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule was all smiles as she launched into a Yoruba song: Ma f’owo teacher se oun re re, ma fi ko le, ma fi ra moto, ma fi ran omo ni ilu oyinbo, ma fowo teacher se oun rere ... (I will use my proceeds as a teacher to acquire good things; build houses, buy cars, send children to study overseas and accomplish other good things...).

Others at the event quickly ‘hijacked’ the song complementing same with some gentle dance steps.

It was all at the send off for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Folashade Erogbogbo.

Mrs Adebule paid her dues as a lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU) before joining the political fray and eventually becoming the number two in the state. She must have nursed similar hope for Mrs Erogbogbo during the latter’s last day in office.

Mrs Erogbogbo was a force, who got the job done, regardless of the challenges, while serving as the

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

helmsman of the Lagos State ministry of education.

More songs poured in by friends, former subordinates and other wellwishers in appreciation of Mrs Erogbogbo’s charismatic leadership.

“You succeeded in fostering good relationships with all the staff creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony is commendable. We are proud of you,“ said Mrs Adebule, who also chaired the event.

She described the celebrator as an amiable, hardworking, loyal, dedicated, diligent, reliable, responsible, efficient and committed civil servant.

The deputy governor advised the retiree to use her knowledge and wealth of experience for the good of the state, and exercise regularly to have a healthy life.

Former commissioner for education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, who worked with Mrs Erogbogbo, described her as compassionate, highly cerebral, reliable and competent.

•Mrs Erogbogbo (centre, cutting her retirememnt cake) flanked by her children at the event.

“When you give her assignment, you can go to sleep,” Mrs Oladunjoye said.

Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oladehinde Sheleru, described his former boss as a workaholic who took education issues seriously.

“She never took her job with levity. She resumes before 8am and leaves work as late as 7pm sometimes. She is a very hardworking and generous woman, always willing to lend a helping hand, despite

her busy schedule and high status,” Sheleru recalled.

In her response, Erogbogbo described her experience in service as being full of challenges, but which she overcame by faith.

She advised her former colleagues never to reject a posting, but strive to make a difference always.

“In my 33 years of service,” Erogbogbo recounted, “there’s just one point I want to draw attention to, particularly to my colleagues in

NGO trains pupils in vocational skills

the service and junior ones: ‘Don’t ever refuse a posting. You never can tell where your glory is. Experience has taught me that wherever you are, with faith, the Lord will bless you.”

She thanked the government for the opportunity given her to serve and contribute her quota to the development of Lagos state.

The ceremony, which was anchored by popular Comedian Tee.A, was heralded by dance and choral renditions, cultural displays, among other festivities.

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O fewer than 238 secondary school pupils in Surulere converged on Randle Avenue, Lagos to learn various crafts at a two-week workshop.

The programme, tagged: “Young entrepreneurs' exhibition”, was organised by Delateur Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) whose aim is to create and promote teenage entrepreneurship.

The pupils, many of who were enjoying the long vacations, were trained in shoe and bag making, soap making, bead making, makeup, photography and event decoration, among others.

In addition, there was a leadership seminar for participants. Participants also showcased their wares after the exercise before their parents and teachers.

The Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education in District 4, Mrs Aderinsola Soname, described the training as the best way to keep the children off the street during the holiday. She portrayed the trainees as 'amazing' .

The school’s Principal, Mrs R. A. Oguah, hailed Delateur Foundation's initiative, saying knowledge acquired by beneficiaries would be

•Some of the pupils displaying their wares as they posed for photograph with Adeyemi (standing fifth left in back row), Soname (middle, back row) and their teachers.

By Wale Ajetunmobi

fruitful for thems.

She said: "When Delateur Foundation approached the school to engage our pupils in training, we did not hesitate to embrace the partnership because it would keep pupils busy during the holiday. After the training, we have seen what the children

can do with their talents. These crafts they have learned in two weeks can shape their future forever."

Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, said the young entrepreneurship project was informed by his emotional encounter with a young street-hawker four years ago. To Adeyemi, the objective of the training was to equip chil-

dren with skills that would take them off the street.

He said: "Since we started the project, we have been training 100 pupils every year. But, we decided to increase the number to 238 this year. We are not just training and leaving them to their fate. Some who excel in their training are given tools to set up their own businesses. One

of the highlights of this event is that we presented start-up tools to past beneficiaries, who we have monitored in the last two years."

He advised the participants to practise the skills they learnt during the training, while also urging them to take their education seriously.

Obe said he now earns N10,000 monthly from the vocation.

‘Early childhood education is key’

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HE head teacher, Our Little Ones, Ikoyi, Lagos, Dr Joyce Johnson, has said the acquisition of quality education at the early childhood stage is the foundation of success in life.

Johnson spoke over the weekend while taking reporters on a tour of the school, which is a creche and early learning centre devoted to children between three months and five years.

She said this was the reason parents were more focused on giving their wards quality education at such a crucial stage of their development.

As the school prepares for resumption, Johnson said with the success the school has achieved, more parents were inclined to enrol their wards in the school noted for its serene, secure and spacious environment.

"We don't just teach the children, we deal with their emotions, build their reasoning through structured engagements, as if the foundation is right, so that it will be easy for them to do well when they move forward

By Ajose Sehindemi

to other stages in life," she said.

"There is a focus stage for the children and we do not just put them in the front of the television to watch Kiddies Shows. We take them step by step so they can learn and assimilate well as we teach them sounds which they study quickly," Johnson, an educationist with over two decades experience added.

She continued: "We teach the children both the Nigerian and British curriculums. The aim of the crèche is to create a home away from home feeling for the children, which we believe their parents are favourably disposed to and we are well equipped to meet their (children) developmental needs."

Director of the crèche, Mrs Lynda Egri-Okwaji, said aside the curriculum adopted by the school, the crèche is unique in the sense that it has a nurse who takes care and monitor the health of the children whenever they are brought in to know their status

and temperature.

Egri-Okwaji said: "It is a fact that for any crèche to be approved, there has to be a health official on ground, which was why Our Little Ones crèche has no problem in getting approval from the government.

"The crèche was set up due to the passion of the proprietor who loves children and not for profit-making.

Despite their costly equipment, the fee being charged is competitive when compared to other crèches in the area.

"We are so concerned about the safety of the kids that even when they want to play, we have no fear of them getting injured as the floors are padded to prevent them from sustaining injuries. There is also a dividing wall and the rooms are brightly coloured to aid quick assimilation for the children.’’

On security, the school’s Administrative Officer, Miss Eyamba Afaha, said CCTV cameras were installed in all the classrooms and the gardens to watch both staff and kids.

•Miss Afaba followed by the Director, Mrs Egri-Okwaji and Dr Johnson at the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

40

EDUCATION

Group sensitises women on school improvement

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GROUP, Women Protection Organisation (WOPO), has organised a workshop for Women School Based Management Committee (SBMC) on Lagos Island and Epe Local Government Education Areas (LGEAs).

The workshop was to strengthen women’s participation in education and on schools improvement by forming a women committee.

According to WOPO, the workshop would also help the proposed committee to ensure schools are safe places for students and free of violence.

Speaking at the event, which held at Christ Church Cathedral Primary School, Lagos Island and Epe Local Government Area, WOPO’s Programme Officer, Dr Adekunle Towobola, said the programme was aimed at sensitising women on their leadership role to build successful students, in addition to managing schools’ affairs.

He said schools should form a women committee that will be

By Ibrahim Adam

drawn from the community regardless of whether they have children in the schools or not.

He said WOPO expects the said committees to be active in their roles to bring about development in the schools and for the children to have a brighter future.

Towobola said: “The training is addressing children safety and protection at school and community level and also to respond to violations against children whether linked to issues of abuse, neglect, discrimination, safety or conflict.

“This committee will help protect our children for a brighter future.

The women will be drawn from the community because the school belongs to them. Some of them are parents while some are artisans who may not necessarily have children there but for development and to help the students.

“Toilets of some schools are unacceptable which makes some students

contract diseases which affect them in the future.”

Executive Secretary, Lagos Island Local Government Education Authority Mr Mayegun Moshood, described the workshop as a ideal.

He described women as champions in areas of taking care of the children.

“It is a good initiative and to be sincere, it is not too much if we have more of such committee to go round and monitor schools.

“We cannot shy away from the fact that we have lost our pupils to private schools but the government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure the population increases and we improve teaching and learning in our schools.

“I am proud to say at any forum that government schools have the best materials in terms of human resources where you can find qualified teachers, and all we need is to ensure they deliver qualitative education and a proper monitoring.

NOUN staff now secretary of Academy of Mgt.

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MEMBER of staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Dr Mande Samaila, has been elected National Secretary of the Academy of Management Nigeria.

The Academy of Management Nigeria is the highest body of scholars and intellectuals in managementrelated fields.

Dr Samaila a lecturer in Business Administration with specialisation

in Marketing Communications and Entrepreneurship, is of the School of Management Sciences of NOUN. He is also a visiting scholar with the School of Media & Communication, Pan Atlantic University Lagos.

Management of NOUN National Open is expressing appreciation on the honour done the university and commends the academy for finding one of its own worthy of such exalted position.

• Dr Samaila

School holds aptitude test Saturday

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By Adegunle Olugbamila

Documents made available to the media showed that students undertaking Topfaith IUFP, IDFP and Cambridge A-Level programmes have the advantage of progressing to reputable affiliate universities and institutions overseas. Further, participating students have the option to select their preferred degree courses in world-class universities and institutions of their choice.

In his statement, Programmes Coordinator of the academy's ALevel/International Mr. Moses Udoudo, said incoming students would be glad to harness the institution's infrastructure and staff capacity to actualise their dreams.

He noted that the scope of Topfaith programmes has enabled the academy to bring strategic aca-

Stakeholders dialogue on education standard equate data for planning as well as general poor learning environment.

"Many states in Nigeria are yet to implement the quality assurance programme prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Education and therefore, internal quality assurance procedures are not being applied in schools in such states.

"Quality Assurance Departments and Agencies, where they have been established, are sometimes staffed with officers who are not trained in that field.They are poorly funded and, generally, lack requisite operational facilities.

The Director-General, NIEPA, Dr. Peter Ojedele, said: " We value development of skills of educational planners and administrators through strengthening of human and institutional capacity in educational management in the five Girls' Education Project (GEP) states of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi and Niger.

"There should be provision of support for effective monitoring and evaluation through capacity building of monitoring and evaluation officers in Delta and Kaduna states, and the FCT using the notion of Whole School Inspection Approach."

NGO holds end-of-school year party T

• Zonal Director of Education, Malumfashi, Alhaji Surajo Salisu (right), receiving copies of exercise books from General Manager, WACOT Limited, Mr Subirkumar (middle) at the inauguration of six classrooms renovated by WACOT at Mairuwa Community School in Katsina State, on Monday. With them is the Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Division, TGI Group, Nigeria, Mr Anuj Bhatia.

HE Topfaith Academy of Arts and Science (TAAS), Mkpatak in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, will on Saturday hold its aptitude tests for students for the 2015/2016 session of its oneyear International University Foundation Programme (IUFP), International Degree Foundation Programme (IDFP) and two-year Cambridge A Level course.

The exam will take place on the academy's campus at Mkpatak.

This was announced by the management at a briefing on the school’s premises.

Chairman, Board of Governors of the Academy, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, urged secondary school leavers and other applicants across the six geo-political regions to take note of the date for the test.

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ETERMINED to ensure qualitative education in Nigeria, the Directors of Education Quality Assurance (DEQA) in federal and state ministries of Education, parastatals and agencies, have held a four-day workshop at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEP) in Ondo town, Ondo State.

At the event were representatives of ministries of education from the 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), including participants from the National Examination Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) and other bodies.

The platform gave participants the opportunity to rub minds on the theme of the conference: “Education quality assurance: A panacea for equity, access and accountability in education.”

Over 10 problems were identified as reasons the standard of education has fallen and various solutions were suggested.

Participants also designed two broad levels for the factors affecting the quality of education. These include: "The level of learners, who have diverse experiences, characteristics, skills and conditions; and the level of the education system, with its managerial and administrative system, implementation of good policies, human and managerial resources and the means to measure learning outcome.’’

Participants noted that Nigerians have the perception that education has a poorly coordinated supervision, is underfunded and has inad-

demic opportunities at global dimension to the reach of Nigerian students, parents and corporate organisations.

Udoudo assured that Topfaith would explore modalities to maintain a competitive edge in the global academic arena.

The next session of these programmes commences next month and qualifies students for fast-track, direct entry into leading universities overseas for a wide range of over 70 arts, technology and science courses, covering Management Studies, Medicine, Engineering, Computer/ICT, Aeronautic Technology, Law, Psychology, Accounting, Journalism/Media, International Relations/Development, Political Science, Theatre Arts, Tourism/Hospitality Management, and Criminology.

HE Italian Consul-General to Nigeria Andrea Pompermaier, has reiterated the country’s commitment to promoting education among collaborating countries.

He spoke at the end-of-year party of SS.Peter and Paul Schools, Ikate, Lagos.

It was organised by its owner Loving Gaze.

Loving Gaze is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with 25 years of experience in Nigeria. It is dedicated to serving the less-privileged community in Lagos and Taraba states, through educational activities, basic health care service, women empowerment and vocational training.

SS.Peter And Paul Schools is one of the two schools Loving Gaze runs in Lagos (the other one sited in Ikorodu) usually in less-privileged communities.

Pompermaier said: "Italy firmly believes that education promotes peace, prosperity, progress, reciprocal understanding and tolerance.

The event, which took place at Ikate Elegushi-Lekki, Lagos offered an opportunity for pupils to bring on stage the 'Little Prince a playlet written by Antoine de SaintExupery.

In addition the children showcased their singing and dancing talents.

The graduating class shone like a million starts as they also presented farewell songs amid applause by parents and guests.

According to Pompermaier, a school on earth is more precious than a diamond mine, noting that the experience and knowledge garnered are an inestimable endowment which accompany man through life's journey.

Loving Gaze General Manager Barbara Pepoli said: "The school was founded to provide quality primary education to all the children in the community, beyond the barriers of their social or economical backgrounds.

"Over 60 per cent of our students have access to primary education thanks to the support of local and international donors who generously contribute to their needs. This is a fundamental educational choice made by Loving Gaze since inception: education shall be a right beyond socio-economical circumstances and the quality of education should not be compromised if we want to raise adults who can 'see with an open heart', understand the value of each person, the love for beauty, the respect and care for themselves and others."

She, however, noted that their students have been exposed internationally with the support of Lucia Melchiori, the School Director, and eightinternational volunteer teachers from France, Australia and Italy.

Ondo, others for Cowbellpedia EPRESENTATIVES of six semi-final states and the Federal Capital

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Territory (FCT) have qualified for the semi-final in the ongoing maiden edition of Cowbellpedia TV quiz showing on 14 stations across Nigeria.

Ondo, Rivers, and Bayelsa states as well as the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) secured the tickets to join their counterparts in Imo, Osun and Oyo. Evans Owamoyo, a 13-year-old student of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ikare, Ondo State, led five other pupils who also represented their states to emerge first in the junior category.

Abdulmueez Yusuf, another 13year-old student of Nigerian Turk-

ish International College, Abuja came second in that group.

Similarly, Prince Chima of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Nne Ogedi-Jacob of Federal Government Girls College, Imiringi, Bayelsa State; clinched the first and second positions in the competition to qualify for the semi-final.

Eight students - four in the junior and senior categories - crashed out of the contest.

With this, eight students have qualified for the next stage, while 16 have been evicted in the competition, which is being aired on 14 television stations across the country.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NATION SPORT EXTRA

Manchester United: Three striker transfer targets ZLATAN Ibrahimovic For those that have read the Swede's autobiography, a move to Old Trafford would seem highly unlikely. After all, in the book, Ibrahimovic branded Van Gaal a "pompous ass" who "wanted to be a dictator". He came to that conclusion following a stint with Ajax, where Van Gaal had been serving as a director.

Yet, although during a recent interview with Sports Illustrated the 33-year-old insisted that his opinion of Van Gaal had not altered, he did hint that it would not stop him from signing for United when he said: "At the end, I think he is professional and I am professional. Whoever I work with, I never had this kind of problems, because at the end I need to do my job, he needs to do his job, and I think a lot of fights would happen, but that's something I like."

Once viewed as untouchable at Paris Saint-Germain, rumours have been rife that Ibrahimovic is no longer considered a vital cog by head coach Laurent Blanc. Further speculation has suggested that Edinson Cavani has been promised the central striker's role, which would leave little room for the former Barcelona and AC Milan hitman.

While Ibrahimovic would not provide the dynamism and pace that has been lacking from United's attack, he is much more of a target man than Rooney. Physically, he would not have a problem adapting to the Premier League either.

Karim Benzema If you believe everything that you read, if Benzema is to leave Real Madrid over the coming

•Benzema

Louis van Gaal might have insisted otherwise, but the widespread feeling is that Manchester United need to sign a striker before next week's deadline passes.

The Red Devils may have collected a respectable seven points from their first three matches of the new Premier League season, but they have found the net just twice. One of those goals came courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur full-back Kyle Walker, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net on the opening day, while Adnan Januzaj's effort away at Aston Villa was deflected beyond the reach of Brad Guzan.

But, with just over a week to go to get their transfer business done, who could the Red Devils realistically recruit to ease the burden on a currently goal-shy Wayne Rooney? Here, Sports Mole has selected three players that could become available at the right price.

•Ibrahimovic

days, he is bound for Arsenal.

The latest report is that the Gunners are prepared to part with up to £50m to sign the France international, who would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the current centreforward options at the Emirates Stadium.

However, were United to enter into a bidding war with their Premier League counterparts, they have something that Arsenal don't - a prized asset that Madrid are desperate to take the Bernabeu. It's common knowledge that the feeling is reciprocated by David de Gea, but so far United have dug their heels in and insisted that they will only sanction the Spaniard's exit if they were to receive a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.

Speculation has previously suggested that United have tried to engineer moves for Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos as part of the De Gea deal, but if Benzema were to show any interest in a move to Manchester, it would make sense for the keeper to crop up in negotiations. It would also bring down the transfer fee from United's point of view.

The 27-year-old's record at the Bernabeu is impressive - 131 goals in 281 outings. Yet, with reports having suggested that new head coach Rafael Benitez will look to use either Cristiano Ronaldo or Bale centrally, Benzema's days as the leading frontman could be numbered.

Should he arrive in the NorthWest, it will be a move that has been six years in the making.

Back in 2009, Sir Alex Ferguson was thought to be close to signing the striker from Lyon, before he eventually opted for the Spanish capital.

Saido Berahino Speaking after he had been forced to omit Berahino from West Bromwich Albion's 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, Tony Pulis told reporters: "Why are we

talking about Saido? Because of the transfer window. It's absolutely ridiculous. For it to be going through the start of the season is ridiculous. We should be talking about this game."

Pulis went on to insist that there had been no fallout with the England Under-21 international, who has been the subject of a recent bid from Tottenham Hotspur. But, the latest yesterday is that 22-yearold has handed in a transfer request, which has been rejected

by the powers that be in the Black Country.

Any move United were to make for Berahino would be regarded as a hijack, with Spurs said to have already agreed personal terms with the youngster. However, interest from the Red Devils would not come as a big shock, given that Van Gaal was believed to have been impressed by Berahino's performance against his side in the 2-2 draw last term. He was also spotted in the crowd

•Berahino

during United's FA Cup tie against Arsenal in March.

He may not be the finished article like the other two strikers named above, but he would provide United with some much needed pace and good movement in the final third of the pitch. He scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, which earned him a call-up to the senior England squad.

However latest report is that the stike is not for sale.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NATION SPORT EXTRA Muller is priceless, says Bayern team-mate, Lahm

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HILIPP Lahm says Bayern Munich team-mate, Thomas Muller is priceless

to the Bundesliga champions following further speculation of interest from Manchester United.

The forward renewed his Bayern deal until 2019 at the same time as Lahm last year , but following continued rumours of a move from United, reports in Germany recently suggested a potential price tag of •100m had been mooted.

Muller was quick to brush off the fees suggested as "crazy", while a host of Bayern bosses have also dismissed the prospect of selling the 25-year-old.

"Thomas is one of those role

models you can't just attach a price tag to," Lahm told Munchner Merkur.

"He lives and breathes Bayern Munich. He is a very, very important player for us."

Lahm also denied suggestions Bayern were losing their identity following the departure of Bastian Schweinsteiger to United - an allegation thrown at coach Pep Guardiola recently.

"Nobody has to fear that we at FC Bayern lose our identity. Just look at this team," he added.

"We have Thomas Muller, Holger Badstuber, David Alaba and me, we all came through the ranks. We also have Manuel Neuer, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

"They have been here for so long that their hearts beat red."

Rodgers: Lucas is staying

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IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers expects to have longserving midfielder Lucas Leiva at his disposal after the transfer window closes on September 1.

Lucas appeared on the verge of a season-long loan move to Turkish club Besiktas, but an injury to captain Jordan Henderson has offered the 28year-old a reprieve.

The Brazil international played 76 minutes as Liverpool drew 0-0 at Arsenal in Premier League action on Monday.

Rodgers was asked whether he expected to see Lucas at Anfield next Tuesday and the

TRANSFER...TRANSFER...

Juventus fans´ welcome thrills Cuadrado

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OLOMBIAN winger, Juan Cuadrado hailed Juventus as one of Europe's best teams, as he arrived in Turin ahead of his medical with the Serie A club yesterday.

Juventus are set to confirm Cuadrado as a loan signing from Chelsea, with the 27-yearold having been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge throughout the current transfer window.

Fans of Juventus flocked to Milan Malpensa Airport on Monday to welcome Cuadrado to Italy, and the former Fiorentina midfielder claimed it was a pleasant surprise.

"I didn't expect it but it was a great welcome and something that spurs you on perform well," he told Juventus' website.

"Juventus are a great team and one of the best in Europe.

We've got everything it takes to fight for the Scudetto [Serie A championship] and we hope to defend our title.

"I'm here to give 100 per cent, work hard and prepare well for every game."

Cuadrado has played just one game for Chelsea this season, coming off the bench

•Lahm

Liverpool boss said: "Yes. Lucas is our best defensive midfield player.

"There are games where I play three midfield players, but not always with a defensive specific one, but when we do need that, he is the best one we have.

"He came in tonight (Monday) and did great job and very much part of what we want to do.

"But of course every player wants to play every game and every minute of every game, but you can never guarantee that as a manager.

"He is highly respected by me, the coaching staff and the players."

in their 3-0 loss at Manchester City, and if his loan deal goes through, he will temporarily depart Stamford Bridge with only 13 league appearances and four starts.

During his time at Fiorentina, the Colombia international played 85 Serie A matches and scored 20 goals.

•Cuadrado

Carragher: Stones should turn down Chelsea IVERPOOL legend, Jamie Carragher has said that John Stones should remain at Everton rather than moving to Chelsea during this transfer window.

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho keen to bolster his defensive options.

However, Carragher believes that it would be more beneficial for Stones to remain on Merseyside and to continue to develop at Everton.

Speaking to Drivetime, Carragher said: “I think the right thing for John Stones would be to play for another couple of years at Everton, and then when he eventually gets his move to a top English club, as he will do, he’ll be going there a bit more experienced, a better player, and a bit more mature in his game.

Carragher suggested that, were Stones to raise the stakes and join Chelsea, he could find himself in a potentially confidence-crushing position.

“When you get to that really top level, any little mistake, anything that’s not quite right, can cost you a draw, or you drop three points, and that can end up costing the team the league title, or seeing them knocked out in the Champions League,” said Carragher.

Stones has developed tremendously since joining Everton from Barnsley in 2013. During that time, he has made 57 appearances in all competitions and has also featured for England at senior level.

He made 35 interceptions in the Premier League last season.

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•Heart of Midlothian's Jamie Walker (R) in action with Everton's John Stones

•Dybala

Juve wasting ´new Messi´ Dybala, Zamparini fumes

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UVENTUS coach, Massimiliano Allegri should have used Paulo

Dybala earlier in Sunday's defeat to Udinese, according to Palermo president, Maurizio Zamparini - who also reiterated his view that the striker is the "new Lionel Messi".

Dybala scored in Juve's Supercoppa Italiana triumph over Lazio but featured for only the final 25 minutes of their 1-0 loss against Udinese the champions' Serie A defence getting off to a low-key start.

The 21-year-old made the move from the Stadio Renzo Barbera during the closeseason and Zamparini feels the highly rated forward should feature in Allegri's starting XI. "Someone has to get better at Juventus and it isn't Dybala, it's Allegri," Zamparini told reporters.

"Dybala has great ability and

it was no wonder that when he came on against Udinese he immediately created two goalscoring chances.

"Allegri is like all Italian coaches. He thinks he can affect the games of his team and doesn't understand that you have to allow players freedom to play."

Having helped his former club back into Serie A, Dybala scored 13 goals in 34 league outings last term as Palermo finished 11th.

"I have never had a player as good as Dybala at Palermo," Zamparini added.

"My prediction is that if he continues to progress, then in the next two or three years he can become the new Lionel Messi.

"Dybala has the potential to be a top player and it should surprise no one if his value rises to •100m soon enough, as is the case with Paul Pogba."

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THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere spoke with reporters in Lagos on the challenge of governance, the cash crunch and how the government is implementing the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast state. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘Okorocha on rescue mission in Imo’ H

OW have been coping as the deputy governor of Imo State?

We give God the glory for everything that He has provided us. The Almighty Father is the ultimate who makes all things possible. So, we are grateful to God, for wherever I have found myself today, it is God first and the next person is Rochas Okorocha.

In Imo, what has really worked for us is that you have a man that is focused. We have a man who believes and who made us to believe that the best way we can achieve anything in stipulated time is through a task force process. And that is why people say we do things in unconventional way. We do it and we achieve results. We have a new Imo State.

Having said that, in my journey so far, it has been a matter of going through tutelage. I am following a man who has the vision, a leader, who has the mantle of leadership. And we being the apostles of Rescue Mission, we are playing the best supporting role to make sure we succeed as a team. And this, to the glory of God, is where my role lies.

For me also, coming from the private sector and finding oneself a public servant is quite challenging. But, anything that has to do with service to the people is quite interesting and you learn every day.

But, people see you as a strongman in your constituency...

My federal constituency, Mbaitoli/Ikeduru (Mbaike), used to be predominantly PDP. But, when we came in 2011, we were then in the APGA. Of course, we won Mbaitoli, which was my local government. The other part of my federal constituency, which is Ikeduru, we lost that. And we had to do a lot on the ground. Because of the infrastructure, some of the things the governor did; the dividends of democracy that was extended.

There is no ward in my federal constituency or in Imo State that you will not see text of rescue mission. And that alone speaks louder than could be said. And how can you defeat free education, from primary to tertiary level? These are the hallmark. How can you defeat 27 General Hospitals in all the local governments?

How can you defeat 305 primary schools? These are the hallmarks of what we have to remind our people because they already know about it.

Why is Owerri zone not agitating for governor again?

Rochas Okorocha is quite an example of a detribalised leader and not a zonal leader. My leader, our leader, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is a man inspiration. Why did I say that? Today, more than 75 per cent of the infrastructure is in Owerri zone. The other 25 per cent is shared between Okigwe and Orlu. You have a governor who believes in putting projects not because of where he comes from, but based on the fact that it is good for Imo State.

Today, for example, we are talking about industry, industry, industry, factory, factory, factory! We have gone back to bring back the old Mbakwe factories. For instance, card board packaging industry is in Owerri not in Orlu. We have recovered that. De Raising Paint is in Mbaise here, Owerri zone, we have recovered that. These things will now start coming in place. We have got some Italians trying to bring back those apex factories. These are the things that are lying fallow for over thirty years. Now, this governor is not thinking about his village. He is not thinking about his own person. This is a governor who makes sacrifice, who goes through pains every day, just to make sure that Imo people and Ndi Igbo are recognized in this country. And that is why when people say that he is a governor for Imo, not a governor for a zone or a local government, people do not agitate.

The issue of 2019 is an issue that is quite too far. This is 2015.

We just got re-elected. We have not even constituted a government and people are talking about 2019. The team with which Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Madumere were elected have not been constituted for the second tenure. You are thinking of something that is not even in the pipeline yet. This is like placing the cart before the horse. I am not that type of person that people can just try to mesmerize into desperation. No. I am focused; we are on a mission, and our mission for the next four years is factory, factory, factory, industry, industry, industry. That is the focus and, with God helping us, we shall get there.

How do you relate tot he opposition leaders in Imo? There are two ways to this. One of the things I have learnt over time is never to join issues. What is at stake is never personal and should never be treated as such. For me, we have to distinguish ourselves and show a positive way out for others to learn. We do

•Madumere

issue of 2019 is an issue ‘The that is quite too far. This is 2015. We just got re-elected. We have not even constituted a government and people are talking about 2019

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politics without bitterness. Politics is about constructive issues, not about personal issues. Everybody who has vied for any position knows that. Let me give you example. When I ran for Senate under Action Alliance, many years ago, I was the only candidate who visited fellow candidates and others from opposing political parties to discuss issues of general interest. I went to their houses and ate breakfast. It doesn’t happen in most quarters these days.

That is my background. That is how I am taught and that is the way of my leader; if we mean that we are in this business for our people, then, play politics of no bitterness. That is what the people want. Nigeria is changing. The idea that you lose election and you cannot pick up a phone and congratulate the winner is becoming a thing of the past.

Could you tell us a bit about your private sector experience?

Back in the United States, I worked with Pepsi Incorporated. I was the Head of Channels Development of various chains, and travelled wide in many countries. I actually worked in many countries. I travelled to well over 50 countries, where I worked. And at a time, when I got married in 1996, I felt it was time to step closer to your family. I had to come back and I left the job. I established a trading consulting company and a trading company. This is so because I have always had flair for business? I have always had a small business which I do.

How would you describe Okorocha?

The man, Rochas Okorocha is a philanthropist. He is a family

man. He is a man you will love to be close to. Rochas Okorocha I know is vehement but his brain is faster than clock. For you to be able to meet up with him, you must come a little closer. Just imagine, someone you’ve been with for over two decades, by now I could have told you I have a PhD on him. No, I do not. By the time, you get closer; my boss will keep shifting the goal post.

He is a man who likes challenges. He is an adventurer. He believes in a thing, then, it is achievable. He is not too perfect a person. He is a man who is also very eager and open to learning from you. As he is holding a conversation with you, he is picking up one or two things from you, but you don’t know. The day he will use them, he will say remember the day you said.

That is the man, Owelle Rochas Anayochukwu Okorocha.

Within the context of the Imo Rescue Mission, have you developed your personal vision for Imo? My oga’s vision subsumes mine. And that is the way it is. As much as I operate with my oga, you only have one captain at a time.

Your Excellency, going from this discussion, one thing we can deduce is loyalty. As a leader, what are the issues that have been driving you?

Number one, my upbringing has got a lot to say about me. I came from a home that my father is a disciplinarian. My father is in charge. My father came from nowhere to somewhere. He made himself and became a name for himself, from a very poor family.

His father died while he was still a little boy. His father did not see him through as a man. But, grandmother saw my father through farming and business of palm kernel and raised some amount of shillings to help his grandson to start selling building materials. So, it was with that upbringing that my father impacted in us. Can you believe that my father built the Imo State Commissioners’ quarters as a government contractor. This Deputy Governor’s Lodge where I am living now was built in 1977. I worked as a student and my job was to dispense drugs to the labourers who were called Kiri Mbum. Can you believe that later in life, I would live in one of the houses I participated in building from the foundation, casting the decking. I also did a lot of menial job just to make my own money. My father didn’t know about this. I also was one-time my father’s personal driver, after secondary school.

I drove my father till I sat for my school certificate exam.

How is the government implementing the APC manifesto?

Free education has run for four years now, and free education has come to stay. It is what people never believed it was possible. The opposition never believed that it could happen and the doubt is with them till today. I don’t think that we as a government have done very well in giving free education the publicity it deserves. Many people outside the direct beneficiaries are the ones that can say yes, this is free education. It seems like there is this shadow as if there is, may be, a thing of Rochas magic. No, there is a practical thing on the ground. We have three major tertiary institutions owned by the State – one of them, Imo State University. It is free from admission to your first degree. It is free. It is hundred percent free. The same thing applies to Imo State polytechnic, Umuagwo, Imo State University, School of Health Sciences, Amaigbo and other State owned tertiary institutions. The same thing applies to Imo College of Health Science, Okporo, Orlu and School of Nursing, Amigbo.

What effort is being made by the government to boost the Internal General Revenue (IGR)?

Like I said, this state has not done very well in IGR for obvious reasons. We have instituted a committee trying to make sure that the state does well in IGR. We are generating about 600, 000 may be 500, 000 or a little bit over 500, 000 monthly. It is not supposed to be so. A State like Imo should have a minimum of N2billion IGR. Look at Edo, look at Cross River. You can say these are contemporary States. You don’t expect us to be the same with Lagos or Kano for instance. What they have, we don’t have them. But the contemporaries States are the ones to be used to create a template or a benchmark to judge Imo State. It is Edo and Cross River. This sabotage is as a result of internal sabotage that they put up. Those are some of the loopholes we are trying to block. Some of the laws are there. Some are outdated. Some we need to change. We are working on it to change some enforcement. The governor is focused. He is acting on everything.

We created some kind of committees. There is an angle that I am leading just to make sure we do that. The governor is personally involved in IGR revitalisation.

APGA to PDP: Don’t distract Obiano’s attention

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HE All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against distracting the attention of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano.

APGA was reacting to attacks on Obiano by the PDP, led by Prince Ken Emeakayi. The party alleged that the APGA was using the state’s fund to build its secre-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tariat in Awka, the state capital.

But, APGA Publicity Secretary Hon Chinedu Nkwonta alleged that the PDP wanted the state to go back to the era of kidnapping and brigandage.

He said: “If Ken Emeakayi wants to talk about the APGA secretariat under construction in

Awka, he should direct that question to us at the party and not Governor Obiano. APGA is a well structured political party that has discipline, vision and mission clearly defined” “We are ambitious as a party and we intend to serve our people for long, that is why we are investing into the life of the party.

To answer Ken Emeakayi child-

ishly as the question demands, APGA sought and secured the piece of land as a party” He added: “We followed the due process required by law and have our Certificate of Occupancy in our hands. I guess Kenwill ask us to show Ndi Anambra, our C of 0. We will not do that except where necessary and to the right groups”

•Obiano

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THE NATION THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015

POLITICS

It was the plan of certain rejected politicians in ‘ Osun to use the financial challenges as a launch pad in their preparation for power bid in 2018 ’

Former Osun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration Ajibola Basiru reflects on the challenges confronting Rauf Aregbesola’s administration. He explains steps being taken to tackle the problems. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him in Lagos.

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‘PDP has failed to destabilise Osun’

AS a stakeholder and former commissioner in Aregbesola’s administration, what is responsible for the financial crisis in the state?

It was not a financial crisis but financial challenges. The situation was not peculiar to Osun State. There are no less than 23 States that are facing similar challenges caused by the mismanagement of the nation’s resources by the visionless Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last 16 years particularly the Goodluck Jonathan regime. In July 2013, Jonathan admitted 400,000 barrels of crude oil were being stolen per day which was responsible for 40 per cent decline in national revenue earning. Oil theft is responsible for the glut in the oil market which is responsible for the slump in oil price.

Governor Aregbesola was the first to alert the country of the impending financial crisis brought about by the activities of the oil thieves. Thank God, the problem is receiving the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari who is working seriously to restore sanity into the system.

It was the plan of certain rejected politicians in Osun to use the financial challenges as a launch pad in their preparation for power bid in 2018.

Hence, heavy noise as if it was only Osun that owe workers salaries.

Thanks to Osun workers for their understanding of the problem and cooperation with the state government.

They have gone back to work. They have even partnered with the government in carrying out proper audit of the state workforce in order to fishing out ghost workers. That is to tell you the kind of rapport between the government and workers as against the impression being created by Iyiola Omisore and his hireling Yinka

Odumakin.

What is the state doing to boost its internally generated revenue?

In 2013, the state allocation from the Federation Account was betweenN3.5 billion and N4 billion. The recurrent expenditure gulped N3.6 billion. By April 2014, the allocation dropped to N406 million. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Osun in 2010 was between N280 million and N320 million. When Aregbesola came on board, the IGR has increased to N1.6 billion per month. The state economy is just developing under various programme put in place by his government. You can’t impose tax or cause inconvenience for the people because you want to generate revenue.

The economy is growing gradually.

For instance look at the socio-economic benefits of our reformed education programme. We offer free meal to 252,000 pupils in public primary schools in the state. This programme alone has employed about 3,000 women who are caterers that prepare the meals. It has provided market for poultry farmers that supply eggs; bakers who supply bread and the cattle dealers that supply beef. It costs government N3.2 billion per annum to feed the pupils. The free school uniform has attracted the establishment of a leading garment factory in the state which is being supported by the Bank of Industry.

Critics say Governor Aregbesola embarked on grandiose projects that the state economy cannot sustain. Do you agree?

I am surprised by the allegation of grandiose projects because these are the same set of people alleging that there are no projects on ground. It is pedestrian for someone to argue that Osun with a population of about 3.2

million don’t require an airport. Is airport meant for passengers alone? The airport was not even initiated by Aregbesola administration. Between 2008 and 2009, there was a federal budget for airport in Osun. The airport site was the first airstrip in the whole of West Africa. It was chosen because of the topography of the area.

One good thing about this project is that hanger facilities will be sited at the airport.

The Aregbesola administration has embarked on massive road construction across the state. These roads are there for everybody to see. You can’t grow the economy without providing infrastructure. The state government has built standard schools with equipped laboratories, libraries and halls. More than 45 of these schools are in use. It is not the right of the children of elites alone to attend standard schools.

The helicopter was not acquired by Aregbesola’s personal use as claimed by the opposition. It was acquired for security surveillance. It is meant to compliment command and control centres for quick response to emergency situations. I was amused when the critics say the helicopter was bought for $8 million. How much do they sell Boeing 727 aircraft? That tells you how ignorant some people are.

How has the government impacted positively in the life of the citizens?

The government has established Micro Credit Agency that provides loans with low interest to small and medium enterprises. About 800 Cooperative societies and 9,555 individuals have benefitted. The government started paying 13th month salary to the civil servants in 2010 and sponsor them for local and foreign training. It has opened up the rural areas through

construction of roads to farmstead to ensure easy access to markets by the farmers. At least each Local Government constructed 10 kilometres within the first term of the administration. In the area of security, Osun State is secured; crime wave has been reduced to the barest minimum through provision of incentives and hard wares to the police.

Why was Osun singled out for bashing when other states are faced with similar financial problems?

Some people are genuinely concerned about the backlog of unpaid salaries because Governor Aregbesola has acquired so much credibility particularly in good governance and prudent management of public funds. As a result, he enjoyed good press. But for the PDP, it was a payback for Aregbesola for daring Jonathan’s administration. To the State PDP, it was an opportunity to re-launch their power bid ahead of 2018. They have failed to destabilise the state by setting the workers against the state government.

As a lawyer, are you surprised that a serving judge wrote a petition calling for the impeachment of Governor Aregbesola?

The content of the petition does not worth the ink for which it was written.

The normal thing is that he or she who alleges must substantiate. There was no single document to back up the 39-page petition. She said she based her allegations on rumour. She alleged that the governor runs the state from Cuba, that he enriches his godfather and cronies, that the state owes about N500 billion and that there was no project on ground to justify the huge loan taken by the state government. The road in front of her house in GRA, Osogbo was tarred by this administration; the Ac-

•From left: Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly Hon. Francis Nwifuru; Protocol Assistant, United States Consulate-General, Lagos, Mary- Anne Onwuchekwa; Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; Political/ Economic Chief, US ConsulateGeneral, Thomas Hines; Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe; Political/ Economic Assistant, US Consulate-General, Danielle Grigsby; and Secretary to Government Prof.

Bernard Odoh, during a visit by the US officials to the governor in Abakaliki.

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From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

According to the report the committee headed by the deputy governor, Professor Sunni Tyoden, “the state of indebtedness of the state as at May 29, 2015 amounts to N222.3 billion.

The reports reads in parts: “The hand over notes received from the proceeding government claimed the level of of indebtedness of the government was N103.9 billion as of May, 2015. Our findings put the figure at N222.3 billion.

“What was left as credit in all the government accounts put together, was N93 million.

While the outgone government claimed to have spent N8.6 billion

countant General has said the debt profile of Osun is N78 billion; the last time Governor Aregbesola travels to Cuba was in 2005, five years before he became governor.

The image of the judiciary should be salvaged from politicking. The sanctity of the judiciary should not be sacrificed on the altar of petty politicking by an individual. Anybody that is interested in politics should come out and should not use the cloak of the judiciary to participate in party politics. As an individual, you have the right to exercise your fundamental rights but the judicial code states that members of the bench should not do it in a way that will bring judiciary into disrepute.

Aregbesola holds the judiciary in high esteem; that was why he refused to make comments on the baseless allegations contained in the petition.

A group Osun Stakeholders, held a summit at Ile-ife recently on the way forward for the state. What is your view on their recommendations?

There is nothing like Osun Stakeholders. It was certain failed politicians that wanted to use the financial challenges to seek relevance. The defeated PDP governorship candidate in the last election, Iyiola Omisore is the financier. He lost his petition challenging the victory of Aregbesola at the tribunal, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. His co-travellers are Akinlusi, former Head of Service and governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he scored 600 votes. Former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Niyi Owolade contested governorship election and got less than 400 votes. Yinka Odumakin is known for jumping from one party to the other. At the so called summit, journalists who covered the event were more than those that attended. What are their resolutions or alternatives to what Aregbesola is doing?

Top politicians praise Tinubu

‘Jang left N222.3 billion debt in Plateau’ LATEAU State government has accused former Governor Jonah Jang of lying to his successor on the state of indebtedness of the state.

Senator Jonah Jang is representing Plateau North zone in the Senate, a seat he won after completing his terms.

Jang handed over to Gov Simon Lalong, following the victory the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Simon Lalong.

It was alleged that, in the handing over note the state was indebted to the tune of N103 billion.

But, a transition committee that submitted its formal reports said the former governor lied in his hand over note.

•Basiru

•Jang on the new government house at Little Rayfield, our findings put the figure at N16.4 billion and work is still ongoing”

Politician, Chief Babatunde Olorogun-Etti, has identified fair-mindedness, trust building, and good gatekeeping as virtues of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He also praised him for respecting the wishes of the people, demonstrating democratic efficacy, finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts and enhancing the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

At a ceremony where some politicians defected to the APC in Lagos, Olorogun-Etti, Hon Muiz Aregbe-Obanikoro and others described the former governor as the best politician in the country.

They also praised him for making the south-west part of the main-

stream politics in Nigeria “In a lot of ways, he’s a very good politician. He has a fine political mind and a real commitment to public service. He is a man of real talent and real principle.” Olorogun-Etti said.

The APC chieftain promised to deliver the party’s message faithfully and sincerely and to toe the party line.

Attributing their defection to leadership greed and selfishness, they urged other Lagosians in PDP to quit the party.

“The leaders do not have the interest of members at heart”, he said.

Among those who defected to the APC are Chief Ibrahim Babatunde Olorogun-Etti, Hon Muiz AregbeObanikoro, Alhaji Yakub Yusuf, Mr. Sunday Ayinde, Mr. Wale Ramous, Alhaja Kuburat Salami, Alhaji Lateef Lamidi and Mrs. Adijat Jaji.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Herbal treatment for anxiety

Practitioners advised on manufacturing standards

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EVERAL herbal remedies have been studied as treatment for anxi ety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits.

Here’s what we know — and don’t know:

• NAFDAC lists criteria for herbal drugs production

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) to reconstruct its herbal hall to meet manufacturing practice standards.

Its Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, said it was a prerequisite for the association to be allowed to produce herbal drugs at the site.

Orhii, who was represented by the principal regulatory officer, Mr Joseph Okereke, at a special inspection of the facility, built in 1982 by NANTMP pioneer chairman, Lagos State branch, the late Dr Joseph Lambo, said the factory must have a structural flow - from changing room to production room and packaging room.

The association, he said, can only produce powdery and solid herbal drugs at the facility as it is not equiped for liquid drugs or syrups.

“There is also space constraint and lack of hi-tech equipment. NANTMP may find it difficult to meet those conditions at the moment,” he said.

Besides, there is the need for water purification plant and stainless machine for mixing compounds to avoid residue, Orhii said .

The agency, he assured, will collaborate with the association to develop the sector but, “our job is to ensure that the centre conforms to the standards for having a manufacturing plant”.

NANTMP Chairman Dr Yekini Akande said the quest to have a common production site for herbal drugs could not be over-emphasised.

Akande said production of herbal drugs at the facility would help poor members to produce their drugs at a cheaper rate.

The herbal hall, Akande said, has been unused since the demise of its founder, adding that people with no affiliation to the association have been using it for other purposes.

He said the facility was being rehabilitated to meet NAFDAC standards for production sites, stressing that it would be ready for use.

Kava appeared to be a promising treatment for anxiety, but reports of serious liver damage — even with short-term use — caused several European countries to pull it off the market.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings but not banned sales in the United States (US). Avoid using kava until more rigorous safety studies are done, especially if you have liver problems or take medications that affect your liver.

Passionflower

• Orhii

• Akande

“NAFDAC’s visit is an eye opener to help us focus on the areas to touch to make our dream of having a common production site a reality,” Akande said.

Akande urged the Federal Government to hasten the passage of traditional medicine bill so that the

practice can progress to the desire height.

“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid so that we can develop traditional medicine to the level of China and India,” Akande said.

Health benefits of pawpaw

ECOWAS forum on healthcare begins Sept. 3

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HE future of healthcare on West Africa will be on the agenda when traditional medicine practitioners and key players in healthcare meet on September 3.

The two-day forum, which is the seventh scientific congress of Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPS) and Conventional Medicine Practitioners (CMPs), will hold in Banjul, capital of The Gambia.

The theme of the forum is: ‘’Current level of traditional medicine development in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region’’.

To a World Health Organisation (WHO) and West African Health Organisation (WAHO) expert, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, there is need for stakeholders to assess the level of progress made so far in healthcare across the region.

This, he said, is because traditional medicine remains the only source of healthcare for the majority of Africans, despite huge advances in science and technology.

Omoseyindemi, who is a medical doctor, said West African Health Organisation (WAHO) statistics showed that about 80 per cent of Africans rely on traditional medicine to meet their healthcare needs. He stressed that herbal medicine remained the first line of treatment for 60 per cent of children with malaria-induced high fever in some ECOWAS countries.

Moreover, the past three decades have witnessed a boom in herbal medicine, with the growing recognition that medicines once regarded as primitive could be mankind’s saving grace, after all.

“For example, in 2005, tradi-

Kava

Stories by Wale Adepoju

• Omoseyindemi tional medicines worth $14 billion were sold in China. In 2007, Brazil generated revenues of $160 million from traditional therapies, as part of a global market of more than $60 billion,” he said.

The sector, he said, is also attracting a lot of research interest due to the search for new drugs to treat killer diseases of the modern age, as well as the rising incidence of drug resistance, in part caused by misuse of medications.

Besides, research into traditional medicines, over the years, has broken some grounds.

“A vivid example is the artemisinin used to treat malaria.

In India, the CSIR has teamed up with several public and private partners to conduct clinical trials on herbal products generated through reverse pharmacology.

And in Africa, at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, scientists at the institute’s Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research have tested many plants for new anti-malarials.

AWPAW, known botanically as carica papaya, is often called a wonder fruit for all its great properties. It is a nutritional storehouse and has effective digestive enzymes.

Often nutritionists ask you to increase your fruit intake and papaya is often on that list. Papaya contains numerous minerals and chemicals, flavonoids as well as carotenoids. This fruit is believed to also promote improved cardiovascular health and protection from colon cancer.

This fruit is considered so full of health benefits that it promotes digestion, builds the immune system, prevents constipation, lowers inflammation, reduces pain from burns, especially if the skin of the papaya is used, can prevent heart disease, complications from diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Papaya is also a good source of fibre, which helps bring down cholesterol.

There is no perfect time to enjoy a fruit, but it is best eaten before a meal as after a meal the body converts the fruit into sugar while before a meal you absorb all nutrition.

Everybody wants to maintain smooth, healthy, youthful and glowing skin. In most cases, unhealthy or dull skin is a result of poor eating habits and a weakened digestive system.Poor nutrition and the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body are the main reasons for dull skin.

One common solution for all these disorders is papaya. In order to make use of papaya for skin, care, you can also apply the papaya pulp on your skin in addition to eating it regularly.

A unique enzyme in papaya, referred to as papain, has a considerably positive effect on the digestive system.

Its regular consumption, it performs all the functions necessary for maintaining a healthy skin: it eliminates the toxins from the body, treats constipation, and greatly helps in proper digestion. Most beauty care professionals recommend papaya for skin care. In addition to using papaya for glowing skin, you can use papaya for skin whitening as well, if you feel

A few small clinical trials suggest that passionflower might help with anxiety.

In many commercial products, passionflower is combined with other herbs, making it difficult to distinguish the unique qualities of each herb. Passionflower is generally considered safe when taken as directed, but some studies noted that it can cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

Valerian In some studies, people who used valerian reported less anxiety and stress.

In other studies, people reported no benefit. Valerian is generally considered safe at recommended doses, but since long-term safety trials are lacking, don’t take it for more than a few weeks at a time. It can cause some side effects such as headaches and drowsiness.

Chamomile

that your skin is turning dark due to over exposure to sun or pigmentation.

In order to make best use of papaya for skin care, mix one teaspoon of honey with about 100 gm of papaya pulp, and apply it to your face. Keep this mask for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash with cold water. This is one of the best home remedies for skin care, and it will solve all your skin related problems including acne and black heads.

Papaya fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamins B and C, carotenes, flavonoids, and minerals including potassium and magnesium, and fiber. As such, papaya imparts numerous health benefits. One of the health benefits of papaya is that it helps in the management of diabetes. It is recommended by doctors on account of its ability to lower blood sugar levels.

Diabetes mellitus is caused by decreased production of insulin hormone or body resistance to the hormone, leading to accumulation of sugar in the blood. In diabetes, patients are forbidden to consume most of fruits on account of their carbohydrate content. However, benefits of papaya for diabetic patients could be attributed to its low sugar content and high content of minerals and fiber. You can also use papaya leaves for diabetes.

You can soak papaya leaves in water, strain the extract, and consume it three times a day to reduce blood sugar levels.

•Source: www.diethealthclub.com

Limited data shows that short-term use of chamomile is generally considered safe and can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. Use of chamomile can cause allergic reactions in some people, who are sensitive to the family of plants that include chamomile. Other members of this family are ragweed, marigolds, daisies and chrysanthemums.

Lavender Some evidence suggests that oral lavender or aromatherapy with lavender can reduce anxiety; however, evidence is preliminary and limited. Oral lavender can cause constipation and headache. It also can increase appetite and the sedative effect of other medications and supplements and can cause low blood pressure.

Lemon balm Preliminary research shows lemon balm can reduce some symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. Lemon balm is generally welltolerated and considered safe for shortterm use, but can cause nausea and abdominal pain.

If you’re considering taking any herbal supplement as treatment for anxiety, talk to your doctor first, especially if you take other medications. The interaction of some herbal supplements and certain medications can cause serious side effects.

If your anxiety is interfering with daily activities, talk with your doctor. More serious forms of anxiety generally need medical treatment or psychological counselling (psychotherapy) for symptoms to improve.

• Source: www.mayoclinic.org

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

Sinusitis, mucus discharge and systemic candidiasis (2)

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N the first part of this series published last Thursday, some possible causes of Sinusitis, mucus discharge and systemic candidiasis were explored. A Mayo Clinic study which implicated systemic candidiasis provided an interesting footnote. So did the study and a book authored by four medical doctors which offered a Shark Liver oil cure for the common cold and flu, possible causes of the condition. The second part of this series enlarges the probe...

Until about 10 years ago when my immune system was probably able to better cope with the common cold virus next door, my best bet against an infection was to keep a safe distance from a sufferer. In those days, as even now, I was not wanting in simple home remedies against the malaise. I call the common cold and all ailments, which travel in its train a malaise because they literally knock you out of circulation. As your nose is blocked, your head aches. You cannot sleep, day or night. I hate to breathe through the mouth, for it may compound issues, as dust and germs, unfiltered from the inhalation, cause other unforeseen troubles. Above all, an infected person may become a social leper even at home. Your cup, like your cutlery and palates, are separated. You cannot shake hands, lest your palms had been infected by droplets of the germs while you were coughing or sneezing or blowing your nose. You have been told by your doctor there’s no anti-biotic against the common cold virus which, then, must run its cycle for, maybe, a few days or one whole week! What a dreary life you must live while waiting that long in these circumstances for the awful train to pass the rail crossing. These days, if one comes down with about three knock – downs in one year, one doctor is likely to advise an HIV text! So, again, it all boils down to a healthy immune function. As the Mayo Clinic has drawn a link between sinusitis (infection and inflammation of the sinuses) and candida albicans, a member of the yeast family and a fungus, a long – term solution of this malaise is the building of a healthy immune system. In the interim, that is in the short term we must chase the fox away before we rebuke the chicken for standing in harm’s way.

Home Remedies I probably didn’t pay much attention to these matters in my mid – twenties until a dripping nose threatened to separate me from what then, and now, I considered to be the most important event in my life. For three days, I was to be in a gathering where the wearing of clothes with bright colours or a heavy perfume or a woman whose dress fell short of the midline of the lower limb while she was sited or knocking shoes was considered distractive of the focus of one’s neighbour, what would you say of a neighbour coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose every other minute? In today’s culture of perverted Christianity, we would say “the Devil is a liar”, as we arm up with prayers to chase away the monster. But aren’t we the trouble and not Lucifer? For Lucifer can block our path only if we fail to exercise our free will and chase Him away. The Lord taught us that in His temptation on the minaret of the temple allegorically rendered in the Bible story. Luckily for me, I had a brochure of NATURE’S WAY, a giant producer of food supplements in the United State then and now. It was represented in Nigeria by a company called DUMEC and I sold its products. The one I found immediately relevant to my condition was GARLICIN, a garlic supplement extract formula from Dr. Christopher. Someday, I will speak about Dr. Christopher’s formulas. Garlicin came in the form of garlic perles.

TOOK two perles with water every four hours, and, in two days, my dripping nose was dry and the cough was gone. Ever since, I have not failed to fall back on garlic after an exposure to the common cold virus, or to any – one who coughed or sneezed or exhibited the familiar breathe of a cold virus infection. I do not tolerate raw garlic on empty month. It rumbles my stomach immediately. I chew it on a morsel of food or on a chocolate bar, if I am not having a meal and feel the need to aid the digestive system. Garlic, like Thyme with which it is combined in some food supplements is a respiratory herb.

When the oil is rubbed on the buttom of the foot of a baby, who cannot tolerate it orally, the smell soon appears in the breath as a testimornal that it is at work in the lungs and in the sinuses. If the Egyptians gave garlic to their Jewish slaves to maximise their slave labour because garlic provides high energy yields, it is possible that this is related to the antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral powers of this herb, which kills germs and, thus, prevents from micro-organisms from sharing nurture and energy with their human cell hosts which they poison and weaken with toxins. Whoever does not like or tolerate raw garlic may try the adourless garlic perles which some authorities say are less potent, or Kyolic proprietary garlic, an adourless brand aged for about 15 months and said to be about 50 times more potent than natural garlic.

In the market, too, is Garlic essential oil. Essential Oil are very potent and need to be diluted with such oils as olive oil before they can be tolerated on the skin, let alone internally. All that health shop owners need to do if they wish to give their stores the testimonial of health store is to drop one or two drugs of an essential oil on

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the floor. The store exudes the aroma all day. But they must be careful not to use an essential oil such as that of garlic, which their customers may consider offensive.

When I have to give a health talk anywhere, my choice of a perfume is lemon grass oil. It is pleasant and keeps almost everyone I meet asking questions about lemon grass. Some people may find Lavender essential oil interesting. It is a soothing, calming oil good to add to the evening or night bath water. People who suffer from the common cold or flu may add a few drop of Garlic essential oil to hot water in a basin, lower their heads near the basin and cover their head and basin with a cloth so they can inhale the fumes of essential garlic oil evaporating from the hot water.

NOTHER way to use it is to dab a few drops on a handkerchief and place this near the nose so the oil can be inhaled. Or, if it is preferred, the bottle can be carried about and applied near the nose as a sort of inhaler. The most important thing is to disable the virus, thin the mucus, check inflamation and restore say.

There is a role for garlic perles, too, in this therapy. But one had to be extra careful not to let it escape into the nostril, otherwise there may be a Job for the ENT doctor.

With the thumble and the index finger, a perle is held in one nostril while the head is tilted backwards. When pressure is applied on the softgel by both fingers from their opposing ends, it breaks, releasing its contents into the nostril. The second and free nostril is immediately blocked with finger pressure while the garlic oil in the other nostril is inhaled sliffed in. The process is repeated for the untreated nostril. Where garlic oil is not immediately available, Onion juice may be used. A few years ago, I gave this recipe to a young, dutiful woman named YINKA OJO. She was a front desk officer at Zenith Bank branch, Pen Cinema, Agege. She had a cold and was struggling through her chores. She used cotton buds to drop the juice into her nostrils as advised. And the cold cleared.

She was back at her desk the following day. Some other Nigerian workers would have taken that cold as an opportunity to procure a doctor’s “sick leave” certificate and go off work for about a week, useless to her employers and customers while drawing their pay. If the infection presents a cough, orange peel or the peel of any other citrus fruit may help. In the peel of orange, there is an oil called limolene. It is anti-microbial and protects the orange from predators. If it is squeezed on skin infections and generously rubbed on them, it may bring a cure. Years ago I had a bottle of it as a gift from someone who traveled abroad. I used it as a demonstration to encourage my friends to stock and use orange peel. If I gave them a gel of it and asked that it be allowed to dissolve in the mouth, they asked me immediately they perceived the taste and the smell if the gel contained orange juice.

No it is the oil from the peel of the orange, I would answer. I do not remember where I learned about orange peel oil. Maybe I got it from Rex Adams’s MIRACLE MEDICINE FOODS. Researchers spoke of anti- histamine content of orange peel oil, which makes it helpful in inflamatory conditions. Not surprisingly, one woman was reported to dry and store orange peel in the refrigerator. She was asthmatic. Any time she sensed an attack was coming up she chewed a few cuttings and shook off the asthma. Any one, who has a juice extractor at home may perfect this therapy by juicing or extracting the oil, diluting it with hot water and sipping the solution. In the alternative, orange peel may be chopped into fine bits on a chopping board and boiled in water under low heat or added to hot water, cover up and allowed to infuse for about 15 to 30 minute.

According to Dr. Health. MD: “It can perk your appetite, improved digestion, and help to get rid of other abdominal troubles like flatulence, heart burn and vomiting. Being a great expectorant, orange peel powder is use to relief phlegm and clear the respiratory tract, thus alleviating conditions like asthma and cough. Orange peel can effectively lower cholesterol levels. Orange peel con-

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tain a flavour known as Hesperidin, which is said to prevent colon cancer and osteoporosis. Consuming the peel also ensures healthy liver functions. Essential oil extracted from orange peel has amazing therapeutic benefits. It helps to uplift your mood and has a calming effect on the nerves. This essential oil is helpful in curing insomnia.

Whenever you are feeling stressed, add some dried peels or few drops of essential oil to your bath tub or a bucket of water and bathe with it. Orange peels are a boom for skin, as they posse anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. The dried peels can be powdered and used to scrub and exfoliate skin. It is a great cleanser, helps to cure acne and pus – filled pimples and remove blackheads, dark spots and pigmentation. Boil some peels along with a few cloves or cinnamon they emanate a fragrance that helps to get rid of unwanted odours.”

Orange peel is used in Nigerian as a mosquito repellant by burning it. In Europe, it is used to repel ants and cats.

According to Maura Wolf in lifestrong.com: “When oranges were first cultivated, orange peels were highly valued. People extracted essential oils from the peels to use in medicines and remedies for indigestion and other illnesses. Orange peels are a source of health- promoting carbohydrates.

Peels also contain healthy polynethozylated flavones, which are plant pigment compounds present in all citrus fruits. To obtain health benefits, you do not have to eat raw orange peels, but you can add flavourful orange zest to foods and beverages.

Using a greater, paring knife, vegetable peeler or citrus zester, make orange zest by shaving off thin slices of orange peel.”

HE polymethoxylated flavones in orange peels have cholesterol-lowering properties. In a May 2004‘Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry’ article, Canadian researchers and United States Department of Agriculture reported that isolated compounds from orange and tangerine peels showed promise as a natural alternative for reducing LDL cholesterol without the side effect of mainstream cholesterol drugs. Orange peel and pulp contain Hesperidin, a flavonoid that helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Orange peel is also a source of pectin, a natural fiber that helps reduce cholesterol levels “The phytonutrient called LIMONEN is found in the oil of citrus peel fruits. Oranges, mandarins, lemons and limes contain large amounts of limonene… an anti-carcinogen… in their peels. Limonene activates the body’s antioxidants detoxification enzyme system and this limits the ability of cancer cells to grow.

Citric acid helps starve cancer cells by cutting off their energy supply.

People in the Mediterranean Region have lower rates of certain types of cancers, and the main reason for this seems to be their diet which includes the regular consumption of citrus peel, which is used in fish, chicken, lamb and desert recipes. Hesperidin is a potent flavonoid in citrus fruits that is most abundant in the peel of the orange. Hesperidin suppresses pre-cancerous lesions and may inhibit certain cancers, including breast cancer and colon cancer.

“Orange peel is a very good source of pectin, which is a natural fiber that can decrease the rise in blood sugar that may occur after a meal. This can make it helpful for people, who must watch their blood sugar. Pectin can also help diminish an over active appetite, which may lead to unwanted weight gain. The pectin in orange peel as a prebiotic and encourages the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria in the intestine. Orange peel is very rich in fiber, which helps regulate your gastro-intestinal tract. Before it was scientifically confirmed, the peel of different varieties of oranges was believed to have medicinal value. Various cultures throughout history used it for digestive problems, stomachache, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and as anti-spasmodic. Many researchers are coming up with evidence- based suggestions about several benefits of orange peel to health. Some of these include its use for headache, anxiety, mood swings, depression, prostate enlargement, and so on. What emerging information about orange peel benefits for health boils down to is that we humans are stupid and “perish in ignorance.”

Our bodies, inherited from our forefathers, co- evolved with plants, fruits and vegetables which they ate for nurture and health. We have or are discarding plants, fruits and vegetables in preference for man-made foods, thereby disturbing the genetic evolution trajectories of our bodies and creating disease Sinusitis, mucus discharge and systemic candidiasis, which have been linked to this and other diseases, can, therefore, be seen as curable through a detoxification of not only the sinus cavities, but of the entire system, rehabilitation and strengthening of the immune system.

Let us, therefore, today thank the Lord, Creator and ruler of all the Worlds, for the great gift of garlic, onion, oranges and orange peel, and other wonderful herbs and vegetables meant to safeguard our health but which we have ignorantly and stupidly forsaken. Aren’t we stupid, indeed, when, after sucking an orange, we throw away the pulp and the peel as waste, and a goat picks it up and eats it to the delight of its health and mother nature who, standing in the Will of the Almighty Creator, provided them not only for animals but us humans as well.

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• To be continued

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 08116759749

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Cleaner City: Lagos, firm partner on recycling of waste oil

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O tackle the indiscriminate handling/management and disposal of spent/ waste oil, a major contaminants of its ecosystem, the Lagos State Government has said it will partner with Ecocycle Technology, to begin a recycling programme aimed at ensuring a cleaner environment.

The General Manager/CEO, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Adebola Rasheed Shabi, said the move was aimed at protecting the environment and the prevention of further contamination of the surface and underground water body in the state.

He said under the new system Lagosians whether corporate or individuals, would be encouraged to deposit their used oil at any of

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

the specially designated collection centres across the state for onward disposal by the firm.

Shabi said since the proper management of used oil is a major environmental concern, in accordance with the laws setting up the agency, it would be an offence for anyone to discharge their spent fuel indiscriminately into storm drains or elsewhere in the state when the system finally rolls off.

He said: “The goal of this effort is to ensure an environmental quality that is consistent with the social and economic needs of the state, in order to protect human and animal health, welfare, property and quality of life.”

He further stated that the continuous monitoring and control

of the disposal of solids, liquids and gaseous wastes generated by both government and private facilities has led LASEPA to setting some benchmarks that has ensured the safety of lives of residents.

He said approximately about two hundred million litres of used oil are dumped on the bare ground or into storm drains nationwide every year, with no one bothering about its adverse effect on the environment and human health.

“Improperly disposed oil can contaminate drinking water and harm aquatic animal and plant life, by depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. These waste oil contains heavy metals (i.e. Chromium, Lead, Zinc, Mercury, etc, that bio-magnify in the body tissues of the aquatic animals such as

Cyclops, Planktons and other Benton) that are primary producers in the food chain,” he said.

When these primary food chains are consumed by man, he explained, they become carcinogenic (cancer causing agents), in the human bodies.

With this partnership, LASEPA, Shabi said, is encouraging Lagosians to protect the state’s natural resources, surface and underground drinking water supplies by properly disposing used motor/engine oil at public collection centres that would be appropriately designated across the state.

The Managing Director of Ecocycle Technology Mr. Albert Adewunmi said the firm is determined to put an end to the con-

tamination of the ecosystem as a result of waste oil through a beneficial recycling system that is meant to make the environment cleaner.

He listed some of the products that could be generated from the recycled waste oil to include fresh engine oil, diesel, asphalt residue, which could be mixed with bitumen, as well as soap.

“The recycling would also create work opportunities for hundreds of people directly and millions indirectly as waste collectors, and job creators,” Aderomi said.

He added that the recycling system comes with a waste buy back opportunity where the firm would be paying a token to anyone who patronises it by bringing their waste oil in exchange for cash.

Amosun, others for honours at Waste and Recycling Awards 2015

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•Members of the Landlords Association of Oki, Amero and Ogungbade Road in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State inspecting the bridge linking the three communities in Ibadan, which was damaged by erosion... on Tuesday.

Firm set to deliver 500 houses in Abuja

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S part of Federal Govern ment’s efforts to bridge the housing gap, a private firm, B.A.M. Projects & Properties, has promised to build and deliver 500 affordable housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Communications Officer of the firm, Kelvin God’swill Musa, said the project located at BELHAM Estate in Karsana District near Gwarimpa Housing Estate, is being developed on a 45-hectare of land. The units are: two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom town houses, three-bedroom luxurious apartments, four-bedroom detached bungalows and five-bedroom villas.

The Director, B.A.M Projects and Properties, Mr Abba Bello Mohammed, told reporters, shortly after the just-concluded Ninth Abuja Housing Development Exhibition which was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) that his company had since three years ago embarked on the project having successfully completed all necessary building processes. An approval by the FCTA for a development lease was thereafter issued to the company under the mass housing scheme of the FCDA. He disclosed that his company is an emerging mass housing developer to watch in the FCT armed with the endorsement and recognition of the FCTA to participate in the scheme based on its cognate experience, expertise and full compli-

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

ance with the laid-down procedures of the government.

According to him, his company gained official recognition after it completed all the necessary procedures for registration such as payment of compensation to original settlers, approval of the engineering design and a certified development planning design.

On why information about the project had been delayed until now, Mohammed explained that the company chose to utilise the opportunity of the exhibition to showcase itself to the housing and property market. He said that his team wanted to be sure that the project had taken off as proof to the public of its seriousness about the project. He expressed delight that public response to the range and quality of the houses so far has been impressive and encouraging.

“With B.A.M Projects & Properties, you can be sure of our sense of quality and care as they blend with our reputation. It is

only when you enter the houses that you get a true idea of how much thought and care that went into each property. We have taken every opportunity to blend comfort with contemporary style with insistence on the very best fixtures and fittings. This is only good for our esteemed clients”, he said.

He said BELHAM Estate which is about 10 minutes drive from the Central Business District of the Capital City represents the climax of his company’s over six years’ arrival into the nation’s housing industry, adding that the company is founded on the philosophy of “just do it well, the patronage will surely come”.

“Our passion for craftsmanship, exploring architectural heritage and for interior design has led to BAM’s projects being garlanded many times over in the industry and the media. By consistently maintaining standards and implementing a progressive programme of innovation, we have successfully participated in some of the best high profile schemes in the housing industry”he said

‘With B.A.M Projects & Properties, you can be sure of our sense of quality and care as they blend with our reputation. It is only when you enter the houses that you get a true idea of how much thought and care that went into each property’

OR their efforts in waste management, the first lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Funso Amosun and other professionals that have excelled in waste management and recycling business and related initiatives, will be honoured at the maiden edition of Waste And Recycling Awards 2015. The award presentation is slated for October 30, at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where companies and individuals in waste management across the West African sub region will be honoured.

The ceremony will showcase and acknowledge not only Waste Managers and their teams, but also the firms that provide them with the services, support, and technologies that enabled their success.

According to the CEO of InstinctBusiness, the organisers of the award, Mr Akin Naphtal, the human environment is very important because nothing can replace it. He added that the people that make it clean and conducive

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ORRIED by the spate of flagrant abuse of the fire safety laws by owners of some petrol stations and companies across the country, the Ogun State Director of Fire Services, Mr. Akanbi Obiwunmi, has advocated the need for state governments to domesticate the recently approved National Fire Code Laws by the Federal Government in order to put an end to the fire menace.

Obiwunmi, who disclosed that the Ogun State Fire Service within the last eight months recorded six deaths during fire fighting operations, and attended to 576 fire calls involving residential buildings, petrol stations and other infrastructure within the same period.

The death recorded were of individuals and not officials of the service that were trapped in the fire incidents before the arrival of his workers The director, who was quoted in a statement by the spokesman in the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, said the call for the state governments to domesticate the approved Federal Government fire code laws became imperative because the existing fire laws in some of these states have made fire service authorities “toothless bulldogs”.

He said: “Fire service is not the only approving authority as regards allowing people to establish petrol stations or companies.

We are just a part of the approving authorities. In most cases, these petrol dealers or owners of

for living should therefore be rewarded in one way or the other.

“We have deemed it our responsibility to show appreciation to these lovers of the environment.

Despite the fact that they have their gains in the business, it is also worthy to note that managing waste takes great passion.

The $410 billion industry is big to the extent that it is set to create about 500,000 jobs in Africa.” he said.

Waste Management and Recycling Awards is the first of its kind in West Africa, powered by InstinctBusiness. InstinctBusiness is one of the titles published by InstinctWave, organizers of the MarketingWorld Awards and Africa Brand Conference. The ceremony will also provide a great networking opportunity to reinforce relationships with partners, entertain clients and reward staff with outstanding performance.

The event will feature raffle draws, artiste performances and many more.

Fire control: Ogun wants laws domesticated companies would have built their structures, commenced operations and even gotten approvals from other relevant authorities before coming to fire service which is completely illegal. We are expected by the laws governing their establishment to have visited the proposed location of the business to carry out site inspections and clearance before the establishment of such venture. The problem here is that once they have been given approvals by other relevant authorities it becomes difficult for us to sanction them.”

“This arrangement has completely changed due to the recently approved National Fire Code by the Federal Government, this new code has given fire service authorities across the country the power to sanction any defaulter, but as we all know we are running democratic governance so such laws must be adopted at the different state levels before it becomes operational. It is not operational in Ogun State yet, but the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry Of Works and Infrastructure, Kayode Ademolake has written a memo to the governor informing him about the new laws and the need of such laws to be domesticated, ” he explained.

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SPACE FOR SALE

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-08-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-08-15

Access Bank plans to raise new funds

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ARELY a month after it raised N41 billion new equity funds through a rights issue to shareholders, Access Bank yesterday said it plans to raise additional capital to complete its three-level capital raising programme.

Executive director, commercial banking, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, at a press briefing in Lagos, said the bank plans to raise additional capital through a unique local currency instrument that will appeal to various investors’ groups.

He said the new fund raising would complete the bank’s three-level capital raising programme noting that the bank had successfully floated a $400 million Eurobond and recently concluded an equity issue through rights to shareholders.

Ogbonna said while the bank has yet to decide on the timing and amount of the new issue, the definitive features of the new issue will be its

•Concern over exclusion from NSE’s premium board

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

local currency denomination and unique structure, which will altogether make the new issue first-of-its-kind in the Nigerian financial market.

He said the new equity funds from the rights issue has placed the bank in a stronger position, noting a bank can always make use of additional capital once it fits into the growth plan of the bank.

According to him, the subscription pattern of the rights issue has further underscored the wide acceptance of the bank as a value stock among Nigerian investors. Foreign investors only contributed N290 million while domestic investors accounted for N40.7 billion.

He noted that the international investors, who hold 35 percent equity stakes in the bank, did not pick up their rights because of the skepti-

cisms over the Nigerian macroeconomic direction and the uncertainties that cloud the political transition.

He said that the new equity fund has pushed Access Bank within the top three banks in terms of capital, adding that the impact of the new fund would become visible in loan growth and overall performance in the second half.

Meanwhile, Ogbonna expressed surprise over the exclusion of the bank from the maiden listing on the newly introduced premium board at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

He said the non-inclusion of the bank within the inaugural companies on the new board was shocking and questionable noting that the bank recorded the highest score in the corporate governance rating test conducted by the NSE.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-08-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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MONEYLINK

NBS blames low oil prices for slow economic growth

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IGERIA’S economic growth slowed sharply in the second quarter of the year as lower crude prices took their toll on the local economy. Annual growth dropped to 2.35 per cent from 6.54 per cent a year earlier, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

Reuters report said oil production fell to 2.05 million barrels per day from 2.21 million over the same period. With oil accounting for

Stories by Collins Nweze

more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and about 70 per cent of government revenues, the fall in crude prices and output has hurt Nigeria’s finances and its naira currency, with foreign investors pulling out of its stock and bond markets.

The naira has fallen about 15 per cent over the last one year, with devaluations in November and February, despite the central bank

spending billions of dollars to prop up the currency.

The weakening currency has fuelled inflation, which at 9.2 per cent is at its highest annual rate since February 2013 and above the central bank’s target range.

Tuesday’s figures showed the continent’s second biggest economy, South Africa, shrank for the first time in over a year, raising the risk that labour disputes and slowing Chinese demand for commodities could push it towards recession.

CBN, court approve Heritage, Enterprise banks’ merger

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted final approval for the merger of Heritage Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited. The scheme of merger has also been endorsed by the Federal High Court which gave its blessing to the merger.

“The Management of the CBN has approved the grant of Final Merger Approval to Heritage Banking Company Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited and the licence of Heritage Bank Limited (the successor),” the CBN said in a letter to Heritage Bank.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Heritage Bank,

Ifie Sekibo, said: “We’re pleased with the final approval of the merger of the two institutions. The stage is now set for us to achieve the vision of a bigger and better Bank that offers world class banking services designed to help customers to create, preserve and transfer wealth.

“With this acquisition, the new Heritage Bank is better positioned to offer unparalleled banking services which spread across over 200 branches, 177 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), 57 Cash Centres and 2000 Point of Sale (POS) Terminals in 26 states. We shall harness the

better of the two worlds combined in terms of our innovative products, bespoke technology and extended branch network manned by a team of tenacious people; as this automatically transforms our bank from a tier2 player to a strong tier-1 player.

“As we integrate into a larger bank, we assure our esteemed customers that this strategic stride is ultimately to serve them better.

We affirm our commitment to all stakeholders that we will continue to deliver on our promise of creating and preserving wealth across generations through highly personalised service.”

FCMB’s millionaire promo excites customers

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•CBN Governor Emefiele

Godwin

USTOMERS have commended First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited for initiating and supporting activities designed to empower the society. Winners of N5 million and N1million, respectively, at the grand finale of the Lagos & Southwest Regional draw of the FCMB Millionaire Promo held on August 19 across the country, Nkem Egwuonwu and Mrs. Philomena Ewohimen, commended the lender for its kind gesture.

Speaking yesterday during the cheques presentation cer-

Courteville unveils strategy at AGM

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HE Chairman of Courteville Business Solutions Plc., Group Capt Murtala Salami (rtd) has reiterated the firm’s determination to diversify revenue base to enhance better returns for investors.

He spoke yesterday at the company’s 10th annual general meeting (AGM) held in Lagos. He explained that it was imperative that the firm reduces its concentration risk on AutoReg while it has a wide lead over competitors.

Salami said last year, Courteville, in compliance with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC’s) Code of Corporate Governance, inaugurated a Corporate Governance and Remuneration Committee, and adopted a formal Risk Management Framework. A new Risk Management department

reporting directly to the board’s risk management committee was also created.

The chairman commended the management team led by Adebola Akindele, the group managing director, for successfully navigating the company through a challenging economic cycle brought on by the depreciated naira, falling oil prices, and tensions that arose in the run-up to general elections. Last year, Courteville’s profit before tax rose 13 percent to N457.03 million. Earnings per share leapt up 22 percent to 8.67 kobo.

Salami said under Akindele, who has been at the helm for 10 years, Courteville ‘adopted strategies, which helped to stabilise its operations in the midst of economic uncertainties and fast depleting disposable income of consumers.’

emony in Lagos, Egwuonwu described the bank as a true partner in progress. According to him, ‘’one of the hallmarks of any responsible corporate organisation is the ability to maximise the wealth of its customers.

FCMB has continued to show over the years that it is committed to help customers grow’’, adding that, ‘’I am proud to identify with the bank’’. ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo will go a long way to turn around the fortunes of many people. I therefore urge existing and incoming customers to fully participate in it,’’ he said.

Mrs. Ewohimen, who won N1million, said: ‘’Today is one of the happiest moments in my life. FCMB has made me proud. This money will help me a lot to further develop myself. ‘’Since I opened an account with FCMB, I have not had any cause to regret and I believe that I will continue to grow with the Bank, because it has proved that it stands for the progress of the people.’’

Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Joshua Nggada, hailed the lender for conducting the promo and the draws ‘’with integrity and transparency’’.

He said: ‘’FCMB followed due process from the beginning of the promo till the emergence of the various winners.

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NEWS Abia reinstates sacked workers

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bia State government has reinstated sacked non-indigenes in the state’s employ.

They were asked to resume work immediately.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Godwin Adindu, said the sacked workers were re-engaged so they could cater for their families.

The statement reads: “During the electioneering campaign, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and

DPR shuts 42 Imo petrol stations From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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OR selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above the government regulated price of N87, 42 two petrol stations have been shut in Imo State by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

The stations were also allegedly involved in underdispensing, adulteration and hoarding.

Zonal Assistant Director of Operations Ona Edwin said it would not be business as usual for independent marketers, who violate government regulations.

He said 14 of the 42 stations were reopened after they paid the N100,000 fine.

Imo to punish parents of cultists From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

the flagbearer promised to recall non-indigenes disengaged by previous administrations.

“To prove that the promise was not an electoral gimmick, Governor Ikpeazu has reinstated the affected 102 workers at the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) and they have been paid their June salary.

“Also, of the 295 non-indigenes in the State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), 63 were cleared for reinstatement and will receive their July salary while the rest will be reinstated after clearance.

“These measures are in line with the governor’s policy of making Abia a home for all.”

Two policemen paraded for alleged robbery in Anambra T HE Anambra State police command has paraded two policemen, Corporal Peter Ilo and Nicholas Ogbuanu, for suspected robbery.

Twenty five others, said to be involved in crime, were also paraded.

Ilo, who is of the Imo State police command, denied being a robber.

He said his friend, who resides in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, lured him into car-snatching.

Ilo said: “He lured me into robbery and car–snatching. ‘’We organised some rob-

Anambra Housing bill passed From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Anambra State House of Assembly has passed into law, the Housing Corporation bill 2015.

The lawmakers said when assented to, the bill would provide more houses for the citizenry, contribute towards the designing of new cities and the rebuilding of major towns.

They bill would also check indiscriminate buildings and generate employment.

The House also observed a minute silence for the first Speaker of the old Anambra State, Ifeanyichukwu Enemchukwu, who died at 75.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

beries and snatched two cars, including a Lexus and sold the plasma television we saw inside it.

“Along the line, we disagreed on the sharing formula and he sent the police after me, after revealing our acts.”

Ogbuanu, allegedly sacked in 2005, was arrested on August 17 while chasing a commercial motorcyclist. He said

he was dismissed 10 years ago.

Ilo said he was recently recalled, though he was yet to resume work.

Parading the suspects yesterday Police Commissioner Hosea Karma warned criminals to leave Anambra because the state would be too hot for them.

Other suspected robbers, kidnappers and cultists were also paraded.

Karma said they would be

charged after their cases were investigated.

The commissioner also hinted that the command would arrest illegal siren users, as directed by the Inspector General of police, Solomon Arase.

Karma said some sirens had been confiscated and the owners charged to court.

“Sirens should only be used in emergency and by governors,” he said.

Ugwuanyi woos DFID for investment summit

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has warned that parents and guardians of cultists will be held responsible for the actions of their wards.

The governor spoke at the Government House when he received four Hilux vans from Skye Bank Plc .

He urged heads of institutions to monitor and caution their students against cult-related activities.

Okorocha lamented the increasing number of under-aged cultists, attributing it to peer pressure.

He hailed the bank for boosting the government’s campaign against crime.

Skye Bank’s Regional Director Mr. Chinedu Ochiagha said the bank appreciated the government’s efforts in curtailing crime and other vices, adding that the bank would partner Imo in other areas.

•Commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in a peaceful protest in PHOTO: NAN Onitsha, Anambra State… yesterday

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NUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has called on the British Department for International Development (DFID) to organise an investment summit to expose the state to the international community.

The governor spoke when he received a delegation of DFID, led by its Head of Office in Nigeria, Ben Mellor, at his office.

Ugwuanyi thanked the agency for its contributions towards sustainable development and commitment in partnering the state on inclusive growth.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

He noted that the summit would not only discuss business opportunities in the state, but would benefit the Southeast states.

The governor added that the country needed the assistance of the British government to boost e-learning/exchange programmes, quality and affordable health facilities and alternative energy supply to support primary health services in the rural areas.

“It may interest you that we have challenges; we need solar panel to provide alternate

energy to power our hospital facilities. We need more sophisticated equipment and facilities in our hospitals to measure up with the developed world.

“Don’t give us money; just put the facilities to help our people. We are suffering and we need help; help our people to build good hospitals” Ugwuanyi said.

Mellor hailed the governor for his initiative to constitute the Economic Advisory Committee.

He described it as an important venture that would assist the government to actualise its

•Ugwuanyi

four-point agenda anchored on continuity and consolidation.

The DFID official said department would support the governor’s vision, even as he assured Ugwuanyi that his requests would be attended to.

Okowa seeks removal of primary education from councils

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ELTA State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has advocated the removal of primary education from local government councils to end the perennial nonpayment of salaries and ensure effective service delivery.

Okowa spoke when the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Olukoya and members of the Standing Committee, visited him.

Okowa said: “Primary education is the bedrock of the child and so there is need to strengthen it. If we lose it at the primary stage, we have lost it completely.

“We know that primary school teachers are paid by the local government councils and I believe that if we are committed to free basic education, it is necessary that the teachers’ salaries be taken away from the local government.

“It will be necessary to revisit the revenue allocation formula appropriately because I know that before now, when councils were not receiving up to what they receive today; they did not pay teachers’ salaries”.

Okowa, who decried the indiscipline, and non-dedication to work, emphasised that urgent measures were needed to rescue not just the primary education system, but other levels of education.

He urged NUT to partner the government, saying a Teachers’ Development Centre, to train teachers, would soon be established.

Comrade Olukoya said they were in the state to check on workers’ welfare and chart a way forward for its educational development.

He praised Governor Okowa for the cordial relationship between the government and teachers and his efforts in the sector.

Ekechi awarded FOREMOST marketing communications entrepreneur, politician, and Chairman of the Marketing and Media Group, Dr. T. O.E Ekechi, will, on Friday, be honoured with the Integrity Man Award by the National Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

The event, holding at the Lagos Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, will be attended by foremost industrialist, businessman and Chairman of Elizade Motors, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, and Assistant Inspector General of Police Tunde Ogunsakin.

A statement by NACJ’s National President Dr. John Dara said Ekechi was chosen because of his “sense of integrity and transparent leadership style, warm and honest relationship, especially with his workers, and his strong character and sterling display of patriotism and integrity in his leadership responsibilities”.

Ekechi, a leading outdoor advertising practitioner, is a philanthropist, a consummate politician and a Fellow of the Indian National Institute for Education and Research.

He is also a recipient of the Doctor of Literature (honoris causa) of the University of Berkley, Michigan, United States of America.

Unuafe for burial MRS. Winifred Emuesiri Unuafe, who died in Lagos, will be buried on August 28, at 10 am at Canaanland Cemetery, Ota, Ogun State.

She was 37.

Pa Ayoola Joseph is dead THE death has occurred of Pa Isaac Ayoola Joseph. He was 89.

Pa Joseph, who was of the Odo-Egbo quarters in Ijebu Ode, died on Wednesday, August 19. He is survived by wife, children, grand-children, great-grand-children.

Burial rites will be announced by the family.

Wife stabs husband over N500 daily allowance

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HOUSEWIFE in Enugu State, Joy Umeh, has stabbed her husband, Sunday Umeh, for allegedly failing to provide a daily housekeep allowance of N500.

Mrs. Umeh was said to

From Chris Oji, Enugu

have demanded the amount as her husband prepared to leave for work. But Sunday pleaded that he had no money.

Joy then grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him in

the stomach.

Sunday’s shout attracted neighbours who removed the knife and rushed him to the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the in-

cident.

He said Joy was in police custody and helping with investigation.

Sunday is receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre.

•The late Pa Joseph

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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NEWS Kwara unveils plans to audit workforce

Police launch 16 patrol vehicles in Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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WARA State government has unveiled plans to conduct an audit of its workers, to eliminate ghost workers and certificate racketeering.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who spoke yesterday in Ilorin at a meeting with heads and bursars of stateowned tertiary institutions, said the audit would go beyond biometric verification, as it would involve a thorough assessment, including the authentication of the certificates of workers, to eliminate ghost workers.

He said no blackmail or misinformation would deter his administration from growing internally- generated revenue (IGR), as that was the only way government could meet its obligations to the people and survive the economic downturn.

The governor said while it was common for some people to resist change, the interest of the people must prevail.

Government’s directive to tertiary institutions to open a single revenue account with designated banks in a pilot scheme was greeted with speculations that it was planning to hand the management of the institutions to its holding company, Harmony Holdings Ltd. Urging the people to ignore such rumour, Ahmed said the newly-established Kwara State Internal Revenue Service was the only establishment authorised by law to collect and manage state and local government revenue.

He said the single revenue account would ensure transparency and budgeting, as government would have a better idea of the revenue coming into the coffers of the affected agencies so that it could support them where necessary.

The governor enjoined heads of tertiary institutions to embrace the account, as the new scheme would be a litmus test for their managerial ability.

NBTE to rectors, others: shun corruption From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

•Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura assisting residents of Orange Market Road to evacuate wastes from a drainage during his seven-day working visit to Karu Local Government.

El-Rufai to conduct Kogi APC primaries

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday constituted a seven-man committee, headed by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to conduct Saturday’s governorship primaries in Kogi State. The party has begun the sale of nomination forms for the Bayelsa State governorship primary election.

Other members of the committee are Alhaji Ibra-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

him Sarki, Mrs. Omorge Osifor, Mr. Mohammad Wali, Mr. Lanre Asiwaju and Greg Egwu. Senator Magnus Abbe will serve as the secretary.

APC National Organising Secretary Osita Izunaso urged members of the committee to take the assignment serious.

He said if they needed to appoint anybody to assist them, “they are free to do so

among members of the party, who are not from Kogi State.”

Izunaso added: “You should hold a stakeholders’ meeting first and introduce yourselves. The party requests that you should reach out to the DSS, police and other security agencies upon arrival, so that they will be carried along.

“Once you start the accreditation, you cannot postpone. Once you begin, you

must complete and the winners will be announced on the spot. It is not something you will go and compile and come back. It is not allowed.

“The aspirants with the highest number of votes will be declared the winner. I want you to bear in mind, there is nothing like endorsement, maybe somebody will say he has been endorsed, there is nothing like that. It is the people there who will choose.”

72 cars, others recovered from ex-Bauchi govt officials

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AUCHI State Governor Mohammed Abubakar said yesterday that the anti-corruption drive in his state was on course.

He said 72 cars, generators and other items had been recovered from exgovernment officials since he assumed office in May. The governor addressed

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HE regulatory body of polytechnics and other technological institutions, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has urged heads of the 556 technological institutions to shun hiring mercenary lecturers to get accreditation.

It said: “Transparency is lacking in our institutions today. During most of the visitations, it was noticed that polytechnics hired mercenary lecturers and other workers from neighbouring institutions to meet the requirements of the NBTE. This is not proper. Heads of technological institutions should ensure zero tolerance for corruption.”

The board’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mas’udu Adamu Kazaure, who delivered an address at a workshop entitled: ‘Carrying capacity’, organised for the heads of technological institutions, said President Muhammadu Buhari had zero tolerance for corruption.

ECURITY in the commercial city of Kano has been tightened to prevent Boko Haram insurgency.

Performing the launch of 16 mobile patrol security vehicles, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said they were meant to boost security.

The vehicles were distributed by the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to states, to enhance patrol on major highways.

The governor said his administration was working with the leadership of the Joint Security Task Force (JSTF) to ensure that terrorists, who might flee from the Northeast, did not take refuge in any part of the state.

He said local security outfits had been mobilised to assist the JSTF operatives and make the state uninhabitable for the insurgents who might be planning to relocate to the state.

Ganduje hailed the security initiative adopted by President Muhammadu Buhari to end terrorism and urged Nigerians to support him.

Presenting the vehicles to the governor, Police Commissioner Idris K. Ibrahim said they would be used to patrol the highways where military checkpoints had been dismantled.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

State House correspondents after meeting Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: “You discover that I was the first governor that set up a committee with a retired Air Force general to recover government prop-

erty taken away by former government officials.

“We have recovered 72 vehicles. We have recovered quite a number of generators. At a point, 60 generators were bought by the former administration and they distributed them to their friends and associates.

I’ve ordered for the retrieval of these property.

•Abubakar

“I have declared zero tolerance for corruption. This is the way we are going.”

Twin suicide bombers, soldier die in Maiduguri

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WIN suicide bombers, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram, on Tuesday night died while detonating explosives, which killed one soldier at a military checkpoint at the Gomari Airport roundabout in Maiduguri.

The attack occurred less than 12 hours after two teenagers died in similar suicide attacks in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, killing six people. Over 30 persons were injured.

The explosion, according to an eyewitness, occurred about 10:22pm.

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

The source said the male suicide bombers were in a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) and soldiers became suspicious, as the curfew had begun. They asked them to stop.

“As they advanced for check, one of them detonated the bombs on his body, which killed him, his twin brother and one of the soldiers.”

Police spokesman Victor Isuku confirmed the incident in an SMS to our correspondent.

Kogi poll ‘ll raise the bar, says INEC

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it has made efforts to make the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State surpass the last general election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Halilu Pai, who spoke yesterday in Lokoja while briefing reporters on the preparedness

From James Azania, Lokoja

of the commission for the poll, said INEC identified its lapses in the last poll and was working out ways to improve on them.

He said the distribution of permanent voter cards, (PVCs) and continuous voter registration would hold between September 2 and 7; state voter education fo-

rum-October 22, sensitisation forum on voter education for women- October 16, while local government voter education forum would hold between October 26 and 31.

Pai said other activities lined up for improved election included the voter education training for people with disabilities, civil society organisations (CSOs)

and community-based organisations (CBOs) scheduled for September 28 and 29; while voters’ education training for electoral officers would be held on September 24 and 25.

The REC said the commission created 34 centres to handle the continuous voter registration, following the difficult topography of the state.

Five disqualified from hajj in Jigawa •Pilgrims begin travel Sept. 1 From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

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HE Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Muhammed Sani Ahmed, has said five intending pilgrims have been disqualified from this year’s hajj.

He said those disqualified included three women and two men.

Ahmed said the disqualified people were fished out during a medical screening when three women were found to be pregnant and two men medically unfit.

According to him, the intending pilgrims would begin travel on September 1 at the Dutse International Airport.

Doctors call off strike From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano chapter, yesterday called off its two-month strike.

It was caused by the refusal of the management to implement Federal Government’s circular to skip a grade level within their salary scale structure.

The chapter President, Dr. Abdullahi Salisu S. Sharubutu, told reporters that the suspension was necessitated by the intervention of a delegation of the National Assembly, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11.

He said the attitude of the AKTH management compelled the doctors to abandon their duties, resulting in the hardship of patients.

Sharubutu said the strike was the product of over 16 months’ failed negotiation.

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

NEWS Senate in turmoil over probe of EFCC boss

Senate walks out EFCC officials

Continued from page 4

Continued from page 4

Lamorde.

The EFCC wanted to know why the committee decided to hear a petitioner with documents that were not made available to the person alleged to have committed the crimes.

He insisted that the documents should have been made available to the EFCC. Uboh said that as the Chief Executive Officer of PASS, he takes responsibility for every thing done by PASS. Anay said the Chairman of EFCC wrote the committee to ask for an extension of time.

Anyanwu said that he did not expect to see EFCC officials at the hearing since the body had written for extension of time.

Another member of the committee, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), said it had the right to decide its procedure.

Melaye said the committee chose to listen to the petitioner and adopted to hear the EFCC boss at a later date.

Another member of the Committee, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim (Kwara South), said the EFCC officials should be walked out of the hearing room since they were not supposed to be there.

Ibrahim said before anybody could be heard, the person must be on oath. He

•Saraki

noted that since the EFCC officials were not on oath, they should be asked to leave the hearing room.

Ayanwu said the EFCC officials should excuse members of the committee.

It was apparent the decision of the committee did not go down well with the EFCC officials.

Uboh resumed his evidence.

He claimed that contrary to the provisions of Section 36 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act of 2004, EFCC grossly under reported its recoveries, hence it did not remit.

Uboh also claimed that EFCC doctored bank accounts.

NNPC opens tender for 2015/2016 crude oil term contract Continued from page 4

“However after detailed appraisal of the operation and its terms of agreement, the NNPC is convinced that the current OPA is skewed in favour of the company’s such that the value of product delivered is significantly lower than the equivalent crude oil allocated for the programme,’’ the Corporation said.

The NNPC also observed that the structure of the agreement does not guarantee unimpeded supply of petroleum products as delivery terms were not optimal.

To address these lapses, the NNPC said that it had commenced the process of establishing alternative OPA

based on optimum yield pattern with tender processing fees.

“After due appraisal of performance trajectory, we have invited Messrs. Oando, Sahara Energy, Calson, MRS, Duke Oil, BP/Nigermed and Total Trading to bid for the new Offshore Processing Agreement while we have engaged AITEO, Sahara Energy and Duke Oil to exit the current OPA,’’ the NNPC stated.

On the status of the Crude for product exchange agreement (SWAP) reportedly entered into by the NNPC and some oil traders, the corporation informed that the last SWAP arrangement lapsed in December, 2014 and was never renewed.

NDDC: our N183b story Continued from page 4

correspondents after leading top officials of the commission to meet President Muhammadu Buhari, Abia denied the claim.

According to him, he was not the commission’s managing director during the period the auditor general referred to.

He said his hands were clean and he would defend the allegation with available records from the commission He said: “It is only proper that we should come and brief the President. I requested to meet Mr. President in my capacity as the managing director of NDDC; I was not summoned as reported in the media.

“We briefed the President on our mandate. As far as the audited account of the NDDC is concerned, how many of us know that the audited account under reference refers to 2008 to 2012. I was not the manag-

ing director then. Let’s get that fact clear.

“The second one on not having no assets I don’t know from when to when. On principle, I came to brief Mr President.

“Let me assure you that even by the admission of the auditor general, no N180 billion is missing. Because Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) as you know is governed by advanced payment directives.

“The Office of the Auditor General is a government agency, whatever clarification, we shall engage the office and proper records will be strengthened. I told the President no N180b is missing.

“Let me also tell you that I cannot be a party to contract splitting. NDDC is a unique institution, we have a budgeting process. Those people that are now crying, where were they when NDDC was not having project up till the end of the year?”

petition on the Table in the chamber, which automatically becomes a public document.

“Thereafter, the presiding officer will refer the petition to the appropriate committee for consideration upon which it would be returned to the Senate in plenary.

“In this regard, nothing of the sort happened. Senate proceeded on recess on August 13 and it is not on record that the petition of Mr. George Uboh, accusing Lamorde of diverting over N1 trillion recovered from some corrupt Nigerians, including the former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and the former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was presented to Senate in plenary.”

The Senate Unity Forum urged the Senate leadership to halt the probe of the EFCC. The statement added: “The Senate Unity Forum do support the position earlier adopted by some of our colleagues that the Lamorde probe should be halted as it did not follow due parliamentary process.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Rule (1-3 of the Senate Standing Orders specifically spells out how petitions are handled in the parliament.

Rule 41 (1-3) states: (1) A petition may only be presented to the Senate by a Senator, who shall affix his name at the beginning thereof.

(2) A Senator presenting a

petition shall confine himself to a brief statement of the parties from whom it came, the number of signatures attached to it and the material allegations contained in it and to reading the prayers of such petitions.

(3) All petitions shall be ordered, without question being put, to lie upon the Table.

Such petitions shall be referred to the Public Petitions Committee...

“It is after these steps have been taken that the presiding officer would refer the petition to the afore-mentioned committee.

“It should be noted that, in this case, none of the laiddown procedure was followed before Senate Unity Forum read in the newspapers that the Senator Samuel Anywanu-led Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee would, on Wednesday, August 26, today commence a probe the EFCC Chairman.

“We stand against this probe. It is illegal and unconstitutional because it did not follow our rules.”

The EFCC said it had no confidence in the committee of the Senate, saying it lacked objectivity and that it was not likely to get a fair hearing, after a delegation sent to observe the proceedings was walked out by the members of the Committee on the pretext that the Commission had earlier written that it would not be present at the hearing.

Ugbo was mid-way through his presentation to

the Committee when the EFCC delegation led by its Director, Legal and Prosecution, Chile Okoroma, arrived.

Okoroma immediately sought to know whether it was the normal procedure for the senate to conduct its hearing with only one of the parties present.

Dino Melaye, chair of the Senate Committee on Information, who chose to respond on behalf of the Committee, said it was at liberty to adopt any format it deemed fit. They claimed that the Commission was not expected at the hearing, having written to be excused. They proceeded to read the letter from the EFCC, where the Commission asked for another date to be present at the hearing but omitted the portion where the EFCC disclosed that the petitioner is an accused under prosecution by the Commission, on fraud charges.

Okoroma insisted that it amounted to lack of fair hearing for the proceedings to continue in the absence of the EFCC. Besides, he observe that the documents presented to the Committee by the petitioner were not made available to the Commission.

To this extent, he wondered how the Commission was supposed to respond to them.

Okoroma further noted that the narration by Uboh only contained reference to the EFCC and not Lamorde even though the hearing was advertised as a probe of Lamorde.

The charade in the Senate is considered a direct threat to the anti-corruption agenda of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. “The so called hearing is a Bukola Saraki / James Ibori agenda to once again destabilise the EFCC. They are trying to take their pound of flesh of the Commission for having the courage to investigate them. The duo orchestrated the removal of pioneer chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu and they believe they can do same to Lamorde”, a source at the senate said, asking not to be identified.

“This is not surprising as the Chairman of the Ethics Committee; Peter Nwaoboshi is an Ibori sidekick who served as commissioner to the convicted former governor of Delta State. Though a first term senator, he has already earned a reputation as a rabid Saraki acolyte. Nwaoboshi and Melaye were part of the bodyguards of law makers that escorted Toyin Saraki, wife of the senate president, Bukola Saraki, to the EFCC, where she was recently quizzed for corruption offences.

“In their design to distract the leadership of the EFCC under Lamorde, they found a worthy ally in a suspected fraudster, Uboh who is standing trial before Justice J, Aladetoyinbo of the FCT High Court on three counts of fraud (FRN v George Uboh CR/12/ 09). He is alleged to have converted properties belonging to the Police Equipment Fund.”

Fed Govt identifies errors in second Niger bridge contract

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HE Federal Government is scrutinising the contract cost and contract conditions of the second Niger bridge.

The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Aminu Diko, spoke with State House correspondents after making presentations to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

According to him, the Ministry of Works has been asked to review the cost of the project.

He also said the Commission had also identified some errors in the project.

He said: “The second Niger bridge is one of the projects that we discussed with the President. We have been discussing the transaction with the Ministry of Works. But before it can be finalised, the commissioner has to give a certificate of compliance, but we haven’t given that because we have seen a lot of issues that we are uncomfortable with.

“We are talking with the Ministry of Works for them to correct it. The communities around that area are clamouring that their lands have been taken and that they have not been compensated adequately.

“As a matter of fact, we got a letter from Onitsha Traditional Council complaining that they have not been adequately represented in this transaction.

These kind of issues we are not saying that something has not been done properly but we need to be convinced that these few problems are sorted out properly.

“We will also talk about the actual cost of the bridge. Eventually, we have asked the Ministry of Works to review it and justify how much the project

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

should cost.”

On the status of the project, he said: “I have no idea about the status of the project. What I need to tell Nigerians is that PPPs take a long time to mature. There is a difference between the project which you have money in your pocket or in your account and you just bring it out and tell somebody to go and do it.

“But when it is PPP transaction, you first engage a number of people. You have banker, lawyers, engineers. They all collaborate to form consultancy for that transaction.

“For the second Niger bridge there will be a lot of studies that need to be done on the integrity of the bridge itself which will take time. It is not something we can see being completed in the next six months.

“I will like us to be patient about it, we know that it is a critical road. We also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on that old bridge. The time has come for us to bring succour to Nigerians.”

He said that mission of the Commission to the Villa was to tell the President about the imperative of PPPs in nation building.

“Unfortunately, we realised that we were coming to preach to the converted because only on Sunday the President was at the NBA conference where he made a profound statement regarding infrastructure deficit in Nigeria. The government cannot do it alone.

“So the private sector both in and outside the country must be accepted as a partner in progress, provided that the nation will not be shortchanged

in anyway. Private sector will be allowed to invest in the country and recuperate their investments and ICRC will be there to guide ministries department and agencies on how to structure these transactions and when it is properly signed and executed we will also take custody of those agreement to ensure that there is total compliance.”

He also said some of the limitations of the Commission were also discussed with the President.

He added: “One of which is the most significant is the law that we operate. It is very ineffective. So, we have proposed an amendment to the law and he has agreed to support the passing of the bill when it comes back to him from the Attorney-General’s office.

“We also discussed some of the legacy concession that we inherited, the port terminals the one at Lagos International Trade Fair, the one over Tafawa Balewa square and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“We also discussed all the projects that were started under the ICRC Act - one of which is the second Niger Bridge, the National Theatre complex, Lagos. These are important projects to the country and in addition to that this country is proposing to build three deep sea port for Nigeria with combined estimated cost of about $6 billion.

“So, you can imagine the kind of opportunities it can create as far as job creation is concerned and as far as vibrancy of the economy is concerned.

“So, we are reviewing these proposals, with the Ministry of Transport and in due course we will come out with a position on that.” He stated He said Buhari gave the Commission two directives.

His words: “He gave us two directives, especially on agricultural silos. We did tell the President that this nation has already built about 33 agricultural silos that is spread all over the country but government has sunk in money there and the management of those silos will be granted to the private sector.

“What the President has directed is that we should involve the state governors to see how best they can encourage their farmers to utilise these silos when they come into effect.

“He also addressed another issue which is very important.

ICRC regulates how public private partnership transactions come in to being, but before they come in to being they have to be developed.

“ICRC does not develop projects and also does not give funding for the development of the project. So, the President directed that MDAs should ensure that they have adequate funding for development of project in their budgets and if they don’t, they should look for alternative ways of getting such funding.

“We acknowledge that some of the developments institutions have already begun to grant Nigeria such attention.

Recently, the African Development Bank offered to finance the engagement of a transaction adviser for the Nigeria TransSahara gas pipeline that Nigeria is building, which is part of the African Heads of Government commitment to develop Africa in general.

“World bank has also given some facilities to Nigeria some of which could be used for project development and capacity building for relevant MDAs. So, the complexities of the transactions can be tackled head on.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS Norway accused of unfair migrant children treatment ONE August day, Airida Pettersen received the news many immigrant mothers have come to dread: School representatives told the Lithuanian that child welfare officials removed her two children from the classroom and placed them in a foster home.

She pleaded to know why - but she said nobody would give her a straight answer.

Pettersen, who moved to Norway in 2008 after marrying a Norwegian, is one of hundreds of immigrant parents whose children were taken away by Norway's Child Protection Service, or Barnevernet, ostensibly to protect them from mistreatment.

After a series of highly charged custody disputes, the oil-rich Scandinavian country now faces accusations of cultural insensitivity at best and child theft at worst, as increasing numbers of immigrant children are being seized by officials and handed over to Norwegian foster families. Of 6,737 children taken in 2012 - the latest available data some 1,049 were immigrants or born to immigrant parents. That compares to 744 children of immigrants taken away, of a total of 5,846, in 2009.

The authorities insist they're acting in the best interests of the children.

But their perceived heavyhandedness has stirred diplomatic disputes with several eastern European countries and India.

Official guidelines make a point of ensuring that the special needs of a sick or handicapped child are adequately met and that parents have to be able to take sufficient responsibility so that a child's health or development is in no way "seriously injured."

Pettersen believes officials took her children partly because of her 10year-old daughter's clothes, which she alleges authorities found too provocative for a pre-teen.

Arab League delays creating joint military force THE Arab League says it has postponed a meeting of defence ministers to ratify a protocol for a new joint military force to intervene in regional hot spots.

The Cairo-based organization says in a Wednesday press statement that members requesting the meeting be postponed include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. The Arab League says members will decide later on a new date for the meeting, which was originally scheduled for Thursday.

An ad hoc Saudi-led coalition has been launching airstrikes against Shiite rebels in Yemen since March. Experts say a joint force would have difficulty reaching consensus on intervention in cases like Libya, where different Arab countries support rival parties.

U.S. TV journalists shot dead on air • Suspect shoots self dead

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WO journalists have been shot dead during a live TV report in the US state of Virginia, their employer confirms.

WDBJ7 TV reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were killed during an interview in Moneta, Bedford County, the TV station said.

During the live broadcast, shots could be heard, sending the reporter and the person she was interviewing running.

The station said the person who was being interviewed survived the attack.

“Alison and Adam died this morning at 06:45 shortly after the shots rang out. We

do not know the motive or who the suspect or the killer is,” the station’s general manager, Jeffrey Marks, announced on air.

“I cannot tell you how much they were loved by the WDBJ7 team... our hearts are broken,” he said.

Ms Parker was starting a breakfast TV interview about tourism at the shopping centre when suddenly eight shots rang out, the camera spun and dropped to the ground, and her screams could be heard.

The footage then captures what appears to be a fleeting image of the gunman, who is wearing black trousers and a blue top - and holding a

handgun.

The TV station said the woman who was being interviewed, Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, had survived the attack but was in hospital and required surgery.

Meanwhile, Police say they are investigating the incident

and the suspect has been identified as Vester Flanagan (officially Bryce William), a former staff with the TV station, who shot himself in a chasing encounter with law enforcement agents on Interstate Highway 66 yesterday.

His Twitter account suggested he held a grudge against Mr Ward, 27, who he

accused of lodging a formal complaint against him, and Ms Parker, 24.

And local media reported that he had filed a lawsuit against WDBJ7, alleging discrimination by the whole station and naming most of the staff of his complaint. The case is said to have been dismissed by a judge in July 2014.

Belgian WWII nurse who helped save U.S. troops dies

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Belgian nurse who helped save hundreds of American soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge at the end of World War II has died and will be buried near where thousands of Allied troops fell.

Augusta Chiwy, who died Sunday at 94, was portrayed as the character `Anna' in the book and TV series "Band of Brothers," received a Belgian knighthood and a U.S award for valor in 2011.

• Chiwy

The Battle of the Bulge was a ferocious encounter during the final stages of World War II when Adolf Hitler launched a major offensive against Allied forces. About 80,000 American soldiers were killed, captured or wounded.

Chiwy volunteered in an aid station in Bastogne, where wounded and dying U.S. soldiers by the thousands were being treated by a single doctor from December 1944 through January 1945. The

diminutive Congo-born nurse braved the gunfire, helping whoever she could.

The Nazis hoped the surprise attack would reach the Belgian port of Antwerp and cut off the advancing allied armies. Bastogne, a market town at a critical road junction, was quickly besieged.

U.S. troops - led by paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division - were surrounded but resisted and the key crossroads was never taken.

Bastogne was heavily shelled and reduced to ruins.

Another Belgian nurse Chiwy's friend Renee Lemaire - was killed along with about 30 patients when a bomb hit a cellar full of the wounded.

"What I did was very normal," Chiwy said as she received the U.S. Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service in 2011. "I would have done it for anyone. We are all children of God."

S. Arabia 'holds suspect in Khobar Towers bombing'

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HE main suspect in the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia is reported to have been captured.

Ahmed al-Mughassil was apprehended in the Lebanese capital Beirut and then transferred to Riyadh, the Saudiowned newspaper al-Sharq alAwsat reported.

There was no immediate comment from the Saudi au-

thorities, but a US official confirmed Mr Mughassil was being held.

He has been indicted by a US court for the attack, which killed 19 US military personnel and a Saudi citizen.

The US has accused Iran of being behind the bombing something it has denied.

In a report published on Wednesday, al-Sharq al-Awsat said Mr Mughassil, a Saudi

national, had been "disguised in a way that made it hard to identify him".

The newspaper quoted official Saudi sources as saying Saudi security personnel had received information about the 48-year-old's presence in Beirut. It did not give further details about when or by whom he was detained.

Later, a US official told the Associated Press that Mr

Mughassil was in custody.

The US had offered a $5m (£3.2m) reward for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Mr Mughassil, who it alleges was the head of the military wing of Saudi Hezbollah, also known as Hezbollah al-Hijaz, a branch of the Iran-backed Lebanese Shia Islamist movement that operated in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.

host of his $500 million lawsuit against Univision, and told Ramos, "I have a bigger heart than you do."

Those exchanges largely overshadowed what may have been an event meant to highlight Trump's growing appeal. Seeming to work off a set of notes, the bombastic real-estate magnate was introudced by Clovis, who on Monday left the campaign of Rick Perry and will serve as Trump's new national cochair and senior policy adviser.

And Trump pledged to engage on a new policy issue, college debt, telling reporters he would unveil his program in about a month's time.

Mr Mughassil was one of 13 people named in a 2001 indictment filed at a US District Court in Virginia.

It says that on 25 June 1996 Hezbollah al-Hijaz members drove a tanker filled with plastic explosives into the car park at the Khobar Towers housing complex near the eastern city of Dhahran and detonated it, all but destroying the nearest building.

In 2006, a US District Court judge ordered the Iranian government to pay $254m in damages to the families of 17 of the 19 Americans killed in the attack after it failed to respond to a lawsuit.

The judge said he had been persuaded by former FBI agents that the truck bomb had been assembled at a base in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley operated by the militant Shia Islamist movement, Hezbollah, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards. He also concluded that the attack had been approved

by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

However, the 9/11 Commission Report said in 2004 that "while the evidence of Iranian involvement is strong, there are also signs that al-Qaeda played some role, as yet unknown".

• Kiir

• Machar

News anchor ejected from Trump's event

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ORGE Ramos, a Univision anchor and journalist, was ejected yesterday from a Donald Trump - Republican Presidential aspirant event after an extensively squabbled with the aspirant twice in testy exchanges at a news conference before his rally in Dubuque, in the testy political State of Iowa.

"Go back to Univision," Trump told Ramos early in their first back-and-forth.

Ramos had attempted to engage with Trump on his positions though he had not been called upon, standing and lobbing concerns about Trump's plan at the candidate.

Trump spoke in Iowa as he

collected a highly sought endorsement from a popular conservative activist Sam Clovis, a reflection of Trump's sudden political power thanks to surging poll numbers in the Hawkeye State. And the businessman is moving to hire experienced operatives in early states to replace what was at one point a green political shop.

But his fight with Ramos, who remains an admired figure in Hispanic media, shows that Trump remains by no means an establishment figure -- even as he tries to build out a more professional campaign.

"He was out of order. I would take his question in

two seconds," Trump said, adding that he wouldn't mind if Ramos -- "a very emotional person" -- returned to ask a question politely.

Ramos did, but the ensuing exchange was far from polite.

"Here's the problem with your immigration plan. It's full of empty promises," Ramos said, when allowed back into the press room.

Charging that Trump's agenda to deport the 11 million undocumented immigrants and to stop giving automatic citizenship to their children born on U.S. soil were unrealistic, Trump defended his plan as simple and possible. He reminded the

South Sudan leader signs peace deal

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OUTH Sudan's President Salva Kiir has signed a peace deal with rebels after a threat of sanctions from the UN. He told those gathered for the signing ceremony in the capital, Juba, that he had "reservations" about how the mediation was conducted and some of the clauses in the compromise deal.

Rebel leader Riek Machar

signed the deal last week but Mr Kiir refused.

It is meant to end months of brutal civil war and will see Mr Machar return as vice-president.

The presidents of Kenya and Uganda, and the prime minister of Ethiopia, who all helped mediate the negotiations, were all witnesses to the signing.

The BBC's Emmanuel

Igunza in Juba says before the signing, President Kiir spent hours in a closeddoor meeting with the regional leaders.

Afterwards he gave an address at Freedom Hall, speaking at length of his uneasiness about the deal and saying he wanted these reservations to be on record, our correspondent says.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

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CITYBEATS LASTMA officials screened for hypertension, diabetes

Orphan stabs lover to death over engagement ring

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N Akwa-Ibom State Transport Company (AKTC) worker, Mr Edet Ebong was last Tuesday stabbed to death by his fiancée, Miss Blessing Edet, over the latter’s failure to wear the engagement ring.

But, Miss Edet, an orphan, said she stabbed Ebong in self-defence when he injured her for denying him sex.

The incident occurred at Falana Street, Ogumbo, Lekki, Lagos.

Miss Edet, 24, was arrested by the police at the Ogonbo Police Division in Ajah and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID, Panti, Lagos.

The Nation learnt that the lovebirds, both indigenes of Akwa-Ibom have been dating each other for the past 18 months and were finalising their maririage plans when the incident occurred.

The late Edet, 33, on that fateful night, visited his lover at about 11pm and requested his fiancée to prepare him noodles to eat. It was in the process of dishing the food that the deceased noticed his fiancée was not wearing her engagement ring. He was said to have asked why she was not used to wearing her ring and she could not give a satisfactory reason.

That infuriated the deceased, who accused Miss Edet of being unfaithful. An

By Ebele Boniface

argument ensued and Miss Edet was said to have told the deceased that she was no more interested because the deceased was not financially capable. This resulted into a fight and Miss Edet allegedly stabbed Edet in the stomach.

Edet was rushed to the General Hospital but he died two days after.

Amid tears, Miss Edet said she never intended to kill her fiancée, saying; “sincerely it was not intentional, even while he was in the hospital and I was detained at the Ogombo Police Division in Ajah, I was praying he survived it. I really did not know what came over him that day.

We had good plans for the future.”

She said the late Edet was not just a lover but also a brother.

She said: “We have been in a relationship for about 18 months. However, six months ago, he had trouble with his accommodation; so I asked him to move in with me since we were already engaged.

“We have never had a misunderstanding. But on that fateful day, August 18, I just returned from work and was resting when he came in drunk at about 11pm. He requested that I should prepare

‘

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He flared up and started to beat me. He broke the standing mirror in the room and injured my left eye with the broken glass...

’

him indomie, which I did.

After eating, he asked me of the engagement ring he had given to me. I told him it was on the table. While we lay down to sleep, he started making advances to me for sex; I told him I had a hectic day and was tired.

“He flared up and started to beat me. He broke the standing mirror in the room and injured my left eye with the broken glass. In defence, I quickly picked up the kitchen knife I used while preparing the indomie and mistakenly stabbed him in the stomach.

“After stabbing him, the fight continued. He went under the bed and brought out

•Miss Edet

a cutlass and said he was going to kill me. It was at this point that my younger brother, who had been trying to stop us rushed out to call neighbours. My landlord heard the shout and rushed into our room, met Edet bleeding while I was holding a knife, he alerted the police and Edet was rushed to the hospital. But unfortunately, he died two days after.”

Miss Edet pleaded for mercy, saying: “I am an orphan who has struggled through life. I started living alone four

years back when my aunty I had been living with since I came to Lagos told me her husband did not want any family member to live with them. She helped me and my younger brother to secure a room apartment where we were managing.

“I also borrowed some money to set up a small provision business to keep us going before these tragedy struck. I do not want to end my life this way and my younger brother who is just 17, has no one to run to.”

hours daily.’’

FMC Medical Director Dr Yewande Jinadu, in her reply to a short message sent (sms) to her phone by NAN said: “We have inadequate funds for diesel used (for security) during the strike.

“All tertiary hospitals have to ration the diesel supply to them. In between general hours, rechargeable lamps are provided in the wards, but Causality Wards are powered from a generator that runs on petrol. It is functional. I will enquire now why it is not on,’’ she said.

Chairman, National Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP) Dr John Olutola, said the issue was beyond the management.

Olutola said: “Public power supply to this hospital has been so poor; this has pushed the management to

the wall. This hospital runs on four generators which are scheduled to alternate on hourly basis.

“Considering the huge amount that is usually spent on fuelling the generators, how can the hospital be run effectively?

“We doctors are aware of this challenge, but what I can assure you is that during emergencies, we request that the generator must be put on to perform surgeries.

“The situation in this hospital is not peculiar to us only; but we expect that hospitals should be given priority in the distribution of electricity from the public supply.

“The management of the hospital has been trying to ensure that the situation is always under control and I pray the situation improves,’’ he said.

Patients lament epileptic power supply at FMC

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OME patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute-Meta, Lagos, yesterday expressed concern over the epileptic power supply to the hospital, especially at night.

A cross-section of the patients who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the hospital management and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to do something.

Mrs Augustina Johnson, a pneumonia patient who was brought to the hospital by a relative on Sunday, said she was not attended to because of the power outage which she said forced her to seek treatment elsewhere.

Mrs Johnson said: “I went to FMC, Ebute-Meta, for treatment on discovering that I have pneumonia as a result of excessive exposure to cold during my trip from London.

“I got to the hospital around noon and I found out that there was power outage; I was advised by the doctor to wait a little, may be electricity will be restored.

“I waited till about 4pm., but electricity had not been restored. So, one of the doctors advised I seek treat-

•The FMC Ebute Meta gate

ment elsewhere.

“What baffles me most is that most patients at the hospital were using torch lights to see.

“This is unhealthy in a federal hospital, and I am very disappointed at the development because the health sector provides crucial services.

“It must not be left unattended to; rather, it must be given priority.’’

Another in-patient at the General Ward, Mr Clement Adegoke, said the power outage being experienced at the hospital had been a recurring issue since he was admitted there a few weeks ago.

Adegoke, however, commended the hospital’s management for providing electricity there during crucial periods.

He said: “I was admitted about one and half weeks

FILE COPY

ago after my surgery. There was no electricity supply to the hospital premises when I came in but because I was first admitted to the Emergency Ward, electricity was restored. “ However, since I was transferred to the General Ward, there has been epileptic power supply, especially at nights. Although, we were told that the hospital has to ration its fuel.

There is little the hospital management can do with the situation since the public power supply has been a major problem. I expect the government to give priority to a hospital of this status in terms of supply of constant electricity.

“We plead with the electricity distribution company in charge of that area to improve the supply to this hospital as it cannot afford to be on generator for 24

HE Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Lagos Branch of the Medical Guild yesterday organised diabetes and hypertension screening for LASTMA officials.

The exercise, according to the Guild chairman, Dr Biyi Kufo, was a response to the recent sudden death of a LASTMA official while on duty.

Kufo said LASTMA officials need to know their health status because the tasking nature of their job.

Early detection of diseases, he said, saves life.

“Besides, the only way to know they have some diseases is through regular screening. Majority of those killer-diseases are preventable if they are picked early,” he said.

“We don’t want people to die anyhow. People should die when they are old, not suddenly. That is why we are taking the safety message to LASTMA’s door steps and rendering free medical consultations and screenings to it’s workers,” he added.

He identified diabetes and hypertension as two important public health diseases, saying that about five percent of Nigerians have hypertension while three per cent are diabetic.

He said some officials were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes.

LASTMA’s General Manager Babatunde Edu, represented by the Assistant Director, Welfare Unit, Mrs Morayo Ojeniyi, said the government is concerned about the health and well being of the people, adding: “Only those who are healthy can report at their duty posts to contribute to the development of the state. The government has also put in place a wellequipped medical facility with professional who attend to the workers on daily basis.”

She commended the guild for reaching out to the agency and urged the staff members to avail themselves of the opportunity of the free medical exercise.

Medical Guild’s Vice Chairman, Dr Oseni Saliu said with the screening in place, there would no longer be sudden death among the agency’s workers.

Permanent Secretary’s Hospital Service Commission (HSC), Dr Jemilade Longe, who declared the event opened, said the gesture was in accordance with the Hippocratic oath sworn to by medical personnel.

He described the gesture as a partnership of shared responsibilities that aim to disabuse the minds of the public toward the general believe that medical practitioners are self centred and holds the nation to ransom through their incessant strikes.

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CITYBEATS NDLEA arrests three for ‘ingesting’ 233 wraps of cocaine

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HREE suspected drug traffickers are being interrogated for swallowing 233 wraps of powdery substances suspected to be cocaine, weighing 5.05 kilogramme.

The suspects were apprehended yesterday during outward screening of passengers by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

Two of the suspects, Obiekwe Frank Chuma and Okoye Jacob Okwuchukwu were going to Hong Kong while Chukwuyere Prince Emmanuel was caught on his way to Italy.

NDLEA commander at the airport, Hamza Umar gave a breakdown of the seized drugs.

He said: “Obiekwe, 47, ingested 80 wraps, weighing 1.930kg; Okoye, 43, ingested 70 wraps, weighing 1.515kg while Chukwunyere, 39, ingested 83 wraps, weighing 1.605kg.

“Prince was going to Bologna in Italy through Frankfurt on Lufthansa Airline. Obiekwe was about boarding Emirates Airline while Okoye was supposed to board Etihad flight.”

Obiekwe said he used to be a textile merchant before he suffered financial setback.

“I was given admission at

•Chukwuyere

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

Edo State University but dropped out in 300 level due to lack of sponsorship. In 1997, I came to Lagos and started textile business. Later, I began to buy my goods from Czech Republic and Hong Kong before my business suffered serious setback. In the process of looking for assistance, I was introduced into drug trafficking.

“I was given the drug in a

Filling station owners, others held for fuel ‘theft’

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HE police have arrested owners of three filling stations and eight others for patronising alleged pipeline vandals in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Operatives of the InspectorGeneral of Police Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism said four trucks laden with 115,000 litres of fuel were recovered from them.

The Task Force Commander, Olumese Valentine, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said a 16,000-litre filled with 50-litre jerry-cans at Ishawo in Agric, in Ikorodu, Lagos, was intercepted at Gaffy Petrol Station, while discharging its content.

He said two other trucks with 66,000 litres, scooped from a vandalised pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Commission, (NNPC), at Ilara, Ogun State were also intercepted at Bugon and Azab Petrol Stations, in Ikorodu.

The fourth truck with 33,000 litres was intercepted on its way to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The Nation learnt that the station owners - Lookman Onabanjo, Lukman Gaffar, and Lukman Smith, denied patronising pipeline vandals.

But a suspected vandal, Solomon Afolabi, who sold over four trucks to Gaffy Petrol Station, confessed that Gaffar was aware that the product was gotten from vandalised pipeline.

Afolabi, 30, a resident of Ishawo in Ikorodu, told the police that he was a marketer and his job was to seek filling stations interested in buying fuel from vandals.

He said: “I came to Lagos five years ago and I was introduced into vandalism by one Baba Alia, who buys

By Ebele Boniface

PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) in jerry cans from the boys in the creek. They vandalised the pipeline at Arepo. It is Baba Alia, who buys and stores the product in his shop at Ishawo, while my job is to look for buyers. I sell for N79 per litre and I make one naira as profit on each litre. I have sold over four trucks to Gaffy Oil and Gas, where I was arrested and they usually buy between 11,000 and 16,000 litres. I don’t issue receipt or waybill to the petrol station, because I don’t have a company. “The manager and owner of the fillings station knows that the products were gotten from pipeline. The director normally calls and makes his request and when I deliver the product, he would instruct his manager to pay me in cash.”

Gaffar told the police he wasn’t aware that the products were stolen.

He said: “I am the Managing Director of Gaffy Oil and Gas on Majidun Road, Ikorodu. On August 15, I was called that some policemen were at my station and they accused me of trading on vandalised petroleum product. I was surprised when I got the call because I usually buy my products from a petroleum marketer, known as Solo (Solomon). I was preparing for the coronation of the Oba of Ikorodu when I got the call from the police and I proceeded to the station. A lot of marketers came to my office seeking to do business with me but I chose Solo. I have bought three trucks from Solo. I am aware that pipeline vandalism is going on in Ikorodu, but I am not aware that the ones I bought from Solo were from the pipeline.”

•Okoye

restaurant at Onitsha and they promised to pay me $10,000. It took me eight hours to swallow the drugs but was arrested at the airport,” he said.

Okoye said he met his sponsor at a wedding ceremony.

“I have a Diploma in Computer Science at the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu. I used to import textiles from Dubai and Hong Kong. My business was flourishing and I have trav-

•Obiekwe

elled to Hong Kong for over 15 times. I later had problem that took my capital and I was stranded. That was what led me into drug trafficking.

“I was forced to swallow drugs for many hours in order to continue with my textile business. They promised to pay me over a million naira” he said.

Chukwunyere said he smuggled drugs to settle his bills.

He said: “I am a business man. I supply teaching materials. Armed robbers attacked me and I lost one of my eyes in the process. As I speak, I owe over N15 million.

“I am unable to pay my rent, my children’s school fees and even feeding. My creditors are on my neck daily. This is my first time of trafficking drugs and I was promised 4,000 euros”. .

NDLEA Chairman/Chief

Executive Ahmadu Giade expressed concern over the way drug traffickers expose themselves to danger by ingesting poisonous drugs.

According to Giade, “it is very worrisome that highly poisonous substances like cocaine, methamphetamine and similar drugs are brazenly ingested by drug suspects.

Despite the attendant risk, these suspected drug traffickers could still afford to ingest 233 wraps of narcotics.”

Police nab traffic robber, recovers vehicle

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HE LAGOS State Police Command yesterday arrested a 26-year-old suspected traffic gridlock robber, Taofeek Tijani.

Tijani was caught by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while trying to rob a trailer driver at 6pm in Ojota, Lagos.

RRS Commander Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said an RRS official, who was on patrol around that axis, was informed by a commercial driver that two suspected armed robbers were trying to snatch a trailer driver’s mobile phone.Tijani, who hails from Ogbomosho in Oyo

By Basirat Braimah

State, said he is a bus conductor and the money he earned was not enough for him.

“I told my boss I was going to be absent from work the day I was arrested because I was sick. It was hunger that made me to steal. I was not the only one, my friends ran away,” he confessed.

In a related development, a Toyota Camry vehicle (tiny light), marked: GGE 204 DG, was recovered at Ikeja, Lagos.

Disu said the police were on patrol when they saw

one Mary Udoh, who cried for assistance after she and her husband were robbed on their way to board a Southeast-bound vehicle around 5:40am.

He said: “The police responded immediately and chased the robbers, who on sighting them, abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush.”

Mrs. Udoh said: “I was trekking with my husband, John Udoh, on Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja, Lagos, to board Keke Marwa to Nitel.

Suddenly, two boys came from nowhere and held my husband. While the other

boy forcefully collected my handbag which contained three mobile phones and N9,000.

“While I screamed for help, I saw an RRS 163 patrol van coming and I narrated our ordeals to them. Immediately they went after them and returned with my handbag..”

The recovered vehicle is currently at the RRS headquarters in Alausa and the items recovered include - six mobile phones, one UTC Axe, one pair of canvass, a passport photograph, Taxi sign board and documents.

The Commander said investigation is on-going to arrest the fleeing robbers.

LASEPA seals Mopson Pharm, 20 religious houses

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OPSON Pharmaceuticals and 20 other religious houses were yesterday sealed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in a fresh war against pollution in the state.

While Mopson, located at Ajao Estate was shut over the discharge of untreated effluents into the drainage channel, the affected churches and mosques were shut as a result of noise pollution.

Speaking in his office shortly after the exercise, LASEPA’s General Manager, Adebola Rasheed Shabi said Mopson and other companies affected in the exercise would not be reopened until they put in place an abatement plan to treat the waste water.

He said the sample of effluent taken from Mopson last month showed that the presence of heavy metals as a results of the chemicals used in producing their range of drugs, adding that such pollution is being discharged into the open drainage is dangerous as it is carcinogenic (causes cancer).

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

He wondered why the company is yet to comply with the directive given to all pharmaceuticals companies last February, to put in place an effluent treatment process in the immediate, while plans would be on to have a treatment plant to treat their waste water.

Another company, Dura Products Industries located in Oko Oba, which equally discharges untreated effluents into the drainage, he said, is also guilty of the same environmental offence and would sealed until the appropriate steps are taken to secure the environment for the people of the state.

He said: “What we found in these two companies and others sealed today is that the Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) contained in theier effluents are too heavy. These mixes with the underground and surface water, killing all the micro-organ-

isms and polluting the environment, and causing all types of cancer in the body.”

On the shut religious houses Shabi said none would be reopened until they pay a penalty ranging from between N50,000 to N100,000 to ensure that they do not go back and constitute a nuisance in their environment.

He said in the last two weeks, his agency has received no fewer than 700 petitions from Lagosians against religious houses on noise pollution.

He hinted that with the state is already considering taking measures to make the establishment of churches and mosques more stringent in the state.

This, he said, is necessary to peg the number of religious houses, adding that there are no fewer than 7,000 religious houses presently in the state.

He said if this is not checked, the state may not be able to cope with the level of noise pollution in the next five year.

“We know that these wor-

ship places are growing as a result of unemployment, we are going to ensure that we put in place a law that would make setting up a church or mosque more stringent.

With the population of Lagos growing by 9 per cent yearly, we may have a huge problem on our hands if we do not manage the rate of growth of these centres of worship,” he said.

On a strip club and bar shut on Thomas Salako Street at Ogba, in Ifako Ijaiye, Shabi said on no account will the facility be allowed to continue in business in that environment.

“We have been on their matter over the last two years. We have served them several abatement notices, they are notorious for their penchant to disturb the peace of their neighbours there. Every night, especially Fridays, the noise oozing out of their speakers is usually over 100 decibel. At that rate they may cause partial deafness to those within that community,” Ashabi added.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Dream Team VI depleted ahead African Games

Lagos may stage Fed Cup final again

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• Siasia

• Amuzie

• Awoniyi

Shehu Abdullahi opts out of AG

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ORTUGUESE club, Uniao de Madiera will not release Nigeria midfielder, Shehu Abdullahi for next month’s Africa Games.

Shehu was scheduled to join the Dream Team in Congo Brazzaville for the competition, but his Portuguese club has turned down the player’s

invitation, arguing the Games is not on the FIFA international calendar.

“Shehu will no longer join us in Congo for the All Africa Games,” Dream Team spokesman Timi Ebikagboro said.

The club versus country row may also stop Belgium-based Godwin Saviour from the

tournament as KV Oostende are yet to respond to a request from the NFF to release the forward.

Turkey-based Azubuike Okechukwu and Umar Aminu are now the overseas pros expected to join up with the Dream Team VI in Brazzaville.

2015 AFRICAN GAMES

Falcons’ coach sticks with home-based players

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UPER Falcons interim head coach, Chris Danjuma has said he is weaving his match plans around the domestic players for the upcoming African Games in Brazzaville, Congo.The African champions are expected to open their account against hosts, Congo on September 6.

Danjuma said the signal from the overseas players was uncomfortable and worrisome few days to the commencement of the Games.

“Right now, we are concentrating on the players at home, they are the ones we are 100 per cent certain to prosecute our matches in Brazzaville, Congo.

And I want to report that their responses for the challenges ahead have been encouraging and wonderful.

“We have told them in clear terms that Super Falcons have already set a standard in top championships. We are charging them to go to Brazzaville, Congo to carve an everlasting niche for themselves.

“The responses from the overseas players are not encouraging as their clubs are giving us dates for their release, around September 9 and 12.

“That’s quite funny, maybe

• Danjuma

RESULTS Globacom Premier League Shooting 2-1 Nasarawa Utd FC IfeanyiUbah 2-0 Akwa Giwa FC 1-0 Rangers Sharks 0-0 Lobi Stars UEFA Champions League APOEL 1 - 1 FC Astana Leverkusen 3 - 0 Lazio CSKA 3 - 1 Sporting CP Club Brugge 0 - 4 Man Utd Partizan 2 - 1 BATE

they are cashing in on the fact that the African Games is not captured on FIFA calendar.

“However, hopefully we are expecting the captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Onome Ebi and Esther Sunday on Saturday. We are not banking on that until we see them in camp or any other player outside the shores of the

country,” said Danjuma to Supersport.com.

Falcons will battle for a semi final ticket in Group A alongside the hosts, Congo, Tanzania and Ivory Coast.

Team Nigeria is expected to depart the shores of the country to Brazzaville, Congo on August 30 or 31.

HE Nigeria Under-23 men's football team, the Dream Team VI will miss several key players for next month's African Games, News24 can confirm.

The Dream Team is currently putting finishing touches to their preparation ahead of their departure to Congo this weekend, and it was gathered that several players who helped the team qualify will not make the final squad due to injuries and club engagements.

"We have some of our players who were part of the qualifying series whom we won't have at the competition because they just signed for new clubs," team spokesperson, Timi Ebikagboro confirmed to News24.

"We hope some of them will meet us in Congo, but a player like Shehu Abdullahi is out because his club has said that they won't be releasing him if it's not a FIFA window and the competition is not.

"Azubuike Okechukwu is the captain of the side and will play a match for his club in Turkey this weekend and hopefully will join us in Congo afterwards alongside Umar Aminu.

"But we've lost our left back, Stanley Amuzie, who had a surgery two days ago in Italy, Chima Akas is with the Super Eagles and Taiwo Awoniyi is travelling to England and we're not sure if Godwin Savior will join us in Congo," Ebikagboro confirmed.

Coach Samson Siasia is expected to announce his final squad shortly before the team’s travel.

2015 FIBA AFROBASKET CHAMPIONSHIP

Nigeria thrashes Mozambique, battles Gabon in quarters

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IGERIA’S D’Tigers yesterday returned to winning ways with 83-47 win over Mozambique in the round of 16 game to set up a quarterfinal clash against Gabon at the ongoing 2015 FIBA Afrobasket Championship holding in Tunisia.

The Nigeria team dominated the encounter from the first quarter till the end to secure their place in the quarterfinal stage of the championship. The four quarters scores stood at 29-16, 12-8, 20-12, 22-11.

Earlier, against all odds, Gabon stunned Cape Verde 7767 to advance to the last eight.

Therence Gyll Mayimba came off the bench to lead the Gabonese with a team-best 17 points, while Cape Verde's

• Chamberlain Oguchi Mario Correia finished with a game-high 23 points.

It was a balanced contest throughout with no fewer than 14 lead changes.

Akwa Ibom approves sports academy for 10 constituencies

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KWA Ibom State Executive Council yesterday approved the establishment of 10 sports academies as well as an empowerment training programme for 329 youths in the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Aniekan Umanah, told newsmen in Uyo that these were part of the far-reaching decisions taken in line with the em-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo powerment drive of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration.

According to the Commissioner, the decision to establish the academies in the 10 federal constituencies of the state was taken with a view to harnessing talents from schools and communities, thus preparing them for future sports engagements and employment opportunities.

Gabon trailed 41-39 at halftime, but never gave up and Mayimba helped them come away with an impressive win.

The turning point was when Lerry Essono's lay-up tied the game at 67-67 with 2:37 left to play before Mayimba hit a threepointer a minute later, and the Islanders left it too late to get their heads back into the game as Gabon took off from there and never trailed again.

Cape Verde entered the fourth quarter leading 58-55. However, they turned the ball over six times in that final period to selfdestroy their hopes and expectations of advancing to the quarterfinals for the second time in a row.

While Mayimba, Essono and Stephan Lasme combined for 48 points for Gabon, it was AymarKabrel Boundou's aggressive defense, which disrupted Cape Verde's play-making. He is not the most gifted player offensively, but his defense paid off.

Cape Verde were favourites to move on the quarterfinals. However, at times, it seemed they underestimated Gabon, especially as they took too long to react to their counterattacks. The Gabonese went on to finish with 18 fast-break points. Gabon's coach Thierry Bouanga may have realised that they needed alternative options, and he came up with an obvious solution as his bench contributed a staggering 28 points.

• Gov Ambode

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has hinted the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos will again stage the 2015 Federation Cup final next month.

Lobi Stars and Akwa United will contest the final of the competition after securing 1-0 wins over Enugu

Rangers and Nasarawa United respectively in the semifinals.

Although no date has been fixed for the final of the oldest competition in the country, NFF General Secretary, Sanusi Mohammed said it would definitely be staged after the 11th African Games in Congo Brazzaville. The cup final was originally fixed for August 30.

"No date has been fixed for the Federation Cup finals, but it is most likely that the finals would be played after the African Games and Lagos is a possible host of the final," Mohammed stated.

Lagos State in 2010 under former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola signed a fouryear contract with the NFF to host the Federation Cup final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, but it has kept the NFF in the dark over the 2015 edition, forcing the competition to witness several postponements.

Ifeanyi Ubah to support SWAN

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HE Proprietor of FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has promised to support the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in ensuring that they meet up with the challenges of the 20th century sports reporting.

Ubah, who was decorated as the National Patron of SWAN said sports reporters were limited by different challenges ranging from environmental to logistics.

He promised to assist the asssociation in putting up a befitting secretariat in Abuja and ensuring that sports journalists in the country are re-trained to be able to compete favourably with others in the field.

“I want to assure you that with this honour bestowed on me, I will make sure that SWAN members are properly empowered to enable them make wealth for themselves.” He also donated a Toyota 18 seater bus to the association.

Earlier, the National President of the SWAN,

Saidu Abubakar extolled the virtues of Ubah, saying that his ventures into football, has succeeded in empowering the youths, and giving hope to the hopeless.

He equated the role of the FC Ubah proprietor to that of late Bashorun MKO Abiola.

• Ubah

3SC bring record breakers Nasarawa down to earth

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HOOTING Stars defeated Nasarawa United, who broke a 12-year home invincibility of Kano Pillars last week, 2-1 in Ibadan yesterday in a rescheduled Nigeria league Week 24 game.

Tayo Fabiyi broke the deadlock in the 17th

minute to send the Ibadan fans into jubilation. Sunday Adetunji doubles the lead of ‘The Oluyole Warriors’ in the 50th minute.

However, Nasarawa United got their consolation goal on the hour through Thomas Zenke.

In the 15th minute, goalkeeper Danladi Isah denied Nasarawa with a good save. Ebiaku then failed to convert a penalty for Shooting Stars in the 26th minute.

The hosts played most part of the game with a man down following red card to Moses James in the 36th minute.

In Port Harcourt, Sharks held Lobi Stars to a goalless draw. Lobi Stars efforts to score were thwarted by Sharks goalkeeper, Henry Ayodele who was outstanding for the hosts as he pulled off several saves.

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

I

T is the season of daily media reports about shocking frauds, financial scams and massive corruption in Nigeria, uncovered since the change of government in May. Last week, the public was jolted by a claim from a Mr. Cairo Ojougboh, a little known public figure, though the former chairman of the Nigerian (Free) Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), that due process was not followed by the Centenary City PLC in acquiring a large chunk of land for developing its proposed Legacy Centenary City project in Abuja.

Specifically, he named the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Anyim, as being behind the project and claimed that he had abused his office as the SGF in improperly securing the land for the project, as well as in getting the approval of the authorities of the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) for the entire project estimated to cost over US$18 billion.

In response, the sponsors of the project claimed that it is a PPP project, and that it is being funded by contributions from 15 developers from the USA, the UAE, and some Nigerians. So far, none of the shareholders has been publicly named or identified either

by Mr. Ojougboh, or the Centenary City PLC. I was, at first, quite sceptical of Mr. Ojougboh’s allegations against Senator Anyim on this matter. I just could not believe it is possible, even with our famed public corruption that such a heist as the Legacy City Project could be pulled off by a public officer, no matter how powerful he is. But now, I have just read an advertorial placed on page 44 of this paper on Monday, August 24, by the management of Centenary City PLC, the sponsors of the so-called Abuja City Centenary Legacy Project. It was their first public attempt to fully refute any allegations of wrongdoing by either the Centenary City PLC, or by Senator Anyim, as claimed by Mr. Ojougboh over the project. I should say I was almost persuaded by the strong case made in its own defence and of the project by the management of the Centenary City PLC. Their defence basically is that this is a public and private sector project, that due process was followed in acquiring the land from the FCT, that no public funds were involved in any way in the project, and that it was in the public interest. But, even if these claims by the sponsors are true, there are a lot of ethical and moral issues raised by the manner in which the project was conceived.

These moral issues are quite disturbing and require further reflections on the whole matter.

Is it morally justified that such a large chunk of valuable land in Abuja, the nation’s capital, should have been handed over, for whatever reasons, to so-called private developers? Can this be validly held to be in the national interest? Is this not a case, again, of the rich, whether Nigerians, or foreigners, grabbing potentially valuable land from the poor for the benefit of the rich, a regrettable and disturbing trend that is growing in our country, and that should be of public concern?

TODAY IN THE NATION

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 10, NO. 3319

‘In these days of thoroughly modern traditional rulers, not just in Yoruba land but all over Nigeria, it is becoming difficult to put traditional rulers in some kind of cultural straightjacket. But at the same time we cannot afford to sacrifice the institution on the altar of modernity’ JIDE OSUNTOKUN

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

On the Abuja Centenary Legacy City Project

•Senator Anyim

I had, last year, written extensively in my column in this paper criticising the idea of an elaborate celebration of the centenary, an event in Nigeria’s history that is best forgotten. If the Federal Government decided, despite strong and widespread public criticism, on marking the centenary of Lugard’s amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, why was the idea of the so-called Legacy City preferred to other options that could have been more beneficial to the nation? Even if it is a private sector initiative, are there not many other sectors of the economy, particularly energy and public transportation, crying for investment that would have been more beneficial to the public? Was the idea of an Abuja Legacy City, with its planned huge financial investments, not preferred to others because it offered people in power, such as Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the former SGF, who claims to have coordinated the celebrations, ample opportunity for graft? Who were those behind the decision to build the Legacy City? And why should such a large chunk of land in Abuja, a national asset, be handed over to a so-called private company for the development of an exclusive city, the social benefit of which is not so apparent?

And who are the shadowy members of the Board of this secretive company? Why can’t the sponsors of the project reveal their identi-

ties? It is a matter of public interest. The public is entitled to know who are behind it all. We need to know those who made the cash calls from which N1.2 billion was allegedly raised to compensate the original owners of the land, as well as the US$18 billion proposed for the project. And was the compensation offered to the indigenous owners of the land in question reasonable, prompt and adequate? How much was paid to the FCT for the land in question?

These are legitimate questions begging for answers.

We are reminded of a similar land grab

by Jonathan, the former President, near the airports in Abuja that was originally intended for the development of the aviation industry in Abuja. Is this not a replication of the failure of judgment by Jonathan in the land grab that caused such a public furore in the country?

And did Jonathan not feel obliged to turn a blind eye to the deal because of his own Abuja land grab? The fact of the matter is that such a land grab of a valuable national asset in the nation’s capital, or anywhere else for that matter, is outrageous and should, in no circumstances, be tolerated or accepted by the public. I find it morally repugnant as it is not in the public interest. Even if it is fully and finally developed, which I doubt in present circumstances, it is bound to be socially divisive as questions will continue to be asked in future about its ethical and moral perspectives.

If the sponsors of the project decide not to go ahead with it for financial and other reasons, who takes over their assets including the Abuja land? Your guess is as good as mine.

Secondly, the man at the centre of the project, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, admits that he coordinated activities marking the centenary celebrations, including the Legacy City Project.

Why should he have been given such wide powers by the Jonathan PDP federal government? Was he solely in charge of the Legacy Project, or were other ministers involved in the transactions? Were the federal AttorneyGeneral, Finance Minister and the Minister of Trade and Investments asked for advice on such a massive project? If they were not, then there is something fundamentally remiss about the manner in which the project was conceived and executed. In fact, in view of its

HARDBALL

C

AN you imagine? Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) loves Chief Moshood Abiola (MKO) so much that he now misses him!

So said IBB to mark his 74th birthday. But unlike his power and glory days, when he committed that grave anti-MKO infraction that nearly brought Nigeria to her knees, the public met his declaration with a near-total snub.

Could IBB, the soldier trained to dominate his environment, who once boasted he was not only in government but in power, be fading from public consciousness?

Perish the thought, IBB-philes would roar!

But really, is the self-christened evil genius fading out of fashion; and that grim reality had pushed the rather peculiar MKO praise out of his mouth, just to remind all he is still around?

Sure, IBB misses his “friend”. But MKO, wherever he is now, would probably think — and in popular estimation, he won’t be wrong — that with friends like IBB, MKO needs no more enemies!

Folks, IBB misses MKO! The IBB-MKO tango needs no elaborate retelling. IBB was military “president”, a civilian gloss on a military dictatorship, which should have warned early enough that his so-called political transition programme was a grand fraud. But he authored it, anyway: a long-winding and serpentine programme supposed to birth a new democratic republic, but which instead delivered death to not a few political ambitions.

But the most tragic loss was clearly MKO’s, IBB’s self-confessed darling “friend” who not only lost his presidential due (courtesy of the presidential election he won on June 12, 1993, but which IBB annulled), he eventually lost his life. Even before that, in the epic struggle to reclaim that mandate, MKO had lost his most senior wife and chief mandate-reclaiming campaigner, Kudirat, making the couple’s children premature orphans, because their parents fatally strayed into politics.

MKO also lost his billion-naira business em-

pire, in the course of the struggle, the empire that watered MKO’s famous charity and philanthropy, which greatly benefited the polity. Finally the country lost a democratic republic. The stillbirth Third Republic got truncated for the starkest and grimmest military dictatorship Nigeria had the misfortune to suffer — under Sani Abacha.

So, if IBB now declares he misses MKO, Hardball just wonders: what granite constitutes IBB’s love — a peculiar love that ensures pain but seldom any gain?

Cold comfort, though: the proverbial high and the mighty that aided and abetted the IBB scheme appear having their due comeuppance. For starters, PDP, the Army Arrangement power transfer special vehicle has coughed and spluttered to a halt after 16 painful years of retrogression.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, first pilot of that misbegotten political jet, is condemned to declaiming PDP, and explaining why

national importance and possible negative physical effect on Abuja, such a project should not have been conceived and approved without a referendum, as would have been the case in other civilised climes. Abuja is our collective national patrimony. Any departure from its original master plan should be thoroughly debated first before any alteration to it. The big, rich land grabbers have already succeeded in distorting and changing the Abuja master plan. It is now over built and no longer the beautiful city it was supposed to be. Clusters of slums are now growing around Abuja. Those who support Anyim in this matter will argue that he acted in good faith even if his judgment and his role in the sordid matter can be called into question. But this can only be established by a thorough investigation into the manner such a vast track of land was acquired by private individuals in our capital city where there will soon be an acute shortage of land.

The Eko Atlantic City in Lagos with which it is being wrongly compared by its sponsors is totally different from the Abuja Legacy City. First, most of the land in respect of the Atlantic City is land reclaimed by its sponsors from the sea. A lot of investment went into that venture. What investment have the sponsors of the Abuja Legacy City made in the Abuja land they have grabbed? Besides, unlike the Eko City project, the Abuja land grabbed for the proposed Legacy City is a national asset. This and Jonathan’s land grab in Abuja should be thoroughly investigated and the land grabbed should be revoked and recovered from them. We cannot afford to have people placed in a position of trust and responsibility, such as the SGF, grabbing public land, or aiding other private individuals to do so. It is clearly an abuse of trust and power about which President Buhari should do something.

Over the years, the position of the SGF has become too powerful. That was not the case when civil servants, with all their faults, held the post which, for a long time, was held along with the post of Head of the Federal Civil Service. For all practical purposes, the SGF is now like an unelected prime minister, more powerful than the ministers. It is he who coordinates the activities of all the ministers, many of whom are denied direct access to the President, as all important official documents pass through him. I believe it is time to review the position and powers of the SGF so as to avoid its abuse as in this land grab case. As is becoming clearer with recent revelations, ex-President Jonathan did not really know much about what was happening in his government. He only saw and heard what his ministers and the SGF wanted him to know. This does not exonerate him from ultimate responsibility for the chaotic financial situation he left behind in the country.

But he was not really on top of his government the way Obasanjo would have been.

Despite his many faults, President Obasanjo would almost certainly not have endorsed the idea of a Legacy City of the kind planned for Abuja.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above the best thing to happen to a country he always claims he loves was for his former party to lose power.

David Mark, who rose to become president of the Senate just made dubious history as the first Senate president in Nigerian history to become an ordinary member, no thanks to PDP loss of federal power. He was allegedly active in the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate annulment plot.

IBB himself tried to re-step into power, after “stepping aside”, but found himself a thoroughly damaged good. His campaign was mercilessly shut down, even before the PDP primaries closed.

So, what is IBB’s rather strange professing of love for MKO — a bitter and painful pang of conscience? Whatever it is, IBB must carry his own cross. But Hardball’s friendly advice: he had better come clean and publicly apologise for the great ill he did MKO. A pang of conscience is a pretty heavy albatross to carry to the grave.

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