The Nation December 13, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Workers’ strike cripples varsities

•Labour minister shunned

N40m property gone in Ibadan market fire

NEWS

•Traders seek govt support

Page 6

NEWS Page 7

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VOL. 7, NO. 2337 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

EFCC intercepts N15.5b at airports, says Lamorde

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CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde yesterday said about N15.5 billion has been intercepted at the nation’s airports this year.

The EFCC has filed 353 cases at various courts and recorded about 53 convic-

From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua Abuja

tions so far, he added.

Lamorde spoke at the 2012 International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, with the theme “ACT….Help Detect Corruption Risks Today”, organised by the Inter – Agency Task Team (IATT).

The IATT is an umbrella

of anti –corruption agencies.

Lamorde said the “amount represented physical cash, and not legitimate cash transfer through the financial institutions, taken out through the nation’s airports”.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said

N14billion being couriered outside the country was intercepted at the nation’s airports between January and August.

He added that the operation of a Special Task Team, which is a joint patrol of the airport by EFCC operatives and Nigerian Customs officContinued on page 4

Jonathan orders rescue of Okonjo-Iweala’s mum Police special team, soldiers deployed in Delta

P •Mrs Okonjo

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed security agencies to rescue Prof. Kamene Okonjo, the kidnapped octogenarian mother of Finance Minister Ngozi OkonjoIweala.

Dr. Jonathan has returned to Abuja after the funeral of his younger brother, Meni, in Bayelsa State.

A massive manhunt for the

Ghana President seeks peace

From Yusuf Alli, Nduka Chiejina Abuja and Jude Isiguzo

kidnappers, who were yet to contact the family as at 7.30pm last night, has begun. In the battle to rescue Mrs Okonjo are the police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Intelligence units of the Armed Forces.

The family is said to be worried over the fragile health of the retired Profes-

sor of Sociology.

The Ministry of Finance was virtually shut down as a result of the incident.

The Minister relocated to Delta, it was gathered.

“We might not have been able to establish motive, but it is a clear case of kidnap,” police spokesman Frank Mba told AFP, adding that “the police have already launched a massive man-

hunt for the perpetrators of the crime.

A source said: “The SSS, the police and Intelligence units of the Army, Air Force and Navy are all involved in the efforts to locate Mrs. Okonjo.

“We are still trying to identify where the old woman was taken to by the fleeing suspects. We will try our best to rise to this challenge.

“The President has directed all the security agencies to rescue the victim in a tactical manner to avoid being hurt.”

A police source in Delta said a crack team of detectives from Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has been deployed in Delta to track the kidnappers.

The source, who pleadContinued on page 4

ALL FOR BOLA IGE (1930 -2001)

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HANAIAN President John Dramani Mahama yesterday urged his defeated political opponents to join him “as partners” to improve the country.

But Nana Akufo-Addo, his chief rival, threatened to launch a court battle over the poll results.

Mahama was declared winner of last weekend’s election, which was widely seen as a test of whether the country - one of the fastest growing economies in Africa - can maintain its reputation as a pillar of democracy.

“I wish to welcome my fellow candidates to join me now as partners in the projects of nation-building and of creating a better Ghana,” Mahama said in a victory speech to cheerSEE ALSO ing crowds at a field in AcPAGES 2&3 cra.

“We have come too far on this journey to weigh ourselves down with pettiness, intolerance and negativity.”

Ghana’s electoral commission said on Sunday Mahama, who replaced former president John Atta Mills after his death in July, had won 50.7 percent of the ballots cast, enough to avoid a runoff against Akufo-Addo.

Ghana’s non-partisan Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), which deployed more than 4,000 poll watchers, said the vote had been generally free and fair.

Continued on page 4

•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo unveiling the statue of former Governor of the Old Oyo State, the late Chief Bola Ige, in Osogbo...yesterday. Watching are: Governori Rauf Aregbesola and his Deputy, •The statue...yesterday Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori. Story on page 8

•PROPERTY P17 •SPORT P23 •POLITICS 43 •ENERGY P47 •AVIATION P51

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

2

NEWS GHANA ELECTION

•The head of the electoral commission, Kwadwo Afari-Gyan (right), announcing results of the December 7-8 presidential election in Accra.

•Supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) protesting against the results of the presidential election in Accra ...at the weekend.

•Supporters dancing at the ruling party headquarters as news spread of Mahama’s victory

•Supporters dancing at the ruling party headquarters as news spread of Mahama’s victory.

Ghanaians give Mahama nod With a margin not so wide, Ghanaians have chosen President John Dramani Mahama to rule them for the next four years in a race described by local and international observers as free and fair, writes Group Political Editor BOLADE OMONIJO

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HANA and Nigeria have so many things in common.

They share a similar political history. Ghana was granted independence in 1957 by the British colonial overlords. Nigeria followed suit three years later. Then came the military coups d’etat in the two countries and subsequent putsches. In May 2010, Nigeria lost President Umaru Yar’Adua to a protracted illness and last July, it was the turn of Ghana as President John Atta-Mills died in a similar circumstance.

In Nigeria, the vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, took over as President in the period before the April 2011 presidential election and Ghana’s Vice President John Dramani Mahama succeeded Mills between July and December 7. Both men subsequently obtained their parties’ tickets and went ahead to win the polls.

After his inauguration next January, President Mahama is expected to assume full control of governance in Ghana. In a way, he is more than a President in the federal setting. Ghana combines features of the presidential and parliamentary systems of government, but has a unitary structure. By that, it has a single tier of government and, as Chief Executive, the president rules the waves. In the period leading up to 2016, Mahama is expected to rule the waves in the Republic of Ghana.

Ghana Decides 2012 The polls lived up to the prediction of a tight race. As it was in 2008, when the two major political parties were involved in a cliff hanger race, Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Nana AkuffoAddo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) went into last Friday’s poll with no clear winner in sight. The wind, it was predicted, could blow in either direction. The other six candidates

J

The man Mahama

OHN Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s fourth President in what is now known as its Fourth Republic, was born at Damango in the northern region of the country on November 29, 1958.

A renowned communication expert, astute historian, writer of no mean order, he is a former Member of Parliament and Minister of State, besides being the immediate ex-Vice-President of Ghana.

Destiny hatched its plan for him when he assumed the exalted office of Presidency after the death of President John Evans Atta Mills on July 24 in Accra, the country’s capital.

Perhaps his political odyssey was not accidental.

His father, Mr Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja Constituency as well as the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region during Ghana’s First Republic.

On completion of his education, young Mahama enrolled for Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Psychology at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow. He later returned to Ghana in 1991. He was appointed Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra. PLAN International, Ghana later enjoyed his services as International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager.

An eloquent and implacable defender of the underprivileged, Mahama was first elected to the country’s Parliament in 1996 to represent the Bole/ Bamboi Constituency. It was for a four-year term.

Mahama moved up on the political ladder when in April 1997, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications. In 1998, he rose to the post of the substantive Minister of Communications. He held the position till January 2001, when the National merely made up the number.

As the incumbent, Mahama was favoured. But the incumbency factor had not always worked in Ghana. The first election of this dispensation, which was held in 1992, saw Jerry Rawlings (who was transiting from a military leader to a democratically

Democratic Congress (NDC), the then ruling party, handed over power to the newly elected New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s government.

Mahama got electoral nod for another four-year term in 2000 as the MP for the Bole/Bamboi Constituency. In 2004, he was again elected for a third term.

Mahama served as the Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications between 2001 and 2004.

Apart from serving his fatherland as Director of Communications for the NDC, he was among the international observers selected to monitor Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Elections.

During his tenure as Minister of Communications, Mahama also served as the Chairman of the National Communications Authority, when he played a prominent role in stabilising the country’s telecommunications sector following its deregulation in 1997.

He also served as member, National Economic Management Team (NEMT). Aslo, he was a founding member of the Ghana AIDS Commission; member of the implementation committee of the 2000 National Population Census, and deputy chairman of the Publicity Committee for the re-introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

As his involvement in international affairs buoyed up, in 2003, he became a member of the Pan-African Parliament, serving as the Chairperson of the West African Caucus. And in 2005, he was appointed the Minority Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. He served in these capacities until 2008, when he was picked to become the vice presidential candidate.

Married to Mrs. Lordina Mahama, he is blessed with seven children. And despite his tight schedule,

elected President) victorious. Four years later, he was reelected. However, when Rawlings, had to step down, he sought to hand over the mantle to his deputy, the late John Attah-Mills. However, at the poll, the NPP’s candidate, John Kuffour, was the preferred candidate.

•Mahama

President Mahama holds it a sacred duty to devote time to his family, faith and hobbies. He is a Christian who respects and tolerates other faiths and forms of worship.

He has never hidden his keen interest in environmental affairs, particularly the problem of plastic pollution in Africa, which he unflinchingly addressed during his tenure as Vice President.

An avid reader and prolific writer, he has had numerous articles published nationally and internationally. His maiden book is: ‘My First Coup d’État and Other True Stories From the Lost Decades of Africa.’ It was published by Bloomsbury on July 3, 2012.

Kuffour was in charge from 2000 to 2008. But, when the gentle giant had to quit the scene, he too attempted to hand over to Akuffo-Ado. Again, the electorate decided otherwise, choosing the late Mills after a closely fought runoff election decided by votes from Tain constituency.

While the NPP is still protesting the results declared by the Kwadwo AfariGyan-led electoral commission, the society appears to have accepted that the decision was taken in the Ghana tradition.

The NDC, Afari-Gyan said, polled 5,574,763 votes to the NPP’s 5,248,898 votes. Therefore, with 50.7 per cent of the

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

3

NEWS GHANA ELECTION

Tinubu: Nigeria must use biometric verification

F

•A supporter carrying a poster to celebrate Mahama’s victory

•Supporters dancing at the ruling party headquarters as news spread of Mahama’s victory

•A supporter celebrating NDC’s victory PHOTOS: AFP

to rule till 2016 pectation on the rancour within the NDC, especially the open disenchantment by the Rawlings family.

Strategists of the NPP also argued that President Mahama was yet to consolidate his hold on power. Hoping to cash in on possible sympathetic votes from the Ashanti, NPP rolled out the electoral tank. The opposition party campaigned vigorously and rigorously. It lost.

Ghana Presidential Election Result Region NPP Ashanti 1,545,521 Brong-Ahafo 479,209 Central 426,429 Eastern 651,600 G. Accra 1,019,607 Northern 383,249 Upper East 120,815 Upper west 76,4362 Volta 131,517 Western 468,517

NDC % 597,529 71 522,666 47.29 493,883 45.17 481,334 56.9 1,133,690 47 561,652 39.48 274023 29.29 186,134 27.7 729,075 15 582,193 43.8

% 7.7 51.5 52.3

International observers react

42 52.3 57.9 66.4 67.4 83.5 54.4

Parliamentary Seats Region Other Parties Ashanti Brong-Ahafo Central Eastern G. Accra Northern Upper East Upper west Volta Western

NDC

NPP

31 10 15 14 13 12 6 23 18

3 7 6 24 8 6 2 8

1 1 1 -

Ghana’s domestic observers have endorsed the result. The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) told the press in Accra, the capital city, that the results declared by the commission tallied largely with the compilation by its 4,000 representatives in all the constituencies.

Observers from the Commonwealth of Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) described the polls as “peaceful and transparent” .

The NPP national leader, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, however, decried the performance of the Electoral Commission. He said the figures “cast serious doubts on the credibility of the results”. Former President John Kuffour, a leader of the party, complained of widespread hitches.

In an interview with Reuters, Akuffo-Addo said: “We have serious reservations about the counting and the declaration of results. The obvious action is to go to challenge the results in the courts.”

If the party carries out its threat, it would be the first time in the current dispensation that Ghana’s presidential election requires intervention by the judiciary to validate the election.

Between 2008 and 2012 total votes cast, Mahama was declared the winner. Akuffo-Addo, a veteran presidential candidate, lost again after a good showing. The constitution requires the winner to have a clear simple majority win.

Supporters of Akuffo-Addo had expected him to win. They hinged the ex-

Although the gross figures showed that the victory margin was very narrow, the details suggest otherwise.

Unlike 2008 when the NPP had the upper hand in four of the 10 regions, it could only record victory in the Ashanti and eastern regions this year.

In 2008, it was the preferred party in

Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Western regions in the December 27 rerun.

In last Friday election, the heavy Ashanti sentiments against a minority ascending the throne played out.

The NPP won 1.54 million votes to NDC’s 522,666. Although the NDC recorded victory in Greater Accra, it was narrow. The party had 1.3 million votes to NPP’s 1.02 million. When the NPP votes in the two regions is added to the Eastern region’s where it polled 651,000, the party had more than 3.2 million of its 5.2 million from only three regions.

On the contrary, the NDC was the choice of Ghanaians in eight regions.

It performed particularly well in the Northern regions, recording more than 80 per cent in Upper Volta and close to 70 per cent Upper east and Upper West. In the Northern Region, the party won about 58 per cent.

For Mahama, it is the beginning of another era. Coming on board at a point the exploration of oil is introducing a new phase in public finance, Mahama has the right setting to become a great President. Can he recreate Ghana?

All over for Akuffo-Addo?

The 68-year old Akuffo-Ado is a lawyer of repute and a politician of note. He was born into a political family, with his father, the late Edward Akuffo-Ado serving as President from 1970 to 1972. He has been involved in the political life of Ghana since the transition period in the early 90s and was close to snatching victory in the 2008 presidential poll.

He polled more 4.20 votes to AttahMills' 4.07 but failed to satisfy the constitutional stipulation that anyone who must mount the saddle must have a clear mandate of the majority of Ghanaians. The votes he received represented 49.32 per cent of the total votes cast as against the 47.76 per cent received by Attah-Mills. That was the NPP candidate’s undoing as the NDC won the rerun.

ORMER Governor of Lagos State and Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn lessons from the just concluded general elections in Ghana.

Tinubu, who arrived in Abuja yesterday from Ghana where he went to observe the elections, said the nation’s democratic system would be better off if the Federal Government and the INEC could adopt the biometric system for future elections.

He said: “Until we adopt the biometric verification system as demonstrated by the Ghanaian electoral body, we will continue to have problems with manipulation, rigging and ballot stuffing.

“You cannot rig or manipulate electoral materials under the biometric system. You cannot snatch ballot boxes and do multiple thump printing with the biometric system.

“The ballot box becomes useless for whoever decides to snatch or steal it because the biometric verification system is rigging proof. Even if you take the ballot box away, the machine will reject your manipulations.”

Tinubu advised the electorate to always demand accountability in the electoral process, saying that those charged with the management of elections must be made to face sanctions whenever they fail to deliver.

He said: “Before now, the INEC may have excuse for failure. But with the last Ghanaian elections, Professor Jega has no excuse to fail. This is a country that does not have the type of resources we have in Nigeria, yet they were able to conduct free fair and transparent elections.”

Tinubu said the most interesting aspect of the Ghanaian election was that it was the opposition parties that demanded the use of t he biometric system and despite the constraints, the sitting government had to go along with it.

He added: “The Nigerian people want to see transparent elections and committed leadership. Investment in democracy is investment in the rule of law. Leadership is all about accountability. We can’t continue to pay lip service to these ideals.

“The Ghanaian election was well organised, the rules were obeyed, no violence anywhere, no guns and the ballot boxes were properly sealed.”

He observed that voters in remote areas of the country were unable to vote on election day but that arrangements were made for them to vote the next day and the process went smoothly.

The former governor commended the high level of awareness among the electorate in Ghana, saying that the voters were orderly in conduct even where there were about 1500 voters in a polling booth.

Jonathan, Fayemi congratulate Mahama

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday congratulated Ghanaian President John Mahama on his victory in last weekend’s presidential election.

Jonathan, in a statement in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, welcomed Mahama’s success in securing his people’s mandate for a full term in office, following his assumption of presidential powers after the death of his predecessor, Prof.

John Attah-Mills, in July 2012.

He noted that Mahama’s victory in the polls was an endorsement by the Ghanaian electorate of his leadership and his party’s action plan for further socio-economic development and continued consolidation of democracy in the country.

“President Jonathan notes that the very keenly contested elections have been adjudged as free and fair by observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international observers.

“The President on behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria salutes the people of Ghana for the successful conduct of the polls.’’

Jonathan urged the president elect to extend a hand of partnership to the opposition in the spirit of reconciliation and national progress.

The President also enjoined all political leaders in Ghana to join hands with the government to collectively deepen democracy in the country in the overriding interest of continued peace, political stability and progress in their country.

He assured Mahama of the continued support, cooperation and goodwill of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to his administration and the brotherly people of Ghana.

The statement said the President looked forward to continuing to work and collaborate with Mahama and his administration at bilateral and multilateral levels on issues of common interest to Nigeria and Ghana.

Fayemi said the recently concluded election in Ghana has revealed the

‘

“The President on behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria salutes the people of Ghana for the successful conduct of the polls.’’

‘

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, AdoEkiti

country as the model of democracy in entire Africa.

Fayemi said the conduct of a peaceful, transparent, credible and violencefree general election in Ghana offers useful lessons for the rest of the black world.

Fayemi ,in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said Mahama’s success was a testament to the maturity of the Ghanaian voters.

He said the election has proved that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate was the popular choice of the Ghanaian electorate.

He explained that Mahama’s return to the Osu Castle Presidential Mansion in Accra would further cement the cordial relationship that exists between the Republic of Ghana and Nigeria and particularly Ekiti State, where the President was conferred with a honorary doctorate by the state university.

He urged the president to use the new mandate to serve the people who voted him into office diligently and conscientiously.

He commended Nana Akufo Ado for a well fought election and for his unshaken commitment to deepening democracy in Ghana and Africa as a whole, appealing to the opposition politicians to join hands with Mahama to make Ghana a better place.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

NEWS Gunmen raid Potiskum, kill DPO, set bank ablaze

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•Chairman Board of Trustees Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, addressing reporters during the 2012 Second Edition of MYFI news conference in Yaba, Lagos…yesterday . With her are: Mr. Kunle Ajayi (middle) and Mr. Udofia Nathaniel.

Story on page 5 PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

OTISKUM – the commercial nerve centre of Yobe State - was yesterday invaded by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members.

The invaders engaged security operatives in a gun duel, killing a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and setting a bank branch ablaze.

The Unity Bank Plc branch on NPN Road was set ablaze by the gunmen.

Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman Lt. Lazarus Eli confirmed the incident to reporters in Damaturu, the state capital, yesterday.

There was no official statement on the loss suffered by the affected bank, but there were strong indications that the raiders stole unspecified amount of money from the vault before they set the bank

From Duku Joel, Damaturu on fire.

The JTF spokesman said: “At about 2am, unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists, attacked the Police Area Command, NPN Road, Potiskum. Men of JTF promptly reinforced the police to repel the attack.

“The bodies of three of the suspected terrorists killed were recovered and 10 other bodies were suspected to have been carried away by the terrorists. The DPO died in the hospital as a result of gunshot injuries he sustained during the attack.

“JTF assures residents of adequate security measures to safeguard lives and property and wishes to appeal for calm.”

EFCC intercepts N15.5b at airports, says Lamorde Minister: don’t create panic Continued from page 1

ers, which began in September 2012, had yielded the arrest of illegal cash courier with over $9million.

Lamorde gave the example of an individual, who was arrested for laundering money in cash to the tune of $7 million in brief case and flying out of the country through the airport.

He traced the illegal transfer and corruption to greed, callousness and meanness of the people involved.

The statement quoted Lamorde as saying: “Corruption is one of the reasons Nigeria

has not been able to make progress, socially, politically and economically and we have all agreed that corruption cannot be sustained in Nigeria, all of us must come together to fight corruption.”

The EFCC chairman said the funding of the anti-corruption agencies and their operating legislations should be reviewed.

He explained that between January and December 2012, the Commission filed about 353 cases at various courts across the country and had recorded about 53 convictions so far.

Lamorde said: “Criminal

procedure rather than judiciary should be blamed for the problem of slow pace of trial of corruption cases.

“Somebody cannot steal from you and expect that the law should protect him against you the victim of his crime. Something has to be done. I pray that the new leadership of the judiciary will be able to do something.”

He called for a special court to take on corruption cases.

He added: “Judges are either transferred or the witnesses dead. It is not fair on the anti-corruption agencies to say they are delaying cases.

“Let cases not last forever.

If you think there is no case, please discharge the person but where the person has a case to answer, the case should be concluded in good time.”

The IATT Chairman, Mr. Ledum Mitee, identified some reasons why the fight against corruption is stagnant.

Mitee listed the factors as weak anti-corruption institutions in terms of capacity; funding and coordination; failure of leadership at all levels to genuinely talk the talk and walk the walk and the Continued on page 63

Ghana President reaches out to rivals Continued from page 1

But Akufo-Addo said yesterday his party would take a decision toaay on whether to challenge the results, which he said were manipulated by electoral workers.

“We have serious reservations about the counting and the declaration of results,” Akufo-Addo told Reuters in his office at his residence in Accra.

“If we are going to challenge

the results, the main question is; do we have enough evidence to suggest that, materially, the evidence will have affected the outcome?”

“The obvious option is to go and challenge the results in the courts. The other option is to forego it and make your case to the country,” Akufo-Addo said.

Akufo-Addo called for calm among his supporters, saying

leaders of his conservative-leaning New Patriotic Party would meet to decide the party’s response.

On the wall of his office is a portrait of his father Edward Akufo-Addo, president from August 1970 to January 1972 before he was deposed by a military coup. Outside, there was a dour atmosphere among supporters milling about the yard, some yelling that the election

had been stolen.

A cliff-hanger election in 2008, in which Akufo-Addo lost by less than 1 per cent, pushed the country to the brink of chaos, with disputes over results driving hundreds of people into the streets with clubs and machetes.

Ghana’s sprawling seaside capital Accra was bustling as normal on Monday.

Continued on page 63

over Mandela’s health

S

OUTH Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela is “doing very, very well” while undergoing unspecified medical tests at a military hospital, the country’s defence minister said yesterday.

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told reporters outside Military Hospital in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, after seeing Mandela, 94, who has been hospitalised there for three days that “He’s doing very, very well.

“And it is important to keep him in our prayers and also to be as calm as possible and not cause a state of panic because I think that is not what all of us need.”

A statement by the office of President Jacob Zuma also said that Mandela is fine, but did not offer further details.

“Mandela had a good night’s rest,” the statement by presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said. “The doctors will still conduct further tests today. He is in good hands,” it added.

On Saturday, Zuma’s of-

fice announced that Mandela had been admitted to a Pretoria hospital for medical tests and care that was “consistent for his age.” Zuma visited Mandela on Sunday at the hospital and found the former leader to be “comfortable and in good care,” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

Maharaj offered no other details about Mandela, nor what medical tests he had undergone since entering the hospital.

In February, Mandela spent a night in a hospital for a minor diagnostic surgery to determine the cause of an abdominal complaint. In January 2011, Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for what officials initially described as tests but what turned out to be an acute respiratory infection.

Mandela has had other health problems. He contracted tuberculosis during his years in prison and had surgery for an enlarged prostate gland in 1985. In Continued on page 63

Jonathan orders rescue of Okonjo-Iweala’s mum Kidnappers yet to make contact with family

Continued from page 1

ed not to be named because of what he called the sensitivity of the matter, said: “The kidnappers are yet to get in touch with the family.

We are awaiting their call. I am quite sure that they will soon reach out to the family.

“The security agencies are liaising with the family to get some clues and also give an update on their efforts. But the family prefers a low-profile approach to the rescue operation.”

The Okonjo family is said to be worried about the health of its matriarch.

Another source said: “For quite some time, the health of the aged mother of the minister has been fragile.

And this gives a serious worry to the Minister because she was not allowed access to her drugs before she was kidnapped.

“The situation is tense in the family because of fears that her health might deteriorate.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “We are anxious about her health.

That is why the family has

F

ORTY-EGIHT hours after the kidnap of Prof Kamene Okonjo, mother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, heavily armed security operatives have descended on Ogwashi-Uku,Aniocha South Local Government Area.

Security operatives comprising soldiers and police cordoned off the road leading to the palace yesterday.

A security cordon has been thrown around the state.

All exits are manned by stern-looking soldiers searching motorists.

It was learnt that a detachment of soldiers from the 4th Mechanized Brigade of the Army in Benin, the Edo State capital was deployed to the state.

Brig.-Gen. Ubi Umahi, who is the Commander, Mechanised Brigade leds the team been unusually quiet. We want to leave this issue out of the media as much as possible, until the situation is sorted out.

“It is quite harrowing and emotionally challenging. If you can keep this off the media, we will appreciate it.

That is why all the aides of

From Shola Oneil, Warri and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Mrs. Okonjo was bundled into a waiting vehicle by gunmen numbering about 10 on Sunday afternoon.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday visited Ogwashi-Uku to re-assure residents of his administration’s commitment to security of life and property.

Dr. Uduaghan, who warned against rumour mongering over the abduction, urged the people to remain calm and come up with information that could assist security operatives to track down the hoodlums.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba vowed to rescue the octogenarian unhurt and round up the kidnappers.

Aduba, who did not confirm the arrest of more suspects as being speculated, said

the minister and associates are not picking calls. The emotional trauma is too much.”

Early yesterday, activities at the Ministry of Finance were virtually paralysed.

An official of the ministry said: “We were all devastated; we could not work effec-

there was “no cover-up and we are on course in our investigation.”

Prof Okonjo’s kinsmen have called for the immediate release of their daughter.

Prof Okonjo hails from Obomkpa,Aniocha North Local Government Area.

Obi of Obomkpa, Obi Jonathan Nsuebo, urged the abductors to release her immediately and without conditions.

In a statement, the monarch described the kidnap as shocking.

He warned of unspecified consequence should harm befall the Queen, adding that Obomkpa community stood with the people of Ogwashi Uku in their trying period.

Obi Nsuebo prayed that the Queen should return safely to join her people

tively because the woman has been hardworking and highly reform-oriented. It is sad that the mother of such a patriotic Nigerian could suffer this kind of fate.”

Sources in Delta said Prof.

Chukuka Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwushi-Ukwu, the husband of the kidnapped

Continued on page 63

mother of the minister, has been “a difficult Very Important Person (VIP) to manage for the police.”

He is believed to have rejected all entreaties for security detail to be provided for him and his wife.

He is also opposed to the activities of the vigilance

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

group in his palace, it was gathered.

When he travelled to Nasarawa, where he was at the time of his wife’s kidnap on Continued on page 63

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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NEWS Police killed 7,198 in four years, says Adoke From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

THE Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke (SAN) yesterday said 7,198 people were killed by the police in four years.

Quoting a report by the Network on Police Reform, Adoke said no fewer than 7198 persons were killed by the police in four years.

He spoke at the national dialogue on torture, extrajudicial killings and national security, organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja with the theme: “Human Rights Implications”.

Delivering a keynote address, Adoke expressed concern that the police relied on “Police Force Order 237’’ to commit extra-judicial killings.

This, he said, has led to 7198 deaths in four years of which 2500 were detainees.

“Although these figures have been disputed by the police, even the most charitable defenders of the force cannot deny that some dishonourable officers have taken the law into their hands in the most barbaric fashion by killing suspects and innocent citizens,” he added.

Tambuwal tasks leaders on development From Sanni Onogu, Kabba

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal yesterday urged political leaders to pay attention to the infrastructural development of their areas and the nation.

He spoke as Chairman at the Presentation/Commissioning of Empowerment/ Constituency Projects in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State, executed by Mr. Yusuf Tajudeen, a lawmaker.

Tambuwal said: “Tajudeen has displayed uncommon drive and passion in contributing to issues geared towards the development of the people.”

He noted that the people of Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu voted wisely by electing the lawmaker during the last election.

He said Tajudeen has demonstrated the quality of a true leader and enjoined other lawmakers to emulate him.

Tambuwal noted that the House of Representatives is committed to championing development in the country through the enactment of relevant legislations.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State Yomi Awoniyi who represented Governor Idris Wada said the projects executed by Mr. Tajudeen were meant to augment the efforts of the state government in alleviating the plight of the Kogi State people.

Tajudeen, representing Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu Federal Constituency, said the projects were meant to empower the people to be self-reliant.

Nigeria Police stinks, says outgoing CP T HE outgoing Commissioner of Police (CP), Plateau State Command, Emmanuel Diipo Ayeni, has exposed the rot in the Nigeria Police, saying it was caused by the Federal Government.

He said he regretted serving in the Police, adding that the current agitation for state police is in order.

Ayeni spoke yesterday during his pull out and farewell parade at the Jos Township Stadium, having retired

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

from the Nigeria Police.

According to the officer who joined the Nigeria Police in 1980, “I had job offers from various establishments but I opted for the Nigeria Police. I thought I had taken a good decision. This has affected my life as a social being.”

He went on: “The way the

Nigeria Police is operating today leaves much to be desired, not because its personnel are not competent, but due to the dangerous chemistry that has been badly mixed against the soul of this vital organisation.

“I must talk on this now or I will be condemned by history. This is in the best interest of the progress and development of our country.

“The reform ongoing in the police is cosmetic, it cannot take the police to the next level. The White Papers on the various committee reports on the police are not being properly implemented.

“We should embark on a wholesale reform that is fundamental. That is, the reforms that will position the Nigeria Police for effective service delivery. If it is well organised, it will perform its constitutional and statutory duties very well.”

•Members of the newly-constituted Lagos State University (LASU) Governing Board taking their Oath of Office during the inauguration at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

Extra judicial killings: NBA asks govt to investigate security agencies

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is uncomfortable with reports of extra judicial killings against security agencies.

The umbrella body of lawyers in Nigeria yesterday asked the Federal Government to investigate the allegations and punish offenders to act as a deterrent to others.

Besides, it said “no provision of the said law or constitution gives the State Security Service, Military or Police the right to detain suspects” indefinitely.

At the Bar’s round table organised in Abuja to mark the 2012 International Human Right Day, the NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN), said: “When rights are serially violated, the people are apprehensive, nervous and unsure of their humanity.”

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Condemning the activities of Boko Haram and other insurgents in the country, Wali noted that thousands of persons have been displaced and property worth billions of naira destroyed.

“We now have more orphans and widows who cannot explain the offence their loved ones committed that led to their death,” he said.

Wali, however, regretted that security agencies have allegedly committed extra judicial killings in the war against terrorists.

According to him, Nigerians have continued to face serial violations of their fundamental rights in the hands of security agencies which are supposed to be protecting them against aggressors.

He said: “Hundreds of insurgents have been detained for over one year in various detention centres operated by the Military, State Security Service and other military and paramilitary formations with no prospect of a trial.

“It seems therefore that while the insurgents are violating the rights of the Nigerian people through extra judicial executions and mindless bombings, the security agencies have also been engaged in extra judicial executions and unlawful and unconstitutional detention of insurgents.”

He added that “nothing therefore justifies the detention of insurgents by agencies not empowered to detain them. Nothing justifies the refusal of the said agencies to hand over the insurgents to the Nigeria Police. And nothing

justifies the Nigeria Police in joining other security agencies in detaining insurgents without trial. Nothing justifies the holding of persons suspected of having committed a criminal offence without trial.

Wali went on: “There is nothing shameful about acknowledging mistakes and indiscretions and pledging to make amends. Denying cases of extra judicial executions and unlawful detentions in the face of overwhelming evidence can only diminish our prestige and respect in the comity of nations.

“There is no doubt that extra-judicial execution by the Nigeria Police amounts to a disregard of the duty to organise the apparatus of the state in such a manner as to guarantee the rights recognised in the African Charter.”

Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative‘ll be exciting, says Senator Tinubu

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HE Convener of the 2012 Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday promised that the fiesta would be more exciting She spoke at a news conference in Lagos.

Senator Tinubu said: “The fiesta is conceived as an event of soul-stirring musical performances for youth driven by the youth in the best spirit of Christmas.”

By Mercy Michael

“Performance is open to church groups, choirs, and even solo acts, sponsored by a church. The only condition is that the youth performing must fall between the age brackets of seven and 21. Let me state that MYFI is not a competition. However, performing acts and those who enter musical works would

be given honorariums to assist the music ministries of their various churches, as a token of appreciation for their efforts,” the Senator said.

The fiesta is slated for December 19 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme for this year’s event is “Dare to be like Joseph”.

Explaining the reason for

the theme, Senator Tinubu said: “Joseph is an exceptional person in the Bible.

He was a highly disciplined young man who turned down sexual advances from his master’s wife despite all the benefits he stood to get.

He was a young man of integrity. And for this reason we decided this year’s theme to be “Dare to be like Joseph”. In like manner, we are encouraging every youth to dare to be like him”.

Lawyers slam Fed Govt on security

By John Austin Unachukwu

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday in Abuja urged law enforcement agents to respect the rights of Nigerians and guaranty the security of lives and property.

NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) made the remark in his welcome address at a roundtable organised by the Human Rights Committee of the NBA to mark the International Human Rights Day at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja.

The United Nations (UN) has set December 10 every year as the International Human Rights Day and the UN’s spotlight this year is on the rights of all people, women, youths, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and the marginalised, to make their voice heard in public life and be included in political decision making.

The NBA President said: “It is the duty and right of the NBA as the foremost professional association in Africa to remind governments and their agencies of the fundamental nature of fundamental rights and the need to observe their intendment and create the right environment for them to blossom.”

He went on: “When rights are protected and respected, a conducive environment for the people to excel is created and when rights are violated, the people are apprehensive, nervous and unsure of their humanity. “

Group asks Jonathan to investigate minting firm

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

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GROUP, the Anti Corruption Network, yesterday asked the Federal Government to beamed its searchlight on the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), alleging that N2.1 billion may have been mismanaged by the company. But the management of the company denied the allegation, saying the group should provide evidence.

Members of the group protested yesterday on the premises of the company on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, demanding the sack of the management. They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate the allegation and restore sanity in the company, adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should prosecute those found culpable.

The Lagos State Coordinator of the group, Ayo Oyalowo, who spoke with reporters, alleged that Nigerians should be concerned that a whopping N2.1 billion disappeared from the vault of the company.

Asked to prove the allegation, he said only a 30 ton truck or about three bullion van could move such a huge physical cash. He warned against sweeping the allegation under the carpet, saying it would encourage large scale corruption.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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NEWS

SSANU, NASU strike cripples UI

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HREE unions in the University of Ibadan (UI) yesterday paralysed academic and administrative activities as they began a one-week warning strike over the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement by the Federal Government.

The unions are the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

Although the majority of the students are now on break till January, the strike has disrupted the examination of the 400 level Agricultural Department students, which ought to begin today and the post graduate students’ registration.

Visitors had a hectic time entering the campus through the main gate, as it was locked and nobody was allowed to drive in.

Vehicles were blocked by members of the unions who carried placards, with various inscriptions, such as “SSANU rejects every effort designed for the ruination of our future”; “We say no to rough manipulation of our future”; “Jonathan has been an insensitive and desultory President”; “Show human face to varsity workers”;

for the review.”

The NASU Chairman, Comrade Olusola Fatoki From John Ofikhenua, Abuja Cole, said the government HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities had been nonchalant about (SSANU) yesterday turned down the invitation the their welfare, adding that it Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka has refused to honour the Wogu, extended to it because of the industrial crisis and the agreement they signed.

Cole said they had no nationwide strike in the federal and state universities.

SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and As- grudge against the school ausociated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of thority, led by the Vice-ChanAcademic Technologists (NAAT) had resolved to begin a cellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, seven-day nationwide strike following the failed meeting whom he described as an unwith the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), derstanding man committed to the welfare of workers.

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

“Government is not sinWogu had invited SSANU, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada Headquarters via a letter to an emergency meet- cere. The public may be looking at us as trouble making with the minister yesterday.

However, neither the SSANU President, Comrade Samson ers, but we are not. We are fighting for the future of the Ugwoke, nor his representative was in attendance. students. Most of those in From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan government do not have their children schooling in “Let justice and equity be plemented. Federal GovernNigeria. So, they feel less your guiding principle for ment has failed by refusing to concerned about the poor achieving peace in Nigerian fulfil its promise. We have standard of education.

Universities”, “FG has failed exhausted our patience. We “Government has budgeted us, it keeps toying with our feel government is not sinover N2 billion for the buildlives”; among others. cere. It is not concerned about ing of the Vice-President’s Addressing reporters, the the welfare of workers. home, but it does not have Chairman of SSANU, UI chap“We only hear that trilmoney to fund education. If ter, Comrade Wale Akinremi, lions of naira are being budgwe don’t fight for these stusaid the strike was to compel eted, up till now, we have dents, their tomorrow will be the Federal Government to not seen where the money is bleak. We appeal to the govhonour the agreement, which going to. We were even told ernment to wake up to its reincludes increase in the allowin a meeting we had with the sponsibilities,” he said. ance of the non-teaching workMinister of Education, Prof.

A final year student in the Deers in universities.

Ruquayyatu Rufai’, that our partment of Agriculture, who He went on: “The strike was money was not included in spoke to our reporter, urged the embarked on because of the the 2013 budget, and that government to address the situunimplemented 2009 agreeour agreement would be due ation so that their exam would ment. The major part of the for a review. We are telling not be disrupted. agreement has not been imgovernment to be prepared

SSANU shuns meeting with minister

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•From left: Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe; Guest Lecturer, Justice Salibu Alfa Belgore, Governor Godswill Akpabio and his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at the Golden Jubilee Lecture in honour of Akpabio in Uyo... yesterday.

Story on page 58

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Works Minister says N500b needed annually to fix roads

HE Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolomemen, said in Abuja yesterday that about N500 billion was required annually over the next four years to fix the country’s roads.

He spoke at a public hearing on the measures to address the near collapse of roads across the country, and a bill to provide for the maintenance of public infrastructure.

The hearing was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Works.

The bill seeks to impose a penalty on the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in case of failure to ensure regular maintenance of public infrastructure.

The minister said the annual budgetary allocations to road projects was inadequate.

According to him, the delay in the release of fund for road

projects had also led to delays, and in some cases complete abandonment of road projects across the country.

He noted that of the N130 billion budgeted for highway projects in 2011, only N88.7 billion was released, while only N110 billion was released from the N143 billion budgeted in 2012.

Onolomemen said the average budget of N100 billion for road development was grossly inadequate for the nation’s 35, 000 kilometre of federal road network.

The minister, therefore, suggested for alternative funding for the maintenance of the country’s highways.

The minister said a bill for the establishment of Road Fund and Federal Roads Authority would soon be presented to the National Assem-

bly.

“There has to be a special fund to take care of the deplorable roads in Nigeria,’’ he said, adding that with appropriate funding, all roads listed by the Federal Government would be completed in 2015.

Onolomemen said there was need to charge vehicles conveying petroleum products and steel for using the roads.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, also stressed the need for a legal framework to stop the abuse of roads in the country.

Tambuwal, who was represented by a lawmaker, Samson Osagie (ACN-Edo), the Minority Whip, urged traffic officials to discharge their responsibilities properly to minimise road acci-

dents.

According to him, a study has shown that the country loses N80 billion annually to road accidents.

Ogbuefi Ozomgabchi (PDPEnugu), the Chairman of the committee, called for appropriate legal and institutional framework for road infrastructure.

He noted that fixing the country’s bad road network would require new funding options through the private sector.

According to him, between 1999 and 2012, the National Assembly appropriated N1 trillion to the road sector, but despite the allocation, only 35 per cent of the federal road network was paved.

The situation, he noted, had led to 1,936 accidents between January and December this year based on figures released by the Federal Road Safety Commission.

CPC cries foul over N972m budget for coal feasibility From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Enugu State chapter, has raised the alarm over the fate of the coal-to-power-project of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, following the alleged misappropriation of funds budgeted for its feasibility studies.

In a statement signed by the governorship candidate of the party in the last general election, Osita Okechukwu, CPC said it was alarmed that the project might be dead on arrival as the N972 million appropriated in the 2012 federal budget for the feasibility study of coal deposits on the Enugu, Kogi and Gombe axes was allegedly being fleeced.

Okechukwu, who is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), alleged that N138 million had been spent on spurious sub-heads.

He said: “We hoped the unemployment in Enugu, Kogi, Gombe and adjoining states would be reduced with the CoalFired-Power-Plants when President Jonathan made this a hallmark of his road map to Power Sector Reform.

“It will be recalled that an Inter-Ministerial-Committee, comprising Power, Solid Minerals, Environment and Water Resources, was set up with the mandate to work out the modalities to utilise coal to power. The target was 2000 mega watts, upon which the Power Ministry secured N972 million in the 2012 budget to conduct bankable feasibility studies, because of unreliable coal data available in Nigeria.”

The CPC chieftain noted that the two consultants –ACWA and WAPCOS, engaged by the Inter-Ministerial Committee, had concluded their jobs and had been paid for prequalifying the companies that expressed interest in conducting the survey, but a few weeks to the end of the financial year, the outgoing Permanent Secretary in the Power Ministry, Dr. Dera Awosika, had not only frustrated the efforts to jump start the survey, but had also under spurious sub-heads expended N138 million without the award of the survey contract.

Fed Govt begins implementation of housing for teachers

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HE Federal Government has begun the full implementation of the Housing for All Teachers Scheme (HATS), with a view to ensuring that teachers have access to affordable shelter.

Minister of State for Education Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who spoke in Abuja yesterday when he received the report of the Ministerial Committee on HATS, noted that President Goodluck Jonathan was committed to the welfare of teachers.

He directed the Legal Unit of the Federal Ministry of Education to perfect the land titles sent in by states to ensure the building of houses by accredited developers takes off.

The minister said by next month construction would begin in states where land allocation issues have been concluded between the Federal Government and such states.

He said: “We are committed to this project. By January, we will commence work through the developers in all states where land allocation matters have been concluded.

“Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on the delivery of this project. No developer is allowed to source funds from commercial banks. This is to ensure that the houses are within the reach of teachers.”

Wike hailed the committee for setting the implementation of the housing for all teachers in motion, assuring teachers that government would ensure their welfare.

Presenting the HATS report to the minister, the Chairman of the committee and Director of Procurement, Federal Ministry of Education, Mallam Shehu Aliyu, said some states have made available plots of land for the implementation of the programme.

He recommended the verification and validation of the developers appointed by the past HATS committee, using the guidelines by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

The HATS committee has the representatives of the NUT, Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria as members.

NAPTIP enlists ambassadors against human trafficking HE National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) has enlisted people to be its ambassadors against trafficking in humans.

Those enlisted included reporters, officials of NGOs, Nigerian Prison Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and state government establishments.

The agency said those enlisted were to take the campaigns against human trafficking to rural communities and decry such crime against humanity.

The ambassadors were enlisted at the opening of an anti-human trafficking community dialogue held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mrs. Beatrice JedyAgba, who spoke at the event, urged the ambassadors to help sustain NAPTIP’s commitment to checkmating the assault on human dignity.

A cleric, Bishop Atoe Iyobosa, said he had apprehended three pastors for selling pants to prostitutes with a view to preventing them from contracting HIV/AIDS. Bishop Iyobosa said he was embarrassed when he saw Nigerian girls engaging in prostitution abroad.

The National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Mrs. Jennifer Ero, narrated how a native doctor defiled a 10-year-old girl with the consent of her father.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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NEWS

N45m goods lost in Ibadan fire

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STOREY-building at the Ifeleye Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was razed yesterday morning.

It was learnt that property worth over N45 million was destroyed in the fire.

The cause of the fire was unknown. Sources ruled out power surge, as there has been power outage in the area for over three weeks.

They said the fire was noticed at about midnight by people living in the building behind the one that got burnt.

The fire would have spread to other buildings but for the timely arrival of men of the State Fire Service.

Traders, who sell motor batteries and motorcycle spare parts, said they lost goods and cash to the fire.

Sympathisers flooded the scene, with some helping the victims to salvage a few items.

Mr. Sina Sotunbo, who was yet to overcome the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

shock as at noon, said he lost goods worth over N20 million.

Sotunbo, a motor battery dealer, said someone phoned him around 1am and told him the building was burning.

He said he rushed to the market but could not help the situation.

Mr. Olusola Olalere, who sells motorcycle spare parts, said he re-stocked his shop on Friday.

Olalere, who is the chairman of the Ifeleye Traders’ Association, said he was informed about the fire a few minutes after midnight.

He said when he got to the scene, all his goods were already burnt.

Olalere said he lost goods worth over N25 million and N1.8 million.

He urged the state government to assist the victims, adding that the loss was too •The razed building...yesterday. Inset: Olalere. much for them to bear.

ECOWAS court begins sitting in Ibadan

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HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice yesterday began sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The court, which is the principal legal organ of ECOWAS, was set up to resolve disputes relating to the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS and annexed protocols and conventions.

The court will sit for one week and hear cases instituted by member states.

The President of the Court, Justice Awa Daboya, said the aim of coming to Oyo State was to create awareness about the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

court and its activities. She said external sessions would foster judicial integration in the subregion.

The court heard the case between Gnassingbe Kpatcha and others vs. Republic of Togo at High Court 15 yesterday.

Oyo State Chief Judge Mrs. Bolajoko Adeniji said she was happy that Oyo was chosen for the external sitting.

She urged members of the Bench and Bar to attend the court sessions.

Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice Mr. Adebayo Ojo welcomed the judges to the state.

Amosun suspends council GUN State Governor chair, others Ibikunle Amosun yes-

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terday suspended the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr. Patrick Ogunde, the vice-chairman and councillors.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, gave no reason for their suspension.

The government said it was in line with Sections 39 and 43 of the Ogun State Local Government Law, which approve the suspension of the Executive and Legislative arms of the councils for 90 days by the governor.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The government has constituted a Panel of Enquiry to look into issues that led to the suspension. It will submit its report within 14 days.

The panel members are Chief Wole Adesiji (Chairman), Mrs. Ayoola Afolabi, Mr. Bayo Adeyemi and Mr. James Omotosho of the Ministry of Justice (Secretary).

The Head of the Local Government Administration (HOLGA) has been directed to manage the council’s affairs.

$5,000 for winner of Ondo festival

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HE winner of the Fourth edition of the Mare Mountain Climbing Festival in Ondo State will smile home with $5,000, the state government announced yesterday.

The event will begin on Thursday and end on Saturday.

The first and second runners-up will get $4000 and $3,000.

Speaking with reporters in Akure, the state capital, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Deji Falae said the festival would boost tourism in Ondo.

International athletes from other countries are expected

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

at the mountain climbing competition in Idanre.

Falae said the physicallychallenged would not be left out.

He said: “This event, tagged: Mare Festival, includes marathon race, arts and cultural display, mountain-climbing, exhibition of talents and entertainment shows.

“The three-day event will be full of fun and entertainment. There will be a musical concert in the evening of the third day featuring local, national and international artistes.”

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PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI.

Fayemi praises Eso’s integrity

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has paid tribute to the late Justice Kayode Eso. Fayemi praised the late Justice Eso’s integrity and decency.

He spoke at the weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when he visited the family of the late Justice Eso. The governor said: “Nigeria has missed a colossus of integrity, uprightness and decency. I can never find the right words to describe him.

All I can say is that people should try to walk on the path he trod because that is what is lacking in our country.

“If only we can do half of what he did to bring honour and credibility to the judiciary, our country would be a better place. We all know what is going on in the judiciary now. It is sad to note that the judiciary has become the microcosm of the Nigerian society.

“The late Eso was a forthright man. He was always on the side of truth and justice and he inspired many of us.

He was a rare gem and a mentor you could always count on to say the truth.

•Fayemi signing the condolence register, while the late Justice Kayode Eso’s brother, Ven. Ladipo Eso (left); Mrs. Funso Adegbola (nee Ige) and the deceased’s children, Mrs. Funmilayo Eso-Williams and Mr. Olumide Eso watch him...at the weekend.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

“During the struggle to reclaim my stolen mandate, papa was our unsolicited consultant. He took it upon himself to monitor what was go-

ing on with my case because he believed I was on the side of truth. That is why people are thronging here to pay homage to truth, courage, justice and decency.

“Papa was revered in the circles of international jurists.

He was active in the African Court, Amnesty International and African Centre for Human Rights.”

Ajimobi calls for unity among ACN members

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday urged members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to remain united.

He urged members to set their differences aside and embrace peace in the interest of the party and the state.

Ajimobi spoke yesterday at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, during the presentation of empowerment materials worth millions of naira to ACN members by Senator Femi Lanlehin (Oyo South District).

He said the party experienced some setback due to disaffection among members, adding that division is harmful to any group.

Ajimobi said: “We can be

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

our own enemies. Unless we unite, we may not win future elections. The dividends of democracy will go round, if we come together.

“I urge aggrieved members to bury their hatchet. No one knows how long anybody will live. The party and the people of the state have suffered for too long and we need to cooperate to make things better.

“Some call themselves Lamist group, some Senaco group and others Integrity group. You are using this to make money for yourselves. I can boldly say that I, Ajimobi, am the number one Lamist in the state.

“There cannot be progress where there is animosity. If we

do not win more defectors from other parties, it would be difficult to win the next poll. We all own the party and should embrace one another. I appeal to the women, especially, to cooperate.”

The governor said instead of promoting unhealthy rivalry, there should be positive competition among members.

He said: “What Senator Femi Lanlehin did today is significant and worthy of commendation. It is exemplary. He has done very well.

I was once a senator but I never did a thing like this.

“Also, no governor in Oyo State has done what we did in less than two years. With what we have done, no party should defeat us. But, we can

be our own enemies. Unless we come together and unite, we may not win future elections.”

Ajimobi said the death of the party’s leader, Chief Lam Adesina, should not polarise the party.”

Items donated to members include cash, power generating sets, grinding machines, sewing machines, deep freezers, motorbikes, mechanical tools, hair dryers and clippers.

The beneficiaries are Nureni Alayande, Wale Babalola, Dupe Ajeniya, Adewumi Adeyemi, Nurudeen Amusan and Funke Moroundiya, among others.

Lanlehin said the gesture was to thank members for their support for him and other elected office-holders.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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NEWS Governor pledges to uphold human rights •’Nigeria has improved on rights protection’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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•A cross-section of judges of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at an external session of the ECOWAS Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital...yesterday.

PUBLIC APOLOGY I simon Agule Shigba deeply regret and Apologise for the several complaints I made to the police against Barrister Tim Dim of, Orker, Dim and co. High level Makurdi, and for the civil action I initiated against him.

Simon Agule Shigba

Obasanjo, Aregbesola meet on Orile-Owu chieftaincy tussle F ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday visited Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the selection of the Olowu of Orile-Owu in Ayedade Local Government Area.

Obasanjo arrived at the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the state capital, around 3pm.

He was accompanied by about 20 Owu indigenes, including the Secretary of the Owu Development Foundation, Prof. Gbolagade Ayoola, and other officers of the group.

Obasanjo said he was “flabbergasted and ambushed” by the reception he received

•Ex-president inaugurates Ige’s statue From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

from the Aregbesola administration.

Orile-Owu is believed to be the ancestral home of all Owu people in the country and the diaspora, and Obasanjo is the Balogun of the Owu Kingdom, which expands to Kwara, Osun and Ogun states.

Obasanjo said he was in the state at the instance of the Owu Foundation to provide a lasting and amicable solution to the chieftaincy crisis rocking the ancient town.

He told the governor that he met “an alarming situation” among the people of Orile-Owu in their attempt to select the next Olowu, after the tragic demise of the former Olowu, Oba Moses Adejobi.

Adejobi and his wife, Funmilayo, died in an accident on the Gbongan-Ibadan expressway on March 15, last year.

The former president lost his sense of humour during the visit, as the indigenes publicly disagreed among themselves.

Obasanjo said he had done his best by persuading the warring parties to give peace

a chance, adding that he had no plan of imposing a candidate on them.

He said: “What I met was disturbing. I had to set up a committee to look into the issues raised by the aggrieved members of the town on the obaship tussle. I told the committee to make wide consultations and came to know that many of the aggrieved people wanted recognition.

“Before we came here this afternoon, I tried to talk to all of them. Where it was necessary to cajole, beg and prostrate for some people, I did, but I must say the matter is unfinished. So, we are still trying to make those affected agree and later make a recommendation to the state government for consideration and approval.”

Obasanjo unveiled the statue of the late Afenifere Leader and former Governor of the Old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, which was erected at the entrance of the Governor’s Office.

The Governor’s Office was named after the late former Attorney-General of the Federation by former Governor

Adebisi Akande.

The statue of the late Ige was built by the Aregbesola administration in recognition of his contributions to the growth of democracy in Osun and the country.

Aregbesola, who led his deputy, Otunba Titi LaoyeTomori; Secretary to the State Government Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff Gboyega Oyetola and the Acting State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Elder Adebiyi Adelowo and others to receive Obasanjo, praised the former president for intervening in the chieftaincy issue.

He said: “As a government, we have tried as much as possible to remove ourselves from obaship matters. We allow the process to be transparent and leave it in the hands of the communities involved.”

The governor urged the people of Orile-Owu not to misunderstand Obasanjo’s intervention as an attempt to impose a candidate on them.

Presenting the state’s flag and audio compact disks of the state anthem to Obasanjo, Aregbesola said: “We are still part of Nigeria and we will remain part of Nigeria, but we have the right to have our own Coat of Arms and anthem as a federating state in the country.”

Fashola inaugurates LASU Governing Council

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Lagos State University (LASU) at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Fashola urged the council to consolidate on the achievements of the out-going one and improve the institution.

He said the state government had taken steps to transform the university into one of the best in the world.

The governor urged the council to actualise the dream by coming up with novel ideas that would make the university realise its potentials.

The 12-man council and the ninth since the inception of the university is chaired by Mr. Bode Agosto, an economist.

Fashola said: “This is no

By Oziegbe Okoeki

doubt a new team of thinkers and I urge you to turn the rainbow of bright colours created by the eighth council to something brighter and better in line with the dream of our founding fathers.”

He urged the council to reclaim parts of the institution‘s land that had been encroached on.

On the increase of tuition fees at the university in 2011, Fashola said it was to rescue the institution from falling standards and infrastructural decay.

He said the government could no longer sacrifice quality tertiary education for cheap tuition fees, adding that the decision was in the best interest of LASU and the students.

Fashola said the government has spent N850 million on the education of indigent students.

He said the government has budgeted N1.2 billion for bursaries and scholarships next year.

Speaking on behalf of the council members, Agosto thanked Fashola for finding them worthy to serve the institution.

He urged the government to invest more in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other learning facilities.

Agosto urged the government to give more research grants to lecturers, adding that it would boost their capacity and increase their productivity.

He said the council would do its best to improve the university.

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday pledged to protect the rights of the people.

Aregbesola spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at a lecture marking the 2012 World Human Rights Day. The lecture was organised by the Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OSSC), comprising about 16 rights’ groups, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), People’s Welfare League (PWL), Independent Masses Forum (IMF) and Justice Now Foundation (JNF).

Aregbesola said every individual has inalienable rights that must be protected.

He said the lecture has given him a platform to review his administration’s performance in promoting human rights.

Speaking on “Corruption as a threat to human rights: Challenges and prospects”, Aregbesola said majority of Nigerian leaders strive for power to enrich themselves, their family and friends.

He said corruption has crippled the nation’s economy, adding that military rule made people “lose the consciousness that production creates wealth”.

The governor said: “People now scheme for positions to access wealth and thereafter engage in exploitation. We all know that taxation is the direct source of income for the government, but how many people pay taxes?”

The guest lecturer, Comrade Debo Adeniran of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), condemned the Federal Government’s approach in the fight against corruption.

Adeniran said: “Although President Jonathan wants Nigerians to believe his government is working assiduously to combat corruption, a closer look shows that the government’s profligate and wasteful lifestyle constitute the major form of corruption in the nation.”

Also yesterday, Canada said Nigeria’s respect for human rights has improved since it returned to democracy in 1999.

In a statement marking the 2012 Human Rights Day, the Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, said: “Respect for human rights has made great strides in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999. You have established important institutions to protect those rights, such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which have demonstrated real leadership.

“Nigerians are increasingly aware of their rights. Human rights, whether in Canada or Nigeria, are not granted by the government, but are inherent to and belong to every individual. That is why they are universal, as both countries recognise them.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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Police stop protesters on world Rights Day

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HE police yesterday stopped the Joint Action Front (JAF), a coalition of human rights groups, from demonstrating against the restriction of commercial motorcyclists’ (okada) operation by the Lagos State Government.

The police stopped the protest in disregard of the International Day of Human Rights, which was marked world-wide yesterday. JAF which said the police were notified, had expected them to respect the day.

Scores of police officers, led by Tunde Sobulo, a Deputy Commissioner (DCP), stopped the protesters on Ojuelegba road, barely 50 metres from Labour House, Yaba, where they took off from. They also arrested Simeon Aremu, Ifako-Ijaiye branch chairman of All Nigerians Auto Bike Commercial Owners and Workers' Association (ANACOWA), and Yusuf Oladimeji, the state secretary, while distributing leaflets to educate the public about the protest.

The organisers had seen signs that all was not well when their supplier of road show equipment denied them patronage. Undaunted, they marched in their thousands, armed with megaphones and placards.

Some of the placards read: "Justice Opesanwo, deliver your judgement on Okada matter," "Provide jobs, not misery," "The confidence in robbing is not in the Okada that robbers use, it is in their guns. The question is: who gave them the guns?" "You gave us no job, we gave ourselves one and you are killing us for it," and "Build a party that stands of millions of people, not millionaires."

The protesters believe government is not fair in applying the law which they also noted restricted operations of trucks and tricycles. But while government seems to have granted immunity to the latter, some Okada drivers have died from police bullets under the guise of implementing the Traffic Law, they said.

The protesters had barely left Labour House when DCP Sobulo "advised" them to turn back as their protest is meaningless when compared with "government's genuine interest to protect lives."

"We will observe you and as long as you can control your people, there

Magazine honours royal fathers OBA Sikiru Obatula, the Enioluwafe I of Ojodu town, Lagos State, is to be honoured along with others for their contributions to the development of tradition and culture.

The ceremony, organised by the African Royal Majesty Magazine, will hold at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja GRA on December 14. It is expected to be graced by eminent personalities, royal fathers and captains of industry.

According to the publisher of the Magazine, John Thompson, the award is in appreciation of the contributions of traditional rulers to the maintenance of peace in the country.

•The protesting okada riders

Govt: rights violators will be punished LAGOS state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye yesterday promised that violators of people’s rights would not go unpunished.

A government, he said, could only be said “to be successful when every citizen in the society feels secure in the knowledge that any violation of fundamental rights will never go without redress”.

Addressing reporters in Alausa, Ikeja, on the occasion of the World Human Rights Day, Ipaye said every successive administration in the state since 1999 worked for justice delivery and protection of the citizen’s access to qualitative legal service irrespective of social standing, race, tribe, religion, level of affluence or political affiliation.

He said human rights might be meaningless without provisions of

By Segun Balogun and Precious Igbonwelundu

will be no problem but if this protest is hijacked and turned to public violence, I will arrest everybody and dispatch the crowd," he said.

The protesters defied Sobulo's "advice" and marched on, insisting that there are no hoodlums among them.

Barely 10 minutes later, the police regrouped, blocking the protesters and ordering them not to go any further.

After an argument, the protesters sat on the road, following the order

A

qualitative legal assistance.

Ipaye said the government was in the vanguard of human rights protection, adding that it had some far reaching reforms to advance the rights of every citizen of the state.

Some of the steps taken, he said, included the passage of the Special People’s Law to ensure a level playing field for all citizens; the free and compulsory education programmes; the skill acquisition programme and Micro Finance Scheme that has created several thousands of selfemployed citizens; maternal and child mortality reduction programme and institution of regular prison visits among others. The Solictor General Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN) , suggested that Chapter II of the Constitution be amended and made justiciable in

court in the planned amendment of the Constitution.

Pedro, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, said: “The provision dealing with the rights of the people to participate in their government is to be found under Chapter II of the Constitution. As we all know, by virtue of Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution, the judicial power of our court does not extend to any issue or question as to compliance with the provisions of Chapter II. “It is my conviction that if some of the provisions are made justiciable, it will be a step in the right direction and thereby create a winwin situation for the people and the government of Nigeria”.

In a speech entitled: “Right to participate in public process. Pedro said every Nigerian has a right to par-

ticipate in governance and decision making, describing such participartion as an essential feature of democratic governance.

“Participation is a fundamental right of all the people. As we know, decisions made by the people on their own behalf will often be better than those made for them by other people because people know what they need in their own lives.

“This is in consonance with the African philosophy which is variously expressed as ‘he who wears the shoe, knows where it pinches”, he said.

History, Pedro said, was replete with unpopular decisions which have been thrown into the dustbin because of the failure of government to seek the buy-in of the people.

For any public policy to be legitimate, he said there was need for broad consultation and effective participation by the citizens.

of their leader, Comrade Abiodun Aremu. They decided to go back to Labour House and "re-strategise," when it was obvious that the police would not balk as more vans arrived with armed police officers.

The protest lasted for three hours, grinding traffic on Ojuelegba road and adjoining routes.

Some protesters accused the government of "using the police to stop the protest." "This same government lashed out at President Jonathan in January for deploying the army to quell the anti fuel subsidy removal protest but he is doing the same thing

now," said a protester, Isiaq Abiodun.

Earlier, while educating the protesters at Labour House, Aremu said the new Traffic Law, especially at it affects Okada, "is a bad law that must not be allowed to stay." He said the policy was part of a larger scheme to discriminate against the poor.

Questioning government's rationale for the policy, he said: "Even though smoking is dangerous to health as advertised, people's choice to smoke cigarette, is still respected.

Nobody has banned cigarette production. The same logic should be applied to Okada."

"Taxi in Abuja is cheap. In Port Harcourt, taxi operates like commercial buses. But in Lagos, the cheapest taxi fare is N600. How can a worker that earns N18,000 minimum wage survive?" he asked.

"Okada people, tell your colleagues that you have the power to grind Lagos to a stop. We are here to give you that courage. They have declared war on the poor and we must say enough is enough. Anybody that has taken your means of livelihood has taken your life. This is not like any other struggle. For us at JAF, there is no going back on this fight."

By Adebisi Onanuga

Woman remanded for dumping baby in swamp

35-year-old woman was yesterday remanded in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos for allegedly abandoning a day-old baby in a swamp.

Aderoju Ojelabi of 1, Honourable Street, Isuti Road, Egan, Igando, a Lagos surburb, was arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court, on onecount of wilful abandonment, which caused the baby’s death.

Prosecuting Inspector Chris Takim told the court that Aderoju committed the offence on November 24, about 9pm, at Monicas Saliu Street, Egan.

The court heard that Ojelabi, who has had four children for different men, wrapped the baby in a sack and dumped it in the swamp.

Takim said: “After she had given

Prayer for Nigeria CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West/Lagos State Zones and other Christian organisations will hold a one-day fasting and prophetic prayer programme for the country tomorrow.

According to Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, chairman of CAN South-West Zone, the theme of the programme, which will hold at Presbyterian Church ,Yaba, Lagos by noon, is “O Lord save Nigeria in distress.”

By Precious Igbonwelundu

birth, the defendant for reasons best known to her, wrapped the new baby in a sack and sneaked out to dump the child near a canal.

“She claimed that she had to throw the baby away because the father of the child denied being responsible for her pregnancy.

“The baby was found by neighbours who heard the baby crying inside the

sack and informed the Igando Police Division.”

Takim said police officers cleaned the baby up, covered her and rushed her to the hospital.

“From the General Hospital Igando, they were referred to Ikeja General Hospital and from Ikeja to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where the baby was confirmed dead.”

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 247 of the

Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The defendant’s plea was not taken since the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.

Magistrate S.K. Matepo ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, adding that the prosecution should duplicate the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

The matter has been adjourned till January 14, 2013 pending DPP’s advice.

‘Be security conscious, council chief urges residents’

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HAIRMAN of Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State Tajudeen Ajide Yussuf has asked the people to be more security consciousness during the Yelutide.

Speaking at the presentation of two new vehicles to the Police at the council secretariat on Alhaji Masha Road, Surulere, Yussuf said there is no nation in the world that does not have cases of crime, but the strategies for tackling the challenge vary.

“There is crime in the United States,

By Innocent Amomoh

Britain, Lebanon, Israel, Ghana and elsewhere like that of Nigeria but different strategies are employed to tackle these societal problems from country to country,” he said.

Yussuf added that the Conference 57 Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State met and resolved that security must be given priority seriously.

“The security situation within Surulere local government has been

deliberately fashioned out for the protection of lives and property and this has manifested in the experience at the 18th National Sports Festival which was held at the Teslim Balogun and the National Stadium, all within the local council,” he said.

“After the festival the security network will meet to review the success of the strategies deployed in order to maximize the gains and reduce the level of crime to its barest minimum, although the ultimate objective is total elimination,” Yussuf Added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Govt records N459.1b budget deficit in Q3’

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HE nation’s budget deficit more than dou bled in the third quarter to N459.1 billion ($2.9 billion), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

The budget deficit of subSaharan Africa’s secondlargest economy jumped from N211.8 billion in the previous three months and N161.1 billion in the third quarter of 2011, the Abujabased bank said in a report on its website.

“The deficit was financed mainly from domestic sources, particularly through the issuance of additional Federal Government of Nigeria bonds,” the bank said.

The country increased its target for this year’s budget deficit to 2.97 per cent of economic output in February, from a 2.77 per cent target announced in December 2011, after it added N733 billion of spending on fuel subsidies, according to the Finance Ministry.

The country wants to narrow the fiscal deficit to 2.2 per cent of GDP next year, according to the October 10 budget proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan.

During the period, N26.2 billion were withdrawn from the excess crude account “to bridge the shortfall in revenue for the period,” leaving $9.3 billion in the account, in which Nigeria saves revenue from crude sales higher than the budgeted price, the bank said.

The government aims to raise savings in the account to $10 billion to provide a buffer against global economic uncertainty. Net foreign-currency inflows through the bank in the quarter stood at $5.8 billion, with inflows at $14.4 billion and outflows at $9.2 billion, according to the report.

We want a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose; a programme that would be dynamic, where all the identified loopholes would be effectively plugged thereby making it difficult for the plague of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space.

- Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

$7.9b loan: Senate cautions states over reckless borrowing T O

‘Include 13% derivation in new constitution’ From Nduka Chiejina,

HE Senate yesterday warned state governments against reckless borrowing, saying it would not acede to every request.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, gave the warning at the continuation of the defence of a loan of $7.9 billion by the Federal and state governments.

Uzamere said states which were expecting blanket approval of requests for loans should forget it, because his committee would not grant their requests.

He stated that approved loans must not be seen by benefiting states as free money that should end up in private pockets.

“It is sad the way we are going in this country,” he said, adding that states must take loans seriously.

He noted that the committee would monitor the use of the loans through oversight to ensure that they are not diverted.

He urged the states that have not submitted their template for loans to do so

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor

because the Federal Government was awaiting approval of the loans.

He insisted that requests by states that fail to submit their template would not be considered.

A member of the committee, Senator Gbenga Obadara, also warned that there was no reason for any state to “over borrow.”

He said: “These loans, you are not the ones to repay it.

This is how our nation became a debtor nation and we battled to free the nation from huge foreign debts.

“From what I see, the debt profile will continue to pile up. I don’t want my children to become slave of any nation because of loans. We know the consequences of these loans. You may mean well, but you must be careful how you borrow.

“Some states have asked for $50 million loan, others asked for more. You begin to wonder how much is the GDP to warrant the huge loans.”

Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bernard

Okumagba, who defended his state’s request, noted that there was a huge funding gap in the state’s drive to successfully implement some projects.

Okumagba said the terms for the credit are maturity spanning 40 years, a grace period of 10 years, service charge of 0.7 per cent and commitment charge of 0.5 per cent.

He said the projects for which the loan are sought included youth empowerment and access to socio-economic services, public financial management reforms and project coordination and implementation support.

The Commissioner noted that the credit amount negotiated in November 2011 by the Federal Government, participating states and World Bank is $200 million.

He added that an additional equivalent of $110 million has been approved as grant by European Union (EU) to support project development objectives in the participating states.

Okumagba said $39.78 million has been tentatively

• Senate President David Mark

allocated to Delta State based on the original credit and will be scaled up to include the EU grant when the approved amount is released.

Delta State, he said, is interested in the approval of the project “which is expected to create about 16,100 jobs for youths in the state.”

He said about 7,500 persons would have access to services, such as basic health, education, water and agricultural extension, supported under the community driven development sub-component in benefiting communities.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Solomon Adeola (right); Deputy Chairman, Awau Jattau; member, Gafar Amere; Comptroller-General of Immigration, Rose Uzoma, during her visit to the Committee in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

MTN backs bank-led mobile money services

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TN Nigeria is sup porting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) bank- led mobile money model.

The CBN recently licensed some financial institutions to carry out mobile money services with the objective of providing easy money transfer services, using mobile phones and enhancing financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas.

MTN’s Corporate Services Executive Akinwale Goodluck, said the CBN bank-led model has many merits and that it is full im-

By Lucas Ajanaku

plementation would achieve the CBN’s stated objective to extend money transfer services to millions of Nigerians who are currently underserved.

“We are supportive of any initiative that brings financial inclusion to the masses and the Central Bank’s efforts in this regard are highly commendable,” Goodluck who spoke at a capcity building forum in Lagos said at the weekend, adding that the partnership between licensed organizations and telecommu-

nications companies is a winwin combination.

He said, “The current partnership between banks and telcos in the mobile money space leverages available cutting edge ICT technology offered by telcos and best practice payment protocols and expertise supervised by the CBN.” During the seminar, participants gained a better understanding of the details of the CBN guidelines and discussed various ways in which MTN could offer tangible backbone and logistical support to licensed organiza-

tions.

In his closing remarks, Goodluck remarked that as the leading ICT company, MTN’s greatest responsibility to its customers and to Nigeria is to provide world class quality of service in order to support a multitude of products and services. He observed that MTN Nigeria had already built the largest and most sophisticated network in Africa.

“The world today is heavily dependent on ICT. Our future success as a company depends on how well we support services like mobile money,” he said.

Asst. Editor

IL Producing com munities in six states have urged the National Assembly to include the 13 per cent derivation in whatever formula they come up with in the new constitution.

This was contained in the letter the communities presented to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission in Abuja and made available to the media yesterday.

In the letter, the group said whatever formula the National Assembly adopts in the proposed new constitution, it must reflect the 13 per cent Derivation.

Acting under the aegis of the Oil and Gas Communities of Nigeria, the members of the oil and gas producing communities took their agitations for direct payment of the 13 per cent derivation by writing to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and stating their demands and asking for consideration.

The letter, which was signed by Chief William Igere, who represented Delta State; Pastor Macpherson Kurobo, representative of Bayelsa State; Princess Nomwen Uhunmwangho of Edo State; Chief Harry Opaks of Rivers State; Comrade Samuel Ebiwanno, representative of Ondo State and Saviour James Okon of Akwa Ibom State, the communities demanded the direct payment of the funds to them.

The group said the principle of 13 per cent Derivation is firmly entrenched under the provisions of Section 162 (2) which supports the payment of the derivation fund to the communities.

Beyond that, they stated in their letter to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) that the intended beneficiaries of this 13 per cent Derivation Fund are the oil producing communities because they directly feel the effects of oil and gas exploration and exploitation.

As a result, “the principle of derivation is thus introduced to cushion the effects of this devastation of oil exploration as well as to recompense them for divesting them of their proprietary right.”

According to the six individuals who signed the letter which was also sent to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) last week, ”the 13 per cent Derivation Fund belongs to the oil and gas producing communities which are the sources of derivation.

“The oil facilities, flow stations etc. are located in the oil and producing communities where oil exploration, exploitation and production are being carried out causing monumental degradation, pollution and health hazard etc 13 per cent Derivation Fund is compensation and reparation for loss of fishing right and loss of productive farm land,” they said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS Our strategy for massive job creation, by SURE-P

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ESUSCITATION of the defunct Public Works Department (PWD) and rehabilitation of the near-comatose rail transport system are some of the strategies employed by the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) of the Federal Government.

Speaking in Lagos, Nse Akachukwu Nwankpo, the Special Adviser to the President of Technical Matters and Secretary, SURE-P, said others were massive investment in the provision of health infrastructure targeted, especially at reducing child/mother mortality rate, employment of midwives, completion of strategic abandoned projects and a host of others, challenging the other two tiers of government, state and local, to make the impact of the SURE-P funds allocated to them trickle down to the people.

He said the intervention agency has done a lot considering the short time it was constituted and when it actually went out to work.

Nwankpo said the agency, which was a child of necessity, was created as an intervention body by President Goodluck Jonathan to bring succour to the common man on the streets of the country, adding that this vision of the president stood at the centre of the choice of the agency in the choice of areas of intervention.

According to him, in the last count, the country is littered with about 12,000 abandoned projects valued at about N7.7

By Lucas Ajanaku

trillion, adding that the agency has selected the projects that have mass-effects on the people for completion.

He cited six major road projects being handled by the agency to include East-West road, Onitsha-Enugu raod, Port Harcourt road, Lokoja road and two others, adding that in addition to this, the agency is also supervising the completion of two key bridges-Oweto Bridge and the second Niger Bridge.

“Maintenance of roads is an area we are working on.

We are investing bringing in automatic road patchers not using spade. We are working with the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) with a view to bringing back PWD,” he said, adding that vocational centres have also been established.

He said a total of N135 billion has so far been received by the agency, stressing that the money is not kept with any commercial bank but with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to him, in order to avert the drift, the sum of N70 billion has been paid based on performance of job.

Speaking on the Second Niger Bridge for instance, he said it is going to be based on Private- Public Partnership (PPP), adding that about N5billion counterpart funding has been paid while a transaction adviser has been appointed.

• Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mazi Nnamdi Udoh (middle) Flanked

by Director of Operations, Alhaji Mukaila Solola (left) and Company Secretary, Paul Oki, at a press conference in Lagos ... yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

NAMA handles 500 aircraft daily

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HE Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) handles about 500 aircraft and 300 helicopters daily, the Managing Dirctor, Nnamdi Udoh, has said.

He told The Nation that the aircraft are aside the numerous foreign aircraft that over flies the nation’s airspace en route other countries.

He explained that the increased number of aircraft that use the nation’s airspace would continue to challenge the infrastructure, including radio communication between the pilots and air traffic controllers.

The NAMA boss explained that because of the increasing traffic on the nation’s airspace, the agency has

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

taken steps to improve air navigation infrastructure, including the total radio coverage of the country, the total radar coverage of Nigeria, as well as the performance based navigation for which Nigeria is the first country in Africa to implement it.

He said the airspace agency has been approached by many private airstrip and aerodrome operators to provide air traffic services, which is evidence of improved infrastructure and recurrent training of it’s personnel.

He explained that this year alone, NAMA has trained at least 300 air traffic control-

lers in the U.S, South Africa and Egypt in many areas of air traffic management.

Udoh said the agency will continue to invest in the training of its personnel, which he said is key to ensuring that Nigeria meets the minimum acceptable standards in air traffic services.

He explained that it is wrong for anybody to insinuate that the Nigerian airspace is unsafe, as it will be unprofessional for any air traffic controller to suggests so, even as he affirmed that no airline pilot will embark on any flight without receiving air traffic instructions from the control tower.

He wondered why more

foreign airlines will like to fly into the Nigerian airspace , if it is not safe, even as he said that without radio communication, which could have issues of congestion, the pilots could still land their aircraft.

He said : “ If all is well, there will be no air traffic control, those that design air traffic control know that there will be problem like this but let quickly say that no pilot can fly an aircraft from the ground without receiving an instruction.

For the record and for the umpteenth time the agency want to use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians that our airspace is safe as in safe and as should be safe.

Oxfam to fight poverty with five million euro

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HE Country Director, Oxfam Nigeria, Dr. Chichi Okoye, has said Oxfam has budgeted over five million euro in addressing poverty in Nigeria, especially in assisting small scale farmers in the next three years.

Okoye stated this during a press conference on ‘Go live’ in Abuja, saying it is time to challenge the government on how to meet the need of small scale farmers in Nigeria.

She said: “In Nigeria the Single Management System (SMS) process has led to Oxfam GB and Oxfam Novib developing a joint country strategy which outlines our areas of focus and ways of working for the next three years.

“With a combined annual budget of over five million euro, the new Oxfam in Nigeria will be more robust and aggressive in addressing issues of poverty in Ni-

From Franca Ochigbo and Joy Idoko, Abuja

geria.

“Oxfam aims at achieving this by saving lives and responding swiftly to provide aid support and protection during emergencies. Develop programmes and solutions that empower people to work their way out of poverty.

“The organisation has recorded some success by raising the voice of the small scale farmers, especially women farmers through the GROW campaign which is primarily focused in simple terms on food access, availability and production.

“It also aims to ensure that small scale farmers are empowered to meet food demands through increased investment in agriculture and building their resilence towards food price volatility.

“We have helped organ-

ised small scale farmers by providing support for the establishment of the association of small scale agro producers in Nigeria ASSAPIN the first ever association of small scale farms in Nigeria.

“Oxfam has successfully linked Cocoa farmers in Ibadan to a chocolate factory in the Netherland where the Cocoa farmers will supply the factory with Cocoa for their chocolate at a fair price and under favourable working conditions. We are hoping to replicate this with other produce,” she stressed.

On December 13, 2012, the two Oxfam that operats in Nigeria, Oxfam Great Britain and Oxfam Novib Netherlands, are coming together as one Oxfam. It will be marked by the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a ceremony tagged Go live in Abuja.

World Bank, Lagos plan multimillion ORLD Bank and the supply chain. fish market dustry Lagos State gov According to him, the sup-

W

ernment are planning a state wide multimillion fish market projects as part of its efforts to ensure food security and boost development.

Though no figure was given for the project, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolohan Lawal,who announced this while speaking with reporters in Lagos at the seventh Joint FGN / World bank said the fish mart projects is part of its multimillion fisheries transformation programme to rejuve-

By Daniel Essiet

nate the economy and provide fishing jobs for people.

Like the Eko farmers mart initiative, he said the facilities which will be located in major areas of the state will include a fish grading area, a cold store and display areas for fish mongers and additional new jobs in the long term.

He said the project will use the value-chain model, an approach to economic development to connect and strengthen all levels of an in-

ply chain for fish and fishery products can involve a large number of stakeholders.

These comprise stakeholders such as producer, wholesaler, dealers, middlemen, retailer, processor and consumer.

He said there is effort to improve value addition and bring the different forms of fish products to the market place.

To keep increasing fish supply, Lawal said aquaculture is becoming an important occupation while bridging the gap between demand and supply.

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PROPERTY

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

Govt Website:makes U http://www.thenationonlineng.com -turn on Lagos/Ibadan expressway: Dumps concessionemail:- property@thenationonlineng.net Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Govt rethinks concession of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

•The controversial Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

How will the public interest best be served? Is it by concessioning the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or by throwing it open in a competitive bidding? With Works Minister Mike Onolememen saying the road will be handed over to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to advertise for bidders after its ongoing rehabilitation, the days of concession may be numbered, writes OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE. •STORY ON PAGE 18

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Govt rethinks concession of Lagos-Ibadan road

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HE Federal Government may have made a ‘u’ turn on the consessioning of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following the revocation of its agreement with Bi-Courtney Highway Service (BHS). The government revoked BiCourtney’s contract to build operate and transfer (BOT) the road following what it called “serial breaches of the concession, especially the company’s failure to reach financial closure as provided for in the agreement”.

Works Minister Mike Onolememen told The Nation that the road would be handed over to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to advertise for bidders after the ongoing remedial by Julius Berger and RCC. Julius Berger and RCC, he said, were hired to do emergency reconstruction of the road to reduce carnage and enhance safety preparatory to full reconstruction.

The minister said: “The previous concession agreement entered into by government had an exit clause, we initiated and terminated the agreement based

on what was provided in the contract. In India three road concession agreements were cancelled because there was no financial closure. There is nothing unusual about what we have done.”

Onolememen said BPE would do its work by pre-qualifying contractors after the ministry has approved the design for the highway.

The Nation learnt from a source that the price may be scaled down from the over N89 billion to about N60 billion as the road will not be concessioned again.The source also revealed that government may reach an agreement with the former concessionaire to trade the design of the road for a fee since they already have done extensive work in coming up with the design of the road.

Noting that part of the reasons the rehabilitation of the road was delayed the source said government will prefer to hit the ground running with what is available but certainly the source was too sure that the Federal Government has kissed bye-bye to the concessioning of

•L-R: Loesser, Onolememen and Kabiru Abdullahi inspecting the highway.

the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

On the likely firms that may get the job, the highly placed source said the two companies would be given top priority due to their

track record and the fact that they have an agreement with the Federal Government in Lagos and many other parts of the country.

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

Furthermore he said in ranking Julius Berger may get it since they are known to handle high technical jobs in difficult terrain for the government before now.

Land Use Charge not to victimise anyone, says Oshiomhole

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HE Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2012 is not targeted at punishing the rich or poor, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said.

Addressing reporters after signing the law in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the governor said: “We will enforce the rule of law because no one is above the law.

Government must continuously protect the weak and provide for them by taking from the rich to help the poor. This government will not victimise anybody. Tax laws are compulsory levies and not something you voluntarily buy into. No law is made at the convenience for anyone. That is why law is a leveller for all categories of persons. I have the trust of Edo people and I will not betray that trust.”

If the rich must protect their investments and riches, he further said, they must pay their taxes and other levies that would help the government to provide the essential services that would make their investment safe.

The law, according to him, is targeted at anyone who owns a house that occupies more than 100 by 100

‘We understand that everybody uses land, but the amount of it that we use differs. That is why the law is targeted at the propertied class in order to help our poor population of people who are in the rural areas and urban slums’ square metres.

“We understand that everybody uses land, but the amount of it that we use differs. That is why the law is targeted at the propertied class in order to help our poor population of people who are in the rural areas and urban slums. In places where you have family houses, rural settlers, the law will not apply to them. If you are like me, who has a modern structure or building, you will have to pay tax, because my house occupies more than 100m by 100m square metres”.

He said the aim was to encourage those who use more land to pay for the government so that

•Oshiomhole (left) and Igbe at the ceremony.

the government can cater for the greater population of our people who are predominantly poor, adding: “This is a pro-development law. I have seen and listened to commentators who have not read the law but are already condemning it. That is not the way to go about it.”

He warned that anybody who flouts the law would be prosecuted. It is a criminal offence for you to evade taxes, the governor warned.

He explained that the law provides for a consolidated approach to collection of levies and taxes or charges but has a proviso of exemption of certain categories of

persons. For example, Section 9 subsections 1(a-i) specify clearly those who are exempted from the property tax. Such as properties owned and occupied by religious bodies, approved exclusively for religious worship or any other non-profit making religious education are exempted; ditto for public cemeteries, burial grounds, public libraries, palaces, and any other property exempted by the Governor through notice published in the State Government Official Gazette.

Others exempted, he stated, are owner occupier residential property, which is 100metre by 100metre maximum in a nonchoice area of an urban area, 100 metre by 100metre in a non-choice area in a rural setting, community property solely for community meetings, activities and events; owner occupier pensioner property and owner occupier of over 60 years old; and the last but not the least, family compound.

He stressed that the exercise of the governor’s discretion over exemption would be guided by the reports of the assessors of any property to ensure that the right status is ascertained before any tax is imposed on it.

The law, the Governor, said provides for a Tax Assessment Review Tribunal, which shall be set up pursuant to Section 46 of the Administrative Structure Law of Edo State.

He said the Tribunal will have powers to summon any one to examine him, and require answers to any question, which it may deem fit to put concerning an ap-

peal before it; and administer oaths and affirmations as well as enforce the production of all books and documents which it may consider necessary.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs Prince Kassim Afegbua said the law is not what cynics are saying about it.

According to him, the Governor means well for the people of the state because he wants to execute several development initiatives, which will have direct impact on the people.

Rather than raise dust over the law where none exists, Afegbua counselled that the Governor should be applauded for coming up with a law that is on the side of the poor and vulnerable who are in greater number against the rich that have continued to be greatest exploiter of the goods and services of government.

“If we must help the poor which is the motivation of the Governor, we must take from the rich and propertied class to bridge the gap of inequalities. Nobody is saying you cannot live in a choice building or an architectural derring-do, but you must be ready to pay the tax due for such a property. You can choose to build an archipelago and live to your comfort, but something has to go into government’s coffer who is the provider of the basic amenities, so that those amenities could remain running for the good of all”.

Explaining why the law has to take effect immediately, Prince Afegbua stated that given the fact that revenue accruable to the state is on the decline, the governor had to look inwards to see how to generate legitimate revenue using appropriate legislation to do so.

He added that it is such measures that have helped the state to attain its height. “You see, the government is not a popularity contest. It is a platform where the collective aspirations of the people are aggregated in a manner that the government sets its priority right to cater for a greater number against a privileged few,” Afegbua added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

SURE-P, so unsure

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•It is shocking that the programme was caught napping with its expenditure profile

URE-P, the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme is one of the agencies set up by the Federal Government, sequel to the fuel subsidy protests in January. Its responsibility is to utilise the proceeds from the partial removal of subsidy on petrol on developmental projects. However, less than one year down the line, initial fears that the agency is another cost centre are being confirmed with the way it is being run.

The events of November 28 and December 3, when the chairman of the programme, Dr Christopher Kolade, led his officers to appear before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, Downstream, to defend their 2013 budget proved this point.

Indeed, if the events were anything to go by, it would not be erroneous to conclude that the same cavalier manner in which governments’ ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are being run is the way the programme too is being administered.

The agency’s officials were unprepared for the business of the day. For instance, they could not readily provide details of how they spent N8billion on mass transit buses or who the beneficiaries are. Another revelation that the body spent N2.2 billion on secretarial services between July and October 2012 is enough proof of its profligacy which is fast becoming a defining pattern of the Jonathan administration. If an intervention agency could spend this much on secretarial services within so short a period, how much would it have spent if it were a full-fledged min-

istry?

For an agency that rakes in an average of N15billion monthly from the tax-payers’ purse, one would have expected a tidier record-keeping profile. If the agency came to defend its 2013 budget, it should have occurred to it that questions would be asked on how it has spent the current year’s before approval could be given for the next. Maybe it was not the fault of the SURE-P officials; perhaps they had expected the usual ‘take a bow and go’ from the lawmakers!

We have said it before that SURE-P is unnecessary; that is why we wonder why it is just dawning on the National Assembly members that it is an illegal body. At any rate, if it is an illegal body, why are they dealing with it at all? Is it not possible to let it die a natural death by not having anything to do with it, thereby denying it of funds?

That the agency has been duplicating the activities of existing MDAs is indication that it was not well thought out. Even if it begins to initiate its own projects now, that would still not obliterate the fact of its being unnecessary. When government creates this kind of agencies, it is a vote of no confidence on the MDAs responsible for the roles that the agencies are expected to play. If Nigerians themselves do not trust the MDAs, what is the assurance that they can trust these agencies?

It is high time the government put its house in order and start building institutions instead of placing huge burden of governance on individuals supposedly of ‘high integrity’. The same scenario played out over 20 years ago when the Petroleum

Trust Fund (PTF) was set up, with General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as its chairman. If it had any impact on the nation’s infrastructure stock, it was not sustainable because of its ad-hoc nature. Today, we pass through the same cul-de-sac with SURE-P and with Dr Kolade as its boss.

We wonder why the same government that is complaining of too many agencies keep creating more at a time when it should be thinking of reducing their number. Relevant government agencies should be compelled to perform their responsibility and where they fail, punishment should be meted out for negligence or fraud as the case may be. Even in its so short a period, SURE-P has outlived its usefulness. The lawmakers should insist on its being scrapped. It is a wasteful agency that is not acceptable in any sane society.

‘That the agency has been duplicating the activities of existing MDAs is indication that it was not well thought out. Even if it begins to initiate its own projects now, that would still not obliterate the fact of its being unnecessary. When government creates this kind of agencies, it is a vote of no confidence on the MDAs responsible for the roles that the agencies are expected to play’

Redefining safety • The President must be living in another planet to claim that Nigeria is safe

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ROM the villages to the cities, Nigerians lament bitterly the insecurity of lives and properties in Nigeria.

Even those outside the country are afraid to come to Nigeria, with the British and American governments routinely warning their citizens about where not to go in the country. There is hardly a day that is free of shootings. Despite all these, President Goodluck Jonathan believes Nigeria is a safe place to live in.

Just imagine the horrible experiences Nigerians have been through since the Boko Haram terrorism that has led to the deaths of thousands of innocent Nigerians. Serial bombings had ocurred in

‘How many Nigerians are now able to sleep with their eyes closed? How many of them can walk in the streets, or travel, in the night? Our homes are not safe, our roads are not safe, our banks are not safe, our churches are not safe, our schools and other institutions are not safe. When we sleep and wake up the following day we thank God for the miracle of sleeping and waking, but do not know what would happen before nightfall or even in the next moment!’

many places of worship, market places, the UN building, police stations, Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) offices, Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) facility (of all places) in Abuja, and many other audacious attacks that give the impression that Nigeria is in a state of anarchy where there are no rulers or, if there are, they have totally lost control of the situation.

Despite the escalation of these terrorist activities, the government has the audacity to “assure” Nigerians and the international community that the country is safe.

Of course many Nigerians have responded that the government should “tell that to the marines”. It is even the height of arrogance for somebody like Doyin Okupe, a “Senior Special Adviser” to the President on Public Affairs, to dare the angry public as well as the international community with transparent lies. Hear him: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan wishes to assure Nigerians that in spite of this situation, the country is still largely safe and secure. President Jonathan wishes to state categorically of his unwavering commitment and determination to fight insecurity wherever they are found in Nigeria”.

This is the usual way President Jonathan reacts to such sensitive issues; indeed, the president has always boasted that the security challenges are under control. But he has always appeared helpless and groping in the dark under the ghost of Boko Haram and other criminals that have turned Nigeria into hell on earth.

How many Nigerians are now able to

sleep with their eyes closed? How many of them can walk in the streets, or travel, in the night? Our homes are not safe, our roads are not safe, our banks are not safe, our churches are not safe, our schools and other institutions are not safe. When we sleep and wake up the following day we thank God for the miracle of sleeping and waking, but do not know what would happen before nightfall or even in the next moment!

Apparently the president thinks Nigeria is safe because he is completely alienated from the people he is supposed to govern, serve and protect. Unlike some other leaders, our president lives in an impregnable fortress where no ordinary Nigerian can enter. He moves around in the air space where there is no traffic jam.

When he moves on the land, God save the Nigerian who dares drive his vehicle near him or his wife. Because the president and those around him are very safe, he goes about telling other Nigerians and the outside world, who actually know better, that Nigeria, is very safe. And this is the same president who had to celebrate the last independent anniversary in the very safe confines of Aso Rock instead of jubilating with the rest of Nigerians openly at the Eagle Square, Abuja, apparently due to security concerns.

Security is a very serious issue that must not be politicised. And if the president sincerely believes that the country is safe, which most certainly is not, then that explains why he has not taken the issue seriously as an emergency requiring all the attention it deserves.

Collective action against wage theft

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HE Supreme Court heard argument Monday in a case about a nursing home in Philadelphia that docked each worker a half-hour of pay daily for meal breaks, whether the worker took breaks or was required to work through them. One worker, Laura Symczyk, sued Genesis HealthCare Corporation, the home’s operator, for violations of wage and hour rules under the 1938 Fair Labour Standards Act. The act specifically gives a worker the right to bring a “collective action” on behalf of other similarly situated workers who have the same grievance —precisely the purpose of Ms. Symczyk’s suit.

But before she could notify other workers about her suit so that they could opt in to be plaintiffs, the corporation offered her $7,500 to cover all of her lost wages, plus attorney’s fees and other costs to settle the case.

When she did not respond to the offer, the company got a federal district judge in Philadelphia to throw out the suit on grounds that there was no longer a controversy for the court to resolve because she had been offered a full settlement for her individual claims. But the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, in a unanimous three-judge ruling, properly overturned the trial court ruling.

It said that because Congress allowed collective actions an employer cannot”frustrate” this right by offering one person a settlement in order to dismiss the entire suit.

Besides, as Justice Elena Kagan noted at the oral argument, “Here, the plaintiff’s individual claims have not been fully satisfied. She walked away with nothing.

She walked away with no judgment, and she walked away with no $7,500. And the question is: How can it possibly be that her individual claim was moot?”

The corporation’s attempt to force Ms. Symczyk to take its offer is nothing more than a pre-emptive attempt to shut down the far more costly complaint against its overall practices. The justices should uphold the appeals court ruling. Without group claims in cases like this where individual stakes are too small to justify individual lawsuits, there would be no check on employers.

– The New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

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•Chairman,Editorial Board • Executive Director Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) •General Editor Ade Odunewu Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager •Editor Online (Training and Development) Lekan Otufodunrin Soji Omotunde •Managing Editor Northern Operation •Chief Internal Auditor Yusuf Alli Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor • Senior Manager (Sales) Waheed Odusile Akeem Shoge •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Niyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Sport Editor Hameed Odejayi Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: When 140 countries convened on December 9, 2003, to sign the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), this event underscored international abhorrence of the detrimental effects of corruption and global recognition that governments can only combat and prevent corruption through cooperative efforts.

Since then, more nations joined the convention so that today 164 signatory countries make it one of the United Nations’ most highly subscribed treaties, creating a global mandate to combat corruption and the harm it brings to society.

One of the great strengths of the convention is recognition that corruption involves a two-way street; while it is important to address the bribe payers who attempt to do business through dishonest means, it is equally important to hold accountable the bribe takers, who use their official positions for personal enrichment instead of the public good. The convention also includes stipulations on “kleptocrats,” who line their pockets and steal from their nations’ treasuries and their own people, preventing the provision of necessary public services, including medicines and health care for the sick and elderly, education for children, and nourishment and housing for families. Such activities weaken affected countries and their potential for economic growth.

No country remains immune from

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Working in partnership to combat corruption corruption. To lessen the effects of corruption on a country’s economy and security, authorities must enforce anti-corruption laws, so those engaging in corrupt acts understand they cannot do so with impunity. The United States takes criminal enforcement of anti-corruption laws very seriously. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice prosecuted and won convictions against 1,107 public officials from all levels of government for engaging in acts of corruption, such as soliciting and/or accepting bribes, embezzling public funds, or

tect society from the ill effects of corruption. While it is important to penalize bribe payers to dissuade them from corrupting the system, it is equally important to prosecute public officials who betray the public trust by taking bribes or embezzling public funds. Corrupt officials who have stolen government funds or who demand bribes to award government contracts cannot be allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their corruption.

Through criminal prosecution, Nigeria can end the culture of impunity and return stolen assets to produc-

being is both good and bad. Sometimes, human beings rob poor Peter to pay rich Paul; some other times, they do good and later regret.

The praise-singer who caught my fancy more than any other person was General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), who said he learnt a lot about politics from the late Pa Saraki. I could not help asking myself whether the notes IBB took from Pa Saraki in-

formed the political dribbling (deception) that earned him the appellation, “Maradona”.

As Nigeria’s military “President”, IBB raised and dashed the hopes of many politicians with his numerous transition agenda, which he would start and truncate mid-way. Incalculable number of politicians died of frustration, and many others became impoverished from indebtedness and

On Sanusi, government and job creation

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IR:The recent call by the Central Bank governor Lamido Sanusi on the Federal government to lay off 50 percent of workers is thoughtless, callous, and perfidious.

After he was rained curses by Nigerians and further upbraided by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), he now claims he was quoted out of context. But the fact remains he was quoted verbatim. And the harm is already done. This is not the first time Sanusi has stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Not long ago, Sanusi with his characteristic knack for fantasy suddenly dreamt of making our highest money denomination N5, 000. It took President Jonathan’s intervention to stop him.

Sanusi’s excesses are getting too much. He may have voiced his personal opinion, but he must remember that his position is a sensitive one, and that he embarrasses President

• Ambassador Terence McCulley is US envoy to Nigeria

Did Babangida lie against Saraki?

IR: I commiserate with the family of Senator Olusola Saraki, and the numerous beneficiaries of his political generousity. The Yoruba say that once dead, a person becomes an idol (a faultless person).

Since his demise on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, Saraki has been variously eulogized for his political sagacity and philanthropy. I both agree and disagree, because every human

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trading in influence. Similarly, the U.S. became the first country to prohibit its nationals from paying bribes to foreign public officials, when it enacted the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in 1977. Under the FCPA, each year the U.S. completes dozens of enforcement actions, penalizing companies who engage in corruption abroad, sending the message that engaging in corruption abroad is just as offensive as engaging in corruption at home.

For any country, this two-pronged approach remains necessary to pro-

tive use. This will not only help build Nigeria’s economy, it will also send the message to criminals who might believe Nigeria’s national resources or security are for sale, by closing down avenues for promoting crime and violent extremism.

To foster the stability, security, and prosperity of its citizens, Nigeria must effectively address both sides of the corruption equation. The United States stands ready to work with Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions to bring corrupt individuals to justice, whether through technical assistance and training, or working cooperatively to find evidence or stolen assets held abroad. Working together and with other international partners, we can combat corruption effectively and make impunity a thing of the past.

Jonathan and what ever his government stands for, when ever he makes unguarded statements especially with regards to the president’s social contract with the people. The President should caution him.

One is sure many Nigerian government workers must have had their blood pressure hitting the top on hearing Sanusi’s comment. And that is why it is soothing to know that the government through the Labour Minister Chukwuemeka Wogu, has immediately spurned Sanusi’s statement, Re-assuring Nigerians that instead of sacking, government will even create more job opportunities.

The Labour Minister, in dispelling Sanusi’s statement said “Government owes the society an enabling environment to create job opportunities and the president’s desire is to create more jobs and not retrenchment.”

One of the things often said when it comes to jobs is that government does not create jobs, but only lays the enabling environment for jobs to be created. If workers are sacked, what happens to their dependents? Sanusi should answer this question. It is easier to destroy than to build.

Government jobs are very critical to education, health and many other areas the private organizations cannot provide. Government jobs also help boost the private sector because when those who are employed by government have money to spend on goods and services provided by the private sector, it keeps the private sector in business, and helps boost the economy.

The primary role of public sector workers is to provide service to all for the public good, and profit is certainly not its motive. It is through the public sector that the dividends of democ-

racy can be provided, nothing more, nothing less.

The public sector and the private sector should exist side by side as they both have their unique roles to play in the society. Government must also spend money to make sure certain jobs remain with it to keep them from being taken over by profit seekers who only serve the benefit of the owners and investors. Those against big government must also know that they may be inadvertently helping Sanusi beat his drum of misery. Government should instead provide a level playing field for all Nigerians.

Sanusi has a government job, and so do President Jonathan, the governors, and lawmakers; and they may still be looking forward to keep these jobs beyond 2015. Other Nigerians should be allowed to keep theirs.

• Dr Odoemena, Medical Practitioner, Lagos

loss of jobs. Finally, IBB annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and was forced by national and international pressures to quit the seat of power by all means.

For eight years, IBB ruled Nigeria, full of tension and financial crimes called”419". He undid General Muhammadu Buhari’s War Against Indiscipline (WAI), and return the country to the Shehu Shagari’s corrupt era.

His (IBB’s) own regime specifically marked the emergence of numerous fake banks which drained too many Nigerians of their hard-earned monies. Today, fake banks hardly exist, but the same imperialists are still holding the country to ransom. Hence drastic drop in electricity coupled with fuel scarcity deepen the nation’s mass misery. Unfortunately, we still have Nigerians who keep praising President Goodluck Jonathan. Farouk Lawan is back in the House of Representatives, as if bribery and corruption were virtues. Children of the rulers front for their fathers in the petroleum misappropriation business, etc.

Ghana is better run today because of Jerry Rawlings’ revolutionary initiative. All misappropriators of public funds should be decapitated as in the French Revolution, and as obtains in China currently. The living and the dead imperialist-paternalists are responsible for Nigeria’s under-development and mass poverty.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEEMBER 11, 2012

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COMMENTS

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Prof. Soyinka’s Civil War OP artiste, Felix Lebarty, once did prison memoir, Soyinka’s genan ode to Ngozi, an object of his eration just developed a cotton love – or more correctly, the obwool mentality, consuming ject of his musical persona’s love. The everything, producing nothnumber was a sweet-sour complaint ing! about Ngozi, who now came for love, Ngozi and her generation are then came for money but hardly ever the direct victims of this failgave his doting beau what he really ure; and the fate of the Nigewanted: her heart.

Olakunle rian youth today is well and Felix’s output, a musically sweet and truly pathetic. That is the relordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola frothy work, fell within the matrix of demption battle Ngozi’s Cam1980s musical releases aimed at captipus Life initiative is all about. vating the youth of that era. On the So far, it has succeeded beyond same canvass played the likes of Dizzy dreams – and the beauty is that, K. Falola’s Baby Kilode? and Alex Zitto’s to quote Prof. Achebe, it is (a very popular act in those days) And speaking of mentoring, Mr. Agbo has continued where morning yet on creation day!

Babywalakolombo, all highly danceable party hits but all based his beautiful wife stopped. Though no member of The Nation Campus Life 2012 Awards makes four “generations” of on the theory that women are nothing but sex symbols. family, he has taken over the “Pushing Out” column space, the champions, with two of the previous Campus Reporter of the Ironically, no matter how objectionable this sexist profilvirtual pulpit from which Ngozi weekly engaged her brood. Year winners present. Hannah Ojo (English, Obafemi ing would appear, women themselves gyrated most to its It is a bitter-sweet tale of a “complete woman” leaving behind Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), won the inaugural “title” in sweet poison! By the way, that is no exclusive social crime a “real man” to continue the good work of ceaseless service to 2009. Gilbert Alasa (Foreign Languages, University of Benin, of the 1980s. Even today: maybe it is the economic squeeze, the Nigerian youth.

Benin City) won it last year; and this year carted away the maybe it is youth brainlessness which is no monopoly of Now, if Ngozi was the extreme opposite of Felix Lebarty’s award for opinion writing. Gilbert, for weeks after Ngozi’s any age, but you still find girls lending their bosoms and Ngozi, Mr. Agbo too would appear the direct opposite of that death, ran her picture as display picture on his face book bums to the most objectionable of musical videos. chauvinistic and sexist mindset that assumes no brain ticks page.

But Ngozi, the subject of this column today, is the direct beyond a woman’s vital statistics and cosmetics – no matter The “current champion”, 2012 Campus Reporter of the Year, opposite of Felix Lebarty’s Ngozi. what ability that woman has shown.

Gerald Nwokocha, is an Information Technology (IT) graduShe is the late Mrs Ngozi Agbo. Agbo Agbo, her widBut Ngozi is not worth celebrating just because she left be- ate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). ower, described her as a “complete woman”, at The Nation/ hind a heroic and model husband. Even that, to be sure, is not He is now a youth corps member and under his belt, has th Coca-cola Nigeria-Nigeria Bottling Company 4 Campus exactly routine around here! Rather, her memory is sweet and already tucked a daring but socially conscious investigative Life Awards, on November 24. will continue to endure because in a country which govern- story of a corps member who soldiers killed, after mistaking That award, aimed at spurring socially responsible youth ments remain scandalously remiss at catering for and him for a Boko Haram member. Even on the award podium via campus journalism, could well be a collective dream. mentoring the youth, Ngozi dared to be different, even as a that night, he kept on pushing for “justice” for the dead. Scratch But Ngozi was without doubt the moving spirit and most private citizen. a writer, and you would probably find a reformer? visible symbol of that dream. Indeed, future generations Chinua Achebe in his new book, There was a Country, referred The diverse disciplines of the rank of winners this year is would credit her with its birth. to his generation as “A Lucky Generation” – lucky because the simply breath-taking, showing that the Nigerian undergraduAt the 3rd Campus Life Awards in 2011, Ngozi was there. departing British took very good care of them, in the hope that ate, despite the trying times, is no robot outside his core But at this year’s edition, she was gone! She was not only generation would replicate such care for a future generation of study. Check out the honours list: Emeka Attah (Political there last year, she promised another life, perhaps to conScience, Unizik) and Ngozi Emmanuel (Mass CommunicaNigerians. Fond hope! tinue her life of positive youth activism. She was heavy Achebe’s contemporary and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, tion, Unizik) – winners, Culture Category; Uche Anichebe, with child. This year however, that child is alive and well; had been much more censorious of that generation. He dis- (Law, Unizik) – Investigative Prize; Habeeb Whyte (Law, but the mother is gone. Months after that tragic incident, it missed them as “wasted”, because they have been unable to Unilorin) – Personality Profile; Gilbert Alasa (Foreign Lanis still extremely hard to swallow that bitter pill: that she is recreate the el-Dorado that nurtured them into world beaters guages, Uniben), - Opinion Writing; Gerald Nwokocha (IT no more. in their youth. Indeed, to lift an image from The Man Died, graduate, FUTO) – Politics (and overall winner), Chisom Nevertheless, the Bespoke Event Centre venue of the Ojukwu (Chemical Engineering, FUTO) – Sports and Esther awards reverberated with her beautiful spirit: a husband Mark (Mass Communication, Unijos) – Entertainment. that has put behind his grief to answer the call to service by Chisom Ojukwu, it was, who made the most telling confes“If Ngozi was the extreme opposite the “complete woman” that too briefly became his wife; sion of the night, while speaking on behalf of other winners. of Felix Lebarty’s Ngozi, Mr. Agbo too It was: the prize money and winners’ plaques first drew him Ngozi’s son, sweet product of a marriage that ended too soon and the bevy of youth, future flowers of the country, the Campus Life Awards. Not anymore. Now, it is the would appear the direct opposite of to that have savoured Auntie Ngozi’s mentoring and would burning zeal to change society for the better. forever treasure her memory. This is not to forget Wale Ngozi must be smiling wherever she is now! Sleep on, that chauvinistic and sexist mindset Ajetunmobi, the young ex-Campus Life (reporting from gallant lady. With Coca-cola Nigeria, Nigerian Bottling Comthat assumes no brain ticks beyond a Unilorin) graduate that now coordinates the pages for The pany and The Nation carrying on from where you stopped, Nation! woman’s vital statistics and cosmetics” your dream for the Nigerian youth is all but assured.

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epublican ipples

F Nigeria‘s unflattering scorecard on the Transparency International’s corruption perception index had meant to stoke a soul-search by the Jonathan administration to appreciate how far metastasised the cancer of corruption has become, and by extension, the lack of seriousness by his administration to confront the monster that threatens the foundations of the polity, it has clearly failed to achieve anything near those. Rather, the administration has opted to mount denials while it struggles to persuade itself (certainly not the now cynical citizenry) that the war against corruption is being fought with vigour.

The context of course is the latest ranking of TI and the nation’s place as the 35th most corrupt nation in the world.

Should anyone lose sleep? Is anyone suggesting that the report is spurious given the scale of sleaze in high and low places being daily revealed? Whereas the claim that the government is doing its heroic best to fight corruption is neither here nor there, the issue is whether the socalled strategies are having the desired effect of curbing the virus of corruption. The answer, being so obvious, makes government’s defence of its so-called efforts, rather egregious.

No doubt, government’s claim to activism may not entirely be without some merit. After all, if only for the heightened tales of trillions looted outright by officials, plus the countless trillions siphoned via undelivered value for monies said to have been lawfully appropriated, the soulless machine described as the Nigerian government under Jonathan’s watch could, with some justification, claim success – at least going by the number of probes it has instituted – the same way a medic could choose to measure success by the cycle of visits made by the patient to the infirmary.

The question is – does this amount to winning the anticorruption war?

Just as the administration’s claim of commitment and achievement in the prosecution of corruption cases comes across as questionable, there are countless reasons to suggest that the full dimensions of the malaise are far from being fully grasped. I do not wish to dwell on government’s so-called records of achievements, particularly the racket now described as subsidy-gate in which a cartel of 197 oil barons were alleged to have shared of N232 billion, or even the countless other findings from probes spawned in the wake of January 1 protests and the sour tales of vanishing billions. For an administration that appears to have aided and abetted many of the bazaars in the first place, should anyone be fooled by the burst of energy in what is increasingly a half-hearted attempt to punish the alleged subsidy

Ngozi!

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Recovering the nation’s soul thieves?

I am alarmed by the increasing reality that corruption has become a way of life. Once, it was tempting to see corruption as exclusive to the public sector. Today, it is as pervasive as it is engulfing – sparing no institution of society. Not the sacred precincts of the religious institution or the hallowed chambers of the judiciary or even the family institution, are exempt. These days, the rule appears to be that the bigger the heist, the higher the likelihood of being able to suborn state institutions to fob off attempts at enforcing restitution.

Measuring the impact of corruption can be quite daunting.

In the public sphere, the cost is reckoned in terms of undelivered value on every unit of public funds spent. In the last decade alone, we have seen how the gap between the value appropriated and value delivered have continued to grow – no thanks to the culture of graft in the public sector.

But then, the private sector is hardly better. Just as the last financial crisis has shattered the myth about the so-called discipline of the private sector, the impact of the delinquency on the public sector can be quite as devastating. It is worth recalling that the treasury had to shell out more than a trillion naira in bailout funds for its club of delinquent lenders.

That is how steep the wage of corruption can be.

Now, I do not pretend that curbing corruption is going to be any easy – any more than one can pretend that it can be a wholly government affair. Indeed, it seems to me as a battle that must be won if the nation’s lost soul must be retrieved.

Clearly, there is a lot that the government can do to tame the culture of impunity, to expand the scope of service delivery to facilitate deliverables of governance, and of course to strengthened the institutions in the justice delivery chain.

Of course, the current strategy of catching the culprit after the act is hopelessly flawed particularly as the larger society appears to have surrendered in some morbid complicity to the monster even when the countless obstacles on the path of institutions notably the police, anti-graft bodies and the judiciary makes the prospects of an all-out battle against the club of social delinquents truly daunting.

But then, it seems to me that the Nigerian corruption story cannot be explained outside of the collapse of the moral order as we knew it. Once upon a time, Nigerian relished the virtues of hard, honest work and the privileges attached to it. That now belongs to some distant past.

Whereas our capitalists, unlike their western counterparts, have long dispensed with the protestant ethics in their wild embrace of a spurious capitalism stripped of any known rules, what is on offer is a grotesque capitalism in which the due discipline of work and the finesse of regulations are missing.

As a consequence, society has since relapsed into a kind of jungle in which crass individualism rules.

Where do we go from here. Good question. I do not think that we need new Nigerians. What we need instead are new attitudes. Here, the starting point is to make our governments work for us. I suspect that we will all require a new theology which although heaven bound, also stresses the virtue of civic responsibility. Just as the mission to recover the nation’s lost soul promises to be long and bumpy, it is something that has become urgent. However, if there are any consolations about the challenges which lie ahead, it has to be in the knowledge that the seeds of regeneration will emerge, from nowhere else, but from the ashes of the current rot.

Happy to be back.

‘Measuring the impact of corruption can be quite daunting. In the public sphere, the cost is reckoned in terms of undelivered value on every unit of public funds spent. In the last decade alone, we have seen how the gap between the value appropriated and value delivered have continued to grow – no thanks to the culture of graft in the public sector’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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COMMENTS

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SABA, the capital city of Delta State always amazes me. I don’t know whether to say that it is a city that is often on the threshold of history or a city that attracts history to itself. Whichever one it is, Asaba sits in a vintage place where it enjoys the cynosure of activities not only from Niger Deltans but Igbos across the Niger. For Asaba, its major beauty and attractive tendency lies basically on that well-known handshake across the Niger, a handshake that breeds good neighbourliness, love and peace.

But that is even besides the point here now. I hadn’t been to this wonderful city in the past couple of months. When I arrived there a few days ago to board a bus back to Lagos, the sparkling cleanliness and the orderliness of the town stunned me to my marrow. For many years, Asaba had been a place I held so dear to my heart. Due to a nasty experience I had in the hands of thugs and motor park touts when I was in the university many years ago, I never bothered to stop over at Upper Iweka section of Onitsha, Anambra State to board a bus to Lagos. For me Upper Iweka is a no-go area, a nightmare, a total contrast to the peaceful orderliness of Asaba.

So, as usual on Sunday, the 25th of last month I headed to Asaba from Onitsha for an onward journey to Lagos. As soon as I arrived Asaba, two issues, very basic ones at that, quickly arrested my attention. One, I immediately noticed that there were no Okadas (Motor bikes) plying the roads. Second, I noticed that there were a lot of Keke NAPEP (Tricycles) stationed at different road junctions in the city.

I was a bit taken aback when I asked and was told that I couldn’t enjoy a quick ride on a motorbike from that end of Ogbo-ogologo to Ibusa junction

by Asaba – Benin Expressway. Traditionally I love to ply on Okada because it is easier and faster to get to my des-

T

HE Ekiti opposition had planned their strategy to be debilitating, to hurt the ACN government fatally, at least; and they were riding on the recent NULGE strike in Ekiti State to launch the intensive campaign of hate, as a prelude to a governorship aspirant’s tour of the state.

The malicious opposition in Ekiti State had apparently bought over some commercial drivers and sent out party faithfuls to pose as passenger-sympathisers of the striking LG wokers on a shuttle of Ekiti routes.

There were a number of indentical sample cases that helped this writer to draw his conclusion, out of which he personally encountered three. And in each of the cases, the driver of the commercial vehicle had claimed to be a suffering LG worker who eked out a living to survive non-payment of salaries or denial of minimum wage. His sympathiser-passengers would then descend on the state government with diatribes, making the governor their particular target; the governor who was a supposed villian who, allegedly,

‘The opposition which would want to catch in on every opportunity of pretence to relevance had decided to over-celebrate the skirmish of the LG wokers and teachers with the Ekiti Government, forgetting totally that sancrosanct sanity can only be faulted temporarily, and certainly at the peril of those who faulted it’

Asaba: Beautiful without ‘Okada’

By Jonas Azuka tination. Secondly I don’t usually need any protocol to make it happen. And so for me Okada is it especially at the point of emergency.

So you can imagine how disorganized and perplexed I was on that early Sunday morning. However, the truth is that the ban on Okada has made Asaba more dignifying. Orderliness is the second nature of the town now. There is total respect for pedestrians and for human lives. People stroll and trek without fear of being run over by Okada. The level of decorum and decency in the city truly brought me back to my undue ‘love’ for Okada. For me then and even now, Okada constitutes evil; it belongs to the past as far as city transportation is concerned.

Here is a city thriving now on good organization, good transport system which makes a total mockery of why we even degenerated to the level of allowing Okada to operate in the first place. What is the essence of Okada in a place like Asaba where there is plenty net work of good roads? Now with the introduction of Keke NAPEP, movement has completely become more secured, more assured and more pleasantly enjoyable.

As I stood there pondering over what to do, a good Samaritan, for Asaba has a dose of such people, strolled over to me to find out what was amiss. After I told him my dilemma, he beckoned on me to follow him. At the junction not too far from the spot, he pointed to a Keke NAPEP park opposite. “They’ll solve your problem over there,” he said

gently and then took his leave. With this, I was again reassured.

With just N200, I boarded one Keke to the Ibusa highway junction to get a bus to Lagos. For me, it was the best form of picking a taxi drop. My interaction with the Keke NAPEP Operator was also instructive. Not only that the guy, who gave his name simply as Ikenna, is a native of Ogbunike, in Anambra State, he was equally more relaxed driving his Keke gently than being on the fast lane for which Okada is known.

“My brother,” he said to me in the course of our conversation, “it is good to do what I am doing now. Okada is no good. In fact let’s give kudos to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan whose love for the lives of the people first informed his decision to ban Okada,” Ikenna squirmed.

He admitted that when the ban was first made, they almost went mad with anger. Everybody said it would not work. People kicked against it. Even some called the governor names, saying he was against the people. But it is a different story today. Asaba is cool, like a maiden on the threshold of her wedding. The city bubbles with clean smell and fresh coziness. You can’t take it away from Governor Uduaghan, a thorough-bred medical doctor who understands the ugliness of the Okada menace and how they have rendered a lot of people dead, legless, lifeless, handless and so on. The menace, the governor said, had to stop.

Asaba now beckons on tourists. It welcomes lovers of peace, and promoters of good things of life. No wonder the city is now home to more people

who flock into it to develop and invest.

Good soup, na money make am, as we usually say in our local parlance. Let the bubble continue as the governor is also set to dismantle a lot of illegal and roadside motor parks in the city. If Asaba will truly wear the toga of an ideal state capital, that should be the next action by the governor.

Illegal motor parks truly make mince meat of the governor’s efforts to decongest and make Asaba a model and modern town. Not only that the illegal motor park operators extort money from travelers, they usually hoodwink them into believing that what they do is decent and proper.

Governor Uduaghan has to wade in now to create the necessary imprint.

Especially those parks by Ibusa junction, along Asaba – Benin highway, where they usually deceive passengers who would board and may never get to their destinations. They operate with antiquated vehicles and hike fares, promising what they cannot provide.

If these parks are destroyed forthwith, in no distant time, the city of Asaba will be among, if not the most ideal tourist destination in the country. For those who want to be away from their homes for a while, a stroll to the city of Asaba now provides the required tonic to make life worth living.

• Azuka is a native of Okoh, Delta State.

‘Here is a city thriving now on good organization, good transport system which makes a total mockery of why we even degenerated to the level of allowing Okada to operate in the first place’

The familiar games of Ekiti opposition

By Jide Oguntoye was “conserving the money (of the state) which is God-given anyway and merely wells up on oil fields for the use of all Nigerians”.

Their base and crude arguments were laced up with deliberate, libellous statements that were delivered so virulently to intimidate those who might want to challenge their vituperations.

Of course there were still a few cases where innocent passengers challenged or tried to educate the campaigners either until they discovered that they were talking to sheer blackmailers or until they alighted at their destinations. While deliberate, desperate misinformation was the mission of the malignant opposition, sanity has always been the goal of the Ekiti Government in restruaturing or reforming both the education and local government systems in the state.

The opposition which would want to catch in on every opportunity of pretence to relevance had decided to over-celebrate the skirmish of the LG wokers and teachers with the Ekiti Government, forgetting totally that sancrosanct sanity can only be faulted temporarily, and certainly at the peril of those who faulted it. With the LG workers in Ekiti State back at work and their demands being met, just as Ekiti teachers are coming to terms with the government’s policy of genuinely raising the standard of teaching to improve the quality of education, we can watch the smart campaign of the opposition to collapse soon and fast.

Soon, they would realize that they should have accepted , at least in prin-

ciple , that sanitization of the LG system was a necessity which they, themselves, had attempted while in power, even though without success. The honesty would have won them some admiration, you know, but might have appeared not too politically wise.

Soon, they would also realize that they had hurt themselves fatally by not accepting the need for educational reforms when there was a dire need for it. They would be ashamed to have instead chosen to canvass the perpetration of negativity in the forms of crushing presence of ghost workers and absentee workers in Local governments and existence of examination magic centres in public schools.

They were taking the Ekiti people for being gullible, treating them as nincompoops who would not know or care if ghost or absentee workers cheat them; who won’t know that the teachers or schools that indulge in securing undeserved bright results for pupils could render such pupils potentially useless to themselves, to their parents and to the larger society.

The familiar Ekiti opposition did not even spear time to lament the 16% pass which the Ekiti public schools recorded in the recent WAEC exams. Perhaps they had blamed the John Kayode Fayemi administration which scrapped exam magic centres! One recalls now that some teachers, in an earlier interview, had gaily described exam magic centres as”a vogue all over Nigeria”. The opposition might have borrowed a leaf to say: “It serves the governor right if Ekiti schools recorded low WAEC performance. Why didn’t the Governor leave the teachers to fix results?”

What a Pity!

Apart from the fact that reaping the fruits

of travesty does not portend true and real progress anywhere, the positive posture of the current administration in Ekiti State has obliterated all doubts about its intention. But for the cross of reforms in the LGs and the schools that the JKF administration had to courageously carry, the clever Ekiti opposition would have been dazed and deflated by now.

Nevertheless, the Ekiti opposition’s smartness is already blowing on its face as the tour of the aspirant, at which its reckless mischief was targeted, has failed to draw the projected crowds. Rather, it has met with resistance at each stop.

Yes, a government’s performance can speak louder than virulent blackmail!

• Oguntoye writes from Oye Ekiti.

‘They were taking the Ekiti people for being gullible, treating them as nincompoops who would not know or care if ghost or absentee workers cheat them; who won’t know that the teachers or schools that indulge in securing undeserved bright results for pupils could render such pupils potentially useless to themselves, to their parents and to the larger society’

CSKA’S win excites Musa

Martins back in shop window Pg. 41

Pg. 24

Sport PAGE 23

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Aluko out for

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IGERIA forward Sone Aluko will be out of action for three weeks to end his troublesome Achilles problem, according to his English club.

Aluko has missed the last two games and has now had an injection to help

3

clear up the problem, with manager Steve Bruce hoping a period of complete rest will aid the recovery process for Hull City’s leading goal scorer.

“Sone trained on Thursday and unfortunately was sore on Friday,”

weeks

said Bruce.

“He had an injection on Friday and we’re hoping that now he’s got five or six days off doing absolutely nothing, in two to three weeks it will have done the trick and we’ll see Sone back again."

“We’ve played two games away

from home without arguably our best player of the season and we’re hoping it’s not a bad one.

“The worry is that it’s the tendon, but the scan has revealed that there is no real damage. We’ve put an injection in to try and release it.”

Bassey voted best American football star in Sweden

Pg. 24

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41

NATIONSPORT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT AFRICA YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

F/ Eagles tipped to qualify from group B

•John Obuh

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LATEAU UNITED coach, Patrick Mancha has said Flying Eagles are in a fair group at the 2013 African Under-20 Championship in Algeria.

CAF on Sunday in Cairo, Egypt pitched Nigeria in Group B together with Mali, DR Congo and Gabon.

Semifinalists of the biennial football showpiece will qualify automatically for the 2013 FIFA Under20 World Cup in Turkey.

Mancha said coach John Obuh's team will blame themselves if they failed to pick qualification ticket from the benign group.

"Superb draws. It's a good one and a big advantage to us.

"We have no reason not to qualify first from the group, we have the edge as our opponents don't appear to be our mates.

"But we must not underrate the opponents, rather coach Obuh must shop for players who are ready to die defending the national colours.

"Obuh has a squad already but he must dig deep for fresh legs to strengthen and sharpen his attack," said the former Flying Eagles' player to supersport.com.

The former Nigerian cadet player said the team must be engaged in series of top grade matches to put them on strong footing towards defending the title.

"The team must play quality grade A friendlies not necessarily to win but to toughen the players the more for the challenges ahead. They should engage themselves with teams way ahead of them.

"I'm confident they will qualify for the World Cup as well as win the African tourney," he said.

Group A has hosts, Algeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Egypt.

Benue sports director lauds Eko 2012 organisation Ekiti proud of its athletes, says Adewunmi GLO – CAF Awards: Keita, Lagbaja, Chaka Chaka to entertain

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AVID ORNGU, Benue acting Director of Sports, said on Monday that the general organisation of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) was good.

Orngu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the security arrangement of the Games was also good. He, however, decried some aspects of officiating at the games.

"The general organisation of the Games and the security is okay.

But, there are some very few areas in officiating that are lacking.

And, I believe, it is not because they are lacking but because the technical content of the officiating officials is not there. There may be some level of influence here and

there that made them take certain decisions which they themselves know that are not good decisions.

So, apart from that area, I think it is okay."

Orngu said the state’s outing in the festival was not bad, even though, injuries hit many athletes at crucial stages of the competition.

"Our outing has been, problem of injuries at various crucial moments and always happening to our key players. I don’t really know what is responsible, but, so far so good because there is gold medal drought at this festi val. All the gold medals are being circulated among

just may be four states, Delta, Rivers, Edo and perhaps, Lagos of late because they want to mop up whatever is remaining."

The director said the state would do a post mortem of the just-concluded Games with emphasis toward the 19th edition of the festival, scheduled for Calabar, the Cross River State capital in 2014. He said the Calabar festival would be tougher as it might be made open for all categories of athletes to participate.

He said the state was worried that Benue indigenes were competing for other states and winning crucial medals, saying that the post-event analysis of Eko 2012 would look into that.

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•Gov. Kayode Fayemi

MUSA

they were eliminated by eventual champions Al Ahly of Egypt.

Enyimba are the only Nigerian club to have w o n t h i s competition, having won it back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.

I n the

C

SKA MOSCOW provisionally top the league table in Russia after a hard-fought 2 - 1 win over Mordovia Saransk on Sunday, their last match before the winter break.

Though not on the scoresheet, Nigeria winger Ahmed Musa, who has been converted to a striker this season by coach

sec ondtier CAF Confederation Cup, both Lobi Stars and Heartland are drawn bye till the Round of 16.

confirmed that a host of clubs in the super series division are currently chasing the player including last season”s newly promoted side, Kristaianstad Predators.

Predators however confirmed on their websites they hope to finalise the signing of the Nsit Atia star in the midweek.

Reacting to interest from Kristaianstad Predators, Bassey said, ’’Playing in the elite division will be a great challenge for me and I look forward to competing against the best.’’ The rock solid defensive tackle hinted that it was a new experience playing American football.

problems in some events.

He opined in combat sports, officiating was ``horrible’’ and suggested that in future festivals, efforts should be made to improve on the standard of officiating.

win excites Slutsky, is pleased with the outcome of the game.

The 20-year-old told Sport Express Russia: ''We won the last game of this year. CSKA lead in the championship, which the team are all excited about. I am pleased with today's (Sunday, ed.) game. Yeah, I did not score, but was involved in both goals. I'm always happy when the team wins, even if I did not score.''

In 18 matches in the Premier League, Musa netted eight times, his best goal haul since he emerged the top scorer in the domestic championship two years ago.

A

S the countdown to 2012 Glo – CAF Awards begins, top African artistes have been lined up to entertain at the Awards night holding in Accra, Ghana, on 20 December, 2012.

Top on the list is singing sensation, Salif Keita, an afro-pop singer cum songwriter from Mali, who is rated highly because of his reputation as the "Golden Voice of Africa".

Also billed to perform is South African singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka who is expected to thrill the audience with her popular songs like "I'm Burning Up", "I Cry for Freedom", "Sangoma", "Motherland" and the everpopular, "Umqombothi".

Others include the masked artiste from Nigeria, Lagbaja who is expected to keep the night alive with his Afro-Calypso genre of

A

TOP official has revealed to NationSport that today's Nigeria Premier League (NPL) congress would be to rubber stamp the sack of Rumson Victor Baribote as the boss of the premier league body.

All NPL Chairmen cum Club Owners met last week in Abuja where they unanimously agreed to vote out the NPL board led by Baribote but that decision was later reversed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as

•Ahmed Musa

being null and void.

3SC’s Mohammed loses father

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SC new signing Sanni Mohammed has lost his father, retired Captain Mohammed Abubakar.

Mohammed, aged 73 died yesterday morning after a brief illness and had since been buried according to Islamic rites.

In a condolence message to the family, the management, staff and players of 3SC sympathised

with the Mohammed family and pray to Allah to grant him Aljana Fridaous.

Responding, his daughter, Hajia Mariam Garuba thanks Shooting stars for standing by the family.

Sanni Mohammed, one of the children of the deceased recently completed his switch to the former league champions from Ocean Boys.

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OLLOWING his imperious displays in the Spanish championship, Nigeria international and Levante star Obafemi Martins is back in the shop window.

A s r e p o r t e d b y levanteud.lasprovincias.es, Martins' six goals in La Liga have not gone unnoticed by Europe's elite clubs, and interested suitors could table a bid for him at the end of the season if he maintains his form.

The 28-year-old ex-FC Ebedei whizkid signed a two-year contract (additional year inserted in deal) with Levante in September, joining the Valencia based club from Rubin Kazan Martins has a release clause of three million euros, which is far below his current market value. Should he leave Levante at the end of the 2012-2013 season for that sum, the club will pocket one million euros while Martins and his agent will share equally the balance of two million euros.

•Martins

federations shunned cheating at Eko 2012’ Suswam backs F/Eagles for World Cup ‘Swimming HE Nigeria Swimming Federation

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ORMER FLYING Eagles ace Terna Suswam has predicted the country’s U-20 team will again qualify for the World Cup. Nigeria are drawn in Group B of next year’s African Youth Championship in Algeria along with Gabon, DR Congo and Mali with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals and automatically bagging a ticket to the World Cup. "They will certainly qualify for the World Cup. I have no doubt what so ever about that. I watched some of their qualifying matches and with what I saw I am very confident they will be at the World

Cup in Turkey," he told MTNFootball.com Nigeria crashed out to France in the quarterfinals of the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia. However, Suswam, who was part of the last U20 team who won the AYC last year in South Africa, warned the present team not to underrate any team in Algeria.

"They must approach every game like a cup final if they want to retain the cup because there are no minnows anymore in African football," cautioned the Vitoria Setubal of Portugal defender.

The AYC kicks off on March 16 in Algeria.

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(NSF) said on Monday that no federation allowed ineligible athletes or encouraged cheating in any ramification whatsoever in competitions at the just-concluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF).

Swimming Federation President Babatunde Fatayi-Williams spoke against the backdrop of cases of cheating discovered during the just-concluded NSF in Lagos with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Fatayi-Williams said that only two cases of cheating were uncovered in the swimming event of the Games, tagged ``Eko 2012,’’ adding that one of them was

•Lagbaja well as solidified their identity as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

A host of Ghanaian music stars are also expected to entertain the audience and add colour to the night.

An interesting and fun-filled night awaits the audience at State House Banquet hall in Accra on 20th December, 2012.

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By Tunde Liadi

The NFF further directed that the NPL should hold a congress on or before 10th December, 2012 in Abuja.

A competence source informed SportingLife that the NFF intervened in the imbroglio between the Club Owners and the NPL board in order to avert likely FIFA wrath since the alleged sack of the NPL Board was not done in a properly convened congress.

The source predicted very quick proceedings of less than one hour where the action initiated by the club owners would be legalised during the congress.

music, a product of various influences ranging from traditional Yoruba music to Jazz.

The masked man is expected to enliven the auditorium with his scintillating dance steps and rhythmic talking drums. Also billed to perform is Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa, a group that married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music.

The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience, representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have garnered fans and accolades within the recording industry, as

Martins back in shop

NPL congress to rubber stamp Baribote's sack

Bassey voted best American football star in Sweden

IGERIA-born American football star Emmanuel Okon Bassey has been voted Goteborg Marvels player of the year 2012 after a spectacular first season in the Swedish American football division one season.

Bassey, who was snapped up after showing good tackles in training with his school team, was given a two-month trial with Goteborg Marvels.

Luck smiled again on the Akwa Ibom-born defensive Tackle player as he was promoted to the first team where he flourished with lots of excellent tackles and sacks.

Goteborg Marvels who failed to gain promotion last season have

He said emphasis on picking athletes from the grassroots worked for the state.

"Of course, most of them that picked the medals are grassroots athletes. The athlete that picked a gold medal in 400 metres women just started training about two years ago and she is in school.

"She has just moved into the university. So, we are not disappointed.

"The team that won the bronze medal in table tennis, secondary school athletes, SS1. So, grassroots trade is working magic and we will not leave that policy.’’

Adewumi said the Games had been fair but that officiating had

CSKA’S

Pillars, Rangers get CL foes IGERIA’S KANO Pillars will face Olympique de Bangui from Central African Republic in the preliminaries of the 2013 CAF Champions League.

Nigeria’s other representatives Rangers, who finished as runnersup to Pillars, will battle SC Do Principe of Sao Tome and Principe, also in the prelims of the competition.

Both teams will first host their opponents between February 15 and 17 with the return leg clash fixed for between March 1-3.

N i g e r i a ’ s Sunshine Stars reached the semifinals of this year’s competition before

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KITI STATE Director of Sports, Olukayode Adewumi, says athletes discovered from the grassroots did the state proud at the justconcluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF).

Ekiti placed 15th on the medals table with 5 gold, 1 silver and 9 bronze medals.

At the 17th edition of the games, held in Port Harcourt in 2011, Ekiti was placed 20th with 4 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze medals.

Adewumi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the state achieved its target of improving on its outing at the 17th edition of the Games.

registered with the Games Services Jury.

He said the allegations that some states used mercenaries, whom the Swimming Federation did not bother about, were untrue, adding that the federation was not part of the cheating scandals at the Games.

"I can reliably tell you that we did what was expected of us by not putting our federation in disrepute,’’ Fatayi-Williams said. He said the first case of cheating uncovered by the federation was Ifang Nyong of Akwa-Ibom, who was ineligible and was consequently disqualified, before the commencement of the swimming events.

•Winner of the Glo Golf Tour West Africa, 2012, Emos Korblah, proudly displays his trophy and cheque during the prize giving ceremony at the Grand Finale in Otukpo, Benue State on Sunday.

Glo Golf Tour a huge success, says David Mark •Event ends in style in Otukpo

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HE maiden edition of the Glo Golf Tour West Africa ended on Sunday night in Otukpo, Benue State with a big bang as Globacom doled out N20 million cash, a brand new car, motorcycles, sewing machines and other prizes to pros and amateurs who won in the Grand Finale, including the Senate President, Senator David mark and his wife Helen.

The Senate President, playing with handicap 12 won the veterans men event with a score of 176 gross in the 36hole event on the Otukpo Golf and Country Club while his wife led the women’s field with a score of 251 gross.

David Mark, Helen Mark, the Och' Otukpo, Dr. John Eimonye, and over thirty other amateurs who won in several categories received different prizes from Globacom at the prize giving ceremony and Gala night which featured top-rated artistes including afro-calypso star, Lagbaja and comedian Okey Bakassi among others.

Commenting during the event, Senator Mark said the Glo Golf Tour West Africa 2012 was a huge success not only because the highest ranked professional golfers in West Africa participated in the tournament but also because of the exceptional quality of organisation, the N62.5 million unprecedented prize money and the glamorous closing ceremony.

He said that by solely sponsoring the Glo Golf Tour 2012 with its scale and class, Globacom had done what he had always preached that the corporate sector should step in to support sports development in the country. He singled out the Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga whom he described as his friend and brother, for special commendation for his massive support for sports development in West Africa.

He explained that no sports was elitist, contrary to the opinion of many that golf was. He pointed out that many of those who won prizes in the amateur categories were youths who were not very well to do. He said that

every sport was capable of bringing glory to a nation.

Mark announced that for the next five years, the Glo Golf Tour grand finale would be held in Otukpo and called on the pros to improve their game as the Otukpo Golf Course would be upgraded to be more challenging.

“Once you play here (in Otukpo) after the upgrade, you can play on any course in the world and do well," he said.

Senator Mark also announced that next year, the West African Glo Golf Tour would be upgraded to an African Golf Tour, attracting top-most players from Africa and the rest of the world.

Also during the grand finale witnessed by many dignitaries including Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ilesanmi Aguda, the winner of the hole-in-one car prize, Mohamed Liman collected his car prize while Ghana’s Emos Korblah, Vincent Torgah and Edet Umoh who came first second and third respectively in the professional competition also received their cheques.

Twenty four winners in other categories including the men’s category 2 handicap 6-12, men’s category 3 handicap 13-18 and Ladies Handicap 0-18 and Handicap 19-37 all received various prizes including motorcycles, refrigerators, microwave ovens, DVD players, Golf kits, clippers, dryers among others. Felix Pam of the IBB Golf and Country Club won the category one prize being the only surviving Category One player to advance with the pros in the 72-hole pro competition. The icing on the cake was when the Director of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, Festus, emerged winner of N1million through a raffle draw for veterans only.

Makelemi said professional golfers had never had it so good in West Africa and commended Globacom for making the dream of golfers a reality by sponsoring the tournament.

INSIDE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

Page 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Residents bemoan unsafe water supply - Page 27

Farmers get N14m fishing inputs

New deal for development

- Page 28

Hope rises for Abuja demolition victims

•Top: Garki, one of the districts to be developed Bottom: Developed area of Abuja

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Divided by fate, united in spirit - Page 40

N unprecedented infrastructural development is coming in Abuja following the introduction of land-swap policy by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 13 land-swap investors in Abuja to commence the opening of eight new districts in Abuja.

Senator Mohammed, who signed the MoU on behalf of the FCT Administration with these investors at the Banquet Hall of the official residence of the FCT Minister at Gwarinpa I District (Life-Camp), Abuja, expressed his happiness over the realisation of this vision that promises to expand the infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory.

Senator Mohammed disclosed that each of the investors paid the sum of N350m to the FCT Administration being fees for survey maps, detailed land use plan, engineering design, demographic re-

From Bukola Amusan

ports, legal documentation and other ancillary services to qualify.

According to him, due diligence was properly carried out, and all the investors have technical capability with robust financial plans that will bring in over N300b investment from banks in and outside the country.

Senator Mohammed reiterated that with the landmark event, the FCT Administration bids farewell to land fraud and racketeering as this pioneering initiative takes off.

He further disclosed that all the investors have technical partners in Europe and America, even as they have proved to have the muscle to pull through the arrangement.

The minister said that though 15 investors indicated interest, 13 were able to conclude the process.

He said that one of them was given extension while one backed out.

The companies which signed the MoU include Rosehill Group, Afri-

International Projects Limited, Bolmus Nigeria Limited, Ridley Group, CRCC Nigeria Limited and Hongye Group. Others are AM-PM Global Network Limited, Urban Shelter Infrastructure Limited, Gilmor Engineering Services Limited, First Aries Petroleum and Crude Oil Production, System Properties and Development Consortium Limited; PIMA International Limited, Ketti Infrastructure Limited. Dangote Group got extension while Adkan Services Limited did not respond.

The Chairman of Rosehill Group,

Suleiman Yahaya who spoke on behalf of other investors, appreciated the speedy way the FCT Administration responded.

He promised to meet the expectations of the Federal Government to deliver these districts to the people of Nigeria at a very good time.

The event was also attended by the chairmen of the FCT area councils, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT as well as top government functionaries of the FCT Administration.

With the landmark event, the FCT Administration bids farewell to land fraud and racketeering as this pioneering initiative takes off

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

Residents bemoan unsafe water supply

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CROSS-SECTION of residents of Abuja and its suburbs have expressed concern over possible outbreak of water-borne diseases as some borehole operators do not wash or disinfect the water tanks periodically.

The residents also complained that water supply from the FCT Water Board are no longer constant and not also clean.

They said that consumers often found particles in the water from these boreholes and feared that this could lead to water-borne diseases.

Mrs Angela Anunobi, a resident, said that some time ago, she sent her child to fetch water from a nearby borehole only to find out that the water contained greenish particles. ‘’I was shocked and worried because the family had been drinking this water all through the day and this was not the first time I have noticed this kind of negligence by these operators. ‘’Sometimes, it is dirty particles you find in the water, and this is not just a particular borehole but a number of them are guilty of this,’’ Anunobi said.

Another resident ,Mrs Bukola Atanda said: ‘’most of the operators are just after the money they will collect from the borehole. They are careless about the potability of the water they sell. ‘’Sometimes, even the surroundings of the borehole is usually an eyesore. Really, we need an orientation on good hygiene in this country. ‘’Maybe the government should carry out a campaign on the benefits of good hygiene. It is like everything in our society is going into gradual but progressive decadence,’’ Atanda said.

Mr Hammed Suleiman also decried the lack of care displayed by the borehole operators. ‘’In the real sense, these people have really come to the aid of Nigerians by providing these boreholes since pipe-borne water is now far out of the reach of majority of people. ‘’But the fact of the matter is that they cannot give us water and afflict us with diseases that are avoidable; just observing simple hygiene as washing the tanks and keeping the environment clean will prevent this.’’

• How clean are these water tankers?

• Water from this borehole may be unsafe

Reaction, one of the borehole operators, Mr Ezekiel Ishaya, admitted the allegation and said that some do not wash their containers at all from year to year. ‘’I agree that some operators do not take good care of their reservoirs but you will be shocked at the containers that some people come with to collect water,’’ Ishaya said.

Sometimes, it is dirty particles you find in the water, and this is not just a particular borehole but a number of them are guilty of this

Foundation holds workshop on biotechnology N its effort to promote the use of biotechnology in plant breeding, preservation as well as improving farmers’ yields, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) had invited agriculture and science journalists from across the country for a capacity building at the Federal Capital Territory.

The training aimed at interacting with media practitioners, and providing them with accurate information in order to enlighten the public on the concept, usage and significance of biotechnology to foster food security.

The experts expressed concern over media’s penchant to giving prominence to politically-oriented issues, businesses, among others at the detriment of others including science.

According to AATF Regional Manager for West Africa, Dr. Prince Addae, training and retraining of journalists is important considering their roles in shaping the society. He added that technologies have re-

I

From Olugbenga Adanikin

mained most reliable interventions to address farmers’ challenges.

“As we develop the technology, we want to interact with the media and provide accurate information from where they disseminate to the public.

“For me, both developers and the media should have the same message and the message should be credible, balanced, clear and accurate. For the media, it is science of communication whereby you are not selling science products but you are contributing to the development of science culture where the public understand,” he said.

He urged the media to engage members of the public in what they need to know especially on biotechnology.

Speaking on few of their projects in the country, Addae highlighted Maruca Resistant Cowpea Project; Nitrogen-Use Efficient (NUE), Water-Use Efficient (WUE) and Salt

Tolerant (ST) Rice Project; Aflatoxin Biological Control Project and Cassava Mechanisation and Agroprocessing Project (CAMAP).

Others include Striga Control in maize; Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project and Banana Improvement Project.

The Maruca Resistant Cowpea project initiated in 2001 was completed this year. It was designed to combat maruca infliction on the crop (beans).

The foundation revealed that the new breed of bean is capable of protecting itself against the destructive insect, maruca.

However, he said plans are ongoing to introduce new breed of cowpea (beans) into the Nigerian market by 2015.

According to Addae, about 80 per cent of the produce is lost to the insect infestation but with the new breed, farmers can make more harvest, make more profit while Nige•Continued on Page 27

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

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INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed has said that he would provide a strong platform for youth empowerment and job creation by establishing a fullfledged department of youth development.

Mohammed stated this during the 5th National Council on Youth Development, in Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Youths, Mrs Uche Nwafor, said the construction of an ultra-modern youth support centre in Nyanya, Abuja, would be inaugurated soon.

Senator Mohammed also said that over 5,000 youth-volunteers were to be engaged as enforcement officers, while 1,500 youths would be trained on various trades and will be supported with soft loans.

“Efforts should be stepped up to ensure that our youths are equipped with knowledge as well as entrepreneurial skills and orientation that will satisfy the demands of the country.”

Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa AbdulKadir, said that the ministry had reached advanced stage in establishing a sustainable platform for the inclusion of mentorship in youths’ programmes.

The minister said the National Mentorship Programme, which would be launched soon, was designed to provide a viable avenue for youths to acquire

•Nigerian youths

Department for youth development coming From Bukola Amusan

marketable skills for selfreliance, job creation and empowerment.

Officers programme that would recruit young Nigerians to work in the United Nation’s system for two years.

“This is to acquaint them with the requirements of international

civil service jobs,” he said.

Abdul-Kadir said this programme would be fully funded by the Federal Government.

Foundation holds workshop on biotechnology

•Continued from Page 26 rians can have more food on their table.

He said: “The pod borer (Maruca Vitrata) inflicts severe damage to the cowpea leading to yield losses of between 70-80 per cent in severe infestations. Spraying with insecticide has not been widely adopted by farmers due to the prohibitive costs.

“AATF is addressing this problem by facilitating the development of Maruca-resistant transgenic cowpea varieties, thereby minimising insecticide use and its effects on health and the environment.”

He further explained that the maruca-resistant cowpea had been developed since 1996 in the United States (US) and replicated in other developed countries, adding that it is safe for consumption.

The researcher, Prof. Mohammad Ishiyaku from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria stated that the

Abdul-Kadir said that the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a Junior Professional

country is the largest producer of cowpea yet it has deficit of 500, 000 tons of the crop annually.

In his paper entitled “Plant Breeding and Gene Modification in Agriculture: Case Study of the Marucaresistant Cowpea Project,” Ishiyaku explained that plant breeding is an old practice of crop improvement which is no different from genetic modification.

“We will possibly release the maruca-resistant cowpea varieties for commercial production by 2015.

The new farm yield will further make farmers food secure,” he added.

Rice, which, according to the foundation, is the next target, it will develop solutions to challenges of climatic variability as it affects rice plantation through the NUE, WUE and ST. For cassava processing, it is

•A cross section of Science journalists

to partner National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) Ilorin Kwara State and National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike Abia State to develop cassava mechanisation and agroprocessing for small holder farmers.

Despite these, the safety of bred crops seems to remain major concern, especially to those ignorant of the potential. Unfortunately, the bill on biotechnology still lies at the Presidency after scaling through the hurdles in National Assembly (NASS). It is the hope of many that President Goodluck Jonathan will assent to the bill before 2015.

The Director-General of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Bamidele Solomon stated that the bio-fortification of crops make them more nutritious.

According to him, no geneticallymodified crop is currently commercialised in the country.

However, he disclosed that there are three genetically-modified crops, including maruca- resistant

cowpea, bio-cassava plus and Africa bio-fortified sorghum.

He expressed the hope on quick passage of the biotechnology bill by President Goodluck Jonathan before 2015.

Aspirant unfolds plans A for council

S the competition for the chairmanship position of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council becomes keener, Mr. Akande Roberts has stated he would deploy his experience from the National Assembly in Abuja to lobby councilors for the smooth running of the council if he was voted into power.

Speaking with our correspondent, he said he has garnered enough experience from all the arms of government in the Federal Capital Territory, which he hopes to bring to bear in running the affairs of the council.

Robert, who is currently a senior aide to a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpatason, is seeking the chairmanship ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the forthcoming local government council election.

He said his experiences have equipped him with developmental acumen necessary for moving Akoko-Edo forward.

He said if he is voted into office, his administration will revamp the economy of the area through internally-generated revenue (IGR) through the exploitation of the solid mineral sector.

While unfolding his plans for the people, the aspirant noted that he is currently doing a research on solid minerals in Akoko-Edo as a basis for requesting that government establishes a School of Mining and Geological Studies in the local government area.

Besides, for the immediate mining skills relevant for the tapping of the mineral resource, the aspirant said he shall relate with both

From John Ofikhenua

state and the Federal Governments to set up institute for mining skills acquisition.

The aspirant pledged to take the competitive advantage of the local government in agriculture to improve the revenue of the council.

He, however, noted that his administration shall establish “Akoko-Edo Farms” across the 10 wards of the local government.

The aspirant, who identified dearth of capital as the major barrier for investment in mining and agriculture, vowed that his administration shall facilitate easy access to loans, grants and aid in order to boost the sectors.

“From these activities,” Roberts said, I have planned to provide 3,000 jobs for the unemployed Akoko-Edo people in my first six months in office. These projects aimed at boosting the revenue base of the council shall be implemented in partnership with the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) taking advantage of inter-governmental relations,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “We shall take advantage of public-private partnership to make these great ideas realisable. We shall partner with Edo State Millennium Development Goals office for rural transformation, Niger Delta Development Commission, European Union Programmes for rural development, United Nations Development Programmes, World Bank assistance, non-governmental organisations, and others.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

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SSORTED fishing inputs worth N14 million have been donated to fish farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration to encourage fish production.

This took place as the administration inaugurated the FCT Fish Farm Estate in Bwari Area Council of the territory.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, observed that despite its health importance in daily diet, the future of fish production in all states of the federation, including the FCT, seems very bleak.

“Hence,” she added, “it was in a bid to arrest this bleak scenario that the Federal Government through her National Fisheries Policy mandated all the states of the federation, including FCT, to implement policies that will enhance sustainable production of fish to meet the fish needs of their populace and for export”.

Akinjide said it was in the light of the above that the FCT administration approved the establishment of fish farm estates in all the area councils in FCT. Under this arrangement, she explained, the government will provide the land and basic infrastructure while the private sector will develop their plots in line with approved guidelines.

The minister revealed that “the Bwari Fish Farm Estate, the pioneer scheme inaugurated is about 10 hectares in size, having about 240 ponds already developed.”

According to her, when put to use, about 500 tons of table-size fish, would be produced annually, closing the wide gap between fish demand and

•Fishing implements

Farmers get N14m fishing inputs supply.

She urged all alottees to ensure the completion of the second phase in the developmental plan within the next one year and put their plots into proper use.

Earlier in her remark, the Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mrs Olvadi Bema Madayi listed the inputs for presentation to farmers to include storage

From Sanni Onogu

look forward to philanthropists who will sponsor more youths for the programme because some of them even find it difficult to transport themselves to the training centre”he said Halima Edun, a final year law students of University of Abuja who is one of the beneficiaries said: “it is a dream come true because it will be another source of income for me and it will increase my monthly allowance and will also help me in the future” she added •Senator Adeyemi Other activities carried out HE Senate Committee on the by the organisation in Abuja FCT has said it would ensure include creation of reading termination of the N3.37b room, donating books and school the projects being executed by the reading materials to Govern- Education Secretariat of the Federal ment Secondary School, Capital Territory Administration Kabusa, establishing adult lit- (FCTA) if there is no appreciable eracy / vocational training cen- level of improvement in the qualtre in Kwali Area Council ity of work done. among others.

Members of the Committee stated

We have over 100 students in Abuja undergoing other trainings in fashion designing, hospitality and tourism, bead making, computer programme among others. We are planning to spread to other parts of the country

establishing the farm in the council.

This was as he informed the minister of state that the council was warming up for the dry season farming.

Senate urges action on projects

Academy empowers youths T

HE Abuja Green Roses Foundation has empowered 25 youths (female) in Abuja on makeup technique.

President and Founder of the organisation, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu said the programme was carried out to mitigate the spate of unemployment among the youths especially with the females because they represent a permanent institution with sufficient resources that needed to be equipped in order to complement the efforts of men so as to fasten societal growth.

He said,: “We have over 100 students in Abuja undergoing other trainings in fashion designing, hospitality and tourism, bead making, computer programme among others. We are planning to spread to other parts of the country “One of the challenges we are facing is lack of resources which is reducing the number of people we can admit,we solicited for partnership and also

facilities, cold room, fridge, and fish feeds.

On his part, the chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushafa thanked the FCT administration for

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this during their oversight visit to the affected school projects in Abuja.

The lawmakers decried the slow pace of work on the Government Science School (GSS) Maitama and the International Technology and Vocational Institute (ITVI), Utako, despite huge budgetary provisions for them over the years.

The Senators observed that the GSS project which commenced in 2005 is yet to attain 50 per cent completion.

While the Senators said that contractors have since abandoned the GSS site, the Deputy Director in the FCT Education Secretariat, Kamfut

Awallan said the contractor was not on site because of the death of his son.

The Senators also frowned at the poor quality of work at the GSS and ITVI. Our correspondent observed that most of the tiles were broken while some of the furniture said to have been supplied were substandard.

Awallan told the Senators that the GSS project was awarded in 2005 at the cost of N900m but was reviewed upwards by over 50 per cent to N1.6b in 2012.

He also said that out of the N1.6b, N673.86m has been paid to contractors; leaving a balance of N824.393m.

He added that the N240m earmarked for the GSS project this year has been utilised for road works, civil works, staff quarters and the purchase of computers, among others.

He also said that of the N1.679b voted for the building of the International Technical and Vocational Institute (ITVI) at Utako, N392.268m has been paid to contractors; leaving a balance of N1.286m.

Chairman Senate Committee on FCT, Smart Adeyemi told reporters that the committee was not satisfied with the level and quality of work done.

He said the committee would ensure that funds are voted to complete the projects in the 2013 budget.

He warned that if the contractors did not perform adequately after the funds have been released, he would recommend that the contracts be terminated.

He said: “The contractors handling those projects seem not to be too committed. The good thing about those projects we have visited earlier was that I visited those projects

for ongoing projects.

“Those projects are not moving forward and I feel that if the contractors have been paid their outstanding certificates then we will probably be in a better position to pass a final judgment on them.

“What we will do is to make sure that in 2013 budget, enough funds are made available for these ongoing projects and within the next six months, we want to see appreciable improvement in terms of the completion of these projects.

“If that is not achieved, then we will have no option than to recommend to the FCT Minister to terminate those projects.”

The committee, however, commended the Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Blessing Onuh over the soon-to-be-completed FCT Youths Sports Centre in Nyanya.

They urged her to create adequate awareness for the centre to enable FCT youths to utilise the facilities.

Earlier, Onuh told the Senators that the 2012 budget of the agency has achieved 65 per cent performance.

She said: “The Secretariat, in 2012, has performed creditably well putting into consideration the late passage of budget, inadequate funding and late release of funds.

“To date, the Secretariat is at 65 per cent budget performance. Almost all the contractors have mobilised to site and some have completed their jobs awaiting payments.

“An estimated 52 per cent of the contractors have equally applied for the processing of their 15 per cent downward payment (mobilisation).”

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

‘ The scheme swerved Police

operations from the practice of ‘ Policing with impunity’ to Policing with respect for the fundamental human rights’ of citizens whom they are paid to protect See page 32

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

’

• Adoke (SAN)

Should the criminal laws be merged?

The South operates the criminal code. The North operates the penal code. This has been in place for over 50 years.

The government is planning to merge both laws to foster national unity. But some lawyers argue that though desirable, the merger cannot stimulate national cohesion. ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU report.

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HE colonial government understood the differences in the lives of people of northern and southern Nigeria. To ensure peaceful existence, the colonialists, devised ways of accommodating their inherent differences.

The colonialists created two distinct criminal legal systems – the penal code system (for the north) and the criminal code (for the south).

They believed that there was need to respect and retain the people’s diverse culture, reli-

gions and belief systems.

The penal code (drawn from a combination of the Islamic law and the Muslim system of law) was modelled after the Sudanese penal code system, because like Sudan, the dominant religion in northern Nigeria is Islam. The code has been in practice since it was introduced in the late 50s.

The south adopted the criminal code (inspired by the English common law and legal practice)

because of its early exposure to the English legal system and law.

This has been the case until the Federal Government announced that it intends to unify both laws, a decision which it said was informed by the need to enhance unity between the North and South.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) was quoted to have expressed his belief that the unification of the two

Inside: ‘Heavy spending, bribery trail 2011 election’ P.31

sets of law would help the government foster national unity since a crime in Lagos would also be seen as a crime in Kano.

“It has, therefore, been argued that our colonial heritage of two legal systems dealing with criminal matters has been one of the mechanisms that had perpetuated the concepts of North and South in critical national discourse.

•Continued on page 30

‘Respect accused persons’ rights’ P.32

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29 “In addition to the needs to address this historical distortion through a bold attempt at harmonisation, there is an equal imperative to review both codes, modernise them and keep them relevant to the needs of our society,” Adoke reportedly said at a workshop in Abuja.

The government’s position has, however, raised public doubt about the desirability or otherwise of the law unification project in the face of grave inadequacies, not only in the nation’s court system, but including among all elements that constitute the nation’s criminal justice system.

The police for instance, are insufficiently equipped to conduct investigation required to secure conviction in a world where criminals improve daily in their sophistication. As a result, the police resort to torture to elicit confessional statement, a style that mostly results in extra judicial killings.

The court system is reeking under the yoke of myriad of challenges, among which are poor quality personnel, corruption and inadequate work tools, including infrastructure. These inadequacies account for cases of prolonged delay in the administration of justice, lack of access to justice by indigent citizens, granting of questionable orders by judges and magistrates, congestion of courts with cases, the congestion of all the prisons with awaiting trial inmates, among others.

The prison system is worse, with over populated prisons, the government having refused to build new facilities; corruption resulting in prisons officials demanding money from inmates; lack of needed work materials, including vehicles to convey inmates to court, among others.

Observers are unsure whether the government’s objective of enhancing the nation’s unity with mere unification of laws was desirable now. They would prefer that the government focuses attention on addressing other major challenges bedeviling the criminal justice system with a view to ensuring social justice and secured society where the law is supreme.

They argued that the only positive side of the plan exists in enhancing the ease with which lawyers practice their profession, because it will bring about uniformity and homogeneity in the nation’s criminal laws.

To them, beyond that, the government will end up creating crisis because of the gamut of issues the exercise will generate. One of such issues is its ability to challenge the nation’s federal status.

Observers noted that a cardinal characteristic of federalism exists in the existence of diversity and a measure of independence in the way constituent units manage their affairs.

They argued that a unified criminal law system will no doubt challenge the people’s existing belief system and life style.

They conceded there was the need to reform not only the criminal laws, but the criminal justice system. They however stated that what the government requires was the will to confront the identified challenges hampering the system’s effectiveness.

In doing this, the Federal Government is advised to direct its attention to the contents of the various report submitted by commissions, committees and panels since 2005.

There was the Ministerial Committee on Prisons Audit in 2005. There were two Presidential Commissions on Police Reform in 2006 and 2008. There was also the Ministerial Committee on Reform of the Evidence Act in 2006 and 2007; and the Presidential Commission on Administration of Justice Reform in 2007.

• Ipaye

• Fagbohungbe

Should the criminal laws be merged?

Those not satisfied that the unification of criminal laws was capable of engendering unity in a society deliberately fractured by selfish politicians, who exploit the disunity for their political gains, described the plan as a misplaced priority and one of the many frivolous undertakings for which this administration is gradually becoming notorious.

They queried the capability of a mere merger of existing laws to enhance unity in a society where the leaders’ actions, inactions and reactions only draw the people further apart. They wondered how such merger of laws can unite a people divided by mutual suspicion occasioned by the attitude of a crop of leaders whose politics and policies are driven mundane factors of ethnicity and religion.

Observers advised the Federal Government to concentrate efforts on addressing the defects in the laws to ensure that they better operate to help serve the purpose for which criminal justice system exists in every society.

Rather than seek to compel unity among a people deliberately and selfishly turn apart by their leaders, the Federal Government is advised to address existing socioeconomic and political injustices in the country, without which unity will continue to elude the country.

Some lawyers, who examined the proposal, equally saw merit only in its ability to ease the practice of law, beyond which they disagreed with the government.

Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, Gani AdetolaKaseem( both Senior Advocates), Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Ade Ipaye and Dr. Frank Chukwuka believe the Federal Government should address critical issues challenging the nation’s growth rather than engaging in activities without far-reaching effect.

Fagboungbe said the decision to unify the country’s penal code and criminal code will only result in the creation of a homogenous set of criminal laws in the country. The implication, he said is that the law will be the

same in all parts of the country.

He said the idea will only succeed if it does not discriminate against any religion, because there is allowance in the constitution for that, otherwise it would be in conflict with the provisions of the Constitution that regard the country as a secular state.

“It is not sufficient at all to unify the country. A state like Lagos has its own laws on administration of criminal justice. Maybe the Attorney General has forgotten that Nigeria is a federation, where the state has jurisdiction over some offences. If they unify it, we would have a situation where federal government would be legislating over some offences meant for the states.

“The Federal Government cannot legislate over some offences like murder, stealing and so on as that would tamper with federalism on its own. And I do not also agree with him that it would unify the country because people have been clamouring for true federalism and it is the constitution that would make provisions for things that would unify the country,” he said.

To Fagbohungbe, the major hurdle the Federal Government will encounter is ensuring that it does not conflict with the constitution.

“The provisions of the two codes are different because they border on religion in the north and so on. And besides, it should not be in conflict with the Constitution,” he said.

Adetola-Kaseem said the unification of the laws would make things easier for legal practitioners, especially in the criminal law area.

There will be some decency in terms of the possible incorporation of the access to the penal code, which is not in the criminal code.

“Of course if it is done, there are a lot of areas which we, the professionals would have to look at critically to ensure a success of the harmonisation of the two codes. For example in the North, adultery is a criminal offence whereas in the south, it is not a criminal offence.

“These are areas they have to look at criti-

cally and ensure that in the harmonisation process, the purpose of this area is not lost.

It will essentially make the practice of law for practitioners easier particularly when you are talking about capital punishments, we can now have one law that can be applied across the country.

“As I said, if we have one single code there will be some sense of unification but there are so many things that is wrong with Nigeria and this is not sufficient. But certainly it would go well with the practice of law and understanding of law. There will be uniform application across the country.

“So if we have a common code across the country, it would make it a lot easier for people to know how to conduct themselves, to be able to apply themselves and for the practitioners to be able to apply the law. Indeed, when you go to courts, it is going to make the practice of law both for state counsels and service attorneys a lot easier,” he said Adetola-Kaseem argued that there could be constraints in the areas of dissent. He said such constraints would border on the issue of policing, because a person who was brought up in the south, where Sharia does not exist, would wonder why it is adopted.

“There will definitely be resistance against the law on adultery or consumption of alcohol, which are considered as criminal acts under the penal code, because the issue of decency may be challenged. So constraints would arise.

“But it is a welcome development and so let us all reason together and see how we can make the statute and application of law, whether criminal or civil law, easy for all of us, both the practitioners and the citizens,” he said.

Ipaye contended that criminal law is a matter for state Houses of Assembly to legislate upon. To him, criminal law is primarily a State Government responsibility.

“For each state, the law should really reflect local peculiarities and challenges.

However, it is desirable that criminal law be substantially similar across the country so people won’t have to find out the law every time they move from one State to another.

“If you look at it that way, harmonisation is quite desirable. However, we should know that the harmonised model will still have to be adopted by each state Legislature as it sees fit.

“For Lagos State, we have since moved away from both the criminal code and the penal code which is part of the colonial legacies already outdated in many respects. So the new Lagos State Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration Law are ready models to be considered in this exercise. I do hope the end justifies the means,” Ipaye said.

Chukwuka argued that the reasons for which the different laws were enacted have not been defeated.

“We are yet to overcome our undue attachment to religion. The government is not saying the laws have failed to meet the purposes for which they were enacted. The government is not arguing that the insecurity and poverty in the country resulted from its identified defects in the laws.

“So what is all these about unifying a set of laws in a federal state. Has the Attorney General forgotten that the states have the rights to make laws that guide the way they conduct their criminal prosecution? I sincerely do not know what these guys want this time.

It could be that they just want to be seen to be working. But they should realise that their frivolities are at a cost to the tax payers,” he said.

Amaechi, CJ, lawyers canvass adherence to rule of law

T

HE need for every member of the society to uphold the supremacy of the law and refrain from abuse of the people’s rights ran through presentations at this years’ annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt branch.

Speakers at the event held last week in Port Harccourt include Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu, the branch Chair, Lawrence Oko-Jaja and Sebastine Hon (SAN).The theme of the week was Human Rights Issues in the Discharge of the Duties of Agencies of Government. Amaechi argued that the thought that absolute freedom exists was a mirage. “I challenge those who feel they have been wronged by the Rivers State government to go to court and enforce

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

their rights.”

Justice Ndu urged the NBA members to continue to fight for the independence of the judiciary and its financial autonomy, thereby ensuring the speedy delivery of justice.

Represented by the state’s Attorney-General, Worgu Boms, Amaechi pledged to evolve measures to curb lawlessness. He argued that it was unjust for individuals to breach existing laws and plead the enforcement of fundamental human rights.

He said persons, who saw nothing wrong in disobeying the law in the state, would not be spared, declaring that the government would never be intimidated.

He said the blames of slow justice delivery should not be for the courts

alone, but also for the litigants, who are not always well prepared with the necessary documents, before rushing to the courts.

Ndu maintained that the judiciary should not be blamed for the country’s woes, since the concerned stakeholders had not bothered about the welfare of the state’s judges, whom he said should be properly catered for, before delivering justice.

“The bar and the bench must rise to the occasion. If you ask an average Nigerian why he likes to take the law into his own hands, he will tell you that the courts are wasting time. That is why they resort to self help.

“Deliberate attempts to slow down justice through injunctions should be discouraged and those coming to the courts should be

ready with all the evidence and witnesses, before rushing to the courts.

“We must pay less attention to procedures and focus more on the welfare and safety of those, in whose shoulders the burden of delivering justice is upon. Nobody is talking of proper financial autonomy for the judiciary and it is wrong.

“All the funds appropriated to the judiciary should be released as soon as the budget is passed. The bar should sue the executive to ensure that this is done. The judges cannot speak for themselves. Those who dispense justice must be well and alive to do so.”

Hon argued that the executive has become too powerful as a result of the trend. He called for urgent action to reverse the trend.

“If the judiciary does nothing, it

will become useless in the hands of the executive. The chief judge is supposed to originate budgetary provisions which would be sent to the Assembly to be passed and if they refuse to pass it, you go to court.

“If the judiciary in every state was to be independent, 50 per cent of the problems facing Nigeria would have been solved but we have surrendered our powers to the governors and they have become so powerful.”

Oko-Jaja, who frowned at some state officials in the conduct of their duties, insisted that the government must train its law enforcement agents, in order to avoid punishing innocent persons.

The week also examined the country’s cabotage regime and legal practice.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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LAW AND SOCIETY

‘Heavy spending, bribery trail 2011 election’

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EPRESENTATIVE democracy is regarded as the best option of governance and is consequential to the rule of law, justice and good governance. Election becomes instrumental in the exercise of democracy as it is the platform on which the citizenry choose their government.

A situation where ‘he who spends more’ has an upper hand in the election is not an embodiment of democracy. Perhaps the drafters of our laws were wary of this and thus placed restrictions on campaign financing.

‘Political Financing and Expenditure Ceiling For 2011 Election’ is a research report published by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) as a product of a field study conducted by the institute on political financing and election expenditure. The research was brought about as a result of the Institute’s ‘ever questioning and ever probing’ attitude to matters of public interest. The financial approach to elections by political parties and their affiliates in the country was perceived by the institute as worthy of being a subject of academic discourse and as such deserved to be looked into. The 2011 election provided the institute with an opportunity to scrutinize party spending as well as every other financial commitment on elections in the light of legislative provisions on political financing. As democratic election is fundamental to growth and sustainable development, a critical look at the fiscal aspect of electoral process within the purview of political expenditure, the regulatory mechanism and the compliance with the rules was deemed of essence.

The (NIALS) conducted a research on the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria where elections took place in April 2011. The research was in form of a field study and it focused on the funding of political parties and campaign finance. The study was carried out in Lagos, Jos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kebbi, Borno and FCT. It was targeted at political observers, legislators, INEC, political parties and the general public.

The Electoral Act of Nigeria in providing for finances of political parties states that no political party should own funds from outside the country and retain funds or assets remitted to it from outside the country.

The Act also requires all political parties to submit detailed annual statements of assets and liabilities. In addition, all political parties must submit analysis of its sources of funds and other assets, together with statement of its expenditure in such a form as the commission may from time to time require. By the provisions of the Act, INEC is empowered to set a limit to the amount of money that can be contributed to a political party. It is clear from these provisions that there are laid down guidelines and regulations on the finances and spending of political parties what needs to be ascertained is the level of compliance if any with these provisions.

The objectives of the research are thus: to determine the level of compliance with the financial provisions as they relate to political expenditure and financial spending; to make recommendations that will strengthen compliance and enforcement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with its mandate based on the findings of the research; to ascertain public perception about political expenditure during the election; to draw the attention of the commission, legislators, researchers, academics, students and the public to the importance of and the effect of public perception on effective and strong electoral process and political financial discipline; to draw the attention of the general public to the regulatory framework for political expenditure and financial spending; and to provide research and reference material and data source for public consumption and policy makers.

BOOK REVIEW Name of book: Author: Publishers: Book Reviewer:

Political Financing and Expenditure Ceiling for 2011 Election Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Press Limited Adejoke Adeniran

In a country like Nigeria where documentation is complicated and rarely effected, can compliance to these provisions be measured? Judging from the elections that this country has witnessed have these provisions been complied with? What is the attitude of the electoral ‘actors’ towards these provisions and what is the effect of non –compliance with these provisions? This report provides satisfactory answers to these probing questions.

This research report, which is divided into five chapters presents the legal provisions on political financing and expenditure as well as findings on the attitude of stake holders and the general public towards election financing. The first chapter contains the general introduction, literature review and justification. This chapter introduces the report by shedding light on the importance of electoral contests and analyses the compliance of the election with electoral rules. A literature review was conducted and a comparative analysis was conducted based on other jurisdictions like the US, UK, Canada and Ghana. The chapter points out that electoral rules in most jurisdictions usually place restrictions on electoral financing. The importance of creating an equally fair atmosphere for those who desire to participate in governance is buttressed in this chapter. The instrumentality of the electoral process towards the attainment of economical sustainability is also established here. The second chapter lays out the objectives of the research, the methodology used in carrying out the research and the outcome that was expected from the research. Activities carried out on the field and data presentation are contained in chapter three while the fourth chapter discusses the findings on the research.

According to research findings on the opinion of legislators towards the 2011 elections, 76 per cent of legislators interviewed are of the opinion that adequate security measures were in place during the 2011 general elections. 50 percent of legislators are of the view that the competitiveness of the campaign by the various political parties for the election was very high. The opinion of legislators on the efficiency of INEC is perceptible when about 75 percent of the interviewed legislators said the funds allocated to INEC for the conduct of the election was sufficient and only 25 percent think the conduct of INEC was commendable. About 50 percent opine that the conduct of election by INEC was only of fair performance.

Only 36 percent of the legislators view the election as free and fair, 24 percent opine that it is mere satisfactory.

The research report includes opinions of election observers who are well aware that there were measures set down by INEC to regulate the conduct of observers. Only 30 percent however see those measures as effective during the 2011 elections, and about 55 percent opine that there was at most a 60 percent level of compliance with the laid down measures.

The report in documenting the findings of the research on the opinion of some respondents as regards political expenditure on elections shows that most are ignorant of the regulations in place. On respondents’ responses on ways to reduce campaign cost the report says”…enacting relevant laws to monitor the candidates spending…” p.79. According to the report, some respondents opine that only media campaign should be allowed which in turn should be regulated.

Reduction of the number of political parties and enactment of campaign

restriction law and strict monitoring of spending by political parties are advocated by the public.

The report concludes that unregulated political money can influence the results of an election and in addition, the expenses of running for office can cause them to spend too much time raising money, or to accept money from unacceptable sources which could contribute to public cynicism regarding the political process.

The research disclosed that a larger part of the electorate are ignorant of this statutory responsibility imposed by the Act, while some who though are aware, are quite nonchalant about it. The report states that it has become obvious that ignorance of the statutory responsibility imposed by Part V of the Act, flagrant disregard of rules, laxity, non-chalance and more; made and contributed to the lack of accountability and financial recklessness that followed the 2011 elections which was even attested to by the INEC report given after financial audit of the 63 registered political parties in the country. As a result of the findings whereby the electorates testify to heavy spending and in some cases bribery by political parties, the report concludes that the financial limits which has been set down by INEC has been observed in breach rather than in compliance.

In line with the findings of the research project, the report recommends that the provision of section 91 of the Electoral Act which sets the limit for financial expenditure on elections be expanded to allow for step by step monitoring and strict enforcement for effective compliance.

An amendment of the Electoral Act is also recommended in order to take into consideration more stringent and implementable monitoring mechanisms that are capable of enforcing compliance by the registered political parties. This should include among others: the establishment of effective legal and procedural frameworks; prevention of fraud from undesirable sources and abuse of state resources; and addressing transparency through financial reporting and public disclosure.

Comments A first glance at the report ‘Political Financing and Expenditure Ceiling For 2011 Election’ could suggest a book because of its packaging but it is indeed a research report. Going through the study carried out will show a detailed and meticulous study.

All issues are reported succinctly and

exhausted in a concise manner.

The 111-page research report is contained in a black-coloured cover and to buttress its content, a photograph of currency is printed on the cover page. This comes in handy as the imports of the report will readily be appreciated by a mere look at it. The research project was directed by Professor Epiphany Azinge SAN (the Director-General of the Institute).

‘Political Financing and Expenditure Ceiling For 2011 Election’ being a product of a prolific field research employs the use of empirical, analytical and quantitative methodologies to report findings from the research study. In response to the objectives of the study, the report endeavours to exhaust the aim of the research project.

It provides the reader with information on the financial provisions relating to political expenditure, the attitude of the public towards these provisions and also brings to light the level of compliance or otherwise with the provisions. The research report in recognising the precepts of democracy samples opinions and views of the electorate as well as the elected on the subject. In advocating for a rapid political and social change, the report recognizes the fact that public disclosure in political finance and transparency of political finance regulations do not automatically increase good governance, but they are capable of exposing poor governance practices.

The public has a role to play in trusting both the agency charged with enforcing the rules as well as the political party eliminating its individual members’ misconducts. The research project hopes that the INEC will start

enforcing political finance regulations in Nigeria.

The resourcefulness of this report is demonstrated by its reference to similar provisions in other jurisdictions. It is indeed worthy of being referred to as a reference material and data source on the subject. Considering the challenges faced during the conduct of research such as lack of data documentation, reluctance of political party members to disclose information and unwillingness of some members of the public to assist by filling out questionnaires given them, the research project is worthy of commendation.

Observation The research report suffers from minor typographical errors, especially in the account of respondents which were interviewed. It is relieving however that the message is still being passed across as this does not hinder the reader from understanding the facts therein.

Recommendation ‘Political Financing and Expenditure Ceiling For 2011 Election’ is a research and reference material and data source for public consumption and policy makers. It is highly recommended to academics in politics, law and governance; legal practitioners, election observers; political analysts; policy makers; INEC, law and political science students, people interested in politics; and the general public at large.

More importantly, it is expected to generate further academic discourse on compliance with political financing laws and regulations.

• Fred Bobo Ajudua (left), Prof. Peter Akper (SAN) and the Director-General, NIALS at the DG's Award Night.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

32

LEGAL OPINION

‘Respect accused persons’ rights’ • Legal Aid Council chief advises police

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HE Director- General of Le gal Aid Council, Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel has called on Nigeria Police, to respect the constitutional rights of accused persons especially, at the points of arrest and possible detention of such persons by informing them that they have rights to speak or remain silent at the point of arrest Mrs Bob-Manuel frowned at a situation where police interrogate accused persons in the absence of their counsel without letting them know of their constitutional rights to get legal aids or remain silence, that whatever they said would be used in evidence against them.

She called the Inspector-General of Police to issue Force order, ordering policemen across the country to inform suspects upon their arrest of such rights.

She made this remark at the at the occasion of the review of the five years Police Duty Solicitos Scheme (PDSS) supported by Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) in Abuja.

Mrs Bob-Manuel noted that since most police officers have refused or neglected to inform suspects of their rights to have their lawyers present during interrogation, in addition to informing the suspect the reason for his/her arrest, which is a constitutional requirement, perhaps the IG issuing a Force Order would help, since policemen seem to obey instructions handed down from their commands”. “ Perhaps the police IG should make it a Force Order, so that once a suspect is arrested, let his rights be read to him and let the family be contacted to get a lawyer for the suspect, since they (police) have refused to recognise the rights which is provided in the constitution, we believe that since the police runs a command structure, that this all important rights of Nigerians would be respected”.

Stressing the need for Nigerians to make up their minds on the need for change, she insisted that the people need an attitudnal change, so that things would be done the right way.

Former DG of the Council, Mrs Uju Hassan-Baba, who presented a review of the five years of PDSS review report, expressed concern that the judicial system was bogged with a lot of challenges, regretting that many in the system were not doing enough to make the system work well or have refused to make it work

• Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Joy Bob- Manuel and Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi

• Legal Adviser NBA Sule Usman representing NBA • Former Director-General, Legal Aids Council, Mrs. Hassan Baba President, Okey Wali (SAN)

• Miss Anik Tawson and Mr Ibeh

• Ibrahim Tijani of NYSC, AIG Arase and Mrs Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai

By John Austin Unachukwu

at all.

“The report noted that case files are lost most times due to the delay or failure of the state Director of Public Prosecutions, DPPs, to offer

timely legal advice, which leads to the congestion of prisons.

She expressed worries over a particular state where an international donor donated a computer system and software to allow for proper recording of cases referred to the DPP’s

office for easy tracking, but that the DPP dismantled the computer system.

The Police on its own, called for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) with

a view to repositioning the scheme within its original concept and strengthen its implementation for effectiveness.

AIG Solomon Arase said this while presenting a paper on ‘Police perspective on PDSS and review of the Memorandum of Understanding on PDSS’ Arase said: “ The introduction of the PDSS Scheme concept in Law enforcement process in Nigeria was a manifestation of the desire by strategic stakeholders to reorientate, refocus and input best international Policing practices to the operations of the Nigeria Police Force.”

He said : “ The Scheme swerved Police operations from the practice of ‘ Policing with impunity’ to Policing with respect for the fundamental human rights’ of citizens whom they are paid to protect” Arase stated that : “The programme evolved out of growing desire of the citizens to hold their Police accountable for violations and out of international concerns for abuse of police powers by nonconforming officers” He said it is even more significant that this programme is a product of a synergy between Government, Non Governmental human rights bodies and Nigeria Police, noting that with mutual appreciation of each other’s boundaries and challenges, a positive relationship that will enhance operational efficiency of the police will be built between the Police and its operational publics.

Arase noted that since the scheme has run for several years during which there has been several changes in the leadership of the Police Force, it is only natural that the scheme and the MoU be reviewed with a view to repositioning it within its original concept and strengthening its implementation.

Against this background, he proposed that an inter agency project review committee consisting of representatives from the Legal Aid Council, Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and the Nigeria Police be set up to undertake the review and advise on ways of fast tracking the implementation process which has understandably slowed down significantly. “ The Legal Aids Council and OSJI to engage in advocacy that will draw government and public support to the programme” “ Undertake training and capacity building programmes for the force on PDSS and network with thje Force leadership in the review process . That in doing this, the Police force would appreciate that they are collaborators and not interlopers” Mr Stanley Ibeh of OSJI said his organisation mid wifed and nurtured the PDSS Scheme to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in the hands of law enforcement agents at the point of arrest and detention.

And having driven same at pilot stage for the past five years, it is now time to hand same over to the Legal Aids Council for further management and administration. He noted that his organisation would always be there offer technical assistance.

Nigeria’s quest for environment governance • Continued from last week

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HE third part is a clarifica tion of the core concepts driving my topic, namely: environmental governance, sustainability, and legal possibilities. The fourth part is a focus on the inescapable facts and realities of Nigeria’s environment. The fifth part is an analysis of her patchwork of regulatory therapies. In the sixth part, I summarise my view on the role of the judiciary, while in part seven, I take a look at the bigger picture in public participation and why Nigeria should not continue to undermine it. Part eight is an overview of my contribution to the

By Olanrewaju Fagbohun

climate change challenge, and this is followed by my conclusion.

Clarification of concepts Since concepts are mental constructs that shape not only what we are willing to think about, but also how we proceed to look at what we are willing to think about, it is appropriate that we clarify the meaning of the key concepts guiding our discourse, namely environmental governance, sustainability and legal possibilities. (i) Environmental Governance Political concepts can have alternative meanings, depending on the type of discourse in which they are

employed. In this respect, the concept of governance is both empirical and normative. As an empirical concept, it describes the nature of the relationship between the ruled and rulers, and what mechanisms exist for the ruled to hold their rulers accountable. This is often referred to as regime characteristics.

As a normative concept, it can imply a value judgment in the sense of a good, bad, unjust or objective governance system.

By the 80s the concept of governance became a part of the vocabulary of development; in the aftermath of the development crisis in less developed countries (LDCs) which was increasingly being

viewed as political in character. As noted by Hardallu10, by 1989, the World Bank had come to attribute the weak economic performance in Africa to the failure of public institutions. It declared that, ‘underlying litany of Africa’s development problems is a crisis of governance’.

Governance here, according to the World Bank, is ‘the exercise of political power to manage a nation’s affairs’. Governance came to denote a broad concept encompassing the organizational structures and the activities of all levels of governance, be they central, regional or local as well as the different organs (executive, legislative, and judiciary) of government.

• Prof Fagbohun • To be continued next week •Fagbohun is Professor of Environmental Law and Head of Department, Akinola Aguda School of Postgraduate Studies, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

33

LEGAL OPINION LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Morsy neither moth nor butterfly • NIALS Voices at the Director-Generals Award Night held in Abuja last week

Alleged defamation of Ojora: Octogenarian urges court to dismiss suit

A

N octogenarian, Mr Fasasi Olorunlogbon, has asked a Lagos magistrate court to strike out the substantive suit in which he is standing trial for alleged defamation of the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire.

Olorunlogbon is facing a twocount charge of giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police for publishing defamatory matter against Oba Fatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora and Chief Amuda Yusuf (Asoju Oba).

At the resumed hearing of the matter before the court, Chief Olorunlogbon through his counsel Niyi Ogunyemi, prayed the trial Magistrate, Oyin Ogala to dismiss the suit.

Ogunyemi told the court when the time the defendant was arraigned on October 31, 2011, Section 125(e) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, under which he was charged, had become extinct.

Ogunyemi stated further that as far back as August 17, 2011, a new law had already been enacted in the state making the arraignment of Chief Olorunlogbon on the old law, about a month later, a nullity.

By Adebisi Onanuga

According to him, the effect of a repealed law is to obliterate completely from the record as if it has never been enacted.

“It must be seen as a law that never existed except for the purposes of those actions which were commenced, prosecuted and concluded while the law was in existence.

Since there was no application from the prosecution to amend the charge, Ogunyemi urged the court to quash the charge against the defendant.

The court never directed the amendment of the charge before the filing of the instant application by the defence.

However, in their counter affidavit, police prosecutor led by Cyril Ejiofor told the court that the application died same day it was filed.

According to him, the reference number on the application was F/12/2011 rather than F/72/2011 which is the reference number of the suit before the court.

While insisting that the court cannot adjudicate on a fact that is not in existence, Ejiofor further pointed out that the affidavit in

support of the motion was worthless as the deponent, Taofik Jimoh was not the defendant in the suit and does not have the consent of the defendant to depose to the affidavit.

“Taofik Jimoh is an interloper and whatever he says is hearsay”, the police prosecutor stated.

Ejiofor also contended that the application was brought under no law in the land and that it is trite law that a motion must be predicated on a law. ”The defendant never complained that the charge was defective when it was read to him in open court.

He submitted that the application is an ambush, calculated to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress of the trial of the suit.

“It should, therefore, be dismissed”, he prayed the court.

The trial Magistrate, Mr Ogala has fixed December 19, 2012 for ruling on the application.

Chief Olorunlogbon was on October 31, 2011 dragged before the court for allegedly giving false information to the IGP and for publishing defamatory matter against Oba Fatai Aromire.

He has since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Legal Dairy

Ezeobi loses brother

F

ORMER chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos, Chief Theodore Ezeobi (SAN) has lost his elder brother, Chief Christopher N. Ezeobi.

The death of Chief Christopher in a Lagos hospital has left the Ezeobi family of Awgbu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State mourning.

The late Ezobi was a teacher, educationalist, educator, patriot, socialite, community and church leader.

He was a product of Christ the King College, Bishop Shanahan Teacher Training College, Orlu (1948) and University of Ghana, Lagon, Accra (1958 to 1962, St. Charles Teacher Training College,Onitsha (1947).

His was a heroic and noble life of service to humanity as a class room teacher (since 1941), Tutor at St. Anthony’s Teachers Training College, Agulu (1949 to 1958), Principal of Schools including St. Peters Secondary School Achina (1962 to 1966), Igbo Etiti Secondary School, Adada, Uzouwani (1973 to 1976) and as education administrator in various capacities at various places, including Nnewi Local Government Area, Idemili Local Government Area and Onitsha Local Government Area. He retired as Chief Inspector of schools (Onitsha Zone) (1984).

Burial announcement will be announced later by the family.

Abuja holds Law Week The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch, Annual Law Week and Lecture started yesterday. It ends December 13.

Venue: Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel. Abuja.

Time 9 am.

Theme: Challenges in the administration of justice in Nigeria Guest Speaker: Justice C. C. Nweze (JCA)

Remembrance service for lawyer A remembrance service for the late Barrister Abdulm umeen Oladimeji Ayinla holds tomorrow at 23, Babaloma Street, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The late was born in 1958 to the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Abdul-Rauf Ayinla Igbonna of Popo Igbonna Quarter’s, Ilorin.

He started his education • Ayinla at Islamic Preparatory School in Omoda quarter’s in Ilorin.

He was enrolled at Alore Primary School; Ilorin Grammar School; School of Basic Studies of Kwara, where he sat for the Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level Examination).

His result was excellent; this led to his admission into the University of Jos to study Law between 1979 and 1982. He later attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ayinla was married to Adenike in 1986 and was blessed with three children Mulikat Abisola Ayinla; Mukhtar Oladipo Ayinla; and Mubarak Oladapo Ayinla.

Ayinla worked at the University of Jos as a Lecturer; Bank of the North Limited as a Legal Officer; Nestle Nigeria Plc as Assistant Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Kakawa Discount House Limited as the pioneer Company Secretary/Legal Adviser and Head of Administration, Triple ‘M’ Nominees Limited as Principal Partner in Chamber and Ekocorp Plc (The Eko Hospital Plc) as the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.

He was survived by four siblings.

P

OLITICAL power apparently tastes like a honeyed alcohol or a sweetened intoxicant. And when there is substance abuse as in most third world countries, the result is ruination. But for the eternal vigilance of Egyptians, President Mohammed Morsy’s careless overdose of that dangerous drug would have turned to an addiction.

Nonetheless, Morsy and his Muslim brotherhood despite warning signals from their countrymen appears hell bent on taking that historical country through the ignominious road of the disgraced former President, Hosni Mubarak. By his request to be allowed to exercise autocratic powers for a period, the President was asking for a medical clearance for a pre-arranged insanity in other not to be culpable for a planned murder.

Otherwise how do you describe the insane plea by President Morsy, to be temporary allowed the absolute powers of a dictator, to enable him ram down the throats of his opposing country men, an obnoxious constitution. But for the sheer intoxication of power, how could Morsy, even contemplate a fresh dictatorship in Egypt so soon. The Egyptian President chose to forget that few months ago his country men and women fought gallantly to overthrow an entrenched dictatorship, at a huge cost to the country. During that struggle, hundreds of lives were lost, while the economy of the country was brought to its knees.

The Muslim brotherhood that shepherded Morsy to political power spent many decades underground, while Mubarak rode his country like a mule, as a dictator. It was the political opening from the recent Arab spring that gifted the brotherhood an opportunity to win the first democratic election, in Egypt. But all that seem for Morsy and his henchmen a distant past. Having tasted power, he now believes that the only way he can fully be in-charge is by abusing the same process that gave him a chance in the first place. Easily sold into this new addition, he fails to realize that he could also ruin the entire gains he and his country men recently made from the revolution.

Unfortunately Morsy like his semi-democratic contemporaries across the African continent, is angling to suppress free speech and abolish secularism; which will slowly but inevitably plunge his country into a fratricidal warfare all in the name of a misbegotten religiosity. Unless Morsy comes to grip with common sense, his country will end up as the next Iran or Iraq. One under the overbearing death embrace of self serving religious extremists, and the other the carcass of a country serially rapped by a criminal gang that for decades masqueraded as patriots under the leadership of Saddam Hussein.

But for the effect of this intoxicating alcoholic drug, Morsy should have known that the Egyptians who fought hard to chase out the Mubarak dictatorship would not easily acquiesce to a Morsy dictatorship. Foolishly he believes that because he could secure a simple majority at a referendum, he can surreptitiously sneak in provisions that will drag the country down to better forgotten past. He has failed to put the strong Egyptian military in the equation, neither has he taken into account, the fact that former President Murbarak surely still have many of his men in power, after decades of controlling the country. He also forgets that religious extremism will ultimately ruin the economy and inevitably turn even his current supporters against him.

President Morsy should be persuaded by friends of Egypt to turn back from this highway to infamy, in the interest of his country and the continent. His proposal to his country men to embrace dialogue instead of protest to counter his attempted dictatorship is like asking a man handcuffed to context in a game of handball. To show his sinister game plan, Morsy outlawed any judicial review of his conducts, on the pretext that it will be temporal. As things already are, President Morsy has lost the trust of a sizeable chunk of his countrymen, and with the death of some of the protesters in the past days he already has blood in his hands, out of share stupid indulgence.

The unfolding consequences of the foolish indulgence of President Morsy should serve as a lesson for our democratic enterprise in Nigeria. Here and there we have many pretenders to our democratic enterprise. One of such pretenders is the House of Representatives committee on capital market. Instead of being ashamed by the misconduct of their chairman Mr. Hembe, they have threatened to hold the Security and Exchange Commission to ransom, by denying them a budgetary allocation in 2013, because of their disagreement with the Director General, Arunma Oteh. That committee and others that have been acting beyond their constitutional powers must be told in clear and unmistakable terms, that they are acting dictatorially.

They must realize that their prerogatives as legislators do not extend to taking over the executive powers of the President, or acting in a manner to undermine same. Unfortunately President Jonathan on his part is also acting dictatorial in his treatment of Justice Salami of the Court of Appeal. Despite the clear provisions of the constitution and the fundamental doctrine of separation of powers that is the hall mark of our presidential system of government, the President connives in the Salami saga to undermine the powers of the judiciary. As these custodians of the constitutional provisions undermine same, there is a chance that the entire edifice may be threatened, as we are seeing in Egypt.

As President Morsy battle the forces that are fighting to wean him from his new dangerous attraction, those temporary overseeing our affairs in Nigeria must pick the right lessons. They can not hide under the constitution to exercise dictatorial powers. Like Morsy, they need to be reminded that constitutionalism and dictatorship are disparate forces.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

34

LEGAL OPINION

Female group holds dinner, awards night

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HE Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA) has held its Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Abuja. The event, which held at the the Rockview Hotel, Abuja was wellattended by members of the association and legal practitioners.

GAFA’s international President, Mrs Chinelo Iriele, praised members of the association for their continued support and thanked those who attended. She stated her excitement at the level of success achieved by the group in the maiden edition of the event and urged members to do their best to move the

By John Austin Unachukwu

association to greater heights. Mrs. Iriele thanked the guests and awardees especially, the chairman of the event, former Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), special guest of honour, Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambuwal In her paper entitled “ The role of women in nation building: the role of women,” the guest lecturer, Senator Grace Bent, called

on women to contribute their quota to nation building. She blamed for the violence in the society and noted that if the world was populated by women alone, there would be no violence here.

The group honoured the following with a GAFA Gold Merit Award, Dr. Titi Atiku Abubakar, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN); Alhaji Kola Aliyu Belgore, Chief Anthony A. Akiotu, Dr. Abdullahi Y. Shehu, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, DCP Emmanuel C. S. Ojukwu, Otunba Basirat Nahibi and Dr. Ifeanyi Iriele.

• International Vice-President, Mrs. Margaret Olofu (left) and Mrs. Iriele

• Senator Grace Bent and former Minister for Justice Chief Olujinmi (SAN)

• Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary,Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambuwal and Melisa Ford

• From left: Dr. Abdullahi Y. Shehu (left), Mrs Iriele and S. I. Ameh (SAN) representing the NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN)

• From left: Director-General, Nigerian Law School Dr. Mamman Tahir, Dr. Basirat Nahibi and Alhaji Aliyu Belgore

• Publicity Secretary, NBA Abuja branch, Desmond U.M. Yamah (left) and General secretary NBA, Emeka Obegolu

• Chairman, NBA Abuja branch, Mazi Afam Osigwe and Chairperson, FIDA Abuja, Mrs. Iyabo Ogunseye

• From left: Deb Crump, Megan Aheara and Mike Kiselyeznyk

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY QUARTERLY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION ( NBA) HELD IN ASABA, DELTA STATE.

• Executive Director NBA Osita Okoro (left) and Okey Ohagba

• Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan shaking hands with the General-Secretary, NBA, Emeka Obegolu during a courtesy visit to the Governor after the NEC Meeting

• Chairman, NBA Lagos, Taiwo Taiwo (right) and Mrs. Adaeze Ibeche

• President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) Boma Ozobia (left) and Treasurer, NBA, Joyce Oduah

• From left: Fromer General-Secretary, NBA, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) and former General Secretary, NBA, Obi Okwusogu (SAN)

• Dafe Akpedeye (SAN) and Deputy Director, Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, Prof Ernest Ojukwu

• Chairman, NBA Ikeja branch, Monday O. Ubani (left) and Chiaman, Skye Bank, Mr Olatunde Ayeni • Chidi Nworka and Ganiyu Ajape

• From left: Okey Amechi (SAN), K.T.Turaki (SAN) and Ezinma Okorafor

• Mr Abiola Olagunju (left) and Mr Festus Okoye

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

36

LAW AND SOCIETY Trial of oil merchants: Court chides EFCC for failing to provide evidence

A

• NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) displaying his award. With him are Chairman of the Government Comprehensive Secondary School Dr. Ironabere and Vice Chairman, Dr. Abo Karibo at the award ceremony.

NBA President, others get awards

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HE President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Okey Wali (SAN) has been honoured with Distinguished Old Boy Award of the Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Also honoured were Air Vice Marshal S. Ironabere, Justice Subare Biambo of the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt and Pastor David Ibiome of Salvation Ministries in PortHarcourt.

By John Austin Unachukwu

In a chat with The Nation, Wali SAN said: “ That is the greatest award that I have received. At the risk of sounding immodest, I have received a few awards, but to be honoured by your old boys association, made up of people you met as a child in school, some were your seniors, some your juniors and some never even met you at all in school dating back to when we were in Government Comprehensive

Secondary School in the seventies brings back the memory of childhood days in secondary school.

“So, being recognised by those you grew up with innocently as children was a very emotional thing and I felt most honoured and grateful to God for that growing up together, they have come to honour me, it was a great honour indeed, that those my school friends and mates would come together to honour me was indeed a great honour for me.”

Lawyer sues Ethiopian airline for missing luggage A

N Abuja based lawyer, Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, has filed a N16.8 million suit before a Federal High Court, Abuja against Ethiopian Airlines over alleged breach of contract and missing luggage.

In a motion filed before the court, Malik, who claimed to have travelled with the Airline from United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria on September 10, 2012, was asking for the payment of N16, 882, 500 million as general, aggravated and exemplary damages against the company for his inability to get his luggage as and when due.

Malik claimed to have travelled with the airline from UAE with two different luggages weighing 20 kg each, which were properly tagged.

He said on arrival in Abuja, he could not find one of the luggages as it got missing.

He said the missing luggage was found 11 days after and he had suffered so much discomfort, pain, and also made repayment for several goods he bought for his friend who was getting married.

The plaintiff, therefore, prayed the court for an order among others declaring that the airline owes him a duty as a customer by virtue of contract of carriage between him and the company, “to deliver promptly to the plaintiff at his final destination the two bags which he checked into the defendant’s operated flight,” He also wants the court to declare

By Adebisi Onanuga

“that the act or action of the defendant in refusing, failing or neglecting to deliver to the plaintiff his luggage 11 days after same was accepted by the defendant and checked-into the defendant’s operated flight, is disrespectful, dishonourable, un-dignifying, discourteous, condemnable, primitive, wicked, inconsiderate, insensitive and a breach of the contract of carriage between the plaintiff and the defendant.”

He is, therefore, asking for payment of damages in the sum of N16, 882, 500 million as general, aggravated and exemplary damages covering “the extra money expended by the plaintiff to replace some items, to wit, school shoes, bags and lunch boxes for his children, contained in his luggage which was held for 11 days by the defendant, N315, 000, representing the money given out by the plaintiff to his friend for the two suits and wedding rings.

The plaintiff also asked the court for N5,000,000, as general damages for the alleged unjustifiable breach of the contract of carriage of goods and N10 million on the footing of aggravated and exemplary damages; and N1.5 million, being the cost of prosecuting the case.

Beside, the plaintiff was asking for an order of court directing the airline to publish an undertaking in a national newspaper and on its website a written apology for the alleged embarrassment and financial losses incurred because of the incident.

In his 43 paragraph in support of the motion, the plaintiff averred that he embarked on a trip to Dubai on September 1, 2012 with the defendant’s airline and arrived safely at Dubai, UAE. He said that at the end of his trip to Dubai, he presented himself on September 9, 2012 at the Ethiopian Airlines check-in counter at the Dubai International Airport with two boxes, each weighing 20kg for the purpose of checking in into his flights No. ET 0911 (ADDIS ABABA – ABUJA) to Addis Ababa and the connecting flight to Abuja, his final destination.

But on arrival in Abuja, he discovered that the airline did not come with his full luggage, until 11 days after same was accepted by the defendant and checked-into the defendant’s operated flight.

He added that up till September 12, 2012, he neither received his luggage from the defendant nor got the courtesy of a telephone call or Short Message Service (SMS) to even explain or apologise to him over the undue delay in getting his luggage to him, which prompted him to institute the action.

LAGOS High court, Ikeja has chided the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) for failing to deliver a letter meant for the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS).

As a result of this lapse, the EFCC could not tender the evidence it wanted to use against an oil marketer, Mr Seun Ogunbambo and two others on the allegation that they fraudulently obtained money from the subsidy funds without supply its premium motor spirit.

A witness of the EFCC, Mr. Abdul Rasheed Hammed Bawa, had told the court presided by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo during the resumed trial of Mr. Seun Ogunbambo and two others that the commission was not able to dispatch letters meant for the NCS owing to the fact that its contact person was indisposed.

He said that given the situation, the commission would not be able to elicit the needed reaction which it could have utilised to support its claim of fuel subsidy fraud against the defendants.

Asked by the trial judge why the commission had to wait for a particular individual to carry out its statutory responsibility, Bawa explained that there are more than 100 companies been investigated by the commission over allegation of involvement in subsidy fraud. “we have a contact person in the NCS who ensures that correspondents from the commission are well treated.

“However, this person went on leave, became indisposed in the course of that leave and later had to attend an NCS annual conference in Katsina State.”

Justice Onigbanjo however chided the agency for entrusting such an important assignment in

By Adebisi Onanuga

the hand of a contact person especially in such a serious investigation between two institutions.

“In all honesty, I don’t understand how the indisposition of an officer will affect an official letter that was sent to an institution.

“This is not a private or individual letter that will warrant correspondence between two persons but a big institution like the EFCC dealing with one particular officer in a big institution like the Nigerian Customs Service is what I don’t understand” Justice Onigbanjo added.

Bawa, a Senior Detective Superintendent, was led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Francis Usani in the alleged N976 million fuel subsidy scam levelled against Mr. Ogunbambo, Mr Theck Habila and an oil company, Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited.

Meanwhile, an attempt by the EFCC to tender a letter allegedly written by Mr Femi Falana (SAN) to the chairman of commission as exhibit was resisted by lead counsel to the defendants, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN).

Adenipekun insisted that the said letter was not signed and as such cannot be admitted in evidence.

Consequently, the counsel to the EFCC asked Francis Usani to withdrew the said letter.

However, other letters written

by Mr Dino Melaye Civil Society Groups and Other Stakeholders as well as Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke were tendered and accepted as exhibits despite opposition from the defence counsel.

Further hearing in the suit has been adjourned till January 22, 2013 for continuation of trial.

Magistrate courts in Lagos to start weekend sitting

M

AGISTRATE courts are now to sit during the weekend in Lagos State.

The new arrangement, which would in no way affect the normal working days, is part of the reform introduced into the justice administration.

It was gathered that the new arrangement is intended to ensure quick administration of justice and that no offender is detained longer than is necessary to avoid prison congestion.

It was gathered that the magistrate courts would handle and ensure speedy adjudication of special offences arising from some of the new laws made in the state.

Some of the offences the court would handle include those arising from the new Lagos Traffic Law 2012, the Law on beautification of houses along the highways among others.

By Adebisi Onanuga

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye said government would have weekend sitting for the magistrate but for some administrative arrangements that needed to be put in place and perfected to ensure a successful exercise.

The commissioner stated that payments would have to be made to magistrates who will sit during the weekend.

Ipaye said such payments have to be budgeted for and that this is already included in the 2013 budget of the state.

He said this was why the take-off of the weekend sitting of the magistrate court was delayed.

He, however, assured that the exercise will take off effectively and very early in the new year.

Institute appoints profs for professorial chairs

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HE Nigerian Institute of Ad vanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has appointed professors to occupy prominent professorial chairs at the Institute.

A statement from the Institute reads: “The Institute in living up to the dreams of its founding fathers to be the apex legal research Institute in the country has over the years worked tirelessly in order to deliver on her mandate. One way the Institute has forwarded the frontiers of legal knowledge has

By John Austin Unachukwu

been through professorial chairs.

“The establishment of the Professor of Law Chairs is yet another step taken by the Institute in order to carry on research in various aspects of law related but not necessarily limited to the areas that are their Individual research interests.”

The statement further reads: “In line with the Institute’s decision, it was therefore the Director Gener-

al’s pleasure to appoint Chairs to occupy and pilot research work.

These appointments indeed are a mark of recognition, excellent track record of research capabilities and achievements of these scholars.

“It is the director-general’s belief that they will bring the same expertise to bear on their appointments and thus help in the actualisation of the dreams of the founding fathers of the Institute”.

The director-general further

assured that management would support them in whatever way possible to facilitate the smooth conduct of research under their various Chairs in the Institute.

The new appointments are; • Prof. Peter Akper (SAN) for Jadesola Akande Distinguished Professor of Law; • Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas, (SAN) chair, Ben Nwabueze Distinguished Professor of Law. • Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye for Teslim Elias Distinguished Profes-

sor of Law; • Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, N a b o Graham Douglas Distinguished Professor of Law. • Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, Chike Idigbe Distinguished Professor of Law; • Prof. Paul IdornigieS.M.A. Belgore Distinguished Professor of Law and Development and • Prof. Deji Adekunle, Akinola Aguda Distiguished Professor of Law.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

37

LAW REPORT

Whether a state is littoral or not within Nigeria is a question of fact

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA On Tuesday, the 10th day of July, 2012 Suit No: SC.250/2009 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS

DAHIRU MUSDAPHER....... Justice of the Supreme Court MAHMUD MOHAMMED....... Justice of the Supreme Court JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI....... Justice of the Supreme Court OLUFUNLOLA OYELOLA ADEKEYE....... Justice of the Supreme Court SULEIMAN GALADIMA....... Justice of the Supreme Court BODE RHODES-VIVOUR....... Justice of the Supreme Court NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA....... Justice of the Supreme Court BETWEEN ATTORNEY-GENERAL, CROSS RIVER STATE

...APPELLANTS

AND 1. ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION 2, ATTORNEY-GENERAL, AKWA IBOM STATE ...RESPONDENTS

T

HE plaintiff does not presently have a land/shore/baseline abutting the sea.

The 76 oil wells, subject matter of dispute, lie off shore and in a maritime territory within 200 meters isobaths from Akwa Ibom State shore/base line into the sea. The 2nd defendant concluded that the RMAFC InterAgency meeting report was therefore factually correct in attributing the 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom while the Federal Government has been acting legally and correctly in paying to Akwa Ibom State the derivation funds from the said 76 oil wells. The 2nd defendant agrees that there was no boundary dispute between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.

The 2nd defendant however formulated two issues for the determination of this court in this suit as follows 1. At all times material to this suit, was and is Cross River State a Nigerian Littoral State and entitled thereby to attribution and derivation revenues in respect of the 76 oil wells pursuant to the provisions of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 1 of the Allocation of Revenue (Abolition of Dichotomy in the application of the Principle of Derivation) Act Cap A 27 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004?

2. Does the judgment of this honourable court in Attorney-General, Rivers State v.

Attorney-General, Akwa Ibom State & 1 Or (2011) 8 NWLR (Pt.1248) pg. 31 apply to this case and can that judgment be relied upon to entitle Cross River State howsoever to attribution and derivation of revenues in respect of the 76 oil wells?

The foregoing is the resume of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the statement of claim, the case of the parties respectively and the issues formulated by the parties.

A cursory examination of all these issues reveals the crucial issues raised for determination in this suit. They can easily be identified as follows: 1. Whether there is in existence any issue of boundary adjustment between the plaintiff and the 2nd defendant in view of the binding agreement and resolution between the parties under the supervision of the 1st defendant since 2006 through its agencies.

2. Whether the plaintiff is entitled to the derivation revenue from the seventy-six oil wells which were previously located within the 200 meter water depth isobaths contiguous to its territory as stipulated in Sections 1 & 2 of the Allocation of Revenue (Abolition of Dichotomy) with the principle of Derivation Act 2004.

3. Whether the order of mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining the 1st defendant by himself or through any of its agents from excluding the plaintiff from its entitlement to 13% derivation in relation to the sharing of revenue from the Federation Accounts as a littoral state are enforceable.

I intend to be guided by these three issues in the determination of this case.

Yusuf Ali learned senior advocate for the plaintiff predicated the case of the plaintiff on the processes filed and particularly the written statement on oath of Ralph Idiku Uche. The plaintiff emphasized that by the 31st of January 2005, the issue of boundary was mutually settled by the parties. The 2nd defendant, Akwa Ibom State wrote to the President on the 31st of January 2005 through Exhibit A to confirm her consent to the agreement. By the letter of the National Boundary Commission dated the 4th of January 2005, the agreed maritime boundary between the plaintiff and the 2nd defendant are -

a. The terminal point of the Akwa Ibom/ Cross River Inter-State boundary in the Cross River Estuary has coordinates 43733 N and 82439 E. b. The Maritime boundary between Akwa Ibom and Cross River State should be a line drawn from the point referred in (a) above southwards until it intersects with Nigeria/ Equatorial Guinea International Maritime boundary. c. Items (a) and (b) above have further implications as follows d. Cross River State has 35904 N and 81253 E as coordinates of the terminal point on the Nigeria/Equatorial Guinea International Maritime boundary.

Cross River will gain 75 number of oil wells and Akwa Ibom State will lose the same number of oil wells. The status of the plaintiff as an oil producing state was sequel to the amicable resolution of the boundary dispute between the plaintiff and the 2nd defendant in 2005.

The plaintiff also submitted that the 1st defendant or any of its agencies has no power to resolve the purported dispute without the contribution and the views of the plaintiff and the defendant. The statutory duty of the National Boundary Commission implies that there must be a boundary dispute before the Commission can refer the dispute to its technical committee. The plaintiff also dismissed the claim of the federal government that the decision of the International Court of Justice in the Cameroon/ Nigeria Border dispute on the Bakassi Peninsula, as the basis of the review of the Derivation Fund Formula and why the plaintiff’s name was removed from the table of beneficiaries.

The plaintiff disagreed with this reason in view of the following facts a. The decision of the International Court of Justice was made in 2002. b. The boundary dispute between the plaintiff and 2nd defendant was amicably settled in 2005. c. The decision of the ICJ has implication of the retention of the Western part of Bakassi Peninsula by Nigeria which means legally and administratively Bakassi LGA of Cross River State remains integral part of Nigeria. This entails that Cross River State

has an outlet to the sea. d. The ICJ decision can no longer be the basis for changing realities as erroneously canvassed by the RMAFC and NBC. The plaintiff further submitted that the 1st defendant having acted ultra vires of its powers under the law, the purported settlement of non-existence boundary dispute is null and void. The plaintiff cited cases to support the submission that the 1st defendant acted ultra vires of its powers:Knight Frank & Rutley (Nig) v. A-G Kano State (1998) 7 NWLR (Pt.556) Pg. 1 at pg. 19.

Ujam v. IMT (2007) 2 NWLR (Pt.1010) Pg.490 at Pgs. 498 -499.

The 1st defendant through her counsel Mr. Mike Usman, learned senior counsel argued and submitted that the National Boundary Commission; the Revenue Mobilization Allocation of Funds Committee; the SurveyorGeneral of the Federation and the Department of Petroleum Resources did not determine any boundary dispute between the plaintiff and the 2nd defendant at her InterAgency Retreat in Kano in August 2008. The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission relied on her statutory power under Section 6(1) (a) and (b) of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act Cap R7 Laws of the Federation 2004 where it is empowered to “Monitor the accruals to and disbursement of Revenue from the Federation Account and review from time to time the revenue allocation formulae and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities.”

The Revenue Allocation Commission would rely on information supplied by relevant various departments in the preparation of the 13% derivation Revenue Indices pursuant to Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section (1) of the Onshore/Offshore Dichotomy Abolition Act 2004.

The 1st defendant specified the statutory duty of the National Boundary Commission based on Section 7(1) of the National Boundary Commission (Establishment) Act Cap N10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which reads that the “National Boundary Commission is empowered to define and delimitate boundaries between States, Local Government Areas or Communities in the Federation and between Nigeria and her neighbours in accordance with delimitation instrument or document established for that purpose.”

The 2nd defendant submitted through the learned senior counsel Chief Bayo Ojo about the effect of International Court of Justice’s judgment on the boundary demarcation between the plaintiff and the 2nd defendant.

The judgment of the International court was delivered in 2002. The decision was taken into consideration in resolving the Maritime boundary dispute in 2005. The letter of 4th January 2005 specified the boundary but the letter was written under the impression that Nigeria would be allowed to retain Western Bakassi. The judgment of the International court did not give Nigeria the privilege of retaining Western Bakassi neither did the judgment at any time excise Bakassi nor

award it to Nigeria. The entire Peninsula was handed over to Cameroon in August 2008.

The letter of 4th January 2005 was written with the hope that Bakassi Peninsula would become part of Nigeria and the National Boundary Commission in 2005 transferred and attributed to Cross River State the 76 oil wells which hitherto were legally the properly of and within the Maritime boundaries of Akwa Ibom State. The National Boundary Commission’s letter dated 4th January 2005 was hinged on the prospects that Nigeria would succeed in retaining Western Bakassi Peninsula. The map Exhibit CRSG 1 was said to have been approved by the President on the 24th of January 2005. This court in the case of A-G Cross River State v. A-G Federation (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt.958) Pg.581 rejected the National Boundary Commission revised boundary map that was then approved by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in that it will be premature for the court to determine the maritime boundary of the two states. Nigeria and Cameroon has to conclude their negotiation to finality and the international boundary fixed by the International Court of Justice is codified and published in line with the agreement. In effect, this court decided in that case contrary to the facts put forward in this case in this suit, that Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State do not share maritime boundaries in which circumstances there could not possibly be a maritime boundary dispute that could possibly be settled between the two states. The National Boundary Commission 2005 delineation/map was rejected by this court in the case A-G Cross River State v. A-G Federation. Both Exhibits F and B were nullified in that case. It is a misconception to conclude that RMAFC Inter-Agency meeting went in search of a non-existent maritime boundary dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. With the decision and execution of the judgment of International Court of Justice between Nigeria and Cameroon, there can never be a maritime boundary dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. As an outcome of the judgment of that court, Cross River State is now landlocked and has no seaward boundary. It is not a littoral state and consequently shares no maritime boundary with Akwa Ibom State. The National Boundary Commission and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission have the statutory power to react to the changes and realities the after effect of the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The plaintiff failed to tender any map to support the contention that Cross River State has access to the sea directly and not through any other State.

The plaintiff also argued in favour of maritime boundary agreement based on the agreement of parties and supported same with two decisions of the International Court of Justice in the case concerning the Temple of Preach Vihear (Maris) Cambodia-Thailand ICJ Report (1962) and the case of Frontier Dispute (Burkina Faso) v. Republic of Mali (1986) ICJ Report.

• Continued next week

Lagos to enforce rule of law, says Ipaye

T

HE Lagos State government has said it would do all within its power to entrench law and order in the state and ensure that there is no impunity on its laws.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who reiterated this, said government was committed to the entrenchment of law and order notwithstanding the fact that the state remains the most challenging in criminal justice administration in Nigeria.

In view of this, he said government would continue to increase its capacity to investigate offences and prosecute offenders.

Mr Ipaye gave this assurance at a news conference on the State of Criminal Justice Sector within the last one year held at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

“With a fast growing population now in the 20 million range, Lagos State is equal to about 32 African countries.

“Though it is the smallest in terms of land size, Lagos hosts most of Nigeria’s non-oil commerce and industry. Everyday, we re-

By Adebisi Onanuga

ceive a large number of visitors from other states, from the West African sub-region and indeed from across the world, many of whom choose to stay on a medium and long term basis.

“This has brought extra-ordinary pressure to bear on the criminal justice system”, Ipaye said adding that in response, the governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) made law and order one of its major objectives as reflected in the attention paid to all relevant agencies within the system.

Despite the challenges, Ipaye said Lagos State recorded a lot of successes from its efforts and today is “one of the safest states in Nigeria”.

The commissioner disclosed that the government has so far expended N468 million as additional funding for the police and other security agencies to make the state safe for the people.

Ipaye said through the state Directorate of Public Prosecution(DPP) received 676 po-

lice investigation files for advice this year.

He said advice had been given on 470 of such files, representing 70 per cent of the total files received while the rest are still being processed.

The Commissioner said the DPP had to refer some of the files back to the police for more diligent investigation.

Ipaye said a new advisory unit was created in the office of the DPP with 22 officers dedicated to the task of generating legal advice while 27 other officers are engaged in prosecuting in various criminal courts.

He said the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) handled 2,795 cases from January till date adding that such cases range from criminal matters to tenancy matters, family matters, recovery of debts, assault, unlawful detention and child abuse among others.

He said 1,204 of this cases necessitated the filing of legal actions in various courts.

“In the area of criminal prosecution, our main objective is to have all serious offences prosecuted by qualified lawyers,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

38

FROM THE COURT Being text of speech by the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali (SAN) at the NBA Conference to commemorate the World’s Anti-Corruption Day at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja on Sunday.

NBA declares war on corruption

O

N behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, I welcome you to this occasion, which is a NBA function marking the world anti corruption day.

There is no disputing the fact that corruption is the greatest problem of this country, whether it is lack of employment opportunities, power, health, petroleum product, security or insecurity, water, food, etc. All problems we face in Nigeria could be traceable one way or the other to corruption.

It was Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN), who raised a salient issue when he said, ‘‘since independence, our government have been a matter of few holding the cow for the strongest and most cunning to milk, under those circumstances everybody runs over everybody to make good at the expense of others’’.

Human beings are not angels; they are prone to self-seeking behavior.

What constrains behavior and makes it conform to larger collective ends are norms and institutions, including laws and legal frameworks that institutionalise norms. Even if laws are far reaching and effectively enforced, there will always be the occasional criminal, clever, or risktaking individuals who will tempt fate and seek to use public office for private gain. So corruption will never be completely or permanently eliminated. The question is: How can it be controlled?

Today, the issue of corruption has led to loss of confidence in Nigeria by its citizens both home and abroad due to the activities of fraudsters, corrupt public officials and mis-governance by our leaders. On the international scene, Nigeria has been blacklisted as a state in which integrity and transparency are alien and where no transactions occur without greasing of palms.

The EFCC, ICPC and other antigraft bodies were established to combat corruption at various levels. Sadly, in spite of these strategies in place, little or no success has been achieved in that direction as these institutions fall short of the standards and requirements of an effective anti-corruption regime, as demanded by the anti-corruption conventions. There is no clear cut definition of role amongst these agencies, nor is there constructive collaboration between them and this has not helped the war against corruption. Institutional inadequacies and defective legal framework have also damaged the perception of Nigerians regarding the genuineness of the anti corruption effort.

Even the legal profession is not left out. We know that a few bad eggs are destroying the image of the profession. The promotion of rule of law which the NBA is committed to, and the economic development of Nigeria can only survive in an environment devoid of corruption. Three key things which are central to a successful anti-corruption crusade are concise and coherent anti-corruption policies, independent and effective antigraft institutions and an enabling legal framework.

The NBA supports a full scale war on corruption and received the approval of Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee meeting (NEC) held in Akure on Thursday, February 23, 2012 to set up an Anti-Corruption Commission, charged with the responsibility to, (i) identify all those in-

volved in the unwholesome and indeed criminal practice of judicial corruption, (ii) investigate same and refer the outcome to the various anti-corruption law enforcement agencies for prosecution and any other action they may deem fit to take. In view of this, my administration has constituted a high powered Anti-Corruption Commission, inaugurated in Asaba Delta State on the 30th of November, 2012. The Commission comprises men and women of proven integrity, who have over the years been tested and tried in numerous endeavours relating to the Bar. They are to: •Work with the 100 branches of the NBA to set up an Anti-Corruption Committee in each Branch; •Set and maintain the highest standards of conduct aimed at avoiding corrupt practices at the Bar and the Bench; •Establish formal and transparent mechanisms for applying anti-bribery and corruption prevention measures; •Monitor and investigate allegations of corruption leveled against members of the Bar and Bench; •Identify practitioners who carry out corrupt activities in the legal profession and justice system and forward their names and evidence of corruption practices to the relevant agencies for prompt action and prosecution; •Identify corrupt practices and factors or circumstances that promote corruption in the Bar and Bench; •Develop and facilitate policy dialogue and anticorruption training courses/workshop for stakeholders in the fight against corruption; •Develop feedback mechanism from anti corruption agencies and the general public; •Do all things necessary to ensure a corruption free society.

The frame work for the AntiCorruption Commission of the NBA is set out in the 10-point agenda of this administration. The United Nations declared December 9 Anti-Corruption Day. It is a day for political leaders, governments, legal bodies and lobby groups to work together against corruption by promoting the day and the issues that surround this event.

The Nationwide strike which followed the Federal Government decision to deregulate the downstream sector in Nigeria oil industry and subsequent removal of oil subsidy on January 1, 2012 catalyzed public interest and discourse on the need for fundamental change in our public governance system, to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, reduce the cost of governance, tackle corruption and make government work for our people.

The citizens’ activism and resistance to a government policy was unprecedented. It cost the nation N208 billion according to estimates provided by the National Bureau of Statistics and demonstrated through deep frustration and social disconnect Jonathan pledge to implement institutional reforms and ensure passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

These actions have not assured citizens and underscore the significant trust deficit between government and the people. Fresh revelations appear daily across local print, electronic and social media on considerable wastage in government. This is in spite of Nigerian’s infrastructural challenges with an annual funding deficit of N1.5 Trillion according to Ministry of Finance, dire statistics of

• From left: First Vice President, NBA, O. Justus Erhabor, NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN) and Chairman, NBA Ant-Corruption Commission, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN)

• From left: Hajiya Fatima Kwaku, Second Vice-President, NBA, Steve Abba and Third Vice-President, NBA Francis Ekwere.

23.9 per cent unemployment rate as at 2011, and the dismal human development indices, which ranked Nigeria 156 out of 187 countries according to the United Nations Development Programme.

Ten months after the protests, the petroleum industry Bill remains un-passed, while institutional Changes promised are yet to become manifest. Corruption in the oil and other sectors continue to thrive. The economic condition of our people and state of insecurity across the country has worsened and the future of Nigeria as a sovereign entity, has most unfortunately become a subject of debate.

How the international community perceived Nigeria The United States Consul General in Nigeria, Jeffery Hawkins, has identified corruption as a key element hindering the country from attaining its full potential. He also said the United States government was concerned about the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko haram, and reports of right abuses in Nigeria.

Hawkins, who described the people of Nigeria as those with phenomenal potential, said, stemming corruption was fundamental to the country’s prosperity and economic development. Hawkins spoke during a courtesy visit to the Punch place, the corporate headquarters of Punch Nigeria Ltd in Magboro, on Wednesday 5th December, 2012, Hawkins said,‘ ‘‘the potential of the people of Nigeria is absolutely phenomenal; Nigerians are forward looking with a whole lot of entrepreneurial expertise, but this potential is not being harnessed because of the potential risk element of corruption in the polity, especially in the power sector.

Corruption is Nigerian problem and it does not only have its im-

pact on Nigerians because there are also American companies here. Besides, we have over $5bn investment in Nigeria. Without addressing that issue of corruption, we are not likely to see this country get to where it should be. The US government will continue to support Nigerian efforts on transparency issues and engage civil society groups, anti-graft agencies and other stakeholders in stemming the tide of corruption in the country’’.

It is important to note the above statement credited to a highly respected diplomat, shows how deep this cancer called corruption which has become endemic has permeated into the Nigeria system. For a diplomat of this standing to have made such a statement, speaks volumes. Especially in view of the fact that diplomats are not given to directly criticizing host countries.

Funding of Institutions that fight corruption According to the Vanguard Newspaper report of Tuesday 4th December, 2012, page 15, with the title ‘‘FG slashes EFCC’s budget’’, the Federal Government has slashed the EFCC’s budget by 50%. The Nigerian Bar Association is concerned about this newspaper report.

This means that the activities of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission may be crippled in 2013, if the Federal Government slashing of the 2013 proposal by N11.7 billion Naira sails through the National Assembly.

Already the chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Larmode has expressed concern that the development might prevent the EFCC from meeting its personnel cost in 2013.

Note, its personnel cost, not other operational costs The anti-graft agency had pro-

posed N21,.028,488,772billion to fund its operation in 2013, but the Budget Office approved N9,328,159,022billion, less than half of the Commission’s request to meet capital, personnel and over head expenditure items in 2013.

The Nigerian Bar Association is of the strong view that for the anti-corruption agencies and institutions like the EFCC, ICPC, etc to function effectively and efficiently, and achieve measurable results, they must be funded adequately. We seek no other satisfaction other than to ensure that the EFCC is strengthened and not weakened by financial incapacity.

Anti-corruption crusades are driven by independent and effective institutions and not individuals. The NBA therefore states that what is required to fight corruption in Nigeria is over lapping institutions designed to ensure financial autonomy and effectiveness. Such institutions like the EFCC must be equipped to be insulated from politics and political leaders who allocate funds at their whims and caprices. Such institutions must also be controlled by the Rule of Law and must be designed to outlive the individuals that manage them.

The Nigerian Bar Association therefore calls on the Federal government of Nigeria to increase the funding allocated to this anticorruption agencies, with a view to strengthening them for better performance. The move to slash the EFCC 2013 budget proposal by half is worrisome and unacceptable to the NBA. More so, when the 2013 budgetary allocations to other less important agencies are very high. The NBA believes that this is the time to financially strengthen the institutions set up for the crusade against anti-corruption.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

• Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Federal Road Safety Commission, Boboye •Hajia Fatima Maikasuwa(left) (dauughter of the deceased); her husband and Clerk of National Oyeyemi(left), Managing Director ABC Transport, Frank Nneji and National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa; Deputy Director , NASS, Mr Jerry Okorodudu, Hajia Hajara Coordinator, Road Accident Health Insurance Scheme, NURTW, Frank Uchhara Maikasuwa, a musician, Yinka Ayefele and Deputy Clerk National Assembly, Mr Muyiwa Adejokun during a stakeholders seminar on the use of vehicle speed limiting devices at the burial ceremony of Late Pa James Boy Akpata PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

• Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe(rtd) (middle) his wife, Mrs Angela and Senior Lecturer, University of Benin, Dr Elizabeth Izilien during the reception for the retirement thanksgiving of the general

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, George Ossi (left); National President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities,JONAPWD, Danlami Basharu; Director of Rehabilitation Department of the ministry, Mrs Bola Daodu; former Permsec of the ministry, Alhaji Idris Kuta and former National President , JONAPWD, Prince Paul Adelabu at the 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

•

•From left: Director of Rehabilitation Department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Bola Daodu; Manager Economic Empowerment, MTN Foundation, •Member, House of Representatives, Ahmad Kaita (left); President, Port Harcourt Polo Mrs Foyinsola Oyebola and President Albino Foundation Jake Epelle at the 2012 international Club, Ibifiri Bob Manuel, one of the sponsors, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill and Tournament day of persons with disabilities

•Members of Ekiti Kete Association Kuje Area Council Abuja at the annual ceremony of the group PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

• FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed (right) signing an MoU for accelerated district development under the land-swap model. With him is the chairman of one of the 10 investing companies, (Rosehill Group), Mr. Sulaiman Yahayah

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

ABUJA REVIEW

I

T was mix feelings at the Presidency over the weekend.

It was an issue of different strokes for different folks or what may be described as the dead burying its own dead. While President Goodluck Jonathan headed to his home country, Otueke, Bayelsa State for the final interment of his late younger brother, Chief Meni Innnocent Jonathan, the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo was at Kaduna to give out the hands of his two daughters in marriage. The wedding arrangement had been on before the sudden demise of the younger Jonathan.

Though the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was part of the Mother’s Day celebration organised for the mother of brides as part of the wedding programme the previous weekend, the Presidency was divided by fate but united in spirit under one umbrella as they have both since resumed duty.

But before then, the Presidency had announced the plan to create a new modern city within the Abuja City as part of the country’s Centenary celebration come 2014.

The city is to be located close to Abuja City.

The decision which was rapped up at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President was part of the comprehensive framework approved for the celebration.

Before tongues would begin to wag that the government was about to waste money again, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku explained that the concept would be entirely private sectordriven. He noted that all that will be required of government in the project is to provide an area and possibly design.

He also disclosed that government’s presence in the new city will be an arcade for celebration.

He did not, however, put a peg on the expected complexion date for the project, saying that the project might take up to 10 to 15 years before completion.

Maku further explained that the celebration is very significant for the country as it is also expected to inspire the youth for a new hope.

Disturbed by the bashings that trailed the announcement of the planned N2.2b new Presidential Banquet Hall, the Presidency said it was a multi-purpose hall; adding that the new hall was not meant to be a replacement of the old one.

According to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, the new

T

HE Federal Capital Territory area councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has approved the sharing of N2.071 billion among the six area councils being revenue and Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) allocations for October 2012.

The committee, which is chaired by the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, withheld the sum of N140,129,862.71 being the FCT Administration’s 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) pending when the Councils settle their accumulated debt.

The Area Councils are: Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

Akinjide explained that the JAAC’s decision to withhold the FCTA’s 10 per cent IGR had become necessary to enable the councils clear their outstanding debt of

Terror, sack and sundry matters Divided by fate, united in spirit From the Villa

By Vincent Ikuomola project is a multi-purpose hall where the President can host his guests, especially visiting Presidents and other top VIPs. Hence, the project is not a substitution or a duplication of the existing one.

The minister also noted that contrary to public view, the budget for the banquete hall was in the statutory budget of the FCT statutory budget, even as he debunked insinuations that the project was not in the FCT budget.

The Presidency also defended its anti-graft ranking by the

Transparency Internation. The 35th position, government felt, was too harsh on the country judged from the account of the total war it has declared against the scourge which seems to have been entrenched in the system.

According to the minister, both the TI report and a recent Gallup Poll that also showed that Nigeria was among corrupt nations globally were products of interactions with Nigerians and synopsis of negative media reports.

Maku said that the rating does

not actually reflect the true picture of the current situation in the country.

He noted that what most of the rating institutions rely on are people’s perceptions of the country, especially Nigerians and what they get from the media.

This, he said, does not take into cognizance the efforts of the present administration in dealing with the issues of corruption.

He stressed that government’s systematic and institutional approaches are gradually yielding results.

On developmental issues, the country, in the course of the week, was told in a clear term that unless the Presidency showed some level of political will, the hope about the country reducing its infrastructure deficiency may be a mirage.

This was the submission of former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Besides, he said the government needed to put in place a coherent, consistent and comprehensive

Area councils share N2b From Bukola Amusan

N247.08 million.

The area councils owed the sum of N144 million being Fadama III Counterpart Fund, N65.70 million for subsidised tractor sales under the public private partnership arrangement, N7.38 million for 2012 Buffer Stock Grains, and N30 million for biometrics.

Of the total debt, Kwali Area Council accounted for the lion’s share of N52.52 million, and closely followed by Gwagwalada Area Council which owed N51.35 million.

Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Kuje Area Council owed N49.57 million each; Abaji Area Council, N17.62 million, and

Bwari Area Council, N16.45 million.

The minister disclosed that a total sum of N2,211,467,188.86 was received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee for the FCT area councils, representing an increase of N317,066,272.41 or 16.7 per cent over the preceding month’s figure of

N1,894,400,916.45.

The breakdown of the FAAC allocation showed that N1.001 billion was received from the five per cent Value Added Tax, N761.91 million from Statutory Revenue Allocation, N228.48 million from Special Revenue Allocation, N23.10 million from refund by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

With the decision to withhold N140.12 million from Area Councils over accumulated debt, the sum of N2,071,337,326.15 was available for distribution

medium and long-term infrastructure plans.

He also warned against arbitrary withdrawal of projects once the development process is on as it will negatively rub on the credibility of Nigeria’s public-private participation programme (PPP).

The Presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly were locked in a closed door meeting which lasted for about two hours.

The Senate President, David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State met with President Jonathan inside his office at the State House.

Issues of the passage of the 2013 Budget, the review of the 1999 Constitution and the sharing of the excess crude fund have been matters pitching the Presidency against the legislators and state governments. and N56.77 million being the SURE-P allocation for Novembe.

The councils had in September 2012 received VAT of N1.101 billion and Statutory Revenue Allocation of N692.68.

With the decision to withhold N140.12 million from Area Councils over accumulated debt, the sum of N2,071,337,326.15 was available for distribution.

Of the N2.071 billion, the committee distributed N845.98 million to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for payment of the primary school teachers’ salaries in the six area councils; N95.04 million to FCT Area Councils Pension Board (ACPB) being 15 per cent pension fund as statutorily required, and N22.11 million to FCT Area Councils Service Commission being one per cent training fund, also statutorily required.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

43

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has just axed 28 parties for their poor showing at elections.

Their leaders have threatened court actions. Will the INEC’s action stand?

Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU asks.

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HE de-registration battle has moved from the court of public opinion to the court room. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had stirred the hornet’s nest when it axed 20 registered political parties. The commission’s chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, complained that the affected parties merely warmed the agency’s register, adding that they had only participated in periodic elections in vain. Jega also threatened to delist more parties from the register in the future, if they maintain their unimpressive showing at future polls. The decision to remove the names of the mushroom parties from INEC list enjoys the backing of the National Assembly and federal government.

Following the de-registration, leaders of the fragile parties have been pouring venom on INEC. Threatening fire and brimstone, the chairman of the polarised Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, described Jega as a fascist. He said the commission erred in law, adding that it was acting out a diabolical script to scheme the affected parties out of 2015 general elections .

“By virtue of Section 40 of 1999 Constitution and Section 78 of the Electoral Act, INEC cannot deregister political parties. It does not have the right”, said the former Kaduna State governor.

Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) leader, Pastor Chris Okotie is in the same shoes with Musa.

His party has been contesting elections for more than eight years, but with nothing to show for it. But the cleric-turned-politician says the platform has the right to exist and canvass for votes. To him, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was afraid of other parties ahead of the forth-coming elections. Unlike Okotie and Musa, the national chairman of National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr. Yinusa Tanko, said mere threats would not resolve the hurdle. He told reporters that the matter would be decided in court, advising INEC to allow the case to be decided by the judiciary before applying its hammer.

In the past, NCP founder, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi had sued the commission and federal government to court over the registration ceiling. He won the case, thereby paving the way for the registration of more parties in the country. Frowning at Jega’s pronouncement, Tanko said, “the court will interpret this again”. Echoing the same sentiment, Progressive Action Congress (PAC) national chairman, Mr. Charles Nwodo said INEC was playing smart by not waiting for the decision of the court on the matter. “We are going to test our strength again at the court of law. It is against the law of the land and undemocratic to deregister 28 parties”, he fumed.

Former factional leader of CNPP, Dr. Olapade Agoro, whose party had already been deregistered, lamented that INEC had become lord to itself. He said the agency was set up to conduct elections, which it had often failed to do lawfully on many occasions, stressing that certain PDP elements were pushing the commission to do the wrong thing. He faulted the claim of INEC on the performance of the party, saying that it is subjective. Agoro, a lawyer, said the so-called big parties had often rigged the smaller parties out at every contest. “If Tinubu had not stood up in the Southwest, there would be no ACN today and then, you will be talking about de-registration of the party. So, you want to deregister parties that cannot rig in favour of parties that rig. It will not stand. It lacks the backing of the 1999 Constitution,

CAN INEC DEREGISTER PARTIES? which guarantees freedom of association. The court will sort things out”, he added.

Opinion is, however, divided on the de-registration. For example, many Nigerians questioned the rationality for the inclusion of many tiny, fragile and distressed parties on INEC’s list, despite their predictable failure at the periodic elections. Analysts have contented that out of 62 registered parties, less than 10 are electorally viable. Many agree that he proliferation of political parties underscores the debate over their utility as democratic agencies of the society. Should the non-performing parties be struck out of the INEC register or merely allowed to exist without the potentials of making any electoral impact in the future? The protagonists of deregistration claim that party formation is part of the framework for interest articulation and freedom of association and assembly. They argued that the democratic space should become widened as democracy grows.

However, the antagonists perceive some of the owners and directors of the failed parties in two lights. They see them as eminent Nigerians who are seeking relevance outside the big parties where they could not rub shoulders with entrenched big wigs. Others describe those younger elements floating never-dowell parties as smart guys banking on the periodic grants to parties contesting for elections.

The argument for their de-listing became more compelling following the outcome of the recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. Not up to 15 parties participated in the two exercises. In fact, the second leg of governorship debate was narrowed down to only three parties in Ondo State, namely the PDP, ACN and Labour (LP).

Jega’s INEC has consistently maintained that the failed parties should fizzle out. On some occasions, he had disclosed that the commis-

sion had the backing of the law to outlaw them for non-performance. The agency objected to the drawing of grants by the unhealthy parties prior to elections, only to come up with dismal failure. In INEC’s bid to wipe the poor parties out of existence, it had relied on Section 75, Sub-Section 2 of the Electoral Act. But older politicians, eminent political scientists, legal luminaries and civil society groups have often disagreed with the commission on the contentious issue. In their view, the umpire is not sensitive to compelling reasons for the multiplicity of political parties in a diverse and plural society like Nigeria.

During its last national congress in Lagos, NCP had cried out that INEC was up to a mischief. One of its leaders and Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) rejected the move, saying that it was undemocratic. He said the functions of political parties are not restricted to fighting for power in elections. “There exist in other mature democracies local parties that exist to pursue local matters peculiar to the community, group or society and they may not be interested in fighting for national or federal power,” he submitted.

It is not the first time INEC will be embroiled in the controversy. Thus, Falana reminded the commission of a subsisting judgment in a suit by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, against INEC and federal government. “The Supreme Court has ruled that political parties cannot be deregistered by INEC or federal government because it would imply a gross violation of the freedom of association”, Falana recalled. But the twist to the on-going controversy is the parliamentary support for INEC. In the suit pending in court, the National Assembly counsel, Oluwatosin Apata, had prayed the court to disregard the prayer of the protesting political party, pointing out that the commission is empowered by law to take

‘If Tinubu had not stood up in the Southwest, there would be no ACN today and then, you will be talking about deregistration of the party. So, you want to deregister parties that cannot rig in favour of parties that rig. It will not stand. It lacks the backing of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. The court will sort things out’

the drastic action.

Actually, lawyers argue that the amended electoral act gives the INEC the nod to delist the fragile or failing parties, although some of them said the law is in bad faith. But it has been difficult for INEC to implement it because it would be trailed by outcry from a section of the political class. Observers also felt that the controversial clause could not be tested in the past, apparently because of the lack of will or consciousness about an imminent conflict with the 1999 Constitution, which is the guarantor of the freedom of association in the country. The fear is that, once the deregistration commences, there would be no looking back

by INEC. If the hammer is dangled, only six parties would escape at the end of the day. The six top flyers at the last general elections were the ruling PDP, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), LP, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

PDP has maintained its hold in 25 states by winning the governorship and majority seats in the state and National Assembly. Trailing it is the ACN, which retained Lagos State and bounced back in other four Southwest states Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti. In addition, it is still the ruling party in Edo State. APGA won Anambra and Imo States. CPC installed its lone governor in Nasarawa State. ANPP cleared Bornu and Zamfara States. LP’s influence is limited to Ondo State, where it installed a governor and many legislators. INEC has also declared LP winner of the recent governorship poll in the state, although the victory is being challenged by the ACN. PDP also struggled hard in Oyo State to give ACN a fight. It won a senatorial position and few House of Representatives seats in the state. ACN made inroad into the North, winning a senatorial seat in Benue State. It also won some House of Representatives and state Assembly slots.

Other parties are shadows of themselves and their electoral activities pale into window dressing. According to analysts, they are merely crawling at snail’s speed. Perhaps, the exception to this description is the Accord Party (AP), which has eight House of Assembly and four House of Representatives members in Oyo State. One state lawmaker has defected to the ACN. The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), which was supported by former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, could only win one seat in the House of Assembly.

In 2011, during the general elections, other fledging parties were like spectators. Many of them refused to field candidates for the polls.

Some lacked visible offices or secretariats.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once derided them as parties being operated in the bedrooms of their founders, and with their wives, children and other relations as party officials. Mocking the parties, Obasanjo said relations serve as their chairmen, secretaries, financial secretaries and treasurers. In the reckoning of the retired General, political parties were operated as business outfits yielding profits to their founders.

Across the states, many of these mushroom parties are eager to form alliance with the dominant ones. Sources said that their officials are handsomely paid for the offer of imaginary collaboration and subjective alliance. After the general elections, they are never had again. Even, they refrain from fielding candidates for local government elections.

These mushroom parties do not mirror the small parties of the First Republic, whose foundations were erected on solid political principle. For example, the Dynamic Party of Chike Obi was respected for its ideological stand. So also was the Farmers and Workers’ Congress of Dr. Tunji Otegbeye. Even, during the preindependence years, the Mobolaje Group, which became Ibadan Peoples Party (IPP) won the first five regional legislative seats in Ibadan metropolis in 1952. Also, the Niger Delta Congress, Bornu Youth Movement and Mid West Party were small, but popular and relevant in their localities.

A wide gap separates the small parties of old and private parties of today. The parties fretting under the INEC’s hammer include Action alliance (AA), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Peoples Liberation Party (ALP), Action Party of Nigeria (APN), African Political System (APS), African Renaissance Party (ARP), Better Nigeria •Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

POLITICS Hon. Nnena Elendu-Ukeje is the chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. In this interview with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI, the lawmaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, speaks on fraud in Nigeria’s Foreign Missions and their alleged inability to pay workers’ salaries.

‘Foreign missions grossly underfunded’

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HAT is your comment on the allegations of fraud in our foreign missions ?

The issue of fraud which readily comes to mind is the one with our mission in Washington DC in the United States of America, and it has been effectively trashed out. Of course of all allegations around the world, people are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty and there is verifications of these issues.

We have issues in the Philippines which have been investigated also.

We have 111 foreign missions around the world and a lot of them have issues with payments. As at September last year, some of the missions have not gotten their salary and they have remittance issues. It is also not about money alone, but also about engaging Nigerians very well. There are some of them doing very well. In some cases, I found out that most or some of the missions don’t have the tools that they need to work with and that is an issue.

Tools in what sense?

Every country has two policies - the domestic and foreign. The foreign policy is supposed to mirror its domestic policy and vice versa but a lot of cases, you will find out that while we are dealing with domestic policy, we sometimes ignore the drivers of the foreign policy. They are grossly under-funded, there is a lot of political appointees in these missions, they are not career diplomats, the ratio between career and political diplomat is high. Nigerians themselves, a large number of them don’t even want to go to Nigerian embassy to register when they get abroad.

Nigerians are not aware of their existence until, God’s forbids, they run into problem and the expectations are very high. I will give you a very quick example, when Nigerian citizen has issues in China, we found out that the mission was in Shanghai and the large concentration of Nigerians was in Gwangju It is a three hours thirty minutes flight from Shanghai to Gwangju and Nigerians were so removed from the presence of government in China and what did we do?

From our oversight, we decided we are going to open up a mission in the heart of where there is a large population of Nigeri-

•Elendu-Ukeje

ans in Gwangju and I believe that if Nigerians in China say that the Nigerian mission in China doesn’t care about them, would that be correct?

It was a logistic issue and we are addressing that and I also believe it is an advantage for Nigerians living outside the country to register with the missions.

Let the ambassadors who are there and all the diplomatic officers who are there be aware of their existence so that in the event that there is any need for them to come to their assistance in short notice, it would have been a relationship that has already been established.

It has been alleged that our diplomatic and official passports are not being respected.

What is your take on this?

I think the issue of diplomatic and official passports is very clear. It is the highest means of communication between two countries and normally, when it comes to passport, its for Government-to-Government assignments. Yes, have they, to a large extent, being subjected to some kind of abuse, probably. But what can we do? It is very interesting that a lot of people seek favour, they have a lot of expectations of people who carry public offices and you will find that people feel they need to actually enjoy some of these requests and so, there is

some kind of proliferation and abuse to some extent.

So, what happens? We go back to the guidelines that strictly govern the issuance of diplomatic and official passports and adhere to it strictly. It should be followed through, I think the laws have been flouted. I think the law is already in place and all it takes is the administration of the laws in the strictest sense.

The immigration officers and so on, who are supposed to carry out checks before the issuance must be held to account for what they must do in the issuance of the said passports because there is a guideline as to the type of people who must carry the diplomatic and official passports.

The ministry of foreign affairs must adhere to the guidelines. I think that is the only way we can regulate it and put it back on course.

What is your committee doing about the lack of funding for the foreign Missions?

I have said it in different fora, Mr. President stated in 2011 that he was going to be committed to greater funding of our missions.

The Senate President in 2011 said the same thing just before the budget consideration; Mr. Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had spoken publicly about it and lamented the deplorable state of our missions across the world. We have tried to capture it in the nation’s budget.

South Africa spends 19 percent of their nation budget for foreign affairs, Republic of Benin spends three percent of its nation’s budget on foreign affairs, Ghana spends 11 percent of its nation’s budget on foreign policy and Nigeria spent only 0.8 percent, less than 1 percent.

I have decried that, I have stated that we must go back to the old glory days where Nigeria was the centre of Africa, where Nigeria was the strong country indeed and the only way to do that is to push forth our foreign policy in the countries where we are because we are in 111 countries.

Show me your house and I will tell you what kind of person you are. The mission in Israel - Nigerians have gone on pilgrimage to the mission in Israel - they had buckets in the living room of the ambassador because it was raining and his roof was leaking.

That is not good enough.

• From right: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Venerable Ladipo Eso (left), the widow of late Justice Kayode Eso, Mrs. Helen Aina Eso during a condolence visit of the Ekiti State Governor to the family at Ikolaba GRA, Ibadan... yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Can INEC deregister parties?

•Continued from page 43

Progressive Party (BNPP), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Community Party of Nigeria (CPN), Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH), Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Justice Party (JP), • Onu Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria (LDPN), Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), Movement for the Restoration and Defense of Democracy (MRDD), National Action Council (NAC), Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), New Democrats (ND), National Democratic Party (NDP), Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), National Reformation Party (NRP), National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP), National Unity Party (NUP), Progressive Action Congress (PAC), Peoples Mandate Party (PMP), Progressive People Alliance (PPA), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Salvation Party (PSP), Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN), United Democratic Party (UDP), United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP) and KOWA. Many of them sprang up because their leaders and founders were edged out of the seemingly big parties. Indeed, crises have often polarised the major parties, making aggrieved chieftains to float new platforms. Party sources also said that many leaders of the big parties are the brains behind the small parties, which the money bags in the big parties deliberately form as a sort of “Plan B”. Thus, it has also been argued by observers that the paper weight parties were products of abuse by the elite locked in bitter competition for power and relevance. Sometimes, the sharing of the election fund in the small parties often lead to hot argument and party men drag themselves to court over the right of control. The multiplicity of the opposing parties has been to the advantage if the ruling conservative PDP, which had inadvertently encouraged many of them to spring up and create disunity in the progressive fold, thereby weakening the progressive challenge of the status quo.

Besides, the smaller parties, it has also been alleged, have promoted the business plan of packaging endorsement programmes, in partnership with dominant parties, especially during governorship and local council elections. Indeed, as alleged by leaders of the scattered parties, many of them became an appendage of the PDP, which penetrated into the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), divided the fold and reduce the capacity of the many opposition parties to play the role of watchdogs. When CNPP broke into two and they were led by paralleled executive committees, it was alleged that it was the PDP at work.

Political scientists and legal scholars contend that this awful picture contrasts sharply with the previous multi-party arrangements of the First, Second Republics and early part of this Fourth Republic. University of Lagos (UNILAG) teachers; Prof. Akin Oyebode and Dr. Derin Ologbenla, lamented that the lack of ideology has reduced the parties into platforms without substance. They conceded to individuals and groups the right to freedom of association, but they maintained that parties should have ideological directions. “Political options become possible and people are able to make their choices during elections, if the ideas, principles and ideologies of then parties are clear and understood”, said Ologbenla. Berating the political parties, big and small, for lack of sound ideological orientation, Oyebode advised them to emulate the few ones among them conducting political education for members.

In the previous dispensations, two features of political parties were distinguishable. The existing parties, which were rooted in ideology, were actually on ground in their strongholds. Besides, they have always proposed alliances along two parallel lines, which ultimately make the polity to become disposed, in principle, to two party system, which was eventually imposed on the country in the ill-fated Third Republic. In those earlier dispensations, analysts argue that party administration was comparatively superb and no party existed without a cardinal goal.

Despite these realities, many are of the view asking the unhealthy parties to wind up is counter-productive. But in a previous interview, Lagos State ACN chairman, Chief Dele Ajomale, disagreed. He said the number of parties on the INEC register is an embarrassment. He supported the deregistration on the ground that many of them are only faking their existence. “Many of them are just existing in name. Some of them don’t even have secretariats. Some of them don’t even have members, except three or four of them who claim to be chairman, secretary and financial secretary.

The address is not existing. So, how can you they continue like that? If it is three or four parties are formidable, let us have them, instead of this hundred that is useless”, he advised.

However, former CPC vice-presidential candidate Pastor Tunde Bakare said “you cannot stop people from grouping”, adding that, in the United States, political parties flourish without restrictions. He said some parties are only interested in local elections. Describing the deregistration as a nonissue, he also faulted the claim of poor performance, submitting that “no political party has won hands down without the cooperation of other parties”.

Former Afenifere Publicity Secretary Yinka Odumakin agreed with Bakare.

He said the whole issue contradicted the freedom of association. “Parties should be allowed to flourish and die naturally on their own. In a heavily monetised environment like Nigeria, results of elections cannot be a valid assessment of parties’ strength”, he added.

Ekiti State ACN chairman Chief Jide Awe disagreed with both Bakare and Odumakin. He said the the stipulations by INEC, which guide the electoral process, is the beginning of sanity, adding that INEC can punish political parties for violating the rules. “INEC should move further by meting appropriate sanctions to any politician who violates the rules that guide the process of ensuring healthy electoral process in our country. It should not end with parties. I think a new order is here, if we can sustain the drive”, he stressed.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

14 children get free cleft lip, palate repair

G

OODLUCK Junaid Eko is a four- and-a-half year-old boy living with cleft lip.

Any time he speaks, says his mother, people find it hard to hear him, especially his friends.

This, is often painful to him as he tries to say the same thing over and over again, she added.

His case is not different from that of two-year old Bright Joseph, who was born with the defect.

Like Eko, Joseph has been struggling to communicate with people.

His mother, Mrs Victoria Joseph said she was shocked when she discovered that her son had cleft lip as the condition never existed in their family.

She expressed gratitude to the neighbour who sent her a short message service (SMS) about the free corrective surgery for the indigent which eventually brought succour to her son.

“My son’s cleft lip was corrected without paying a dime. I am very grateful to God, Lagos State and the organisation which made it happen,” she said.

Describing the procedure, Mrs Joseph said, the surgeon first closed the gap inside her son’s mouth before they closed the one outside.

She said the government should always put a smile on the faces of the people because times are hard and people are poor.

Consultant in-charge Prof Idowu Fadeyibi said the corrective surgeries were funded by Health, Education, Works and Shelter (HEWS) at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.

He said 14 patients were treated for these congenital birth defects.

Fadeyibi said many of the patients were born with defects, adding: “Studies that have been done show it occurs in one in about 4,000 live births. We have done studies here in Lagos and in some other parts of the country.”

The defect, he said, may be due to factors that may have occurred during early stages of pregnancy, especially before the seventh week, most of these women don’t usually know they were pregnant. This could be due to certain nutrition deficiencies, especially foliate deficiency and the possibility of cer-

• Bright and his mother after the surgery

•Goodluck and his mother after the surgery

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ST Ives Specialist Hospital will open its ultra-modern hospital complex in Ikoyi, Lagos on December 23.

The event will be graced by the wife of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola among other top dignataries from within and outside the country.

Its Chief Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Okewale, said residents of Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ajah, Lekki and environs need not come to the Mainland hospital complex to receive medical attention again as they now have a world class hospital within their locality.

“We thoughtfully considered some of our patients coming all the way from the Island for treatment, which could be very stressful sometimes.

However, we believe the commissioning of the hospital in Ikoyi would ease the stress” he said.

NGO to fight HIV/AIDS

• A baby after the surgery

By Wale Adepoju

tain environment contaminants, possibility of exposure to radiation and certain infective agents such as viral infection.

Also, babies can have it when expectant mothers take drug indiscriminately, especially herbal preparations. It could also be a genetic factor, as some may be hereditary, which means it could be in the family.

He said cleft lip and palate can be discovered before a baby is born through certain diagnostic procedures that can be done to ascertain whether the unborn child has it.

On surgeries, he said expectant mothers can either have the surgery before the baby is born or

• Prof Fadeyibi

very early after delivery.

Fadeyi said the country has the expertise to correct cleft lip and palate without taking patients abroad for treatment. “No matter the degree, we have the expertise to treat the defects,” he added.

On prevention, he said, people should try to avoid those underlying factors mentioned as much as possible. There are some forms of prevention.

President, HEWS, Mr Remi Adeseun said the organisation’s main focus is to help those who can’t help themselves.

The biggest way to help is by finding others who have similar capacity but need other forms of assistance which is why we have

seen in collaboration with Lagos State government since 2011 to help poor patients.

“We were very impressed with Lagos State because they prepared the patients very well and had a very strong grassroots reach out.

Many of the patients are children with delicate needs.

Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs Dupe Dipe, said since 2006, during the administration of Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, when the programme started, over 2,000 cleft lip and palate surgeries have been carried out.

She said there were reports that some mothers were sent packing from their homes by their husbands because they gave birth to babies with cleft lip and palate.

‘Dialogue vital to govt, doctors’ relationship’ HAT should be the r e l a t i o n s h i p betweendoctors and the government? It should be one of dialogue and mutual understanding, say stakeholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Medical Guild, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Branch.

Such cooperation, they said, would prevent frequent frictions between both parties.

Activist lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) urged the doctors to approach their demands with caution to safeguard the sector.

He charged them to be loyal to their profession, by being truthful to the Hippocratic Oath which they have all sworn to.

He said: “Please show concern in the affairs of the government starting from the local, state and the Federal, when you appreciate that it is the responsibility of the government to provide enabling envi-

Hospital opens complex

By Olatunde Odebiyi

ronment and adequate health care services.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos Business School Prof.

Pat Utomi, said medical tourism could be achieved through the institutionalised medical care experts, stressing that Nigeria might not have the urge, except with medical audit of her personnel and equipments for effective medical delivery service.

He called for adequate funding of about least 15 per cent of the country’s budget coupled with effective supervision of its honest implementation to the best advantage of the masses.

Utomi called for a common front to attack corruption, with a view to achieving equality in the society “where no man is oppressed.”

The Consultant, Paediatrics Surgeon, LASUTH, Prof.

Michael Bankole warned

doctors against loyalty, adding that they need to be focused as the government and politicians might rubbish the profession.

He said as professionals, doctors must be seen as key players to spur the people.

Bankole urged the Medical Guild and other paramedicals, to form a common front to prevent distractions to the continued respect of its age long profession at all times.

“Since Health is a fundamental human right, as

such government should strive to protect such rights enviably, at all times,” Bankole said.

Chairman, Medical Guild, LASUTH branch, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, reiterated the need for the regular medical check up with a view to avoiding instalmental death.

He called for adequate funding and the provision of functional medical equipment, well and sufficiently trained medical personnel to administer such discipline.

Tips on eczema •AVOID using overly hot water Gently pat skin after showering don’t rub •Use soft towels not old scratchy ones •Apply moisturizers immediately after showering or washing •Use mild soaps or soap substitutes when washing

Use a bath oil to soften bath water •Shower or bath in luke-warm water •Don’t soak in water that doesn’t contain an oil because it will dry the skin •Keep you skin clean to help •Culled from www.eczema.com.au

TO promote the fight against HIV/AIDS, a notf o r - p r o f i t o r g a n i s a -tion, Health and Life Africa Healthy Living Initiative (HALA) and Nigerian celebrities such as Dipp, IllBliss, Wana Wana and Rexx Pincode have made a video to create awareness on the advancements made so far.

According to HALA’s Managing Director, Dr Ngozi Murphy – Okpala, the video is aimed at reducing the stigma attached to the disease and offer hope and encouragement to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

This is a three weeks HIV awareness campaign to last into the festive period. ”We hereby request that you join us in spreading this message by featuring the video as a post on your good platform,” she said.

Minister advises disabled FORMER Minister of Aviation, Dr. Kema Chikwe has said there is ability in disability, urging those living with disability to use their leadership skills to influence government policies.

According to her, they need to organise themselves effectively to use their knowledge and strength to their advantage.

Chikwe spoke at the International Day for persons with disabilities. The theme was Removing Barriers to create an inclusive and an accessible society for all.

Vice President, Rehabilitation International Africa, Ekaete Judith Umoh, said persons with disabilities should not be perceived as objects of charity, adding that: “The United Nations (UN) recognises them as holders of rights, able to claim these rights and to live in dignity and autonomy as active members of society.”

She lamented that there was no legal framework for the protection of persons with disabilities in the country, so they remain “largely marginalised, disproportionately poorer, frequently unemployed and have higher rate of mortality.

“Furthermore they are excluded from civil and political processes and are overwhelmingly voiceless in matters that effect them in their society”.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

HEALTH Foundation needs N20m for cancer centre, others

Teaching hospital performs first hip surgery

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OR the first time since its inception, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi has concluded three successful ‘total hip replacement’ operations.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Robinson Ofiaeli, who was among the six orthopaedic surgeons that performed the high-tech specialised operations, said the hospital carried out the feat with the assistance of two Indian doctors from Fortis Hospital.

The Indians are Sabhash Jongid and Krishna Chandran, and Dr Chima Ihegihu and two others from NAUTH, with Emzor Hesco Limited, supplying the equipment used for the surgery.

Prof Ofiaeli said: “The hospital will from January 2013 start offering Total Hip Replacement operation on regular basis; just as it would equally start ‘Total Knee Replacement’ operations and equipment has been ordered and would be arrive the country this month.

“We will start offering the operation on regular basis and the next time we will carry out this operation will be in January 2013 and we hope to add ‘Total Knee Replacement’ operation to what we will be doing,” said Ofiaeli.

He said that the two operations constitute more than 60 percent of the reasons why Nigerians travel to other countries of the world for such specialized operations. He noted that the service could be offered at a reduced cost of at least 70 percent.

“Nigerians who travel abroad to get the operation done on them pay as high as N3.5 million, but now it is done in Nnewi, they can only pay 35 per

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

cent of that cost, which is about N1. 05 million, to do it in Nnewi” he said.

He said “one of the benefits Nigerians can get for the service is that the hospital is offering the best quality service to our people. It is the same equipment and implant we are using here nothing less to what is obtained anywhere in the world. They will get three weeks attention after the surgery unlike outside the country”. ”We were initially faced with a lot of technical problems, which we surmounted and the first operation took us one day, while the remaining two were done the same day, it is not an operation a single surgeon can do.

Enumerating some of the achievements recorded in the hospital the CMD said “as you are aware, we are one of the teaching hospitals that received VAMED equipment from the Federal government, the equipment worth over N2billion.

“Am happy to inform you that our Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment is working and our CT scan is also working, barring some little technical problems. So, these two equipments are crucial to accurate diagnosing in many disease conditions and that is another reason why our people fly out to other countries for diagnosing and subsequent treatment,” said Ofiaeli.

Jongid said that Nigerian doctors can hold their own if necessary equipment are provided for them, he commended Prof Ofiaeli and his team for their commitment to ensuring the success of the surgery.

Nigeria lacks capacity in nursing, says don

T

HERE is a dearth of nurses and midwives in Nigeria, a don at the Department of Nursing Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Prof Boluwaji Fajemilehin, has said According to him, the Integrated Human Resource Information System (iHRIS) Qualify data, the country has fewer nurses and midwives available to care for the sick.

He spoke at the Seventh Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Nurses Yearly Conference. The theme was Nursing: task shifting and other strategies in a resource challenged environment.

Fajamilehin, represented by a lecturer at College of Nursing, University of Lagos, Mr Adeboye Jojolade, said records from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) showed there were about 240,000 qualified nurses and midwives, adding that the iHRS Qualify data quoted the registered number as 136,000.

Describing the shortage, Fajemilehin said, there are two or three nurses for a 30-bed ward in the morning, one or two in the afternoon and only one

A

By Wale Adepoju

for night duty despite the state of physical dependency of each patient.

This, he said, made nurses set priorities and shift some roles to less professional ones, adding that they besar the burden of shifted loads at the state and local government levels for limited number of doctors, with only teaching hospitals located in the cities being fairly adequate.

He berated the Nigerian constitution for its failure to clearly define who should fund and provide health care among the three tiers of government – federal, state and local government.

“Lack of constitutional definition of roles, has caused complete absence of effective linkages and referrals, as such allows the governments to manage healthcare at their discretion,” he said.

“It is the immediate backup for shortfalls of medical demands in any period of change at various levels of care under the pretence of expanded roles without legal string attached,” he added.

•Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii (right), Director of Laboratory, Mrs Stella Denloye (middle) and Deputy Director of Registration, Mrs Ololade Alabi at the agency’s workshop on the Guidelines for the registration of biosimilars in Nigeria in Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Lagos plans HIV/AIDS counselling, treatment centre

A

BOUT 1.3 million people will be screened in Lagos State between now and December 31 next year as part of efforts to reduce HIV/ AIDS. Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adesina, said the screening, organsed by the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), is open to all.

She said people should know their HIV status, adding that the state has provided counseling and treatment facilities at various sites. “The state is planning to have one counselling and treatment centre per ward” she said.

Mrs. Adeshina said HIV Counselling Trucks (HCTs)

By Wale Adepoju

have been plying the nooks and crannies of the state to screen people for the disease free.

“The disease is still severe and it is devastating when people’s lives are lost,” she added.

She said the government is doing a lot to reduce the disease burden by making treatment centres available in all the local government Areas (LGAs) and local council development Areas (LCDAs).

Head Projects, Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Olusegun Ogboye, said many people don’t know their status, adding that testing for the disease is still

being approached with fear.

He said the programme was necessary to ensure early detection of new infection.

Ogboye said a lot of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) were also carrying out counselling and treatment on the disease.

“Also, 500 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were trained on HIV/AIDS and how to refer those positive.

The state is also opening 20 new centres to ensure the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of the disease,” he added.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal inaugurated the programme.

NOT-for-profit organisation, George Kerry Life Foundation, is seeking support to set up a cervical cancer screening centre (CECAC) in Lagos State.

Its Executive Director, Dr Matilda Kerry, said the centre, if established in a state can provide more than 5,000 women with free cervical cancer awareness and screening.

According to her, about N20million is needed to establish the centre, which will also have a training and cancer research unit.

She said part of the fund will also be used to raise awareness on the Global Cervical Cancer Month (GCCM).

Kerry, who was the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2000, said the global cervical cancer awareness month, will involve the use of radio, television and newspapers, adding that free cervical screening and vaccination for the general public throughout the month of January and treatment for those who test positive will also be carried out.

The fund raiser event, she said, will take place on Sunday at the Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel.

To stop women from dying, she said, the foundation has kept its public health programmes running, one of which is the Cervical cancer Control Campaign (CCCC).

Kerry said the foundation has been running free and subsidised cervical cancer awareness, screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions in some communities.

“We also conduct training for community health workers on how to perform cervical screening in their communities,” she added.

Kerry said donations can be paid to George Kerry Life foundation, Access Bank 0014319482.

‘Establish gastroenterology centre in Nigeria’

T

HE Chief Medical Director, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Prof.

Abraham Malu, has called on the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) to help establish a gastroenterology centre in Nigeria to address the challenges faced by internal medicine specialists.

In a presentation at the Africa-Middle East Association of Gastroenterology (AMAGE), held in Tinapa, Calabar, Prof. Malu, said the esablishment of a

WGO-assisted centre in Nigeria would help nurture core training centres for primary and advanced GI training in different parts of the country. According to him, there are only few trainers in different fields of gastroenterology and “very few with therapeutic endoscopy experience (such as) banding, injection of bleeding lesions, among others” He said the nation was faced with the dearth of equipment which are suboptimal, break down fre-

quently and with no competent maintenance personnel. These, he further said, often result in interrupted services thus extending training periods.

“Nigeria with its population and number of doctors definitely needs a training centre.

“Opportunities for training the trainers will help develop these centres, iimprove networking with other centres and WGO affiliates, help source for equipment—videos, animated models, etc. and pro-

vide trainers even on visiting basis,” he added.

“This will also help establish and maintain standards through the colleges, expand the scope of training of fellows before they graduate (not just endoscopy, but research, etc), establish an apex institution which can complement the efforts of the different training centres and encourage training institutions to have their residents/fellows rotate through such a centre,” he said.

Gynaecologists seek improved breast screening From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Achem

T

O reduce cervical and breast cancer, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has called on the Federal Gov-

ernment and health care managers to introduce regular cervical screening and breast examinations.

This was part of the communiqué issued by the group at the end of its 46th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting in Abuja.

Its President, Dr. Fred Achem, said early detection will go a long way in checking the high rate of such cancers.

He said: “The high incidence and case fatality of cancer of the cervix and of the breast in our society is worrisome. We call on govern-

ment and health care managers to introduce regular cervical screening and breast examinations to detect these conditions in the pre-cancerous or early cancer stages.”

Noting that maternity health indices have remained poor, he called on the three tiers of government, non-government organisations and development partners to accelerate action that will revert the trend.

To reduce the burden of paediatric HIV in Nigeria, the society also suggested that HIV services should be free and compulsory for all expectant mothers.

He said : “To cater for the large numbers of VVF patients

in Nigeria, government should establish more VVF centres and support existing ones to improve their capacity and quality of care rendered to clients.

“SOGON will work with the federal and state ministries of health to introduce Maternal Death Review (MDR) programme in the country.

This will ensure all maternal deaths are properly investigated to identify preventable causes and how to prevent recurrence of similar deaths.

“SOGON will commence Voluntary Obstetricians Scheme (VOS). This will involve voluntary engagement of obstetricians in rural and sub–urban centres,”he said.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

47

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Oil spills remain one of the most serious environmental risks in the industry. Yet, the problem of clean-up remains unsolved. But there is hope of tackling the challenge. DANIEL ESSIET looks at the prospects of using a plant called kenaf to address the issue.

Oil spill clean-up: Kenaf to the rescue H

OW do we clean up environments affected by oil spills. This is the question which disturbs experts.

As more and more companies venture into the rich oil and gas industry, they are being forced to imagine another oil spill scenario. Such considerations have led to the development of new technologies to detect and deal with spilled oil. As they push into environmentally deeper waters in search of oil, there is always pressure on them to demonstrate they could mop up spilt oil when it occurs.

Big spills, such as BP PLC’s 2010 disaster in the Gulf of Mexico cost the company so much in expenses.

BP has already spent $14 billion on clean-up operations, paid out over $8 billion in claims and offered a further $7.8 billion in settlement to those affected by the disaster.

While organisations are putting most of their efforts into ensuring there isn’t a spill in the first place, including establishing a series of barriers, such as the blowout preventer that sits on the sea floor at the well-head, to guard against , the industry has ramped up funding to improve response technology after other major spills.

It takes millions of dollars to carry out clean up. So far, there is technology to suck up surface oil pools . But the challenge is in addressing the smaller amounts of oil left behind — that which isn’t easily removed from sand and water. It is this small percentage of oil that sits under rocks and forms a thin film on the water’s surface. When cleanup crews reduce the amount of oil at sea, there will be enough left behind to kill birds and wildlife. According to experts, while the million barrels of oil spilled into sea or the environment may an ecological disaster, the millions of gallons of dispersant used to clean it up apparently made it even worse — 52-times more toxic. That’s according to new research from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes (UAA), Mexico. The study found that mixing the dispersant with oil increased toxicity of the mixture up to 52-fold over the oil alone. Dispersants are preapproved to help clean up oil spills and are widely used during disasters.To accelerate dispersion and enhance breakdown of the oil by microorganisms, gallons of the dispersant are sprayed on the surface of the spill and applied at the underwater source of the leak. Concerns are raised about the safety of dispersants for wildlife, plants, and humans alike. Oysters, shrimp, and other delicacies could bioaccumulate oil or dispersant in their tissues, so eating contaminated shellfish presents one possible route by which humans could be exposed.

With millions of gallons crude oil being spewed into oceans , the leader of the United States Alumni Engagement Innovation Team, Dr. Morufat Balogun, warned against the use of chemical dispersant so as not to make a bad situation even worse.

To contain the spreading oil slick and keep it from polluting the fragile ecosystems , clean-up crews de-

ploy an array of chemical dispersants, oil skimmers and booms. They have also attempted to burn off some of the surface oil. Such aggressive clean-up efforts are fraught with unintended consequences.This is because the concentration of detergents and other chemicals used to clean up sites contaminated by oil spills can cause environmental nightmares of their own. She advocated the use of a local plant kenaf in the clean-up of environments ravaged by oil spills. She said the plant grown in the northern part of the country was environmentalfriendly and could help in tackling the problem of oil spills in the Niger Delta. Balogun, who lectures at the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, said kenaf could be used as an absorbent material in cleaning oil spills. To further the cause, the United States Alumni Engagement Innovation Team on the Kenaf Clean-Up Project held a Stakeholders’ workshop on ‘Clean the Spills: Going Green in the Niger Delta’.

The workshop urged the oil companies to support the use of kenaf as a locally available, safe and environmentally friendly alternative .

The workshop noted that the Niger Delta is one of the world’s largest wetlands covering over 20,000km2 and is one of the most endowed deltas in the world in both human and material resources.

The workshop lamented the fact that Nigeria has over 4,835 reported incidents of oil spills. Significantly a vast majority of these spills (about 1.89 million barrels out of 2.4 million barrels) occurred in the Niger Delta between 1976 and 1996).The largest spill, Bonga spill, covered an area of more than 923 square kilometres, and no lesser than 40,000 barrels of crude, was spilled into the Atlantic Ocean in 2011.

The workshop urged oil companies to sponsor the adoption and utilisation of Kenaf in local entrepreneurship and farm activities as part of a holistic community engagement strategy beyond oil spill remediation.

Participants were drawn from the academia, farmers, media, civil society groups, ministries, departments and agencies of governments at all levels. It offered an opportunity for the presentation of papers on the use of the kenaf plants as well as practical demonstration of the use of the plant.

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund of the Alumni Office, United States Department of State, the University of Ibadan, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) jointly sponsored the event.

Senate’s action The Senate said Nigeria has the highest number of oil spills among oil producing countries with no penalty regime attached. It noted that the level of spills in the country was a reflection of the disregard on our environment and the dignity of our people. Declaring open a public hearing on National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA),

Amendment Bill 2012 in Abuja by Senate Joint Committee on Environment and Ecology;Chairman of the committee, Senator Bukola Saraki said oil spill had become an irresponsible environmental behaviour and reckless waste of the people’s wealth and benefit, adding that it was high time multinational oil companies stopped oil spills.

Saraki said the move had become imperative against the backdrop of its devastating effect on the environment and livelihood of the people, even as he lamented that the statistics of oil spills in the country was “shameful” while the impact on the environment is “offensive.”

He said the Bill entitled: “An Act to amend the National Oil Spill De-

tection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) establishment, etc, Act 2006 and for other matters connected therewith” was designed among others to redress the legal loopholes in the existing Act. He said: “Oil spill is ravaging our environment and has become one of the greatest threats to our sustainable development. This amendment Bill is a clarion call to us all, to put a stop to this.

“The statistics of oil spills in Nigeria is shameful; the impact on the environment is offensive. It can no longer be business as usual.

Without a doubt, oil spillage is dealt with all over the world as an environmental issue and a human right issue that goes to the qual-

ity of the environment and the value of life of those impacted by spills.

“It is erroneous to continue to view oil spills as a necessary consequence of oil exploration.”

Saraki ,who stressed that the Act setting up NOSDRA was deficient to meet challenges posed by oil spills and at such a better legal framework was required, said: “This bill seeks to cure the observed deficiency in the previous law bytweaking the institutional framework for oil spill management and regulation to make it more efficient.

Our objective is to reverse the ugly trend of endless spilling and devastation of our environment and the repugnant impact on our people.”

•From left: Community Relations Manager,Eland Oil and Gas Plc, Garfa Olagunju; Les Blair;Technical General Manager, Pieter van der Groen and CEO, Evolve Integrated Services, Tunde Renner at the briefing.

Eland oil begins production from OML 40 in 2013

T

HE management of Eland Oil and Gas Plc has said oil production from oil mining lease (OML) 40, one of the assets divested

by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), would begin in first quarter of next year.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Les Blair who disclosed this in Lagos, said if things worked out as expected, the initial production in first quarter of 2013, would be 3,000 barrels of per day (bpd) and would be grown to 50,000 bpd in the next four years, which will be in 2016.

Blair expressed optimism that the asset contains more oil that earlier estimated, adding that opportunities abound in the Niger Delta area. According to him, the acreage has probable reserves of about 500 million barrels. He noted that Nigerian crude is a high quality, light oil grade referred to as ‘sweet’ which trades at a premium to Brent because of its high gasoline content and relatively low processing cost.

Blair promised that the company would help local companies to grow and train Nigerians, adding that indigenous contractors would be used in all aspects of operations, as well as employ indigenes who could be employed. He said host communities would be carried along and they would be asked of their needs before embarking on projects. The company

•Targets 50,000 bpd by 2016

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

would work mutually with stakeholders such as the government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and contractors, among others, he added.

He said: “In line with the company’s focus on Nigeria, the directors believe, given the importance of alignment with the Federal Government’s indigenisation programme, that there are significant benefits in working closely with a Nigerian partner, for example, indigenous companies in Nigeria will benefit from preferential treatment in the award of further licence areas.

Therefore, the company has established a joint venture company – Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited – in which the company holds 45 percent of the shares.

The balance of the shares in Elcrest is held by a subsidiary of the Chrome Group of companies, Starcrest Nigeria Energy Limited.

The Chrome Group was founded by Chief Emeka Offor in 1994 and is regarded by the directors as a major indigenous group. The company has agreed with Starcrest to acquire an additional four percent of the shares in Elcrest held by Starcrest. Also, the company has an option to acquire a further 10 per cent of the shares in

Elcrest from Starcrest.”

He said a substantial part of the 190 million British pounds raised from London Stock Exchange would be channelled to the development of the OML 40 asset, which has not been producing since seven years following security issues in the Niger Delta but which has been addressed through the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

He said: “The directors of the company believe that the acquisition of the asset represents a solid foundation on which to grow the Group in Nigeria. OML 40 has production history, booked developed and undeveloped reserves, infrastructure for production and oil export for 30,000 bpd comprising a flowstation and an export pipeline, and the directors believe that there is low risk appraisal upside and substantial exploration potential.

“The licence area covers 498 sq km with gross lease 2P reserves of 15.5 million barrels, gross lease 3P reserves of 117 million barrels and gross lease 2C contingent resources of 15.5 million barrels, as estimated by McDaniel.

In addition SPDC carried an exploration portfolio of 15 prospects and leads within OML 40 with total unrisked mean crude oil prospective resources of 356 million barrels which have not been audited by McDaniel.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

48

ENERGY

UNILAG, firm set to collaborate on geophysics

V

ERITY Geosolutions, an integrated geophysical solutions provider to hydrocarbon exploration and production company is collaborating with the University of Lagos, Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Sciences on research to develop technology solutions for the oil and gas industry.

The collaboration, The Nation was informed, wouldpromote the development of best practice, workflows and explorative methods for Geophysics practitioners in Nigeria.

The Group Managing Director of the company, Abayomi Adejonwo, said the partnership is intended to strengthen the use of research in developing geophysics for the oil and gas industry.

Adejonwo said the company was committed to ensuring that for seismic data acquisition and analysis, there was a more stringent monitoring and implementation of how some of the companies actually used the Nigerian content.

According to him, there should be more emphasis on technology to discourage the commercial agents who actually act as middle men between the actual international oil technology providers and Nigerian companies.

He said emphases should be laid on the ways some of the companies were embarking and transferring technologies, adding that the company would continue to lead the technological courses by providing trainings to students, industry practitioners as well as service providers.

By Ambrose Nnaji

He said the company had completed the installation of 240 Central Processing Unit (CPU) of power Edge dual core servers, several high-end workstations, high capacity two phase Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and Ciscobased telecommunication systems at its Lagos office.

He said this would provide avenue for oil and gas reserves increase and reduction in the overall cost of exploration, development and production of oil fields.

The technology, he said would also boost local development of advanced geophysical solutions to the oil and gas business in Nigeria.

“With the installation of this equipment, we are moving closer to the realization of our vision to be the leading provider of geophysical services in Nigeria and West Africa as well as meeting the increasing demand for our technologies”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department of Geosciences,Professor Ayolabi Elijah, agreed that the university was partnering with the company in terms of research to develop the technology needed for the Nigerian oil and gas industry for greater output.

He said the group’s effort would give the academic staff the opportunity to contribute its own research to the development of the oil and gas industry as well giving the company the opportunity to use the best brains from the academy.

•Representative of Minister of Petroleum Resources/Group Executive Director,Gas and Power, NNPC, Dr. David Ige (left) and Group Managing Director, ArcPetrochemical Plc, Mr Alfred Okoigun, at Arco exhibition stand during the oil and gas conference and exhibition by the Nigerian Gas Association in Abuja.

EasyPact circuit breakers here

S

CHNEIDER Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has announced the release of theEasyPact™ CVS range of Class II moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB) forlow-voltage applications from 100 to 630 Amps.

Designed to meet the requirements of the majority of common protection applications inmedium-sized commercial and industrial buildings, the new cir-

SON to enforce LPG cylinders requalification

H

ARD times await importers and marketers of substandard and old Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other stakeholders are set to enforce the implementation of requalification programmes for LPG cylinders to enhance safety for the users.

The regulatory agency dropped the hint at the Second Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA) Conference in Lagos entitled: “The Cylinder: A vital tool for LPG growth in Nigeria.”

Head, Metrology Department of the agency, Obiorah Manafa, who spoke on the enforcement and protection of the LPG sector with emphasis on cylinders, revealed that plans are afoot to constitute a technical committee comprising members from all sectors to develop a framework for the workability of the requalification scheme.

He noted that the situation in the country where cylinders are either imported or produced locally and sold to users without any programme for their maintenance and requalification by

G

HANA’S petroleum revenue accruing to the state this year has hit USD340 million following the announcement of a third quarter receipt of USD64.91 million.

The third quarter receipt, published by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP), plus USD236.76 million of petroleum revenue released for the first and second quarters of this year brings the total receipts from petroleum to about USD340million.

Of the total receipts, USD146.5 million representing 42.7 per cent was transferred to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

The Ministry of Finance is yet to report on third-quarter transfers to the Ghana Petroleum Funds (GPF), which, according to the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, should receive any excess revenues above the quarterly Annual

By Bidemi Bakare

marketers is not healthy for the industry and the country.

He said the absence of such programme had caused more substandard and old cylinders of 15 years and above to be in circulation in the country, a development responsible for the safety issues that LPG has had to contend with over the years.

Citing the cases of China and India where requalification is working, he said it would be advisable for Nigeria to adopt the China’s model where cylinders are owned by individuals unlike India were cylinders are owned by marketers.

He, however, tasked stakeholders including plant owners, marketers and retailers to cooperate for the programme to succeed in Nigeria.

He listed some of the benefits of requalification of cylinders to include enhancing safety of lives and properties in the industry, creating more confidence in the minds of the users, boosting the LPG business and providing more business for indigenous cylin-

der manufacturers as well as eliminating most of the sub-standard and old cylinders from circulation.

President, Alhaji Auwalu Ilu, said the focus of this year’s conference on cylinders was apt because Nigeria uses LPG mostly for domestic purpose.

He said until recently, most cylinders were unbranded and owned by the consumers hence bestowing upon them the responsibility of ensuring that the cylinders are fit and safe for use.

He added that because consumers lack idea on the maintenance and requalification of cylinders, they see nothing wrong in purchasing second hand cylinders.

He noted that the association is about to review the LPG standard with SON as a result of the safety challenges that were observed with the imported LPG from Niger Republic.

Speaking on opportunities, which Nigeria stands to realise by switching to LPG, Yomi Awobokun, Managing Director, Oando Marketing said a large portion of the $1.1b investment required is to be gained in exports of the gas and its cylinder.

cuit breakers deliver a level of performance and cost-saving functionality that isunusual in their price range.

Adjustable thresholds and a service breakingcapacity rated at 100 per cent of the ultimate breaking capacity enhancethe reliability and life cycle of the products while reducing servicingcosts. Its compact, modular design and fieldinstallable accessoriesshared with other offer ranges help to simplify ordering, stocking and installation. Around the globe, construction and upgrade budgets have become muchtighter.

The new EasyPact CVS breakers will help panel builders adapt to customers’ budgets while delivering required capabilities and the brand quality of a global leader in energy managementand protection,’ said, Country president for Schneider Electric Nigeria, Marcel Hochet. ‘The range leverages our expertise in precision designand manufacturing, delivering exceptional value to our customers’.

Schneider Electric has designed the EasyPact CVS range to be simple and safe during installation, operation, and maintenance.

The robust circuitbreakers are suitable for isolation, guaranteed to the IEC 60947-2 standard, and provide a highly visible and lockable contact position indicator to ensure operator confidence. Extended current limiting and thermal protection can greatly reduce the stresses on

equipment due to short circuits and their associated effects.

Earth leakage protection can be added by installing a Vigi™ CVS option module. In the event of a circuit fault, simple visual indicators help maintenance personnel quickly locate the tripped breaker and take steps to correct the problem.

To ensure a low total cost of ownership, the EasyPact CVS range features a modular design that adapts to changing needs.

Basic accessories and a logical part numbering scheme are shared with the rest of Schneider Electric MCCB family, helping optimize stocking while reducing effort and the potential for ordering errors. Products in the EasyPact CVS range also feature a compact footprint similar to other Schneider Electric MCCB ranges, which can help reduce switchboard dimensions and installation times.

Manufactured from premium materials in ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 certified production plants, the EasyPact CVS range of circuit breakers are fully tested and certified by national, international, and third-party organisations to all relevant safety standards. Reflecting the company’s comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility, the products comply with all environmental standards for manufacturing, including RoHS and REACH, and are engineered for easy disassembly and recycling.

The EasyPact CVS range of circuit breakers is available now from Schneider Electric.

Ghanaian oil revenue hits $340 million Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) - the share of revenues spent directly on the annual budget.

The ABFA should be at most 70% of the oil revenues excluding transfers to GNPC, also known as the benchmark revenue.

In quarters where transfers are made to the GPF, it means the bench mark revenue fell short of the quarterly ABFA. In the first half of the year, GHC 24 million and GHC 7.2 million were transferred into the Stabilization Fund and Heritage Fund respectively.

Bank of Ghana data show that the Ghana Petroleum Funds as at January 2012 had an opening book value of USD 54.8 million and USD 14.4 million, while the closing book value as at June 30, 2012 stood at USD 54.9 million and USD

14.44 million for the Stabilization Fund and Heritage Funds respectively.

The Stabilisation Fund was established to cushion the impact on the annual budget and sustain public-expenditure capacity during periods of unanticipated petroleum revenue shortfalls, while the Heritage Fund is meant to ensure Ghana’s oil wealth benefits posterity.

Meanwhile, the Energy Commission has explained the 400 million dollar Photovoltaic (PV) solar power would be critical in the country’s bid to achieve optimum levels in energy generation.

The plant is expected to produce an additional 155Mega Watts representing 6 percent of the country’s current power generation capacity of 2000 Mega Watts.

It is to be located in the Western Region and will be the largest solar power plant in Africa when completed by October 2015.

An indigenous firm, Mere Power Nzema Limited is building this plant in collaboration with foreign renewable energy developers like Blue Energy. The Head of Renewable Energy at the Energy Commission, Kwabena Otu Danquah gave more details in an interview with Joy Business.

“At the moment they have been granted a provisional licence which has a life span of 1 year - meaning after one year, if they are unable to mobilize funding and start construction, it would expire. Government has a policy target of 10 percent from renewable energy regarding the country’s energy mix by the year 2020. So bringing in a155 Mega

Watts solar plant means that we would heading towards achieving this target” he said.

Construction works are scheduled to begin by the end of next year and the plant is projected to provide electricity to more than a 100 thousand homes. According to Mr Otu Danquah, the need for the country to develop its renewable energy sources cannot be overemphasized.

“We have several renewable energy resources in the country. We have wind, biomass, hydro and solar as well and so we are going to encourage the development of all these resources. As a nation we have to diversify and one of advantage of renewable energy is that it is environmentally-friendly the resource is indigenous and so the need to develop it for energy security,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

NEWS

•Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (second right); Special Duties Commissioner Dr. Wale Ahmed (right); Deputy Director, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Hakeem Liad, an engineer (left) and Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Tijani at PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES an Emergency Preparedness for Southwest State Summit in Lagos.

•Legal Adviser, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Bukola Agbaminosa (left); Director, Aimee Nollywood Workshop, Miss Aimee Carrigan; Assistant Chief Admin Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Ogabi Abioma and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Ashamu Senanu at the Lagos State Project on Nollywood training.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

•Representative of Abia Governor, Mr. Vigilus Nwankwo (left), Reps Oluchi Ibeji (second right), Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia South/Umuahia North Federal Constituency, at the inauguration of electricity project attached to Umuwaya-Mbara Amuzukwu, Umuahia North Area of Abia State...at the weekend

• Former Chief of General Staff, Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya (middle), Senator Anthony Adefuye (left) and Ogun State Deputy Speaker Ayo Banjo at the 2012 Odolewu Day celebration, Odolewu

• The bride’s mother, Lady Kehinde (left), the bride, Yetunde and her husband Toba Omotoso and bride’s father, Ekiti State Head of Service, Sir Bunmi Famosaya at the wedding at the Mary Queen of Angel Catholic Church, Akure...last weekend •Acting Commander, Infantary Corps, Maj-Gen Kenneth Osuji (left) presents a plague to Central Africa Republic Graduant, Lt Col Dany Yatangba, at a graduation ceremony of commanding officers course, in Jaji Kaduna State...at the weekend. With them is Chief Instructor, Col Bulma Biu.

•Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left), his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Mr. Kayode Opeifa (Transport) at a Joint Press Conference on Lagos Road Traffic Law.

•Chairman, Ikeja 2012 Law Dinner, Nigerian Bar Association Committee, Gogo Karibi-Whyte (left); Director of Sponsorship and Logistics, Obele Akinniranye and Head of Publicity Anthony Atata at a news conference in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

AVIATION

Our predicament over GAT, by Bi-Courtney In the past few weeks, opinions have been sharply divided over the ownership status of the General AviationTerminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos between Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and the Federal Government.The firm’s spokesperson, Steve Omolale-Ajulo, examines the contending issues.

T

HE newly inaugurated General Aviation Terminal (GAT) remodelled and redeveloped by the Ministry of Aviation, has been a subject of controversy between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), concessionaire of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

By consistently claiming that the GAT belongs to it, the Ministry of Aviation has clearly breached parts of the simple agreement willingly inked by its officials with BASL. Many Nigerians know that when you signed an agreement, it behoves you to obey that agreement. However, in the case of the ministry and FAAN, they signed an agreement, they reneged on certain aspects of it, we went to court and judgments were entered in our favour. Unfortunately, all the court judgments have been disobeyed.

Two major issues are in contention over the agreement they signed with BASL on the GAT and MMA2. One is the ownership of GAT and the second is the tenure of our concession, which is 36 years. Without mincing words, GAT belongs to Bi-Courtney by virtue of the agreement the ministry and FAAN signed with us.

The Coordinating Committee, set up to resolve all the disputes arising from the agreement, had long ago resolved the dispute over GAT in favour of Bi-Courtney after series of meetings attended by all the representatives of FAAN and Bi-Courtney thus: “The Committee unanimously resolves the issue in favour of the Concessionaire (BASL) and directs the Grantor (FAAN) to immediately deliver possession of the General Aviation Terminal at its Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to the Concessionaire for the purpose of extending operations at MMA2.”

The resolution of the Coordinating Committee of the GAT dispute is in tandem with what Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court resolved in our favour as far back as March 3, 2009, in a matter brought before her by BASL, in which she said: “It is my considered view that if any right has been granted either in principle or otherwise, such is in breach of provisions of Article 2.2 (c) and 3.2 (c) of the Agreement.

This judgment was reaffirmed by

Justice G. K. Olotu, also of the Federal High Court, on July 3, 2012, and the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on June 13, 2012, in which the panel of justices, led by Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada dismissed FAAN’s appeal of the judgment of the Federal High Court for lack of merit.

“Consequent upon the foregoing, it is my view that the Applicant has not been able to establish any superior legally recognisable interest that would enable this Court exercise its discretion in the Applicant’s favour.”

The court also faulted FAAN’s reasons for failure to appeal or seek leave to appeal within the time stated in paragraph 3(i) of the affidavit in support of the Application that it was not aware of the existence of the Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/50/2009 before the lower court and as a result, it could not participate at the hearing.

The appellate court added: “It looks absurd that after the authorisation to appeal, the Applicant did not file this application until 29/6/2010. The affidavit in support of the application did not explain the reason for the delay till 29/6/2010 in bringing this application, despite the fact that authorisation was given to the Applicant to proceed and appeal since 23rd March, 2010.”

On the duration of our concession, which was Issue Number 4 resolved by the Coordinating Committee, we make bold to say that the agency and the ministry’s insistence on 12 years is absurd, as the concession tenure has long been settled at 36 years.

On October 12, 2006, FAAN through a letter to BASL, dated October 12, 2006 and signed by Dr. Jaiye Oyedotun, Director of Commercial and Business Development on behalf of the Managing Director of the authority, entitled: “Re: Tenure of new MMA Domestic Terminal By Messrs Bi-Courtney On BOT Business Arrangement” wrote: “On the basis of the KPMG report, which recommends thirty-six years as the tenure for the concession, FAAN is offering BCC Limited a concession period of thirty-six (36) years on the New MMA Domestic Terminal, being developed

by Messrs BCC Limited on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) business arrangement.”

Based on FAAN’s letter, BiCourtney accepted the offer via a letter dated October 13, 2006, and signed

by Dr. Adeniyi Odunlami. In the let-

‘The Ministry of Aviation and FAAN have also always argued that “most of the cases and attempts at arbitration were conducted without the full incorporation and participation of FAAN…’ ter, Bi-Courtney wrote: “We acknowledged receipt of your letter dated October 12, 2006, offering us a concession period of 36 years on the new Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal that is being developed by us under a BOT arrangement. We write to formally accept your offer of a concession tenure of 36 years on the new Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal.”

•Chairman, Bi-Courtney, Dr Wale Babalakin And in resolving the dispute engineered by FAAN over the 36-year tenure and based on the facts before it, the Coordinating Committee said: “Decision: Accordingly, the Committee hereby unanimously resolves this issue in favour of the Concessionaire.

The Committee affirms that the length of the concession period granted to the Concessionaire by the Grantor is 36 (Thirty Six) years from the anniversary of the Start Date as defined in the Concession Agreement.”

The Ministry of Aviation and FAAN

have also always argued that “most of the cases and attempts at arbitration were conducted without the full incorporation and participation of FAAN…” But, they know that this is not true, as they were fully represented by senior lawyers, who are still alive today, at every attempt at arbitration and in all court cases.

They also say we parade fake documents to argue our case. Nigerians should tell them to bring out their own genuine documents signed by their representatives at all the meetings and court cases in which both parties were present.

Then, another common language they speak regularly is that the GAT was developed in “public interest”.

The question is which public interest in a matter already decided by the courts?

Those in the know can attest to the fact that Bi-Courtney was not the preferred bidder for rebuilding the then burnt local airport, but the reserved bidder. It was a year after the bid was won by Sanders Ventures Limited without anything concrete on ground that BiCourtney was invited to take over the project.

And today, Bi-Courtney has succeeded in making MMA2 the first and most successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in Nigeria and we are aware that many Nigerians are proud of this unique achievement.

‘Cargo will transform economy’

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HE Federal Government said it plans to make Nigeria a leading exporter of agricultural produce, through the nation’s airports, in line with the transformation agenda for the aviation industry.

Director of the Cargo Development, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Rowland Ofulue, stated this after a meeting with the representatives of international cargo airlines and members of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives.

The airlines include Qatar Airline, Saudi Arabian Airline, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Cargolux Airline, Landover, Air France, KLM and Alitalia. Others were Base Aviation, Delta Airline, DHL and Fedex.

He added that the creation of a new directorate of cargo development in FAAN was among several strategies adopted by the Federal Government to steer the nation from being an oil and gas dependent economy to a multi-pronged economy that will create more jobs for Nigerians.

He said the new directorate was poised to create an enabling environment that would boost cargo development at major Nigerian air-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

ports, where more emphasis had been laid on passenger movements and other related businesses.

Ofulue informed the group that the Federal Government had concluded plans to build new cargo terminals in 12 airports in the country and invited them to take advantage of this huge investment to contribute to the growth of the country’s economy, through increased air cargo operation.

He also said an agro allied economy would evolve from the development of the cargo terminals being planned nationwide, adding that a lot of perishable food items that are produced in this country could be exported through our airports as it is done in neighbouring countries that rely on such export for the sustenance of their economies.

Ofulue later called for the support of the association in checking unwholesome practices in cargo business which are against international standards and practices.

Members of the association promised to work with FAAN to achieve the transformation of the nation’s economy through enhanced cargo operations.

•From left: Managing Director, NAHCO, Mr Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo; Director, Mr. Usman Bello;Assistant Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Ana Martinez-Atienza; Head, Corporate Communication, Mr Adesanya Onayoade and Director, Mr Ikechukwu Nwachukwu, at the just-concuded 14th Aviation Ground Handling Conference in Milan, Italy.

Oduah lists priorities of 2013 budget

M

INISTER of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has said the ministry will next year focus on improving and consolidating on going efforts at infrastructure upgrade as well as the certification of airports in the country in accordance with the standards of international civil aviation organisation (ICAO).

Oduah, who spoke during her presentation of the 2013 budget to the senate committee on aviation, said it is unacceptable that some airports in the country are certified.

To achieve certification for the nation's airports, the Minister said their effort at reconstruction and remodelling of the airports would be consolidated and improved upon in the 2013 fiscal year, especially with regard to the provision of safety critical infrastructure.

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Areas that would receive priority attention include Landing instruments, security and communication infrastructure, water hydrants, fire fighting vehicles, airfield lighting and interrupted, 24-hour electricity supply.

Others include equipment for the control and prevention of bird strikes, conveyor belts, functional air-conditioning systems for the remodelled terminals, Avio bridges, sufficient apron buses to halt the risky practice whereby passengers walk through the tarmacs to board aircraft, Welfare buses for aviation workers to alleviate their hardship in terms of transportation to and from work, amongst others.

She stated that the infrastructure upgrade is beside the construction of five new international airport terminals and several perishable and cargo terminals in the nation's airport.

“The aim of all these projects is to modernise our airports, gradually phase out all obsolete equipment and infrastructure and bring our airports to international standards and best practices. This is the only way we can get our airports to be certified'', Oduah declared.

Also Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said it is “very sad that most of our airports are not certified in accordance with ICAO standards. We must, therefore, do everything possible to get them certified.”

He said other areas which deserve serious attention; and upon which the government must find a way to fund in the 2013 budget is capacity building and training of professionals/experts by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), airfield lighting as well the maintenance of the runways.

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

MARITIME SON to test imported electronic goods

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•President, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Chief Michael Olawale-Cole (right) giving the institute’s Fellowship Award to General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Michael Ajayi in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Importers, agents hail banks over e-form T HE introduction of electronic foreign exchange form (eform M) by commercial banks, has earned the praise of importers and clearing agents.

The e-form, they said, would boost cargo import and facilitate trade at ports.

The Managing Director, Oguns Shipping Company,Mr Segun Ogunsanu, said the e-form was initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to start single window operations at the port.

Ogunsanu said the pilot phase for the automation of forex forms on the trade monitoring system, otherwise known as the single window for trade started in seven banks. The banks are Unity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Diamond Bank, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

Ogunsanu said: “Any person intending to import physical goods shall process e-form M through any of the commercial banks irrespective of the value and whether or not payment was involved.

The e-form has six months validity except for plants and machinery, which last one year. Requests for revalidation are to be directed to CBN’s director of Trade and Ex-

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Corr espondent

change.

“Supporting documents would be marked “Valid For Forex or Not Valid for Forex”depending on whether or not foreign exchange remittance would be involved. And applications for goods subject to destination inspection must carry the “BA” code, while those exempted shall include “CB” in the prefix of the numbering system of the form M,” he said.

Another importer and Executive Director, Bolas Motors, Mr Kayode Agbabiaka, said the requirements for filling the e-form M include the registration of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); validation of TIN by customers with TIN at FIRS offices and logging on to FIRS portal to register.

Agbabiaka said importer or his clearing agent is also required to forward his original pro-forma invoice, insurance and other document to bank for approval after which the bank sends e-mail notification to the importer or his agent once the Form M is approved by

the bank and also when the Form M is accepted or rejected by the scanning firm.

Also, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said the introduction of e-form would facilitate trade and boost cargo clearance, adding that it would reduce human contact and hasten cargo clearance at ports.

To ease cargo clearance, he said, the e-form M should carry a description of the goods to facilitate price verification like: product type and category; mark or brand name of the product; model name or reference number; description of the quality, grade, specification, capacity, size, performance; quantity and packaging.

The e-form, Shittu added, should be valid for importation only after acceptance by the relevant scanning/risk management provider.

Therefore, banks have to confirm acceptance of the e-form M before continuing with other import processes.

Documents for each import transaction, he said, must carry the name of the product, country of origin, specifications, date of manufacture, batch or lot number and standards to which the goods have been produced like British Standards among others.

NIMASA to present bill on sea piracy

T

O check sea piracy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will soon send a draft bill on sea criminalities to the National Assembly.

NIMASA’s Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi said the authority needs a strong legal framework for prosecuting suspected pirates.

“The menace of piracy and armed robbery in our waters is a source of concern, but we are gradually containing the scourge, and our waters have become relatively safer, and we need to do more to ensure safe navigation at all times.

He said NIMASA was collaborating with the Nigerian Navy and that the public-private partnership of the agency with Global West Vessel Specialists Limited, for the supply of vessels would ensure NIMASA’s presence in the waters and deter sea criminals.

He said ships and offshore platforms pollution had been a major problem.

“To give effect to a number of marine environment, legislators domesticated by the National Assembly, 11 regulations were gazetted and form part of our body of laws,”

the NIMASA boss said.

He said the agency was determined to ensure the enforcement of these laws, adding that soon disputes on these statutes would come before the courts.

“To ensure compliance with the various statutes, which regulate our operations, NIMASA is also taking a stricter position on the enforcement of the Cabotage Law and violations of the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act.

“ The agency is exploring ways of ensuring the speedy prosecution of breaches, given the impediment which requires us to obtain a fiat from the Attorney-General’s office to prosecute such cases. This issue is made more delicate by the time sensitive nature of shipping and the need, therefore, to strike a balance between commercial imperatives and our responsibility as a regulatory agency,” Akpobolokemi said.

Nigeria spends N11b on tomatoes import

N

IGERIA is spending over N11 billion yearly on the importation of tomatoes, the Director-General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Peter Onwualu, has said.

He disclosed this at the opening of a workshop on tomato juice processing and marketing in Gusau, Zamfara State.

He said the country’s overdependence on the importation of tomatoes costs the huge sum and that the trend would continue until adequate domestic food processing and stor-

age facilities are put in place.

The RMRDC boss said tomato could be processed into sauce, ketchup, paste, jam, among others, likewise onion and pepper, which could also be canned or dried.

He said using locally developed technologies at lower cost would enhance the production and valueaddition to the primary and secondary raw materials to meet the needs of the nation’s industries.

The RMRDC, according to him, has adopted a strategy to encourage value-addition to local resources, such as fruits and vegetables.

HE Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has gone tough on imported eletronics into the country.

Its Director-General, Mr Joseph Odumodu, said during a visit to Fouani Nigeria Limited in Lagos that his agency was ready to start the scientific validation and testing of imported electronic products.

He expressed the displeasure of SON on the poor quality of some electronic products.

He said the testing was to ensure that the products met minimum standards for safety and performance.

Odumodu said there was the need to establish a stronger collaboration between SON and electronic manufacturers.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure consumers’ safety and value for money.

“Today, I have learnt that every LG television set and some of the refrigerators and air conditioners are assembled here in Apapa, Lagos.

“This also helps us in achieving our objectives because we know

the kind of questions and features to look out for in these products.

“I have seen your assembly plants and I am also looking forward, in the next two years, to see Nigeria manufacturing compressors, condensers and others components because this is the real manufacturing that we need”, he said.

Earlier, Managing Director of the company, Mr Mohammed Fouani, said the factory had equipped many Nigerians with technical skills.

“Occasionally, engineers from China come and train our employees, who are mostly Nigerian. I think what is important here is how to make local components in Nigeria so that we can do everything from A to Z in this country. This is the only way the manufacturing sector can grow,” Fouani said.

He advised the Federal Government to support the manufacturing sector, adding that the company would open a new factory, which would be the biggest in Africa in 2014.

Dikko gets award THE Comptroller-General(CG), Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, has received the Maritime Champion of Excellence Award by the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).

National President of the association, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said the award was conferred on Dikko as a result of his contribution to the maritime industry since he assumed office as CG, adding that it was the first given by the association since its inception in 1954.

Chairman, ANLCA’s Board of Trustees, Chief Henry Njoku, presented the award to the Customs chief at a gala night organised to round off the CG’s conference in Katsina.

The group also appointed the Customs boss a life member of the ANLCA.

NPA distributes relief materials THE management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has distributed relief materials to the victims of flood disaster in the country.

NPA said the exercise was in response to the call made by the President Goodluck Jonathan to corporate bodies, individuals and government agencies to rise assist flood victims.

To kick-start the distribution, the NPA team led by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Kayode Ajayi, visited three states, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti to give them the relief materials, such as blankets, mattresses, bags of rice and mosquito nets.

The Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Environment, Mrs. Abimbola Lanre Balogun received the materials for her state. She commended the gesture of the NPA, and promised that they would get to the end users.

In Ondo State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor, Rotimi Ekundayo, who received the relief items, extended the appreciation of the state to NPA. The Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Mrs. Kehinde Daramola, took delivery of the relief materials meant for her state. She praised NPA for its exemplary gesture.

The Management of NPA said the relief materials would get to the states affected by flood.

Customs revokes 15 licences THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revoked 15 Customs’agency licences between January and August 2012.

The affected agencies include Samkay Nigeria Limited, Wonsebolatan Nigeria Limited, Jaif International Limited, Auric Group International Agency Nigeria Limited, Patweb Investment Limited, Morning Dew Maritime Limited, Kay-Tosh Agencies Limited, and Ajade Matanle Nigeria Limited.

Others are: Daisfat Trading & Marine Services Nigeria Limited, Lass Laye Standard Company Nigeria Limited, Rem Arco Integrated Services Limited, Ricco Logistics & Procurement Limited, Silklaw Global Resources Limited, Estern (Overseas) Agencies Limited, and Key Holders International Limited.

“All Customs’ agency licences and permits expire on December 31 of every year and renewable yearly except otherwise suspended or revoked, as the case may be,” said a source close to NCS.

Terminal employs 2000 NO fewer than 2,000 Nigerians work with a leading indigenous port operator and concessionaire of Terminals C and D of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, ENL Consortium Limited.

Its General Manager, Mr Mark Walsh, told The Nation in Lagos.

Walsh said the company takes pride in the fact that employees, except two, are Nigerians. “It has been our commitment to improve on terminal operation and provide employment. We have successfully done both in the last six years since we commenced operation at Apapa Port,” he said.

He said apart from those employed by the terminal management, thousands of other Nigerians, who include vendors, agents and truckers, also earn their living from the services they provide at the terminal.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

53

LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, THE LINGERING STRIKE AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT: A LITANY OF LIES, DISTORTIONS AND MISINFORMATION

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he on-going strike by Local Council employees in Plateau state has generated a lot of debates, opinions and counter opinions by several commentators, opinion makers and citizens alike.

What had started like a usual dispute between Government and its employees at the Local council level has degenerated to an issue of political grandstanding and unionist competitiveness. The lingering crisis has resulted into the labelling of the Government of the day with several derogatory names including denigrating and disparaging nomenclatures for the person and office of the Governor. While we concede that no responsible Government like the one we have in Plateau State today will allow its ward to stay out of school for as long as the strike action has lasted, we must also realise that Government and governance does not operate in a vacuum, it is the people who are both drivers and beneficiaries of Government activities.

To capitalise on the insensitivity and the egotistical muscle flexing posture of a section of the workforce of Government to rent all forms of abuses as well as generate bad blood between the Government and the people it is meant to serve smacks of nothing more than the desperation of a drowning class which is hell bent on taking with it to the abyss as many people as they can take, irrespective of the vulnerability of the victims.

Truth be told, the resort to verbal and media aggression on the issue has not done any good to the resolution of the impasse. The use of media for propaganda with a view to painting the state Government in bad light has given rise to a litany of lies, distortions and misinformation. The social media too has played a major role in providing a platform for the propagation of the many lies that pervade the media space. For the purposes of clarity and to put the matter in proper perspective, we have taken the pains to call on patriotic plateau people to cast their mind back to events of the not too distant past where the same people who today have taken it upon themselves to bring the Government to its knees, saw the same Government as the messiah sent to liberate them from the shackles of the Dariyean era of 13 months of non-payment of salaries and over 5 years of stagnation on one rank without promotion.

The current confrontation between Plateau State Chapter NULGE and the State Government arose from the passage into law of the Minimum wage Act which requires the Federal Government and States to pay its workers a minimum of N18,000 as take home pay. While the FG commenced payment after the passage of the bill, States were at liberty to negotiate with workers on the feasibility or otherwise of the implementation of the Act as well as the timing for take-off.

We would all recall that protest and strikes greeted the responses of State Governments as soon as the FG commenced payment of the minimum wage. In the case of Plateau State, Local Government employees whose salaries are the responsibility of the Local Councils joined in the strike by State level workers.

The dilemma at that stage was who to negotiate with NULGE since the payment of salaries at that level was done by the Councils. However, as soon as the State Government commenced the implementation of the minimum wage Act, the Governor in his wisdom initiated interactions between NULGE and ALGON who should be the major actors in that regard.

NULGE in its agenda decided to go on strike crippling activities at the local council level. All efforts including that first initiated by the Governor and the intervention of the State House Assembly failed to yield any fruits, hence the Governor constituted a high powered stakeholders committee headed by a former Military Governor of the State , Bitrus Atukum.

In spite of the many efforts of the Governor from the on-set to nip any strike in the bud, the stance of NULGE, perhaps akin to many reasons including political machinations has remained adamant. The agreement reached between the Local Government Employees and the Government on the payment of 51% until such a time when there is an increase in the revenue base of the state and Local Government still subsists and NULGE has reneged on this agreement not minding that the economy of the societies which they represent is suffering. More worrisome is the fact that pupils at the local councils have been out of school for over seven months and the same teachers whose children are affected care less about them.

doing whatever it can to discredit the Government of the day and in the process score some cheap political gains. It should be recalled that the present administration has had a lot of positive impact on the Local Governments and this was the basis for LGAs being the centre of the Governor’s support during the 2011 elections.

To therefore think that the same Government which has the interest of the people at heart will abandon them at this critical stage is unfair and not representative of the Governments principles and ideals.

The Government has made it very clear that contrary to the unsubstantiated claims

by NULGE that there has been an increase in the revenue base of the State, the last thing any responsible Government will do is to borrow for the sake of paying salaries only. Giving in to the unrealistic demands of the Local Government employees will require the state running into huge indebtedness just to pay salaries at the local council. It is for these reasons that we make bold to say that the Government is not unmindful of the untold hardship this labour action has inflicted on the people. However, as a responsible Government concerned with the yearnings and aspirations of the people it serves, has and is still doing whatever is within its power to resolve the lingering crisis.

Another issue in contention is that of payment for the seven months which the employees did not work for. The ‘no-work-no-pay’ principle has been invoked in some other cases of strike actions in the state and as of today these unions have returned to work and negotiations on better service conditions are on-going. To insist that salaries for the seven months which NULGE has not worked for must be paid before they return to work is morally unjustifiable as others who embarked on strikes in the past were never paid salaries for months they didn’t work.

The price for a stable and viable economy at the Local councils must be paid by both the striking workers and the Government. The state government on its part is doing whatever it can to mitigate the sufferings brought about by this strike especially by offering to pay workers from the Month of October which they didn’t work for so they can return to work. The Striking Union must also toe the path of development by recognising that whatever their localities lose from this strike will not be made available on a platter of gold and must as a matter of urgency sheath their swords and join hands with Government to move the state forward.

The time to be involved in an unnecessary war of superiority is over and the time to put the state above primordial selfish agenda is now. We call on all patriotic plateau people, who like us, are embarrassed by the nonchalance of the striking workers to the negative impact their action is having on the future of innocent pupils whose mates in other states are moving ahead to join in the unending calls by all for strike to be called off.

We agree that the deed has been done, too many lies have been told, distortion of facts and misinformation for self-serving reasons have been passed on but we believe that in order for us to move forward, we must lay aside every egotistical and personal agenda and embrace the developmental plans of the Government which is holistic in nature and for the benefit of all plateau people including the striking local government workers.

Arm twisting the Government to meet unreasonable demands for the purpose of pushing through the selfish demands of a few as against the collective sensitivity of a greater majority has never worked. We believe the Jonah Jang led administration would not succumb to blackmail and unnecessary arm-twisting tactics of the striking Union. Whatever the long and embarrassing strike action has not achieved for NULGE before now will not be achieved even in the near future thus the need to adopt a new strategy of returning to work while negotiations continue.

Confrontations have not yielded any results, it therefore behoves on NULGE to try negotiations which have proven to be the most potent tool for the resolution of labour and other disputes at all times.

The future of millions of plateau indigenes lie in the hand of the striking workers and posterity will not judge positively in their favour if they do not look beyond the current hard stance to the voices of the suffering children who have been out of school for such an unimaginable duration.

God bless Plateau State.

The political undertones behind the strike cannot be ruled out. We are all aware that as the Local Government elections are approaching, the opposition is also

54

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-12-12

Shareholders approve FCMB holdco •Restructures share capital

S

HAREHOLDERS of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc yesterday approved the transition of the bank into a holding company structure (holdco), paving the way for the delisting of FCMB and the listing of FCMB Group Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

With the unanimous approval at the court-ordered extraordinary general meeting yesterday in Lagos, FCMB became the third bank to complete its transition into a holding company.

The Scope of Banking Activities and Ancillary Matters No 3, 2010 requires banks to fully concentrate on core banking functions. The new model requires banks to either sell all non-core banking businesses or form a holding company to hold such non-core banking businesses including activities such as insurance, asset management and capital market operations.

Five banks including First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc have opted to keep their subsidiaries while other banks including Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, Skye Bank Plc,

By Taofik Salako, Collins Nweze & Tonia Osundolire

Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank and Wema Bank among others are pursuing divestments from non-banking subsidiaries.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and FBN Holdings Plc had been listed in place of Stanbic IBTC Bank and First Bank of Nigeria respectively.

Shareholders of FCMB unanimously resolved that outstanding ordinary shares of the bank as at the terminal date would be exchanged for shares in the holdco at the rate of one bank share for one holdco share, implying that there will not be any change in the actual and percentage shareholdings.

Also, as part of the scheme of arrangement, shareholders approved the reconstruction of the bank’s authorized and issued share capital by reducing these by N8 billion.

Chairman, FCMB, Dr. Jonathan Long, said the terms of the scheme were fair and reasonable noting that the bank has adopted the best and most efficient option towards complying with the CBN’s new regulatory regime.

He explained that the FCMB Group Plc would be a non-operating holding company, which would hold the shares in the commercial banking business as well as permissible non-banking

subsidiaries and investments.

Managing director, FCMB, Mr. Ladi Balogun, added that the bank’s shareholding in permissible non-banking subsidiaries and investments would be transferred to the holdco at their respective book values as at December 31, 2011.

He said the bank’s interest in permissible subsidiaries and investments will remain unchanged, and they shall continue to be direct subsidiaries of the bank.

He added that under the holdco structure, the shareholders would also have the opportunity to comment on how the bank is run, noting that the management would brief the shareholders quarterly on developments in the banks.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened this week on a positive not with market capitalisation rising by 0.56 per cent.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities improved from N8.522 trillion to N8.570 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI)- the main value-based index, also increased from 26,671.72 points to 26,822.09 points.

Guinness Nigeria topped the gainers’ list with a gain of N8.90 to close at N250.

Nigerian Breweries rose by N1.45 to close at N145 while Cadbury Nigeria added N1.30 to close at N29.80.

On the other hand, DN Meyer led the losers with a drop of 28 kobo to close at N2.52. Morison lost 20 kobo to close at N3.84 while Dangote Flour Mills dropped by 15 kobo to close at N7.85.

Total turnover stood at 448.82 million shares worth N2.20 billion in 4,042 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-12-12

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

World Bank, IMF to assess financial stability with deposit insurance G LOBAL lenders, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) will determine the state of a country’s financial stability based on the state of its deposit insurance, Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim has said.

Speaking at the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) conference held in Lagos, he said a lot of these countries are trying to understand the concept and the purpose of the deposit insurance, and such countries need to be properly educated.

“The IMF and the World Bank based on a representation made to them by the International Association of Deposit Insurance have now acknowledged the

Stories by Collins Nweze

importance of deposit insurance and in fact they will be using the existence of deposit insurance or otherwise in any country to as a mark of financial stability,” he said.

According to the NDIC boss, several African countries are not aware of the benefits of the deposit insurance, and therefore lack explicit and structured independent system. He said that where there are banking crises, the central bank of those countries would normally act in one way or the other to solve the problem.

For instance, prior to the establishment of the NDIC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) normally step in to resolve banking crises by either liquidating the bank or bailing it out.

“So I believe most of the countries in Africa which do not yet have deposit insurance have what they call inbuilt mechanism of using the central bank to handle issues that ordinarily deposit insurance will handle. However, most countries are becoming aware of the need to enhance confidence of depositors and do everything possible to ensure the safety and stability of the financial industry,” he said.

Ibrahim said that to date, the corporation had, in addition to payout, deployed purchase and assumption and bridge bank option in resolving failures of banks in the country.

Chief Executive Officer,

Deposit Protection Corporation, Zimbabwe, John Chikura said the workshop will enable countries that have already set up deposit insurance know and understand what the best practises are.

Also, those that want to expand their mandate will also be getting experiences , they will also be getting skill from other countries as to how they expand their mandate and then we have the third category of

S

The shareholders of the company took the decision at the Extra Ordinary Meeting (EGM) which took place in Abuja. The EGM was the lender’s first step towards actualising its recapitalisation target even as the management of the organisation is already in

F

IRSTRAND Limited is targeting retail and commercial banks in Nigeria for acquisition to support its investment bank

at N897 million has now grown to N3 billion. This shows that we are committed to the growth of the banking sector and hope to meet up with the CBN’s deadline by way of Right Issue and Private Placement of the new shares,” he said.

talks with new investors to enable it raises the funds.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr Segun Adebanjo said the new management is committed to growing the institution’s shareholder base. “The balance sheet figure of March 2009 which was

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 11-12-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

SKYBANK NCR PORTPAINT CADBURY UPL ETERNA DIAMONDBNK UBA CUSTODYINS RTBRISCOE

3.99 14.37 4.18 28.50 4.40 1.58 4.56 4.56 1.24 1.31

C/PRICE

4.20 15.08 4.38 29.80 4.60 1.65 4.76 4.75 1.29 1.36

CHANGE

5.26 4.94 4.78 4.56 4.55 4.43 4.39 4.17 4.03 3.82

O/PRICE 2.80 0.66 4.04 0.95 0.58 0.88 8.00 10.99 1.57 2.35

C/PRICE 2.52 0.60 3.84 0.91 0.56 0.85 7.85 10.85 1.55 2.34

CHANGE -10.00 -9.09 -4.95 -4.21 -3.45 -3.41 -1.88 -1.27 -1.27 -0.43

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 11-12-12

SYMBOL DNMEYER AIICO MORISON TRANSCORP UTC NEIMETH DANGFLOUR ETI STERLNBANK BAGCO

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

sition in Africa.

The investment-banking unit has 12 people in its Nigerian office and plans to expand its workforce in the country to about 20, Pullinger said. To continue lending to companies, it needs to have access to deposits, he said.

“We are exploring various options in Nigeria, including the assets which form part of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria,” said Sam Moss, a director of FirstRand, commenting on an agency set up to buy bad debt from the nation’s banks.

In Ghana, the central bank still needs to give its approval for the Merchant Bank deal, she said.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

and win access to consumer deposits for corporate funding, Alan Pullinger, the unit’s chief executive officer has said.

“In Nigeria, you want a funding bank. The investment bank, which won final approval for Nigerian license last month, “has legs for a while and we can carry it through the short term, but long term, we want to get into retail and commercial banking,” Pullinger, who heads FirstRand’s Rand Merchant Bank, told Bloomberg.

FirstRand said on August 22 that it agreed to buy a 75 per cent stake in Merchant Bank Ghana Limited for $86 million to strengthen its po-

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

Now Africa is lagging behind those that have set up have realised that there is need to strengthen them and make them more effective and we still help to set up and therefore our setting up this workshop is to encourage those countries that have not come on board to set up deposit insurance in their own countries,” he said. He said the IADI, World Bank and IMF have designed principles that would help prospective member countries set up deposit insurance to enable them build sustainable financial system.

FirstRand targets Nigeria’s retail bank

Coop Savings’ investors endorse N4.6b shares to boost capital base HAREHOLDERS of Coop Savings and Loans Limited have approved additional N4.6 billion share capital to enable the firm meet up with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N5 billion target for Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMI’s) capital base.

those who are yet to set up deposit insurance in their country.

He said there are few countries in Africa that have already set up deposit insurance. According to him, only nine out of 54 countries in Africa have keyed into deposit insurance, adding that the IADI conference was meant to draw those countries that are yet to join the group to do so.

“The point is that deposit insurance is actually seen and recognised much more so after the financial crisis of the Europe and the us.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 130.90 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 124.61 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.11 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.96 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,746.93 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 11.31 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 9,023,44 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 130.60 123.81 0.77 1.11 0.94 1,739.08 10.75 1.33 1.80 8,790.92 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

57

NEWS Yakowa urges council chiefs to boost revenue

Kaduna ACN to Yakowa: sack your SSG From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

K

ADUNA State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa yesterday urged newly elected local government chairmen to generate enough revenue to fund their projects.

The governor noted that this would reduce the dependence on statutory allocation.

Yakowa spoke at an orientation for the newly elected council members and their management workers.

He advised them to complete ongoing projects before starting new ones.

The governor said his administration was examining alternative sources of funds, including the collection of taxes to boost its revenue.

According to him, with the

•Yakowa (middle) with his deputy, Alhaji Mukhtah Yero (left) and Deputy Speaker, Dr. Dogara Mato at the event...yesterday.

reforms taking place in the local governments, they should generate enough revenue to defray some of their major expenses, including salaries.

Yakowa congratulated the new council chiefs for their success at the poll and the orderly conduct of the election.

He said the government and the people were working together to restore confidence in the state.

Yakowa said: “The local government, as I have often said, is the closest tier of government to the people. This underscores the need for qual-

ity leadership to ensure that citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“I, therefore, challenge all elected officials to ensure that they initiate programmes that will impact positively on the people. All programmes and projects embarked upon by

the previous administration should be carefully studied and completed before new ones are conceived. You should also take advantage of the ongoing budget process to ensure that your programmes are well-articulated in the 2013 proposals.”

I’m still in ACN, says Offa council chair

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HE Chairman of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Prince Saheed Popoola, has said it is untrue that he has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or pledged allegiance to former Governor Bukola Saraki.

Popoola said the misunderstanding followed his comments at the palace of

the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, when Saraki visited the monarch after his father’s death.

In a statement yesterday in Offa, the council chairman said: “I wish to debunk in strongest terms the claim that I have defected to the PDP or submitted myself to the political leadership of former Governor Bukola Saraki.

“The insinuation understandably flew from the fact that I honoured the call of the Offa monarch to join him in hosting Saraki, who came on a ‘thank you’ visit to Offa. At the Olofa palace, I indeed acknowledged the political strength of the late Oloye Olusola Saraki, that I got some appointments through him and that he left behind a politician of

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From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

elections.

It reads: “Nwachukwu urged his supporters to support Prof. Uwazuruike who went on to clinch the ticket.

“It was a shocker then when the same Nwachukwu later went to Court claiming that he won the election and subsequently sued PDP and INEC in Abuja and asked for injunction Ex parte and on notice.

“He later filed fresh suits in the Federal High Court Owerri, after withdrawing an earlier suit seeking to restrain PDP and INEC in March 2011, from presenting anybody else as a candidate except himself and INEC from receiving other names.

“This was long after submissions had closed.

“It was at this point that Uwazuruike and PDP chal-

allegiance to Bukola Saraki or the PDP. I have no reason to do so. I remain a bona fide member and chieftain of the opposition ACN on which platform I was elected.

“I hope this would put paid to whatever mischief being done. Offa remains an ACNcontrolled local government and would remain so until the people feel otherwise.”

5,000 patent medicine stores shut in Kano

‘I wasn’t sacked

by Supreme Court’ HE lawmaker representing Okigwe South of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike, has not been sacked by the Supreme Court, it was learnt yesterday.

The lawmaker said the apex court in its December 7 judgment only made a pronouncement on the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, Owerri, over a case involving him and a former member, Austin Nwachukwu.

The seven-member panel, chaired by Justice Walter Onnoghen, in its ruling last week, upheld the decision of the lower courts that it has the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

A statement yesterday by his Senior Legislative aide, Chimamkpam Anyamkpa, said Nwachukwu stepped down publicly during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the 2011 general

note in his son, who incidentally is the leader of the PDP in Kwara.

“Indeed, I share the call by the Olofa that Offa should not be isolated in development, regardless of it being in the hands of the opposition.

“Whatever comments attributed to me amounted to sheer political joke/banter. But at no time did I in truth declare

O

•Uwazuruike

lenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the matter at the state level.

“It is this objection that has been determined at the Supreme Court with a ruling that both parties go back to the Federal High Court, Owerri, for the trial of the Suit.

“The judgment is with the Supreme Court for everyone to see and with the FOI Bill passed, anyone can assess the information he needs.”

VER 5,000 patent medicine stores have been shut at the popular Abubakar Rimi Market in Sabon Gari, Kano.

The move, it was learnt, was to protest the government’s December 31 deadline to quit the market for allegedly selling fake and counterfeit drugs.

The government’s decision followed increasing drug abuse and addiction by the youths.

This, it was learnt, has put the state among the highest with illicit drug use and consumption in the country.

The Nation investigation showed that the Kano branch of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) took the decision to make the government rescind its decision and dialogue with the association to resolve the impasse.

The government, it was

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

learnt, may have been misinformed that members of the association sold fake and counterfeit drugs to the public at rock-bottom price.

This informed the decision of the government to issue the December 31 deadline for the patent medicine sellers to quit the market without providing an alternative for their business.

The Nation further discovered that the sudden closure of the medicine stores would not only affect Kano residents but also all the northern states that patronise the market, including government agencies.

The patent medicine sellers noted that it would be better for the government to start an enquiry to test the drugs that are sold to the public in the market.

Kogi ACN calls for council election in January

HE Kogi State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday urged Governor Idris Wada to ensure that local government election is conducted in the state in January.

In a statement in Abuja by its Chairman, Haddy Ametuo, the party said the recent ward and local government congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state contradicted the position of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), which called for the postponement of the election because of insecurity.

The statement reads: “Our local governments have suffered enough exploitation.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The state government should urgently revisit the issue of the local government election by conducting it not later than January 2013 so that these liaison officers can leave the local governments alone.

“Their reign is full of unpaid salaries and allowances, underdevelopment, non-adherence to due process, non-transparent administration and arrogance.

“All this is due to bad governance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has consistently refused to impact positively on the lives of the people.”

ACN criticised Wada for allegedly hijacking local govern-

•Slams Wada over alleged hijack of funds ment allocations.

The party said the governor’s action has stalled development at the third tier of government.

It noted that local government employees were owed backlog of salaries due to nonrelease of statutory monthly allocations by the state government.

The ACN also faulted Wada for refusing to pay former political office holders their severance allowances.

It said: “Captain Wada should leave local government allocations alone because the liaison officers/caretaker

chairmen have continued to tell the public about the governor’s exploitation of the local government allocation.”

The party explained that during the final days of the former Governor Ibrahim Idris administration, there were complaints on severance allowances of former political office holders in the local governments who served from 2004 to 2007.

ACN said the former governor had directed that the allowances of elected and appointed cabinet members of the 21 local governments be paid.

“It is rather unfortunate that he obdurately later ignored the payment of the allowances to the affected officers,” the party said.

It alleged that Wada has “continued to feign ignorance” of the “ugly development even after several complaints from these victims of injustice”.

He added: “It is the right of these former elected and appointed officers to be paid their severance allowances as provided for by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC).

“We are, therefore, calling on Captain Wada to direct his liaison officers/caretaker chairmen to pay the people.”

HE Kaduna State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday accused the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawal Samaila Yakawada, of undermining the authority of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.

The party urged the governor to sack him.

In a statement in Kaduna, its Chairman, Mohammed Musa Soba, ACN alleged that Yakawada was positioning himself for the 2015 governorship election.

The party noted that the SSG was playing on ethnic and religious sentiments to oil his political machinery ahead of the 2015 election at the expense of the unity and development of the state.

The statement said: “It is an open secret that Yakawada’s actions and utterances are always at variance with the collective decisions reached by the government he serves, all in an attempt to garner support and sympathy from the populace pursuant to his political project.”

LUTH doctors on strike

By Wale Adepoju

D

OCTORS under the umbrella of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) branch yesterday began an indefinite strike over what they called excessive taxation.

The doctors, last Thursday ended a three-day warning strike, to demand a reversal of the new tax regime being implemented by the hospital.

Its Chairman, Dr Olatunji Adenekan told The Nation that doctors are on strike to reverse the new tax policy.

LUTH’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Akin Osibogun, said the doctors were supposed to have met with the management to solve the problem.

Old students hold party THE end-of-the-year party of Government College, Ojo Old Students’ Association, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, will hold on Saturday at 3pm at Ikeja Military Cantonment.

A statement by the association’s Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Nwogbo, urged old students to attend in their house colours.

23 Christian leaders attend Gboko retreat From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

EADER of the Living Seed Team, Gbile Akanni, has said Christian leaders from 23 countries attended this year’s retreat in Gboko, Benue State.

The cleric said faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the solution to mankind’s problems.

He stressed the need for Christians to be committed to preaching genuine gospel to avail the people the opportunity to hear, believe and derive maximum benefits from Christ’s death.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

58

NEWS PDP: Corruption battle’ll be won, says Metuh

Three-month-old baby abandoned in tricycle at Onitsha

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COMMERCIAL tricycle (Keke NAPEP) operator at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State, Samuel Nwigwe, has said he found a three-monthold baby abandoned in his tricycle at the weekend.

Nwigwe said he had closed for the day and was relaxing at a bar near Chukwudi Motor Park when he found the baby.

He said the baby girl was placed at the back of the tricycle with a bag.

The Keke operator said he called the attention of those around to the abandoned baby.

An eyewitness and a reporter with a local newspaper, Emma Ihemeje, said he was drawn to the scene.

Chief for burial

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HE death has been announced of the Agbaakin of Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Chief Dr Buyide Asaolu Oluborode (1927-2012).

A seasoned bureaucrat, he served at various categories in the civil service. He later retired as the Secretary, Judicial Service Commission. Christian wake keep holds at his Lagos residence, 22 Nbom Ojike Close, off Ayinde Giwa Street, Surulere.

The funeral service will hold on December 15 at First Baptist Church Ikogosi, Ekiti.

Entertainment of guests follows immediately.

Funeral for woman

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HE remains of a community leader in Ogun State, Mrs Felicia Adunni Opafola, will be interned on Friday.

Mrs Opafola died on December 4. She was 87. She is survived by children.

A service of song and wake is slated for Friday.

The funeral service will hold on Saturday at the Ode Remo Town Hall, Ode Remo, Ogun State.

She will be interned at her home near Ariy Farm Limited on Ilara Road, Ode Remo, the same day. This will be followed with a reception at Ode Remo Town Hall, Ode Remo Ogun State, a statement by Opafola Onalaja families.

•The late Mrs Opafola

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National Chairman Bamanga Tukur and President Goodluck to intervene in the party’s crisis in Anambra.

Obiora said anybody found guilty of causing disunity in the party should be suspended or sacked.

He said the party spent about N37million to organise the rally, adding that the action would not deter the group from achieving peace.

HROUGH its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed optimism that the anti-corruption battle would be won by the Federal Government.

The PDP chief noted that necessary constitutional framework has been put in place to achieve the desired result, even as he sought the collaboration of Nigerians.

Metuh described as unfortunate the comments by the opposition, especially the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), that the government was not committed to the anti-corruption battle.

The party's spokesman said the ACN has forgotten that the PDP inherited a disorganised society when it came to power in 1999.

He said: "No government in the history of Nigeria has attempted the bold initiatives that our party has taken to fight corruption. The PDP-led Federal Government created the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). No matter the criticisms trailing their performance, these bodies have posted degrees of successes. Most importantly, these institutions are meant to outgrow partisan practices and, given time, become inviolable winnower on the chaff of corruption. “…For the first time in our history, a government emphatically voted for a free society with the enactment of the Freedom of Information law so that Nigerians, irrespective of class, shall be fully informed and have access to hitherto classified pieces of information; the bottom line being to make governance collective and participatory; so that each Nigerian at any level is enabled to pick up the gauntlet against corruption.

“Besides, the worst form of corruption is the one that annuls the will of the people. This, the PDP-led government has successfully waged war on.”

We must revisit our revenue allocation formular, territorial integrity of our great DO State Governor says Oshiomhole nation, evolve sensible, time Adams Oshiomhole yespolicies that ensure efficient terday called for a revisit

Police arrest 15 MASSOB members in Enugu

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

The reporter said he alerted the State Deputy Chairman of Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra State, Dr. Peter Emeka Katchy.

According to him, Katchy ordered that the baby be brought to the Red Cross Motherless Home in Ontisha.

The baby has been taken to the home. The Red Cross was reportedly looking for her mother.

Upper Iweka Onitsha was known as the centre of criminality in Onitsha.

But the Peter Obi administration has restored sanity to the area.

•The abandoned baby being carried away

SSS, police stop PDP group’s rally in Anambra

F

ORMER Vice-President Alex Ekwueme and the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emordi, are among top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains seeking to settle the crisis in the party’s Anambra State chapter.

The party has been engulfed in leadership crises in the last 10 years.

Last weekend, a group within the party, Anambra State Fresh Congress Group, led by Pastor Emma Obiora, held a rally.

But it was aborted by an order of the Federal High Court in Awka, following a case filed by a party member, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi.

The State Security Service (SSS) and the police last Saturday invaded the rally ground at Emmaus House in Awka, the state capital, to enforce the court order.

E

of the revenue sharing formular.

The governor noted that the formular would enable states to develop according to their pace.

He said it is illegal not to revisit the matter, 13 years after democracy was restored.

Oshiomhole spoke in Nwaniba, Akwa Ibom State, during the Golden Jubilee lecture in honour of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

He said: “We don’t need all the resources in Nigeria to revisit the revenue mobilisation formular. We must obey the Constitution, which says the revenue formular must be revisited every five years.

•Ekwueme, Emordi, others call for peace From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Addressing reporters yesterday in Awka, Obiora alleged that some members of the group were being threatened by “party leaders”.

He said frontline party chieftains, including Senator Ben Obi, Prince Arthur Eze, Senator Joy Emordi and Sir Emeka Offor, supported the group.

Others he claimed to be the group’s supporters are Dr Ekwueme, Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and Chief Mike Nwakalor.

The politician said they were behind the peace moves.

Obiora said following threats to the lives of its members, the group petitioned the SSS. He added that the group’s counsel was working on a let-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

“It is actually illegal that since 1999 - and it is now almost 13 years, in clear breach of the spirit and the letter of the Constitution - the revenue allocation formular has not been revisited. It has to be done.

“I have argued even last week that Nigeria cannot continue the way it has been going. To service our diversity, we must revisit very quickly the revenue allocation formular. I think what Akpabio has done for the Committee of Governors is to make a bold statement and give the line to those who think that governors are in the states to share, steal.

“Let them come to Akwa

ter to the police command.

Obiora said: “We are being intimidated, harassed and our lives are being threatened by those who do not want peace in the PDP. If anything should happen to us, they should be held responsible. They know the people.

“The only reason we are doing this is for the PDP to reclaim Anambra State in 2014. For now, there is no executive in the state. They disrupted the rally through a court injunction to tarnish our image.

“Those who went to court to stop the rally have no interest of the party at heart. The only thing they know is to cause confusion and chaos. We cannot leave the party in the hands of one man; it is not possible.”

The politician urged PDP

Ibom State and they will change their minds.

“The truth is that even for the politics of national stability, we need to remove jargons, such as rotation, federal character and all those sentiments that the elites have beaten themselves with in our futile attempt to divert attention from our poverty of the brain, poverty of leadership, set brothers against brothers, Muslims against Christians. This is because they have nothing else to fill their brains with and fire their imagination.

“If we remove resources from Abuja and leave it to maintain diplomats like the guest speaker today, maintain the Nigerian Army to defend the

•Dr Ekwueme

customs that approve those policies, maintain diplomacy and provide all those things that untie us and challenge the state as the agent of development, the story of Nigeria would not be the same again.

“The more resources we put in Abuja, we just have to revisit how we manage our national resources, so that different parts of the country can develop at their own pace. Those who want to sleep can continue to sleep, whenever they wake up will be their morning.”

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Alfa Belgore (rtd), noted that if Nigeria should break, it would be the end of the black man in the world.

RCCG’s Holy Ghost Congress opens with testimonies

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EMBERS of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) yesterday began their annual festival – the Holy Ghost Congress with a thanksgiving session, praise and worship.

The Redemption Camp, venue of the weeklong programme on Kilometre 46-48 on the LagosIbadan Expressway was agog with activities with the arrival of worshippers from other parts of the country.

The early birds were thrilled by a welcome performance staged by the Mass Choir at the ex-

By Damilola Owoyele and Paul Oluwakoya

pansive auditorium christened: Holy Ghost Arena.

American cleric Pastor Jerry, who had participated in the 2005 edition of the programme said it is exciting being at the congress again.

“I bring greetings from the states. And I wish you all fruitfulness and joy” he told the congregation during his testimony.

Regional Pastor from Mainland Europe, Pastor Dele Olowu took the offering.

He enjoined the worshippers in their thousands to give offerings worthy enough to “provoke your signs and wonders.”

Testifiers, Anuoluwapo Odukoya and Peter, gave spoke of the goodness of God in their lives.

Odukoya testified that she was healed of insanity and Peter told the congregation that he miraculously got a job.

Expectedly, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, led other clerics to attend the opening session of the Congress tagged: Signs & Wonders

From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE police have arrested 15 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in Enugu.

Those arrested included a lady.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said detectives from the command arrested them during their meeting at Ogwofia Owa in Ezeagu Local Government, following a tipoff.

He said: “This was as a result of a security report we received that they were holding a meeting on how to perfect their operations.”

Amaraizu said investigation into the incident was ongoing.

He said the suspects were helping the police in their investigation, adding that those found culpable would be charged to court.

Over 100 members of a rival pro-Biafran group, the Biafra Zionist Movement, who were arrested about two months ago, are still being held in Enugu prison without trial.

They were rounded up on November 5 during a peaceful march after their re-declaration of the Sovereign State of Biafra.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

59

NEWS Cross River ACN holds activities From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Cross River State has outlined its end-of-the-year activities.

A statement by the Chairman, Hillard Etta, said there will be a city walk in the morning on December 29 and lectures will be delivered by Prof Afolabi Jacobs of the University of Calabar and Dr Vincent Asor.

There will be a thanksgiving service at the Delightsome Ministries in Calabar, the following day.

The programme will be rounded up with a dinner/ fund-raiser in the evening of the same day.

Deputy National Chairman Boss Mustapha is the guest of honour. National Vice-Chairman, Southsouth, Pastor IzeIyamu, is the chairman.

Jonathan is Bayelsa PDP leader

S

TAKEHOLDERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State have taken a resolution that President Goodluck Jonathan remains the leader of the party in the state.

The decision was reached following a motion by Governor Seriake Dickson declaring total support for the President as leader of the party in Bayelsa at an expanded caucus meeting of members of the PDP at the Government House Castle, Yenagoa.

The motion was seconded by the former Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and adopted by about 28 members of the party’s caucus after a voice vote initiated by the lawmaker representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Paulker.

First Bank supports carnivals

F

IRST Bank of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to developing nonoil revenue initiatives.

The bank is supporting the Calabar Carnival and Enugu Cultural and Tourism Fiesta.

Its spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the bank was pleased to play a leading role in enhancing tourism and cultural renaissance in Cross River and Enugu states.

She said: “As a bank, we believe our primary responsibility is to support individuals, organisations and governments to realise their financial and economic aspirations.

“Our partnership with the Cross River State Government in hosting the annual Calabar Carnival has positioned the state as a prime tourist destination.

“The carnival will afford our customers and prospects the opportunity to meet our team of financial and investment advisers who will take them through the financial solutions we offer.

“We have been able to achieve this in Cross River State and this actually reinforces our resolve to replicate this in Enugu.

“We believe that promoting the arts and preserving our culture is essential for our generation and future generations.

“We are pleased to be associated with this grand display of our rich heritage, and encourage all visitors to both carnivals to enjoy the sights and sounds of Nigeria.”

•The protesters ...yesterday

Protest in Edo over Property Tax Law

P

ROTESTERS yesterday marched on the streets of Benin, the Edo State capital, over the new Land Use Charge Law, otherwise known as Property Tax Law. Some supporters said it was time the rich started servicing the poor while the anti-Property Tax law protesters said the law should be thrown into the trash bin.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole last week signed the bill into law, with an assurance that the law would not affect 95 per cent of the population.

Oshiomhole said his administration would not apologise over the law as, according to him, “the rich must pay to provide for the poor” as well as protect their riches.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The protesters, under the auspices of Edo Youth Congress, described the law as anti-people.

They said they had issued a red card to the governor, if he does not listen to them.

The group’s president, Dan Adebame Eichie, said the law was passed without getting the people’s input.

Eichie said they protested against the law because the state has not provided basic amenities like in developed countries where the tax is paid.

He said they were beaten and harrassed by supporters of the law at the Kings Square, where they gathered to start the protest.

“Property law is not an ingredient of democracy. We are going to court to challenge the law, until it is thrown away.

“We demanded for a public hearing but the lawmakers did not listen to us. We say ‘no’ to this tyrant law.”

Supporters of the law, led

by Tony Kabaka and the leaders of a group, Edo is in Safe Hands, gathered at the House of Assembly after chasing away the protesters.

They carried banners, with inscriptions, such as “The rich must pay tax.”; “It is time for the rich to work for the poor.”; “The rich must pay for the poor to enjoy.”; “Stop organising people against tax payment.”; and “We support Property Tax. It is for development.”

The groups stopped motorists and passers-by, educating them on the property tax law.

Addressing the crowd, Kabaka said the infrastructural development in the state was a testimony of what the government was doing with the tax already collected.

He said they earlier supported the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- led government but were made to believe that there was no money in the state.

Majority Leader of the House and sponsor of the bill Phillip Shaibu said it would ensure that the rich pay on their extra wealth for the development of the state.

RSUST lecturers yet to resume work

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HE crisis at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, persists, with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ignoring a directive to resume yesterday.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Barineme Fakae, in a telephone interview yesterday, said freshmen had resumed.

Fakae claimed that there was no strike in the university.

ASUU Chairman Felix Igwe, however, declared that over 75 per cent of the lecturers had been on strike since August 13, protesting the reappointment of Fakae without following due process.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

The VC, who spoke through the university’s Public Relations Officer, Des Wosu, said: “ The Senate of RSUST earlier approved the calendar for this academic session. Fresh students resumed today (yesterday).

“The returning students will resume on December 17.

More than 85 per cent of lecturers are willing to resume lectures, having backed out of the strike a long time ago.

“The university is running smoothly. RSUST’s ASUU chairman and a few members of his executive may no longer be aware of the current situation on the campus.”

But Igwe insisted that the lecturers would not resume, until due process was followed in the appointment of a vice-chancellor.

He said the institution faced collapse in academic etiquette and that instead of addressing the issues that led to the indefinite strike, the management was chasing shadows.

The ASUU chairman said the lecturers taught for just five weeks before the strike commenced.

“But the students were forced to write second semester examinations with old question papers, from September 17,” he said.

He noted that the National

Universities Commission (NUC) recommended that before examinations, students must have been taught for 12 or 13 weeks.

The ASUU Chairman said: “Members of ASUU in RSUST have been on strike since August 13 and the strike is still on.

“There has been no discussion whatsoever with the union on how to correct the anomaly, criminal abuse of due process and established procedure that led to the strike.

“It is the function of the university administration to close or open the university, but members of ASUU in RSUST are presently on strike.”

Akwa Ibom NUJ demands apology from govt, SSS

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HE Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists yesterday demanded apologies from the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), T. Minti and the state government, following the assault on The Nation reporter, Kazeem Ibrahim.

NUJ’s State Chair Joe Effiong decried the attack on journalists in the state.

Three operatives of the SSS beat up The Nation reporter at the Government House in Uyo during Governor Godswill Akpabio’s 50th birthday ceremony on Sunday.

Condemning the act, Effiong, who is the state cor-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

respondent of The Sun , said the union may be constrained to take action to protect the rights of its members.

His words: “We demand unreserved apology from the state.

“We also demand an apology from the Director of SSS in Akwa Ibom State and the media managers in the state.

“Although, some of them (media managers) were also harassed at the event, we were responding to their own invitation.

“If you come to my house and my security man harass-

es you, it is my own responsibility to make amends, even though I never asked the security man to do that.

“So if we went to the Government House on invitation and we are harassed by the security, I think it is also the responsibility of government to apologise to us.

“So we demand unreserved apology from the state government.

“Government cannot run away from this. If government showed concern about the activities of security operatives in the past, I believe this assault, harassment, beating of reporters would have stopped.

“So we say that enough is

enough. We expect their apologies tomorrow or at our congress, but if they refuse whatever decision we take will be binding on all of us.

“We are having state congress on Thursday. By Thursday, we expect the State Director of SSS and the Commissioner of Information to come to our congress and apologise and reassure us that this terror act will not repeat itself.”

Effiong, however, appealed to members to remain calm and support the union in its bid to tackle the problem.

Lawmakers halt Speaker’s removal From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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AWMAKERS in the Edo State House of Assembly yesterday stopped their plan to remove Speaker Uyi Igbe.

Sources said the decision not to carry on with the removal was due to intervention from party leaders.

A meeting with the aggrieved lawmakers was said to have held all night and ended at about 4am.

Plenary started at about 12:30 in the afternoon.

Some lawmakers denied making any move to remove Igbe.

The Speaker described the move as a mere rumour.

Investigations, however, showed that several ACN leaders from Edo Central Senatorial zone were also scheming for the Speaker’s removal.

Sources said the leaders felt the seat should be occupied by a lawmaker from the zone since the governor and deputy governor were the northern and southern zone of the state.

Fear God, says Akpabio

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KWA Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio has identified the fear of God as a panacea for meaningful development.

He urged Nigerians to return to God through prayers for the country to move forward.

Akpabio made the call during his 50th birthday interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Government House Banquet Hall parking lot, Uyo. He said: “Akwa Ibom State has succeeded today because we have always taken the state to God. I started my administration with God and would end it with God. “So for this country to succeed, we must all take the country to God through prayers. To sustain adequate democracy in the country, politicians must also be taken to God, with love for one another, for the country to be united.”

“I call on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan and the country to succeed. For the will of God for the state and the country is peace, progress, dividends of democracy and not robbery, bomb blast and decayed infrastructure”, he remarked.

60

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS

Morsi grants army arrest powers

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GYPTIAN President Mohammed Morsi has ordered the military to maintain security and protect state institutions in the run-up to a controversial referendum on a new constitution.

The army has also been given the power to arrest civilians.

Morsi has tried to calm public anger by annulling a decree giving him huge powers, but rejected a call to scrap the 15 December constitutional vote.

Opposition leaders called for protests today against the referendum.

The opposition was “not aiming at toppling the president” but wanted a better constitution, former Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told the BBC. Islamist groups have said they will hold counter demonstrations, raising fears of further bloody clashes on the streets of the Egyptian capital.

In another apparent concession, the president suspended a big tax increase on the sale of a variety of goods including soft drinks, cigarettes and beer.

The decision was carried in a statement that appeared on Morsi’s Facebook page in the early hours yesterday, state-owned al-Ahram newspaper reported.

As tension increased before Saturday’s referendum, Morsi ordered the military to maintain security “up to PUBLIC NOTICE AHUNANYA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chikodi Sandra Ahunanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chikodi Blessing Nwanchukwu. All former documents remain valid.

Government Institutions, University of Anambra (ANSU) and general public take note.

TOPIA I formerly known and addressed as Moronfolu Topia Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogundipe Oluwatoyin Moronfolu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

the announcement of the results from the referendum”, AFP news agency reports.

The BBC’s Jon Leyne in Cairo says the step will raise fears that Egypt is moving back towards military rule.

Under the new presidential decree, the military is asked to co-ordinate with the police on maintaining security and is also entitled to arrest civilians.

The police have been seen as weakened since the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak and failed to intervene when anti-Muslim Brotherhood protesters ransacked the Islamist movement’s Cairo headquarters last week, correspondents say.

An increased military presence was visible on Monday close to the presidential palace, which has been the focus of opposition demonstrations. The army has sealed off the area with concrete blocks.

It is not yet clear whether the opposition will boycott Saturday’s referendum.

However, a group of senior judges announced on Monday that they would be prepared to oversee the vote, on certain conditions.

Votes in Egypt are traditionally supervised by the judiciary but the 22 November presidential decree led thousands of judges to go on strike.

Now, with the decree rescinded, the State Council Judges’ Club has agreed to

oversee the vote as long as pro-Morsi supporters call a halt to a sit-in outside Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court.

The court suspended work on December 2, citing “psychological pressure” from Islamists who had prevented a meeting on a draft of the new constitution. The protesters had wanted to block a ruling on the legality of the document.

The opposition argues that the constitution was drafted by an assembly dominated by Mohammed Morsi’s Islamist allies.

In a statement after talks on Sunday, the opposition National Salvation Front said it would not recognise the draft constitution “because it does not represent the Egyptian people”.

“We reject the referendum which will certainly lead to more division and sedition,” spokesman Sameh Ashour said.

In a BBC interview, one of the Front’s main leaders, Amr Moussa, insisted they were not “aiming at doing anything that would lead to the disintegration of the state”.

“Why should we make the people swallow a constitution that could have been much better and should have been much better?”

On Sunday, hundreds of opposition protesters protested against the referendum outside the presidential palace.

They chanted anti-Muslim Brotherhood slogans and held up banners reading slogans such as “Morsi, hold back your thugs” and “The people demand the fall of the regime”.

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP I, Vincent Eseosa Odiase of No. 12, Maduike Way, Surulere, Lagos State hereby notifies the general public that I have applied to LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of No. 12, Maduike Way, Surulere Lagos, which was originally allocated to Mrs. Stella Osunde. I have made series of efforts to contact Mrs. Stella Osunde the assignor from whom i bought the property but all efforts made to locate her proved abortive. I hereby indemnify the Corporation against any future claims that may arise if my application is granted and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC, Mrs. Stella Osunde and general public take note.

•Ms Greig and Christian...yesterday

Royal hoax DJs: we’re sorry

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HE Australian DJs behind a prank call to the hospital where the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was being treated have spoken of their regret after one of the nurses they duped was later found dead in a suspected suicide.

In emotional interviews on Australian TV networks, presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian insisted that their prank call to the King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London had “never meant” to get that far and they had expected staff to hang up on them.

The pair posed as the Queen and the Prince of Wales when they rang the hospital where Kate was being treated for acute morning sickness.

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha took the initial call and, believing the call to be genuine, put them through to another colleague who was duped into describing Kate’s condition in detail.

A tearful Ms Greig, who was

at times comforted by Christian, told Today Tonight on Australia’s Channel Seven: “There’s nothing that can make me feel worse than what I feel right now.

“And for what I feel for the family. We’re so sorry that this has happened to them.”

Christian said he was “gutted, shattered, heartbroken” by the nurse’s death.

Mother of two Ms Saldanha, 46, was found dead on Friday in what appeared to be a suspected suicide.

Ms Greig said: “I remember my first question was ‘Was she a mother?’.

“I have thought about this a million times in my head, that I just wanted to reach out to them and just give them a big hug and say sorry.

“I hope they are OK, I really do.”

A sombre and downcast Christian, added: “I just hope that they get the love, the support, the care that they need.”

In a second interview on the

Nine Network, the DJs said they had never expected their fake call would be put through to the Duchess’s ward.

They said they expected it to last 30 seconds, get told off and have the phone hung up in their ear.

A distraught Ms Greig said: “Not for a second did we expect to speak to anyone. We expected to be hung up on.”

The pair said their greatest concern now was for the family of Ms Saldanha.

Ms Greig said: “I wanted to just reach out to them and to give them a big hug and say sorry.

“Not a minute goes by that we don’t think about the family and what they are going through, and the thought we may have played a part is gutwrenching.”

Christian told Nine’s A Current Affair programme: “We are shattered, heartbroken and our deepest sympathy goes to the family, friends and all those people affected.

“Mel and myself are incredibly sorry for the situation and what’s happened.”

Ms Greig and Mr Christian, DJs on the station 2Day FM, pulled out of a third interview scheduled for The Project, on the Ten network, because they were unwell, according to a spokesman for the TV channel.

In a statement, the radio station’s owner, Southern Cross Austero Media, said it had suspended advertising on 2Day FM until further notice, ended Ms Greig and Christian’s Hot 30 show, and suspended prank calls across the company.

The statement said attempts had been made to contact the hospital before the hoax was broadcast, adding that it believed no laws had been broken.

Obama canvasses fiscal cliff deal

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NITED States President Barack Obama is to address Michigan car workers to build support for his plan to raise taxes on the rich and avert a looming “fiscal cliff”.

The visit follows face-toface meetings with Republican House Speaker John Boehner at the White House on Sunday.

After their first private talks since Obama won reelection, both sides said communication lines “remain open”.

Deep spending cuts and tax rises due to take effect on January 1 threaten to derail US economic recovery.

Extended benefits for the long-term unemployed and a temporary cut to payroll taxes are also scheduled to expire at the same time.

International observers, such as Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, have warned that there would be ripple effects for the rest of the world if US lawmakers are not able to agree to a deal.

Obama’s appearance at a car factory outside Detroit is his latest public outreach effort in recent weeks to sell a plan that would increase taxes for the rich while extending Bush-era tax cuts for everyone else.

The president’s plan calls for $1.6tn (£990bn) in new tax revenue over 10 years.

Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, has said that he is prepared to consider increasing tax revenue - by closing loopholes and limiting deductions rather than rais-

Fiscal Cliff: The Details •Under a deal reached last year between President Obama and the Republican-controlled Congress, existing stimulus.

•Cuts to defence, education and other government spending will then automatically come into force - the “fiscal cliff” - unless Congress acts.

•The economy does not have the momentum to absorb the shock from going over the fiscal cliff without going into recession. ing rates.

Neither side revealed details about the meeting between Boehner and Obama on Sunday, but representatives released identical statements saying “the lines of communication remain open”.

Yesterday, White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters travelling with the president to Michigan: “The president does believe that we can reach an agreement.

“We, broadly speaking, continue to engage in this process with important players and stakeholders.”

Although Republicans are

philosophically opposed to raising taxes, some congressmen have recently suggested they would consider agreeing to Obama’s demand.

Republican Senator Bob Corker told Fox News on Sunday: “There is a growing group of folks looking at this and realising that we don’t have a lot of cards as it relates to the tax issue before year end.”

He added that if Republicans accepted the higher top tax rate, “the focus then shifts to entitlements, and maybe it puts us in a place where we actually can do something that really saves the nation”.

TODAY IN HISTORY

1941: Germany and Italy declare war on US Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini announce they are at war with America which retaliates with its own declaration of war on “the forces of savagery and barbarism”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMMBER 11, 2012

61

SPORT EXTRA

H

E'S done it! Lionel Messi needed just 25 minutes of Barcelona's 2-1 win at Real Betis to surpass Gerd Muller's long-standing record for goalscoring in a calendar year.

The Argentine magician needed to reach the magic number of 86 strikes for club and country and he wasted little time in achieving it.

In this Sportsmail special, we take a look back at a wonderful year for the little wizard.

JANUARY Goals for Barcelona - 7 With 27 club goals already under his belt in the first half of the season, Ballon D’Or winner Messi entered 2012 in irresistible form and officially the best player in the world. And he wasted little time in finding the net in the New Year, with a double against Osasuna in the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona weren't exactly struggling to make an impact in the tie, but Messi was introduced for Pedro on the hour. The tempo was cranked up and up after his introduction and he scored first with a header after ghosting into the six yard box and then with a left-foot curler from just inside the box.

He scored five times in La Liga during the month as Barca kept snapping at the heels of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, but didn’t manage to net in the two-legged Cup Clasico.

JANUARY GOALS AND APPEARANCES 4th – Two goals vs. Osasuna in Copa Del Rey (4-0) 8th – vs. Espanyol (1-1) 12th – vs. Osasuna in Copa Del Rey (21) 15th – Two goals vs. Real Betis (4-2) 18th – vs. Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey (2-1) 22nd – Three goals vs. Malaga (4-1) 25th – vs. Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey (2-2) 28th – vs. Villarreal (0-0) FEBRUARY Goals for Barcelona - 7 Goals for Argentina - 3 Running total 17 Another prolific month, which saw ten goals for club and country. The highlights included a four-goal haul in a 5-1 win over Valencia and a hat-trick for Argentina in a friendly match against Switzerland.

His quartet against Valencia was masterful - first, he squeezed the ball in from a seemingly impossible angle to bring Barca level, then a couple of poacher's finishes delivered him a hattrick. The best, however, was saved until last with a burst clear and delicious chip.

The match against Switzerland showed that Messi is equally adept in front of goal for his country as for his club. He created and finished his first goal, running diagonally towards the penalty area, exchanging passes, and then finding the bottom corner.

The second saw Messi drive at the heart of the Swiss defence, work a shooting position and chip in off the crossbar, with the third a perfect penalty.

FEBRUARY GOALS AND APPEARANCES 1st – vs. Valencia in Copa Del Rey (1-1) 4th – One goal vs. Real Sociedad (2-1) 8th – vs. Valencia in Copa Del Rey (2-0) 11th – vs. Osasuna (2-3) 14th – One goal vs. Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League second round, first leg (3-1) 19th – Four goals vs. Valencia (5-1) 26th – One goal vs. Atletico Madrid (21) 29th – Three goals vs. Switzerland (31) MARCH Goals for Barcelona - 13 Running total 30 Messi started March in magnificent style, scoring five goals in the second leg of Barcelona’s Champions League second round match with Bayer Leverkusen as part of a 7-1 rout.

Two of his goals were sumptuous chips which left the Bayer goalkeeper red-faced, while the last of his five was a great blast into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

The feat meant he was the first player to score five goals in a Champions League match since the tournament’s re-branding in 1992.

It was a phenomenally prolific month in La Liga too, as Barcelona tried to keep pace with Real – he scored eight goals in just five matches and the only time he failed to hit the target was in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in Milan.

MARCH GOALS AND APPEARANCES 7th – Five goals vs. Bayer Leverkusen in

86 GOALS AND COUNTING

How Messi did it

Champions League second round, second leg (7-1) 11th – Two goals vs. Racing Santander (2-0) 17th – One goal vs. Seville (2-0) 20th – Three goals vs. Granada (5-3) 24th – One goal vs. Real Mallorca (2-0) 28th – vs. AC Milan in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg (0-0) 31st – One goal vs. Athletic Bilbao (20) APRIL Goals for Barcelona - 9 Running total 39 He made amends for the blank in the first leg by scoring a double at the Nou Camp as Barcelona reached the last four 3-1 on aggregate.

His first was a testament to perseverance, initially stealing the ball to sprint clear on goal and then turning sharply to win a penalty, which he converted. The reasons for the second spot-kick were less clear but again Messi made no mistake.

This took his Champions League tally to 14 goals in the season, enough to make him the competition’s top goalscorer for a fourth consecutive season.

He didn’t, however, score in either leg against Chelsea, who dumped Barcelona out 3-2 on aggregate to reach the final with Bayern Munich.

As the league season reached crunch time, Messi netted seven goals but, importantly, he didn’t convert any chances in the 2-1 home defeat by Real which practically handed Jose Mourinho’s side the title on April 21.

APRIL GOALS AND APPEARANCES 3rd – Two goals vs. AC Milan in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg (3-1) 7th – Two goals vs. Real Zaragoza (41) 10th – One goal vs. Getafe (4-0) 14th – Two goals vs. Levante (2-1) 18th – vs. Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final, first leg (0-1) 21st – vs. Real Madrid (1-2) 24th – vs. Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final, second leg (2-2) 29th – Two goals vs. Rayo Vallecano (7-0) MAY Goals for Barcelona - 8 Running total 47 The last month of the 2011-2012 saw another sackful of goals and records, but just one trophy to add to the 13 he already had in the Pep Guardiola era – the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona didn't do enough however to prevent Real Madrid winning the La Liga title.

His hat-trick against Malaga on May 2 meant Messi surpassed Gerd Muller’s single season goalscoring record from 1972-1973 with three matches left to play.

Muller scored 67 in that campaign for Bayern Munich, while Messi now had 68.

In doing so, he became the highest goalscorer in a European season in history.

This then became a world best when a remarkable four goals in the Catalan derby with Espanyol took his tally to 72 and leapfrogged Archie Stark, who scored 70 for Bethlehem Steel in the 1924-1925 American Soccer League.

He showed his set-piece prowess in this one, converting two penalties and a 25yard free-kick.

His goal in the 3-0 Copa Del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao helped deliver Barcelona the Cup for the 26th time.

In the 2011-2012 season, Messi managed 73 goals and 29 assists in all competitions. This included 50 goals in La Liga, making him the Golden Boot winner. He was also the league's second highest provider of assists with 16, one shy of Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil.

MAY GOALS AND APPEARANCES 2nd – Three goals vs. Malaga (4-1) 5th – Four goals vs. Espanyol (4-0) 12th – vs. Real Betis (2-2) 25th – One goal vs. Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final (3-0) JUNE Goals for Argentina - 4 Running total 51 The club season may have finished but

Messi was still in the goalscoring groove for Argentina - and June also brought great personal news.

When he scored in the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador, his 23 rd goal for Argentina, he celebrated by placing the ball up his shirt, suggesting his girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo was pregnant.

She later confirmed the news on Twitter.

A week later, Messi's season ended in trademark superlative style with a hattrick in a friendly thriller with Brazil, capped with an outstanding curling shot into the top corner.

JUNE GOALS AND APPEARANCES 2nd – One goal vs. Ecuador in World Cup qualifier (4-0) 9th – Three goals vs. Brazil (4-3) AUGUST Goals for Barcelona - 6 Goals for Argentina - 1 Running total - 58 If anyone thought Messi's predatory instincts had been dulled by a couple of months off, they were very much mistaken.

He started the 2012-2013 season in the same red hot form as before, scoring two against Real Sociedad on the opening weekend, two at Osasuna in the second game and another two across the legs of the Super Cup contest with Real Madrid.

Against Sociedad, he wasted little time getting started afresh, scoring on 11 and 16 minutes, but against Osasuna, he was required to score twice late on to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Messi's goal in a losing cause in the Super Cup second leg with Real made him Barcelona's all-time top scorer in Clasico matches. In the overall contest, he is behind only Alfredo Di Stefano.

AUGUST GOALS AND APPEARANCES 15th – One goal vs. Germany (3-1) 19th – Two goals vs. Real Sociedad (51) 23rd – One goal vs. Real Madrid in the Super Cup (3-2) 26th – Two goals vs. Osasuna (2-1) 29th – One goal vs. Real Madrid in the Super Cup (1-2) SEPTEMBER Goals for Barcelona - 4 Goals for Argentina - 1 Running total - 63 By his imperious standards, September was a bit of a lean month for Messi - just the five goals for club and country!

During the international pause, he helped Argentina to a 3-1 win over Paraguay, and then scored a couple of braces against Getafe and Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.

Messi has been top scorer in the Champions League in each of the past four seasons - with, in order, eight, nine, 12 and 14 goals - and has 56 goals overall in the competition in 73 matches.

SEPTEMBER GOALS AND APPEARANCES 2nd – vs. Valencia (1-0) 8th – One goal vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifier (3-1) 12th – vs. Peru in World Cup qualifier (1-1) 15th – Two goals vs. Getafe (4-1) 19th – Two goals vs. Spartak Moscow in the Champions League (3-2) 22nd – vs. Granada (2-0) 29th – vs. Seville (3-2) OCTOBER Goals for Barcelona - 7 Goals for Argentina - 3 Running total - 73 October was a barnstorming month for Messi, who scored seven goals for his club and three for his country, and was the crucial difference in some thrilling games.

On the 7th, the sixth Clasico of the year, ended in a personal duel between Messi and his nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo.

Honours finished even, with both superstars scoring twice in a 2-2 draw.

Then, after his three strikes against

Uruguay and Chile helped Argentina a little further the path to h e jetlag to 5 - 4

along Brazil 2014, shrugged off the bag a hat-trick in a rollercoaster with Deportivo.

Barcelona were 3-0 and cruising at the Riazor, but Deportivo fought back to within one goal. Messi then took control, his goals negating the dismissal of Javier Mascherano and ultimately proving the difference.

OCTOBER GOALS AND APPEARANCES 2nd – vs. Benfica in the Champions League group stage (2-0) 7th – Two goals vs. Real Madrid (2-2) 13th – Two goals vs.

Uruguay in World Cup qualifier (3-0) 17th – One goal vs.

Chile in World Cup qualifier (21) 20th – Three goals vs.

Deportivo La Coruna (5-4) 23rd – vs. Celtic in the Champions League group stage (2-1) 27th – Two goals vs. Rayo Vallecano (50) NOVEMBER Goals for Barcelona - 9 Running total 82 The month started with another moment of joy for Messi, presumably far greater than any of his goals, as his girlfriend gave birth to baby Thiago on November 2.

And Leo clearly wasn't suffering from too much lost sleep as he continued to bang in the goals at a rate of knots.

On the 11th, his double against Real Mallorca took him past Pele's longstanding benchmark of 75 goals in a calendar year set in 1958.

The goals came two-by-two for the rest of the month as he closed in on Muller's world record of 85 goals within 12 months.

NOVEMBER GOALS AND APPEARANCES 3rd – vs. Celta Vigo (3-1) 7th – One goal vs. Celtic in the Champions League (1-2) 11th – Two goals vs. Real Mallorca (42) 14th – vs. Saudi Arabia (0-0) 17th – Two goals vs. Real Zaragoza (31) 20th – Two goals vs. Spartak Moscow in the Champions League (3-0) 25th – Two goals vs. Levante (4-0) DECEMBER Goals for Barcelona - 4 Running total 86 So, with 82 goals in the calendar year and Muller's record tantalisingly close, Messi made the perfect start to December with another double in the 5-1 home win over Bilbao on Saturday.

His two goals also drew Messi level with Cesar Rodriguez as Barcelona's all-time leading league goalscorer.

Messi moved to within one of Gerd

• Messi

Muller's record with two goals in the 5-1 win over

Athletic Bilbao at the weekend Messi has 21 La Liga goals already this season, which would have been enough to give him the Golden Boot in 2001/2002 (Tristan, 21), 1990/1991 (Butragueno, 19) and 1984/1985 (Hugo Sanchez, 19). It also means he has personally outscored 16 of the 19 La Liga teams this season.

His goals against Real Betis on December 9 meant Messi surpassed Gerd Muller's record for goals in a calendar year and he also became Barcelona's leading all-time goalscorer in La Liga, moving ahead of Cesar Rodriguez.

DECEMBER GOALS AND APPEARANCES 1st – Two goals vs. Athletic Bilbao (51) 9th - Two goals vs. Real Betis (2-1) GAMES TO ADD TO THE RECORD 12th - Cordoba (A) in the Copa del Rey 16th - Atletico Madrid (H) 22nd - Valladolid (A) THE MAN MESSI HAS BEATEN Gerd Muller scored 85 goals in 60 matches for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972 - a record for the highest number of goals scored in a calendar year that has stood for 40 years.

This is how Muller's record breaks down: BAYERN MUNICH Bundesliga: 42 in 34 games European Cup: 10 in 4 Cup Winners Cup: 1 in 2 DfB Pokal: 7 in 6 DfB Ligapokal: 12 in 5 GERMANY Euro 72: 5 in 4 Friendlies: 8 in 3 Best scoring run: 16 in 8 Longest drought: 3 games

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA GLO-CAF AWARDS

charge Nigerian Benitez considers Moses Ladipo players to work hard for Chelsea's strike role N

N

IGERIA star Victor Moses could well play as Chelsea main striker as manager Rafa Benitez has been putting him through such training.

Moses has been put through the paces for this role, as Daniel Sturridge has

struggled for fitness and injury, leaving Fernando Torres as Chelsea’s only outand-out striker.

Torres appears to be finding some form, having scored a brace in both of Chelsea’s last 2 games, although he still has some way to go to prove his

worth to the team.

The 21-year-old Moses, who has been used in wide positions in competitive matches, is being primed to replace Torres if the £50million man suffers -another slump.

Chelsea owner Roman

AFCON 2013

Eagles' time to shine- Efe Ambrose

S

UPER Eagles and Celtic FC of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose has told all doubting Thomases that the Nigeria national team will surprise all by emerging the Champions of AFCON 2013.

In an exclusive chat with NationSport from his base yesterday, the utility player said he based his convictions and optimisms on the facts on ground.

"There are many reasons why I am full of confidence that we (the Eagles) can win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Firstly I want to sincerely commend the Nigeria Football Federation for giving the team quality friendly matches to play. I am aware that we will play against a strong side like Catalonia. I was told that we will play Cape Verde that sent Cameroon packing from the 2013 Nations Cup and we will play Angola that is a threat any time. All these would count when it matter most while playing in crucial rounds of the competition.

These friendly matches will toughen us ahead the group matches and in other rounds”, Ambrose observed.

•Commends NFF on Angola, Cape Verde friendlies From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

The second reason he adduced was the synergy between the overseas based Eagles and their home based counterpart. “I have to praise our Chief Coach for his fatherly gesture towards the players and standing firm in his (Keshi’s) decision to give the home players a chance in the team. He has also bridged the wide gap between the home based guys and us that play abroad. So this guys now play with full confidence and have started to contribute immensely to the overall performance of the team which has brought us thus far.

“One good advantage that I think may really help us in the competition is the fitness level of our players most especially we that we are based abroad.

Some of us are really doing well with our various clubs most especially some of us that are playing in the UEFA Champions League and other strong league in Europe.

We are going to bring our fitness level to bear when the Nations Cup commences in

January. I am cock sure that w are not only going to perform well in the competition but w have a very good chance of winning the ACON 2013 Trophy at the end of the competition”, the former Kaduna United defender and Captain assured.

Abramovich may not be impressed, as Benitez was brought in to get the best out of the man who was his shining light at Liverpool.

Eden Hazard has played in a central role previously, but Rafa has decided that Moses would be a more suitable option.

Chelsea have been linked with January moves for various strikers, but Benitez is readying the Nigerian for the busy month ahead.

Fernando has been working hard, and his last two games have instilled some confidence in him for the months ahead. If he can stay consistent, Chelsea will definitely pick up a couple of trophies, and will get back into a position to pressure Manchester United at the top of the EPL table.

IGERIAN football players in Europe and other parts of the world have been enjoined to work harder this season to ensure that they compete for the 2013 edition of GLO-CAF Awards.

The President General of Nigerian football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo made this remark in Lagos over the weekend.

He said that "it is only hard work and dedication that can make any Nigerian player to be a strong contender of the prestigious Glo-CAF Awards.

He therefore advised Nigerian players to put in their best and ensure that they emerge among the best in their various clubs so as to ensure that they are shortlisted among the top three for GLO-CAF Awards next year.

“Let’s regenerate the good old days when our players not only dominated the list of short-listed candidates, but

went ahead to win the Awards,” he pleaded.

Dr. Ladipo also exhorted the players to work hard ahead of the 2013 African Cup of Nations and 2014 World Cup qualifiers next year, adding that successful outings in the two competitions will boost the chances of Nigerian players in the 2013 Glo-Caf Awards.

Mikel Obi of Chelsea was the only Nigerian player that was short-listed for top ten of 2012 Glo-Caf Awards. But he was eventually dropped when the list of top Five was announced.

CAF also released the final list of three African players last week for the awards. They are Ivorian Didier Drogba who currently plays in China League, Manchester City Midfielder, Yaya Toure and Camerounian midfielder, Alexander Song who ply his trade with Barcelona Football Club in Spain.

Olagbegi tennis tourney serves off Tomorrow

T

HE Olagbegi tennis tourney serves off tomorrow, as top 16 players in the country takes the centre stage in Akure. It will end on Saturday.

The event, which is being put together by the Sir Olateru Olagbegi Foundation is committed to facilitating collaborative initiatives, promoting volunteerism and development of tennis amongst youths, through collective involvement in reaching out to the deprived in the society.

President of the foundation, Olakunle Olateru-Olagbegi said that foundation was using tennis to reach out to youths in the society and show them that they can achieve their

•As 16 top players jostle dreams by participating in sports.

He stated that tennis could be used to empower the youth who, if rightly tutored, might find themselves competing in the circuit. He stated that the competition was a win-win situation for all the participants, as they will smile home with prize money even if the lose in the opening round.

He said that a total prize money of N773, 000 would go to all the participants. The winner will get N175, 000, the runner up gets N100, 000, while the two semi final losers go home with N75, 000.

Also, the four quarter final losers will smile home with N50, 000 while the eight first round losers get N18, 500 each.

Olagbegi stated that the players were excited to be part of a tournament that ensures that all the players takes home cash reward. “What we are trying to achieve is to use sports to promote self sustenance and that is why all the players will go home with cash reward as obtained in the circuit.

Olagbegi re-instated the principle behind the foundation's absolute support for Tennis in Nigeria, saying,

it is entrenched in the values of stewardship and leadership to the Community and the Nation as examplified by the enigmatic Monarch Sir Olateru Olagbegi II KBE (late Olowo of Owo), who promoted a legacy of community development through sports and healthy living.

The kids would also have their time at the event on Thursday as they would be taken through the rudiments of the game. Olagbegi said the kids would not only play tennis but they would also get some educational tips. “We are going to bring in teachers to lecture the kids in Mathematics, Science and General Studies alongside tennis tips they would get.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

H

ello everybody and welcome. Today, we will be discussing more new products for the festive season while answering a few questions from our readers as well.

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Sir, I need your product that can make my husband perform well in bed. I want something that can make his penis longer, fatter and thicker and I want him to be able to stay at least 25 to 30 minutes in one round and be able to go 5 or 6 rounds when we are playing. I also want a supplement that will give him the stamina to carry out this assignment effectively. I will be expecting your urgent response – Madam K Dear Madam K, this is a big assignment. Your husband will need to combine three different products to be able to perform like that. For his organ enlargement, I recommend Big Bam Boo supplement. It will make him longer and fatter and make his erections stronger as well. For him to last for up to 25 minutes in one round, he will need Prolonging Delay Cream and to give him the energy for six rounds of sex, he will need an energy boosting supplement called Sex Shots. With Sex Shots, men can have sex for hours without being tired. So these three products will get the assignment done – Uche Hello. Please do you have products for oral sex? Jasmine Yes Jasmine. Ask for Frutopia Lubricant. It is new and tastes really nice – Uche Thank you for Xzen 1200. My erections are stronger and I have sex many times in one night - Wale You are welcome Wale. That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012

63

NEWS

ICPC secures 60 convictions in 10 years

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has secured 60 convictions under the ICPC Act since inception 10 years ago.

The commission’s Chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, said yesterday at an anti-corruption town hall meeting in Awka that over 1,000 suspects were also being tried in various

P

courts.

Nta, who was represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment Department, ICPC, Mr Mike Sowe, said: “It is on record that over 60 people have been sent to jail under the ICPC Act and we have more than 1,000 cases in various courts spread across the country,” he said.

He said the commission was currently invoking the provi-

sion of seizure and forfeiture of property and chattels of suspects under investigation as contained in the ICPC enabling law.

“In addition to being prosecuted, corrupt officials will have their illegally acquired property seized and forfeited to the state, “Nta said.

As part of innovations and preventive strategies, he said

the commission was re-engineering its National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC) to make it more efficient and complementary to its overall objectives.

According to him, a brand new NAVC that is focused, upright and which subscribes strictly to the principle of the rule of law is to be inaugurated soon.

Award for Jonathan, Sambo, Mark, others

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Senate President, David Mark will be honoured today by Nigeria Pilot.

The Publisher of Nigeria Pilot and Newsworld magazine, Mr. Dennis Sami said yesterday in Abuja.

“We have been following their track record. The

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

award is meant for those who have performed in their various offices” “We are rewarding good work in a country where we deny those who really deserve the award from getting it. I feel the award will encourage the recipients to work harder”

Mr. Sami added: “Nigeria Pilot is an organisation that is in a hurry to catch up with existing newspapers, we are the fastest growing newspaper in the country and we currently rank among the best six newspapers in Nigeria” There will also be a lecture with the theme: “Nigeria at 52: Challenges on Nation

Building”, a book launch, launching of a new website, and performances by Nollywood artistes and musician.

Others to be honoured includes Akwa Ibom state Governor, the Edo State Governor, Jigawa State Governor, Ondo State Governor and ministers who have performed in their various offices.

EFCC intercepts N15.5b at airports Continued from page 4

need for a more concerted effort in ensuring synergy in the operations of Anti-Corruption Agencies.

He described performance in the anti-corruption as poor.

Mitee said: “However, we cannot continue on this path.

We must steer the ship aright.

With the establishment of the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT), synergy is being built among the anti-corruption

agencies; the era of individual turf is waning, giving room for possible joint investigations and prosecutions which in turn is expected to result in effective sanctions and prevention of corruption.”

•Lamorde

Ghana President reaches out to rivals Continued from page 4

The cocoa and gold-producing nation, which also began pumping oil in 2010, has had five peaceful and constitutional transfers of power since its last coup in 1981.

Voting on Friday was

fraught with delays after hundreds of newly introduced electronic fingerprint readers failed, forcing some polling stations to reopen on Saturday to clear the backlog.

But CODEO observers said their parallel tabulation of re-

sults confirmed those declared by the electoral commission.

“The results of the 2012 presidential polls declared by the Electoral Commission are generally an accurate reflection of how Ghanaians voted

in the December 7 polls,” the group said in a statement.

The African Union’s current chairman, Benin President Thomas Yayi Boni, visited Accra yesterday and congratulated Mahama on his win.

Jonathan orders rescue of Okonjo-Iweala’s mum Continued from page 4

Sunday, he is believed to have timed down the police’s attempt to provide him an orderly.

The Minister set her worries aside and reported for work in her office yesterday

- although briefly. She received some guests and made telephone calls.

An official of the ministry said: “Since she came to work today it is likely she was in Abuja at the weekend when the news of the kidnapping broke.”

Kidnappers yet to contact family Continued from page 4

in this festive period.

President General of Obomkpa Progressive Union Prince Emeka Dibia said the Obomkpa people at home and in the Diaspora were keenly watching the development. He appealed to the kidnappers to retrace their steps and free her without further delay.

He recalled that kidnapping is a serious criminal offence and expressed surprise that anyone could think of putting an 82-year-old grandmother through such the ordeal.

There has been an upsurge in the abduction of high profile victims in Delta State.

Among the recent victims are Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo, Prof Hope Eghagha, the Commissioner of Higher Education, Monday Igbuya, Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, prominent businessmen and others.

Many prominent persons have lately increased the number of police protecting them, with many also making use of armed vigilance groups.

Minister: don’t create panic over Mandela’s health Continued from page 4

2001, Mandela underwent seven weeks of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, ultimately beating the disease.

Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for fighting racist white rule, became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 and served

072

one five-year term. The Nobel laureate later retired from public life to live in his remote village of Qunu, in the Eastern Cape area, and last made a public appearance when his country hosted the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. He has grown increasingly frail in recent years.

11-12-12

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7

NO.2,336

‘ ‘Measuring the impact of corruption can be quite daunting. In the public sphere, the cost is reckoned in terms of undelivered value on every unit of public funds spent. ’

SANYA ONI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

J

UST when you think you have crossed that threshold where nothing in the Nigerian public sphere can shock you, something jolts you out of your smugness.

No, I am not referring to the N2 billion that President Goodluck Jonathan has asked the National Assembly to appropriate for building a “befitting” banquet hall in Aso Rock, where he can treat his guests to the delights of gourmet cassava bread and fish peppersoup.

I do not see the delusion of grandeur that some mischievous people have insinuated into the project. On the contrary, I see great vision, and transformative genius. If previous residents of Aso Rock possessed these attributes, they would not only have dreamed up the project, they would have executed it at a fraction of what is now projected. Is it ever too late to do that which is befitting?

Nor am I referring to N9 billion being requested to complete the official residence of the Vice President, over and above the N7 billion it was projected to cost. Poor Architect Namadi Sambo! Since taking office, he has been squatting in a cramped guest house that is far less swanky than servants’ quarters tucked in a corner of his expansive compound in Zaria, to say nothing about his living quarters on the grounds.

Instead of praising him for his sacrifice, some so-called analysts have been carping about cost overruns and fiscal recklessness.

I commend to them Dr Kingley Mbadiwe’s timeless dictum that those who want greatness must be prepared to finance greatness.

Nor yet do I have at the back of my mind the vast sums being requisitioned for building new residences for the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The proper authorities have certified that they cannot guarantee the safety of those principal officers of state, aforementioned, in their present quarters.

That consideration alone should have settled the matter. When they cannot even guarantee the safety of the President and Commander-in-Chief, when they put him in the humiliating position of having to take the salute at the National Day parade behind the fortified walls of Aso Rock, is it any wonder that they cannot guarantee the safety of these lesser officers unless they relocate to fortified quarters?

In any case, shouldn’t such protection come with the territory? Is it not a crucial aspect of national security?

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

The shame of our prisons

•Comptroller of Prisons Zakari Ibrahim

‘Wedged in such suffocating juxtaposition for years on end, with no regard for personal hygiene, the inmates are stripped of their humanity. The squalor and degradation breed further degradation and bring out the worst in the inmates.For persons who have not been convicted of any offence, it is punishment most cruel and unusual’

It is, to be sure, galling that Mohammed Abacha, son of the repellent dictator Sani Abacha, is openly laying claim to a chunk of the proceeds from what is without question a colossal theft of the national patrimony, namely the Malabu Oil Field. Too much can never be enough for some people. But again, that is not what is on my mind.

To cut the crap as they say here and come right out with it, what moved me to write this piece is the living conditions of the inmates at the Kuje Medium Security Prisons,

in the Abuja Federal Capital Territory reported in this as reported by this newspaper (December 4, 2012, at page 24).

Even without the picture accompanying it, the story is disquieting enough. Of 507 inmates there are at the time of the report, 424 were awaiting trial, a good many of them for 20 years or longer, without ever having their day in court. Many of them do not know whether they will ever be released. The facility was not designed to hold so many inmates

RIPPLES

HARDBALL

•For comments, send SMS to 08082036515

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Now, kidnappers hit close to home

DESPITE BOMBINGS, NIGERIA REMAINS SAFE - Jonathan

S

Vistors are welcome, a trial will CONFUSE you

The picture could easily pass for a frame from Rwanda’s national archives of horrors.

Absent the debris, it can pass for the mass of bodies washed ashore the tsunamis in Southeast Asia and Japan. It evokes memories of the “Black Hole of Calcutta” ginned up by Tory historians to justify a further tightening the imperial chokehold. It conjures up haunting images of conditions on the ships that ferried millions of Africans into enslavement in the so-called New World.

My equanimity was restored somewhat by the finding that the picture was not taken at Kuje Prisons and cannot therefore be presumed to reflect prison conditions there. It is file photo illustrative of just how horrid prison conditions can get, not of conditions in any Nigerian prison.

Still, as the once merely notorious Lagos Boy and now totally infamous PDP chieftain, Chief (Dr) Olabode George will testify from personal experience, a prison is no holiday resort even if you are housed in its luxury wing.

Rare is the prisoner who gets that kind of treatment. Gani Fawehinmi, the departed crusading attorney, certainly never got it.

So crowded was the prison cell in which he was once held that inmates had to sleep in a foetal position. If anyone was allowed the luxury of lying on his back, some other inmate would have had to stand throughout the night, assuming there was room even for that.

Wedged in such suffocating juxtaposition for years on end, with no regard for personal hygiene, the inmates are stripped of their humanity. The squalor and degradation breed further degradation and bring out the worst in the inmates.

For persons who have not been convicted of any offence, it is punishment most cruel and unusual. Even for those who might eventually be convicted, the punishment is already more severe than the law could have envisaged.

Even convicted persons have rights. There is thus no reason to abridge the rights of persons awaiting trial. The degradation and dehumanisation to which they are subjected has gone on for far too long.

It is time for the National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly, religious bodies and civil society groups to take up the plight of our prison inmates with renewed and sustained vigour.

OONER or later, kidnappers were expected to do something more daring than the usual snatching of wealthy Nigerians for a few negotiated millions of naira. Like drug barons, pool betters and lottery maniacs, the urge by kidnappers for a big jackpot had always been irresistible. Finally, on Sunday, our worst nightmare came to pass when Professor Kamene Okonjo, 82, mother of the Finance minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped in broad daylight. She was reportedly seized in front of her home by a gang of armed men. In a brazen display of disrespect for traditional institutions, the kidnapping even took place at the palace of her husband, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo Agbogidi, a retired professor of economics, and traditional ruler of the OgwashiUku kingdom in Delta State. The trauma can best be imagined.

A few theories have been suggested as motivating what is probably the most high profile kidnapping ever in Nigeria. The police are refusing to be drawn into speculations, preferring for now to assume it is nothing but a clear case of kidnapping. A few others think it was politically motivated, but they have not been forthcoming on what sort of politics could have motivated the crime. Yet others believe the crime could have been motivated by the minister’s reported delay of subsidy payments to some oil importers having trouble verifying their payments. All these theories are, however, far-fetched. It is

unlikely oil importers would take the extraordinary step of kidnapping the minister’s mum to pressure her. Surely, at a point they would have been forced to disclose their reasons, and invariably become suspects.

After all, frustrated fuel importers are known.

The police have more sensibly restricted themselves to the theory of kidnapping for ransom. But given the sheer weight of law enforcement logistics that are being deployed to free Mrs Okonjo, it is not known whether the kidnappers would have the courage to name a price. If they do, the elderly woman would doubtless be worth a pretty penny, far beyond what anyone has heard so far, and so costly that it would be hard to see the kidnappers retiring safely to their lair to enjoy the loot. Indeed, going by the nearness of this incident to President Goodluck Jonathan, and considering that OkonjoIweala is one of his most influential ministers, it would be a surprise if the kidnappers make a success of this audacious caper. The presidency would already be feeling embarrassed, frustrated and incensed. For a government’s reputation, some things, such as this latest kidnapping, had better not happen.

When it began in the days of the Niger Delta struggles, kidnapping was essentially targeted at foreign oil workers. Then the target became any oil worker; then children became primary victims; and then finally,

anyone was game. The kidnappers themselves have not been discouraged by the prospect of facing the death penalty, just like robbers also casually shrug off capital punishment. Even the novel method propounded in some parts of the Southeast to enact laws authorising the demolition of Kidnap suspects’ properties has also been ineffectual. After absorbing all the punishments the government could throw at them, kidnappers have happily gone on to perfect the template of their lucrative business. Even if they come to grief in this latest effort, they will still carry on their nefarious trade in human articles with only slight modifications.

The reasons are not far to seek. First, the chance of success far outweighs the risk of capture, thanks to ineffective policing methods and inadequate crime fighting tools. Second, and more importantly, kidnapping, like most other crimes such as Boko Haram terrorism, requires a holistic approach rather than routine law enforcement tactics. That holistic approach entails re-engineering the polity to take advantage of lower cost of governance, foster stability, and engender economic growth to cater for rising population. Until these things are done, terrorism will increase, kidnapping will thrive, and other sundry crimes will also flourish. As unpalatable as it may sound, the Okonjo kidnap indeed hit close to home, and is one more disquieting indication of creeping state failure.

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO