The Nation December 09, 2014 by The Nation

PDP ticket: Agbaje floors Obanikoro

NEWS

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ACF seeks Sheriff’s probe over seized plane

HE Federal Government has released the Russian-made aircraft detained in Kano, the Air Force said yesterday. The plane flew out of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport where it had been detained since Saturday at about 8.46pm. It was carrying two French military helicopters.

•Aircraft released Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday called for a probe of exBorno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s likely relationship with the aircraft. The Antonov transport plane flying from Central

African Republic to Chad diverted off course to Kano. On board were two French officers and 18 Russian crew members. The plane, AN 124100R A82038, with flight number TTF 9042 from Bangui, Central African Republic, was heading for Ndjamena,

Chad. It contained 24 military hardware, including a vehicle, helicopters and blades. The items are a steel box weighing 2, 600 kilograms, six bulks of 597 kilograms, two pallets, 10, 000 lbs of 4, 550 kilograms with air waybill number 88823400967 all destined for Ndjamena. It is Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: NGIGE, SARAKI, AKUME, BOROFFICE, TINUBU’S WIFE GET APC’S TICKETS P2

•Policemen at the main entrance of the venue of the PDP gubernatorial primary in Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) welcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Akinwunmi Ambode to his office...yesterday.

Primaries: PDP in disarray Guns boom in Lagos Akala, others boycott in Oyo Crisis in Kwara Abuja stops Ogun congress Parallel congresses in Enugu 18 quit in Rivers Confusion in Adamawa Walkout in Katsina Upset in Delta as Okowa wins

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

By Our Reporters

OOKMAKERS were yesterday proven right: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses were a mixed grill — of thuggery, boycott and confusion. Here is the picture of how it all went in the states as of the time of going to the press last night:

Lagos

Guns boomed at the Yard 158 Event Centre on Oregun Road, where thugs loyal to some aspirants clashed. Policemen fired tear gas to control the unruly thugs. Former Minister of State (De-

•Oyo

CANDIDATES ALL •Adamawa Teslim Folarin (Elected by a faction)

•Rivers •Akwa Ibom •Kaduna •Cross River •Ebonyi •Katsina •Lagos

Nyesom Wike Udom Emmanuel Ramalan Yero Senator Ben Ayade Dave Umahi Musa Nashumi Jimi Agbaje

fence) Musiliu Obanikoro and businessman Jimi Agbaje were the front runners.

Nuhu Ribadu (Elected in Abuja)

•Ogun

Gboyega Isiaka

•Niger •Delta •Enugu

Umar Nasko Ifeanyi Okowa Ifeanyi Ugwanyi Ayogu Eze Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Emeka Ihedioha

(Elected by a faction)

(parallel congress)

•Abia •Imo

Dogs were unleashed to bring the situation under control. Guns, knives, bottles were deployed

in the battle of supremacy between supporters of the leading aspirants. One of the aspirants, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi (aka BOG), wore a bullet proof vest. He told reporters that he was protecting himself from being hit by a stray bullet. Gbadamosi said: “I am wearing the bulletproof vest because I am afraid of being shot. I am urging all my supporters to come and not be intimidated. “There is fear of intimidation and some people in the party want to inContinued on page 4

•TRANSPORTATION P14 •POLITICS P18 •SPORTS P24 •PROPERTY P50 •ENERGY P52

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

Wamakko, Lafiagi, •Party okays Akume, Saraki, Boroffice, Tinubu, Ngige

•President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, greeting flanked by the Director-General (DG), Indusrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN) and (ITF) in Lagos .....yesterday. With them is the Managing Director (MD), West African Portland Company (WAPCO) Operations, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo PHOTO : SOLOMON ADEOLA

In a clear departure from the past when candidates emerged through consensus, the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday created a rancour-free environment for aspirants to test their popularity, report OUR CORRESPONDENTS.

T was easy ride for most senatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as they went through primaries in various states without challengers.

Wamakko, Damboa emerge as Gobir returns in Sokoto

• From left: Partner, Locke Lord LLP Law Firm, Roel Campos, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor and Distinguished Speaker at the Distinguished Speaker’s Event, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu and President, Kontinent LLC, Yaya Moussa at the event hosted by the World Affairs Council of Washington DC, United States (US).

•From left: Regional Business Manager, Non-Alcoholic Unit, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Anslem Alokha, Regional Business Manager, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Moses Ogbodo, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Walter Drenth and Host, Yaw Steve, at the ACE Launch in Lagos PHOTO : BOLA OMILABU

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko yesterday emerged unopposed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Sokoto Central Senatorial Distict. Two other aspirants - Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba Damboa(Sokoto West) and Ibrahim Gobir(Sokoto East), also clinched the APC tickets to fly the party’s flag at the 2015 election. The duo had no opposition. No fewer than 2,372 out of expected 2,432 delegates filed out to ratify Wamakko’s candidature at the Trade Fair Complex venue of the shadow poll in Sokoto Central. Sixty of the delegates were, however absent. Wamakko, who scored 2,372 votes, will be representing Kware, Binji, Tangaza, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko and Gudu Local Government Areas in the senate if elected next year. The rancour-free primaries were conducted separately in Sokoto, Bodinga and Gwadabawa under the watch of security agents, party officials and representatives of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Declaring the results for the Sokoto Central primaries, Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Alhaji Nasiru Danladi Bako, said the governor, having returned unopposed, scored 2,372 to clinch the ticket. The trio of Wamakko, Damboa and Gobir are to face the opposition of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates. They are: Muhammadu Maccido(Sokoto Central), who got automatic ticket, Kiriyo Yabo(Sokoto West) and Dahiru Yari Gandi(Sokoto East). Maccido is seeking re-election for the third time while Yabo and Gandi are first timers. APC’s Damboa, a new entrant, replaces Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambawal, who lost out at the party’s governorship primaries that saw House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal victorious. Wamakko attributed his success to the glory of Allah and thanked delegates for the mandate.

Boroffice wins as Alasoadura, Lebi get tickets in Ondo.

•From left: Managing Director (MD), Eye Foundation Hospital, Dr. Olufemi Oderinlo, Ogun State Commisioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka and Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, at the MTNF EyeRIS kick off at the State Hospital, PHOTO : BOLA OMILABU Ijaye, Abeokuta, Ogun State...yesterday.

The Senator representing Ondo State North Senatorial District, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, yesterday got a return ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the February 2005 National Assembly election. Boroffice, who contested the primary

with Dr. K.S Shaaba, a member of the House of Representatives from Akoko North East/West, Ganny Dauda and London-based lawyer, Nathaniel Adojutelegan polled 1,460 votes. Shaaba scored 31 votes, Dauda 569 and Adojutelegan got 139 votes. Also, in Ondo South Senatorial Zone, Morayo Lebi, a lawyer was elected candidate of the party with 1261 votes. His challenger, Mr. Femi Akingbola got 152 votes. In the Central Senatorial District, it was a keen contest between the House of Representatives member, from Akure South/North, Ifedayo Abegunde and former State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Tayo Alasoadura. Alasoadura, who was the DirectorGeneral (DG) of Rotimi Akeredolu Campaign Organisation during the 2012 governorship election, scored 811 votes to beat Abegunde, who polled 771 votes In the tension-soaked contest, that dragged beyond 8pm, about 105 votes were voided. Addressing reporters, Alasoadura commended leaders of the party for allowing internal democracy, stressing that the step has helped the party to be transparent in producing popular candidates. Alasoadura said: “The transparent system designed by the party allowed prospective aspirants to test their popularity on the field and helped to curb possible rancour.

Obioma faces Orji in Abia Central A former member of the House of Representatives, Iheanacho Obioma, picked the Abia Central Senatorial District ticket to run for the Senate in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Control (APC). Obioma’s victory drew the battle line drawn between him and incumbent Governor Theodore Orji, who will slug it out at the poll under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Abia Central Senatorial seat. The zone is made up of six local government areas. The primary was conducted under the watchful eyes of the three-member primary committee, chaired by Usman Abdulkadiri. All accredited delegates were identified by the committee before voting started. Obioma was elected unopposed being the sole candidate of his party. The lawmaker said he will be contesting against Orji, a governor “who has been in charge of Abia State with little to show for it. So, the people of the state will not be willing to vote for a man who has not done well as a governor to represent them at the Senate. “It will ever be in my mind that my people sent me to the senate and by my self neither was I foisted on the people,

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

i, Olofin, others get APC’s Senate tickets

•Senator Tinubu acknowledging cheers from party faithful...yesterday

Former governor of Kwara State and a serving Senator,Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday emerged as the senatorial candidate of the Kwara Central District of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both are serving seators. Saraki polled 1540 of the delegates’ votes at the Kwara Hotel, venue of the shadow election to seek reelection into the Upper Chamber as the sole contestant. Speaking shortly after his victory, Saraki, who will be returning to the National Assembly if he wins, charged President Goodluck Jonathan to come clean on the state of the national economy, saying the President has so far, been economical with the truth on issues bothering on the health of the economy. He, however, expressed confidence that any of the presidential aspirants of the APC who loses out in tomorrow’s primaries would see himself as sacrificing personal ambition to rebuild the country and therefore stand with the winner to ensure a successful outing for the party at the general elections. He described the emergence of his former Security Adviser, Yinka Aluko as senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the zone as sign that the opposition party in the state did not have quality minds and so had to pick someone trained by him to contest against him. Vowing to continue his opposition to the ruling PDP at the centre irrespective of personal deprivations and attacks he may suffer, Saraki said he was desirous to see a better future for the people of the country. He urged his supporters to go back home and intensify campaigns to ensure that they deliver the state to the APC in the coming polls. Alhaji Sha’aba Lafiagi, also a former governor of Kwara State, was elected to represent the North Senatorial Zone at the Senate. His election took place in Bode-Saadu, headquarters of the Moro Local Government Area of the state. As the sole aspirant, he polled 1, 555 votes. Dr. Rafiu Ibrahim, a member of the House of Representatives representing Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency won the Kwara South Senatorial seat ticket was clinched by Dr Rafiu Ibrahim,. Ibrahim, who was the sole candidate, polled 2,463 at the primary election held at Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, in Omu-Aran. The returning officer for the election,

•Saraki

•Akume

•Boroffice

•Ashafa

•Ngige

Tinubu’s wife wins in Lagos Central

the qualities and policies that made you vote for me I promise to maintain.”

Saraki, Lafiagi, Ibrahim unopposed in Kwara

•Wamakko

•Ashafa knows fate today

HE Senator, representing Lagos Central District Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu yesterday won the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to re-contest for the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. She defeated Mr Odutola Adetokunbo by 2,354 to 25 votes. The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Kehinde Akinola, who announced the results, said a total of 2,428 votes were cast during the election, out of which 2,379 were valid. Akinola said there were 49 invalid votes. He declared Tinubu as winner. Tinubu’s announcement was greeted with cheers from party faithful. The Lagos East Senatorial primary billed for yesterday was postponed till today. The development followed logistics and security-related issues at the venue of the poll in Ikorodu. Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who representing the zone is seeking re-election. A statement from the Senator Gbenga Ashafa Constituency Office said the shift was forced by the overwhelming turnout of unaccredited delegates at the venue. The statement, signed by Mr. Babatunde Adegunju, said the Vice Chairman of the All Progressive Congress Mr. Nandom Dombin, said Ibrahim, being the only candidate and having scored the required number of votes got the fly the APC flag at the election next year. In his acceptance remarks, Ibrahim thanked the party’s stakeholders for their support and promised to embark on meaningful projects that would impact positively on the well-being of the people. “This is a victory for the people of this great constituency. We are optimistic of similar support come 2015 to ensure the continuation of the good work our administration has started,” he said.

No challenger for Akume in Benue Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume was yesterday returned unopposed as the flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Benue Northwest Senatorial Zone. Akume, a former governor, was the only aspirant, who picked the APC nomination form from the constituency popularly known as ‘Zone B’. He was immediately issued with the certificate of return at at Unice Resort, venue of the primary in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The results of the Benue Northeast and Benue South primaries were still being expected last night. Speaking after receiving his Certifi-

(APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Fuad Oki, announced the postponement. Oki, who is also the chairman of election committee, reportedly named the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District as the sole candidate of the party. He, however, said the primary must hold in line with the Electoral Law and the APC Constitution. Oki assured delegates of adequate security at the rescheduled poll, billed for Lagos State Government Charlet, Epe. . Clad in simple style ankara, an elated Tinubu hailed the delegates and the people of the constituency for the confidence they had in her. She described the victory as a “debt” that would be paid back through quality representation at the Senate. The election started at about 1pm and ended at about 5.40pm at the Landmark Centre, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island. The results from the Lagos West Senatorial Zone were still being awited last night. House of Representaives member Adeola Olamilekan, Chief Enoch Ajiboso, Ademola Seriki and Samuel Sejuro were still slugging it out for the zone’s ticket. Incumbent Senator Ganiyu Solomon, did not seek re-election. He contested the Lagos governorship ticket alongside 12 others but lost to Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

cate of Return (CoR), Senator Akume charged APC members to remain steadfast, assuring them of better days ahead. He encouraged members of the party to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as their instrument of power. Party chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro, had earlier stated that the APC will send PDP packing next year and install an administration that will focus on wealth creation through massive agriculture production.

Osagie, Inegbeneki get tickets as Obahiagbon lose in Edo A frontline member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, yesterday won the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Edo Central Senatorial District. He polled 852 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Joe Okojie, who scored 335 votes. Voting started at about 2:30pm after the accreditation of delegates from the five local government areas making up the district. Inegbeneki was a former State Youth Leader of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he decamped to the APC. He will slug it out at next year’s election with Clifford Ordia, an engineer

and Chairman of the Benue River Basin, who defeated Senator Odion Ugbesia to pick the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Patrick Obahiagbon, failed in his bid to represent Edo South Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. He was defeated by the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, representing Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency. In the keenly-contested primaries, Obahiagbon polled 894 votes to Osagie’s 1120. Obahiagbon had in 2011 lost his seat in the Lower Chamber the House of Representatives seat to Razaq BelloOsagie. There was heavy security presence at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the primaries held. Delegates were thoroughly searched before they were allowed entry into the stadium. A total of 2212 delegates were accredited and eight votes were voided. Two other aspirants, Erhabor Emokpae and Jim Adun scored 28 vand 162 votes respectively.

Buhari, Akanbi win in Oyo In Oyo State, a former member of the

House of Representatives, Dr. Wale Okediran lost the Oyo North Senatorial ticket to the current Commissioner for Local Government, Fatai Buhari while a former governorship aspirant, Soji Akanbi, clinched the ticket for Oyo South. Buhari polled 2, 843 votes to beat Okediran while Akanbi scored 2,189 votes to beat his closest opponent, Femi Olaore, who polled 330 votes in the primary held at the old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp, Iseyin. For the Oyo South primary, a total of 2,675 delegates were accredited for the election whild held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the state capital. But Akanbi’s opponents rejected the result, alleging irregularities. Other aspirants are: Moyosore Aboderin, Femi Olaore, Dr Fola Akinosun, and Kingsley Omotosho. Aboderin scored 15 votes, Omotosho (13) and Akinosun had 113. A total of 2,660 were recorded as valid in the election. Voting started at about 4:30pm and ended 9:35pm as electoral officers and delegates arrived late. Voting was still going on for the Oyo Central Senatorial District at last night atAkinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan, the state capital.

Adetunmbi, Olofin scale through in Ekiti In Ekiti State, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi cliched the ticket to seek reelection to the National Assembly from the North Senatorial District while Ambassador Gbenga Olofin won the ticket to replace Senator Babafemi Ojudu for the Central Senatorial District. Incumbent Senator Ojudu is not seeking re-election.

Ngige clinches Anambra Central ticket Incumbent Senator Chris Ngige polled 1832 of the 1834 votes to get the APC nod to represent the Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

Senator Uba did not lose' An aide to Senator Andy Uba said yesterday that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. According to him, Uba polled 308 votes to Chima Nzeribe's 60 and Obinna Uzor's 49 votes, to pick the ticket to run for Anambra South Senatorial District. Chairman of the Committee Mr. Tremie Jnr. returned him as the winner

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS •The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammed Sanusi II listening to All Progressives Congress (APC) National LeaderAsiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the palace in Kano... yesterday. Tinubu and other APC chieftains visited to sympathise with the Emir over the bombing at the Central Mosque in which many residents died. STORY ON PAGE 59

•From left: Chief Bisi Olateru Olagbegi, Beijing Platform for Action, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise & Campaign for Democracy and Mrs Josephine Effah Chukwuma, Executive Director, Project Alert.

ACF seeks Sheriff’s probe over seized plane ‘I have no link with plane’

Continued from page 1

not clear what the steel box contains. There are also two helicopter Gazelle, weighing, 2, 746 kg, destined for Istres, a community in Southern France. Others are two blades (7.31m) of 960 kg, two blades (4.83m) of 680 kg, six AKN of 720kg, one vehicle of 4, 050kg and two pallets (10, 000 lbs) of 2800kg, all headed for Istres. A statement from French Ambassador Jacques Champagne de Labriolle said the plane rerouted because of heavy air traffic at N’Djamena, the Chad capital. He said the plane was carrying two Gazelle helicopters no longer needed for the French intervention in Central African Republic, and being redeployed to Chad to support a regional fight against terrorism. The ambassador denied reports the aircraft also was carrying weapons and ammunition. “We are releasing the air-

ORMER Governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has denied any connection with the Russian plane. Sheriff, in a statement in Maiduguri yesterday, traced the source of the report to Borno State Government which he said is bent on tarnishing his image at all cost. The statements reads: "Some few hours ago, my attention was drawn to a publication on-line with a caption, “Ex-Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, In Secret Visit To Arms-laden Chadbound Plane Detained In Nigeria”. "I read the report with consternation, much as I felt scandalised to be linked again to an issue I

craft,” Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Olusola Amosun told a news conference in Abuja. “We have had a very good, established relationship with the French government and we do value that.” The French statement on Sunday said two French military officers accompanied the helicopters. The Russian Embassy said it was negotiating the release of 18 Russian crew members. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday called

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

absolutely knew nothing about. For me, the publication has a ring of a conspiracy meant to dragging my name in the mud by some cowardly, malicious and unschooled political rivals who, in their little minds, love to engage ill-trained media persons to peddle lies against me. "I hereby use this means to say to my adversaries anywhere they may be that their evil motives to soil may name and hard earned reputation will not stand. Those who are

for investigation into the circumstances of the detention of the aircraft, especially the alleged presence of former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff at the Kano airport while the aircraft was impounded. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, in Kaduna yesterday, the ACF said: “We call upon the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the detained Russian aircraft, its contents, why

Continued on page 60

it landed in Kano Airport, its likely connection with the current terrorism ravaging the North and the alleged presence of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff at the Airport”. The famous northern sociocultural group said: “Nigerians demand an urgent explanation in order to reinforce their confidence in the government and to also disabuse their minds on the wild rumors being peddled around of Continued on page 60

Aspirants reject Suswam’s plea to step down

LL governorship aspirants from MINDA zone, except Samuel Ortom, have stepped down for Governor Gabriel Suswam’s anointed candidate, Terhemen Tarzor. Ortom, the immediate past minister of state for Trade, Investment and Industry, said he would go into the ballot. As of 11:06 pm, Senate President David Mark and Suswam were still locked in a meeting at the Government House, Markurdi, trying to find a common ground. Voting was yet to begin. Earlier, 10 governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at a meeting at the Makurdi residence of Prof. David Ker, rejected the purported endorsement of a particular aspirant and submitted a list of three, among who they would pick a candidate. Besides Ker, who is the chairman of the Forum of

2015: PDP in disarray as party holds governorship primaries Continued from page 1

timidate the delegates, but we will ensure that everyone will vote freely as it pleases them.” He said it was unfortunate that the party leadership was supporting an aspirant. The leaders would have their say while the delegates would have their way, Gbadamosi said. A reporter of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chioma Ugboma, was one of the injured after the melee. The policemen arrested some of the thugs. As at 3 pm, accreditation of about 900 delegates had not begun. Former Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele was barred from the gate by security personnel because she did not have accreditation. Mrs. Bucknor Akerele tried to call party leaders but it did not yield any fruit. She walked away after being left stranded for over 20 minutes. There was confusion after voting when the Chief Returning Officer sorted out the votes (863), which exceeded the number of delegates (803).

Ogun

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cancelled the primary election in Ogun State. A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the PDP did not authorise any governorship primary in the

state. “Consequently, any such exercise held in Ogun State is hereby declared null and void and of no effect. A new date will be communicated for the primaries,” the statement added. Before the statement, Prince Gboyega Isiaka had emerged the candidate. Isiaka, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) during the April 26, 2011 governorship poll, defeated 11 other contestants. He polled 705 votes. The closest contestant to him, Mr. Kayode Amusan, scored 151 votes. Ten other contestants, including Prince Yanju Lipede, Tony Ojesina and Abiodun Akinlade, scored zero votes. Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the national and state headquarters, including David Asemo, Clement Idoko and the commission’s administrative secretary in Ogun, Dickson Atiba witnessed the exercise. The primary which was conducted by the Bayo Dayo - led state Executive Committee, began amid uncertainty. Accreditation of delegates could not begin until noon. Voting began at 2: 25p.m amidst doubts that it may not hold, following the directive by the national leadership of the party, which ordered a postponement. Amusan, Prince Segun Ade-

wale and Isiaka attended. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole, Yanju Lipede and Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade among others stayed away.

Rivers

The Rivers State chapter of People Democratic Party (PDP) Primary election which was held at the open field of Nkpolu Primary School in Obio/Akpor Local government Area produced Chief Nyesom Wike as the candidate. Wike was declared the winner by the state electoral panel after pulling 1083 of the 1108 votes cast by the delegates from 23 local government areas. Of the 24 aspirants announced by the electoral panel at the beginning of the election, only six, including Wike, were present at the venue. It was learnt that other aspirants boycotted the primary because of court case on the outcome of the state congress. At the primary were Senator Lee Maeba, Ibinabo Micheal West, Emmanuel Georgewill, Captain Nwankwo Sunday and Dembari Ben Dimkpa. Georgewill got one vote. West got three votes and Dimkpa got 21 votes. Each of the aspirants had one agent. They were assisted by some INEC officials and other observers at the venue of the election. The election which started with accreditation of the aspir-

ants in the morning before the proper voting by 12pm, ended peacefully. Other aspirants accepted the outcome of the result. Some of the aspirants said the victory is for the party and noted that the best thing to do by other aspirants is to join the Wike train to deliver Rivers State from the hands of their enemies. Wike said he was very happy. He dedicated it to God. He also promised to work with other former aspirants ensure victory come 2015. Wike said: “I am deeply humbled and elated by the electoral success at this state congress of our great party. It is unique and interesting that you have found me worthy to be entrusted with the enormous task to fly the flag of the party in 2015 in Rivers State. “I dedicate this victory to God Almighty who made the victory possible. It is victory for democracy; it is a victory for all of us who have struggled day and night as foot soldiers of PDP in Rivers State. I hereby invite my follow contestants as worthy gladiators to join hands with us to move Rivers State forward. “At least, for the task of ensuring victory in Rivers State and the task of ensuring the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. And in my honour I extend the olive branch to all combatants. We should work together to assiduously recover everything.”

Ebonyi Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Dave Umahi has emerged the candidate. The primary, which took place at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, was contested by eight aspirants, including, Mr. Paul Okorie, Dr. Aja Nwachkwu, Chief Hycinth Ikpo, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, Chief Michael Ude Udumanta and Senator Offia Nwali. Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, former minister of. Health and some aspirants loyal to Governor Martin Elechi, boycotted the primary. In all, there were 592 delegates. The chairman of the Ebonyi gubernatorial electoral panel and Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, declared Umahi, who polled 541 votes as the winner. Other members of the Electoral Panel include Mr. Chineneye Oji, Hajia Hauwa Kida, PDP State Chairman Onwe Joseph Onwe and Hon. Deinma Iyalla. Umahi thanked God for his victory, stressing that his loyalty to Elechi remained intact even as he asked the Governor to forgive him in anyway he (Umahi) must have wronged him. Also, yesterday, Senator Anthony Agbo emerged the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate. Agbo, the only candidate on Continued on page 60

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Minda governorship aspirants, others who took the decision included Ortom, Dr Eugene Aliegba, Mr Hingah Biem, Mr. Felix Atume, Mr. David Nongo, and Dr James Mbachiantim. Others are: Mr Andy Uwouku, Mr Alex Adum and Dr Gabriel Nyitse. They did not disclose the names of those they had chosen and left immediately to communicate their decision to Governor Suswam the Government House. They also rejected the decision of the governor to select only one person to vote for delegates in each of the 23 local government areas. Nineteen aspirants are vying to fly the party’s ticket in next year’s election. All was set last night for the primaries at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

Ihedioha is Imo PDP candidate

EPUTY Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha last night picked the PDP governorship ticket for Imo State. Ihedioha survived a grueling battle at the primary held at the Grsshoppers’ stadium in Owerri, the state capital by beating Senator Ifeanyi Araraume with only 10 votes. He polled 346 to Araraume’s 336. Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim scored213 votes.

2015: Jimi Agbaje floors Obanikoro

USINESSMAN Jimi Agbaje last night defeated former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro by 532 votes to 343 to win the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for Lagos. The primary was rancorous. Aspirants argued about everything, including the number of votes cast and the final tally.

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THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES

Adamawa: Nuhu Ribadu emerges in Abuja primary ,

ORMER Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has won the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship ticket for Adamawa State with 688 votes. In the primary election conducted in Abuja, Ribadu defeated five other contenders, including Governor Bala Ngilari, who scored 26 votes. Other contenders and their scores are: Marcus Gundiri with 33 votes, Aliyu Kama (three), Ahmed Modibo (30) and Auwal Tukur with 24 votes. In his acceptance speech, Ribadu said: “My brothers and sisters, the true representatives of

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

the people of Adamawa State, I am burdened by your choice this evening. I am challenged by it. “My happiness knows no bound as I take your challenge to lead our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to the gubernatorial election coming in February with utmost sense of responsibility and honour. I pledge not to falter as we commence this journey for a new Adamawa State. “The delegates, who elected me today to fly the flag of our great party, represent the will

While assuring you of our desire to judiciously use public resources for the collective good, let me state that I shall bring my known anti-corruption credentials to bear in all facets of governance.

of the people of Adamawa State. “Through your votes, you

have voiced the yearnings of the people of Adamawa State, who crave for genuine development of our dear state. With your support, I promise to lead the way first in ensuring peaceful and harmonious coexistence among our people. Adamawa, like Nigeria today, requires unity more than ever before. “I extend my hand of friendship to all those who aspired for this ticket. I believe in our collective desire to make Adamawa peaceful and a prosperous place to proudly call home. “While assuring you of our desire to judiciously use public resources for the collective good, let me state that I shall

bring my known anti-corruption credentials to bear in all facets of governance. “I thank you all, respected delegates of our party for your support to me personally and most essentially for your obedience to the tenets of our party and its leadership. I salute your orderliness, patience and resilience throughout this exercise”. Curiously, however, copies of Ribadu’s acceptance speech were released to reporters while votes were still being counted. Meanwhile, the governor’s camp was still holding a parallel primary election in Yola at the same time the Abuja primary was being held.

Umar Nasko wins in Niger •Five aspirants reject result

FORMER Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja was confirmed yesterday as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in next year’s election. In what was a mere affirmation of his candidacy, Ladoja polled 1,692 votes to emerge winner in the race, in which he had no opponent. During his acceptance speech, Ladoja said his emergence marked the beginning of a big struggle that would end with the election. He said: “This is not the victory itself, but the beginning of the struggle taking us into 2015 election. “The beauty of AP is that it is violence-free. We do not believe in sharing money or spending money excessively on elections, as it is done in other parties.”

Imo APGA factions hold parallel primaries

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

HE immediate past Chief of Staff to Niger State Government House, Umar Mohammed Nasko, emerged victorious yesterday at the state Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship primary. He defeated seven other aspirants. Nasko polled 908 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hannafi Sudan, who scored 57 votes, while the Deputy Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, came third with 34 votes. Former Minister of Commerce Mustapha Bello and Saleh Darangi polled 11 votes while former Kano State Military Governor Aminu Isa Kontagora and Mohammed Dukku had no vote. Before declaring the result of the primary, the chairman of the governorship primary committee, Senator Jubril Martins Kuye, hailed the delegates for their peaceful conduct. Senator Nuhu Aliyu and Commodore Peter Gana had earlier withdrawn from the race, complaining of no levelplaying field for all the aspirants. Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu sued for peaceful campaigns by political parties and their candidates as the countdown to next year’s general elections begins. “We want to ensure peaceful campaign devoid of mudsling and blackmail. We are all coming with the same product. It is only the packaging that is different,” he said. He added: “Politics is not about war; politics is about electing who you want to lead you at a given time.” But five governorship aspirants have rejected the outcome of the election and vowed to challenge its validation. The aggrieved aspirants include Ibeto, Bello, Dukku, Darangi and Commodore Gana (rtd). Bello, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants at a joint news conference yesterday in Minna, said they rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging that it was fraught with irregularities. He cited Aliyu as violating the secret balloting system by breaching the procedure, a development Bello said was protested, but added that Kuye-led electoral committee turned “deaf ears.

Ladoja emerges Oyo Accord candidate

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

•From left: Abia State Governor Theodore Orji; his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba; former National Chairman of PDP Prince Vincent Ogbulafor; and Speaker, state House of Assembly Udeh Okochukwu, at the PDP governorship primary election in Umuahia...yesterday

Okezie Ikpeazu picks Abia ticket

BIA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) governorship primary was held yesterday with Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu picking the party’s ticket. The primary election, which was held at Umuahia Township Stadium, was conducted by a committee chaired by Dr. Angela Mba and including three others. Heavily armed security men were present. Ikpeazu, the former deputy general manager (Aba), Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), defeated seven others, including the immediate past minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, and oil businessman, Dr. Uche Ogar.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

He defeated his opponents with 487 votes while Uche Ogar came second with 103 votes; Emeka Wogu came third with 33 votes; Marc Wabara got three votes; Okey Emuchy scored three votes; Iheanacho Okezie Orji (one); Friday Nwosu (five) votes; and former deputy governor, Acho Nwakanma had five votes. The primary committee chairman hailed the state party chapter, the aspirants and the delegates for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Umahi wins governorship primary in Ebonyi

BONYI State Deputy Governor Dave Umahi has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s primary. The primary, which took place at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, was contested by eight aspirants, including, Paul Okorie, Dr. Aja Nwachkwu, Chief Hycinth Ikpo, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu,

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

Chief Michael Ude Udumanta and Senator Offia Nwali. Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, former minister of Health and some others loyal to Governor Martin Elechi did not take part in the election. Announcing the results of the election that had 592 delegates, the chairman of the primary committee and Ekiti

State Governor Ayo Fayose declared the deputy governor, who polled 541 votes, as the winner and candidate of the PDP in next year’s general election. Other members of the electoral panel were Chineneye Oji, Hajia Hauwa Kida, the PDP state Chairman, Onwe Joseph Onwe and Deinma Iyalla. In his remark, Umahi thanked God for his victory,

stressing that his loyalty to Elechi remained intact, even as he asked the governor to forgive him in any way he might have wronged him in the course of the exercise. According to Umahi, his priority would centre on improving the living standard of the people. The exercise ended peacefully without any reported case of violence and disruption of peace.

Lamido’s chief of staff picks Jigawa ticket

OVERNOR Sule Lamido’s Chief of Staff Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Ringim yesterday picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Jigawa State Ringim was declared PDP’s candidate after the withdrawal of two other aspirants at the primary held at Aminu Kano

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Triangle in Dutse. He won the election with over 1,120 votes at the primary chaired by Alhaji Isah Ahmed Duniyabahutu, the former party state chairman, under the supervision of Alhaji Kaulaha Aliyu, who led the PDP national headquar-

ters’ team. The aspirants, who stepped down, were Aminu Kani and Alhaji Abba Anas Adamu. Kani said he withdrew for the unity and victory of the party while Adamu announced he was stepping down through his representative, Aliyu Abdulkadir. Abdulkadir said: “Anas

wanted to be here himself. He was already in Dutse, but an emergency took him somewhere. He and his supporters are loyal to the party and its leadership at all level”. The winner was for almost eight years, the chief of staff to Lamido before latter resigning to aspire for the governorship position

A FACTION of Imo State All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led by Prince Cletus Nwaka conducted yesterday a parallel governorship primary, with Okey Ezeh scoring the highest vote. At another primary held by the Peter Ezeobi’s faction, former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, was declared winner. Ezeh polled 652 votes, while Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu and Iheanacho got 34 and 24 votes at the one conducted by Nwaka’s faction. Declaring Ezeh winner of the primary held at the Jesus Friends and Family Assembly, Port Harcourt Road, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the Returning Officer, Ahaneku Iheakanwa, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent. Iheakanwa urged the other two contestants, who lost the election, to accept the outcome and work with the candidate in the overall interest of the party. Nwaka stated that the primary conducted by his faction was the only one recognised by the party, adding that Ezeh remains APGA’s governorship candidate in Imo for next’s governorship election.

Agbo is Ebonyi APGA’s flagbearer From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

SENATOR Anthony Agbo has emerged Ebonyi State All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) governorship flagbearer. Agbo, who was the only candidate on the ballot paper for the party’s shadow polls, garnered 507 of 516 votes cast by the delegates. Nine of the votes were declared invalid by the Anara Chikodi-led primary committee. In his acceptance speech, Agbo promised to run an all inclusive government that would eradicate poverty in the state, if elected governor.

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS Nigerian Legion owed N75m

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES

ENATOR Gyang Pwajok has defeated Amabas Longjan 434 to 168 to win Paleau State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Micah Gayya, said yesterday that many Nigerians, who pledged during last year’s emblem launching, have not redeemed their pledges of N75 million. He made the revelation as President Goodluck Jonathan launched the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The emblem launch events, which will end on January 15, are aimed at remembering and appreciating Nigerian military men who died in service to the nation and their surviving colleagues, who have retired from active service. Among the launchers and colaunchers for the event, only the Publisher of National Mirror, Jimoh Ibrahim, launched the emblem with N30 million cheque and pledged 10 new vehicles. Others did not attend the event.

FRSC to create 71 driver’s licence centres From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is set to create additional 71 centres in addition to the existing 129. This is to ensure that Nigerians have easy access to the processing of their driver’s licences and number plates. The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, said this yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a workshop organised for motor licensing authority and sector Heads of driver’s license centres from 36 states of the federation and FCT. He said by the end of this year, the commission would have activated 200 centres nationwide to tackle challenges within the system.

943 battle for presidential scholarships From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

NLY 100 candidates will be picked out of the 943 first class graduates from various universities who sat for yesterday’s Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in Abuja. There were anxieties as many of the candidates were of the hope that they would make the list. The examination, which is being coordinated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), was initiated three years ago by President Goodluck Jonathan to train critical mass of experts, where the nation is lacking, especially in the area of science and technology. A member of the PRESSID implementation committee, Prof. Olurotimi Tayo, who supervised the conduct of the examination, disclosed that 943 first class graduates, who were screened from over 2000 who applied for the aptitude test, participated yesterday.

Pwajok wins in Plateau

Otti wins APGA governorship ticket in Abia

•Vice President Namadi Sambo voting at the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Kaduna...yesterday.

Ifeanyi Okowa emerges winner in Delta

ENATOR Ifeanyi Okowa has emerged winner of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship primary after beating 24 other aspirants. Okowa polled 406 votes in the primary in which 1,121 delegates voted, beating his closest challenger, David Edebvie, who polled 299 votes. One vote was voided. The elections, which held

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

amidst tight security, was peaceful as delegates conducted themselves orderly. Okowa, who hails from Ika North East Local Government Area, won the keenly contested primaries. The returning officer, Sunday Karimi, declared Okowa winner after having polled the largest number of votes.

Supporters of the winner sang solidarity songs after the results were announced. Okowa narrowly lost the PDP primaries in 2007 to incumbent Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan. Ex-Speaker Mr. Victor Ochei was a distant third, scoring 185 votes. Mr. Tony Obuh polled five votes while Ndudi Elumelu got 50 votes.

Former Minister of NigerDelta Affairs Mr. Godsday Orubebe polled 49 votes The two female contestants, Mrs. Esther Uduehi got one votes while Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme polled 10 votes. David Edebvie lost the primaries despite the endorsement of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Urhobo nation..

Ayade wins Cross River ticket

HE Senator representing the Cross River State Northern Senatorial District, Prof. Ben Ayade, has emerged the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate. Ayade, according to the result announced by the chairman of the electoral panel

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

and returning officer, Chief Olusola Akanmode, scored 752 of 782 votes cast in the primary election held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Eminent lawyer Joe Agi came second with 11 votes while Godwin Jedy-Agba, who though withdrew from

the race, got five votes. Father Francis Eworo got five votes, Peter Oti and Emmanuel Ibeshi did not get any vote. Nine votes were declared invalid. Four other aspirants had earlier withdrawn from the primaries and declared their support for Ayade. They

included Executive Secretary, National Planning Commission Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo; immediate past Secretary to the Government Mr. Mike Aniah; immediate past Commissioner for Works Mr. Legor Idagbo; and Speaker of the House of Assembly Mr. Larry Odey.

Udom triumphs in Akwa Ibom •22 aspirants call for cancellation of result

WENTY-two of the 23 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom rejected yesterday the outcome of the primary election that produced former Secretary to State Government Udom Emmanuel as the winner of the election. Udom was declared the winner of the primary with 1, 201 votes. Other aspirants walked out of the newly constructed international stadium, where the election was held, in protest. They alleged massive irregularities and lack of transparency. The aspirants were two former deputy governors, Nsima Ekere and Patrick Ekpoutu; former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and the Belarus, Assam Assam (SAN); Senator Helen Esuene; and Prof. Richard King. Others were Larry Esin; Benjamin Okoko; former Commissioner for Rural Development, Effiong Abia; former AttorneyGeneral and Justice Commissioner, Ekpenyong Ntekim, and others. The aggrieved aspirants said they had no confidence in

From Kazeem Ibrahym and Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

the process leading to the primary election, alleging that there was no proper accreditation of delegates, even as they claimed that delegates in the election were “fake”. Ekere, who spoke on behalf of the protesting aspirants, described the outcome of the election that produced Udom as a charade, saying “22 out of 23 governorship aspirants cannot be wrong”. Calling for the cancellation of the poll, he explained that doing so was in the best interest of the party. Ekere said: “Please take note of this. We have 23 aspirants on the platform of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State and 22 out of these 23 aspirants are all here. All 22 of us went to the PDP panel to complain to them that we haven’t seen the delegate list published by the party. “We complained to them also that there was no basis for bringing people into the stadium, when there was no accreditation. The chairman of the panel refused to address those issues. “Unfortunately, they re-

fused to listen to us. The chairman of the panel admitted that accreditation was actually done and we asked him where was it done and he said it was done in the Government House. “We also observed the admittance of the people into the venue was done not by the electoral panel as stipulated in the guideline, but actually done by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor and security agencies from Government House.” Also, Assam said the delegates were arranged by Governor Godswill Akpabio. His words: “We are staging a walk out from the governorship primary election because the entire exercise is not transparent. The delegates you see here are not certified delegates of the party. They are not known to us. Besides, no proper accreditation has been done before the commencement of the election. “We learnt that the list of the delegates voting here today was drawn by Governor Akpabio himself at the Government House. And we also know that they (delegates) were transported from the Government House to this

place. “We do not believe that the exercise is free and fair and so the most honourable thing to do is to walk out from this sham called election, because whatever would come out of it does not represent the true picture and as would not be acceptable”. On their next move, Assam said all the protesting aspirants would meet to discuss how to pass on their grievances to the appropriate quarters, adding that the entire exercise should be cancelled. Senator Esuene, on her part, said: “Enough is enough. Akwa Ibom people have suffered a lot. We must reject this level of impunity. Akwa Ibom State belong to all of us.” Ekpoutu advised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to do the needful by rejecting the outcome of the primary. Describing the election as a charade, the former governor said: “We believe in the capacity of the NWC to resolve the injustice done to all the 22 governorship aspirants. We have rejected the umbrella that accommodates few people.”

ORMER Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Bank Plc Dr. Alex Otti emerged yesterday in Umuahia as the Abia State All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) governorship candidate for the February general election. Otti, at the primary held at the Lakewood Hotel on Aba Road, Umuahia, the state capital, polled 485 votes from a total of 503 votes cast to defeat his rival, Mr Chikwendu Udensi, who scored 8 votes. Of a total of 511 delegates accredited for the primaries conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, 503 voted while 10 votes were voided Addressing party supporters after he was declared winner by the chairman of the APGA Electoral Committee, Otti expressed his appreciation to delegates for conducting themselves in an orderly manner at the primary. He said: “I must thank God for a very peaceful election and the delegates for their support. Let me also say that those who didn’t vote for me because I know that as time goes on they will come to understand what we have come to do in APGA. All in all, I am very happy with the result of the primaries.” In an interview with reporters, the winner gave the alleged deplorable state of Abia as the main reason why he came out for the race. He added that it was not too late to salvage the situation, adding that it could have been worse if “people like us did not take the bold step we took, because I believe that I have the capacity, the skills and the network as well as the experience and training to turn the situation in Abia around.’’ “In terms of potentials, I believe that Abia State is blessed because we have the resources, both material and human, creative minds and entrepreneurs. What is required is a little support from government by way of creating the enabling environment; and that is exactly what I have come to do for my state,” he said. The APGA governorship candidate reiterated his commitment to embark on massive infrastructural turnaround to aid commerce and industry even as he said that healthcare and educational systems would be attended to for the betterment of the citizenry, if he becomes governor. He emphasised that his administration would ensure that teachers in the state receive proper training to enable them impact qualitative knowledge in school children at various levels.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

Rein in your supporters, APC tells Jonathan

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to rein in his supporters, who it accused of overheating the polity with their comments. The party named elder stateman Chief Edwin Clark as one of such supporters, whose utterance could set the country on fire if not checked. In a statement by its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC described as absurd, incendiary and unbecoming Chief Clark’s label of the opposition as an assembly of killers. Mohammed said the APC

•Party accuses Clark, others of overheating polity had waited for a refutal from Clark to ascertain if he was quoted out of context or if the statement was wrongly credited to him. Clark, the APC spokesman, alleged, said if the opposition had its way, it could poison or kill President Jonathan just to take over power. The statement reads: “In making his dangerous comment, Chief Clark probably mistook the party for the PDP, which has been described as the nest of killers. ‘’Our party has never and

will never contemplate killing or poisoning President Jonathan just to take power, as Chief Clark carelessly said. “We are neither a violent nor an anarchic party. We do not seek power by any means other than through the ballot box. Therefore we reject, totally, the statement by Chief Clark. ‘’We remind Chief Clark that since President Jonathan was voted into office by Nigerians, they also reserve the right to vote him out of office. “This is the way it is done

in every true democracy, and heavens will not fall if President Jonathan is not reelected in 2015. “His supporters should put their emotions in check and stop making comments that are downright treasonable,’’ the party said. “It is a mark of the gross partisanship of the security agencies that they have turned a blind eye to all the incendiary comments being made by the President’s men. ‘’The security agencies, especially the police and the Directorate of State Security (DSS), have busied them-

selves with harassing and intimidating the opposition. They have engaged in torturing innocent Nigerians for political reasons, while pretending not to know that President Jonathan’s supporters, in particular Mujaheed Asari Dokubo and Chief Clark, have been threatening the very existence of Nigeria through their capricious statements. ‘’Had the statements credited to these men been made by the opposition, the security agencies would have suddenly become hyperactive. They have failed to make the President’s supporters to realise that no one is above the law.’’

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle) in a group photograph with Co-founder, The Future Project, Adebola Williams (fourth left), Executive Director Miss Mfon Ekpo (third left), team leader Miss Bukola Adebakin (left), actress & On-Air Personality Miss Osas Ighodaro (second left), Winner of the Future Awards Africa Prize in Enterprise Support Bunmi Otegbade (fourth right), songwriter and singer Miss Waje Iruobe (third right), On-Air Personality, Ebony life TV, Miss Bolanle Olakunmi (second right) and musician Iyanya Mbuk during their visit to the governor on the ninth edition of the Future Awards Africa 2014 at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday.

Buhari visits Ondo today From Damisi Ojo, Akure

N All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will today visit Ondo State to woo delegates for tomorrow’s national convention in Lagos. A statement by the State Coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO),Ifeolu Oyedele, said the former military ruler would arrive in the APC state secretariat, Akure by 9am. It urged all State Working Committee (SWC) members, council chairmen, secretaries and all the national delegates to welcome the APC leader.

Alleged demolition: Oritsejafor sues Fashola, others

HRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Ayo Oritsejafor has sued Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, following alleged plans by the government to demolish his church on Victoria Island, Lagos. It was alleged that the government planned to demolish the Word of Life Bible Church on Plot 21E, Abdulrahman Okene Close, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island Annex. Joined as co-defendants are the government, attorney general; Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; state Building Control Agency, state Physical Planning Per-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

mit Authority and state Task Force on Environmental Sanitation. In the suit before Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, the Incorporated Trustees of Word of Life Bible Church, sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the state government from demolishing, destroying, dispossessing or forcibly ejecting the church from the property. The church averred that after applying in vain for building plan approval from the respondents, the claimants through Pastor Orisejafor wrote several letters and met with the former and present gover-

nors, Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola. The claimant argued that in March last year, it received a letter from the defendants directing them to submit certain documents to facilitate the process of the approval which it complied with. But while it was awaiting the approval, the claimant said it discovered that the defendants had pasted a contravention notice dated January 20 on its fence. The notice alleged the absence of a development permit, as ground for seeking removal of the building on the land within two days. In their counter affidavit, the defendants alleged its action was generated by the

claimant’s refusal to comply with rules and regulations. It averred that the claimant erected the structure without first obtaining a development permit, adding that the church did not wait for approval. The state told the court that the claimant did not provide all that was required to process its development permit. However, the matter was abruptly stopped after the church’s lawyer, Ndu Nwolocha, prayed for an adjournment to enable him reply to the defendants counter affidavit. The matter has been fixed for January 13 for continuation.

Ogun APC primaries today

Court grants APC leave to serve defected Ekiti lawmakers

HE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has granted the prayers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to serve the six APC members, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the originating motion and motion on notice seeking them to vacate their seats. A statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has said it will hold its inconclusive National Assembly primaries today. A statement by the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Senator Adudu, the party said the affected federal constituencies are: Abeokuta South, Ijebu Central and Ijebu North. The party appealed to its members and the public to cooperate with the organising committee to conduct a hitchfree primary.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Wole Olujobi, said the party sued the defected members, asking them to vacate their seats, having defected to another party without reasons precedent to that action as stipulated in the constitution. The defendants are Israel Olowo, Alex Ade Ojo, Dele Joseph Olugbemi, Ayoka Fatunmbi,

Adeyinka Adeloye and Abeni Modupe Olayinka. Others are the PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the suit before Mr Justice A.F.A Ademola of the Federal High Court filed by Mrs K. Uzoanya, a counsel in Tunji Abayomi law firm, the plaintiff asked the court to issue and serve the originating summons and motion on notice on the defendants directly by courier services or the clerk of the

Assembly, Ado-Ekiti. Justice Ademola granted the reliefs directing that the originating summons and motion on notice be served on the defendants directly or through courier services or through the clerk of the House of Assembly, AdoEkiti, being the only known address of the defendants. The judge fixed December 16 as the return date for the case.

Osun tribunal: Aregbesola opens defence From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola opened yesterday his defence in the case brought against his re-election by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the August 9 governorship election. The defence counsel, Felix Fagbohungbe, led four witnesses in evidence before the Justice Elizabeth Ikpejime panel to prove that the election was neither rigged nor manipulated. Folorunsho Olojede, Akinropo Adeniji, Rauf Ajide and Mrs. Rachael Babatunde while being cross examined by counsel to the petitioner Chris Uche told the tribunal that election in their respective polling units was free and fair with no case of multiple voting as claimed by the petitioner. At 1pm, Fagbohungbe sought for adjournment of the proceedings till today. Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rotimi Akeredolu and Independent National Electoral Commission Oketunji Ogunleye agreed. PDP counsel Chris Uche expressed satisfaction with the tribunal’s proceedings, attributing the decision of the APC to adjourn till today before the end of the session to low performance of their witnesses during cross examination. But Akeredolu said the four witnesses did well contrary to the claims of the petitioner, saying the call for adjournment was necessary for strategic reasons. Aregbesola has nine more days to defend his victory.

New Ondo PDP Chairman resumes From Damisi Ojo, Akure

MBATTLED former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State Ebenezer Alabi handed over yesterday to the new chairman, Clement Faboyede, in Akure, the state capital. Faboyede was until his appointment the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services. Alabi resigned suddenly in Abuja last Friday. The return of Governor Olusegun Mimiko to the PDP polarised the party, which led to the conduct of two parallel primaries. The Alabi-led executive, which is made of old PDP members, instituted five cases to prevent the executive from being dissolved. Faboyede from Igbaraoke, Ifedore Local Government, said the party would embark on reconciliation of aggrieved members. Alabi promised to withdraw all the suits filed against the party.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS Amosun to inaugurate digital studio

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun will today inaugurate a new digital studio to mark the 38 years anniversary of the State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC). The firm’s General Manager, Tunde Awolana, said the inauguration of the digital studio, which boasts of the latest studio equipment, complete the movement of the corporation back to its permanent site in Ibara after its 10 years sojourn on Ajebo Road, Abeokuta. Awolana also added that this fulfils Amosun’s promise when he was sworn into office on May 29, 2011, to return the very popular radio station, known as the nation’s model station and the station of the moment, operating on 90.5 FM and 603 Medium Wave band, to its permanent site and reposition it for optimum performance.

•President Goodluck Jonathan being decorated with the 2015 Armed Force Remembrance Emblem by the Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Col. Micah Gayya (rtd) in Abuja…yesterday.

9,094 OAU students graduate tomorrow From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

INE thousand and ninety four (9,094) students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, would graduate tomorrow. At a pre-convocation briefing yesterday, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole, said the graduands were drawn from 13 faculties. According to him, 127 got first class and 2,360 others second class upper and lower divisions. To reward excellence, the VC, represented by the chairman of ceremonial committee, Prof. Titi Kuku, announced automatic scholarship for first class graduating students, adding that some of them may be given jobs at their respective faculties as graduate assistants. He said as part of events for the 40th convocation, former Managing Director of Bank of Industry Ms Evelyn Oputu would deliver a convocation lecture, “Entrepreneurship and the Relationship Between Universities, Industry and Government”.

Ondo workers begin strike From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE Organised Labour in Ondo State has ordered workers to begin a two-day warning strike today to press home their demands. A circular by the Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JCN), Sunday Adeleye, said the action was to protest the non-payment of their three-month salary arrears. Adeleye lamented that efforts made in the past to dialogue with the government failed.

Book presentation on Thursday

GUN State: The Golden Years, a book on the achievements of the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration,

will be unveiled on Thursday at DLK Events Centre, Abiola Way, Abeokuta by 11am. The author, who is also Special Assistant on Media to the governor, Soyombo Opeyemi, said the presentation will bring together former heads of state, governors, leaders, captains of industry, political office holders, elder statesmen, senior bureaucrats, diplomats, academics, media executives, among others. “As we inch towards the general election, it is incumbent on writers not only to mirror the society but help it in its choices. While we acknowledge the present erosion of our values, we need to insist that a secure future for our children and generations to come lies in Nigeria returning to its muchcherished value system of reward for hard work and integrity.” The event, according to the author, will be chaired by former Head of State, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd). Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief John OdigieOyegun, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande as very distinguished guests. Dr Mike Adenuga, Dapo Abiodun, Mrs. Leila Fowler, Chief Emmanuel Adeniji and Prince Gbolahan Dada are distinguished guests. President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors Femi Adesina will review the book.

Varsity Law programme approved From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

FTER three years of legal battle, the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for Legal Education (CLE) have approved the Faculty of Law of Lead City University, Ibadan. With the development, the university will admit students for the programme with the award of LLB degree after completion. The crisis rocking the programme reached a peak in 2011 when the NUC suspended the programme. It said the university was not approved for the programme because members of the CLE did not participate in the accreditation exercise for which it (NUC) approved the programme. The university will this week confer honourary doctorate degrees on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and the Bishop of Ijebu Diocese, Anglican Communion, Ayodele Awosoga. The ceremony will start with a lecture tomorrow by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

Call LASU VC to order, ASUU tells Fashola

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola to call to order the Vice-Chancellor of the State University (LASU), Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa, following the alleged victimisation of ASUU members. At a three-day ASUUNEC congress which ended yesterday, the union’s National President, Nasir Fagge, said the interdiction of one of its members, Prof Tunde Fatunde, for allegedly being rude to the registrar, and the planned withdrawal of the PhD certificate of ASUU-LASU Chairman Adekunle Idris were attempts to emasculate unionists. Fagge described as a “serious academic error” an attempt to withdraw Idris’ certificate after it had passed through relevant process,

•‘We must step on toes to sanitise ‘ By Adegunle Olugbamila

vetted by the university senate and signed by the VC. But Obafunwa absolved himself of any blame, saying the decision was carried out by the senate. Speaking with reporters in his office yesterday, the VC lamented how his attempt to clean the Aegean’s Stable, was attracting criticisms. Obafunwa said the senate discovered that 13 PhD certificates issued by the school were defective. He said some students were issued certificates for programmes the university neither run, or that the recipients did not conduct research on. He categorised the defects in certificates as “mild”, “serious” and “very serious” cases, adding that Idris’ falls under the third category.

“When we discovered that, some senate members suggested that it should be resolved internally, but I said no. “Our mandate was to clean up rots in LASU and we will not compromise on our stance,” Obafunwa said. According to him, the senate had resolved those with mild cases, and has asked those under the two other categories to return their certificates. He said some of the affected students have been cooperating but Idris chose to whip up sentiments to seek undue public sympathy. “On Idris’ case, it was not a question of returning the certificate for a new one; it was a question of withdrawing it because the programme written in his does not exist in LASU,” the VC

said. But ASUU insisted it will fight in court than bow to pressure. Idris said he was victimised for his role as ASUU-LASU chairman. He recalled that in 2012, LASU issued him a PhD in Business Administration/ Marketing. Before then, Idris said two of his colleagues had bagged similar degrees. Idris said though he applied for PhD in Business Administration, his thesis and seminar were on Marketing, the same as his two colleagues. “When the university did that, I believed that was the standard the university accepted for itself because Marketing is the field I wrote my project and courses,” Idris said. Obafunwa said a committee has been set up to review certificates issued in the past.

INEC annuls Ekiti PDP Reps primary

HE joy of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) top contender for Ekiti North 2 Federal Constituency, Thaddeus Aina, was cut short yesterday, less than 48 hours after he was declared winner of the primary election conducted in the area. The hammer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fell on the primary election conducted in the federal constituency, which comprises Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje local government areas. The electoral umpire

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

said the primary election conducted on Saturday violated basic electoral standards, hence it did not recognise the result returned from the constituency which declared Aina, an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose, winner. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Halilu Pai, said no primary election was conducted in the federal constituency, hence its cancellation. Speaking through INEC spokesman Taiwo Gbadegesin, Pai said the

commission cannot accept the result of a primary conducted at midnight. He said the electoral commission did not recognise the primary in the constituency. He said: “The PDP claimed that there was primary but to us in INEC, we believed no primary was held. “This Commission cannot recognise primaries conducted in the middle of the night as election, because reports by our electoral officers indicated that the primary election did not begin in the constitu-

ency as at 8.30pm. So when was the election conducted? “It is the responsibility of this commission to ensure that things are done rightly and it is on that we stand. “We owe it a duty to say the truth now to prevent future backlash. “It is the responsibility of this commission to ensure that things are done rightly and it is on that we stand. The electoral agency had not given a date for the conduct of a repeat primary.

Firm to deliver $20m shopping mall next year

N investment firm, Purple Capital Partners Limited, has partnered Network Hotels Limited to redevelop the former Maryland Business plaza into a world class mall. The project, to be completed next November, would cost $20million. The Maryland Mall, Ikorodu Road, will serve residents in Mende, An-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

thony, Ilupeju, Ojota, GRA Ikeja, Oshodi and Gbagada areas of the state. Situated on a buildable area of 10,000 square metres, its unique design exercises a broad and sophisticated knowledge base that spans urban design, planning, building and landscape architecture.

The mall is projected to have the largest outdoor LED screen in sub-Saharan Africa at the size of 5,500 square metres and will be installed across the full length of the building, the managing partner of the investment company, Laide Agboola, said . He said the landmark mall is modelled after world renowned locations, such as Piccadilly Circus,

with multiple revenue streams to further enhance the efficiency of the development. According to him, after the demolition of the old Maryland Plaza, excavation of the basement began. This area of the complex, he explained, would serve as parking basement for the complex, thus making the mall a uniquely efficient development.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 20114

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

There is nothing wrong in having a robust renewable energy programme in the country. In fact, government has taken a step in that direction by introducing the: ‘Light Up Nigeria’ scheme. - Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, Rueben Okeke

NEITI recovers $2.4b from petroleum sector

Power supply dips From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE Federal Ministry of Power yesterday said the power transmitted to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as at December 2, this year was 3,206.09Mega watts (MW). Following the statistics on the ministry’s website, the power, which the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wheeled to the DISCOs reduced by 143.92Mw between November 30 and December 2. Meanwhile, of the 3,271.21Mw energy which the generation companies (GENCOs) produced on December 2, the TCN was able to wheel 3,206.06Mw, leaving 65.15MW stranded. The peak energy generated, according to the latest data was 3,554.60Mw. Following the Federal Government’s target, it has 22 days to realise the 5,000Mw vision for this year. Besides, the data is an indication of a steady linear decline in power generation, transmission and distribution in the last few months. The ministry’s November 19th statistics had shown that the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) generated 3,750.73Mw on, 3,413.57Mw on November 30 and in the latest data generated 3,271.21Mw . On a comparative basis, the wheel capacity of the TCN dropped from 3,671.47Mw of November19 to the current 3,351Mw on 30th November and 3,206.09Mw on 2nd December. Whereas the evacuation gap of November 19 was 79Mw,it reduced to 62.56Mw on November 30, and 65.15Mw in the latest statistics. The market which however recorded a peak generation of 3,958.1Mw on N o v e m b e r 19, h a d 3,576.7Mw on November30, which dropped to 3,554.60Mw peak generation on December 2, indicating a 404Mw within the last three days .

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb RATES Inflation -8.2% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $38.4b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

• Executive Director, Human Resource, ExxonMobil, Udom Inoyo, Director General/Chief Executive, Industrial Trust Found, (ITF) Dr. (Mrs.) Juliet-Chkkas Onaeko and Director, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, ITF, Jos at a maiden interactive forum with captains of industry in Lagos. PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO.

Fed Govt eyes N5tr from insurance premiums T

HE Federal Govern ment has set a target of growing the country’s insurance fortunes by N1 trillion in the next three years. Speaking at the Ministerial Summit on Insurance in Abuja yesterday, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala said government’s first “vision would be to grow our gross written premiums (GWP) of N300 billion today, to N1 trillion in the next three years, and to N5 trillion within the next decade.” If these projects work out, Okonjo-Iweala said nation’s insurance industry “should be attaining gross premiums of about $30 billion in a decade from today.” The second part of the insurance vision, she said, “would be to grow the number of direct jobs created in this industry from the current 30,000 people to 100,000 people in the next three years, and to more than

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor) and Chioma Onyia

300,000 people in the next decade.” According to her, “the insurance sector is a powerful engine for job creation in our economy. But today, there are only about 30,000 people working in the Nigerian insurance industry. This sector should clearly be creating many more jobs for us. So the second objective of our vision would be to grow the number of direct jobs created in this industry from the current 30,000 people to 100,000 people in the next three years, and to more than 300,000 people in the next decade.” She said there would have to be investments in training and skills development for the sector to prepare young men and women for careers in the insurance sector. The third part of government’s three-year agenda would be to widen access by growing the number of in-

surance policy holders in the country. The finance minister lamented that “we are a country of 170 million people, but with only 3 million policyholders! Knowledge, awareness and patronage of insurance products are low across the country. So, let us also work to achieve a minimum of 10 million policyholders in the next three years, and 30 million policy holders in the next decade.” To achieve this goal, the industry will need to think about new distribution channels for selling insurance policies – for example using mobile platforms, and also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to identify appropriate bank/insurance regulations. “We will also need to think about how to extend micro- insurance and takaful insurance (Islamiccompliant insurance) to rural parts of the country especially to Nigerian farmers who are exposed to various climate risks,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala is optimistic that the insurance market is “filled with opportunity – and many foreign investors are going to get even more interested in the coming years; there are even more opportunities on the way as we introduce insurance products in our growing mortgage and housing sectors but our insurance sector must be growing even faster.” Commenting on the state of the economy and the attendant price volatilities, OkonjoIweala said “we should believe in ourselves and buy (goods made in) Nigeria; we don’t have to be increasing prices unnecessarily for some of the things because we are producing them right here. So there should be no excuse. Let us see the way that the trajectory of prices are going, the PPPRA is calculating the landing price for refined oil. Everyday, they are taking stock and you will see the thing is coming down, so let us watch the trajectory before we start saying this or that.”

Bank lending to seed companies hits N6b

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday said bank lending to seed companies this year reached N6 billion, adding that the figure shows an increase from the N4.2 billion recorded last year. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who spoke in Abuja at a two-day national seed retreat organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council, said the government will continue to do more. Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Dr. Martins Fregene, he said before the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), the Seed Council was regulating less than 10,000 metric tonnes (mt) of seed of all crops as against about 60,000 mt of

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

seeds required. Dr. Adesina said the value of seed redeemed by farmers through seed companies and distributed under the government’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) increased from about N5.4 billion in 2012 to about N10.4 billion last year. He said: “Bank lending to seed companies rose from about N1.895 billion in 2012, N4.2 billion in 2013 and over N6 billion in 2014. “The value of seed redeemed by farmers from the seed supplied by the seed companies under the GES increased from about N5.4 billion in 2012 to about N10.4 billion in 2013.” Dr. Adesina said both government and private compa-

nies must make efforts to identify relevant issues and bottlenecks related to the smooth growth of the sector. He urged the Council to ensure that efforts were made to ensure the production and marketing of good quality seeds by the various seed producers in the country. “There has been a quantum leap in organised seed production of major arable crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, and soybeans from about 44,487 mt in 2012 to 149,484mt in 2013. “To further strengthen the seed system and market, the seed sector must be fully supported to develop capacity and gain experience on the entire complex component required for an effective and productive industry which is

the fulcrum of the nation’s food security,” he added. Earlier, the Acting Director -General of the Council, Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo, said the success of ATA depended on the national seed sector’s ability to provide high quality seeds of improved and adaptable crop varieties to farmers. He added that crops production efforts will not yield the desired results unless the issue of seed is adequately addressed. Ojo said: “High quality seed has been recognised as the most important input in crop production, as it is not only the cheapest means of increasing yield but also critical in raising the efficiency of other agricultural inputs used in crop production.”

OLLOWING the en forcement of the rec ommendations of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit reports, the Federal Government has recovered $2.4 billion. Its Executive Secretary, Zainab Ahmed spoke yesterday, said agency recovered $550 million in August this year. She spoke during the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) media interaction on remediation and Inter-Ministerial Task-Team ( IMTT) activities in Abuja. Represented by Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, she said prior to the last recovery in August, the cumulative unrecovered fund from previous was $11.5billion. She said: “Prices per barrel realised by NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) from the sale of its allocated crude to external offtakers are consistently higher than the prices and value payable to the federation.” According to her, the IMTT has ordered the NNPC to use the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) exchange rate for the computation of sales of crude oil. She said: “Government needs to rig-fence as call money to fund JV (Joint Venture) operations in order to reverse its falling allocations.” According to her, IMTT has urged the Federal Government to consider a review of the daily allocation of 445,000 barrel per day (bpd) to national refineries. IMTT submitted that of 445,000 bpd, only 20 per cent is refined and 80 per cent is never returned to source nor accounted for. Ahmed said IMTT would write the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and advise on the basis of audit recommendation and copy the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Tin-Can Island port customs generates N22.3b

HE Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Ni geria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday in Lagos that it collected N22.3 billion revenue last month. Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Chris Osunkwo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the amount was less than the N27.1 billion collected in October. Osunkwo attributed the decrease to the forces of demand and supply. He said: “In October we made approximately N27.1 billion; whereas in November we had N22. 3billion. “A lot of factors are responsible for the difference, particularly the forces of demand and supply.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

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BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Abuja-Kaduna rail ready in February, says Minister T HE Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge railway line may be completed by February, next year, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Idris Umar, has said. He spoke at the completion of the track laying of the corridor, saying with the completion of the tracks, the hope for the realisation of a speed train service has been rekindled. The work, he said, has reached 93 per cent, adding that the corridor may begin rail transport service at the end of same month. Describing the 186.5km project handled by the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) as a “significant milestone in the history of Nigeria”, the Minister said the project; part of the Lagos-Kano standard gauge scheme, which started three years ago, will cost nearly $850 million (N14.5 billion) and will have nine stations and a train whose speed is 150 km per hour. The modernisation, he said, aims at replacing the existing narrow gauge system with the wider standard gauge system, to allows highspeed train operations on the railway network.

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

The train, Umar said, will run from Idu, an industrially-developing area of the capital city, to Rigasa Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The rail line involves the construction of 30 railway bridges, including five box bridges. The bridges are precast T- beams. He said with the fast trains, the travel time between Abuja and Kaduna, which is about one and a half hours by road, can be reduced with each train carrying 5,000 commuters. He assured of the government’s continued commitment to the ongoing modernisation of the railway to ease pressure on the roads. “Under the railway modernisation agenda, we have a 25-year strategic vision for the development of the Nigerian railway. Under this strategic vision, it is our intention that every state in the country will be connected to rail. Every state capital, including major economic corridors and zones, will be fully connected to the rail network,” he added. Meanwhile, the Director-General

• Abuja-Kaduna rail track

Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NIIT), Dr Aminu MusaYusuf, has said the Federal Government’s vision to link all the 36 state capitals by rail would boost the nation’s economy. Musa-Yusuf, who spoke to reporters in Zaria, said if actualised, would lengthen the lifespan of the nation’s roads and reduce accident rates. Describing Nigeria as “a vast country with vast resources and a growing population,” Musa-Yusuf said the increase has led to greater demands on the transportation infrastructure for both passengers and goods. “Rail transport has a lot of advan-

tages over road transport, especially in long distance and volume of goods moved. Nigeria has over 40 cities. With increasing travel demands there is need for rail connectivity to ease transportation constraints,” the NIIT boss said. Musa-Yusuf said a network of rail linking state capitals would make mobility easy and efficient, while effective movement of passengers and goods to different parts of the country could be achieved at cheaper rates. NITT, he said, is a multi-model training institute, which deals with all modes of transport while its major concern is human capacity development of the operators of the

system. “In this regard, our major input towards this laudable dream will be the training of railway manpower. However, we provide training not only in rail system, but also road, aviation and maritime with a view to improving efficiency and effectiveness. “So, we are very important stakeholders in rail and other modes of transport; it is not impossible for haulage transport system operation to frustrate government’s efforts to revive the railways. Trailers and train serve different purposes. Very soon, the train will run side-by-side with trailers in Nigeria just like any in other advanced country,” he said.

‘Be more effective and efficient’

• Adegbenro (right) addressing the Marshals at the event.

‘Stop displaying kits on dashboards’

HE National Co-ordinator of Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Sini Titsi Kwabe, has warned members to stop displaying their kits and other materials on their dashboards. Kwabe spoke while flagging off a monthly national patrol. The exercise holds every third Saturday of the month at Oke Ilewo Road, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Kwabe, represented by the Ogun State Co-ordinator of the SMP, Elder Emmanuel Fagbenro, spoke on the theme: “Free safety cheque book.” He said any Special Marshal caught flouting the directive would be booked. “The offenders would just be warned against a repeat of such offence, but would be punished if he/ she is rearrested for the same offence,” he said. Fagbenro, said it has been observed that some people joined the elite Marshal not to add value to the FRSC, but to use the Corps’ logo and materials to escape traffic offences by displaying them on their car dash boards.

Stories by Olalekan Ayeni

He said the authority had warned against recruiting anybody, who does not have the passion for the job, asking them to give way to those with genuine volunteer spirit to help ease traffic during congestion. According to him, those to be recruited as members of the Special Marshals should be “people of who have passion to save lives; a car owner with valid documents and drivers’ licence; people who are ready to carry out the duty according to the law; people who are ready to contribute their quota to elevate FRSC and those that are ready to spend out of their income to sponsor programmes”. He urged officers to always be transparent, maintain proven integrity and step up enforcements while at their various duty post. He urged them to shun the use of abusive language with traffic offenders to avoid being provoked while on patrol. Wearing of assorted dresses to patrol and all forms of illegal operations, he said, will no

longer be tolerated. According to him, the Corps had concluded plans to yearly reappraise committed officers and disengage the incompetent ones. The state SMP Deputy Coordinator, Elder Wale Bolarinwa, while addressing motorists at the event, said human errors are the leading factors causing the incessant crashes on the roads. He appealed to road users to imbibe defensive driving and consider other road users as lunatics. “Drivers must always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before setting on the road,” he said. He urged drivers to always shun drinking and driving; intolerance; poor driving culture; driving without necessary documents and without fastening of belt; using of phones while driving; driving with expired tyres and all form of distractions while on the wheel. A driver, Mr Sunday Adeola, appealed to the government to leave no stone unturned at ensuring proper use of the roads and enforcing strict adherence to traffic rules.

HE Corps Commander/ Chief Executive Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Ayo Sangofadeji, has urged his men to be more effective and efficient in reducing crashes during the Christmas and beyond. He spoke at the Ogun State Public Recreation Centre, Ota, during a tour in preparation for the ‘Ember’ month’s operation, code named: “Operation Order”. He said: “TRACE is committed to checkmate and control the road traffic problems within the state to ensure reduction of crashes through public enlightenment programmes especially in motor garages across the state and booking erring drivers. Sangofadeji said the corps will embark on full enforcement of road traffic rules to achieve the goal of reduction or total eradication of accidents during the yuletide. He charged officers to intensify efforts on the evacuation of broken down vehicles and other hazardous items promptly for easy flow of traffic and reduction of delay time; arresting of recalcitrant of drivers flouting the rules and regulations; education/enlightenment of road users; working in collaboration with other sister agencies to ensure safety on the roads and to provide timely reports of activities and shun violence. The TRACE boss advised passengers to always be alert, watch drivers’ attitude and driving mannerism and report any contrary behaviour to traffic agencies. He said passengers should not

• Sangofadeji

rely on drivers for their safety while travelling. He urged motorists to be disciplined and cautious while driving. Motorcyclists, he advised should always ride with care and use helmets, noting that though helmets does not prevent accidents but may prevent them from sustaining serious injuries. Sangofadeji said majority of accidents involving motorcyclist within the state occurred due to contravention of traffic rules, including non usage of helmet, overloading, over speeding and riding against traffic. He said any cyclist caught riding against the traffic would undergo alcoholic and psychiatric tests to ascertain his mental status. This he said, is apart from the fines that such defaulter would pay. At the event were: Director of Operations, Commander Seni Ogunyemi, Director of Training Commander Sola Bamidele, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Commander Michael Ajayi, Director, Account and Finance, Commander Aliu Ijiola, Area Commander 6, Cdr Ale Johnson, Elias Area Commander 1, Commander Omonaiyajo among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

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BUSINESS AVIATION

Arik pays N30b to FAAN, NCAA, FIRS, others RIK Air has paid over N30 billion to aviation agencies and the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS) since it started operations eight years ago, its managing director , Mr Chris Ndulue has disclosed. The amount, Ndulue said, covers payment for services rendered by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA), remittances for ticket sales to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service. He said the airline would continue to contribute its quota to the development transport despite the operational challenges in the sector . Ndulue spoke against the backdrop of the listing of Arik Air among the top one hundred companies in Nigeria by the Federal Government. He said the airline feels honoured to be listed among over three million companies selected by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. Ndulue said Arik Air is the youngest of the companies honoured by government for its contributions to national development . The award he said will give more confidence to Arik Air partners both at home and abroad. He spoke of plans by the airline to fine tune its operations next year by expansion into oil and gas ancillary services. Ndulue said the airline’s listing among one hundred companies in Nigeria would spur it to expand its regional and intercontinental operations to enable it serve its growing market .

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

He said part of the expansion into oil and gas operations is to provide shuttle flights for major organisations operating on the Lagos- Warri and Escravos routes. The Arik Air boss said the airline qualified for the listing among the first one hundred companies in the country because the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and other organisers of the award considered the size of its business as well as contribution to national economic development . He said: “The selection process put a lot of things into consideration . The scale of operations of the businesses of the companies listed, their contribution to the gross domestic product and their value addition to the Nigerian economic development. “These I think were factors that guided the selection for Arik Air to be listed among the first one hundred companies . They also considered employment generation and contribution to government revenue . I think in the last eight years Arik Air has paid over thirty billion to government agencies for services rendered . “These agencies include aviation agencies . The money covers the relevant charges for our operations, as well as taxes where applicable . Since we started operations in the last eight years we have made sound contributions to the development of aviation in Nigeria . This is part of what stood us out. We will continue to contribute to national development. This will give more confidence to our partners both at home and abroad .” He further said :”We will continue to grow the business , we are

encouraged , as a young company, we are still at the growth stage . We will make more progress and get more benefits for the award . “We expect some growth in our business , by expanding our regional and international operations . We are looking at few options in the domestic sector, we intend to connect some routes with the use of our Q400 aircraft . The aircraft is suited for operations tied to oil and gas . “We want to demonstrate that we can improve our operations through customer experience . We do not need new operators to make relevant changes in our operations .we want to improve efficiencies in all areas of our operations .this we have been working on in the past two years . “We are encouraged by this award . We expect some growth in our business in 2015. We are hoping to expand our operations , and look at expansion in oil and has operations by supporting companies to fly to Lagos to Warri and Escravos . “We are looking at on time performance . We want to improve on that and consolidate customer service . This

is key because we are becoming aware that customer satisfaction is very important . The only competition is from old operators . We intend to increase efficiency in all key areas . We are looking at fine tuning our operations in every aspect to make Arik Air the airline to beat .”He stressed that Arik Air will continue to strive to ensure that it transforms air transportation not only in Nigeria but the whole of the African continent. “This was the reason why we decided to change the old order in 2006 by operating brand new aircraft thus becoming the first operator of new aircraft in Nigeria in almost two decades. “This a call to do more and we at Arik Air will continue to improve on those qualities that have earned us this recognition because we believe that our best is yet to come. In the months ahead, we are going to be launching new routes as we strive to consolidate our position as the first choice for air travel within Nigeria and other destinations we serve in Africa, Europe and America,” the Managing Director stressed. Ndulue commended its passengers for their support in the last

eight years . He said :”We are very grateful to our passengers for this continued patronage that has taken us to this level . Our passengers have supported us this far they owe the credit for whatever we have achieved in the past eight years . “What is most delightful about our being listed among the top one hundred companies is that we are the youngest company in the whole list of over three million companies profiled . Apart from the youngest company in that category , we are also operating in the aviation industry , which known to be very challenging . “To be able to get this kind of landmark achievement within eight years is not a small feat . Part of the credit should go our passengers and employees , who have contributed to this award . “To be able to get this in eight years is very remarkable to overcome the challenge. There are a lot people who have laboured to grow this company within the last eight years overcoming all the challenges is not easy .”

‘Govt urged to privatise airport’

PERATOR of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited has urged the Federal Government to privatise airports to make them more customer friendly and effective . The firm said if government could not embrace full privatisation, it could opt for concession model, which has the capacity to attract private sector investment . Its the head of corporate communications Mr Remi Ladigbolu in an interview, said across the world privatisation and concession of airports are far becoming the best options. “It is only when government insists on managing its airports that challenges of under performing airports would come to the front burner,” he said. He said it was time government did a quick turn around to save Nigerian airports from being categorised as among the worst airports in the world. Ladigbolu said :”’ “Across the world, airports are being privatised outright, or given out as concessions to private operators. If Britain can concession Gatwick Airport terminal to a Nigerian, Adebayo Ogunlesi, what more do we have to say? What the industry needs desperately is a thorough liberalization and overhaul of the regulatory agencies to make them more efficient and more professional so as to be able to stamp out corruption. “The reforms at the seaports, though incomplete, provide a precedent, just as the success of the telecommunications sector liberalisation programme has delivered 110 million telephone lines, created hundreds of thousands

of jobs and drawn in millions of dollars in foreign direct investment in 12 years. This demonstrates the enormous power that can be unleashed by leaving critical sectors to private capital.” In a related development an aviation expert has attributed the high cost of airport infrastructure in Nigeria as one of the factors affecting the potential growth of the travel industry . Apart from the prohibitive cost of infrastructure , the expert who pleaded not to named said the required infrastructure to accelerate the growth of aviation are inadequate . He said Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa requires massive infrastructure at affordable rate to drive air transportation, which is the key to sustainable and accelerated development. Speaking in an interview in Lagos, he said said government needs to drive the growth of the industry by putting in place a policy framework that would attract private sector players to invest in airport infrastructure. He said: “If we are committed to the growth and development of the aviation industry government should address the challenge of air transport infrastructure. It is infrastructure that drives the growth of air transport and other support industries . But, in Nigeria, unfortunately infrastructure is below standard. Infrastructure in Nigeria is low and also expensive. Until these issues are addressed it may be difficult to unlock the potentials that air transport offers . Government should put in place the right policies to motivate private sector players to develop infrastructure

• From left: Managing Director of Arik Air , Mr Chris Ndulue and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide at an event in Abuja where the airline was listed among the first 100 companies in Nigeria.

Chidoka orders probe into aircraft damage at INSTER of Aviation Chief Osita Chidoka has ordered Lagos Airport andi. Acknowledging the remodelling of that the destruction of the

wind shield of three DORNIER Jets parked at the apron of the old domestic wing of the Lagos Airport be investigated. The minister said the probe would ascertain the cause of the incident. Chidoka said he received complaints from the aircraft owner, who is disturbed over the state of security at the airside. He said it was too early to establish sabotage as the reason for the destruction of the wind shield of the three aircraft as alleged in some quartets . Chidoka said he had_General of the Department of State Services ( DSS ) , which officials have begun investigations to fish out those behind the act. The minister said: “The ministry has received complaints from the Chairman of Air Peace over the destruction of the wind shield of his three DORNIER Jets parked at the apron of the old domestic terminal of the Lagos Airport. He is very worried over the un-

fortunate development and is suspecting sabotage . I have assured him that we will find out what happened, because this is unacceptable. I have reported the matter to the director general of State Security Services, I can assure you that the matter is being investigated. “ The minister also spoke of plans to improve security at airports, urging security personnel and others to step up measures to improve access control. He said security agencies including the Nigeria Air Force are assisting to implement new measures at airports. Last month, the minister ordered a review of the state of security at all airport terminals. Chidoka noted that the FAA Category 1 status has provided the ministry opportunity to review all its security details and ensure safety of air passengers, saying he has ordered all the airline operators and airport officials to comply with the modus oper-

the airport terminals by the former Aviation Minister, Stella Odua, Chidoka said all resources would be deployed to upgrading of security at the airport and ensuring safety of passengers, in line with global standard. He said: “That is why I have ordered a total review of security at the airport with a view that they meet global best practices. “My predecessor has already focused on the remodelling of the terminal building, so there is nothing much to do about that, except to finish what is being done, so we need to move away from that and focus on the security and safety of passengers. He noted that the ministry is making sure that there is an alignment between the safety on air and security of passengers at the terminal building. “While we want the passenger to move in more comfortable manner, we don’t want to compromise the security of the airport, so our major strategy is to begin to look into the security component of our work.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

CROSS RIVER POLITICS Former Nigerian Ambassador to Mali and one-time Chairman of the Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Soni Abang spoke with reporters on the crisis rocking the chapter and warned that PDP may lose the state, unless it puts its house in order. Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR was there.

Abang: Why PDP may lose Cross River C

ROSS River State has been in the news in the past few weeks, some say for the wrong reason. What is the problem… It is all politics. This is a transition period towards the 2015 general election. A lot of people have ambition and normally everybody will want to do everything in order to succeed. That is exactly what is going on in Cross River State right now. What about the allegation of intense tussle between Abuja based politicians and those based in the state? It is a new development. As a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, I was in Abuja at the formal inauguration of the party. I won an election on the platform of the PDP in 1999 as a local government chairman. I was one of those building blocks of the party then. Two years after my emergence as council chairman, I was persuaded in 2001 to resign my position in order to head the party in the state as chairman. When I took over the leadership of the party, the PDP was not the dominant party then in the state. The opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party has the majority in the State House of Assembly with 13 members and it produced the Speaker then. Governor Donald Duke had just 10 members. But, by 2004, everybody had become PDP. We were able to build a political family into a very cohesive unit. There are three guiding principles to all these. First, we believe that everybody is important as a politician and as a member of our party. Secondly, we also believe that electioneering is a process of human relations and we go all out to exhaust all levels of consultations and integration that we can achieve to put an ambition on the table. Thirdly, we also believe that politicians could deliver more dividends of democracy to the people if the cost of politicking could be reduced to the barest minimum. By 2008, those who came to the National Assembly and even those who ran for governorship, if I am to quote correctly, I don’t think there is anyone that spent over N2m to go to House of Representatives or N5m to go to Senate. I am not sure that anybody spent up to N200m to become governor of Cross River State as at 2008. That was exactly how it used to be. If the PDP family in Cross River State is willing to call some people Abuja based politicians, and others as Cross River based politicians, then there is a fundamental problem. I cannot pretend as if I don’t know what the problem is. All the three cardinal principles that I enumerated that led us to achieve cohesion had been grossly violated if we have to be sincere with ourselves. The leadership of the party in the state today is not the leadership that evolved with the creation of the party; it is even not the leadership that understands the PDP. It is a recruited leadership. That is the first mistake. So the loyalty of the leadership is tied directly to the leader of the party in the state at the moment. It is whatever he says that is what they also say. It is whatever he wants that they also do. So, there is no more room for consultation, for dialogue. It is a situation of somebody giving out instructions and people following the order. If the leader of the party in the state hates you today, the whole party apparatus, declares you persona non grata. That is what is happening. Cross River State is called a PDP state. But, it looks as if the centre can no longer hold… If we go to the 2015 election with the way things are, I am not too sure that the PDP will have a good outing in the state. The present leadership did not emerge through the same process that brought us in. As a serving local government chairman, it was a consensus among all the party leaders that I should come and head the party. It was not the decision of one individual. But, today, the choice of the state chairmanship was the decision of one or two persons. They wanted somebody, who will just be there to do their bidding. The state chairman, everybody knows, is a civil servant who just retired. He was the Clerk of the state House of Assembly. He doesn’t know anything about party administration. He

• Imoke

doesn’t even know the people he was supposed to administer. As one of the PDP chieftains in the state who knew the implication of such actions. What did you do to prevent it? As I speak with you, I have not interacted with the leader of my party in the state for about two years now because we have issues; we have disagreements. That is the truth. There are allegations that Abuja-based politicians doctored the outcome of the recent ward congress in the state. What is the true position of things? Let us identify the remote causes of the current PDP crisis in Cross River State before looking at the immediate causes to be able to understand the whole scenario. The remote causes that brought us to where we are is a situation where a lot of people had been excluded from the political process of a party which they jointly formed, which they are still members and which they belong to. Caucuses are being constituted and leading members of the party are not members of the caucuses either at their wards, local government areas or even at the state level. They are not part of the decision-making process. The heads of the caucuses are appointees of the government of the day. They are just there taking instructions. Members of the caucuses are people that ordinarily had no business deciding policies for the PDP in Cross River State. That is how bad it is. So, you now have a choir of some sort in all the caucuses. When the choirmaster says hey! Everybody choruses hey down the line. The real leaders of this party had been watching this unfolding scenario with keen interest. If you raise any objection, they prop up one fellow from your local government and appoint him as the leader against you. From Bakassi to Baliko, the situation is the same in Cross River State. It has been festering for over three years, but as peaceloving people, everybody has kept quiet, hoping that there will be a time when we can all come back together to say enough is enough. But, unfortunately, nobody thought that was important. They wanted to drive the transition process into gear. That is why you have this fallout today. Instead of calling some people Abuja politicians, they should say the crisis is between the former leaders of the party and the current leaders of the party in Cross River State. That is

• Abang

how phenomenal this whole disagreement is. It is not about the Senate Leader. I have not been in the picture all along. I am speaking for the first time. There is allegation that Abuja-based politicians, led by the Senate leader Victor Ndoma-Egba were those working to destroy the party in the state… That allegation is not true. First and foremost, the politics of Nigeria today requires that you rally round someone who has institutional relevance in order to be heard. The Senate Leader today is the only one in Cross River politics that has institutional relevance. Everybody and anybody who is aggrieved in the state today must rally round him. We are making him our new leader and our new champion. He fights for the liberation of the PDP in the state and fights for the rights of other politicians. It is not even about his ambition. There are people who are resident in Lagos and who are part of the struggle. There are even more people in Cross River State who are part of this struggle. In fact, majority of Cross Riverians today are behind this struggle. People have taking some actions in the past which were ignored, but all of us are now saying that enough is enough; it is time to put our house in order. If you want to attach destruction to any group of people, it is those that have brought us to this state of affairs that are the destroyers. It is not those they call Abuja politicians, who are saying no, that are destroying the party. We want to right what is wrong. We have an election in 2015 and we know the implications. When I left as party chairman in 2008, the membership of the PDP in Cross River State was nearly one million because we had a policy that every eligible voter in the state must be induced to be a member of the PDP. So, that when an election comes, you are voting because you believe that you are doing your party a favour to win. That is why we were turning out large figures during elections then. In 2015, it will not be the case because two years ago, they did some registrations and deliberately, the leadership of the party reduced our membership to less than 200, 000 just to prevent some people to have access to membership cards. Before the build up to this ward congress, we heard stories of how party registers are being hidden and cards were not issued out to peo-

‘From Bakassi to Baliko, the situation is the same in Cross River State. It has been festering for over three years, but as peace-loving people, everybody has kept quiet, hoping that there will be a time when we can all come back together to say enough is enough’

ple. What that portends is that there will be reduction in the numbers of people who can be members of the party. When Senator Liyel Imoke ran election three years ago, he scored 400, 000 votes in a state that turned out over a million votes in previous elections. Recently, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner said that Cross River has 275, 000 Permanent Voter Cards that were not collected. Graphically if you look at the voting strength of Cross River State today, it is hovering between 700, 000 to 800, 000 votes. If we don’t put our house in order to maximize these votes, what are we going to deliver to the president in 2015? What are we going to deliver to our party in 2015? These are the questions we should be asking and be talking about. So, what went wrong at the ward congresses of the party in Cross River? What went wrong is the outcome of one singular intention, which is imposition. Somebody wants to impose candidates. How do they want to achieve this? I read an interview granted by my former deputy who said there were 588 delegates expected from Cross River State from the conduct of the ad-hoc election. The Cross River State party leadership bought 600 forms. That means that there will be no contest. Before then, we learnt that they had compiled the list of those who would be delegates about six months ago. Government appointees and the hand-picked caucus leaders, who we don’t know, sat down to determine who will make the list. About buying 600 forms, and since they already had the list, they closed down the party secretariat to anybody who wanted to buy the form and contest as delegates. But, fortunately, Abuja opened up the floodgates and sold forms. People contested and those who bought forms in Abuja won on the field. Now the 261 figure which they are quoting are actually those who won on the field. What they are trying to do is to get the national leadership of the party to expunge the 261 people that won on the field from their own 600 orchestrated processes, so that they could have all the 588 delegates from the state intact. That is what caused the noise. I speak as a former chairman of the party who understands the arithmetic of this business. So if you minus 261 from 588, they feel what they have is not enough. Again they still have other statutory delegates in the process. Why didn’t you complain at the time when party registers were being hijacked and the list of delegates was being compiled which led to the exclusion of stakeholders? We have always been complaining that the process had been hijacked. In fact the national headquarters of the party had been inundated with series of complaints. It festered up till this time because nobody was reacting to our complaints. However if the national leadership of the party didn’t open sale of forms and if people were not allowed to contest and win elections and the state chapter had succeeded with their 588 list, nothing would have been heard of this matter. Everything anybody would say would be history. I am totally excluded as a leader. What should the Mu’azu-led leadership do at this junction? What I think the NWC should do is to first, I know that whatever has come from that electoral panel are actually the results from the field. So, they must uphold the result from the field. Luckily those who are complaining are doing so because they did not score 588 over 588. They are complaining that they lost 261 out of 588. So, automatically that has created accommodation of balance of interest. Secondly, the party should call all of us to a dialogue let us talk to ourselves. The party needs to hear more about what is happening in its Cross River State chapter so that we can find a solution to it. I am interested party and a stakeholder. I won’t be happy seeing my house destroyed. What should be the role of the state governor as the party leader in the state? Well, the governor is the leader of the party. He will get the glory if Cross River State is managed properly. He will also take the blame if anything happens negatively in the state.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

How did we get to this level?

Imperative •Nigeria must build own DNA testing capacity OR all her posturing as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria continues to fall behind in crucial yardsticks of development. One of the most depressing is the fact that the country is unable to carry out most of her DNA testing within her own shores; and instead has to send them to countries like the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, at an estimated cost of about N1 billion yearly. Deoxyribonucleic acid testing, better known as DNA testing, has become a crucial tool of identity management, law enforcement and public health policy. It involves the examination of human cell tissue found in blood, skin, hair, saliva or semen to confirm paternal or maternal relationships, conclusively identify corpses, and recognize diseases long before they actually manifest. It is hard to over-estimate the benefits of DNA testing, especially in the area of crime-solving. When it is combined with a comprehensive regimen of fingerprint identification, DNA testing helps to establish the culpability of perpetrators of crimes like rape, murder and armed robbery, thereby increasing the probability of successful arrest

‘There is little doubt that Nigeria can no longer avoid the necessity of developing her DNA testing capacity’

and prosecution. Suspicions about the paternity of children, which have often torn families apart, can now be resolved without doubt. Vulnerable individuals can be tested for their susceptibility to certain diseases and medical conditions. Perhaps the clearest advantage of DNA testing is in its capacity to detect the presence of diseases like Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and avian influenza. When EVD hit Nigeria in July, DNA testing enabled the country to know the exact ramification of the problem and respond accordingly. By constantly testing those who came in contact with Ebola patients, the outbreak was restricted and ultimately contained. Given the obvious benefits of DNA testing to the smooth functioning of modern society, it is truly shocking that Nigeria has not done more to avail herself of its undeniable benefits. Apart from two centres sponsored by an oil company and the World Bank, most DNA testing has to be done abroad. The Nigeria Police did set up a facility as part of its efforts to revamp its forensic investigative abilities, but the laboratory was allegedly burgled and the project was discontinued. Apart from the police, there appears to have been little interest from the government. In spite of the continuing need to identify the victims of plane crashes, road accidents, communal disturbances and similar occurrences, the Federal Government is yet to propose any initiative aimed at set-

ting up DNA testing centres. Private initiative is limited to acting as local representatives and collation centres for foreign DNA laboratories, with a consequent restriction in the range of services on offer. The main obstacle appears to be cost. A standard DNA-testing facility could cost at least N100 million; and would require continued regular funding to pay for consumables, personnel and equipment, in addition to the provision of constant power and other infrastructure. Doctors, policemen, lawyers and other professionals would have to undergo extensive training in order to know how to properly utilize the findings of such facilities in their work. Prevailing cultural norms, regarding family relationships, medical checkups and the handling of corpses, will have to undergo significant change. In spite of these challenges, however, there is little doubt that Nigeria can no longer avoid the necessity of developing her DNA testing capacity. The resolution of the EVD crisis has clearly demonstrated that the benefits far outweigh the costs. The incorporation of DNA testing into the investigation process could actually revolutionise current approaches to crime-solving, and help to reform an antiquated and backward-looking Nigeria Police. Medical diagnoses would become more accurate, thereby reducing costs in the long run, and enabling potential victims to adopt remedial strategies.

Knee-jerk reaction •By rejecting US military training, Nigeria cuts her nose to spite her face

HE United States’ cancellation of scheduled training, of a battalion of the Nigerian Army, was surprisingly effected at the behest of the Federal Government. Yet, the nation’s military has increasingly become a virtual captive to Boko Haram insurgents due to poor training, low motivation and largely obsolete equipment. Curiously too, Nigeria had benefited from earlier two, out of arranged three, phases of the training between April and August, 2014. Aside from regular military drills, untrained civilian personnel were given basic soldiering skills. So, what then could have informed the sudden change of position by government? The government, through Mike Omeri, coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC) and directorgeneral of National Orientation Agency (NOA), gave an insight, which would appear unconvincing: “The training that is being offered by the American government did not also come with the equipment component …Nigeria and America have strong military bilateral relations and till date, it’s still ongoing and strong. Therefore, when such equipment are available, I’m sure the final phase of the training will be concluded.” The government seems to be economical with the truth. Otherwise, the Information Office of the US Embassy in Abuja would not, through a statement, describe the stoppage as ‘premature ter-

mination’, which, according to it, would have ‘trained Nigerian soldiers to build their capacity to counter Boko Haram terrorists.’ Despite the US government’s pledge to continue to support the nation in ‘other aspects of the extensive bilateral security relationship, as well as all other assistance programmes,’ we wonder why such an action should be taken by government at this critical period of Boko Haram insurgency, when all hands, both foreign and domestic, must be on deck to bring the insurgents’ threat to a necessarily compelling end. Why the needless fuss over a free training that the US government does not even owe the country any compelling need to discharge? Moreover, we are aware that the training is free, and an opportunity which we thought the Nigerian government should have grabbed without blinking an eye lid. What the government ought to realise is that no training is a waste, especially for a military that has over time been wantonly disgraced by the ragtag Boko Haram insurgents. By its abrupt termination, the government is yet to let the public know the true reason(s) behind its action in this prevailing circumstances . We are aware, however, that the US based Human Rights Watch has given a damning report about the poor human rights record of the military/police under President Goodluck Jonathan. While admitting that the

US human rights record, within and in other territories, might be poor, we do not expect Nigeria to follow suit. Rather, we expect this administration to admit its failings; rather than pursue this abrupt denial of the nation’s military the benefit of such vital security training from a militarily powerful and sophisticated country like the United States. More shameful is the fact that Nigerian soldiers are reportedly not adept at handling sophisticated weapons, a reason that has accounted for the huge casualty figures recorded in the ongoing battles with the insurgents in the north eastern part of the country. The Nigerian government will not be doing the nation any good if the expertise the US military training they are denying the soldiers would later be sought, at a huge cost, and perhaps less quality, from other countries, in the nearest future. The truth that must be told is that Nigeria should refrain from crass display of undue smugness when, in reality, she has nothing to back up such hauteur.

‘Nigeria should refrain from crass display of undue smugness when, in reality, she has nothing to back up such hauteur’

IR: My heart bleeds when I realise that the natural resources that God gave us have turned to a curse. No government wants to probe the former administration because it is a waste of time and a big distraction for a government only desirous of having its own bite of the national cake, hence the impunity subsists in the nation. Listening to government-owned radio and television stations, the amount of money they call for the award of projects is enough to trigger seizure in a sane citizen. They will tell you that the dilapidated road that you just passed has reached 95% completion. At times you wonder whether their own percent is still on a scale of 100. Take a look at our NYSC programme. Of what use is march-past in the orientation camp for a graduate who is the breadwinner of the family and whose aged parents and younger siblings are looking up to for their survival? These days, they call entrepreneurs to come and deliver theoretical lectures to corps members. Without financial empowerment, what is the need for those lectures? The corps members are paid about N19,800. How much is a plate of food? If a corps member feeds on the least nutritious food three times a day with N300 per meal, that means he spends N900 per day on food and N27,000 in a month of 30 days. It means that the corps member would require additional source of money for feeding while serving his fatherland. How many places of primary assignment can pay the balance of N7200? Even if the place of primary assignment can pay the balance, is the stipend only meant for feeding while serving the fatherland ? We are still teaching our kids with the old ‘analog’ curriculum that our colonial masters left behind in this current ‘digitalized’ world just because those that should be updating the curriculum must have gained the job by the help of the much-taunted federal character hence meritocracy is lost to mediocrity. When a system enthrones mediocrity, what does it expect? Mediocre products will be the result ? ICT firms have learnt to give more preferences to those that learnt computer programmes from computer training centres rather than those from our tertiary institutions all because those trained from those centres have more practical skills than those from our tertiary institutions. Why will our students not perform poorly in external examinations? We were still talking about this year’s WAEC result before the Nigerian Law School results came out to tell us the true state of the nation. Is there any motivation for studying hard in Nigeria? Who are the well respected people in our societies today? Are they not the politicians, actors and actresses, footballers, unscrupulous businessmen and men with questionable sources of income? If medical doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and engineers find it very difficult to eke out a living in Nigeria, what is the motivation for the young ones to sit down and study? • Dr Paul John Port Harcourt, Rivers 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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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) institutes December 1 every year as World AIDS Day. The objective is to provide a platform for the world to unite in the fight against HIV /AIDS. Part of the aim is also to ensure that governments and policy makers meet the HIV targets set, stand by the commitments they made and mobilize the necessary resources for a world where people do not die of AIDS related ailments. The 2014 theme for World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner and Achieve an AIDS-Free Generation”. The progress and success stories in some countries notwithstanding, HIV and AIDS have, and are still having, a widespread impact in many parts of the world especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. The main focus of fight against HIV globally today is now on how to achieve zero new infection with more emphasis on Prevention of Mother–To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). In 2012, an estimated 1.5 million pregnant women in low- and middleincome countries were living with

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Achieving an HIV/AIDS-free generation HIV. Over 70 per cent of these women are concentrated in 10 subSaharan African countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Ethiopia and Zambia. In Nigeria, HIV prevalence is relatively low (3.1 percent). However, because of our large population this equates to around 3.4 million people living with HIV putting it only second behind South Africa in terms of absolute numbers. A latest United Nations’ report has revealed that Nigeria has the highest number of children contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, in the world. Also, a United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) statistic shows that, 10 per cent of

all HIV infections in Nigeria are caused by mother-to-child transmission. In term of prevalence rate, Benue state has the highest percent of 10.6 followed by Nasarawa which has 10.0 percent while Ekiti and Osun states have the lowest at 1.0 and 1.2 percent respectively. Lagos has prevalence rate of 5.1 percent. The state is one of the 12 states, which accounts for 70 per cent of the Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV burden in Nigeria. While awareness about HIV/ AIDS has gradually increased among the Nigerian population, misconceptions about transmission are still high. Many communities are still underserved with health

Nigeria’s democracy and its future

IR: Democracy has been regarded as an ideal form of government in which people are governed by their own elected representatives. It is a government of the people, for the people and by the people. It is a people’s government in which the voice of the people is supreme and where the laws are fashioned according to their wishes. One wonders what the future really holds for our dear motherland. Tolerance is the essence of democracy. Judiciary is its backbone. While the leaders claim to have faith in the unity of the nation, the common man finds these very leaders, with knives of different sizes and shapes putting deep scars on the face of motherland. There is a gap between promise and performance. We enjoy every right in theory, but not in practice. Real democracy will come only when the masses are awakened to take part in the economic and political life of the country. Nigeria today is a rich man’s democracy. Our democracy is a democracy of

the rich, for the rich and by the rich. The implementation of laws is almost nil in most of the parts of the country. If they are honestly implemented, Nigeria would have been a dream land for other nations, but the reverse is the case. National and state assemblies enact laws and pass them to the administration, not for their execution but for their non-execution. Our leaders introduced adult franchise with one stroke of pen when 85% of our people were still illiterate. It was a fool-proof experiment to start with. Universal basic education should precede adult franchise. Election is always a costly affair and the lure of money works wonders especially among illiterate ones. Violence has taken a serious turn in our country. Strikes, misuse of legislative privileges do not augur well for democracy. Defection from one party to the other on selfish and flimsy grounds has added to the instability of the government in our country. It is bad on both moral and political grounds.

There is no sphere of national life which can be described to be free from corruption. At the political level, everyone – ministers, legislators, and party officials suffer from it. Our democracy has miserably failed on different fronts: agriculture, home, foreign etc. Here the rich exploit the poor who have no voice or share in the democratic structure. Democracy is on its trial now. Democracy has not failed. It is the citizens that have failed. If we develop democratic spirit, temper, and character and become Nigerians in true sense, it can become a success. The future of democracy will be bright only when our people possess national character, consciousness and responsibility. Intellectuals should come forward and create better society with a true democratic spirit prepared to march further in a democratic way. It is still in the childhood, yet the hope for the future is bright. • Comrade Ahmed Omeiza Lukman, Kieve, Ukraine.

facilities and care. It was even estimated that just 10 per cent of HIVinfected women and men were receiving anti-retro viral therapy and only 7 per cent of women were receiving treatment to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Ultimately, Nigeria requires more resources and political will to take ownership of the effort to conquer the disease. The donor agencies may not continue to assist us for life. There are also more funda-

mental barriers to overcome, particularly HIV-related stigma and discrimination, the issue of gender inequality and hostile health professionals. Women going for antenatal/delivery are not finding attitude of hospitals staff palatable talk less of people living with HIV/ AIDS. Removing such barriers would encourage more people to get tested and seek out treatment, reducing the burden of HIV across the nation. This is no short cut to breaking the barriers as without access to public services for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), which provides antiretroviral (ARV) to both mothers and babies to prevent HIV infection, HIV free generation might be a pipe-dream. • Rasak Musbau Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ikeja-Lagos

When President Jonathan came to OAU

IR: The protest of the Great Ife students upon the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been tagged political by some political opportunists and partisans. Some even claimed that many of the anger-whelmed students were bribed or sent on errand of thuggery by APC and some arch-foes of the presidency. My conclusion is that if those students who displayed their angst against the President and his entourage are proAPC, those who cooking up the fallacy that the students are APC’s megaphone must be Lasaruses feeding on crumbs falling off the table of PDP. By what intellectual measure can Great Ife protest be seen as ‘political’? Is it their carrying of placards at Oduduwa Hall denouncing Ayo Fayose and the likes? How about the deliberate paralysis of school activities by the President and his fiendish cohort of megalomaniacs? Shouldn’t the students protest against the denial of entrance to buses for students coming for their exams on campus? If the revolutionary struggle to save the Nigerian education from the jawbone of clueless and selfish government is tagged political, then those fanning the ember of political bigotry and sentiment should be seen as traitors, proverbial sirens and purveyors of intellectual idiocy.

The angst of the aggrieved students was a protest against the hegemony of tyranny that has clad on the garment of arrogance in the country. Today, education has been consigned to the fringes; meanwhile, the President in his calculation of good leadership has not been able to come up with a response either pragmatic or intellectual to the free-fall in the educational sector under his watch. We should not forget that the Presidency is yet to fish out the masterminds of the February massacre of 60 boarding school students in Federal Government College, Buni Yadi. While the ghosts of these students still haunt, the President has remained unconcerned about the security of Nigerian students and education in general. All what is paramount to him is how his 2015 presidential dream will come to reality. Had the President been alive to his constitutional duties, no student would have come out with songs of protest let alone stones to welcome their leader. The protest at Great Ife is a cry for common sense; a battle against the beast of ineptitude that has found its way into the political bloodstream of the nation. • Rahaman Abiola Toheeb, Ile-Ife.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

COMMENTS

HE Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries have been won and lost, with Akin Ambode emerging victorious. But why does it evoke eerie parallels from the Femi Agbalajobi-Dapo Sarumi titanic primary of 1991? Dr. Agbalajobi (of blessed memory) was the undisputed favourite of the then Alhaji Lateef Jakande Lagos political establishment. Then, the 2nd Republic Action Governor of Lagos’ word was law. But the Sarumi camp was bent on resisting any Baba so pe (“Baba has decreed”) alleged imposition. Mr. Sarumi, on the other hand, was the Lagos face of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s “new breed” — fresh, nimble and dy-

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Beyond winning and losing

namic Olympians on Nigeria’s political firmament; come to run, out of town, the stale, awkward and rickety Titans, veteran politicians of the 1st and 2nd Republics, who little realised their epoch was over! For Agbalajobi and Sarumi, the primary was a hideous stalemate, resolved only by their party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), disqualifying them both. But the battle continued by proxy. Yomi Edu, the eventual SDP candidate, who faced Sir Michael Otedola (God bless his soul) of the National Republican Convention (NRC) was perceived, by the Jakande camp, of the Sarumi provenance. Both camps banded together to win the legislative election with a near-clean sweep. But on the governorship, the Baba sope camp triggered mutual destruction as combat tactics. They allied with Otedola’s NRC and gave their own candidate a terrible electoral hiding. When the dust cleared, the political progressives, for the first time in Lagos history, had lost the governorship to the conservative NRC. Now, the eerie parallels between 1991 and now. In 1991, Lagos East Senatorial District was theatre of war. It is also now. After Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Lagos West) 1999-2007 and Governor Babatunde Fashola (Lagos Central), 2007-2015, APC has zoned its governorship, from 2015, to Lagos East. Like in 1991, a pre-primary din alleged “imposition” of a “favoured” candidate, thus leading to horrific bad blood among the contestants. Like in 1991, though the governorship primary delivered a candidate, there is probably no guarantee that candidate would be acceptable to all the feuding camps. That must explain why, before the primary that eventually produced Mr. Ambode, Asiwaju Tinubu, the party’s leader, had pleaded with everyone to accept the result. It is also heart-

‘Both winners and losers must agree: theirs is a milieu that needs urgent reformation. Starkly put, reform or die!’

IVEN the current tempo of politics, it is understandable that most Nigerians would have either missed out or could not be bothered with one of the more curious outcomes of the Federal Executive Council meeting of last week. I refer here to the approval by the council for the procurement of 750,000 units of clean cooking stoves and 18,000 ‘wonder bags’ under the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves initiative at a princely cost of N9.2 billion to the treasury. The contract, with a completion period of 12 weeks, is said to have been awarded to Messrs Integra Renewable Energy Services Limited, a South African firm. The stoves and wonder bags are said to be meant for women in the rural areas, to be distributed under the National Clean Cooking Scheme. A fortnight ago on this page, I had argued in the context of our current economic travails that the problems facing the nation, is essentially a thinking one. I sought to push the point that our problems have merely been exacerbated by the current, though predictable, cycle of sliding oil prices. That interjection was supposed to be one long shot effort to draw attention to the lack of depth ruling at the highest echelon of our government on the one hand, and the atrocious choices being foisted on the citizens by the unfeeling, greedy and rapacious governing elite on the other. In the light of the latest matter of stoves, I find it necesary to pursue the matter further, given what is now an emerging pattern of cynical conversion of the misery of the people in furtherance of less than altruistic goals. If the leadership has lost the capacity to suffer shame, Nigerians ought to be embarrassed that their government has gone shopping for something as ordinary as cooking stoves in the guise of appearing to be doing something about a global problem. That it is just one of those brain-waves to enrich some powerful and connected fellows makes it terrible. Without any doubt, it seems to me one other instance when a well intended project has been hijacked by powerful forces. As a matter of fact, I discovered that the initiative actually belongs to the Federal Ministry of Environment under its

‘Part of the debauchery that governance has been reduced under the Jonathan administration is the current situation in which the weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council have been reduced to mere clearing house for contracts’

warming that, after, Governor Babatunde Fashola has asked Lagosians to vote Ambode for continuity. But much more than a historical parallel, a direct link, between 1991 and now. The anti-Jakande crusading boys of yesteryear have become men. Mr. Sarumi, no thanks to series of bad political decisions, may have vanished from the horizon. But Asiwaju Tinubu has taken his place, thus replacing the Jakande political hegemony with their own. And, to be sure, they would appear to have done Lagos some hefty good. Whereas the Olusegun Obasanjo-Umaru Yar’Adua-Goodluck Jonathan Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continuum at the centre appears to have bankrupted Nigeria, with the present fiscal panic over crashing prices of crude, the Tinubu-Fashola Alliance for Democracy-Action Congress-Action Congress of NigeriaAPC continuum in Lagos has led the state from a revenue profile of N600 million a month in 1999 to about N23 billion in 2014. On the balance, Lagos appears clearly to have moved from point A to B; signalling progress in enhanced security, infrastructure renewal, a greener environment and a far cleaner Lagos — Lagos, hitherto among the dirtiest on the globe. There is always, of course, a lot more to do. Conversely, on the balance, the centre would appear to have regressed from B to A, with a harvest of decayed infrastructure nationwide, though President Jonathan, in his 2015 declaration speech, claimed stats that suggested he was fixing that. Still, there is legitimate feeling that, had post-1999 Nigeria (with its quantum of funds) been blessed with the leadership of post-1999 Lagos, the country would have been better. But success does have its hassles! After the halcyon days of collective success, it appears now the era of “what is in it for me”! That would explain the fierce contest — all the contestants Tinubu’s close protégés — to succeed Governor Fashola, who has boasted, from all objective accounts, superlative governance. Now, back to a peep at 1991! At the start of the Ambode phenomenon, a band of demonstrators stormed the Ikeja seat of the Lagos government: first, at the precincts of the Lagos House of Assembly and later, at the adjoining Lagos House. The mes-

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Jona’s wonder stoves Renewable Energy Programme. The programme is said to be in fulfilment of the country’s obligation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and as part of African strategy on voluntary emission reduction. The big idea behind it, again I am further told, is to get citizens to move from extant practices of tree-felling for firewood and the use of other fossil fuels known to contribute to greenhouses gases in favour of cleaner and more efficient energy – laudable initiative by any standards. In the hand of a contracto-crazy government, it has since been reduced to a grotesque scheme to fleece the treasury and/or to perpetrate capital flight! Part of the debauchery that governance has been reduced under the Jonathan administration is the current situation in which the weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council have been reduced to mere clearing house for contracts. I recall Obiageli Ezekwesili, former education minister warning of the trend not too long ago when she noted: “The leaders of other nations spend their times thinking about vision, strategy and policy, the others spend their time haggling over contracts. It is time for FEC to let go of spending its time on mundane things.” If it seems any unflatering that our own FEC does pretty little else than dispense contracts these days, it is even worse than the matter is about a local household item that our local metal workers have long mastered the art of their production! I couldn’t agree more with the chairperson of Edo State Market Women Association, Blackie Omoregie as reported by the online medium, Premium Times, when she described the plan as a misplaced priority. Her words: “what we need

sage: “No more Oga sope!” If “Oga sope” echoes the Jakande era “Baba sope”, it is because the wished-for Utopian, all-equal Animal Farm of the anti-Jakande crusaders of yesteryear has morphed into something more earthly, of some animals more equal than others, to parody George Orwell. Let’s not beat about the bush — to use Soyinka-speak in his Jonathan Nebuchadnezzar putdown -- though the battle has been lost and won, too many are aggrieved. If things were not to degenerate to the

Agbalajobi-Sarumi tragedy of 1991, then urgent, conscious and deliberate efforts must be made to placate the aggrieved. But first, both winners and losers must agree: theirs is a milieu that needs urgent reformation. Starkly put, reform or die! The APC and its forebears may have got governance — brilliant governance at that — right. But not their internal politics, which is always in a shambles, with today’s beneficiaries — and tomorrow’s victims — shouting “fairness!”, only later to scream “imposition!” when the table gets turned. The party must work some consensus on its internal business, without threatening to bring down the roof each time. Since “consensus” is simply “imposition” to not a few, APC should deepen its primary elections, and make them a fresh start at deepening its own internal democracy. If the combatants won’t embrace entente for charity, they must, out of sheer enlightened self-interest. They must not destroy the house they built. In 1991, a dominant segment of the SDP got Edu as candidate, in lieu of Sarumi. But the Jakande faction, dominant in the electoral streets, deployed the ultimate hammer — the classic Yoruba “Kaka k’eku maje sese, a fi sawa danu” [virtually in English: my private loss must turn a collective disaster]. Lagos was the worse for it: Sir Michael was an excellent elder and citizen. But as governor, he was far from excellent; and his electoral war cry, “That Lagos may excel” turned a hollow joke, as Lagos nearly stagnated. In 1991, the progressives were a shoo-in; even in 1999. But in 2015, not so: no thanks to haemorrhaging over the years, despite proving their mettle. Again, no thanks to President Jonathan’s playing the end against the middle: Christians against Muslims, Igbo against Yoruba, subverting state coercion for partisan gains; and vicious Tinubu demonization by embittered Yoruba enemies, 2015 will be a far tougher proposition. That is why Tinubu himself should reach out and placate those who lost out on December 4. Anything short may just replicate the Agbalajobi-Sarumi tragedy. With how PDP has beggared the nation at the centre — and that party stands to benefit most from any ensuing crisis — Lagos would be the worse for it.

now most is uninterrupted electricity to ensure that women selling pure water, grinding pepper and others, using electricity are not forced into incurring extra expenses of purchasing fuel before they can transact their businesses, not cooking stove...I will also want to remind the Federal Government to stop importing what we can produce in Nigeria here, such as this cooking stove they are talking of. We can produce cooking stove in Nigeria, we don’t need to import it and N9.2 billion is a lot of money that can create jobs for our local manufacturers. So, if the Federal Government is bent on giving cooking stove to the rural women because election is coming, let it be produced here in Nigeria”. I have deliberately quote the Edo market women leader in great length if only to highlight the simple but elementary economics often lost on the leaders in their decision-making process. To get back to my earlier point about what makes the business stink. If it seems convinient for our government to go shopping abroad for solutions that can be found locally, we must constantly remind them that nothing in the global drive for clean cooking remotely suggests that home-grown solutions cannot be found. So, what’s PRODA and other research and development agencies doing if they cannot develop simple, affordable but wholly home-grown technologies for our rural folks? Of course, the choice of a foreign firm to execute the contract would appear deliberate; whoever thinks it is not does not understand how the minds of our officials work. That’s the way things are; precisely the way they are designed to work in our clime! By the way, where lies the urgency? Surely, the debate about global warming did not start yesterday. It certainly would not end tomorrow – or in the next 12 weeks during which the contract is supposed to have been delivered. As if we do not know that the only thing urgent in the messy business is the elections barely 10 weeks away!

‘If the leadership has lost the capacity to suffer shame, Nigerians ought to be embarrassed that their government has gone shopping for something as ordinary as cooking stoves in the guise of appearing to be doing something about a global problem’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

COMMENTS

NY good student of politics would have successfully predicted the violence that happened in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a few weeks ago. Then a band of thugs reportedly accosted some policemen sent to maintain peace and order at the final leg of the meet-the-people tour by Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to the 33 local governments during which a policeman was killed and some other people wounded. Political pundits merely smiled at the fulfillment of their analytical prophesy. Let us roll back the hands of the clock, to the period of 2003 to 2011. The state was so notorious for its criminal and political killings that it became a test case for the proverbial failed state. Everything that could go awry went same way. Violence became 10 a dime in Oyo State and bloodshed was as native to the state as water is to an oasis. First came Lamidi Adedibu – petrel of Ibadan politics – and his queer and crude godfatherism in politics. Adedibu believed that politics was a bread and butter exercise and had little to do with development. Whatever stomach infrastructure that the Ayo Fayose government today prides itself to have brought about was pioneered by the Adedibu School of politics. It was the belief of the school that politics is an esophagus thing and less about development or the tomorrow of the people. The school added a very high dosage of violence as well because in the execution of the modus operandi of the group’s complex interest, some of the members of the community who were used to the status quo would of a necessity resist the alien philosophy. Violence was needed to upstage such stiff-necked people. Thus, the school was nurtured by violence

‘Perhaps the most indicative of the lawlessness and violence of the period was the attempt by the Adedibu gang to impeach Ladoja. Signifying Ladoja’s tepid hold on the government that he ruled over, he became captive of the nuances that surrounded him’

Ibadan mayhem and politics of violence By Abiola Anifalaje and in many cases, bloodletting. In many cases, murder attended to the bid of the school and killing political opponents was taken in their strides. When one considers the fact that some 80 per cent of the politicians in the state are students of this violent school of politics, it would be apparent that a divine power was needed to wean the state of violence and its inclination towards bloodshed. That was what happened from 2003 to 2008. Life in Oyo State was nasty, short and brutish. When Adedibu clashed with then Governor Rashidi Ladoja over cash and patronage, especially the latter’s miserly disposition to governance, matters went worse. Violence gripped the state like a dinosaur. Cells of violence in the state multiplied. Thugs reigned by the day. Iwo Road and some other parts of the state became hotbed of violence. To sustain themselves in the game of violence, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and its executives were deployed for this nefarious trade. Exploiting the usual care-free but brawl-full life of an average road transport worker, this period became a gestation period for violence in the state and bloodletting took the centre-stage. Perhaps the most indicative of the lawlessness and violence of the period was the attempt by the Adedibu gang to impeach Ladoja. Signifying Ladoja’s tepid hold on the government that he ruled over, he became captive of the nuances that surrounded him. Adedibu controlled both the party machinery and the violence of its operations, including the NURTW. Eleweomo, a known kingpin of the road transport workers, was on Adedibu’s payroll. One day while the imbroglio lasted, Eleweomo led a group of bloodthirsty thugs to the House of Assembly to chase away the lawmakers. In the heat of it all, Eleweomo forcefully held the Speaker’s gavel and in a ghoulish mockery of reality, hit it on the table and pronounced that the Speaker had been impissed in a corrupted diction. The thugs threw out some Honourable

DUCATION has been widely described as the bedrock of national advancement and an engine room for manpower development of any nation. It is a system of formal teaching and learning as conducted through schools and other institutions. It includes levels of education from pre-schools, primary, to colleges and universities. According to the late South African President, education offers a platform for the child of a peasant farmer to rub shoulder with the child of a wealthy and influential gold and diamond merchant. Science and technology education is particularly important because it affords nations opportunities to explore scientific and technological breakthroughs. Science education refers to the systematic study of everything that can be examined, tested and verified. The word science is derived from the Latin word “scire”, meaning “to know.” From its early development, science has developed into one of the greatest and most prominent fields of human endeavours. Currently, different branches of science investigate almost everything that can be observed or detected while science as a whole influences the way we understand the universe, the planet, human beings and other living and non-living things. Technology is a general term for the process by which human beings make tools and machines to increase their control and understanding of the material environment and to improve on standard of living. The term came from the Greek words ‘tekhnç’, which refers to an art or craft, and ‘logia’, meaning an area of study; therefore, technology means, literally, the study or science of crafting. Studies have shown that science and technology is important for advancement which engenders industrialization and civilization. In recent times, the global rate of technological progression has developed rapidly. Innovations and creativity now increase at geometrical rate without respect to geographical boundaries/limitations, social or political inclinations. For obvious reasons, improving the quality of mathematics, science and technology education should not be compromised or taken for granted. Reports list China, India, Korea, Singapore and Brazil as the fastest growing economy in the world and the secret of their successes has been traced to huge investment in education and technological skills. It is, however, sad in Nigeria that governments at all levels have not accorded science and technology education the necessary attention it deserves in terms of investment in providing adequate finance, infrastructure, training and re-training of personnel. A sound science education programme is expected to achieve an appreciable national development. It is sad that Nigeria is not developed in spite of the propos-

members from the window and one of them sustained a grievous injury which he nursed till he died. Under Alao Akala, former Ladoja Deputy who later became governor, things didn’t fare better. Violence of different hue reigned during his governance of the state. His own NURTW kingpin was a man called Tokyo, whom he replaced with another man called Auxiliary, after the former left his camp. One day, at the thick of the heinous struggle for power among the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group, Eleweomo was killed in cold blood by one of the groups fighting for ascendancy in the party. It was under such atmosphere that Abiola Ajimobi became governor of the state in 2011. Oyo State was tired of the spate of bloodshed that reigned in the state. This, among other factors, brought the former senator into power. The people were tired of living uncertain lives on a daily basis. More fundamentally, investors were daily considering the state as a place to avoid like a plague. The ones that were doing businesses therein were daily recording losses. Development partners avoided Oyo State and did business with other states. For the citizens of the state, it was a life lived in fear and trepidation. You woke up in the morning and you were not sure what the day would be. Indeed, you would be making a fatal mistake if you didn’t ask for a directory of which hot spot violence was being unleashed by the day. So Ajimobi knew the heavy responsibility thrust on his shoulders. He mouthed peace and security like a clergy mouths ‘praise the lord’. At every forum he attended, he told the world of his readiness to distance himself from the violence of the past. According to him, the Oyo State of his dream could not take off under an atmosphere of violence and chaos. He told the story of his peace pedigree and how his 32 years of being in the corporate world was spent using his mental skill to bail his companies from challenges, rather than deploy brawns and violence. Immediately, he established the crimefighting unit called Operation Burst. This comprises the security operatives viz the

Promoting science and technology education By Olalekan Olagunju als of successive governments in line with the National Policy on Education. Happily though, government has embarked on a review of school curricula in primary and secondary education, with early instruction in basic science and technology while 34 trade subjects were introduced towards inculcating practical skills into Nigerian students. It is hoped that all stakeholders in the education sector would work together to make the curricula work. Goals for school science and technology should meet up with global standards, use appropriate scientific processes (means) and principles in making personal decisions; engage intelligently in public discourse and debate about matters of scientific and technological concern; and increase their economic productivity through the use of the knowledge, understanding and scientific skills. For the country to remain relevant in competitive world economy; there is need to strengthen mathematics and science education at all levels of our education system. This is in addition to exposing Nigerian teachers and students to modern methods of teaching/learning processes at all levels of our education. It has been observed from recent SSCE, NECO and JAMB examinations that students’ performances have been on the decline in science related subjects. Urgent steps should, therefore, be taken to address the situation. It is advisable, where possible, to involve our artisans/ tradesmen, technicians, technologists and engineers as facilitators or teachers in science and technology related fields in our schools. The nation can take a cue from Japan, United States of America and others that have succeeded in effectively promoting science and technology education in their respective countries. Nigeria’s case should not be different if we imbibe the culture of sincerity of purpose and total commitment and political will in the implementation of our laudable policies. Technology transfer is not easy and cannot be gotten on a platter of gold. For instance, South Korea’s automobile in-

military, police, civil defence, State Security Service operatives and others. In the last three and half years, this outfit has been commended across board for maintaining peace and tranquility in the state. Ajimobi in turn provided equipment and logistics for them with an uncommon determination. On the heels of its establishment, Ajimobi got a Security Trust Fund which is a PPP initiative to fund peace in the state. This has been working in tandem with his vision of peace for Oyo State. Leadership was the next thing Ajimobi deployed to tame the violence of the state. He told the factions of the NURTW upon resumption as governor that he was not interested in the internal wranglings of the union. They could pick their leaders themselves and he was not interested in using any of the transport workers for political gains. This worked like magic as peace returned to the state. Statistics recently released by the police in the state showed that, after almost three and half years of being in office, the Ajimobi peace initiative has worked so well. According to the statistics, murder, which was 121 cases between 2003 and the time Ajimobi took over, came down to only nine during the period. In place of 35 reported cases of arson before 2011, nil was recorded during the period and grievous bodily harm which was 1,119 before 2011 was 223 in three and half years. When on November 21, 2014, during Ajimobi’s meet-the-people-tour of the 33 local governments of the state, some thugs wearing APC vests killed a policeman and wounded some people, it was obvious to the people and keen political watchers that the PDP had come back to their old wild ways. It was obvious that if Ajimobi was allowed to coast home with this worldwide renown of Mr. Peace, it would be very difficult for any of the dramatis personae of the violence of eight years, to convince anyone for a single vote. Getting a thug to wear an APC thug vest and unleashing violence of such proportion could thus be a way of telling the world that they were not the only master of violence; that Ajimobi too is. They however failed to reckon that the people are no fools. The people know the patrons of violence of politics inside out. It can never be Ajimobi and his peaceful government. • Anifalaje, a public affairs analyst writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.

dustry had humble beginnings. Its initial operations were merely assembling of parts from Japan and United States. But it is today rated as one of the largest in the world in terms of production and export volume. Korea’s humble journey into success in the automobile industry began in August 1955, when Choi Mu-seong, a Korean auto mechanic, and his three brothers, mounted an engine on a modified US Army Jeep to manufacture the first car, called “Sibal”. For Nigeria to make any meaningful impact on scientific and technological education, the citizens would need to be resolute in supporting government’s efforts in terms of provision of infrastructure, equipment, personnel and resources. Parents should equally be ready to assist through vibrant and proactive Parent and Teacher Associations. The youths also must become extremely creative, ready and determined to learn new things that could open up their minds to fresh knowledge. Teachers should equally embrace training and re-training programmes to become conversant with new trends and developments in the ever dynamic field of science and technology. On the part of the government, adequate provision should be made in allocation of funds for the education sector in conformity with global standards and practices. School managers are also expected to achieve commendable results in terms of virile national development through science and technology education. The world , as we have today, is being driven by new scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. Therefore, Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. This, indeed, is the time to chart a new path for science and technological education in the country. • Olagunju is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

‘For the country to remain relevant in competitive world economy; there is need to strengthen mathematics and science education at all levels of our education system. This is in addition to exposing Nigerian teachers and students to modern methods of teaching/learning processes at all levels of our education’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

‘

The remedy for the state chief judges’ dilemma while their governors are being impeached by the House of Assembly is to remain on the side of the law

‘

See page 28

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

SHOULD

LAWMAKERS IMPEACH

JONATHAN?

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It is, with due respect, wrongly timed and is capable of engendering unimaginable political consequences. Mind you, the President will not stand aloof and watch himself disgraced out of office. The ensuing political battle will splatter extremely foul water on our political and economic spaces, which are already at breaking point,

‘

SEE PAGE 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D Some lawmakers are gearing up to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan, with less than three months to the 2015 elections. Will they succeed? Lawyers air their views on the move. ADEBISI ONANUGA reports

HOULD President Goodluck Jonathan remain in office? No, say some sena tors who are accusing him of gross misconduct. No fewer than 63 Senators are said to have signed an impeachment notice to be served on the President. Reports say once the primaries are over, the pro-impeachment Senators and their counterparts in the House of Representatives will meet to consider when to present the impeachment request to Senate President David Mark in line with Section 143 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution. A principal officer in the Senate reportedly confirmed that the pro-impeachment lawmakers have embarked on signature drive to get the required two-third stipulated in the Constitution for the exercise to scale through. The impeachment move is coming against the backdground of what some pundits described as undemocratic and unconstitutional acts by the President or agencies supposed to be subservient to democratic rules and constitutional authorities. Observers cited the recent use of police to prevent the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and other lawmakers from gaining access to the National Assembly. Some of scaled the gate to enter the place. Others are the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba’s refusal to recognise Tambuwal as Speaker; the desecration of the judiciary in Ekiti State and the police clamp down on the “Bring Back Our Girls” campaigners. The President has also, by his body language, allegedly backed the ‘impeachment’ of Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker by seven PDP lawmakers.

Reactions to the impeachment plot Some lawyers are backing the impeachment move since to them, the allegations are weighty. They, however, warned against heating up the polity, especially with the election a few months away. Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani, said if the President has committed any offence which the National Assembly considers impeachable, then he should go. He added: “However, this is subject to the two basic tests. One is, can both legislative chambers muster the requisite numerical strength constitutionally provided to carry out successfully the said impeachment? Two, is it politically expedient to carry out any impeachment of the President now that election is a few months away? “On the first question, I doubt very much the possibility of mustering the requisite numerical strength (in this case 2/3 majority members of both legislative houses) to impeach the President,” Ubani said. According him, opposition party members alone cannot impeach the President. “The second issue is: is it politically inexpedient to do so? The current Vice-President is from the Northern region and a likely successor to the office of the President in case of a successful impeachment. “Sinister meanings with demonic consequences will be the outcome of such a successful impeachment. The consequence of such act is better imagined than manifesting. “The people from the Southsouth and those presently benefiting from the present government from Southeast are likely going to fight dirty to ensure a reversal,” Ubani said. A member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi, said all the impeachable allegations leveled against the President are real. He agreed with the lawmakers that the President has committed the offences, while there has been leadership failure. He noted that the procedure for impeachment of the President could take months, adding that the illegal impeachment processes witnessed recently cannot be re-enacted with regard to the President.

•Hon

•Omoyinmi

•Ubani

•Enitan

•Omodara

•Nwadioke

Should lawmakers impeach Jonathan? Some of the Allegations · Failure to curtail Boko Haram insurgency · Subjecting the Presidency to international ridicule with the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls · Unduly politicising the security situation · Failure to act as de-facto President · Refusal to sign 120 bills · No accountability on missing 10.8 billion dollars missing from the federation account; squandering of N10 billon on private jets “The fact that the election is just a few months away should not stop the commencement of the process if the legislators are desirous and are committed to proving the allegations once the process gets started,” he stated. However, a constitutional lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), faulted the timing of the impeachment. He said the cumulative period of four months stipulated for the various stages in the impeachment of the President under Section 143(2)(b), (3), (5) and (7)(,b) of the Constitution will not be met before the February, 2015 elections. This, according to him, then means that taxpayers money would have been spent on a phoney project. “It is, with due respect, wrongly timed and is capable of engendering unimaginable political consequences. Mind you, the President will not stand aloof and watch himself disgraced out of office. The ensuing political

· Sloppiness and failed governance · Violation of the constitution/Oath of office · Failure to implement recommendations of panels/committees · Setting up of nebulous groups such as TAN for re-election campaign outside the electoral act · Failure to establish the Nigeria Police Council · Illegal deployment of Armed Forces · Sowing seed of hatred and turning one part of the country against the other · Award of non-appropriated Oil Facility Protection Contract worth N3.6billion to a private firm battle will splatter extremely foul water on our political and economic spaces, which are already at breaking point,” he said. Hon added: “Nigerians are already restive and have become marooned, no thanks to the recklessness and impunity of the political class and the downward spiral of oil prices, resulting to crushing poverty. “They are, therefore, not ready for any expensive political fight between the executive and the legislature in the name of impeachment of the President.” A Lagos lawyer, Olukayode Enitan, wondered why the lawmakers chose this period to try to impeach the President. According to him, most of the allegations are not new. “So why raise the issues now and as grounds for impeachment rather than election issues?”he asked. “If Jonathan should be impeached, who comes in? The VP Namadi Sambo. Can you extricate him from what the executive has been doing? Never forget that it’s been said

that a people get the government that they desire and deserve no matter what they say.” To Enitan, there has been a failure of leadership from this administration’s beginning. He said the non-release of the Chibok girls is a reflection of the lack of leadership, stating that the National Assembly is partly to blame for the continued captivity of the girls by the Boko Haram. He wondered why it took the Senators till now to see the fact that the award of oil pipeline protection contract to former Niger Delta militants meant a vote of no confidence on the police and other security forces of the country. He lamented that corruption is everywhere in the country and while the Jonathan administration can be held to have been derelict in the fight against it, the National Assembly has also been complicit by being ineffective in its oversight duties. Former Welfare Secretary of the NBA, Ikeja Branch, Samson Omodara said while the National Assembly has reasonble basis to begin an impeachment process against the President if indeed he committed the alleged offences, but he is worried about the timing. “The timing is politically in-expedient,” he thought. Lagos lawyer, Emeka Nwadioke considered the allegations against the President weighty on one hand and “tenuous and laughable” on the other, particularly the one dealing with corruption. The lawyer/publisher said the timing of the planned impeachment is manifestly inauspicious, especially in light of the terror war and the national economy, which are “on the precipice”. “If the lawmakers have condoned Mr. President for so long, and have to wait until the invasion of the National Assembly by a motley crowd of wayward policemen to recall that as many as 120 bills remain unaccented to while they have been rendered a toothless bulldog all this while, it is safe to say that most of the lawmakers deserve to be ‘impeached’ or recalled. “Nigerians are not amused by this fiddling with our collective intelligence. What is more, the impeachment process as provided by Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is not a tea-party; it can last for as long as almost four months.” He hoped that with the electioneering campaigns around the corner, the plan is not yet a grand design by the lawmakers to beef up their electioneering war-chest through ‘Ghana-must-go’ stratagems. Lagos lawyer, Adesina Adegbite said that the impeachment plot against President Goodluck Jonathan will die a natural death. Though the impeachment threat appeared to be yielding some result, Adegbite, a former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Ikeja Branch contended that it was weaven to get the President’s support for the return ticket for some powerful PDP members in the Senate. He said that the impeachable offences compiled by some senators against the President, are all political gimmicks. “There’s no doubt that the President has failed in many respects and in a decent society the President would have voluntarily bowed out of office long before now. However, I can tell you straight away that the impeachment threat is only meant to achieve one aim, and that is to get the President’s support for the return ticket for some powerful PDP members in the Senate”, he insisted. Hon said with the general elections imminent, all hands must be on deck to ensure their success. Ubani urged the political elite to do everything possible to avert the predicted break up of the country by the United States. “It is a task we must all pursue if we must have a country we can still call our own. This impeachment threat remains what it is; a mere threat, which may or may not be tabled at all, let alone debated upon.” Omodara advised the lawmakers not to heat up the polity. “Care must be taken by our political gladiators not plunge the nation into an avoidable calamity,” he said. Instead of an impeachment exercise that may not work, Enitan urged Nigerians to take a decision in February 2015 by vote Jonathan out. “If we are agreed that he (the President) is inept and unable to govern properly nor offer the type of leadership that we need at this point in our national life, then he must be voted out,” he said. Nwadioke urged the National Assembly to refrain from playing to the gallery or overheating the polity. “Let them face what is left of their jaded tenure and leave Nigerians to decide Mr. President’s fate in February,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY

60th Anniversary of NBA Ibadan branch

•From left: NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN); Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Vice Chairman NBA Section on Business Law (SBL) Olu Akpata.

•From left: Toyosi Akerele; Pioneer Chairman, NBA (SBL), George Etomi; Chairman NBA (SBL), Asue Ighodalo, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Abimbola Akeredolu, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) and Mrs. Funmi Robert.

•From left; Justice Sylvester Ngwuta representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Justice Mahmud Mohamed, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Chairman NBA Ibadan Branch, Kazeem Adekunle Gbadamosi.

•From left: Justice Moronkeji Onalaja, C.M Aremu (SAN) and Secretary, NBA Section on Business Law (SBL), Seni Adio

•From left: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oyo State, Adebayo Ojo; Chairman NBA Ilesha branch, Seun Ajoba and former First Vice-President, NBA, Osas Erahbor.

•From left: Bode Elewin, Fasomo Fasola, Dayo Ajakaiye and M. A. Oyofajo.

•From: Chief Bandele Aiku (SAN); former President NBA, Mrs Prescilla Kuye; Mogaji Ogunseso, representing the chairman of the event, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN).

•Chief Makanjuola Esan (SAN), Justice D. E. A. Oguntoye (rtd) and Olufunke Fowler.

•From left: Justice Gbola Adeniyi, his wife Oluyinka and Justice Akintola R.B.

•From left: Magistrates F.A. Badrudeen, S. Oyediran and P.O. Adetuyi.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY The constitutional process for the impeachment of a governor by the state House of Assembly is tortuous. In this article a lawyer AHURAKA YUSUF ISAH writes on how a state Chief Judge can navigate the murdy waters.

Impeachment: Dilemma of Chief Judges

Y virtue of Section 271 (1) of the 1999 Constitution ‘’the appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a State shall be made by the Governor of the state on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) subject to confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the state’’ This is a State Chief Judge’s Achilles heel with his/her apron strings tied to three principal authorities. It is the very foundation for absence of Judiciary independence and there is no moment it displays this absurdity more than when there is a move to impeach a state governor. In reality, NJC pays only the salaries of the Chief Judges, monitors and evaluate his/her performance as well as discipline him/her whenever he/she errs. But the state government builds the court, provides helping hands (staff), working tools, general maintenance and logistics among others. State House of Assembly appropriates budget for the state judiciary. This makes the state to have more stakes in the affairs of state judiciary. In the event of impeachment of state governor, the process commences with state House of Assembly serving the state governors and the Chief Judges with impeachment notice. The duty of the later is to constitute a seven-man panel on receipt of a copy of impeachment notice served on the governor; after a motion is passed by two-third of members of the House. While the Chief Judge is torn in between the state governor and state House of Assembly over the constitution of impeachment panel, the NJC usually watches with keen interest how the chief judge conducts his own part of impeachment exercise as dictated in Sections 188 (5) and 188(7). The dilemma of a chief judge was aptly demonstrated on October 10, 2006 when 24 lawmakers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly passed a motion suspending the state Chief Judge, Justice Kayode Bamisile and replaced same with Justice Jide Aladejana. Bamisile’s sin, according to the lawmakers was that the sevenman panel he constituted was made up of Fayose’s acolytes. The legislators had served an impeachment notice against Governor Ayodele Fayose and his deputy, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi accusing them of graft. But by October 13, 2006, the then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Alfa Begore voided the appointment of Justice Jide Aladejana by Ekiti State House of Assembly as “Acting Chief Judge”. Belgore, in a letter addressed to Justice Aladejana dated October 13, declared that the procedure and circumstances under which he

By Ahuraka Yusuf Isah

was appointed by the assembly were contrary to the provision of Section 271 of the 1999 Constitution. Any action taken by Aladejana in his capacity as “Acting Chief Judge” would be unconstitutional, the Chief Justice warned. The letter with reference No. CJN/COR/SG/ A.79/III/144 was titled: Re: “Petition against the conduct of Hon. Justice Jide Aladejana of Ekiti State High Court on illegal composition of purported impeachment panel in Ekiti State”. The letter, which was copied Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, read: “It has been brought to my notice that you (Aladejana) have been appointed by the House of Assembly of Ekiti State as the Acting Chief Judge, following the suspension of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kayode Bamisile, for exercising his constitutional power. Your faxed letter and other documents of 12th October, 2006 to me were also in the same vein. “As you are aware, the procedure for appointment of an Acting Chief Judge for the state is clearly spelt out in Section 271 of the 1999 Constitution (of) the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “I am to stress that the perceived imminent constitutional crises in the state mentioned in your letter notwithstanding, the procedure and circumstances under which you have been appointed are contrary to the aforesaid provision of the 1999 Constitution on appointment of an Acting Chief Judge. “Hence, any action by you in your capacity as the Acting Chief Judge will be unconstitutional”. On November 10, 2006 also, the then Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau removed Justice Lazarus Dakyen as the state’s acting chief judge. According to a press statement issued by the state government and signed by the then Secretary to the State Government, Chief John Gobak, the chief judge’s acting appointment was terminated in pursuance to section 271 (4) (5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This was after Justice Dayken had set up a seven-man panel to probe the allegations of gross misconduct made against Governor Dariye. Justice Ya’u Dakwang was thereafter appointed by Dariye to replace Justice Dakyen. NJC suspended and subsequently sacked Justice Dakwang for accepting the appointment. Curiously, virtually no state chief judge either substantive or on acting capacity involved in constituting impeachment panel to investigate allegations of impropriety levelled against state governors by their respective state

House of Assemblies were not sacked by NJC for sidestepping provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. Perhaps, that explained why Justice Lazarus Dakyen who retired on January 28, 2014 as the Plateau State chief judge after attaining mandatory age of retirement was erroneously and regrettably reported as been sacked by NJC over Dariye’s impeachment in an earlier article published in some dailies recenltly. Justice Dakyen remains as one of the greatest survivors of impeachment processes in the country. Section 188 which deals with processes for the removal of state governors is devoid of ambiguity and crystal clear to the comprehension or understanding of even layman on the street. What then makes Section 188 a burden or even albatross for a sitting chief judge or an acting chief judge of a state whose governor is going through impeachment ritual? The answer lies between character and knowledge of the law. It is due to our inherent emotional attitude towards application of the law; our attitude of holding some personality above the law. On the gale of impeachment in 2006 during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, Reuben Abati had in his article titled: ‘’Reign of Madness in Ekiti and Plateau’’ published in The ‘Guardian’ of October 14, 2006 held that ‘’the Nigerian judiciary is showing up very badly in the crises. When lawyers and judges break the law, the drift towards anarchy is complete’’. Before November 13, 2006, when Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, joined the list of governors that were impeached, in less than one and half months same year, two governors, Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State, Peter Obi, Anambra State were impeached. About nine months before then, Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State was impeached; not forgetting the Bayelsa State governor DSP Alameseighya earlier impeachment. That was when Obasanjo, with the instrumentality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was breathing through the noses of states’ House of Assembly members and/or states chief judges to remove their respective state governors. Abati observed further in his said article above that ‘’When you talk about illegality, your attention is drawn to Anambra and Oyo state before now, and the fact that this is politics not law. ‘’———we are running a gun-point democracy. If you stay in the line of fire, you’d be dead before you can get a chance to insist on your rights. And can dead men argue about rights? But what no one can deny, it seems, is that the situation in Ekiti has grown to the level of pure madness and anarchy’’.

•Mrs Adekoya

ORMER First Vice-President of the Nige rian Bar Association (NBA) Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) has been elected to the World Bank Group’s Sanctions Board. She also became a member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration ICCA Governing Board after being voted for by a two-thirds majority of its members. She and others elected from different parts

The remedy for the state chief judges’ dilemma while their governors are being impeached by the House of Assembly is to remain on the side of the law. This, the chief judge must do irrespective of the power that be, or that want to hoist illegality through him. On October 11, 2012, former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi had directed Egypt’s Prosecutor-General (Chief Justice), AbdelMaguid Mahmoud to resign his appointment, to which the later turned down. Morsi’s decision came one day after the Criminal Court decided to acquit all defendants accused of attacking peaceful protesters at Cairo’s Tahrir Square in what is known as “camel battle” during the anti-government protests of the previous year. Morsi ordered him to leave his position as prosecutor general and become the ambassador to the Vatican, but Mahmoud refused saying the President do not have power under Egyptian constitution to sack or post him from his office. Egypt’s prosecutor general’s action is a big demonstration of judicial independence, Nigeria judiciary deserve to copy if democracy is to survive for long on our land.

Bank, customer bicker over alleged N750m debt

Adekoya gets World Bank job of the globe to the World Bank board will serve for the next four years with effect from April 1, 2015 Adekoya said: “In the World Bank’s Sanctions System, we tackle corruption through a two-tier administrative sanctions process because promoting good governance and tackling corruption are critical to achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction. “One way that the World Bank combats corruption is through the use of administrative sanctions against firms or individuals who have engaged in fraud, corruption, coercion, collusion or obstruction (referred to collectively as Sanctionable Practices) in connection with World Bank-financed projects. The sanctions regime is designed to protect the funds entrusted to the World Bank, while offering the firms and individuals involved an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them. “There are five possible administrative sanctions: Public Letter of Reprimand, Debarment, Conditional Non-Debarment, Debarment with Conditional Release, and Restitution. Allegations that a firm or individual engaged in a Sanctionable Practice are investigated by the World Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT). “Since 2001, more than 400 firms and individuals have been publicly sanctioned by the World Bank.’’

•Lagos CJ, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade

By Joseph Jibueze

•First Bank MD Stephen Onasanya

IRST Bank of Nigeria Plc has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to order its customer, Chidi Ajaegbu, to pay it an alleged N750 million debt. The bank wants a refund of the N750million plus accrued interest; N40million damages for alleged breach of contract and N15million as legal cost. The dispute arose out of loan agreement in which the bank allegedly lent Ajaegbu $5million to purchase 203,500 Linked Units shares in MTN Nigeria Limited through private placement, said to have been consummated between the parties in 2008. Ajaegbu sued First Bank (the first defendant) and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, praying the court to stop them from selling the shares, among others.

First Bank in a 77-paragraph statement of defence and counter-claim, contended that the claimant, in a letter dated January 23, 2008 sent to MTN Nigeria Limited and copied to it, irrevocably authorised MTN to place the shares on lien in the bank’s favour. Consequently, the loan in question, according to the bank, was secured with the Linked Units shares in MTN, in addition to the shares of CTC Global Ventures Limited and Rehoboth Assets Limited, two companies where the claimant has substantial and controlling interest. By the terms of contract, the first defendant averred that the expiration date for the repayment of the loan facility was January 31, 2011, but the claimant allegedly defaulted. The claimant contended that the alleged undue interest charges on the loan facility affected his obligation to service the loan as at when due and prayed the court to compel the first defendant to refund the alleged excess charges Countering the claim, the First Bank said the conversion of the loan facility from dollar to naira mutually agreed on by parties to minimise risk, necessitated charging of new interest regime. The claimant is seeking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from disposing of his shares in Ashaka Cement, Diamond Bank, Eco Bank, Afri Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plcs, allegedly used as collateral for the loan deal. He is also seeking a refund of N51.2million alleged to have been wrongly charged.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

PAGE 29

Ajaokuta is Kogi’s hope - Wada

•PAGE 30

Ahmed launches road reconstruction •PAGE 31

•Entrance to the hotel

Once upon a billion-naira hotel OOKING at the ruins of Durbar Hotel, Kaduna, it hurts to recall that it was one of the best hospitality facilities in the region. It sprang up in 1977 inspired by the ambitious Festival of Art and Culture (Festac) of that year. Created, as it were, in the image of that grand feast, the hotel was built to accommodate Festac’s high-profile horse riders. But soon after, its classy facilities and services caught the fancy of other lodgers with taste, attracting dignitaries even from overseas. Naturally, it was named Durbar Hotel, after the horse race. Located strategically along the ever-busy Independence Way in the heart of Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, Durbar was clearly the best hospitality outfit in the state. It has since become a shadow of itself, providing shelter not for celebrities but reptiles and other creatures. Part of the premises has been converted to a motor park for visitors to the headquarters of the Nigeria Air Force training school. The Nation gathered that the Obasanjo military regime built the edifice occupying a land area of about 400 by 600 sq. meters in two months at the cost of 100,000

‘Located strategically along the ever-busy Independence Way in the heart of Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, Durbar was clearly the best hospitality outfit in the state. It has since become a shadow of itself, providing shelter not for celebrities but reptiles and other creatures. Part of the premises has been converted to a motor park for visitors to the headquarters of the Nigeria Air Force training school’ From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

pounds. It was built at the same time as the FESTAC Hotel, Lagos, which was called Durbar Hotel before it changed name. The hotel is now a complete wreck. Investigation revealed that after the national fiesta, Durbar Hotel was handed over to Arewa Hotel, a

conglomerate of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to manage. The hotel functioned well during the military era, providing first-class accommodation for government’s guests and others up till the Third Republic when it was sold under the government’s privatisation and commercialisation plan of the Babangida regime.

The late Kano-based business mogul and airline operator, Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo bought the hotel in 1992 from the Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC) led by the late Dr. Hamza Zayyad. Kabo, as he is popularly called, paid N90 million for the hotel. Some say he did his best to put the hotel on the road to success. Still, Kabo’s efforts fell far short. Sources close to his family told The Nation that Kabo was to sell 40 per cent shares of the property to the public with over 70 shareholders subscribing. He was again to sell his shares, in 1996, to Nasimatume Investment Limited which took over management of the hotel in 1997 after the deed of transfer was completed between Kabo Holdings and Nasimatume. Mohammed Abacha, chair of the company and son of General Sani Abacha, who many believed owned Nasimatume, engaged a management team to run the hotel. At its closure, the federal government moved to recover the hotel from Nasimatume. Many people saw the move as part of the •Continued on page 30

How to woo taxpayers in Jos •PAGE 32

Kidney patient needs N7.5m to live

•PAGE 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Ajaokuta is Kogi’s hope - Wada

HEN he assumed office in January 2012, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State did not only set out to build on the achievements of his predecessors, he was also poised to raise the level of development many notches up. Nearly three years after, the numerous projects so far initiated and those completed in the state are clear indications that he is on track in his quest to change the face of Kogi State. The Ministry of Information recently took the media on a tour of projects to assess the governor’s efforts so far. The level of work put in place so far suggests that the governor is passionate and far-sighted in his effort to transform Kogi to a modern state.

On tourism development Lokoja is a historic city. The government has mapped out historic relics in the state. These include: the cenotaph of some national heroes; the point where the Royal Niger Company flag was switched to the Union Jack. It also includes the site of the first bank in Northern Nigeria; the first primary school in Northern Nigeria; tombs of some emirs that were arrested and brought to Lokoja by the colonial masters, among other interesting sites. The Lord Lugard House, where the

former Governor-General used to rest at the top of Mount Patti, is another site being developed by the state government as a tourist attraction. Aside from the Lugard House, other tourist and historical sites have been refurbished, remodelled and renovated. Tour buses have been provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The ministry has also trained tour guides who are knowledgeable enough to take visitors round tourist destinations. The government is at the point of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a partnership agreement with a private company for the development of the tourism potentials in the state, beginning with the Mount Patti. The site is being developed into a special tourist and leisure site where people can come to unwind, when they want to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Abuja and Lagos. The government is also promoting excursions by schools from within and outside the state. The Confluence Hotels in Lokoja has also been developed. It has been refurbished and upgraded. For instance, a golf course has been added as part of the hotel’s facilities. The accommodation facility is also being modified, to attract a higher calibre clientele, particularly those who may want to spend time in the state for leisure or those in transit.

‘We also have a team of consultants who are monitoring the projects and present periodic reports to us on the performance of the projects and on any challenge the projects may be facing. This is to certify that the funds are being utilised prudently’

•Governor Wada

The bond projects We applied for a Bond of N20 Billion and we are doing 11 projects with the fund. We have received the first tranche of N5 Billion and we have kick started all the projects conceived in respect of the Bond. In terms of prudent management, the Securities and Exchange Commission sends a

team periodically to assess how the funds released is being utilised. The issuing houses monitor you to see where you are on the projects for which the fund is meant and also see the challenges you face to advise the government on steps to ensure the successful implementation of the projects. All of these affect the release of subsequent tranches of the fund. We have a team of commissioners monitoring the progress of implementation of the Bond projects to ensure that all the projects are of the right quality and the pace at which we want them to go. We also have a team of consult-

Once upon a billion-naira hotel

Water Project The Greater Lokoja Water Project was done by the previous administration but they had not completed the payment when we took over. We made substantial payments for the completion of the project. We have also been involved in the operation and maintenance. You know it is one •Continued on page 31

‘The same Durbar you’re seeing was where Alhaji Shehu Shagari was picked as the presidential candidate of National Party of Nigeria (NPN). So, we know Durbar, in this same hotel Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe met with the late Isaiah Balat and Madaki Ali to bring about the NPP...It’s a sad memory when people like us now drive past Durbar Hotel to see it like this’

•Continued from page 29

Obasanjo administration’s onslaught against the Abacha family. The government sited irregularities in the sale of the property by the TCPC. They also claimed that Kabo Holdings which bought it from the government only paid N27 million out of the N90 million while the balance of N63 million was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Defence and passed through Kabo Holdings. In a suit they filed, the government and the BPE alleged that Kabo Holdings or Nasimatume Investments didn’t follow due process in buying the hotel, arguing, among others, that Abacha’s company was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission when the transfer was made, while Kabo Holdings didn’t inform the BPE before transferring its shares to Nasimatume. Hoodlums have since stripped the hotel of all valuables, including doors, window blinds, water cisterns, toilet facilities, curtains, aluminum roofing sheets, generators and others. Who sent them, if any did, is hard to tell. After the vandalism, the Abacha family filed a law suit in Kaduna challenging the seizure of the hotel. In 2005, it was determined that the BPE and the government could not prove that the sale and transfer of the shares didn’t follow due process. The judgement gave a sigh of relief to workers of the hotel who hoped that all the controversy was over. Nothing happened. Alhaji Tajudeen Tijjani Ajibade, a veteran journalist who covered the commissioning of the Hotel and FESTAC ’77, said the Durbar story is an irony. He said, "There was nobody in Nigeria who was somebody at that time, from the FESTAC time to the First and Second Republics, Buhari and Babangida regimes that didn’t know about Durbar Hotel. It was at Durbar Hotel that I

ants who are monitoring the projects and present periodic reports to us on the performance of the projects and on any challenge the projects may be facing. This is to certify that the funds are being utilised prudently. Contracts for all the projects were awarded through due process. These are tested contractors and so far we are happy with their performance. I am satisfied that the money so far released is being used prudently.

•Front view of the hotel first interviewed the late Chief M.K.O Abiola when he came to Kaduna with his children. It was also at Durbar Hotel I met the late Chief Toye Coker, the Agboko of Egbaland, a lawyer. It was also here I met the late Ahmed Kusamotu who later became the national chairman, National Republican Convention (NRC). It was at Durbar Hotel we met ministers coming in; in fact, it was in this same place I met the late Group Captain Tony Ikhazobor. These are the people we met. "I’m talking about the 70s and 80s. So, for Durbar Hotel to have become like that is unfortunate. It was in Durbar I met the late Inusa Oshiogwemoh even though we first met when we were young men at sea. He was a sailor and I was a maintenance officer there. At that time, they took us to many places. When he came back to Durbar Hotel he became the Chief Engineer. "It was in Durbar Hotel in the Second Republic that Chief Obafemi Awolowo addressed the largest

press conference. The same Durbar you’re seeing was where Alhaji Shehu Shagari was picked as the presidential candidate of National Party of Nigeria (NPN). So, we know Durbar, in this same hotel Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe met with the late Isaiah Balat and Madaki Ali to bring about the NPP. " He said further that everything that was going on in Kaduna, the North and indeed Nigeria politically at that time after the military left, took place in Durbar Hotel. “It’s a sad memory when people like us now drive past Durbar Hotel to see it like this]; I laugh to remember that once upon a time there was a place called Durbar Hotel. Today I’m still alive to see Durbar in this deplorable condition and I weep for my country. We started the story of this one buying it today and that one buying it tomorrow. Suddenly, Durbar Hotel started losing the glamour it used to be known for. At the end of the day, the case of who owns Durbar went to court and up till today, nobody has come out to tell us

whether Federal Government owns Durbar Hotel or not." When The Nation visited the abandoned property, it was discovered that the structure was still solid, even though it has been abandoned for several years. A security guard overseeing the place claimed that strangers are not allowed into the premises. The guard who identified himself as Amos said he was employed by the Abacha family to watch over the premises, pointing out that he has been doing that for about 10 years now. Even though Amos claimed to know very little about the glorious days of Durbar Hotel, he said it was the owner of Kabo Air that bought the property from the Federal Government and after finding it difficult to manage, approached the sitting government to take back the property from him at 50 per cent of its cost. According to him, "the Federal Government then refused to take it back. They asked him to look for a buyer on his own. That was how Alhaji Ibrahim Abacha got wind of the development and bought the

property from Dan Kabo. But, along the line, the Federal Government took the Abachas to court, claiming ownership of the property. All that happened after the death of Dan Kabo, Ibrahim Abacha and General Sani Abacha. But the court later stopped the Federal Government from taking the property. So, as it is now, this hotel is Abacha family's property". Amos said there was once a sign in the past that it would be resuscitated, but it never happened. He based his opinion on the fact that a property manager office is being erected at a corner of the hotel premises. He also claimed that the presence of security guards inside the premises has prevented hoodlums from converting it to their hideout. Speaking to The Nation on the phone, Mr Atabo, a lawyer for the Abacha family, said that his client won the case, adding that the government later appealed it. From a facility of choice in the 70s and 80s to a controversial investment item, Durbar Hotel, which once lifted people’s spirits has been a persistent source of heartache.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

MID fanfare, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has kicked off the rehabilitation of the 64km-long Kaiama Road. The contract sum of this long-abandoned federal government road has been put at a princely sum of N7.9 billion. That day the governor also commissioned the remodelled Kaiama General Hospital and distributed some transformers. Before being honoured with a chieftaincy title of ‘Jarman Kaiama,’ Alhaji Ahmed held a town hall meeting with residents of the community. Unusual crowd thronged, the Kaiama local government area secretariat, venue of the interactive session. Said Ahmed: “I am fulfilled because having pledged to rehabilitate this Federal Road since last year and connect more communities to the national grid, we are fulfilling that pledge with these interventions. Today, we once again demonstrate that whatever we pledge to the people we deliver to the people. “As you are all no doubt aware, Kaiama–Kishi Road had been on the drawing board for quite some time. It is a project that has received priority for obvious reasons. First, the rehabilitation of this road will eliminate the hardship experienced by motorists and commuters on this route. “Secondly, this road will boost the socio-economic life of this area and its people, especially those engaged in farming, when completed. In doing these, we are also demonstrating to the people of Kaiama and indeed of Kwara State that we are an administration that matches its words with action. “Although this is a federal road, we are driven by the socio-economic factors and the need to promote the welfare of our people to intervene on this and other federal roads in the state. As a resourceful administration, we have secured necessary funding for jump-starting and successfully completing the project. “It is important to emphasise as we flag off this road that the federal government is yet to refund the N4b outstanding balance for the rehabilitation of Ilesha BarubaChikanda Road more than five years after the road was completed. I once again call on the federal government to pay all monies owed the state as a result of our intervention on key roads in the state. Despite these setbacks, our administration will continue to intervene on federal and indeed other road projects in the state to reduce the discomfort caused by these roads. We also remain committed to ensuring that every community in our state no matter how remote will be

•Governor Ahmed at the launch of reconstruction work of Kaiama-Kishi road

Ahmed launches road reconstruction From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

connected to the national electricity grid through transformer installation. “Perhaps it is imperative to use this forum to inform all Kwarans that it is not only Kaiama-Kishi Road that is being earmarked for reconstruction in the state. “In the next few days, we shall also flag-off the construction of Ilesha-Baruba–Gwanara Road in Baruten Local Government Area, Maigida-Arobadi Road in Moro Local Government Area, Mission Road, Lafiagi, in Edu local government area and the bye-pass from Asa Dam Road to Egbejila and Airport in Ilorin West local government Area. I assure you all that we shall deliver these roads at record time for the benefit of the people.” At the town meeting, the governor told the gathering that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to stay in Kwara and Nigeria. He added that the change going on throughout the country does not exempt Kwara State and “most im-

‘I am fulfilled because having pledged to rehabilitate this Federal Road since last year and connect more communities to the national grid, we are fulfilling that pledge with these interventions. Today, we once again demonstrate that whatever we pledge to the people we deliver to the people’ portantly we have been able to demonstrate that we have a leader. “That leadership is that political structure where people who ordinarily wouldn’t have been anything have become something. Many of them that left us for other parties had benefited from that structure.”

Promising to always carry the people along in the scheme of things, maigidan Kwara as he is fondly referred to said “we will let know what is available and what that can do. Our monthly allocation has greatly shrunk when we went to the bank to borrow money, the

•Continued on page 32

‘Ajaokuta is Kogi’s hope’ •Continued from page 30 thing to build, it is another thing to operate and maintain so that the project is of value. That is the role we have played as an administration in the Greater Lokoja Water Project.

Curbing political violence and restiveness

•From left: Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Idrees Sero Abubakar; wife of Kwara State governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed and wife of Deputy Governor Mrs. Felicia Kisira during a courtesy call on the traditional ruler as she toured local governments to empower rural women

federal government went to the same bank to block from getting the loan.” Overwhelmed with happiness, the House of Representatives committee chairman on media and publicity, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed said the state government is making the community proud. Mohammed who is representing Kaiama/Baruten federal constituency berated successive governments in the country for abandoning the road. Said he: “A journey that should ordinarily take between 40 minutes and one hour is taking close to five hours due to the bad state of the road is very unpleasant indeed. That the state government is taking the responsibility to rehabilitate the road is a thing of joy for us in this state. “Our prayer is that, in spite of the lean resources of the state government, the governor wants to make us proud so that we the political representatives of the people will have a place. People have been en-

We were determined during the electioneering campaign not to be involved in thuggery. We made very clear statements everywhere we went that our political aspiration is not worth the loss of life of any individual or person. And that nobody should fight for us to have votes. They should just allow us to canvass for votes in the most civilised and peaceful way by talking about issues and the programmes and projects that we would bring on board if and when we get elected. I think people trusted our sincerity and that posture that we would not tolerate thuggery. And when we came in, we mobilised the security agencies to handle those who were identified with such prac-

tice or of violent dispositions and once we made example of few people. With the support of the security agencies, the posture of our government and the grace of almighty God, we have been able to control incidence of political violence in the state.

Expansion and orderly development of infrastructure in the state We have done the mapping of the city with proper layout of different segments of the city. For instance, there are new layouts along LokojaOkene Road like the place where we have the permanent site of the Federal University in the state. We have also mapped out industrial areas. We are also mapping out new areas along the Ganaja bypass as you saw during your tour of the state capital. We are laying out that whole area so that people can live in an organised way. We are also looking at the eastern side of our state which is sepa•Continued on page 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT •Continued from page 31 rated by Rivers Niger and Benue. We have proposed the construction of a link bridge. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private company to construct the bridge on a Public Private Partnership basis. The construction of the Shintaku Bridge from Lokoja to link the eastern part of the state will facilitate the link between the western part of the state and the east. The eastern part of the state capital has a considerable amount of flat land and we can exploit this link to expand the capital city. The main challenge is that the construction of the bridge is very expensive. For now, we are doing the Geographical Information System of the state capital to restore order in land allocation and housing development in the Lokoja. That would give us clear satellite imagery of Lokoja and the neighbouring locations so we can build better houses in the city. We have mapped them out, structured them and clearly identified the places where people can build either as developers and private individuals who can own their houses and live in decent locations rather than build houses on hills. In terms of road construction, we have awarded the contract for the construction of a four-lane carriage

‘Ajaokuta is Kogi’s hope’ way. The four-lane road is the main road in our state capital. The road will be the signature road in our state to enhance the beauty and aesthetics of our capital city. We want to do it properly with good drainage system and pedestrian lanes and an embankment to protect the shore line. We want to make it a reference point in road construction in the state and to add to the beauty and aesthetics of our capital city. Because of the topography of the area and proximity to water, every time the road had been constructed in the past, it deteriorates after one year. This time around, we want to make it the reference road and you will be proud of it when you come to Lokoja. We have approved payment for mobilisation of contractors.

Unity of divergent groups in the state Our efforts to unite our people in terms religion and ethnic groups is achieving a lot of results. In terms religion, we have the State Inter-religious Council which meets regularly in a bid to sustain religious harmony in the state. In terms ethnic

‘Our efforts to unite our people in terms religion and ethnic groups is achieving a lot of results. In terms religion, we have the State Inter-religious Council which meets regularly in a bid to sustain religious harmony in the state. In terms ethnic balance, we have ensured equitable distribution in appointments and projects such that people can see and attest to across board’

balance, we have ensured equitable distribution in appointments and projects such that people can see and attest to across board. We are deliberate about equity and justice in the state. Employment generation through Ajaokuta and Obajana Cement Ajaokuta is the hope of Kogi state. We are making efforts to get the Federal Government to give the project the level of attention it deserves. We believe that Ajaokuta Steel Company will revolutionise Nigeria. Our transformation as a nation cannot go the full course without Ajaokuta being operational. Mr. President has said several times that he would get Ajaokuta working. I have put a lot of pressure on the Federal Government

to make sure that Ajaokuta works. Recently, I worked with both the minister of Trade and Investment and that of Solid Minerals Development to see how far they are going. We are in the process of preparing a report to be presented to the Federal Government. I have visited Ajaokuta four times since I became the Governor and I have continued to encourage the management and staff and that have resulted in the rise in their morale. We are privy to the negotiations that have brought on a number of private investors in Ajaokuta. Right now there are four lines which are basically operational now. Four out of the 24 lines are working. The State also derives employment and some revenue from tax from Ajaokuta.

Obajana Cement is the largest cement project in Africa. And Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the promoter of the company has helped our state in so many ways. Recently, we signed an MOU with him to establish a vocational training Centre in Lokoja to train our young people towards selfemployment. I am aware that he had committed funds and other resources to this project already.

Youth empowerment When we came into office, one of our first programmes was to create opportunities for youth. We have a programme called Youth Advancement Programme for Kogi (YAD4KOGI). Under this programme, we take 1000 youths across the 21 LGAs in the state every 3 months. They are camped at NYSC Orientation camp in Asaya in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

Ahmed launches road reconstruction

•Continued from page 31 during this nightmare. It is nightmarish. Imagine that a woman is under labour and she would have to be moved to the hospital. “I am confident that the state government will do it, but also know that the federal government that will have today will definitely not do a refund for so many obvious reasons. We thank the governor for his foresight and commitment to the project and we thank our leader too, Senator Bukola Saraki for facilitating this. For us at the Baruten/Kaiama constituency we will be grateful for the development and it will enhance the economic development of the area.” Commenting on the develop-

ment, an indigene of the sleepy and predominantly agrarian community, Usman Mora conveyed the people’s heavy load of gratitude to the state government for the kind gesture. Alhaji Mora who is the state Environment Commissioner said “I feel highly happy because since the creation of the state we have been agitating for the construction of this road. To God be the glory it is happening today. We thank God that this thing is also happening during our generation; which means it is a struggle that our forefathers had left for us that we are actualizing today. “We thank God and the governor for listening to our cry. Today is a

very historic day. We have three memorable days in the life of the council. They are the day the local government was created to us; the day our first class status was given back to us and today when the governor will launch the rehabilitation of the road. We thank the governor; our history will never forget him “We are quite aware that this road is a federal government road but for God sake, with this it has shown us that there is no need for federal ministry of works. Since federal government can’t do our road. Federal government is in the position of authority, it has money and everything but nothing has come from them.”

How to woo taxpayers in Jos T

HE Plateau State government has found new ways to convince the people that paying tax is better than waiting for dwindling allocations from Abuja. Staff of the government hit the streets, showed up at markets, offices, even homes, telling everyone in spectacular fashion that the state’s cash hopes lie in tax money, not revenue allocation. Samuel Pam, chairman of the state internal revenue service, led the campaign team. The tax campaign mascot was also unveiled in the carnival-like drive. The team looked colourful in lemongreen T-shirts and matching caps. As the revenue staff filed out of their offices into the streets, they were armed with the tax campaign leaflets and handbills which they distribute to residents especially motorists, passersby, women traders and shop owners during the road walk that

•Samuel Pam

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

lasted four hours. The road walk took the revenue staff to the major business streets of Jos like Ahmadu Below way, Old Bukuru Park, Tafawa Balewa Street, Kashim Ibrahim Street, Rwang Pam Street, Bank Road, etc. while giving reasons for the campaign, Pam said: “Tax is the major source of government revenue after the monthly statutory allocation from the federation account. The federation account itself is based on crude oil. In recent times the share of the monthly allocation has continued to dwindle steadily based on what is happening at the international oil market. The lesson from the dwindling federal revenue is for every state to look inward for revenue. In other words, states cannot continued to depend on the federal allocation because it is not a dependable source of revenue. So the only alternative source of revenue for a state like Plateau is our internal revenue. Incidentally, what is happening in the federal revenue is equally affecting our internal revenue negatively. For instance, if you talk of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) which is a major source of our internal revenue, is badly affected by the dwindling federal revenue because when civil servants are not payed salaries which also comes from the federal revenue, it will be difficult to collect PAYE because it is only when salaries are paid that you talk of PAYE.So we have to look beyond the formal revenue sector and try to mope up what you can get from the informal sector like the shop owners, traders etc. But to succeed in these area we have to sensitize these categories of tax payers. We have to create the understanding between tax payers and government. We used the road show to educate tax payers on

•The campaign team their responsibility to government. According to Mr. Pam, “We also need to showcase how government has been able to apply the tax collected do far, we see tax payment as a social contract between government and its citizens. Government has to be accountable to tax payers by prudent utilisation of the tax collected, citizens of the state who enjoy the social services provided by government must be able to fulfil their own part of the social contract by paying their tax promptly all the time. As the head of the tax collector in the state, I can confirm that tax payers fund are been effectively utilised by the state government through the massive infrastructural development. The new road network in the urban and rural centers across the state, water treatment and supply has improved tremendously, public

‘The federation account itself is based on crude oil. In recent times the share of the monthly allocation has continued to dwindle steadily based on what is happening at the international oil market. The lesson from the dwindling federal revenue is for every state to look inward for revenue’ school structures are looking new and solid etc. I can assure all tax payers that their efforts in tax payment are not in vain, they should keep it

up and even improve on it. That is all we are asking for because Plateau has no other source of revenue apart from these taxes”.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Page 33

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

•Mpape cluttered

HEY have no problems paying tax. Their only worry is whether their remittances are put to good use. That was why residents of Bwari Area Council have demanded that administrators of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) be transparent and accountable in handling their taxes. The residents said they were aware of the obligation to pay taxes but it was important for the FCTA to prove to the public the taxes were judiciously used. Some of the residents who lamented over multiple taxes spoke at the popular Kubwa market and Mpape District respectively during a community mobilization campaign for tax. The sensitization was organized by Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) with support from Christian Aid. Mr. Solomon Terfa who spoke to The Nation at the market advocated need for tax justice. He said government should stop tax abuse and digitize tax administration. A trader, Mr. Kolawole Oloyede said for the government to achieve quality public services, taxes

Show us what you’ve done with our taxes’ From Olugbenga Adanikin

should be managed with utmost fairness. At Mpape district, a female trader, Miss Adaugo Ogamba who specializes in women wears emphasized that government should promote progressive and fair taxation. “Make our tax system gender sensitive,” she added. Mr. Johnson Igbokwe stated that payment of tax ought to foster development. He said many time, government demands for taxes such as withholding tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Import Duty, Value Added Tax, Environmental Levy, Excise Duty, Registration Fees and Local Excise Duty (LED) with little accountability.

‘With all these taxes the government collects from us, we still do not have access to good roads and good living. We need to know how, when and where our money is been used. It is our right to know’ “With all these taxes the government collects from us, we still do not have access to good roads and good living. We need to know how,

when and where our money is been used. It is our right to know,” he stated. The Executive Director, CAPP

Insurgency increases influx into Abuja

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has lamented that the insurgency in the Northeast and the recent bomb blast at Kano Central Mosque have increased the influx of displaced people into the city. The Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr Reuben Okoya disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing where he informed journalists about the activities of the agency this year. He revealed that AMMC is in

From Gbenga Omokhunu

charge of managing the nation’s capital in terms of development control, environmental issues, parks and recreation, relocation and outdoor advertising among other functions. He said the sudden increase in the FCT population has taken its toll on the existing infrastructure which is now being overstretched. Okoya stated: ”The unrest in the Northeast and Southsouth is driving many people into Abuja as a safe haven. The number of

IDPs in Abuja is growing. I can tell you the last Kano bomb blast has driven a lot of people to Abuja. We cannot stop people from coming in. The best we can do is to manage them.” The coordinator, however, blamed various state governments across the state for failing to make their states work. “Until the various state government in Nigeria start succeeding, because they have failed, people won’t stop coming into the FCT.” Okoya emphasises that the agency has continued to manage

the city in the face of challenges without being deterred in spite of the dwindling revenues. Meanwhile, Director of Department of Development Control, Yahaya Yusuf said that a total of 436 abandoned buildings were identified in the city, adding that 59 of the buildings have undergone integrity test after which the owners have commenced the redevelopment of the affected buildings. He revealed that development control has demolished 2,636 shanties and 639 illegal structures this year.

Kyauta Giwa, said the event was organized to encourage tax payment and demand for justice in taxation in the country. “We realise that government finds every means to get income through tax so we are interested in encouraging accountability in tax payment.People should understand why they are paying money and they should pay the correct tax, not double or multiple taxes”. According to her, the initiative was at its pilot stage to sensitize the people on reasons they should pay tax. So far, he said different unions such as Market Women and Men Association, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders an Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN). She said about 18 representatives from the associations have emerged as advocates, who will thereafter demand for accountability on tax paid to the council. Giwa who was represented by Programme Officer, Stephen Olanrewaju stated that after a while the public are expected to be enlightened on the kind of taxes they pay. She said, “If there is any kind of injustice, they will report to us and we will engage a consultant who will carry out rapid assessment to determine gaps between the market people and revenue activities.” She added that CAPP would soon come up with a policy brief which will be submitted to the government on strengthening and monitoring taxation.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

Kidney patient needs N7.5m to live

XCEPT an urgent kidney transplant is carried out on him, the hope of 40-year old technician, Chika Igwilo, to fulfil his dreams in life may soon be cut short. Chika who hails from Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and resides in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, was diagnosed of a chronic kidney failure three months ago at the National Hospital. He hangs on to life through a weekly dialysis which requires a payment of N100,000 at a private specialist clinic in Abuja. According to Ada Blessing Igwilo, his younger sister who has been taking the responsibility of taking him around hospitals for treatment as well as footing the hospital bills, Chika’s ill health started with malaria symptoms. “The kidney failure started about three months ago when he complained of malaria symptoms,” she said. “He was having constant malaria, itching, frequent urinary, dizziness and later swollen legs” Ada Blessing added. She disclosed that her brother was admitted at Kubwa General Hospital where he was treated for two weeks before he was referred to a specialist hospital. The strike by medical staff of National Hospital however forced her to take him away to a private facility, Zenith Medical and Kidney Center, where he currently undergoes dialysis twice or thrice a week. While speaking with Abuja Review on the dialysis bed, Chika who coughs intermitently pleaded

IGERIANS have been urged to start demanding accurate and reliable test results from medical laboratories. Speaking in Abuja at the induction of new members of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSC), the Registrar and chief executive of the council, Prof Anthony Emeribe noted that accurate and reliable test results help save the life of the patient, while inaccurate ones could lead to death. He urged that people desist from walking into any facility and submitting themselves for investigation without asking questions as to whether the lab is approved or whether the personnel are licensed to perform such important investi-

From Gbenga Omokhunu

with well meaning Nigerians to save his life. His words: “what I need now is to reach out to fellow Nigerians to help raise money for me to undergo kidney transplant in India or in this country. I need N7.5million to be able to undergo the transplant and I plead with Nigerians to help me. God will not leave all of you alone, they should please save my life.” Lamenting the health status of his brother, Ada Blessing, who said that Chika’s case wouldn’t have required kidney transplant if it were acute kidney failure saying “ doctors told us that mere dialysis would have been enough for the kidney to pick up and function well again if it is acute kidney failure” She noted that his present condition is preventing him to consume more liquid as the more he drinks, the more fluids his body possesses

•Chika on the sick bed which would also have to be removed with dialysis “otherwise he would be in more pains.” “Now I have exhausted all our savings and I can’t even attend to

my own business because I can’t leave him alone. We want Nigerians to come to our aide and save my brother. I don’t want him to die,” she cried.

For any financial help, his account number is: Igwilo Chika, A/ c 3089460224, First Bank. You can also contact Chika through 08034940624.

Corps members barricade secretariat over pay

EMBERS of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) staged a protest over the inability of the council to pay their six months allowances owed them. The corps members, numbering about 60, barricaded the entrance of the council secretariat displaying placards on which were scripted “Pay us our six months allowances, we are hungry and starving.”

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Miss Edna Akpan, the leader of the corp members, explained to journalists that they had earlier written to the Kuje area council authorities demanding that their allowances be paid, but the issue was not given the desired attention. “We have not been paid for over six months and we do not have good mattresses at the Corpers Lodge; we are starving in this place.

Other corps members that served in this area council were not owed. “It is surprising that we are witnessing such during our time. The reason why we embarked on this peaceful demonstration is to show our grievances over the matter,” she said. Reacting to the development, the Chairman of council, Mr. Shaban Tete, said that the council administration, together with the NYSC Coordinator, would hold a round table discussion to resolve the issue, that the inability to pay the

corps members was due to the reduction in the councils’ allocation. He however said that the council would ensure that the corps members were paid their allowances. “The councilors have not been paid their imprest and some allowances for over eight months because we have a shortfall in our allocation. “Even in my office, we are entitled to some allowances but they are no longer available because we no longer get security vote in the area council,’’ the chairman said.

‘Demand accurate lab test results’ By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

gations. “We must all accept responsibility for our health and this includes demanding as of right that the facility to which we are submitting ourselves is duly approved by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, that it is manned by the right calibre of personnel, and that it has the quality equipment, regents, kits, chemicals and consumables otherwise known as in-vitro diagnostics. That will go a

long way in ensuring that the results emanating from such a facility can be relied upon,” he noted. Emeribe regretted that some patients, including the educated and well-off in the society, still continue to walk into any facility no matter how awkward-looking, how dirty and ill-equipped, simply because there is a signboard announcing that it is a “computerized laboratory”. “They won’t even bother to ask relevant questions in spite of warning signs that the place might not be fit for purpose,” he noted, adding that, “the quack medical

•From right: HRH Samson Gamu Yare, the Chun Mada of Akwanga, Nasarawa State; representative of Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA); Director, Special Duties, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba; District Head, Akwanga, Mr. Anthony Yamusa; Acting State Director, NOA Nasarawa State, Mr. Elisha Iyakwari and the paper presenter, Mr. Jonathan Thani, Lecturer, College of Education, Akwanga exchanging pleasantries at the interactive forum on peaceful co-existence and security consciousness in Akwanga

laboratory scientist would not continue to operate once he starts receiving probing questions regarding the facility”. He said the law of supply and demand also applies in the delivery of medical laboratory services to the extent that the patients through their insistence on getting quality lab results can make the practice lucrative for the conscientious practitioners while helping to weed out the quacks and unserious by turning their back on such people. As part of the measures to sanitize the medical laboratory services sector, Emeribe said MLSCN had put in place a National Taskforce on Laboratory and In-vitro Diagnostics Inspection team, which according to him, will soon commence work to ensure compliance and flush out undesirable elements whose nefarious activities are hurting innocent citizens.

“It can no longer be business as usual in the medical laboratory services sector as we are determined to do whatever is required to ensure that only approved facilities with the right calibre of personnel, equipment and kits or consumables continue to function. Facilities which have nothing to hide are often eager to get due approval and are also quick to display evidence of such for their patients to see unlike those, which should not be there in the first place,” he said while assuring citizens that Council will continue to work relentless to overcome any challenge militating against quality medical laboratory services delivery in the country. He urged the inductees to always abide by Council Code of Practice and Ethics and keep abreast of rapid developments in lab diagnosis and services through mandatory CPD required for annual licensure.

‘The law of supply and demand also applies in the delivery of medical laboratory services to the extent that the patients through their insistence on getting quality lab results can make the practice lucrative for the conscientious practitioners while helping to weed out the quacks and unserious by turning their back on such people’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•President Goodluck Jonathan; his mother, Eunice; First Lady Patience Jonathan; former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and others cutting the President 57th birthday cake in Abuja.

•From left: National President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Adeniyi Abdu Rafiu; General Secretary, Moshood Akinade; Chair, Joint Health Sector Unions, Dr. Ayuba Wabba and National President, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Faniran Olukayode singing ALUTA Continua during the conference on Joint Health Sector Unions on their impending strike negotiation and dialogue with the Federal Government in Abuja.

•Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Emmanuel Buacha; Zonal Manager, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Bisi Ajayi; Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Chairman, Honeywell Group of Companies, Dr. Oba Otudeko •From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo; newly-sworn-in Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice during the handing over of equipment to Master Bankers by the Ministry of Agric and Bank Mahmud Mohammed and President Goodluck Jonathan at the swearing-in ceremony at the PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN Presidential Villa of Industry (BOI) in Abuja.

•Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Charles Theophilus (left); Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko and FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi during a courtesy visit by the FRSC management in Abuja

•Director, Women and Gender Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iran Ajilo (left), Director, Rehabilitation, Mojisola Akintaro; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi, and Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities held in Abuja.

•Bishop of Lafia, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Miller Kangdim Maza (right) exchanging pleasantries with recipients of merit awards at the 15th anniversary of the Diocese, ordination and presentation of diocesan merit award for faithfulness in service to God and others held at St. James Cathedral Anglican Church, Lafia, Nasarawa State

•Chairman of AMAC, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Mr Abubakar Mohammed (left); Head Teacher, L.E.A Wuse 1 Nursery and Primary School Zone 2, Mrs Florence Adebayo and Deputy Chief Imam of National Mosque Abuja, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura during an award ceremony in Abuja PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

Their number is insignificant compared to the total figure of companies and businesses operating in the country. Still, they are known as the custodians of the Nigerian economy. They are the top 100 businesses in Nigeria out of the over 3.6 million firms and enterprises scattered in all tiers of the economy. Without them, the economy will crumble. Not only are they providing jobs; they also consistently fund the government through their taxes. The 100 companies, which are less than 1% of the companies in Nigeria, contribute about 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). No wonder President Goodluck Jonathan is looking up to them and other upcoming companies to move the Nigerian economy to the top 10 economies in the world in the shortest possible time. Unveiling the top 100 companies at a presidential dinner in the State House last week Monday, Jonathan said: “You are shining stars, the central component of our economy. It is companies like yours that bring government’s economic policies to life.” “This is because you are in the trenches every day, investing, expanding and ensuring that your businesses keep working. The entire nation and I are very proud of you.” You are all truly Nigerians; your achievements have been remarkable. You have shown boldness and vision in enterprise and confidence in this country. “Through your investments, you have contributed significantly to employment generation, wealth creation and our overall economic development.” he stated Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, disclosed that the 100 companies were selected using simple criteria including turnover, which was extracted from their audited financial statements. The data, he said, was obtained from the Financial Reporting Council, Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The first10 of the top 100 businesses are ExxonMobil Nig (Oil and Gas), Shell Nig (Oil and Gas), Chevron Nig (Oil and Gas), Nigeria LNG, Total Nig (Oil and Gas), MTN Nig. (Telecomms), Dangote Group, Oando (Oil and Gas), Eni Agip (Oil and Gas), First Bank (Financial Services).

Honour to whom it is due The

government

has

been

Jonathan and the economy czar criticised in various quarters for the calibre of persons listed for some national awards. The critics had argued that there were more worthy and deserving Nigerians who have been left out of such awards. But this was not the case last Thursday when Prof. Niyi Osundare was conferred with the 2014 Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNMA) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The poet, dramatist and essayist beat 21 other nominees with every voice acknowledging him as the right choice among the lot. Conferring the award, President Goodluck Jonathan noted: “I have no doubt that Prof. Niyi Osundare, our awardee this year, meets our nation’s expectation.” “There is no doubt also that the knowledge, expertise and contributions of today’s recipient will be of immense benefit to our overall development agenda, in particular, the successful implementation of this administration’s transformation efforts,” he said It is hoped that all subsequent national awards will continue to be

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya devoid of politics and other insignificant criteria and really go to deserving persons.

Breaking records in a row The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke may be seen as one of the most controversial and highly investigated ministers to occupy the seat, but she somehow has broken records in the petroleum industry and other areas. The first record she broke was be-

coming the first woman Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and later the first woman on the board of the company. She was named as the first woman Minister of Transport in July, 2007. As if that was not enough, she became the first female minister to occupy the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in April, 2010 with all her predecessors been male. Apart from been the first woman to head any country’s delegation to the annual Organisation of Petro-

leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) conference in October 2010, she got elected as the first female President of OPEC on November 27, 2014. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan last Wednesday congratulated her on the feat. Speaking with State House correspndents on the latest position, Diezani said: “First of all, it wouldn’t have happened if the President had not had the courage to appoint a woman into the portfolio of Ministry of Petroleum Resources, which meant that I now headed the country’s delegation to OPEC.” “I must say that that was daunting thing, it happened about three and half years ago, I went into a body which is completely male dominated and mostly Arab dominated as well. But I have found that they have come to respect me and respect Nigeria’s voice over the last three years in OPEC very highly,” she said Only time will tell what records she will break next. Will she aim to achieve this feat in Bayelsa State Government House or aim to be the first woman Nigerian president?

A perfect bilateral gift

E walked into an unlit hall simply dressed in a long sleeve shirt and a pair of brown chinos. Then, on came the lights and echoes of Happy Birthday greeted him on all sides. The party was soon to begin. Was Mr Giovanni De Berti embarrassed? No; only pleasantly surprised. It was the handiwork of his friend, Capt. Shehu Iyal, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation. Was it just another birthday bash? No, for De Berti is not just another guy. He is Italian-Nigerian, having just nationalised. So, what better way to show vintage friendship and hospitality than springing a wellpackaged surprise on a day Berti was a year older? But there seems to be more to it than that. Such a treat may send a nice message back to Italy that Berti is in good company in his new home. De Berti said he felt like a young lad celebrating his birthday for the first time. He was full of excitement. Friends, dignitaries and associates poured champagne and celebrated with him. Captain Iyal

By Olugbenga Adanikin

sat closely by his side as they enjoyed the ambience. In his short speech, he said, “I felt honoured. I am so happy. This is the first time in my life I am being celebrated this way. I am just happy.” He cut the cake and the party began. The guests danced to a series of soft music that suited the atmosphere. The flashlights of paparazzi cameras flooded the hall. Berti narrated how supportive his host has been during his three-year stay in the country. He stressed the bond between them. “The party, for me, was something incredible. My brother Shehu gave me an incredible surprise and I am grateful. I am very happy that my brother and I celebrated this birthday together and it was an honour for me.” He spoke about his experience in the country. “My life in Nigeria and Abuja has been very nice and I have spent almost three years in Nigeria. He is really a brother, a brother

•From left: Senior Special Adviser to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Iyal; Director, Dollas Shop, Mrs Florence Obaro and Italian-Nigerian, Giovanni De Berti at the event in the Villa. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

forever. In any part of the world, in any moment, he can count on me like the most important version of his life.

“He is a special person, a real friend with capital F. Nigeria is my home.” As the celebration ended, the

memory would linger in the mind of everyone who attended and made the night a memorable one for De Berti and his friend.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY Text of a paper presented by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) at a Lawyers in the Media (LIM) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) forum.

Media, law and good governance

NE other significant element of the press at that time is the establishment of printing as an industry, profession and trade. Naturally, this new techno-economic and professional activity became rooted in the South West of the country before other areas such as Onitsha. It should also be acknowledged that the target audience and market forces for the press together with journalism as a new profession propelled and fostered by western education became dominant in the South West7. During the colonial era, certain laws were incorporated and one of such was the Official Secrets Ordinance 8which was adopted from the Official Secrets Act of the United Kingdom. Also, the Seditious Offences Ordinance 1909 was a clear transplantation of an Indian legislation. However, in the post-independence era, media or press laws were enacted or promulgated by indigenous political authorities. While some were enacted by democratically elected officials representing the various constituencies of the electorates, some others were brought to life by successive military governments. One of the first press laws was the Newspapers Ordinance No.10 of 1903 which required prospective newspaper proprietors to make, sign and swear affidavits containing their addresses and that of printers and publishers before embarking on newspaper production. They were also required to execute a bond of 250 pounds with two sureties. This was as a result of the heightened tone of press criticisms which characterized political opposition of the last years of the nineteenth century, particularly the eve of the First World War. Broadcasting media started proper in Nigeria in 1936 when the first Radio Distribution Service (Re-diffusion) was established in Lagos and distributed the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC London) programmes. Then in May, 1960, the former Western region established its own radio station and on August 28, 1961 witnessed the passage of a bill which gave the Federal Government complete control of the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).The Federal Government Many decrees were promulgated by the Federal government including the one which forbade the Federal Government from establishing radio stations outside the four national stations and that the State owned radio stations’ transmitters should not exceed 10 kilowatts in capacity. This however was not the case as the rule was violated with many State radio stations acquiring powerful transmitters which could be picked beyond their territories; they also established more radio stations especially the FM stations. As the awareness for press freedom and mass communication began to gain momentum in the early 1990s, many private radio stations were established, including Ray

Power 100.5 FM which happened to be the first private radio station to go on air in 1993 and which blazed a trail that has since led to the establishment not less than 30 private radio stations across the country. Television broadcasting was also not left out. OnSaturday, October 31, 1951, the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was commissioned and began transmitting from the grounds of the parliamentary building with its slogan as first in Africa. In May 1977, when the Nigeria Television Authority was inaugurated and saddled with the sole responsibility of undertaking Television Broadcasting in Nigeria, individuals were not allowed to operate television stations as the government believed that it could be dangerous for individuals to run them.This was understandable given the far reaching capacity of television and the rather parochial, regional outlook of the average Nigerian at that time. In 1992 however, the government of General Ibrahim BadamosiBabangida bowed to the cries of proponents of private broadcasting in Nigeria, who had repeatedly clamoured for the chance for private broadcasting stations. They had argued that more jobs would be created, and that an additional source for the public to express themselves would have been created. More importantly, since the broadcasting stations were all government owned hence, the criticism of government was not allowed on the government owned stations. After all the agitations, General Babangida bowed to the public yearnings and when Decree 32 of 1992 was promulgated, it brought an end to about sixty years of government monopoly of broadcasting in Nigeriaand in 1994, Daar Communications and Silverbird Communications were issued licences.Notably, the Decree made it the prerogative of the President of the Federal Republic to sign such licenses. Today, we have privately owned Television stations, privately owned radio stations and of course, privately owned Newspaper companies. Even more interesting, is the fact that access to the internet has enabled individuals to set up private blogs where their views are expressed to the public. Social media has also played a major role in ‘shrinking’ the world. The phrase ‘the world has become a global village’ more than aptly describes the role played by the media in the course of our development as a country.Despite the success story recorded by the mass media in Nigeria over the years under consideration, the sector has not been so smooth without some hitches and setbacks, especially, the private media. These and others shall be critically looked at as we progress. 2. The Media and the military One cannot do justice to this paper, without mentioning some of the difficulties that

•Gadzama early media practitioners faced at the hands of theMilitary. Some Military Regimes and their treatment of the media shall be analysed (i)

The General Yakubu Gowon Regime General Yakubu Gowon promulgated the Emergency Decree of 1966which made arrest and detention of Citizens without warrant lawful. By virtue of this decree, offices or premises of Newspaper companies could be searched without warrant or notice. The administration also promulgatedanother the Newspaper Prohibition of Circulation Decree 1967 which empowered the Head of the Federal Military Government to restrict the circulation of any newspaper in Nigeria. Finally, the Regime promulgated the Trade Disputes (Emergency Provision) Amendment Decree No 53 of 1969 which made it an offence for any person to publish anything inprint or electronic media, which was likely to cause public alarm or industrial unrest. (ii)

The General Muritala Mohammed/ General Olusegun Obasanjo Regime

This administration further promulgated the Newspaper Public Official Report Decree which prohibited the publishing of any statement or report alluding to the corruption perpetrated by any public officer in Nigeria. Anyone who violated the provisions of this decree was guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a

term not exceeding 2 years without option of fine. (iii)

The General Muhammadu Buhari Regime The General Buhari led Military Government introduced a series of well-known Decrees. In 1984, Decree No 2 (Detention without trial) and No.4 of 1984 (Public Officers Protection against False Accusation)were introduced. Decree No. 2 enabled the government to detain without trial, those suspected of having committed offences. Decree No. 4 made it an offence for any form of Print or Electronic to publish or transmit any report or statement which was false. What would determine a ‘false’ report was anybody’s guess. The Decree also prohibited the circulation of any Newspaper that may be detrimental to the interest of the federation and empowered the Federal Military Government to revoke the license granted to such Wireless Telegraphy Stations under the provision of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1961. The Military Government also reserved under the Decree, the power to order the closure or forfeiture of such Newspaper. Two journalists, Mr. NdukaIrabor and Tunde Thompson of the Guardian Newspaper were jailed based on Decree No. 4and the paper was ordered to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) as fine. (iv) The General Ibrahim Babangida Regime The administration repealed Decree No 2 of 1984 and re-introduced another Decree titled the State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree 2 of 1984. •To be continued next week

Akanbi to chair book launch

•From left: Mr. Ayo Agbede, Chief Patrick Ojo, Doyin Oladesu and Chief Oso Oladesu after the call to bar of Mr Agbede and Miss Oladesu in Abuja.

BOOK, From The Valley to The Pinnacle, in honour of the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Ayinla Bamigbola, will be presented to the public on Thursday. Pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd), is expected to chair the occasion billed to hold at Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, opposite Government House, Ilorin. According to the book’s Editor, Yemi Adebisi, it focuses on judgment review of some cases while Part Four presents some cases from 10 legal sections, which are rich and follow the path of truth, devoid of legal technicalities. Expectedat the event are Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN); Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Yusuf Ali (SAN), Wale Olanipekun (SAN) and Otaru Itoyah (SAN), among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY The number of judges in Lagos State has risen to 54 with the swearing-in of four new ones.Though the state parades the highest number of judges in the country, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola is unhappy that only four out of seven scaled the hurdles of the National Judicial Council (NJC), reports ADEBISI ONANUGA.

No corrupt judge in Lagos, says Fashola W HEN Lagos State Gover nor, Babatunde Raji Fashola swore-in four new judges, he could not hide his anger that the National Judicial Commission (NJC) chose four of the seven recommended for the job. Their appointment has brought to 54 the number of High Court judges in the state - 39 women and 15 men. Governor Fashola wondered why the NJC did not approve the seven names submitted to it for consideration as judges. “We submitted seven names for consideration as judges and out of which only four were approved,” he said. He said states and not the Federal Government should determine the number of judges needed in their states, as the responsibility of providing the facilities needed by the judges lies with the state. The inauguration held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. The new judges include Justice Olamide Akinkugbe, who, until her appointment, was the Chief Registrar of the High Court. Others are Justice Serifat Sonaike, Justice Abisoye Bashua and Justice Abdulfattah Lawal. Fashola expressed conviction that there is no corrupt judge in the state judiciary. He added that in the last 16 years, ‘’issues of corruption in the Lagos judiciary are no longer there’’. The governor challenged the new judges to take the lead in promoting law and order to build a better judiciary not just in the state, but in the country. ”You have chosen a very sensitive role to perform and hence the responsibility of performing this role without been biased lies on you,” he said. He admonished the judges to be incorruptible and courageous, urging them not to be biased and to, at all times, ensure that they balance their social and personal lives with their official duties. ”We expect superhuman conduct from you judges. You must be above suspicion and should not be biased. Judges should be incorruptible and courageous,” he said, adding: “You need to be knowledgeable and be familiar with business development all over the world in order to ensure justice.” He said the state has provided enabling environment and infrastructure for judges to perform and that this, according to him, include regular power supply to all the courts; a combined High and Magistrate Courts at Ikorodu; the new courts at Epe and Badagry and a new Magistrate Court at Ikeja, among others. The state Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, said the ceremony was the climax of an appointment process which, according to her, the judges were found to be qualified. She emphasised that their appointments were on merit, urging them to be disciplined, fo-

cused, incorruptible, diligent and committed to their duties. She urged them to live up to their callings by being faithful and truthful to inspire hope and confidence in the judiciary. Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, described the judiciary as an indispensable arm of the government without which the society becomes ungovernable. He said the vacancies in the state judiciary had necessitated the search and intensive screening of qualified candidates to fill the positions, adding that it culminated into the recommendation of the best to the NJC which screened and recommended four of them to the governor for appointment. The Commissioner noted that such appointments were awaited with eager expectation by both the legal professionals and the public because of the title and distinction attached to the office, and more importantly, the role judges play in the society. “In accordance with powers conferred by the Constitution, a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State shall have in court the unlimited jurisdiction prescribed in Section 272 of the Constitution to hear and determine both civil proceedings and any matter of liability in respect of an offence committed by a person,” Ipaye said. He added that judges’ judicial powers are very wide and they extend to all matters between persons, or between governments or between the authority and any person in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto. “Judicial powers also reach further to criminal jurisdiction and the imposition of appropriate penalties, extending notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Constitution, to all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of Law,” Ipaye said. The Attorney-General while presenting the new judges to the governor confirmed that conditions precedent to the ceremony were fulfilled. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Akinkugbe said they accepted the appointment with the full realisation of the responsibility imposed on them. She assured that they would not fail in their duties to the state and the judiciary. While thanking Governor Fashola, the Chief Judge and the judiciary for having faith and confidence in them, she promised that they would all serve with dignity. Justice Akinkugbe, 52, is a 1983 History graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Warwick, Coventry, England, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Law in 1986. She was in private practice between 1988 and 1993 before joining Olumide Sofowora’s Chambers and worked with the law firm till 1995. In same year, she joined the Lagos State Judiciary as Mag-

•From left: CJ, Justice Atilade (middle) with the new judges. From left: Justice Lawal, Justice Akinkugbe, Justice Sonaike and Justice Bashua.

•From left: Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan, Justice Yetunde Idowu and Justice Taofikat Oyekan-Abdullai

•Governor Fashola and Ipaye

istrate Grade 2 and later rose through the ranks before her appointment as the Chief Registrar last year. She was Chief Magistrate in-charge of administration in Yaba, Ikorodu and Igbosere Magisterial Districts and Coroner for the Lagos Island Coronial District. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom (UK). Justice Sonaike is a 1992 LL.B. graduate of Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye and a 2006 Masters in Law holder of the Lagos State University (LASU). She started her legal practice as a Youth Corps member with the Borno State Ministry of Justice, Maiduguri, before her redeployment to Oyo State Ministry of Justice, Ibadan as a Pupil State Counsel. On completion of her Youth Service, she joined Olakunle

Morohundiya Chambers and Chief Kunle Oyewo before moving to the magistracy in 1999. Justice Sonaike rose through the ranks to become Chief Magistrate, a position she held until her appointment as a judge. She was the Coroner Magistrate for Epe Magisterial District, member, Certified Institute of Shipping and the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association. Justice Bashua, son of Alhaji Mikhail Bashua (SAN), obtained an LL.B. from the Lagos State University (LASU) in 1998. He had earlier obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from same university in 1985. He was called to bar in 2000 and started his legal career the same year. He was in his father’s Chambers until his new appointment. Justice Lawal graduated, topping his class as the “Best Student” of

the Faculty of Law, in 1995 from the University of Maiduguri. He had his Youth Service at the Nigerian Law Publications Ltd, the law reports company of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). He was later moved to the Chambers. Justice Lawal worked with the firm of Dr. G. Elias (SAN) between 2001 and 2003 when he joined the law firm of Aare Afe Babalola in 2006. He later became a partner and the Deputy Head of the Lagos Office of the Chamber in 2009. Justice Lawal was the Secretary, Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, from 2010 to date, member, Professional Ethics Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) as well as Ethics Committee of the San Fernando Valley Bar of the State of Carlifornia, United States (US).

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Govt, CJN urged to increase access to justice for disabled

HE Federal Government and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) have been urged to strengthen the capacity of courts and their personnel to make justice accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This is contained in a report presented in Lagos by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities in collaboration with Justice for All, Department of International Development (DfID) of the British High Commission. The report titled: “Enhancing Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities in Lagos”, noted that PWDS encounter various challenges in trying to use the courts in their quest for justiceý. The 25-page report was the outcome of a survey in three local government areas of the state. “PWDs have major challenges to the use of the court to get justice, cost of litigation, absence of infrastructural provisions such as

By Adebisi Onanuga

access ramps, Braille instructions and court officials with training in the use of sign language,” the report stated. The study documented the discriminatory attitude of court officials to PWDS leading to limitations to access to justice. “The PWDS often experience discriminatory attitude from the police. The general perception that police officers and men are corrupt and not trustworthy, stand as major hindrance. “PWD, who seek justice through the police as an institution, are often faced with the challenge of infrastructural discrimination”. The report further noted that police posts visited in the course of study had “no access ramps for persons using wheel chair, no instructions in Braille and the officers could not use sign language”. These constitute major chal-

lenges, among others, which PWDS encounter in their bid to access justice in the state. They, therefore, recommended that the government should sensitise the police to strengthen their capacity to make justice accessible to PWD through provision of access ramps, training of officers on disability right and the use of sign language for effective communication with the deaf. “Training of court officials in the use of sign language, greater awareness should be created among PWD on disability rights and the multi-door courts (Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in Lagos State). This is to ensure that PWDS choose the low cost, but highly effective path to justice. “Police officers and court officials should be re-orientated on the rights of PWDS and the ills of discrimination against PWDS,” the report said.

•From left: Mr Hafeez Adeniyi Apena; Mr Oluwaseun Ajaja (middle) and Mr. Animasahun Sijuade Thakib at their call to Bar in Abuja.

Experts assess Lagos Private and Property law

RIVATE and Property Law experts have converged on Lagos to deliberate on the Mortgage and Property Law of Lagos State 2010 to improve government policies on housing for the citizens. They include creditors, investors, estate developers, mortgage institutions and captains of industries, bankers, intellectuals, the public. At a two-day workshop organised by Department of Private and Property Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the stakeholders also analysed the Lagos Conveyance Law of 1881 to determine whether issues of “unquestionable bargains” were addressed by the Mortgage and Property Law of Lagos State 2010. A former Dean, Faculty of Law UNILAG, Prof Oluwole Smith (SAN), said while the Mortgage and Property Law 2010 had made it easier for a mortgagor to transact business without paying heavy charges, the Conveyance Law of 1881, on the other hand, allows properties and mortgage agreement to be done in the ways the parties deemed fit. He said what obtained before now was that bankers and mortgage institutions had a standard

By Sampson Unamka

form contract agreements which mortgagors were expected to sign. Smith said mortgage institutions can no longer treat mortgagors with levity, because of the establishment of mortgage board which now regulates the affairs of the parties adding, “ there is a mortgage board which will formulate and implement policies on behalf of government. The mortgage board would also guide government on the implementation of relevant mortgage laws.’’’ Prior to the enactment of the law, the don pointed out that there have been cases of imbalance in the contextual relations of the parties in mortgaging activities to the extent that the circumstances of weaker parties, illiterates and unwary are not taking care of saying that they had “situations of unquestionable bargains in mortgage transactions” so much so that at the end of the day, it became imperative for legislature to intervene. He said the features of the state’s mortgage law have been fine tuned to meet the demands of modern time adding that one of the them has to do “with the ability of the mortgagor to be able to finance mortgage agreement”.

He said the law also empowered the mortgage board to negotiate the cost of mortgages and obtain rebate for those who cannot afford to pay the actual mortgage rate. Smith said the department, known for taking the lead in the assessment and analysis of laws relating to private and property law in the country, had organised various workshops on the Land Use Act. “So, we take it upon ourselves as a department, that this obligation to examine property law legislation, give it interpretation, and enlighten stake holders about its provisions as well as the state ofits implementation. So that has always been the objective and it is the same objective that prompted this workshop,” he said. Head of department, Dr Babtunde Oni, said aside teaching property laws, the department was concerned about issues emanating from property and mortgage issues . “Aside from teaching as a department, we look at those laws to determine what are the challenges and benefit we derive from that a particular law and proffer solutions as applicable,” he said.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Tortious liability for Boko Haram mayhem

HE audacity of a N100m claim as damages, brought by the alleged mastermind of the Nyanya, Abuja, bomb blast, and a Boko Haram kingpin, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, seemingly justify the common saying that the law is an ass. But considering that the matter is subjudice, I temper my comments. On the other hand, the audacious reign of impunity by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, who intermittently rides into Maiduguri with a battalion of soldiers, despite his alleged culpability in the early formation of the Boko Haram insurgency, somewhat thumbs down the claim that we run a country based on the rule of law. Notably, it is the tragic failure of the Nigerian state to diligently prosecute Ogwuche that gave rise to his claims for damages against the state. Also, it is the laxity of the state that allows Sheriff to enjoy the unparalleled security privileges that is unavailable to those that suffer from the Boko Haram mayhem. In the contest of the state abandoning her responsibilities to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, are there rights that those affected by the actions and inactions of the suspected members and financiers of the Boko Haram mayhem, can pursue? The best bet could be an action in tort. The law of tort enables a plaintiff to seek compensation or other remedy for an injury or other wrong. So, the founders and members of Boko Haram would bear tortious liability, for the sacks of body bags, bodily injuries, appropriation or malicious destruction of properties, and other wrongs by Boko Haram elements in the north. According to Prof P. H. Winfield, (quoted by learned author, Ese Malami, in his boook, Law of Tort, 2 nd ed), tortious liability can be defined as “The breach of a duty primarily fixed by law, this duty is towards persons generally and its breach is redressible by an action for unliquidated damages”. One such duty, fixed by case law, is the duty of care, expounded by Lord James Atkin in Donoghue v Stevenson (1932) All ER 1 (quoted in Malami’s Law of Tort) ‘that a person whose action is likely to cause harm, should be careful and conduct himself in such a way to avoid harm to anyone’. The import is that when a duty is owed, a negligent conduct will give rise to liability to damages. According to Lord Atkin: “The rule that you are to love your neighbour become in law, you must not injure your neighbour…. Who, then in law is my neighbour? The answer seems to be persons who are so closely and directly affected by my acts that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected, when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called in questions.” I believe that members and sponsors of Boko Hara owe people living within the vicinity of their operational areas the duty of care, and have been negligent in their conduct, thereby resulting in deaths, bodily injuries and loss of property. According to Akpata JSC in Odinaka v Moghalu (1992) 4 NWLR pt 233, p. 1 at 15 SC (quoted by learned author Malami) “Negligence is the omission … to do something which a reasonable man, under similar circumstances would do or, the doing of something which a reasonable and prudent man would not do”. I am of the view, that forming a militia for whatever reason, and training and arming them, if proved, would constitute negligent acts that is responsible for the mayhem. The general rule of law that a person intends the consequences of his action is applicable to a tortfeasor. And so those who founded the organisation that have allegedly metamorphosed into the intractable enemies of the people of Nigeria and those who may have supported it, in one form or another, could be held accoutable as torfeasors. For those who may claim to have founded what they would rather call a political pressure group, instead of armed insurgents waging war to overthrow our country’s democratic order, they would be accosted with the fact that as a general rule, motive is not relevant in determining liability in tort. Considering the enormity of damages caused individuals directly by the mayhem, the claim for damages would probably run into trillions of naira, if it can be sustained in a court. It is noteworthy that in determining damages, the rule as established in Wagon Mound’s case (1967) 1 AC 617 PC (quoted in Malami’s Law of Tort) ‘makes a tortfeasor liable only for the reasonably foreseeable consequences of his tort’. As stated by Malami, the House of Lords in Hughes v Lord Advocate, while confirming the test of reasonable foreseeability, added that ‘once the consequence of a conduct is foreseeable, the precise chain, sequence of events, or circumstances leading to the said forseeable consequence need not be foreseeable or envisaged, so long as: the damages or consequences of the tort are within the sphere of reasonable foreeability or contemplation; and the damages or consequences is not entirely of a different kind which no one can reasonably foresee or contemplate’. Considering that the heads of tortious acts continue to expand, as relationship in modern society also expands, it may be necessary for civil society groups, on behalf of those directly affected by the insurgency, to test in court whether those who have contributed to the tragedy unfolding in the northern part of Nigeria, can be held accountable in tort, even as their criminal responsibilitties is pursued by the state. It is however important to note that since the Boko Haram insurgency is criminal in nature, the proof of culpability against the tortfeasors will be beyound resonable doubt, as in criminal offences.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

LAW REPORT

Impeachment notice signed in a ‘guest house’ is invalid IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY THE 21ST DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS WALTER SAMUEL NKANU ONNOGHEN, J.S.C. SULEIMAN GALADIMA, J.S.C. BODE RHODES-VIVOUR, J.S.C. NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, J.S.C. KUMAI BAYANG AKA’AHS, J.S.C. KUDIRAT M.O. KEKERE-EKUN, J.S.C. JOHN INYANG OKORO, J.S.C. SC.418/2013 (2014) LPELR-24021(SC) BETWEEN ALHAJI SANI ABUBAKAR DANLADI …..………..…………….………..….… APPELLANT AND TARABA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY & ORS ……….………….... RESPONDENTS LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, J.S.C.

HIS appeal emanated from the proceed ings of a panel set up by the Acting Chief Judge of Taraba State at the instance of the Taraba State House of Assembly (1st Respondent) to investigate allegation of gross misconduct against Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi (Appellant). Based on the report of the panel, the 1st Respondent removed the Appellant from office as the Deputy Governor of Taraba State. The Appellant challenged his impeachment and removal from office in the High Court of Taraba State. The trial Court ruled against him. Dissatisfied the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal which dismissed the appeal. The Appellant then further appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court by a majority view of 6:1 sequel to the fact that the proceedings and report of the 7 Member Panel were set aside by the Supreme Court judgment in the sister appeal SC.416/2013 which held that the removal of the Appellant was null and void and of no legal effect, held that there is no live issue left to be considered in this appeal as the issues in this appeal has been overtaken by that judgment. Majority of the Court were of the view that the issues raised in the instant appeal have become academic. Consequently, the appeal was struck out. However, Bode Rhodes-Vivour, J.S.C. holding a dissenting view stated that there is a live issue to be considered in this appeal. He noted that both appeals are on the impeachment of the Appellant -The Deputy Governor of Taraba State and the issue of this appeal is: Whether there was compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution in the procedure adopted by members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to impeach the appellant. Quoting Section 188 of the Constitution, his Lordship stated that for an impeachment to be Constitutional there must be strict compliance with the provision of the Section. He stated that an examination of Section 188 of the Constitution reveals that several steps must be taken before an impeachment can be said to have been done in accordance with the Constitution. He further stated that there is no doubt that step 1 in the impeachment process is that not less than 1/3 members of the House of Assembly shall prepare in writing and sign a notice containing the allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor (i.e. the Appellant).

In the affidavit in support of the Appellants originating summons he deposed as follows: “8. That on 3rd September, 2012, the meeting for the initiation of impeachment proceedings resulting to the signing by 19 members of the 1st Defendant was held at the Guest House of the Majority Leader, Taraba State House of Assembly (Hon. Charles Maijankai) at Technobat Quarters, Mile 6, Jalingo, Taraba State. 9. That on the 3rd day of September, 2011, some members of the 1st Defendant presented a notice to the 2nd Defendant (Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly) alleging acts of gross misconduct against me pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution . . . and both the meeting and the signing of the Notice of allegation was done at the Guest House of the Majority Leader, Taraba State House of Assembly (Hon.Charles Maijankai) at Technobat Quarters, Mile 6, Jalingo Taraba State.” His Lordship noted that in the several counter-affidavits filed by the Respondents the above was not denied, also the Majority Leader of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Maijankai did not file a counter-affidavit to deny paragraphs 8 and 9 of the affidavit in support of the Originating Summons. Stating the position of the law on this, his Lordship held that where facts deposed to in an affidavit on a crucial and material issue are not controverted or denied in a counter-affidavit such facts must be taken as true except they are moonshine. See Alagbe v. Abimbola (1978) 2 SC p. 39; (1978) LPELR-402(SC). His Lordship stated that it is established beyond all doubt that about 19 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly met and sat in a Guest House situate at Technobat Quarters, Mile 6, Jalingo, Taraba State on the 3rd of September 2013. In that Guest House they prepared and signed a notice containing, serious allegations of misconduct against the Appellant. The question was asked if the 1st step in impeachment proceedings is a legislative act. A legislative act was defined as an act within the exclusive jurisdiction of the legislature. His Lordship held that the 1st step in impeachment proceedings, i.e. the preparation of the Notice is a legislative act. Reviewing what the High Court and Court of Appeal said, his Lordship noted that both

Suit on UPN, SDP today

USTICE Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High court, Abuja will today commence hearing in a suit filed an activist, Mr. Ri chard Akinnola, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the registration of two alleged prohibited political parties-Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) to participate in next year’s general elections. He is asking the court to nullify the purported registration granted the two parties for having been proscribed and dissolved by existing laws. Joined as co-defendants in the suit are the UPN and SDP. In the originating summon filed by Mr. James Ode Abah of Bamidele Aturu Chambers, the plaintiff claimed that UPN and SDP can no longer be registered as new political parties having been outlawed out of existence by the Political Parties Dissolution Decrees of 1984 and 1993. The pro-democracy activist, therefore, is asking the court to determine whether INEC has power to resuscitate prohibited and dis-

By Adebisi Onanuga

solved political parties without first repealing the laws that proscribed them. Akinnola also wants the court to determine whether political parties dissolved or prohibited by an existing law from acting as political parties can function or act as parties without the repeal of the law that proscribed them. The plaintiff in the suit is further claiming a declarations that, having been duly dissolved by virtue of existing laws of 1984 and 1993, the UPN and SDP, are no longer political parties in the country and cannot function as such. The plaintiff also applied for a court declaration that INEC, as the first defendant in the action, cannot validly or lawfully register the two parties in the face of the laws that legally dissolved them. He therefore sought for the court order compelling INEC to de-register the two parties and its agents, officers, servants and privies by whomsoever from recognising or treating UPN and SDP as political parties in the country.

courts below were of the view that it is immaterial where members of the State House of Assembly met to prepare the notice which contained allegations of misconduct against the Appellant (Deputy Governor of Taraba State). He also noted that at the conference of the Supreme Court the majo rity view supportted the above. His Lordship stated the view of the majority that members of the House of Assembly can meet anywhere outside the House of Assembly to prepare a notice alleging misconduct against the Deputy Governor. He held that to his mind this reasoning was wrong stating that a similar procedure occurred in Inakoju v. Adeleke 2007 4 NWLR pt. 1025 p. 579; (2007) LPELR-1510(SC), where in that case Tobi JSC referred to Akintola v. Aderemi 1962 ALL NLR where legislative acts conducted outside the legislative House was condemned. His Lordship Bode Rhodes-Vivour, J.S.C. in determining the issue in this appeal held: “Impeachment proceedings provided by Section 188 of the Constitution is a purely legislative Constitutional affair and in exercising their powers good faith must always be at the forefront of their considerations. It would amount to bad faith where members of the House sit outside the House or at strange hours to conduct impeachment proceedings. Changing the rules before the commencement of impeachment proceedings would also amount to bad faith. It is clear that the conclusion is inescapable that the framers of the Constitution wanted the House of Assembly to be responsible at every level (or step) for the ultimate fate of the Deputy Governor facing impeachment. All steps must be taken in the House and not from some seedy Guest House however well meaning. Law and convention cannot be replaced by the whim and fancies of party members, or party political agendas outside the House. Legislative business especially for impeachment of a high official is a very serious matter that demands the highest standards from

honourable members. Their legislative acts should be seen at all times as in the best interest of the country and not to settle political scores. Conducting legislative acts in a Guest House becomes laughable in the eyes of the public. I must say that the commencement of impeachment proceedings from a Guest House is a clear move by the legislators to achieve set goals by subterranean procedure. It is wrong. The whole world saw on television the impeachment proceedings of one time President of the U.S.A Bill Clinton, by the House of Representatives. It was not a hidden affair. The venue was the House of Representatives and every step in the impeachment proceedings was taken/done in the House of Representatives and not in a Hotel. It is unconstitutional, null and void for the members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to deliberate, and then prepare a notice alleging misconduct against the appellant in a Guest House. The notice of allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor (the Appellant) must be prepared, signed in the House of Assembly within congressional hours and not outside the House of Assembly or in a Guest House. The meeting, by about nineteen members of the Taraba State House of Assembly in the majority leader’s guest house to prepare and sign a notice of allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Governor was wrong, and unconstitutional. This grave error settles both appeals as this is the first step to be taken in impeachment proceedings. The Legislators were wrong to have met, sat in a Guest House.” In the final analysis, his Lordship held that it is clear that there is a very live issue in this appeal which was not dealt with in SC.416/ 2013. He allowed the appeal and held that the Appellant remains the Deputy Governor of Taraba State. •Edited by: LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR-24021(SC)

‘Difficult legal jargons out of fashion’

HE use of complicated legal jargons in agreements and other documents which the layman cannot understand has become out of fashion, a lawyer, Mr Chinua Asuzu, has said. According to him, modern legal writing, even for law making, should be in simple, everyday English. Asuzu, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Write House, said bank accounts, insurance policies and documents for registration of firm should be simplified. Speaking at the end of a three-day legalwriting workshop for lawyers and judges in Lagos, Asuzu said the training curriculum in the universities should be reviewed to provide for simple English in legal writing. “The use of plain English has practical importance for a society like Nigeria. National Assembly laws are not made for lawyers alone but for all Nigerians so a high school graduate should ordinarily understand the language in which it is written.

By Joseph Jibueze

“Something like a court judgement, the resolution of a dispute should also be written in plain English and devoid of legalese and verbose words that will confuse the readers,” he said. Such simple communication, Asuzu believes, will greatly enhance democracy, transparency and access to information, adding that it is not only lawyers who sign documents. “It is unfair to for the law to say that a legal document should only be signed by lawyers because a person should be able to understand what the document entails and does not necessary have to hire a Lawyer.” A participant at the workshop, Benedict Oragbemeh, said the Write House training is revolutionising the way lawyers, judges, professionals, and others write through its ‘Plain-English movement.’

Correction The name of Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court was ommitted in the Law Report entitled: An impeachment without fair hearing is invalid in law, published last Tuesday. The error is regretted. Editor. •Oyo State Chief Judge M.L. Abimbola (left) presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. B. Ajibade for Chief S.P.A. Ajibade

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) imported into the country in July showed the high risk health workers are exposed to. The index case, the late American-Liberian Patrick Sawyer, infected several health workers, including the late Dr Stella Adadevoh. How can health workers tackle infections? This was the thrust of a two-day training in Lagos. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

Protecting health workers from infections

ROF Agbaje Onini (not real names), a Consultant Paediatrician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, with over 20 years experience, had a close shave with HIV when a two-year old child living with the virus was brought for treatment. There was the need to take some blood samples for analysis and the determination of the viral load. The resident doctor and the nurses had a huge task of obtaining the sample because the child was throwing tantrums. At a point, the needle was inserted into the arm of the child, but the vein was missed. The needle with some blood was withdrawn. Prof Onini, drawing from his experience, then offered to calm the child, to facilitate the drawing of the blood sample. He succeeded. He held her arm, asked the mother to hold her well and beckoned on the resident doctor to take the sample. As the doctor was about inserting the needle, after ascertaining the point of the vein, the child, obviously scared of the needle, jerked its arm twisted her body, and the blood stained needle went into the professor’s arm. He immediately washed his hands and other skin surfaces, and observed other Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which involved taking anti-HIV medications. A few weeks later, he went for screening and, luckily, he tested negative to HIV. A Professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said that was a close shave. “For the consultant paediatrician should have asked the blood stained needle to be discarded, in a provided box, not minding the cost of purchase and go for a new one. And in spite of his wealth of experience and exposure, he skipped some global best practices,” said Prof Ogunsola. Mrs Ogunsola, the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), said occupational transmission of infections to health care workers is common because fewer people observe infection control guidelines in their workplaces. Speaking as a resource person at the two-day workshop for healthcare practitioners drawn from across the country, on global best practices, Mrs Ogunsola told the participants: “As a health care worker, you may be exposed to many sources of infection. Infections may be transmitted by blood, body fluids, air, respiratory secretions or by direct contact with other infectious materials. You can protect yourself from infection by following the infection control guidelines in your workplace, by using personal protective equipment (such as gloves and masks) and by treating all blood and body fluids as though they are infectious.” According to her, diligence in the following areas is needed to help reduce the risk of occupational transmission of infections to health care workers. She said: “Administrative efforts are needed. Here in Nigeria, some infection control guidelines are not put in place in some workplaces.

•Prof Ogunsola

And sometimes, when these provisions are made, they got stolen or vandalised out of ignorance or sheer carelessness. Hence, all health care organisations should train health care workers in infection control procedures and the importance of reporting occupational exposures. Organisations should develop and distribute written policies for the management of occupational exposures. “Development and promotion of safety devices should be prioritised. Effective and competitively priced devices, engineered to prevent sharps injuries should continue to be developed for health care workers who frequently come into contact with, for example potentially HIVinfected blood. Proper and consistent use of such safety devices should be continuously evaluated. “Monitoring the effects of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is important. Data on the safety and acceptability of different regimens of PEP, particularly regimens that include new antiretroviral agents, should be monitored and evaluated continuously. Furthermore, health professionals who administer PEP should communicate possible side effects

ATHCARE Laboratories, an indigenous laboratory operating with international standards, has got ‘The Best Enterprise Achievement’ at ‘The Europe Business Assembly (EBA), in Oxford, United Kingdom. This is coming as the company marks 10th anniversry. EBA’s the Director-General, John Netting said the ‘Best Enterprise Award’ was established to present the best regional companies to the European society. He added that the award selection was based on recommendations of the EBA partners, which

ESIDENTS of the FCT Abuja and environs stand to benefit from the free consultation and downward review of the cost of all medical investigations, drugs and surgical procedures, at Primus International Super Speciality Hospital, Karu, Abuja. In partnership with Abuja Municipal Area Council, the hospital is conducting the free health camp, to enable residents enjoy services of its

before treatment starts and should follow patients closely to make sure they take their medicine correctly. Though these recommendations focus on the hospital setting, the recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental infection control measures are applicable to any healthcare setting.” The convener, Dr Efunbo Dosekun, president of Anu Dosekun Healthcare Foundation, spoke on part of the reasons for the event, with the theme: ‘Introductory workshop on infection prevention and control’ said: “Though these recommendations by Prof Ogunsola focus on the hospital setting, the recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental infection control measures are applicable to any healthcare setting. Dr Dosekun said: “Healthcare personnel (HCP) refers to all persons, paid and unpaid, working in healthcare settings who have the potential for exposure to patients and/or to infectious materials, including body substances, contaminated medical supplies and equipment, contaminated

environmental surfaces, or aerosols generated during certain medical procedures. HCP include, but are not limited to, physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, technicians, emergency medical service personnel, dental personnel, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, autopsy personnel, students and trainees, contractual personnel, home healthcare personnel, and persons not directly involved in patient care (e.g., clerical, dietary, house-keeping, laundry, security, maintenance, billing, chaplains, and volunteers) but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted to and from HCP and patients. “Simple life-saving techniques of hand washing, cleaning with bleach or disinfectants are fast fading away. That is why, more HCPs are contracting infection. It is amazing how people don’t protect themselves again from airborne and aerosol diseases. As a health care worker, you may be exposed to many different sources of infection. Infections may be transmitted by blood, body fluids, air, respiratory secretions or by direct contact with other infectious

•Dr Dosekun at the event.

materials. You can protect yourself from infection by following the infection control guidelines in your workplace, by using personal protective equipment (such as gloves and masks) and by treating all blood and body fluids as though they are infectious. This workshop discusses some of the infections that may be transmitted at workplaces and ways HCP can avoid getting them. And what to do when exposed.” She said the basics are: “Consider every patient to be infected and avoid contact with his or her blood or body fluids. Avoid risky behavior when using needles and other sharp instruments (including scissors, scalpels, blades and knives). For example, do not attempt to recap needles. Carefully dispose of sharp instruments in appropriate contain, (including gloves and face shields), to avoid getting blood on your skin or in your eyes when you are performing procedures that may cause splashes or spills. And be certain you are immunised against hepatitis B. Get tetanus vaccine as well. This vaccine should be offered to you in your workplace.”

PHOTOS: OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

Pathcare bags award as it turns 10 Stories by Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

includes the European Market Research Centre (Belgium), BadenVurtennberg Academy (Germany), the Institute of Quality Standards (Switzerland) and the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Moscow Russia) . The process also included data collection from national and international ratings and is supported by Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Bose Oladehin, who received the award on behalf of PathCare said: “We are elated at this recognition, which could not have come at a better time than now because it coincides with PathCare’s 10th anniversary. We are honoured to work in Nigeria and being recognised on a global stage. We are challenged at this time to increase our level of commitment to the healthcare system in Nigeria. We want to thank all who nominated us and show our sincere grati-

tude to the Europe Business Assembly for honoring PathCare Laboratories with this prestigious award.” PathCare Laboratory has the distinction of being the first laboratory in West Africa to attain International Accreditation (ISO 15189). Well known for delivery of accurate and reliable services, PathCare currently offers the widest range of pathology tests, many of which were previously not available in the country.

Free medical consultation at Primus Hospital state-of-the art equipment. In a statement, the Hospital's Public Relations Officer, Umar Alti Jibia, said the yuletide bonanza which commences December 1stthrough 13th, 2014, is part of the hospital's Corporate Social Responsibility. During the period, patients will enjoy free consultation for knee/

hip/joint pain, spine and back pain. Others include internal medicine, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV screening, cardiology checks, renal dialysis, ENT and eye checks, haemorroids and fistula , dental, artificial limb, hearing aid, etc. In the past, free health camps have held at Wuse, Garki, Deidei and

Gudu markets in conjunction with the Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCTA. In 2012, over 7000 flood victims benefited from free consultations, services and drugs. To date, an estimated 25,000 residents have benefited from the free consultation camps.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

SHOWBIZ

How Tayo, others lost Big Brother show

LOSE to winning the USD300, 000 prize in the just-concluded Big Brother Hotshots, Nigerian contestant, Tayo Faniran, lost in the final rounds, Sunday, to Tanzanian housemate, Idris. The game, being a winner-takesall format, left the Top 8 finalists with a gold chain each, while the earlier evicted housemates got nothing. 26 contestants had entered the house on October 5, including a female Nigerian housemate, Lillian Afegbai, who was evicted from the show in the third week. Idris saw off the challenge of 25 other housemates through nine weeks of extravaganzas, weekly tasks, ‘freeze’ challenges and even an epic prank in true Big Brother style. As the runner-up, Tayo scored two country votes, same as South Africa’s Nhlanhla and Zambia’s Macky2, but the tie breaker rule worked in favour of the Nigerian housemate, having garnered the highest in terms of aggregate. But with an overwhelming five country votes, Idris became the clear winner. This came as a surprise to many, because in the previous week’s eviction involving Tayo and Idris, the Nigerian housemate won by four country votes to three. In the final analysis, Idris received votes from Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, while Tayo received votes from Nigeria and Mozambique.

By Victor Akande

Others are Macky2 (Zambia and Rest of Africa), Nhlanhla (South Africa and Botswana), JJ (Zimbabwe), Sipe (Malawi), Ma’m Bea (Ghana) and Butterphly (0 country votes). Over the course of the show, IK started off by evicting Butterphly, M’am Bea, JJ, Sipe, Nhlanhla and Macky2 from the house in pairs. Idris could hardly contain his excitement as he fell to his knees, kissing the ground. It was a dream comes true for the suave 21-yearold. After picking himself up from the floor, he said: “Big love to everyone in Africa, I have so much love out there, I’m going to give back every single day.” Mr. Lover Man, as IK fondly refers to Idris, and Tayo had spent their final moments in the house watching their highlights and being treated to a special shared congratulatory diary session with Big Brother. The two walked out of the house like true winners as confetti and fireworks lined the walkway leading to their white limousine. As they emerged from the limo, they were inundated by fans who gave them a well-deserved heroes’ welcome before entering the packed Big Brother live show. The show kicked off with a showstopping performance from 17 evicted housemates, who got the chance to remind the continent of their Hotshots credentials. The glam-

• Idris being congratulated by other housemates

orous finale was a star-studded affair, also featuring performances by the One Campaign Artists, Nigerian star M.I. and South Africa’s Unathi Msengana. Even the Top 8 housemates got in on the action, with a performance of their own to sum up their time in the house. IK took viewers back through all 63 days of Big Brother Hotshots, with reminders of the Hotshots’ stellar performances during the extravaganza tasks, the tender moments – and the explosive ones – they all shared, and all the fun they had learning about each other’s cultures, countries and personalities.

Expressing her delight with the way the show played out, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, M-Net’s Regional Director for West Africa said, “The behind-the-scenes team overcame some astounding obstacles to get this season of Big Brother Africa onair – and they delivered a show that was bigger, better, more dramatic and more entertaining than ever before. Congratulations to Idris on being named the winner of Big Brother Hotshots – and thank you to the rest of the housemates for providing the entire continent with 63 days of phenomenal entertainment.”

Top shots storm premiere of Husband Shopping

T was a gathering of the finest of Nigerian socialites, movie and music stars, as well the politicians on Sunday, November 30, as they stormed the prestigious Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Lekki, for the private launch of Mary Uranta’s new movie Husband

By Mercy Michael

Shopping. The gaily dressed stars had no dull moment as the anchor of the day, Elenu, thrilled them with ribcracking jokes, while live music was being played by Hestarose

Band, as guests settled in for the launch. The movie stars Mary Uranta herself, who played a fun loving girl that never had any intention of getting married until her aunt came calling. Forced by pressure from her

• Mary Uranta with guests at the premiere

aunt, she goes husband-shopping until she meets a shop lifter, played by Majid Michael, whom she hires as a pseudo husband in order to satisfy her aunt. However, the story takes a different twist when her aunt serves the two an aphrodisiac as tea one faithful evening. Shot on location in Ghana and directed by ace Ghanaian director, Pascal Amanfo, the movie also features veteran Ghanaian actress, Kalsoume Sinare and Majid Michel among others. The well-attended event saw Nigeria’s most photographed woman, Grace Egbagbe; fashion guru, Data Okorodudu and highflying event planner, Ndidi Obiora in attendance. Others are DJ Jimmy Jatt, Frank Raja, Halima Abubakar, Fred Amata, Yvonne Jegede, Mercy Aigbe, Ebube Nwagbu, Adaora Okoh and ex-soccer star and prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba. At the end of the screening, the Rivers State-born actress thanked all the dignitaries who made out time to attend the event, promising to keep churning out quality movies to keep family, friends and fans entertained.

Also speaking, Sivan Pillay, Managing Director of Endemol South Africa said: “We are very proud to have produced another great season of Big Brother Africa. Despite the devastating setback of the fire, it has been a monumental achievement to entertain the continent with our broadcast partner MultiChoice”. It will be recalled that the show, which usually spans 93 days, only ran for 63 days in the last edition. This was owing to the traditional date which coincided with the last World Cup and inferno that gutted the old venue.

Q.dot features Olamide in new video By Mercy Michael

OT many knew Afrocentric act, Qudus Fakoya Oluwadamilola before he dropped Alomo Meta, the smash hit single which took over the air waves. With the success of that single, Q.dot, as he is fondly said he is stuck with his style of music. The artiste who opened up on why he does not sing Hip-hop, said in a recent chat said: “Though, Hip-hop is very popular among youths of today, I deliberately stayed away from it because I have a different vision, mission and ideology to take music industry to the next level with my Afrocentric cultural music.” The singer of popular tunes such as Iso Oru, Oriji, Believe, Ole featuring Seriki and Ibadan featuring Olamide among others, is presently working on his video with Olamide. Q.dot who said he grew up with his grandmother, claimed he lived most of his life in a Ghetto in Ikorodu, which influenced his music greatly.

Filmmaker Chris Ihidero premieres True Nollywood Stories

• Ihidero

ROMPTED by what he described as dearth of archival materials for the Nigerian motion picture industry, notable writer and filmmaker, Chris Ihidero, has evolved a project to celebrate and document the film industry. The initiative which kicked off Monday, was built as an information centre for everything Nollywood, starting with the launch of True Nollywood Stories (TNS) - a 24 hour digital magazine available on web, mobile, radio and TV. TNS, according to Ihidero, will tell the story of the world’s third largest film industry and its people the way it has never been told.

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

He said: “It’s been almost a decade now since I began my engagement with Nollywood. Our affair started on a wrong footing. I dismissed Nollywood without knowing it enough to understand and appreciate it. I know better now. In spite of its many inadequacies it is a truly phenomenal artistic expression that deserves worthy praise and empowering criticism.” According to the writer, TNS is an entertaining and informative platform that reflects the innovative and dynamic spirit of Nollywood. “In no time, TNS will become the leading global entertaining and informative one-stop resource

platform for news, views, reviews, previews and general information about Nollywood,” he added. Some of the columnists listed alongside Ihidero on the website include Onoshe Nwabuikwu, Ufuoma MCDermott , Ali Abubakar Sadiq, Nkiru Njoku, Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, Segun Odejimi, Fidelis Duker and Funmi Aluko. Ihidero has worked as a Literature lecturer at Lagos State University, an actor with BBC radio, a columnist for Guardian Newspapers and Chief Operating Officer of the acclaimed Amaka Igwe Studios. His short film Big Daddy won the Special Jury Award and Best Editing Award at the 2012 In-Short International film festival.

• Q.dot

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2014

RACE TO 2015

‘

I want to make it very clear that Atiku is not a desperate politician; he is a party man to the core

‘

The Chairman of the Accord Party in Lagos State, Gbenga Olatunde-Kool, has lofty dreams about the chances of the party in next year’s general elections. In this interview with Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, he speaks about the party’s preparations for the polls.

‘Accord Party has better plans for Lagos’

•Olatunde-Kool

T’S about three months to the general elections and we’ve not heard much from the Accord Party in Lagos. What’s going on? Yes, the Accord Party happens to be a grassroots party; we have been working within the grassroots because we believe that the grassroots people are the majority in the political scenario. That’s why the party has taken time to put its structures at that level, like having the chairmen and the excos. We have 57 local councils and LCDAs in Lagos and we have structures in virtually all of them. That’s what we’ve been doing and we are not so loud because money has a part to play in politics. I’m sure with time all the noise you are expecting would come in place before the elections. The APC has been tagged as a progressive party, while the PDP is usually identified as a conservative party in the media. Where do we place the Accord Party? The Accord Party is the caretaker of the poor masses because we are out to handle the welfare of the masses. It is

as if, in governance these days, we only see the elites; the poor masses are not involved. An example, for instance, though the infrastructure in Lagos has not been put in place, the elite are thinking of building an Atlantic City. Go to some local governments, such as Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Government in Ikorodu, for instance, you will discover that the roads there are terrible. It’s as if we don’t have a government in place; and ironically this is where majority of the people who voted for the ruling party are staying. Obviously, it’s so painful. You will hear people complaining about the state of roads in places like Ikorodu on a phone-in programme in Yoruba, on Eko FM. The chairmen of local governments have been in place for long. But, they are practically doing nothing. The state government is there, but it has never done anything to improve the state of roads in places where the masses live. What do you expect? When the roads are bad, commuter buses inflate their fares. In essence, the APC, which is supposed to be progressive, has not been living up to its name. You see, if you want to take care of the masses, you must go to the grassroots. It’s not a question of going to Ikoyi and make sure that their roads are in good shape. How many people live in Ikoyi? All these big buildings you see in Ikoyi, you just see about two/three people coming out of it. But, you get to all this local areas where the masses are, you will discover that within a bungalow of five rooms alone, you can get about 50 people coming out of it;

if not more. So, my party, the Accord Party, stands for the masses. We know where the shoe pinches them and we are ready to make sure that everything is done the right way. What are the chances of the Accord Party in the forthcoming governorship in Lagos? We are yet to unfold our governorship aspirants in Lagos because we want to take our time, just like any other party. It is when we get to that stage that people will know that we seriously mean business. Most of us in the party are highly religious and have soft minds. So, how are you going to perform at the election? No doubt, we’re coming tops in the election because we have our machinery in place and everything is working out for us. How are you going to win the election, if your aspirants are not known at this stage? We have a lot of aspirants waiting in the wings. We know the people have a choice, so we are waiting to see the way things would unfold in other parties. In Accord Party, there is no godfatherism and no nepotism; we go all-out and let people make their choice. Small parties like yours have been accused of being an appendage of the PDP. What’s your reaction to this? We can never be an appendage; that’s a misinformation. Accord Party stands on its own. It strongly believes that the time has come for the emergence of a new leadership that can prepare Lagos and Lagosians for the new mil-

lennium. This is the time to focus on the restoration of the dignity of Lagosians, which has never been there. The elites are being looked upon, to the detriment of the poor masses. Most times, you’ll find that if there is any offence committed by any of these poor masses, like the danfo driver or whatever, the only thing you’ll hear is meet me in court. Can they afford to pay the bills in court? The poor cannot afford it. So, in the process, someone who is looking for his daily bread is punished unjustly. What I’m saying is that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has become a money-making institution for government. It is like that outfit is even compelling people to steal or resort to armed robbery because they tell people to go and pay N10,000 or N20,000, when their income in a day is not more than N500 or N1,000. What positions is your party going to field candidates in next year’s general elections? The Accord Party is still a young party; I hope you know that. We are not interested in the presidential election yet. But, aside from that, we are going to field candidates for all positions. We are interested in the governorship, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the House of Assembly and counselors too. How do you rate the preparations towards next year’s elections? As it is, we are ready, because we’ve never stopped working. Our own target is to take over Lagos State. The Accord Party is set to take over control of Lagos State. That’s my main

aim and objective. We mean the preparations on the part of INEC. Are you satisfied with what INEC is doing? Of course, I’m satisfied with what INEC is doing so far. We can’t crucify INEC for doing what it is doing right now. But, if there is a kind of digression, definitely we will shout. What of the issue of the distribution of permanent voters’ cards, people have been complaining… INEC has not done well in that regard. Personally, I registered and voted in 2011, but they names were missing from the registered released this time around. They told me to go and register afresh. In the process, they misspelt my name, What is the future of small parties in Nigeria? Accord Party is the alternative to all the problems. You see, people have tasted the PDP and the APC and now they are tired of the two major parties. If you check, you will discover that the two parties are populated by the same people, who keep moving from one party to the other. I wonder why they are recycling themselves because of power. So, we are coming in to take control. There is unemployment in the land and there is hunger, yet people still vote on the basis of sentiments. What are you doing to convert this to an electoral asset? It is going to be different this time around. It is not the parties that people would vote for, but those people participating. The names of people participating are what matters to the electorates; not the parties.

Dr. Bayo Orire, a medical practitioner and grassroots politician, is a chieftain of the Ekiti State chapter of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Collectives (AAAC), a campaign group promoting the presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. In this interview with ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA, he speaks about the preparations for the primaries and other issues.

‘Atiku’ll not dump APC, if he loses primary’

HAT makes Atiku Abubakar different from other aspirants who have signified their intention for the APC presidential ticket? Atiku Abubakar is the man Nigeria needs now to take her out of the doldrums she finds herself. This is because Atiku’s experience in public service and private sector in over 40 years has prepared him for the job. He has the experience needed to take Nigeria out of the woods, having served in various capacities as a civil servant, public servant, political office holder, entrepreneur, employer of labour and philanthropist. Atiku has a huge support base all over the six geo-political zones of Nigeria and we see him as a bridgebuilder across boundaries whether religious, tribal, linguistic and cultural. He is a quintessential pan-Nigerian politician who is at home everywhere. Do you think Atiku has the mentality needed to run for this office? Atiku has passed through many travails in the past and this has enriched his personality. Today, he a man who is ready to weather the storm in his avowed commitment to a better Nigeria where nobody will go to bed hungry; a Nigeria where citizens will be free from insecurity, insurgency and other violent crimes; where our children will have access to the best education; and where there will be food security, economic recovery, massive employment opportunities for our

youths. Atiku has the drive to ensure that Nigerians have access to good infrastructures and public utilities like good roads, electricity, potable water, affordable housing. These are already captured in the APC manifesto. Atiku has a large heart to forgive his political adversaries, he has a staying stamina and a body that absorbs shock better than any present-day politician in Nigeria. What is your reaction to the allegations of corruption levelled against him? One of the prices to be paid as a committed politician in Nigeria is that your opponents will use every trick in the book to malign and blackmail you, especially if they know that you have all it takes to be elected at any free and fair election. It is true that Atiku’s opponents have been making this allegation, nobody has been able to bring out any concrete evidence to substantiate their claims. It is trite in law that he who alleges must prove, they have not been able to prove their allegation against him. This is a man who served the nation diligently in many capacities and has not been found guilty of any crime or misdemeanour. You will recall that in his

celebrated face-off with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was probed by many panels. In fact, he is the office holder that has faced the highest number of probes in Nigerian history, but nothing incriminating was found against him. Atiku has been absolved of the many allegations levelled against him. If he had been really fraudulent, his adversaries would have nailed him to the cross. What other qualities do you believe stand Atiku out for the nation’s top job? He is a grassroots politician who is in touch with the masses and always defend their cause. He comes in handy to assist when they are in need and puts them in positions where their lot could be bettered. Atiku has friends in all facets of life; he cultivates and remembers them --- the low and the high, the illiterates and the literates, the poor and the rich cutting across various ethnic groups. Atiku is visible in Nigeria and in the international community. He will use his business contacts within and outside the country to grow the economy. He has a friendly and innocuous poise that endears him to all climes and shades of people. He is not brash, proud or abra-

sive; rather he has a cool demeanor that warms up to any type of human being. He does not wear the pride of his position, wealth and influence. Others may have to struggle to come near him in this aspect. He has a better experience of what it takes to rule Nigeria than any of the presidential aspirants within the party. He was vice president for over seven years under a very hard boss where he had time to enjoy and suffer, to act and be rendered inactive, to smile and to cry, to lead and be subjugated, to be praised and to be abused. He and his boss today are friends and he treats him with respect and honour. He has a paramilitary background; a training that prepared him for his start-up in life. What efforts have you made to sell his Atiku’s candidacy to your party’s delegates? We in AAAC have been on ground mobilizing our members in the grassroots because they are the important stakeholders in our party. We have raised some committees to facilitate this and ensure that we get party leaders and members to our side because Atiku is a good product anytime. We are encouraged by the response we have been receiving from our mem-

‘The philosophy of Atiku is that if does not emerge as the candidate of his party, he will be ready to support whoever emerges as the candidate to ensure victory for the party’

• Orire

bers in Ekiti State and we are confident that our delegates will vote for him. You will agree with me that Atiku is the most visible candidates on the field now; he has been meeting with delegates, criss-crossing various states in the federation canvassing for their votes. What will happen if he fails to win the APC presidential ticket? I want to make it very clear that Atiku is not a desperate politician; he is a party man to the core and believes in the supremacy of the party. He believes that the best way to win election is to campaign and present his programmes to the people and that is what he has been doing in the last few weeks. He will never force himself on the party and he will never force himself on the people. The philosophy of Atiku is that if does not emerge as the candidate of his party, he will be ready to support whoever emerges as the candidate to ensure victory for the party.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

‘Lift ban on collection of transaction fees’

HE Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has urged the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, to lift the ban on transaction fees collection at the ports. Its Registrar, Mike Jukwe, made the call during the inauguration of the council’s corporate head office in Lagos. He said lifting the ban would boost CRFFN’s commitment to professionalism in freight forwarding and supply chain management practice in Nigeria, adding that the council is on the right track towards achieving its objective.

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

He lamented that inadequate funding has affected the council‘s quest to discharge its duty effectively. “Our challenges are many. One of them is inadequate funding to execute the numerous planned activities of the council to be realised through the lifting of suspension on collection of internally generated revenue which is the transaction fee. “We are aware that the minister is committed to lifting the suspen-

sion and we appeal to him to do so as soon as possible,” he stated. Jukwe said the council has put in place necessary requirements to ensure standardisation in the registration of practitioners, which according to him, include education and training. He assured that CRFFN will cooperate and support the freight forwarding sub sector. “The council is optimistic that with the cooperation and support of all concerned, the freight forwarding sector would be repositioned to an enviable height in the country and would compete favour-

ably in the comity of nations and for the much needed wealth creation and employment opportunity for the good of the citizenry”. The registrar however assured that with the formal opening of new corporate head office, the council is set to consolidate on effective delivery of its mandate. In his remark, the Minister of Transpor, Senator Idris Umar, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Maritime Services from the ministry, Mr. Patrick Ekawu Odey, said the Federal Government attached great importance to human capacity building for the council.

Umar said the ministry is already working on modalities on collection of transaction fee by the CRFFN. He also said that government is desirous of introducing dynamic bureaucracy that would contend with emerging global challenges. “It is for this reason that the council has made staff training a culture and undoubtedly, we will not only continue to pay adequate attention to staff training but would also demand reciprocity and improved qualitative service delivery from staff,” he said.

EU Parliament passes law on climate emissions

•Customs Area Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone "C", Owerri, Dimka Victor David (left), and other officers burying seized frozen foods by the unit.

How Customs made N950b in 11 months, by comptroller

HE Nigeria Customs Service generated N950.1 billion between January and November. The Comptroller, Apapa Area Command, Charles Edike, who gave the figure at the inauguration of the Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at Apapa, Lagos,said it is a 23. 4 percent increase on Lagos, last year’s figure of N769.3 billion. He said Customs saved N36.9 billion from the one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charges on import hitherto paid to service providers since it took over the Destination Inspection Scheme last December. On the impact of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the economy, Edike said Customs has overcome the challenges, receiving 201,330 requests for PAAR. Of the figure, 188,424 have been released and 108,169 uplifted with a total Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) of N5.6 trillion. He said the new clearance procedure has not only increased the revenue profile of the Service but helped in reducing cost and time

of clearance of goods at the ports. Edike said the Service has gained the recognition of the World Customs Organisation because of the successes it recorded since the introduction of PAAR, thus, according it a model organisation status among Customs administrations. He, however, noted that the biggest challenge of the new clearance procedure is lack of compliant to trade regulations by importers as a total of 14, 259 PAAR have so far been rejected. He said the non compliant status of importers is the reason why some PAAR documents are queried. “The biggest challenge is about compliance. Your PAAR will not be queried so long as you are transparent and don’t cut corners. But when you want to cut corners, your PAAR will be queried because the system is robust enough,” Edike said. Also speaking, representative of the Comptroller General, Controller KLT command, Comptroller Frances Enwereuzor, while congratulating the new executives, said the role of the media in the development of the maritime sec-

tor is important hence it must be discharged with great sense of responsibility and dedication to duty. She urged the executives to continue to promote the existing relationship between the Service and the association. In her speech, President of the association, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obi noted that the industry is beset with various challenges, including the traffic gridlock along the port access road which require urgent attention from the government. She said the association in fulfilling its responsibility through wide reportage, will continue to work with other stakeholders to proffer solution to the challenges. She promised to continue to sustain the valuable leadership style of her predecessor, Mr. Bolaji Akinola. Meanwhile, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C” Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS,) recorded another major breakthrough in the onslaught against smuggling of contraband frozen poultry in the country.Two trucks loaded with 685 cartons of frozen poultry with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N30, 595,050.00 concealed in 4,400 car-

tons of La’casera apple drinks and 50 bags of locally made animal feeds were impounded by the eagle eyed officers and men of the Nigeria Customs FOU Zone ‘C’ on the Asaba/Onitsha and Calabar axis respectively. The Customs Area Controller of the unit,Dimka Victor David, told The Nation that a Renault trailer truck was used by the smugglers to conceal 450 cartons of the imported frozen poultry with the 4,400 cartons of Lacasera apple drinks, while a Mercedes Benz truck with number plate XU 465 PHC was used to conceal 235 cartons of the imported poultry with 50 bags of locally made animal feeds. Dimka, who decried the incalculable harm being inflicted on the nation’s economy as a result of unabated smuggling of prohibited products into the country, warned those still involved in the act to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame if arrested. “We will continue to make this zone very hot and uncomfortable for smugglers to remain in business and we are not mincing words about this.

OR the first time, all shipping companies calling at EU ports will have to measure and publicly report carbon emissions under a law approved by an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee. Sustainable transport group, Transport & Environment (T&E), says that the law is weak – it only monitors fuel consumption instead of directly reducing it, and only covers CO2 and not air pollutants like SO2 or NOx – but it can still trigger fuel savings indirectly. The EU law will require ship operators to publicly report three metrics to measure the environmental performance of ships: the theoretical energy performance of the ship known as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI); its real-world fuel consumption; and its energy efficiency, that is, the amount of fuel divided by the amount of cargo. The more cargo a ship can carry using the same amount of fuel, the more efficient and cheaper to run it is. The publication of ships’ real energy efficiency will provide shipping users in Europe and worldwide with transparent data to identify the most efficient ships and practices. This can trigger a virtuous cycle of increased competition among operators, which will enable fuel savings and emissions reductions. Sotiris Raptis, clean shipping officer at T&E, said: “Today’s decision does not cut CO2 and fuel use directly but can make it happen indirectly. Everybody benefits from better-informed decisions on what types of ships, companies and routes to use. This measure is a stepping stone for an eventual measure to actually require emissions reductions, which is what is urgently needed.” Currently ships are responsible for over three per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The commission estimates that CO2 emissions from ships sailing in European waters amounted to 180 million tonnes in 2010. If these emissions were reported as a country, maritime transport would be Europe’s eighth largest emitter. According to the greenhouse gases study adopted by the United Nation’s shipping body, the International Maritime Organisation( IMO), last month, under a business-as-usual scenario and if other sectors of the economy reduce emissions to keep global temperature increases below two degrees Celsius, shipping could represent a whopping 10 per cen t of global GHG emissions by 2050.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NATION

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BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

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Many in the built environment are pushing for “green building”. The model, said to be economically viable, and also in sync with the new trend of having environmentally friendly buildings capable of reducing global pollution, MUYIWA LUCAS reports.

•Green Building... new frontier for cleaner environment

Going green for cleaner environment W

ITH a rapidly increasing population, implementation of resource-efficient measures in all areas of human activity has become imperative. The built environment is one clear example of the impact of human activity on resources. Experts in the construction industry say that buildings have a significant impact on the environment, accounting for one-sixth of the world’s freshwater withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its material and energy flows. Structures also impact areas beyond their immediate location, affecting the watersheds, air quality, and transportation patterns of communities. From the aforegoing, the need for the construction industry to embrace other alternatives such as sustainable features, component and systems in design, construction and facility operations/management of buildings since the lifespan of the buildings reaches into the future estimated at about 75 – 150years, and they considerably influence the amount of power to be generated, water and other resource to be consumed. This realization, says engineer Salisu Gidado, of the department of quantity surveying, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, led to the emergence of a new trend and concept called “green building.” Gidado, while making a paper presentation on “Green Building: The Client and the End Users’ Common Ground in Environmental Sustainability” at the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) forum in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recently, described green buildings as a “building that embraces environmental friendly features in construction and operations.” It is also known as eco /

sustainable building. Such buildings are also referred to as a structure that uses all processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle. This ranges from Siting to Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, Renovation, and Demolition. According to Gidado, globally, the building industry consumes up to 40 per cent primary energy requirements and also a considerable amount of overall water requirements. It also consume 30 60 per cent of wood between construction, renovation and furnishings etc. Therefore, he said, there is strong need for the construction industry to embrace other alternatives such as sustainable features in design, construction and facility operations of buildings since the lifespan of the buildings reaches into the future and they considerably influence the amount of power to be generated, water and other resource consumption. Indeed, sustainable development has emerged as big challenge of meeting growing human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective

waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future life and development. This concept recognizes that meeting long-term human needs will be impossible unless there is positive approach to conserve the earth’s natural physical, chemical, and biological systems. Although stakeholders, including government, developers, occupants, buyers, and regulatory bodies, are lacking comprehensive data about green construction costs, materials and technologies, considering that this is a new concept and with few qualified green material manufacturers, however, for the green building concept to be accepted widely there is need for a general consensus among all the stake holders involved notably the client and the end-users regarding the environmental impacts and economic value of the concept. An engineer, Paul Chukwuemeka, however cautioned that the combination of construction, environmental, social, economic factors and compliance with statutory requirements are difficult, and can be in all-out-conflict with each other in terms of prioritising, the effect on the building budget and the perceived savings or efficiency of the building. He none-

theless agreed that embracing the green building concept in the construction industry by the stakeholders is very important as they form part of the present and the future plan on environmental sustainability. Gidado explained that how a property or a building is defined or referred to as “sustainable” is another way of saying how the property’s sustainability is measured. This is where the rating systems (LEED, BREAM, 3***, ATHENA, BEES, and GABI etc.) play a vital role in the industry. This is because a rating category will give an insight to a prospective client on exact efficiencies of the proposed green building project. It will also inform the end user about the benefits of such efficiencies by off-setting the running costs. Interestingly, some Stake holders in the building industry are gradually getting assured on their investment on green building, though may be more costly to build than the conventional buildings but more cost effective in terms of maintenance and the added future asset value. For instance, a builder, Kayode Oyedele, explained that by integrating

‘Globally, the building industry consumes up to 40 per cent primary energy requirements and also a considerable amount of overall water requirements. It also consume 30 -60 per cent of wood between construction, renovation and furnishings etc’

green building components and adhering to the green principles, a builder may increase the first cost but leads to tremendous cost savings in energy tariffs, water bills, and sewage charges. Oyedele explained that any additional cost that will be incurred at the initial stage of the green building project will be off-set by reducing the running costs tremendously over time, user comfort, and added asset value of the building. For instance, he explained that the most common source of energy for buildings is the electric power. As such, to achieve energy efficiency in his building, he has had to explore other alternatives, which involved integrating, passive, active and hybrid strategies of renewable energy generation in, out and within the building. “Renewable energy sources and systems were integrated in to the building system to reduce the energy consumption. The most energy efficient approach is to utilize passive strategies as much as possible before active systems are applied. Active renewable energy strategies take advantage of the sun to provide energy for domestic water heating, pool heating, ventilation, and space cooling/heating,” he explained. Experts in the industry and other stakeholders however agree that adopting and or accepting green building as the main unifying factor, common ground and the general or reliable approach that can align the interest of both the Client and the End-users in ensuring environmental sustainability of the Built environment, remains the future of the construction industry.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

How to achieve affordable housing, by Minister

OW can affordable housing be delivered to low and middle in come earners? It is with the novernment’s support and the of incentives to increase private sector participation, says, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi. This, she said, is why many are calling for the intervention of government though concessions and waivers, especially on building materials and the establishment of factories for the production of building materials, by offering incentives to investors and manufacturers. The minister, who spoke at a pre-summit meeting on the proposed Nigeria Housing and construction summit/expo which in Abuja, said:

•Urges private sector on housing Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

“To build a house in Nigeria is a very expensive task due to the high cost of building materials, prevalence of unskilled labor, unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks and high cost of provision of enabling infrastructure. Affordable housing cannot, therefore, be achieved without a drastic reduction in the cost of housing construction and other associated costs which invariably determine the selling price. Consequently, for affordability to thrive, emphasis must shift to reducing the cost of housing construction in order to promote access to affordable homes to the vulnerable segment of our national population,” Eyakenyi

said. At the workshop tagged ‘Housing Stakeholders Consultative Workshop-Enabling Land, Finance and Concession for Affordable Housing,’ which was organised as a Pre-Summit towards ensuring the success of the forthcoming two-day Nigeria Housing and Construction Summit/Expo which scheduled to hold in January 2015, the minister expressed hope that it was an excellent opportunity for key stakeholders and partners in the building and construction industry in the country to brainstorm and agree on the concessions and waivers that will be provided by the private and public sectors to enable all Nigerians have access to affordable housing. Besides, she expressed opti-

mism that it would also yield dividends in the areas of developing environmentally-friendly new building technologies and solutions which are suitable for adaptation for the provision of affordable mass housing in the country in addition to other viable financial and non-financial incentives which may need to be canvassed in order to ensure the revitalization of the housing and urban development sector as a key sector for ensuring inclusive and beneficial growth. The workshop, a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Ministry of Finance, is believed would present a platform for key players and stakeholders in the Private and Public Sectors of the economy in the housing deliv-

ery chain to discuss the challenges and issues militating against the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria. EYakenyi therefore called on the organized private sector, manufacturing outfits, finance houses and multilateral agencies to support the proposed Housing and Construction Summit/Expo 2015 by providing financial, technical and material support to make it a huge success. “It is our expectation that the 2015 Summit will evolve a National plan of action that will be acceptable and implemented by all tiers of Government, as well as other key partners and stakeholders, after it has been adopted consensually. I, therefore, count on your support and cooperation,” she appealed.

Adopt green architecture, Fed Govt urged

•From left: The Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister of the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, at the Pre-Summit meeting on NigeriaHousing and Construction Summit in Abuja.

Distressed properties in the US selling 37% below market value

DISTRESSED residential properties in the United States sold for a median 37% below market prices in September, according to the latest foreclosure report. This was $130,000 nationwide compared to the median price of $205,000 for non-distressed homes during the month, according to the data from RealtyTrac’s report covering the third quarter of the year. ‘Even as the share of distressed sales decreases, the average discount on distressed properties continues to be substantial because the primary factors driving that discount are still in place,’ said Daren Blomquist, RealtyTrac vice president. ‘Distressed properties are typi-

cally in poor condition and have a highly motivated seller whether that seller is the distressed homeowner in foreclosure or the bank that has repossessed the property through foreclosure,’ he explained. The major metropolitan areas were distressed homes were most heavily discounted were Pittsburgh and Milwaukee both at 67%, Cleveland at 64% and Memphis at 59%, a breakdown of the data shows. Overall, the median sales price of US residential properties, both distressed and non-distressed combined, was $195,000 in September, an increase of 1% from August and 15% from September 2013, the

largest year on year increase since October 2005. September 2014 was also the 30th consecutive month in which the median home price increased annually. ‘Median home prices nationally in September were boosted by a new low in the share of distressed sales during the third quarter, resulting in fewer home sales on the lower end,’ Blomquist pointed out. ‘The share of homes selling above $200,000 is up 7% from a year ago, and the share of homes selling above $500,000 is up 15% from a year ago,’ he added. …culled from Property Wire

The best places in America to buy property T’S often argued that retiring baby boomers, those born between 1945 and 1964, are slated to have a significant impact on the housing market. This is because they tend to downsize their homes on retirement. Though the extent of this trend is unclear. “Investors leveraging demographic trends will often be able to amplify rental returns and home price appreciation, particularly when it comes to trends in the baby boomer and millennial generations, which combined account for approximately 147 mil-

lion people — more than 60 percent of the U.S. adult population,” RealtyTrac’s Daren Blomquist said in a press release. With that in mind, RealtyTrac identified the best rental markets for baby boomers. The markets they identified all had a 10% or more increase in the baby boomer population between 2007 and 2013. And they had a baby boomer population that accounted for 24% of the population. The top 25 baby boomer rental markets saw annual gross rental yields from 5.50% to 20.93%.

Rental returns were based on gross rental yield: “the average fair market rent of three-bedroom homes in the county, annualized, and divided by the median sales price of residential properties in the county.” The top five markets for boomers based on annual gross rental yield were all located in Florida: 1. Pasco County, Florida: 20.93% 2. Hernando County, Florida: 19.06% 3. Marion County, Florida: 16.96% 4. Citrus County, Florida: 16.43% 5. Polk County, Florida: 14.59%

RCHITECTS under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Architectural Professional (ANAP), has urged the federal government to adopt green architecture in its proposed housing schemes. President of ANAP, Dr. Olusegun Moses told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital during the association’s annual general meeting He urged members of the built environment profession to support wholly support the green architecture as that is what in vogue worldwide. Dr. Moses said “members of the profession should support that 100 percent too; in fact the profession is not just to support, it should encourage and advocate that green architecture should be the in thing.” The architect bemoaned the spate of building collage in the country, adding that architectural failure in a building if unchecked can lead to its collapse. Said he: “Like other professions we have the challenges of quackery, we have not seen the practice as a way of engendering

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

professionalism. We see it as a way of grabbing as much as we can. “In all profession there are quacks. Quackery is not out of place in the profession of architects. On building collapse, is it the fault of the builder, designer (architect) or the engineer? Personally, I don’t see building collapse as the fault on an architect. An architect is not responsible for the standing of a building, the structural stability of a building is the responsibility of the structural engineer. However, there is also what we call architectural failure in which case it will be standing but not functioning the way it should function. “It may be standing offensively to the eye. Such building may eventually lead to structural failure and affect the wall. If some architectural failures are not addressed they can lead progressively to building collapse.”

Why there is in disasters by NEMA

HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has attributed increased in environmental disasters worldwide to a combination of natural causes and abuse of environmental laws. The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed S. Sidi , while speaking at a recent oneday workshop in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, themed “Better implemented and enforce law for safer cities,” organized by his agency, said that building collapse, flooding in towns, cities, farmlands and illegal mining are some of the consequences of improper implementation and enforcement of planning laws in Nigeria. Alhaji Sidi, who was represented by NEMA’s Zonal Coordinator, Minna Operations office, Slak Bijimi said: “The occurring and reoccurring cases of building collapse, building along or close to water courses, environmental degradation resulting from either flood or illegal mining in our cities call for a rethink and better implementation/enforcement of laws, such as building codes and regulation, planning and environmental laws to mitigate disasters.

“The abuse and distortions of building and town planning regulations such as building or farming on waterways, erecting toxic and dangerous structures or carrying out dangerous activities in proximity to where humans live increase the impacts of disasters. Human activities combined with climate change have impact on the environment and in most cases aggravate disasters. The need to systematically reduce the increased impact is steadily gaining recognition and commitment among governments worldwide.” In a remark, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Emergency and Relief Services, Abdulazeez Ibrahim said town planning laws are aimed at ensuring that people do not live in high risk areas or face seasonal threats like flood. He added that building code on the other hand “ensures that appropriate building standards are adhered to in order to reduce the impact of hazards like fire outbreaks, floods etc.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

The Ijaw and the Itsekiri are quarelling over the Ogidigben Oil and Gas Park. They are accusing each other of playing politics with the $16billion project, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

Delta Gas Park of controversy

HE row between the Itsekiri and Ijaw in Delta State over the $16billion Ogidigben Oil and Gas Park is growing. Last weekend, the communities traded words over the issue. The Itsekiri are claiming prioprietary rights over where the plant is located in Ogidigben; they are not ready to share the project with the Ijaw. The Ijaw, on the other hand, are accusing the Itsekiri of trying to monopolise the facility. The arch-rivals are locked in a battle over the project, which is expected to sit on a 2,560-hectares of land. The two communities have been at each other’s throat over the matter since August, when the Petroleum Minister, Mrs Deazani AlisonMadueke, and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, unfolded the government’s plans to establish oil and gas parks in nine states. The states are Bayelsa, Rivers , Ondo, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo Delta,Ondo and Edo. The cancellation of the ground breaking ceremony of the facility two months ago by Mrs AlisonMadueke has not doused the tension between the communities. An Itsekiri leader and AjuwaoyIboyami of Warri Kingdom, Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emani, said Ogidigben belongs to the Itsekiri and, therefore, has the right to host the facility, reputed to be one of the biggest in West Africa. Emani said based on this, Ogidigben has the right to host the

project. He claimed that Ogidigben is an Itsekiri land, going by the geography of the state and do not need to share the facility with another community. Emani said: “Traditionally, Ogidigben belonged to the Itsekiri. The Ogidigben land was acquired by the Delta State government under Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2012. For record purpose, Ogidigben was part of Ugborodo in Itsekirir land. There are five subclans in Ugborodo. They are Ogidigben, Madangho, Ajudaibo, Arunto, and OdeUgborodo. Based on this, Ogidigben has every right to host and answer the name of the project.’’ He said the plan to establish the park in Ogidigben and subsequently named it after the community would not degenerate into crisis, as long as the government followed due process. “I do not foresee any problem once the government is willing to do the right thing. Nobody wants to take laws into his hands by formenting trouble in the country. I understand that some people are trying to distract the attention of the government on this issue,’’ he said. On the sharing of the project, Emani said it would not be right for bothe comunities because the government has committed a lot of money to the facility. He said any attempt, by the government to ensure that the two communities share the project

would amount to a waste of time. However, a human right activist and and an Ijaw youth leader, Comrade Sherif Malade, holds a contrary view. He said the two communities have equal right to host the project, when one considers the size of the facility. He said a big chunk of the land approved for the project falls within the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Ijaw land, adding that Ogidigben can only boast of the smaller fraction of the land. He said Ijaw communities, such as Ikpokpo, Opuede, Tebujor, Okpelama,Opuedebubor, Oporoza, Sokebolou, Yokiri, and Adedegbene are close to Ogidigben and are expected to benefit from the project. Malade said: “For instance, if the government wants to cite a project in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, and found out that Opebi does not have enough land to accomodate the project. There is no way the project would not spill over areas, such as Toyin Street, Allen Avenue, Balogun, Awolowo, and other, neighbouring communities in Ikeja. Does that make the project an Opebi project? No. The same thing is applicable to the Ogidigben oil and gas park. The land in Ogidigben is small and cannot accomodate the facility. The project will spill over to the Ijaw communities listed above. That is the reason behind the calls by the Ijaw, that the project should be shared by the Itsekiri and Ijaw. However, the Ijaw are saying no. We want a sharing formula agreed and acceptable to the two tribes.

•Mrs Alison-Madueke

•Nwapa

He added: “We do not want the facility to be known as Ogidigben Oil and Gas Park. We want the name of the project to be boldly proclaimed and which we believe should be called Delta Gas City, Gbaramatu/Ogidigben. Gbaramatu is in Ijaw land, and by this the Ijaw are sharing the name of the project with the Itsekiri. However, the Itsekiri are saying no. That is where the problem is. The Itsekiri have a lega right to host the facility, so also the Ijaw. Based on this, a sharing formula should be adopted.’’ He said the project offers more economic benefits to the people, than political, advising people to stop playing politics with it. He added that some politicians are using their infuence to make the government establish the park in Ogidigben. He urged the government to proffer solutions to the problems, ar-

guing that failure to do so might cause serious crisis in the Niger Delta region and the country. He said the government is yet to curtail the activities of the Boko Haram, the Islamic insurgents group, and should not add more to it. Malade said the region has witnessed several cases of killings and wanton destruction of properties, urging the government not to allow the Ogidigben issue snowball into a bigger crisis. The Spokesman, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, Eze Obinna, said the Board cannot comment on the issue now. He said the Board was not permitted to say anthing until the issues were resoved. President Goodluck Jonathan has waded into the matter to ensure the take-off of the project. His spokesman, Dr Rueben Abati, said the government had set up a committee to settle the matter.

Electricity managers to punish errant DISCOs

• Vice-Chairman, General Electric, Global. John Rice; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu and CEO, GE Nigeria, Lazarus Angbazo, at the signing of the agreement in Lagos.

GE, Heirs to boost upstream investments

ENERAL Electric and Heirs Holdings have agreed to ex pand their relationship in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. In a statement, GE said its collaboration with Heirs Holdings had focused on the power sector and, specifically, the expansion of Transcorp Ughelli, Nigeria’s largest power station. The move, however, is a demonstration of a new approach by multinationals to develop meaningful

By Akinola Ajibade

and long-term deals with credible and strong indigenous companies across sectors, according to the firm. The statement quoted the Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, as saying that the expansion of the relationship with GE represented a pivotal moment for the oil and gas and for the nation as a whole. He added that this marked a major milestone in the company’s strategy

to domesticate value across the energy sector. He said: “Partnerships like this capture the spirit of what I have termed Africapitalism and bring together global entities and world-class Nigerian companies. These are the kinds of investments we need to create employment and ensure economic value.” The agreement will ensure the development of local capacity, technology transfer and leverage the best of global technology to deliver a solution fit for the African market.

HE Electricity Management Services Limited (EMSL) has vowed to sanction any distribution company that fails to follow the rules over suspended equipment. Its Managing Director, Peter Ewesor, who spoke during a visit to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), said it was impossible to punish the Federal Government when it was in charge of electricity. It is easier to do now because electricity management is in the hands of private firms. EMSL is the government’s regulatory agency inspecting and approving technical equipment of electricity distribution companies in the country ýwith a view to maintaing the standards. Ewesor said: “We are in Ibadan to continue an awareness of the agency to make known its functions and activities in the industry. We will also establish relationship with the distribution company by ensuring that they use standard materials and equipment in the course of doing their business and we shall collaborate to ensure that good products are used for their services.” According to him, technical problem is the major challenges confronting the power sector.He pointed out that faulty equipment hamper the discharge of power to consumers. He insisted that introduction of any new equipment by the electricity distribution company must be inspected by the agency for endorsement. Ewesor noted that distribution

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

companies should work with common standards that would work with the country’s system to avoid crisis. The EMSL boss added: ”Usage of substandard equipment results in loss of revenue, equipment and supply,” adding: “it may even result in loss of lives in some cases.’’ He continued: “When the equipment of the electricity distribution companies are standardised, there will be an improvement in power supply and it will also improve their revenue generation. “There is need to have power supply improvement instead of having power supply wastage, especially when the line is going through vegetation by resting on trees that are alive, thereby consuming the light that ought to be distributed. Also using aluminium and copper together does not work. It only result in power wastage. “When the government was controlling the affairs of electricity in the country, there was no way the agency can sue them. But now that it is owned by private individuals, it is easier to sanction them. I know they will follow the laid down rules because they will also want to make profit out of their investments. So, they cannot afford to make such mistakes.’’ The Managing Director, Ibadan Electricity Diatribution Company, Fortunato Leynes, promised that his firm would cooperate with the agency to keep standards.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

MONEYLINK

Overnight rate hits 70% as naira falls

IGERIA’S overnight lending rate more than doubled to a record high of 70 per cent, yesterday amid a cash squeeze. The rise, dealers said, occurred after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) soaked up naira liquidity to support the ailing currency, last week. The overnight rate is the interest rate banks charge each other on loans for meeting reserve requirements. Dealers said commercial lenders were scrambling for funds on the interbank market to keep their liquidity ratios at the regulatory minimum of 30 per cent, after the central bank last week withdrew N300 billion to enforce new cash reserve requirement of 20 per cent, up from 15 per cent. Reuters said the CBN is struggling to prop up the naira, which has taken a beating over the past few months as falling oil prices

Fidelity Bank’s ‘Fit 2 Bond’ excites workers

•CBN appoints MINT, others cheque printers Stories by Collins Nweze

shook confidence in the assets of the country. Oil hit a five-year low yesterday. “Banks are scrambling for funds to cover their positions,” one dealer said. The naira yesterday eased 1.1 per cent, below the CBN’s new target since an eight per cent devaluation two weeks ago to save declining foreign reserves, despite the bank selling dollars onto the market. As the bank has been forced to tighten monetary policy to defend the currency, it also risks hurting Nigeria’s high interbank rates, will constrain credit growth and could create bad loan problems for lenders, analysts say. Meanwhile the apex bank yesterday accredited Nigeria Security

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Printing and Minting Company Plc (NSPMC), Tripple Gee and Company Plc, Superflux International Limited and Euphoria Group Limited as cheque printers. CBN Director, Banking & Payments, Dipo Fatokun said all banks are to patronise the printers only, for their instruments to be cleared through the Nigerian Clearing and Settlement System.

Oyinloye also said the bank was a leading consortium of local and international financiers and investors that provides the required funding to complete the project within 24 to 30 months. He added that the Federal Government had contributed its share for the execution of the project and equally formalised the engagement of the bank as the transaction adviser and lead finance arranger for the project. He urged the banks to be committed to the tranche- two, a balance of N117 billion, for the project, adding that more local and foreign investors had shown interest in the

So, this bonding exercise is just one way of making sure that we interact in a relaxed atmosphere in a way that people can actually put name to faces. “What we are doing today is to also draw attention to the fact that you need to be fit while doing your work. It’s actually driven by our philosophy in our social responsibility strategy that is based on environment, social welfare and education. We will do this quarterly because the whole idea is that we are going to keep working hard and playing hard.” Its Executive Director, Shared Services, Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, said the programme was launched to keep workers fit and be in a position to serve the customers and the nation better. “Most of the cities in Nigeria are very stressful to live in. And we think that if our staff are able to come out once in a while in this fashion to walk together, there are benefits,” she said.

Access Bank bags award

Infrastructure Bank raises N50b

HE Managing Director, Infrastructure Bank Plc, Adekunle Oyinloye, has said the bank had raised N50 billion as first tranche of the proposed N167 billion for the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway. Oyinloye who spoke yesterday at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Access Bank, Ecobank, Diamond Bank and Standard Chartered Bank Plc, said the N50 billion represented 30 per cent of the proposed N167 billion and a successful closure of the tranche one for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of the 127km dual carriageway.

HE workers of Fidelity Bank Plc were at the weekend excited over the lender’s introduction of ‘Fit 2 Bond’ that enabled them engage in physical exercises. Its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, who along with other workers and management of the lender, participated in the running, football and aerobic exercises said physical fitness of the bank’s staff and others in the banking industry is crucial to the sector’s growth. The bank chief who flagged off the maiden sporting activity for workers said it has come to stay, and will be held quarterly across the country in all the branches of the bank. He said: ”What we have done is a team bonding programme we call “Bond 2 Fit”. The whole idea is to take a break from our normal rigorous schedule at work and have colleague at all levels participate.

project financing because they knew that the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way was the most ‘profitable road’ on the country’s road network. According to him, funding under the second- tranche will commence in six months. He also added that the redesigning of the expressway would take cognisance of features such as parks, conveniences and toll-ability which were not considered in previous constructions. Oyinloye said the Infrastructure Bank was conscious of the re-designing of the road to ensure that it stood the test of time.

CCESS Bank has won the 2014 Financial Institution Award organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). The award was presented at the PETAN 2014 Annual Oil Industry Award Dinner, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Access Bank, as part of its continued growth strategy, has focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations, striving to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant. Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of the bank, its Relationship Manager (Oil and Gas Desk), Charles Odum, said the lender had been financing the oil and gas sector for several years, in compliance with the Local Contents Act. “So, it is in recognition of our efforts and support, that PETAN has called upon us and nominated us to receive the 2014 Financial Institution Award of the Year. That is why we are here. Access Bank has been very creative, over the years, in packaging loans for the oil and gas industryupstream, midstream, downstream, indigenous companies, oil traders and international oil companies,” he said.

DATA BANK AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

152.19 9.17 1.12 1.19 2,237.65 1.39 1,710.65 1,092.63 115.26 121.16 1,117.51 1.2232 1.2897 0.7759 1.0986

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 17/11/2014 10/11/2014 06/11/2014 1,116.70 1.2158 1.2897 0.7625 1.0986

GAINERS AS AT 08-12-14

SYMBOL FO ETRANZACT ETERNA VITAFOAM ETI AFRIPRUD HONYFLOUR UBCAP MOBIL UNILEVER

O/PRICE 223.99 2.21 3.00 3.89 17.60 2.90 3.16 1.60 165.00 35.01

C/PRICE 235.18 2.32 3.11 4.00 18.00 2.95 3.20 1.62 167.00 35.11

CHANGE 11.19 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.40 0.05 0.04 0.02 2.00 0.10

LOSERS AS AT 08-12-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

DANGFLOUR PZ PORTPAINT CHAMPION CAVERTON MANSARD TRANSCOP CCNN NPFMCRFBK VONO CONTINSURE PAINTCOM THOMASWY

5.63 31.89 5.04 8.93 3.50 3.72 3.99 10.90 0.88 0.95 1.00 1.53 0.79

5.09 29.99 4.79 8.49 3.33 3.54 3.80 10.39 0.84 0.91 0.96 1.47 0.76

CHANGE -0.54 -1.90 -0.25 -0.44 -0.17 -0.18 -0.19 -0.51 -0.04 -0.04 -0.04 -0.06 -0.03

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: October

8.1%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2)

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$36.8b

US Dollar

167

168

$79.98

Pounds Sterling

261.9395

263.508

Euro

206.2617

207.4968

171.546

172.5732

Yen

1.3838

1.3921

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

242.3484

243.7996

Yuan/Renminbi

27.1505

27.314

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES December 5, 2014

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

16.5%

Swiss Franc

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor

11-11-14 Rate (%)

Rate (%) 12-11-14

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

Riyal

44.4906

44.757

11.94

12.18

SDR

243.2856

244.7424

13.08

13.33

14.03

14.17

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

165.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

185.50

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Dec. 5, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

9.85

T-bills - 182

9.98

T-bills - 364

Bond - 3yrs

12.61

Bond - 5yrs

12.77

Bond - 7yrs

12.73

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS Sambo for Transformation Agenda awards’ lecture

ICE President Namadi Sambo is expected to deliver on Thursday the keynote address at the Heroes of The Transformation Agenda Awards at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. A statement by the organisers, Mountain Top Communications, publishers of Paragon International Magazine, said: “It is our pleasure to have the Vice President Namadi Sambo as the guest speaker. The theme of his paper is: Challenges, Successes and Prospects of the Transformation Agenda: Our Story. We figure that aside from the President, he is the next best person to talk about the Transformation Agenda...” The statement also said First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is the Mother of the Day and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, and Senate President David Mark are the special guests of honour.

Judge withdraws from Justice Olotu’s cases against NJC, EFCC, others

USTICE Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja withdrew yesterday from two suits filed by retired Justice Gladys Olotu (a former judge of the FHC). This is the second time the judge will withdraw from the case. He had returned the case files to the court’s Chief Judge on July 10, but had it sent back to him (Justice Ademola) to decide. Justice Olotu was compulsorily retired on ground of “gross misconduct,”earlier this year, by President Goodluck Jonathan upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). She is challenging the decisions by the President and the NJC in relation to her retirment. At the time she was being retired, Justice Olotu was also being investigated by the Eco-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She also sued the anti-corruption agencies, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) among others, accusing them of violating her rights, and sought to restrain them from investigating her. Yesterday, lawyer to the NJC, Phillips Jimoh-Lasisi (SAN) urged the court to withdraw from the cases in view of the fact that he (Justice Ademola) had also sued the NJC before the Federal High Court, Abuja. Jimoh-Lasisi argued that since his client had, in their preliminary objection, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the cases, the right thing to do was for the judge, who has equally sued the NJC before the same court, not to proceed to hear

the defendants’ objection because it was clear what his position on the issue was. He claimed that since the issue in contention was similar in his (Justice Ademola’s) case and those by Justice Olotu, and Justice Ademola having chosen to sue at the Federal High Court, his position on whether or not the court has jurisdiction to hear such a case was already known. “It will not be proper for your Lordship to take the applications (defendants’ objection to Justice Olotu’s suits) because we already know your position on this issue.” Lawyer to President Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Soni Ajala agreed with Jimoh-Lasisi’s position and urged the judge to withdraw from further hearing the case.

He said that there is the likelihood of the judge being bias in the handling of the defendants’ objections, the judge himself having filed a similar suit before the Federal High Court. The defendants contended, in their notices of objection, that the proper court to hear Justice Olotu’s case, challenging her retirement, was the National Industrial Court. Ruling, Justice Ademola held that in view of the arguments by Jimoh-Lasisi and Ajala, concerning the likelihood of bias, he will return the case files to the Chief Judge for his decision on the issue. Justice Ademola, in his suit before Justice Abdulkadir Abdulkafarati, is seeking to restrain the NJC from investigating a petition written against him.

Egwu, others pick Ebonyi PDP senatorial tickets From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

X-EBONYI State Governor Sam Egwu has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North. He polled 194 votes to beat the former Minister of Power, Chief Goddy Ogbaga, in the primaries conducted by the Chief Joseph Onwe faction of the party. Also, the former Chairman, Chief Obinna Ogba, emerged as the candidate of the party for Ebonyi Central.

Madam Oloto is dead THE Managing Director of Skyward Resources Ltd, Mr. Enahoro Eta, has lost his mother, Madam Emonena Obeduo Oloto. She was 76. Madam Oloto, a prominent businesswoman at Oyede in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, was the matriarch of the Oloto and Onogbete families. She was a devout Christian, who served as one of the women leaders of the Christ Chosen Church of God, Oyede. She will be buried on Saturday in her home at Ujo Street, Oyede after a funeral service at the same venue.

•The late Madam Oloto

•From left: Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), University of Ibadan (UI) branch, Mr Wale Aderemi; National Vice President (West), Mr Alfred Jimoh and Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists, UI chapter, Mr Saka Ogundele, at a lecture on Pension Matters to mark SSANU Week... yesterday

‘Atiku confident of victory’

LL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant,

former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, is confident of victory at the primaries, his campaign organisation said yesterday in Lagos. The Chairman of the campaign organisation, Dr. Babalola Borisade, said Atiku, the Turaki Adamawa, had about 70 per cent chance of getting the ticket at the shadow poll billed for Lagos tomorrow. Also in the race are former Head of State Gen.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Muhammadu Buhari, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwanwaso, his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and Leadership newspaper publisher NdaIsaiah. No fewer than 7,000 delegates are expected at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, venue of the primaries. Borisade, the former Aviation minister, who spoke with reporters, said many delegates supported Atiku’s candidature because he was an experienced politician

with tentacles across the 36 states. He said: “To be realistic, I believe we have between 65 and 70 per cent chances of winning. I got my last briefing about an hour ago and the beauty of it is that our momentum is growing. There is no state we are in control that has been taken away from us. But, we have been encroaching into states we were not in control before. So, conservatively, I will say we have between 65 and 75 per cent chances.” Borisade reiterated the determination of Atiku to halt

By Joseph Jibueze

counsel Mr Ogbonnaya Agbafo, is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining SON and the Attorney-General of the Federation from enforcing the directive on product labelling, which it said is contrary to the SON Act and is inimical to the economy. In an originating summons, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that no industrial standard or prescription under the SON Act can be binding on manufacturers unless such standards are duly declared as binding on manufacturers by the Minister of In-

dustries (or Minister in charge of industries) pursuant to Section 16(7) (a)-(c) of the SON Act. It is also praying the court to hold that the House of Representatives ad hoc committee has no power to validly perform any of the functions which are statutorily conferred on and/or reserved for the SON created under Section 3 of the SON Act with its functions clearly spelt out in Section 4(1) (a) – (e) of the said Act. The plaintiff said SON’s directive to cement manufacturers on standard arose from the committee’s resolution.

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

THE Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has honoured the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an award of recognition. FARA, in a statement in Abuja by the Director of Information and Protocol, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Tony Ohaeri, said the award was in recognition of the minister’s role towards sustainable funding for agricultural research and development and his leadership of agricultural development. The award was one of the main events, which marked FARA’s 15th anniversary, titled: “CELEBRATE FARA: Delivering Africa’s future through science-led agricultural transformation.” The Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, said the minister was being honoured for championing agricultural investments in one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, implementing policy reforms and pursuing innovative agricultural investment programmes to expand opportunities for the private sector, thereby moving agriculture away from a development programme to a business issue. He said Dr. Adesina until his appointment, was the Vice President responsible for policy and partnership at the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), where he fostered cooperation among African governments, donors, farmers’ organisations and the private sector to stimulate agricultural growth and unlock new opportunities for farmers. The minister thanked the executive directors of FARA for the honour and promised to work with others to ensure that Africa achieves the 2030 target of food security on the continent.

PDP chieftain hails Jega on voter registration By Tokunbo Ogunsami

•Atiku

the tendency towards one party state and dictatorship, assuring that he would not defect from APC if he did not emerge as its standardbearer.

Suit on cement standard adjourned HE Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned hearing till January 7 next year a suit brought by a group, the Alliance Against Monopoly (AAM) against the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) over its directive to cement manufacturers on industry standard. SON, on July 21, gave a 60day ultimatum to cement manufacturers to comply with its directive on product labelling and traceability requirement, largely perceived by stakeholders as not being in their best interest. The plaintiff, through its

Adesina gets award

This, it said, is because it is on the production, use and marketing of that grade of cement that the livelihood, comfort, shelter and peaceful enjoyment of life of the plaintiff’s members, their relatives and neighbours depend. The plaintiff is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from embarking on any future act which might have the effect of enthroning a monopoly in any industry in Nigeria directly or indirectly which is bound to affect the plaintiff’s members in their individual lives.

A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr. Segun Adewale, has hailed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, for the registration of voters and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He, however, advised that the exercise should be made less cumbersome and a continuous one like the collection of international passport and driving licence. Adewale, who spoke on the state of the nation after he and members of his family collected their PVCs at a polling unit in Alimosho, said if the exercise was a continuous one, it wouldn’t be cumbersome. He added that INEC should utilise its 774 area offices and make it compulsory for citizens above 18 to register and collect their PVCs. Adewale, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aeroland Group, noted that the collection of the PVCs was necessary to ensure that eligible voters were not disenfranchised.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

Reports: over N500m property destroyed in Rivers Poly protest

WO reports on the October 1, 2014 violent protest by students of the Rivers State Polytechnic at Bori in Khana Local Government Area, says property worth over N500 million were destroyed during the incident. Students’ elections in the school, last October, turned violent, leading to the destruction and looting of the school and private property on the campus. Two committees were set up to with distinct mandates to take stock of what were lost in the crisis and to investigate the cause of the mayhem. They were given three weeks to submit their reports. The chairman of the polytechnic’s newly constituted Governing Council Mr Independence Enyinda said property worth over N500 million, including the vehicles of the workers, were destroyed during the protest. Enyinda spoke at the weekend at a stakeholders’ meeting he convened for student leaders’ union, school management and members of the council.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

They were to discuss the essence of the N20,000 surcharge imposed on the students for the destruction of the school property. The governing council chairman said the worse hit was the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), centre, where over 250 computers, including 120 brand new laptops were stolen. The event led to vacation of the students for two months. They were called back penultimate week and surcharged N20,000 each for the damage. Some students have refused to pay the surcharge. Others, including the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), have condemned the imposition of the fee. It described the fee as illegal, adding that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) should query the school management. Enyinda said the students had accepted committing the crime and begged for forgiveness.

The chairman said the students pleaded to pay N10,000 penalty for the destruction. He said: “When we heard the news, the first thing we did was to come and see things for ourselves. When we got to ICT, I shed tears. “All the computers, the network system, were stolen; whatever they were unable to carry away, they broke or damaged beyond repairs.” He noted that “apart from the computers, parked vehicles were also damaged; window glasses were broken; the door to every office was broken and office table drawers were turned upside down. Nothing was spared: fridges, television sets and fans were stolen. “The first day we invited the students’ leadership to a meeting, they had not been told anything about the decision to make them contribute to the repair and replacement of the damaged property. They apologised for the damaged they caused and offered, on their own, to pay N10,000. “We are not asking them to pay a levy, a surcharge or penalty. What we are asking them to do is contribute to enable

them return to school. They will contribute their own; the management will also bear its own burden of restoring most of the things the students damaged.” The Rector, Obianko NonuElechi, wondered why the students showed so much anger about an election that involved the state students’ union election. He expressed worry over the planned inspection by National Board Technical Education (NBTE) for accreditation of some courses of the school, stressing that nothing was left for the school to pursue that. He also feared that it would not lead to de-accreditation of other courses already accredited. “I just wanted to add that if programmes of a school are not accredited, then we are wasting time here. infact accreditation is due here on the 18 of this month; if you say you are not ready, they will go back, then you will not run that programme again until they have done it. “We were able to get all our programmes accredited (ND and HND), last year, we know what we did to get them. The implication of this

students’ action, is that if care is not taken on how it is managed, it will affect their own programmes. This is because you cannot graduate students on a programme that is not accredited and the worst thing that any School can suffer is de-accreditation. “The implication is enamours, I don’t know where we are going to begin from, I just pray that God will help this school to come out of this mess.” He concluded. In his contribution in the National President of Nigerian students, Sunday Ogbonnaya condemned the act and apologized to the council and school for the destruction. He blamed the students for initiating a violent protest which was created the opportunity for hoodlums to loot the school properties, and promised that it would not repeat itself again. “The purpose which brought me here in Bori is not far from the reason for this gathering. It is the imbroglio that visited this institution, which was orchestrated by students and hijacked by hoodlums. “Sincerely, I almost shed tears when I was conducted round the premises to see the level of damage that was done during the protest. I strongly condemn the act that students could go as far as destroying their own properties.”

Oshiomhole: what I miss most about my late wife

N the fourth anniversary of the demise of his wife, Clara, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he missed her spiritual guidance and intercessions. The governor said these were the major elements in building their family and making him a more compassionate person. Oshiomholwe spoke on Sunday at a memorial mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Iyamoh, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, when he led his children and other members of his family to the fourth year anniversary of his wife’s demise. Mrs Oshiomhole died on December 7, 2010. The governor said his late wife was humble to a fault. He said: “My late wife was my spiritual guardian. When I met her and proposed to her, she said: ‘I know you are a Christian, but are you baptised?’ “I listened to the bishop talking about the most important title as being the baptism name. I realised even the more what she helped me to accomplish by insisting that I must formally get baptised. She encouraged me to study Catechism, which I needed to be baptised, and I was baptised with the name Eric.” He added: “Coming to this church is more than symbolic because Clara’s interest in this church was something I may not be able to describe. “When she was alive, she was constantly reminding me of the need to support the community to build a church, even as a labour activist. She would always remind me to be certain that we had provi-

HE Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Buhari Support Group Centre (BSGC), Ayo Fatola, has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates to vote for General Mohammadu Buhari as the party’s standard bearer for the 2015 presidential election. In a statement yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos, Fatola said Gen. Buhari was the man the electorate expected to end the rot that had overtaken the country. He said the delegates would do themselves and the nation a world of good if they vote Gen. Buhari as the party’s presidential candidate. Fatola recalled that Gen. Buhari’s maiden speech as a military Head of State on January 1, 1984, tagged: Moment of Truth, enunciated his programme to emancipate the nation from corruption. The coordinator stressed that corruption had been Nigeria’s biggest problem since the inception of the current democratic governance. He said Nigeria is well endowed with human and natural resources, adding that they could take the nation to greater heights, if well harnessed. Fatola said a disciplined leader of Gen. Buhari’s calibre was the best candidate who could provide a meaningful life for the people. The coordinator noted that after almost 16 years of steering of the ship of the state, insurgency, kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes had become the vogue under the present Federal Government. He said: “Buhari is the man who can stop the decadence. He is the man of the moment, who can reverse the untoward degeneration of the country.”

Police kill suspected robber in Delta •Oshiomhole (left) with Rev. Dunia at the remembrance service at Iyamoh, Edo State...on Sunday

sion for the church. “I believe in all we have done. What would excite Clara most is the effort we made to build this church to this level. I imagine how she would have felt to begin to worship in this church.” The governor stressed that his family agreed to have a low key anniversary with a thanksgiving and prayer at the church because it was the first time the anniversary fell on a Sunday. He said: “We are not arranging any big ceremony. We are not inviting the whole world. We are not setting up big canopies to celebrate, to dance. Nor are we crying because if Clara were with you and

you asked her how she would want to be remembered, I know she would say: ‘Let’s go to church and pray.’” In his homily, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Dunia, recalled the life and times of the late Mrs. Oshiomhole. The cleric urged Christians to live a righteous life. He said: “During her life, Clara Oshiomhole focused on heavenly things. She lived a fulfilled Christian life. That is what Christianity entails.” Prayers were offered at the graveside of the governor’s wife for the repose of her soul. Oshiomhole laid a wreath at the grave side.

Primaries widen cracks in Bayelsa PDP RACKS in the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have widened after the National Assembly primaries of the party at the weekend. It was learnt that the primaries led to the emergence of two camps employing various means, including holding parallel elections, to deliver their loyalists. One was the camp loyal to Governor Seriake Dickson and the other the bloc loyal to First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. It was learnt that some Abuja politicians, including the federal lawmakers from the state

‘Allow Buhari to rescue Nigeria’

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

and many aggrieved members of the party, belong to the camp loyal to Mrs Jonathan. The First Lady’s group was also said to be fighting to protect the political interests of President Goodluck Jonathan in the state. While many aspirants from Mrs Jonathan’s camp boycotted the primaries, others held parallel congress elsewhere. Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, representing Bayelsa West, was among Mrs Jonathan’s loyalists who held a parallel congress on Sunday in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Lokpobiri claimed the party’s ticket with Dr. Foster Ogola, who emerged from the primary where Dickson voted. Ogola was declared the winner by a Returning Officer, Mr. Oforji Opoku, after one of the factional primaries held at the office complex of Sagbama College of Education. The returning officer said Ogola won with 69 votes, defeating five other contenders. It was learnt that most delegates in the anti-Dickson’s camp refused to participate in the elections where the governor’s camp produced the candidates. A few delegates, including

former Acting Governor Nestor Binabo, were absent at the venue where Ogola emerged. But Binabo and some statutory delegates, who were absent at the venue where the governor voted, were present at the Sagbama Primary School II, where Lokpobiri was declared the winner. Returning Officer Peter Bukumo said Lokpobiri won with 93 votes. The two parallel primaries had officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in attendance and security cover. Binabo protested the outcome of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Fed-

eral Constituency’s election where Mr. Fred Agbedi was declared the winner. Binabo said despite being an aspirant for the House of Representatives position, he was barred from the venue of the election by stern-looking security operatives. He said the security operatives told him that they received an “order from above” that he should not be allowed into the premises where Dickson voted on Saturday. Describing the development as an infringement on his fundamental human rights, Binabo urged PDP’s national leadership to cancel the primaries.

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

HE Delta State Police Command has killed a suspected robber in a gun battle at OgwashiUku, the headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area. A statement yesterday by police spokesman, Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the suspect, with his accomplices, were allegedly robbing residents of Plantation Hostel, at Ogbe-Ofu Quarters in Ogwashi-Uku. The statement said the police division in the town was alerted and its officers went to the crime scene. The police were said to have engaged the robbers in a shootout, in which the suspect was seriously injured. The others reportedly escaped. The suspect reportedly died on the way to the hospital. The statement said: “On December 7, at 21.40hrs (9.40pm), the police at Ogwashi-Uku Division received information that robbers were robbing the residents of Plantation Hostel at Ogbe-Ofu Quarters in Ogwashi-Uku.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS Minna jail break: 108 inmates recaptured

Tinubu blames Fed Govt for insecurity

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the insurgency in parts of the country. The frontline politician noted that the Federal Government’s failure to tackle the problem had wrecked the socio-economic and political well-being of Nigerians. Tinubu spoke yesterday at the palace of the Emir of Kano when he led APC chieftains to condole with the monarch on last week’s multiple bombing at the city’s central

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

mosque. Addressing reporters after a closed-door meeting with the emir, Tinubu blamed President Jonathan for the intractable insecurity in the North. The former Lagos State governor called for the overall of the nation’s security intelligence. He said the Federal Government had failed from inception to tackle insurgency, adding that the problem had escalated beyond control. According to him, the government’s failure to prop-

erly handle the security challenge had caused untold hardship among innocent Nigerians. Tinubu said: “The Federal Government has failed the nation in its entrusted responsibility to track insurgency. It is a leadership failure and it is an embarrassment to the nation. We must rebuild our intelligence and make it work properly and efficiently to bring lasting peace to this country. The current insecurity in the country has nothing to do with religion. It is rather an issue of leadership deficiency and we must not allow this

to continue.” He said APC leaders were in Kano to show compassion to the government and the people and to pray for peace and unity in the country. Tinubu got to the Emir’s palace at 4pm with former Osun State governor and APC Interim National Chairman Bisi Akande. They were received by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his deputy, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The emir urged the Federal Government to tighten security and curb the activities of

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

S •Asiwaju Tinubu

the Boko Haram sect. He advised the government to proffer permanent solution to security challenges bedevilling the nation.

Taraba acting governor: we’ll recover looted funds

ARABA State Acting Governor Abubakar Sani Danladi has said he is working hard to recover the government’s funds and property allegedly looted by the sacked Garba Umar administration. The former acting governor was ousted by the Supreme Court last month. In a state broadcast in Jalingo, the state capital, the acting governor assured Taraba residents that his administration would restore the state’s glory and dignity. He urged well-meaning residents to join him in what he called a “noble journey”. Danladi said Taraba State was in “hard times” because the sacked administration borrowed from banks to pay the salaries of civil servants. This, he said, had put the state’s indebtedness at over N14 billion. He said: “The situation had gone so bad that the banks were no longer ready to continue doing so (lending).

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to bring to the knowledge of Taraba people that the state government’s main account with Zenith Bank Plc, which was in good shape as at November 14, 2012, now stands at an overdraft of about N7.7 billion as at November 30, 2014, with November salaries yet to be paid. “Term loans stood at about N7.2 billion. This brings the state’s indebtedness to about N14.9 billion. The Taraba State

Local Government Joint Account is in no better position either. This account is overdrawn by about N700 million monthly. “You are aware that works on several development projects have stopped. PW Construction Company pulled out of the state several months ago when the government could not meet its payment obligations to it. “The NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp has been abandoned while the same fate stares the Nursing College

project in the face. Even the Jalingo Motel is overgrown by weeds and its workers have not been paid salaries for 11 months. “The same applies to casual workers engaged by the state government for the cleaning of our roads. They have not been paid for over three months. The state is littered with abandoned projects.” But the acting governor promised that the state government would function once again. Danladi said he and mem-

bers of the State Executive Council (Exco) were reviewing the state of the finances to work out solutions with bankers and ensure that civil servants were paid their salaries. But he insisted that “prudent financial management shall be the watchword”. Danladi said: “I want to assure the people of Taraba State that we will do everything within the law to recover the money and property taken away illegally; ensure that stability and accountability return to government processes...”

Fed Govt ‘ll improve security in Northeast, says Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies will sustain the military operations against insurgents in the Northeast to achieve improved security ahead of the 2015 general elections. The President spoke yesterday in Abuja when he hosted the Israeli Ambassador to Ni-

gency and other cross-border crimes. A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan told Palti that the Federal Government was boosting the ability of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies to deal decisively with terrorists and insur-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

geria, Mr. Uriel Palti. Jonathan said Nigeria would continue to work with neighbouring countries for effective implementation of the regional security arrangements, which were recently concluded to enhance multilateral cooperation against extremism, terrorism, insur-

gents. The positive effects of the steps his administration had taken on the fight, he said, would soon become clear. The Israeli ambassador conveyed the condolences of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netenyahu, to Jonathan and the people of Nigeria on the death of Nigerians in recent terrorist attacks.

3 2 •1. Soldiers on patrol on Mubi-Vimtim road after liberating Mubi. •2. Men of the 115 Task Force •3. A bus loaded with goods leaving Mubi Central Market as peace returns to the town ... yesterday

•Distribution begins From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began yesterday the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Kaduna State as two million cards arrived in the state. INEC’s Administrative Secretary in Kaduna, Alhaji Yusuf Hadejia, confirmed this to reporters. According to him, the distribution of the PVCs will hold at 5,101 polling units across the state. Hadejia said 3.5 million voter’s cards would be distributed in the state. He said: “But presently, 2 million are on ground for distribution. More are being expected from Lagos.” The INEC chief explained that some local governments were experiencing challenges, which might lead to a delay in the distribution.

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

Normalcy returns to Mubi, environs

2m PVCs arrive in Kaduna

El-Rufai: PDP won’t get 25% in Kaduna

PHOTOS: NAN

IFE has started returning to normal in Mubi, Adamawa State, following the flushing out of insurgents from the commercial border town, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. NAN correspondent, who visited Mubi, Hong, Maiha and Gombi, reports that business activities had started picking up with some shop

ECURITY operatives have recaptured 108 of the 275 prisoners who escaped from the Minna Medium Security Prison, last Saturday, it was learnt yesterday. One hundred and sixtysix inmates are still at large. A statement in Abuja by the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Public Relations Officer, Ope Fatinikun, the recapturing process was made possible by men of the Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Police and the Arm Squared of the NPS. Fatinikun said the security operatives are working day and night to recapture the remaining 166 inmates who are on the run. From investigations, he ruled of the involvement external or Boko Haram attack on the prison. The statement reads: “Of the 275 inmates that escaped from the Medium Security Prison in Minna on December 6, 2014, 108 have been recaptured through the combined efforts of the Army, the police, the Department of Security Service (DSS), the Prisons Service and the cooperation of surrounding communities; 166 inmates are still at large.”

owners opening for business. Flags hoisted on communication masts in the towns by members of Boko Haram sect, particularly in Mubi, had been removed. Grain dealers, meat sellers, food and water vendors could were seen doing business in Gombi, Hong and Mubi. NAN correspondent also saw some farmers in the outskirts of the towns harvesting

their crops on Monday. Some of the residents, who spoke to NAN, hailed the military for containing the activities of the insurgents. They urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) to assist people with materials. “We also want to call on

GSM providers to restore communication in Mubi so that we can communicate with the outside world. “I believe the gallant soldiers, who liberated us here, will love to speak with their loved ones to show that they are alive,” Aliyu Auwal, a resident of Mubi, said. Another resident, Hauwa Abdullahi, urged the government to urgently repair the

damaged bridges on the Hong– Mararaba-Mubi road and the Pela-Maiha-Mubi road to enhance the return of people. “The destruction of the bridge on the Hong– Mararaba-Mubi road and that of the Pela–Maiha-Mubi road is hindering vehicular movements for those wishing to return,” Abdullahi said. Malam Haruna Furo, the Executive Secretary of ADSEMA, who visited Mubi yesterday, said his agency would help the victims of the insurgency.

ORMER Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and Kaduna State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not get up to 25 per cent of the votes cast in next year’s general elections. El-Rufai addressed reporters yesterday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The former minister said Kaduna residents should not expect magic from him when elected governor because of the huge debt profile the state had piled up.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

2015: PDP in disarray as party holds governorship primaries Continued from page 4

the ballot, garnered 507 of the 516 votes cast by the delegates. Nine of the votes were declared invalid by the Anara Chikodi led gubernatorial primaries committee. The All Progressives Congress (APC) congress was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.

Cross River

A PDP aspirant, Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba, pulled out of the primary yesterday. At the primary, which was held at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, former National Planning Commission Executive Secretary Fidelis Ugbo dropped his aspiration. Ugbo said the same also went for three other - Mike Aniah, Legor Idagbor and Larry Odey. He said they would work for wheover emerged the party’s candidate. Those, who contested in the election were Ben Ayade, Francis Eworo, Peter Oti, Emmanuel Ibeshi and Joe Agi. Jeddy-Agba, in a statement issued in Calabar, said his withdrawal was hinged on the grounds that the delegates’ congress list was fraught with irregularities. “The party has confirmed our initial suspicion and fears that they were desperately committed to excluding Prince Goddy Jedy Agba from all democratic processes leading up the fulfillment of his gubernatorial ambition. “From the initial proclamation that he was not a member of the party to the cancellation of the November 1st ad hoc delegates congress, his pur-

ported suspension from the party and now, the mutilation of the delegates list, it is doubtful that the playing field for the intended Cross River State PDP governorship primaries would be sufficiently balanced. “Even when one does not feel a sense of worry for the PDP if it loses Cross River State to another party in the governorship and general elections, it is time our political leaders learnt how to take decisions that would build our democracy than destroy it. Democracy is about more than holding elections. A real and true democracy should reflect the will of the people. “Finally, we are left with no option than to withdraw from the race, for now, but we urge all our supporters to continue to show love to all. No matter how they feel about the process, there is NO room for justice in Cross River PDP. So you must be guarded in your emotions. We must not let our hearts rule our heads, otherwise we may say or do things that would project us as being ungrateful to the Master Finisher, God,” the statement said. Taraba The primary election did not hold in Taraba state yesterday. Delegates and party supporters were seen gathered at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex in anticipation of the poll, but it did not hold. Some of the delegates who were simply identified as “UTC delegates” went violent. They attacked supporters of Darius Ishaku who is also contesting the PDP governorship ticket. Eye-witnesses said they carried cutlasses, axes and other

dangerous weapons. An aide of the aspirant, Stephen Ibrahim Agya, said they were attacked at the PDP State Secretariat while pasting posters of their candidate (Ishaku). He said 10 of their supporters were severely wounded and two vehicles vandalised. It was gathered that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has not being able to resolve some of the internal electoral procedures. Since the commencement of PDP House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship primaries in other states, Taraba has been left behind. No primary has been conducted yet. No date has also been fixed. Party supporters yesterday said they were confused. Enugu A member of the House of Representatives Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday picked the Enugu PDP governorship ticket. He polled 933 votes against his opponent the Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo’s 26. Senator Ayogu Eze after disagreeing with the electoral committee over the list to be used, organised a parallel primary where he declared himself winner with 530 votes. Two of the aspirants, Chinedu Onu and Anayo Onwards stepped down for Ugwuanyi while Sam Onyishi withdrew at the last minute. Members of the electoral committee include King Asara A. Asara as chairman, Nkiru Ukpai, Saratu Umar, Aleme Adeyemi and Ikeje Asogwa.

At the congress were Governor Sullivan Chime and his deputy, Deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu, state chairman of the party, Ikeje Asogwa and his deputy Hon. David Ajah. Also all the members of the National Assembly from Enugu state with the exception of Senator Ayogu Eze were present. A former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former national chairman of PDP, Okwesilieze Nwodo, ministers, and all the statutory delegates attended.

Oyo

Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, yesterday emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. A major contestant for the PDP ticket, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and three other aspirants shunned the primary. They are: Seyi Makinde, Femi Babalola and Isaac Owolabi. They did not show up at the primary held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), Ibadan. Of the 198 valid votes, Folarin polled 167 to defeat his closest rival, Hazeem Gbolarumi, who scored 12 votes. However, Alao-Akala scored two votes. Prof. Soji Adejumo polled four and Dr Azeez Adeduntan three. In all 211 statutory delegates were accredited for the election. Ten votes were invalid. The party had held ward congress twice, but the results were rejected by the majority of the aspirants, and consequently nullified by the party’s national leadership. The two congresses were also challenged in court. Folarin described his election as a great honour and privilege. He promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him . Makinde, it was learnt last night, went to court to challenge the primary. He was said to have hinged his decision on the Friday ruling which validated the delegate list used for the November 24 ward congress whose result was later thrown away. Alao-Akala reportedly defected to the Labour Party (LP) as the primary was being conducted yesterday. Unconfirmed reports said the former governor directed his supporters to move to the LP. But a statement from its campaign group, Team Akala, said the governor only appealed for calm among his supporters, adding that he would soon announce the next step after due consultation. Before he left the venue, one of the candidates, Adejumo remarked that the election was not proper in the sense that aspirants were not allowed to present themselves to the delegates before it began. He said his observation as raised before the Abba Aji-led electoral committee was dismissed as he (Adejumo) was told that such was not in the guideline given to him. Adejumo, a former chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), expressed reservation about the totality of the exercise, stressing that the idea of using statutory delegates was not in consonance with the party’s constitution as well as the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

Adamawa

Adamawa State Governor

Bala Ngilari protested the primaries conducted in Abuja which produced former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu. In an open letter to the National Chairman titled: “Illegal and improper plan to hold Adamawa state governorship primaries election congress at Abuja in flagrant bread of the guidelines,” the governor along with other aspirants – Awwal Tukur, Marcus Gundiri, Abubakar Girei, Brig. Gen. Aliyu Kame and Dr. Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed - complained about the sudden change of venue and the change of delegate list. They alleged that “the list of delegates was changed and substituted by people hat were hired in Abuja while authentic delegate from Adamawa State were left in Yola as they could not be convened because of the sudden change of venue of the primary election.” There was a huge disagreement over the list of qualified delegates to vote in the PDP primaries in Kwara

State. As a result, the primary was shifted indefinitely.

Katsina

Eight out of the nine governorship aspirants walked out of the Katsina NYSC orientation camp venue after Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema voted. Those who walked out are: Senator Ibrahim Muhammad Ida, Mr. Kabir Barkiya, Tukur Jikamshi, Nasiru Dutsinma, Ahmed Aminu Yaradua, Musa Nashuni, Nura Khalil, Umar Abdullahi Tsauri and Gide Aminu Yaradua. Governor Shema had declared Musa Nashuni as his preferred successor. The aspirants declared the process a charade. Chairman of the electoral panel Abubakar Muazu said the panel noted the observations raised by some of the aspirants “and will adjust the ones that are adjustable but others that are in line with the party guidelines will not be tampared with” Muazu said 1,372 delegates were accredited.

Seized Russian plane released Continued from page 4

the government complicity in the insurgency. “Furthermore, ACF urges the Federal Government to exercise caution and fast track its investigation to avoid any diplomatic row with the countries involved in this scandal. “Arewa Consultative Forum received the news of the detention of a Russian Cargo Aircraft alleged to contain arms and combat helicopters at Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano by the Nigerian military authorities with grave concern and apprehension bearing in mind the insecurity situation in the the country. “The cargo aircraft was said to be carrying two combat helicopters and consignment of weapons on its way to N’Djamena in Tchad and Istres in France but landed in Kano to refuel. However se-

curity checks on the aircraft revealed that sealed containers suspected to contain arms and ammunitions were found. “Recently, there have been wide spread allegations of influx of arms and ammunitions into Nigeria, through our boarders with Tchad and other neighboring Countries which have been a source of serious concern to Nigerians. “The Boko Haram insurgency which flourishes along some of the border towns with Chad Republic, alleged illegal arms influx through the Chad borders, Chad’s role in the aborted cease fire agreement between Nigeria and Boko Haram insurgents and now the Russian aircraft containing arms allegedly meant for French peacemaking mission in Chad calls to question the sincerity of good neighborliness,” the statement read.

‘I have no link with plane’

•Sheriff Continued from page 4

drawn into the conspiracy to hack me down under any guise will always fail as much I am certain that they will continue to get soaked in the whirlpool of self-delusion and hopelessness. "Let me declare with strong emphasis that the report in the Premium Times which oozes strong elements of libel is utterly untrue, illogical, malicious and very distasteful. The authors, if anything, only suc-

ceeded in exposing their ignorance, lack of integrity and gross misconduct rooted in their feeble grab of the basic tenets of journalism which they were taught to uphold. "I had nothing whatsoever to do with the grounded foreign Aircraft in Kano, a reason the Premium Times report fell flat in deceit and misinformation. "At the risk of exposing my private programme and movement last week, I like to say, all the same, that I left Abuja for Katsina last Thursday for the wedding ceremony of Muhammed, son of my friend Lamai Hassan who died 20 years ago. After the wedding, I needed to return to Abuja on Saturday with other friends through the Kano International Airport, since there was no direct flight from Katsina. The alibi I had was a meeting that I attended at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja at 9.00pm on Saturday; whereas the report quoted an unreal source that I visited the Kano International Airport at 10.00pm same day!. What a report! What incongruity!

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

CITYBEATS Customs debunks arms’ importation claim T HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repudiated the claim of Director General of National Task Force on Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons (NATFORCE) Osita Okereke that arms and ammunition were being imported through Seme Border. NCS’ import coordinator at Seme command Assistant Controller Ibrahim Turaki said the allegation could cause panic because of the insurgency in the north. He urged Okereke to give

details of the 10 trucks allegedly used to ship in the weapons, name the importer and state the consignment’s destination. Turaki said NATFORCE should have informed the Department of State Services (DSS) or the police to impound the trucks before their escape. The task force, he alleged, was operating illegal checkpoints and had been “extorting” N10,000 from truck owners. He said: “We made efforts to flush them out of Seme border as they are an unreg-

istered association; they are now making up stories to portray NCS in bad light. “NCS has a responsibility which is explicit under the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and that is to ensure the collection of duty payments and prevention of importation of prohibited goods including light arms and ammunition. “Investigations showed that someone who we learnt is a notorious smuggler in Seme Command gave NATFORCE this unverified sensitive information and since

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

the news broke out, the ‘informant’ has been on the run”, Turaki said. According to him, the command is committed to stamping out smuggling and ensuring fair treatment for genuine importers and stakeholders. Turaki warned unscrupulous elements to desist from their act or, urging them to cooperate with the command, lest they might face the law. He said: “We have put in place laudable measures through the Controller General of Customs, Dikko Abdullahi and our amiable Customs Area Controller, Willy Egbudin. The move has ensured improved revenue generation and shown our zero tolerance for prohibited goods through the land border, making it safe for trade.”

School slashes fees

HE authorities of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, yesterday agreed to reduce the school fees. The cut followed a meeting between the school and the students who had earlier in the day protested the fees’ hike. The management, it was learnt, met with the students’ body on November 27, where the reduction was agreed upon. But the agreement was not implemented, triggering the protest. The protest led to a blockage of the popular Mile 2/

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Badagry Expressway around the school’s axis. Some of the protesters prepared breakfast which they ate on the expressway; others sat and played ayo (a Yoruba traditional pastime), draught, football and other games. Under the new fee regime, the college’s spokesman, Adebowale Odunayo said, 100-Level and 200-Level students would now pay N15000 and N10000 as against N40,000; 300 level students would pay N10000 instead of N25000.

Union urges motorists on traffic gridlock

ETROL Tanker Drivers (PTD) have appealed to motorists and road users, to bear with the gridlock on the ApapaOshodi Expressway. They blamed the traffic jam on the influx of petroleum tankers into Lagos following the scarcity of petroleum products in many depots across the country.

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

According to Comrade Adebayo Atanda, National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Union (NUPENG) PTD, the causes of the gridlock were being addressed by the union in concert with Lagos State Traffic Management Au-

thority (LASTMA) officials and other traffic agencies. He said the tankers coming to Lagos to avoid shortage of petroleum products in any part of the country, because of the coming Christmas. Atanda said PTD National Chairman Comrade Sulaimon Oladiti, had directed zonal officers headed by Comrade Razaq Akanbi to

minimize hardship on the road. The Akanbi-led task force, he said, was working with LASTMA to ease the traffic jam. His said: “We are therefore assuring all road users, motorists and residents of the area that the situation would soon be brought under control,” Atanda said.

Lagos, Falana partner on human rights day

AGOS State government will tomorrow join others to celebrate the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Day. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said in a statement yesterday that the theme is: “The rights of the child”.

By Adebisi Onanuga

A lawyer, Mrs Funmi Falana, will deliver the keynote address. The event, he said, would hold at the Adeyemo Bero Auditorium, at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. The day Ipaye said, is observed by the international communi-

ty every year on December 10 in commemoration of the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day, he said, would also celebrate the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that “each one of us, everywhere,

at all times, is entitled to the full range of human rights; that human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values”. Highlights of this year’s event include an essay competition for private and public schools, Ipaye added.

•Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja General with Chief Taoreed Faronbi Alado, the Babaloja Aswani International Market at the installation of the Aswani Market leaders in Lagos.

FOREIGN NEWS Iran’s President Rouhani warns against corruption

South Africa: Judge throws out Dewani murder case

RITISH businessman Shrien Dewani has been cleared of murdering his wife during their South Africa honeymoon, after the judge threw out the case. Judge Jeanette Traverso said the evidence presented by the prosecution fell “far below the threshold” of what a reasonable court could convict on. She said the evidence of the prosecution’s main witness was “riddled with contradictions”. Anni’s family said they had been failed by the justice system. Announcing her ruling, the judge said the only reason not to grant the application would be in the hope that Mr Dewani would implicate himself if he gave evidence. But to do so would be a “manifest misdirection”, she said. Ami Denborg, the sister of Anni Dewani weeps as she walks away after making a statement expressing the family’s shock at the South African justice system Mr Dewani, from Bristol, was extradited to South Africa this year to face trial ac-

cused of planning the murder of his wife in November 2010. He listened intently as key evidence against him was criticised by the judge as she gave her ruling over almost three hours. Mr Dewani, 34, went straight down to the cells to prepare for his release, following the decision, as his family embraced. It is believed he left the court, without making a comment, through a side entrance. Mrs Dewani’s family, who had said it would it be a “nightmare” if the trial did not continue, immediately left the court room.

P •Dewani

Prosecutors said bisexual Mr Dewani had long planned to get out of the relationship to Swedish-raised Anni Speaking outside the Western Cape high Court, Mrs Dewani’s sister Ami Denborg said: “Today we feel as a family that the justice system has failed us and we are deeply disappointed.

RESIDENT Hassan Rouhani has spoken out against corruption in Iran and warned that it is “endangering” the country’s Islamic Revolution. In a televised speech at an anti-corruption event in Tehran, he said money once “given under the table now is being given on the table”. Mr Rouhani also called for the “elimination” of monopolies. A series of high-profile corruption cases have come to light since his government took office in August 2013. In May, the billionaire businessman Mahafarid Amir

U.S. ‘won’t review’ raids’ policy

HE US will not be reviewing its operations to free Americans held by militants despite recent failures, says Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel. US journalist Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie were killed by al-Qaeda in Yemen gunmen during a US-led operation on Saturday. Mr Hagel defended the rescue attempt, saying such

raids were risky but that there was no need for a policy review. It was the third failed rescue attempt of a US hostage in the past six months. The family and friends of both men have criticised the armed raid. Mr Korkie was due to be freed on Sunday according to Gift of the Givers, a charity working with the South African, who said the US res-

cue attempt had “destroyed everything”. The US says the raid in southern Yemen was launched because intelligence suggested there was an immediate threat to Mr Somers’s life. It came three days after militants released a video of the UK-born photojournalist, saying he would be killed within 72 hours if unspecified demands were not met.

Khosravi was executed after being convicted of being behind a scandal involving embezzlement, bribery, forgery and money-laundering that cost 14 state-owned and private Iranian banks nearly $2.6bn (£1.7bn). And in September, former Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi was reportedly imprisoned after being convicted of corruption. Mr Rahimi was reported to be linked to another billionaire businessman, Babak Zanjani, who has been accused of skimming up to $2.7bn (£1.7bn) of revenue generated from selling Iranian oil on

•Rouhani

behalf of the government through his companies to bypass international sanctions. “The continuation, the deepening and the expansion of corruption is endangering... the Islamic Revolution.”

Syria: UN asks for $16.4b in aid

HE UN has asked for $16.4bn (£10.5bn; 13.3bn euros) for its aid operations in 2015, with the largest single sum - $7.2bn going to help Syrian refugees. Its last annual humanitarian appeal was for $13bn, making the new request a record for the organisation. The request comes as aid agencies warn they are running out of cash to fund this year’s operations. Last week the World Food

Programme announced it would have to cut food rations to Syrian refugees. In its new appeal, the UN is requesting $2.8bn to help those displaced by the conflict inside Syria. It is seeking another $4.4bn to help more than 3,250,000 refugees registered in neighbouring countries. Last year, Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic figured large in UN aid operations.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

UBA dethrones Skye Bank SPORT EXTRA to win Bankers Games

YPRIAN Onyekachi may have scored the match winner for UBA to end Skye Bank’s four year’s dominance of the football event

of the Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) but the tournament hero for Africa’s famed largest bank was goalkeeper Shola Thomas. A late second half goal decided

PUBLIC NOTICE GADJOY FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: Abdul Hakeem Adeshina Oyeniyi Oloyede Julius Alademeji Yakubu Oyewale Oyewole

-Chairman -Secretary -Treasurer

The Aims and Objectives of the Foundation are:1 Community education scholarship including sourcing and promotion. 2. Promotion of learning through maintaining standard social development. 3. To mobilize the community for community development and cooperation. Any objection to the registration of the Foundation should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission within thirty (30) days of publication. Signed Solicitor Abdulmajid Oladimeji Hassan Esq. (08029062319)

• MD/CEO of Mediavision Limited, Fela Bank-Olemoh (right) presenting the Nigeria Bankers Games trophy to the UBA team the match in favour of UBA who reclaimed the trophy they lost in 2011 to Skye Bank. The final day of the NBG which had only the football event began with a novelty match between NBG Hall of Fame members and online shopping giant, Jumia and the Bankers Games All Stars proved their mettle winning by a lone goal. A disciplined backline stuck to UBA’s game plan of containing the Skye Bank’s famed attacking quartet of Ismaila Sani, Seun Mohammed, Shola Akintayo and Mustafa Abdulraheed, keeping them quiet for most of the first half. Apparently buoyed by the presence of their Chairman, Tony Elumelu, the UBA squad showed early intent as they pushed to reclaim the title they lost to Skye Bank in 2011 and almost won back in 2013. Though a colourless first half went the way of the new champions when Martins Udeaja’s free kick cannoned off the cross bar with Rasheed Oshun totally beaten. And that was sufficient warning to the former champi-

ons that their hold on the trophy was at risk. Then came Onyekachi’s freekick goal with very few minutes left and the drama unfolded to a pulsating finish. As was the case last year when Skye Bank got a late equalizer, a penalty late in the game gave them a huge opportunity to level scores and drag the match to extra time. But, Goalkeeper Shola Thomas had other ideas and stood firm to deny Skye a repeat of last year's late comeback. It was UBA’s fifth football title and brought them at par with Skye Bank and Thomas of UBA was rightly voted Best Goalkeeper, while another UBA player, Emeka Okolie was voted Best Defender. Other award winners were Bamidele Odunuga of ECOBANK as Best Midfielder, Seun Mohammed of Skye Bank won the highest goal scorers and Most Valuable Player awards. Fidelity bank had earlier emerged the overall medals’ winner and was followed by Diamond Bank and Skye Bank in second and third positions.

INDIA CHURCH WORLD CUP

MFM qualifies for Semi-Finals

HE Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football club representing Nigeria in the inaugural edition of the Church World Cup holding in Brazil have qualified for the semi final of the competition after defeating Egypt 2-0. Two first half goals off the boots of strikers Adekunle Adegboyega and Akor Isah sealed victory for the Olukoya Boys. With this victory, MFM FC will play their last game against Uzbekistan in what is considered a formality tie this Tuesday. Thereafter, the team will relocate

to Goa for a clash with either Brazil or Portugal. Interestingly, while the other seven participating teams from host India, Brazil, Ghana, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Colombia and Portugal are represented by players selected from churches in their various countries, Nigeria's representatives, The Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries Football Club only got to know about this after their second game on Monday in Bangalore. MFM FC is participating in the maiden edition of the Church World Cup on the invitation of the organisers, the John Paul Foundation based in Goa, India.

28 - sport cap dropped by IOC

popular in Japan. For that to happen, though, existing Olympic sports would need to reduce the number of events they stage. "This is a major breakthrough," said Canadian IOC member Dick Pound. "We were at a dead-end situation with 28 sports." Asked which events could make way for new sports, he replied: "Synchronised swimming... and maybe triple jump." That drew a sharp response from Sebastian Coe, bidding to become the next president of the body that governs world athletics, the IAAF. "Triple jump is a sacrosanct sport in track and field," said the Briton, who won double Olympic gold in the 1500m. Squash, which has failed on numerous occasions to win a place in the Olympics, could also benefit from the changes. However, World Squash Federation President, Narayana Ramachandran urged caution, insisting: "We cannot get ahead

28-sport cap for future summer Olympics has been dropped as part of a 40-point action plan to revamp the sporting showpiece. Potential hosts will also find it easier and cheaper to bid under the "Olympic Agenda 2020" reforms. The changes were voted on by the International Olympic Committee during a two-day meeting in Monaco. The IOC has also agreed to allow future Games to hold events outside the host country or city.Potential hosts will also get extra financial support. Instead of a 28-sport limit, each summer Games will be restricted to 10,500 athletes and 310 events. No changes will be implemented for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro but both baseball and softball could now be included in the 2020 Games in Tokyo given they are highly

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘Both winners and losers must agree: theirs is a milieu that needs urgent reformation. Starkly put, reform or die!’ VOL.9

NO. 3057

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F the gubernatorial primaries that took place across the country last weekend, the one in Lagos was decidedly the most watched. The news media framed it not as a contest among the 12 aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, but as a titanic clash of wills between former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Tinubu, the media reported unequivocally, had chosen and was set to impose a candidate on the party in the person of former Lagos State Accountant-General Akinwunmi Ambode, and Lagos being the stronghold of the APC, all that remained was the coronation. Yes, a primary would be held, but it would be a mere formality; the result was already known. APC’s National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, appeared to have given some impetus to the “imposition” in a rambling interview he gave the online journal Premium Times several weeks ago, leading some to quip that, with a legal adviser like Banire, which political party needs a wellplaced insider to foul its nest? Ambode himself unwittingly gave stories of his alleged preferment some credence when, on the the eve of the primaries, he was reported to have urged other contestants to withdraw from the race because he had already won. Fashola, the media reported just as unequivocally, was seething with resentment that, whereas it was left to governors in other states to handpick their successors, he was allowed no say in determining who would take over from him. There was no better time than now, at the end of his nonrenewable tenure, to assert himself. To that end, the reports went on, he had picked his own candidate from among the aspirants, to do battle with Tinubu’s candidate at the primaries. He would match Tinubu Naira for Naira, dollar for dollar, and Lagosians, nay Nigerians, would get to see the real Fashola, not the person who had been forced to operate in Tinubu’s shadow for roughly eight years. If he was persuaded that his candidate had been cheated out of victory by hook or crook, Fashola would not hesitate to dump the APC and take shelter under Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) umbrella, not minding the consequences. If that happened, the PDP would capture Lagos. Fashola, many media outlets reported breezily, was set to beard the Lion

RIPPLES POLICEMEN GO AGAINST SALE OF BARRACKS––News

Please sell them...those BARRACKS are TOO DIRTY.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

The implosion that never was

‘

The loser in this narrative is the PDP that had stoked the fire assiduously with help from its proxies, persuaded that an implosion in the APC would be its sure path to power in Lagos State •Asiwaju Tinubu

•Governor Fashola

of Bourdillon in his redoubt. I don’t know how Tinubu came to be called the Lion of Bourdillon. To be sure, there is an agreeable cadence to the title, and he does live on Bourdillon Avenue, in Ikoyi, Lagos. Other than that, the term would seem misplaced. He does not have the muscular build of a lion. He does not roar. More often than not, he is soft-spoken But I digress. Just to show that he meant business, Fashola, it was said, had dispatched state officials to Ambode’s residence on the eve of the primaries to bundle him out of the place on the grounds that, as a private individual, he was not entitled to live in government quarters. These were the tales doing the rounds in newspaper newsrooms, in gossip magazines and on the misnamed social media, all travelling at the speed of the Internet, not forgetting peppersoup joints and commuter buses, all of them claiming to de-

’

rive from “authoritative” or “informed” or “reliable” sources, and all of them “speaking on condition of anonymity.” Thus was the stage for a titanic clash of wills between Fashola who, reports said, had resolved grimly to bring down the house down if his candidate did not emerge from the primaries clutching the APC’s gubernatorial ticket, and Tinubu who was just as determined to take out any obstacle in the way of his candidate securing the same ticket The die was cast. I was troubled and conflicted. Troubled, because my mind raced back to the impasse arising from the selection of the SDP gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, in 1991. That conflict paved the way for the NRC candidate Michael Otedola to win the governorship by default. With Lagos State in the hands of the NRC that had called for the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by the SDP candidate Bashorun Moshood Abiola and sup-

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

ported it enthusiastically, the resistance to that infamy was less than optimal. Could that happen again, and perhaps throw up an Obanikoro who as Minister of State for the Army routinely deployed soldiers to terrorize crews working on public projects in Lagos, or horrible thought, a rampaging Fayose who operates on the principle that statesmanship consists in smashing things up and turning the clock back? Having lived in Lagos on and off since 1963, I found those prospects really troubling I was also conflicted because, as one who has identified with the progressive cause in all his adult years and can claim some familiarity with Tinubu and Fashola, what should I do amidst reports that the twain were at daggers-drawn, with frightful consequences for the progressive agenda? Pretend that I had no inkling of all the tales that were being peddled – tales that might well turn out to contain a grain or two of truth? Call their senior aides to find out what was going on, given that Tinubu and Fashola may not be reachable in the charged political atmosphere? Or call them, hoping that you might be lucky to get through and that they would open up. When you reach a certain age in our culture, it translates into generational capital you can draw on. If in addition you have acquired some professional standing, you feel entitled to raise issues, confident that in those circles that really count, your bona fides would not be questioned. So I called Tinubu and Fashola. Tinubu’s position is already on the public record. I have nothing to add to it. What Fashola told me — and this was before Tinubu’s statement was published— tallied in all essentials with that statement. The contest, they have said, was never about individuals. It was about Lagos State, its future, and the well-being of its residents. No aspirant was shut out of the contest. The process was fair, and the outcome unexceptionable. The clash of wills on which the imminent implosion of the APC was grounded was the confection of talebearers. The loser in this narrative is the PDP that had stoked the fire assiduously with help from its proxies, persuaded that an implosion in the APC would be its sure path to power in Lagos State. Now, Chief Olabode George and company will have to devise another battle plan. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

RUST the Rastafarians with their clear-cut, black-or-white life view: Zion is paradise. Babylon is hell. No beating about the bush. So, when they strum their guitar in their simple-and-steady way, with their worldfamous reggae music, and strut the stage in inspired performance, perhaps with a whiff of ganja not far off, the message is clear: Jah is the One; righteousness is the rule; Zion is the city; Babylon is the hell. Who is not for us is against us! That is the Rasta world. But the real world is not so stark. As the Rasta see in Zion some paradise, others see in Zionism — imperial acts that issue from Zion — sheer hell. Welcome to the world of controversy! That brings Hardball to Prof. Wole Soyinka’s crushing judgement on President Goodluck Jonathan: Jona is the very Nebuchadnezzar he claimed not wanting to be. Indeed, the president, in WS’s view, is on balance, even worse: Nebu was a transformative nation-builder, ruined by hubris. Jona, on the other hand, from his far-fromstellar act so far, is sheer humdrum, plagued by delusion of transformation; an insecure leader, crippled by a patent inability to soar

HARDBALL swaying. Yet, Jonathan continues Of Zion, Babylon appears as if it is as solid as ever! Jonathan took over a Nigeria at a crossand Nebuchadnezzar roads. But he still spurs it, like a wild horse, in the realm of winning ideas, and a rather un-civic lover of power: very high on power; but very low on duty and responsibility. Ay, what is power without its corresponding responsibility? To be fair, Jonathan is no better — or worse — than his predecessors, all of whom, without exception, WS had been clear nemesis: the lone and perpetual voice, in Rasta-speak, crying in the wilderness of Babylon, while what he expected, and still expects, is Zion — Tafawa Balewa; maybe not Aguiyi-Ironsi: he was consumed too soon by his own power callowness; Gowon; maybe not Murtala, for he ruled too short; Obasanjo 1, Shagari, Buhari, IBB, Abacha; Shonekan, even if the court said his sorry regime never existed; maybe not Abdulsalami: his was a transition interlude; Obasanjo 2, Yar’Adua, and now Jonathan! Jonathan’s “mortal sin”? Decades of misrule had weakened the house so much that its foundation, at least to the informed eye,

ridden by a reckless horseman, to the brink! Even then, his minders, to every informed public criticism, reply with vulgar abuse — or worse: with lies they told themselves and verily believe, that Jonathan is the best thing to have ever happened. That may be right though: he could be the best thing to have happened to their personal economies, Nigeria is a prebend’s paradise, after all! For WS, it is a life crusade; a patriot’s call to have the best for his country, based on his own personal credo of merit, brilliance and character. He started his crusade very early; and, even in his old age, when he should be resting, he is still at it. But the Nigerian system, deaf of hearing and making its pact with unbridled mediocrity, is firmly of an opposite mind — and closed too! Jonathan? The latest of its grotesque programmed products! But if only Jonathan listens a little and were less wilfully misguided! Maybe the Nigerian paradise may yet come!

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