The Nation December 16, 2011 by The Nation

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VOL. 7, NO. 1976 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

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ALEX URUEMU IBRU (1945 - 2011)

•The widow of The Guardian publisher, Mr Alex Ibru, Maiden (right) and her children during the lying in state at Rutam House in Lagos ... yesterday.

ENATORS yesterday queried the N921.74 billion President Goodluck Jonathan allocated to security in the 2012 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Senators reject N921.74b vote for security From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The matter came up during senators’ consideration of the general principle of the 2012 budget proposal.

The onslaught against the security vote was led by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) who noted that the sectorial allocations are not reflective of the country’s need.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba led the debate as he read “A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of

N4,749,100,821,170 only of which, N397,929,101,917 only is for statutory transfers, N559,580,000,000 is for debt service, N2,471,814,067, 335 only is for recurrent expenditure while the balance

of N1,319,777,651,919 only is for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure for the year ending on the 31st day of December,2012.” Continued on page 2

Why fuel subsidy must go now, by Jonathan No way, Reps insist

•Dr Jonathan

HE economy took the front burner yesterday as the President got into the Yuletide mood. Dr Goodluck Jonathan insisted that fuel subsidy must go and that Nigeria cannot continue to borrow to fund its economy. But he explained that the idea is not to inflict pains on Nigerians.

‘

We are paying back part of the money we borrowed, but what is in the budget is only N560 billion, just about half of the money we borrowed. Who will pay the balance and when, with interest? There is no way we can continue to run the economy this way. From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The administration’s plan to remove fuel subsidy has raised so much dust. The President spoke – for the ump-

’

teenth time – on the subsidy during the 2011 Christmas Carol Service held at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, last night. President Jonathan reminded his audience of the global economic chal-

lenges and warned that this country is not insulated. He said: “I will plead with religious leaders – both Christians and Muslims - to join the government and see how we will improve the economy of this nation. “We are witnessing a nation, at least those who are my age, 50 years and above, as the years are going, the challenges are becoming more. Most societies are becoming more enlightened. The demand for power has increased; the demand for water, the demand for everything. Probably at independence, Continued on page 2

•SPORT P18 •NEWS EXTRA P25 •SOCIETY P29 •POLITICS P45 •MONEYLINK P55

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Senators reject security vote Continued from page 1

•The scene of a fuel tanker fire, which caused a massive traffic jam on the Oshodi-Apapa, Expressway in Lagos ... yesterday

Reps vow to resist fuel subsidy removal

AWMAKERS yesterday restated their opposition to fuel subsidy removal, which the executive insists must be done. President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday presented a N4.749 trillion budget to a joint sitting of the National Assembly. He was, however, silent on fuel subsidy removal, leaving room for the conclusion in many circles that the action had been taken. But Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on Wednesday that the subsidy remained intact. Speaking with reporters yesterday, House of Representatives spokesman Zakari Mohammed, said although President Jonathan was silent on the issue in his budget speech, members would watch out for any sublime

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi , Abuja

moves to remove the subsidy and oppose it. He said: “The status quo is maintained. We have not endorsed subsidy removal. The House of Representatives has not endorsed subsidy removal. And we are saying that we have not brought it to the fore. And this issue will come up when the budget is here. We have taken a decision; we are not taking out subsidy. Definitely, subsidy will have to be in the budget. “It has to be in the budget. That’s the thing. The House of Representatives stands on that fact. We are not going to vote for subsidy removal because there are key indicators, as we have said. We have given those conditions

– that our refineries should function. And there are a number of other issues that must be tackled. And these issues are not the type that you just wake up one day and say they are already fixed up. “So, for us in the House of Representatives, we have not debated and taken a decision on it. So, to assume that the House is in this conspiracy of silence of the issue of subsidy is very wrong.” Mohammed also noted that the vote for security is high, particularly as the country is not at war. “Somebody will be tempted to say that we are not in a war situation. So, why will Defence take such an amount in the budget? The budget should be tailored towards development.” According to him, some money could have been moved

from defence to areas that will stimulate the economy. On the alleged non-adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility Act by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Ports Authority and others who do not bring their budget to the National Assembly, Mohammed said such acts would not be condoned by the National Assembly. His words: “It is even criminal for any MDA not to bring their budget here. You can’t do extra-budgetary spending. That’s been our problem - our budget is always being crippled with extra-budgetary spending that is not being properly captured. Every expenditure of government must be captured within the mainframe of the nation’s budget.”

Ndoma-Egba, who gave the overview of the budget proposal, noted that the budget is not an end in itself but a stepping stone to consolidate the gains of the economy. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said the budget, if well implemented, will restore hope in the nation. Ekweremadu urged the Senate to do something about late presentation of the budget, in addition to opening up the process of budgeting. He said the processes leading to the drawing of the budget estimates are shrouded in secrecy. He also canvassed conducting a public hearing to sensitise Nigerians about the process. Senator Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos West) praised Senate President David Mark for his opening address during the budget presentation. Solomon is not comfortable with the size of the capital expenditure which, he noted, is meant to promote growth and job creation. According to him, the 28 per cent capital expenditure cannot promote growth and job creation. The Lagos State-born lawmaker said the amount set aside for debt servicing is too much. He would like a reduction of the debt profile, which he put at 16.4 per cent of the GDP. Adetunmbi noted that though security vote is meant to fund Defence, Police, office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Interior, it represented twothirds of Education budget, and four times what is budgeted for the Health Ministry. Adetumbi said security budget is 34 times what is voted for Housing. He said: “Our spending is not reflective of what we need. Se-

curity challenges are mainly driven by lack of education and lack of jobs and agriculture, which has been made a dumping ground for those who could not make it elsewhere.” He noted that only agriculture has a road map, which can be a basis for performance measurement. He said managers of agencies should be mandated to provide the roadmap “so we don’t throw away money.” The lawmaker observed that the budget is silent on safety nets to cushion the effect of the transformation Nigerians expect. He described 35 ministries and over 800 parastatals as a huge drain on the economy. “If we are not funding the real sector, then it will be very difficult to come out of the present situation,” he added. Senator Emmanuel Bwuacha noted that the close to N1 trillion voted for security is too much. Bwuacha said President Jonathan should adopt the approach of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in dealing with the Niger Delta militants to deal with the security situation in the North. Senator Ahmed Tukur also faulted security allocation, saying that more attention should rather be paid to agriculture. Senator Adegbenga Kaka said efforts should be made to increase power generation, especially when Nigerians are aware that the huge sum invested in the past did not produce any result. Senator Abdul Ningi said the challenge of the National Assembly is the inability to oversight the implementation of the budget. He said: “We should be able to know what the money is going to be used for. Address the issue of agriculture. Government has not taken agriculture as a priority and job creation. What the President presented are mere proposals, which we appropriate.”

Why fuel subsidy must go now, by Jonathan Continued from page 1

how many cars did we have in this country? Even after the Civil War, how many vehicles did we have? How many roads? How many streets had light? “I remember the day I was chatting with a group of elders and they said after the war there was electricity everywhere, they travelled out and so on. I came to live in Port Harcourt in 1955. Even then, it was only Port Harcourt that had electricity, even the big cities, Bonny. But now, government must make sure even the smallest village and settlements have electricity light. “Without light, you cannot preserve farm produce. See how the demands for everything has expanded over the period, there are more challenges. And we believe with the present for the past several years, government has been borrowing money to run its affairs and the amount we borrow continues to increase. Who are we borrowing this money for? Who will come and offset the debts? “I normally asked. And of course the professionals in the oil industry are making predictions that the oil reserve that we have, that in 35 to 40 years, it will dry up. “By God’s grace we will discover more oil reserves but based on what we have

now and assuming we are unable to discover more in 35 to 40 years it will dry up. I pray not to live up to that time anyway, but some of the people here will witness that situation. “So, even now that we have oil we are borrowing and we are not expanding the economy. In the next in 35 to 40 years, assuming we don’t discover more oil reserves, what will happen to our children and grandchildren? Do we begin to plan a country where our children and grandchildren will become slaves? Even now, Nigerians are running out of this country. There was a time we were talking about check out, but now that slogan has died down. “It will come to that point government must look for ways to expand the economy. We must look for other ways of earning money. We must go back to farming. And not just subsistent farming that we know, but really taking farming as a business. We must create wealth through farming; we must industralise; we must begin to produce things in this country and we need resources to do that. “And, especially with the number of people graduating from the universities every year, how do we create jobs for them? And I believe we cannot continue with the

number of people graduating from the universities every year. How do we create jobs for them? And I believe we cannot continue to borrow. In fact, last year, our capital budget was N1.146 trillion and we borrowed the whole capital budget and even a little more. “This year, with the present budget, we are paying back the part of the money we borrowed, but what is in the budget is only N560 billion, just about half of the money we borrowed. Who will pay the balance and when, with interest? There is no way we can continue to run the economy this way. “We find it difficult to do things that appear not to be popular and I know that one of the things that worry us is the fear of the unknown. If there is subsidy, what will life be? Yes we know there will be a little pain because we know ourselves; Nigerians sometimes exploit opportunities. “Ordinarily, the pains would have been minimal in the sense that as we are talking now diesel is deregulated since Obasanjo’s time and nobody is going to touch diesel and most of the vehicles we use in carrying load use diesel. Ordinarily, transport cost for any vehicle that uses diesel is not supposed to change, but Nigerians, being who they are, at the beginning will

try to be funny and we must encourage use of gas and all that and use of vehicles that have fuel efficiency. Most countries, even the bulbs they use now are the ones that consume very little power. Nigerians must adjust and I believe that apart from the fact that some people will want to exploit us at the beginning, just like when GSM just came in, when MTN started, they were even hoarding the sim cards. To buy a sim card at a time, you had to do funny things because people were desperate, but now the companies give you sim card with credit on it just to hook up to their line. I tell Nigerians that we are very hopeful and so nobody should fear. “There is no government, maybe in very few cases in history. Well, it is also recorded somewhere in the Bible where somebody wanted to take over from the father and promised to flog the people more, but of course we also know what happened, the whole empire scattered. There is nobody who will want to deliberately inflict suffering on his people. Goodluck Jonathan can never be one.” The President went on as the audience listened attentively: “I know the pains Nigerians are passing through, yes, I am here in the State House and being fed by govern-

ment, but that does not keep me so far from the people. There is no day that I don’t interact with Nigerians both low and high and I appreciate the pains of the people. We are facing challenges but we must take certain decisions to reposition our economy so that things will ease out. If we don’t have the courage to do so, then we will continue to be dying in pains, until God knows when. So, my belief is that at a particular time, people must be courageous to take the rightful decisions.” “We may experience some minor pains for some months, but people will want to exploit. Ordinarily if people don’t want to exploit us, it is supposed not to be so when you look at the chart, even if you remove subsidy on fuel on the world average, the price of fuel in Nigeria still be among the last 30 percent, the charts are there because most countries add a lot of tax on fuel, but we are not adding any tax”. Speaking on the unity of the country, Jonathan assured that no matter the predictions Nigeria will not break. Jonathan said Nigeria’s election has been commended by world leaders whom he met at various international fora. He said the leaders have challenged him to fight corruption and Nigeria will be great. He said his

administration was working on it. President Jonathan thank various choir groups and the children from Uganda who participated in the carol and the two great African leaders present, Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda and former Head of Office Gen. Yakubu Gowon. Seven lessons were read – by President Jonathan, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, representative of the Senate President, Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Housing Ama Pepple, Secretary to the Government Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Gen. Gowon. The carol had special renditions from Kaunda, the Children choir from Uganda, Aso Villa Chapel, Women Choir from Jos, Akwa Ibom Choir and the Civil Defence Corps Choir amongst others. Some notable dignitaries present were President Jonathan’s mother, Eunice Jonathan,National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi, Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, Deputy Governor of Kogi State and his wife, ministers, senators and members of the House of Representatives. Ambassadors, Head of government parastatals and agencies, captains of industry, clergymen and traditional rulers were also there.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS ALEX URUEMU IBRU (1945 -2011)

‘Ibru was simple but firm’ •The Guardian publisher lies in state

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun flanked by his Lagos counterpart, Babatunde Fashola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu at a commendation service for the late Dr. Alex Ibru in Lagos…yesterday

HE Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr. Eluem Emeka Izeze yesterday described the late publisher of the newspaper,Dr Alex Ibru as a decent, simple but firm man who rewarded loyalty. He spoke at The Rutam House, premises of The Guardian during the deceased’s lyingin-state. Izeze said: “He simply dressed in white cotton and related with people not on the basis of their class but by the fact that everybody was equal before God.” The ceremony, attracted a large turnout of members of The Guardian family, col-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

leagues and well-wishers who came to pay tributes and last respects. Mr. Tunde Thompson, a former managing editor of the newspaper, said he knew the late publisher was made for paradise right from the very first day he came in contact with him. “By virtue of his simple lifestyle the man had already booked his place in paradise, Thompson said. He said given the late late publisher’s foresight, he ploughed his money into ventures that would make those in authorities reflect on the downtrodden and provide good governance through crit-

ical editorial by the newspaper. Thompson said: “We are here today at this premises because somebody had a foresight, some people would have starched away their money in foreign accounts but he invested wisely to give voice to the voiceless .” Former Managing Director of the Daily Times, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi praised the courage of the late Ibru for his resilience to challenges which he demystified in many ways and made very simply. He advised the family and those left behind by the late publisher to uphold his good name.

Uwais committee confident report ‘ll HE 29-member stakerestore judiciary holders Judicial Reform Committee raised

•President, Dangote Group of companies Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left), former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, his wife Derin and former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo

by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Dahiru Musdapher on October 14, has submitted its report. But the content of the former CJN, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais committee report, which was submitted to Justice Musdapher yesterday in Abuja, was not disclosed. The committee, which comprises former CJNs, former Presidents of the Court of Appeal, retired justices of the Supreme Court, retired and serving Judges of the high court as well as senior members of the Bar, was raised to look into the crises rocking the judiciary and recommend the way forward. Justice Musdapher had at the September 19 Special Court Session to commemorate this year’s legal year promised to reform the judiciary. Part of the reform is the restructuring and repositioning of the NJC, Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Members of the committee include former CJNs S.M.A. Belgore, Idris L. Kutigi and A.I. Katsina-Alu, Mamman Nasir (former PCA), A.G. KaribiWhyte, Mustapha Akanbi, Umaru Abdullahi (former

‘The committee is confident that the acceptance and implementation of the recommendations it has made will significantly restore the Judiciary to its lost glory and pride of place’ From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja PCA), Kayode Eso (rtd. JSC), Umaru A. Kalgo (rtd. JSC), Rose N. Ukeje (former CJ, Federal High Court). Others are Justice R.P.I. Bozimo, (Former Chief Judge, Delta State), Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi (Chief Judge, FCT), Joseph Daudu, SAN (NBA President), Chief Richard O.Akinjide SAN (former AGF), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN (former A-GF), Dr. A.G.F. Abdulrazak (SAN) and Anthony O. Mogboh, SAN. There are also former NBA Presidents; T.J.O. Okpoko,

Wole Olanipekun (SAN), O.C.J. Okocha (SAN) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu (SAN) and Prince Lanke Odogiyan. Other members are: Hajiya Hairat Balogun, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, (DirectorGeneral, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Dr. Mamman Tahir (Director-General, Nigerian Law School) and Mr. A.B. Mahmud, (SAN). All the members of the committee have signed the recommendations, except Agbakoba, Akeredolu and Daudu. No reasons were given by Justice Uwais yesterday for this. The former CJN said: “The committee is confident that the acceptance and implementation of the recommendations it has made will significantly restore the Judiciary to its lost glory and pride of place”. He noted that some of the recommendations will require constitutional and legislative amendments while others can be implemented administratively. Justice Musdapher thanked the committee “for taking the assignment with great seriousness and due diligence, despite their daunting job profile and other commitments.”

Fed Govt to NLC: don’t heat up the polity

•The Guardian Newspaper workers wave at the car conveying the remains of the late Ibru in Lagos

HE Federal Government yesterday cautioned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) against heating up the polity over fuel subsidy removal. It described the threat by the NLC to stage mass protests over the 2012 Budget proposal presented before the National Assembly on Tuesday, as unnecessary. Minister of Labour Emeka Wogu said: “It is for them (labour) to be patient with government and avoid speculations that will overheat the

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

system. The budget is clear and the explanation of the Minister of Finance is clear.” The minister said the reason given by the NLC for contemplating going on strike and mass protest do not warrant such position. Going by the provisions of the Labour Act, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the Trade Dispute Act, labour unions cannot go on strike on the pretext of anti-people policy

by the government, he said. He added that President Jonathan is working in the interest of the people. Wogu spoke in Abuja at the second National Consultation on Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Worst Forms of Labour. Wogu noted that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s clarification on the budget and issue of fuel subsidy removal was also very explanatory.

Police kill two robbery suspects

•Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (left), Editor, Photo news Mr Sunmi Smart-Cole, publisher, Vanguard Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu and former Managing Director of Daily Times Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

WO suspected armed robbers were yesterday killed by policemen attached to the Isara Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogun State. It was during a gun duel. Fleeing residents sustained wounds during the clash. The Nation gathered that the suspects had blocked the Ogun State stretch of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway about 8:40am, ostensibly to rob motorists when members

From Nwokolo Ernest, Abeokuta

of the public sent distress calls to the police. Officers from Isara Division led by its Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bashir, a Superintendent of Police, rushed to the scene but while approaching, the suspects allegedly opened fire, a development that triggered a reprisal from the officers. In the aftermath of the

cross fire, two suspects were killed. Others were injured. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a telephone interview with The Nation confirmed the incidents and also named items recovered from the hoodlums. “Items recovered from them included one single barrel gun, two live catridges, some jewelleries, three torch lights, three handsets and two black pull – over,” Adejobi said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Twenty-four victims of the Tuesday boat mishap in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, were yesterday given a mass burial near the river where they drowned, writes BISI OLANIYI

Avoid evil deeds, Adeboye urges Christians

Boat mishap: Mass burial for three expectant mothers, 23 others

By Nneka Nwaneri

•Amaechi visits scene

ARELY 48 hours after they died in Tuesday night boat mishap in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, 27 of the passengers aboard the ill-fated boat have been buried in a mass grave near the Rumuolumeni River, the scene of the accident. They included three expectant mothers and 23 others, among them infants. Their funeral was carried out in accordance with the community’s tradition, which stipulates that the remains of any person drowned in the river should be buried on the bank. Fourteen persons, including a two-year-old baby, were rescued. The Rumuolumeni monarch, Ndubueze Wobo, who spoke after the interment, called on Governor Rotimi Amaechi to build the only road linking the community to other parts of the state. According to him, this will provide residents alternatives. The monarch attributed the death of the passengers to the poor state of the road, which he said, forced the people to board the illfated boat. The monarch regretted the poor condition of the road, despite the presence of multinational companies in the area. Police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam, who confirmed the casualty figure yesterday in Port Harcourt, noted that the search and rescue efforts were still on-going. Ugwuegbulam said: “As at 1145hrs today (yesterday), 26 bodies, including that of a six-year-old girl were found and recovered by the search and rescue team.” At an interactive session with reporters in his palace, Wobo further stated that the solution to the tragic loss of lives of innocent people through boat mishap would be to link the community with the Port Harcourt City centre. The small wooden boat, with over 40 passengers on board, capsized at 9:30 pm on Tuesday at Chiogbonna Waterfront in Mgbuodohia-Rumoulumeni, Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Divers were immediately deployed in the area to rescue the victims and re-

cover the bodies. They combed the river from Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. One of the persons involved in the rescue efforts, who pleaded not to be named, said: “We recovered 26 bodies, all dead, including three expectant mothers and many children. Their bodies have been given a mass burial. Fourteen persons were rescued alive. “The casualty figure was very high because that is the only route from the community to link Port Harcourt City, because of the bad road. It is very sad and really unfortunate, considering the economic activities going on in the area and the contributions to Nigeria’s economy.” The fate of a female Youth corps member, Mrs. Neebari Samuel-Bema, who was in the boat, hung in the balance, as she was still missing, almost 48 hours after the incident. Her husband, Kpegele Samuel-Bema, at the Chiogbonna Waterfront , told The Nation that he got married to Neebari three months ago. One of the survivors, Samuel Amaechi, 27, said God was merciful to have kept him alive because he could not swim. The Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the Southsouth, Umesi Emenike, also described the boat mishap as quite pathetic, stressing that efforts were made to rescue all the passengers. The passenger boat was travelling from Eagle Island in the Garden City, near the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt. The Rumuolumeni River is behind the expansive premises of the Italian oil giant Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Iwofe, Port Harcourt. Rumuolumeni is also home to the Ignatius Ajuru (formerly Rivers State) University of Education (IAUOE) and a naval base, the NNS (Nigerian Naval Ship) Pathfinder, as well as multinational companies and industries, among other establishments. Some of the injured passengers were treated at the gov-

•TILL DEATH DO US PART: Mr and Mrs Meebari Bema: Married three months ago. Mrs Bema died in the boat mishap ernment-owned Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt and other hospitals in the capital city. Speaking earlier, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Rumuolumeni, Mr. Chima Amadi, had stated: “In view of the bad roads, boats are the only means of transportation in the area and have been in existence for a very long time. “There were over 40 passengers in the small boat. Rush caused the accident. The system is not properly organised. We arranged divers to rescue the victims.” Amadi also pleaded with the governor to come to the aid of Rumuolumeni community, having massively supported and voted for him and other candidates of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2011 general elections. The CDC chair urged Amaechi to intervene so the people would stop depending on boats for transportation. The Information Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Lieutenant Commander Bassey Ayi, said a naval team, with divers, was immediately dispatched with a gunboat, to the scene of the accident. He described the incident as unfortunate. Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday promised to investigate the mishap. The governor spoke at the palace of the Nyenweli of Rumuolumeni, HRH Eze Olumeni

Trial of Anosike brothers stalled again

HE trial of the Anosike brothers over the alleged sale of the assets of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited was stalled again yesterday. Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, who had issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the brothers, was said to be attending the annual conference of judges in Abuja. Hearing in the matter has been put off till January 23. The trial of the Anosike brothers failed to hold at the

By Adebisi Onanuga

last hearing because Fidelis and Noel dropped Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) as their counsel and replaced him with Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN), who asked for an adjournment to study the charges brought against his clients. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Fidelis and Noel Anosike before the court on alleged theft of N1.7 billion being property

of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited which they were alleged to have purchased fraudulently. At the last sitting, Justice Abiru issued a bench warrant on Fidelis and Noel and ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim to produce them in court to face criminal charges of theft. The court order was issued following the refusal of Fidelis and Noel to appear in court to answer the criminal charges brought against them during previous hearings.

after inspecting the scene. He was represented by his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, David Iyofor, said the state government would construct the Rumuolumeni road. He said remedial work has been doen on it and advised the people to use it.

HE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Christians to stay off evil deeds. He said perpetrating evil can destroy one’s destiny. Pastor Adeboye spoke yesterday on the third day of this year’s Holy Ghost Congress. The topic for the day was “Total Freedom”. He said Christians should not allow evil to destroy their destiny. “The devil’s ultimate goal is to kill and destroy man’s destiny. Therefore there is need for total separation from anything that Satan can use to destroy ones’ destiny.” Pastor Adeboye said Christians’ lazy attitude to prayer is a means the devil uses to trick them, urging that they should their old garments of sin and be ready for the peace of the Lord who gives total freedom. Pastor John Hagin, one of the visiting overseas pastors, spoke on the topic The Lord of Hosts. He explained that Christians should not expect peace in a troubled world. He further explained that the peace of God is something that passes human understanding, chal-

•Pastor Adeboye

lenges or crisis that confronts man. He added that it is during the second coming of Christ that peace can reign in the world. “When there is strife, it means there is no peace; but those who trust God will be happy in the midst of turbulence because God is with them.” The cleric also noted that that victory is only sure when Jesus Christ; the Prince of Peace is in one. “You can be happy in the midst of strife, war, and crisis because God is with you. There is peace of the Lord in the wind; He alone has the power to calm the troubled sea.” Hagin also advised the congregation to worship only the true God as it is not possible for one to serve God and serve the world. The church prayed for the nation’s education sector, the singles, widows and the apparent barren.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS PRONACO honours Enahoro By Sam Egburonu Associate Editor

CHIEFTAINS of ProNational Conference Organisations (PRONACO) yesterday gathered in Lagos at Kings College to honour their late founder, Chief Anthony Enahoro, who died on December 15 last year. Chairman of yesterday’s gathering and leader of the newly formed Anthony Enahoro Legacy Commission (AELC), Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, said the group gathered “to honour Chief Enahoro and to reaffirm most positively our belief that the struggle is far from over.” He emphasised the need “to enthrone, through a systematic political process from the grassroots, a truly derived People’s Constitution, a constitution unfettered by current political gladiators and temporal custodians of contested mandate across several states and even at apex federal constituencies.” According to him, “the urgency for a legal enactment of a People’s Constitution at this time is glaringly self evident,” adding that “it is only through the workings of such a peoplederived constitution, that the intrinsic political, diplomatic, social and economic greatness of our nation can become a reality. Kalu, a former minister of the Federal Republic, also advised Nigerians and the current office holders to avoid playing the ostrich but to accept that things have really deteriorated so much that we can no longer afford to keep quiet. “We must stop playing the Ostrich, we must stop deceiving ourselves. Let us try and avert what looks like an impending crisis,” he advised.

NADECO renews call for Sovereign N National Conference ATIONAL Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftains yesterday reiterated their call for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) at a remembrance ceremony in honour of its leader, Pa Anthony Enahoro. At the “remembrance meeting” in Lagos, the elder statesmen dissected the polity, warning that the those opposed to debates on the basis for future co-existence of the ethnic nationalities were indirectly propagating violence. At the meeting, which held in the Ikoyi residence of the pro-democracy leader, Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd, were Chief Ayo Adebanjo, General Alani Akinrinade, Alfred Ilenre, Ayo Opadokun, Fred Agbeyegbe, Dr Amos Akingba, Dr Peter Obadan, Comrade Linus Okoroji, Rev. Tunji Adebiyi, and Pedro Okojie. NADECO said: “It is necessary to reiterate that our mission is to discharge the obligations imposed by the gen-

•Kanu, Akinrinade, Akingba, Opadokun pay tributes to Enahoro By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

erality of Nigerians as represented by the ethnic nationalities and the duties we undertook as NADECO. “It is in that wise that we insist that, since we believe that those who dispise a Sovereign National Conference are indirectly propagating violence. The only peaceful way forward is a Sovereign National Conference of the people according to the wish of the ethnic nationalities”. The group maintained that, not only would the conference herald a return to true federalism, it would be a tribute to the labours

of past leaders like Enahoro, who led a life of sacrifice and commitment to the cherished principle. NADECO paid glowing tribute to the frontline politician who moved the motion for independence in 1953, recalling that, in later years, he used NADECO, Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO) and Movement for National Reformation (MNN) as platforms for serving the country. The group said that it had recommended the national conference in a bid to return to the agreed federal principle and halt the unitarism imposed by the 1999 Constitution. The organisation observed that the neglect of the advice has led to increased agitations for

self-determinations by aggrieved stakeholders in the polity. NADECO added: “Citizens’ dissatisfaction has given rise to MASSOB, Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra; OPC, Odua Peoples’ Congress; ACROS, Action Committee for the Restoration of Odua Sovereignty; IPC, Itsekiri Peoples Congress; MEND, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta; MBC, Middle Belt Coalition, which is fighting for a Middle Belt Federation, Movement for the Retrieval of the Stolen Sovereignties of the Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria; BH, Boko Haram; SOKAPU, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, INC, The

Adeniyi raises alarm over mop-up of book From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Bauchi is safe, says Yuguda From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

BAUCHI State Governor, Isa Yuguda yesterday said there is no insecurity in his state. Yuguda spoke with reporters in Abuja. He said: “I have not abandoned Bauchi State for Abuja. You should ask yourself: Who (which governor) will want to stay away from his state. I have no cause to abandon Abuja. “Look, when you are sworn in as a governor, you pledge three things: protection of life and property; protection of the 1999 Constitution; and that you will not discriminate against anyone in discharging your duties to the best of your ability. “If you do anything to the contrary, I am afraid, you are sinking because the Holy Bible or Quran with which you swear is not ordinary. “I don’t want to exaggerate, I fear God, I am not in politics to tell lies. I am serving Bauchi to the best of my ability; I am not an absentee governor. As a banker, by my training, my word should be my bond. When I say something, I stand by it.”

Ijaw National Congress and a myriad of other Ethnic and Cultural organisations”. NADECO condemned the proposed constitution review by the federal government, pointing out that the method employed is at variance with the propositions by the ethnic nationalities. The group doubted if a peoples constitution could emerge from the activities of the committee set by President Goodluck Jonathan without recourse to the PRONACO draft of 2005. The group said: “Chief Anthony Enahoro piloted the affairs of PRONACO and the draft “Peoples Constitution” is a worthy guide. To be federal country, the Nigeria cannot have only one Constitution at the Centre); a Constitution for the Centre can only emanate from the Constitutions of the Federating Units. this makes the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference mandatory.”

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo (middle), being decorated with the Armed Forces remembrance emblem by Miss Victoria Omolade. With them is the National President, Nigeria Legion, Capt. John Adole at the Presidential Villa...yesterday.

‘Why police have been ineffective’

NSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Mr Hafiz Ringim yesterday said the police have been unable to deal effectively with rising crime and terrorism because of their low application of science and technology. He said should the increased budgetary allocation to the force scale through the National Assembly, there would be more use of modern methods of policing. Riingim, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Ganiyu

By Joseph Jibueze

Daudu, spoke with reporters after the public presentation of a new television drama programme, Case File, produced by BiCommunications Nigeria Limited, which also created Crime Fighters: the police and you. The police chief said the satellite, for instance, could be applied more in identifying terrorists’ hideouts. He said: “ Developed countries can always go and pick

you wherever you are, using a satellite. “We need to benefit from this type of opportunity. But I’ve read somewhere that Nigeria will be launching its own Satellite very soon. We are hopeful.” Asked if more men are needed for more effective policing, he said: “In modern day, it is not the number of men that matters. It is the gadgets used. Even wars are fought now with fewer men but with better equipment, electronically-controlled. So, this is our expectation.

“I don’t think we have got to complain or lament about the number of men we have. One person can control traffic from a room for the whole of Lagos. You can track traffic offenders. The records will be there. And we can communicate with the offender as they do in other parts of the world. “I have just returned from Rwanda. You don’t see a single policeman on the road. Everything is done technologically from one room, but we will get there.”

ARELY 72 hours after launching his book on the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, raised the alarm over hijack of sales of the book by middle men. He said the middle men have mopped up the book from shelves to sell it at cutthroat prices to readers. In a statement in Abuja, Adeniyi said: “My attention has been drawn to the fact that copies of my book, Power, Politics and Death: A front-row account of Nigeria under President Yar’Adua, released to the market this morning are being sold on the streets of Abuja at outrageous prices. “As against the official price of N5, 000 for the soft copy, vendors are selling a copy for N17, 000 while the hard cover edition which officially sells for N8, 000 is being sold for N25, 000. “While I am aware there is huge interest in the book, I have been assured by the copublisher, Kachifo Limited, that there are enough copies for interested readers but apparently there are some people mopping up the copies at the bookshops and reselling them at higher prices. “While it is difficult to control the activities of those who seek to make illicit gains out of a simple book, it is actually my desire that as the volume increases the prices will come down so that as many interested readers can have their copies.”

EFCC’s legal unit head faults manner of Ribadu’s, Waziri’s ouster

HE Head of Legal and Prosecution Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs. Elizabeth Ayodele, yesterday faulted the use of presidential fiat to remove two past chairmen of the commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Mrs. Farida Waziri. She advocated legal safety nets to checkmate successive President from EFCC chair-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

man at will. Mrs. Ayodele, who made the submissions in a paper at the opening of a two-dayworkshop for reporters covering the anti-graft agency in Abuja, said the powers conferred on the President to remove the Executive chair-

man of the EFCC is awesome. She was represented by the Chief Legal Officer of the commission, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir. The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC). She said: “Perhaps, a provision which needs to be looked at urgently with a view to effecting an amendment by the National Assembly, is Section 3(2) of the Act which empowers

the President to remove the Executive Chairman at any time for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from the infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct or if the President is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Commission or the interest of the public that the member should continue in office. “ The circumstances sur-

rounding the removal of the past two chairmen generated so much heated debate and controversy that many Nigerians believed political exigencies were more at play than for the reasons of incapacity to discharge the functions of the office, misconduct, or for reasons of interest of the Commission or public interest as envisaged under Section 3(2) of the enabling Act.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Obasanjo absent as Sambo flags off Nyako’s campaign

Chemistry to be regulated from secondary school

•Group urges timely deployment of poll materials From Barnabas Manyam, Yola and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE stage is set for the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) to review Chemistry curricula in secondary schools to meet the required educational standards. ICCON’s Registrar Prince Jay Oghifo spoke when he led a team of the institute’s management to the head office of The Nation in Lagos. He said the regulation would ensure high level standards in the profession, adding that the best way is to start with secondary school pupils. According to him, the institute will examine the curricula for secondary schools, saying science education in Nigeria is at the lowest ebb. Oghifo said: “ICCON will take a holistic look at Chemistry because it is the pivot upon which other sciences revolve. If you don’t get this sci-

• The Nation Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin (right) receiving a souvenir from the Registral/Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, Prince Jay O. Oghifo. With them is the institute’s Head, Public/Government Affairs Department, Mrs Rita Michael-Ojo, during the institute’s visit to the newspaper’s head office in Lagos. PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHAEL

By Wale Adepoju

ence right, there is no way you can get other sciences right. So, we are working with the West African Exami-

nations Council (WAEC) and we have our team putting something together. When we are done, we would go to WAEC and say what we think secondary schools should

have.” He said schools found wanting in the provision of science equipment might be advised not to register their pupils for examinations.

Why EFCC arrested Senator, by lawyer

OUNSEL to Senator Festus Olabode Ola, Mr Kolawole Olowokere, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the lawmaker on November 24 over alleged non-registration of a cyber café, despite finding no incriminating evidence against him. In a statement, the lawyer said EFCC officials on March 31, 2008, allegedly invaded the Friendly Hotel International Limited in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where Ola is a director, with armed policemen. They allegedly took away computer accessories, 27 Central Processing Units (CPUs), laptops and an Internet provider’s server. Ola sued the agency over the action and was awarded N50,850,000 because nothing incriminating was found on him. The EFCC, Olowokere said,

By Joseph Jibueze

filed an application for stay of execution of the judgment, but the court ordered that the judgment sum be deposited in an interest-yielding account in the name of the Court Registrar. A Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, granted a Ganishee Order Nissi against EFCC on October 6, to the effect that the money be paid from the commission’s account, the lawyer said. He added that on November 23, the EFCC invited Ola to Abuja, for the third time, to negotiate the judgment debt. “Our client honoured the invitation on November 24, 2011, and was immediately arrested, detained and taken to Lagos, Akure and subsequently Ekiti on November 28, 2011, for arraignment. But on the arraignment date, the court did not sit. Our client was taken back to custody in Lagos by the EFCC for further

detention. “It was after his arrest and detention that our client discovered that on October 28, 2011, the EFCC had secretly filed a three-count charge at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, where he was accused of conspiracy, allegedly permitting the use of his premises for sending documents containing false pretence in March, 2008, and allegedly operating the cyber cafe without registering same with the EFCC. “The said charge was kept away from the knowledge of our client,” Olowokere said. According to him, on December 1, 2011, the EFCC, in an alleged bid to legalise Ola’s detention, sought an order from Senior Magistrate Mrs. A. O. Komolafe in Lagos to remand him. The application was refused, said the lawyer. “On December 2, 2011, the Federal High Court, Abuja,

By Olukayode Thomas

but Henry Achugbu, one of the prosecution witnesses; Simon Ikpakronyi, Titus Akusu, and Adamu Ibrahim, were promoted to fill their positions. The new directors were said to have received their letters of promotion on December 12, after the court had acquitted the former directors. The letters, backdated, were signed by the former Chairman of the board, Mr. Peter Eze, who had ceased to be the Chairman of the board, since it was dissolved in September. A source, who spoke in confidence, explained the circumstances of the promotions and why they should be probed. The source said: “Immediately after the court dismissed the charges against Musa and three other directors, Muku and Eze signed the letters of pro-

motion. The letters were backdated so that they could fill the positions that were not vacant. The promotion was to create a situation whereby the acquitted directors would not be reinstated to their positions.” A government department or parastatal must get the approval of the supervising ministry. The source said: “If what they did is legal and in line with Civil Service Rules, let them come out and tell the world how it was done and the criteria they used.” The stakeholders urged Duke to investigate the top of-

The campaign drew top PDP members from many parts of the country. In Sambo’s entourage were Governors Yisa Yuguda (Bauchi; Danbaba Suntai (Taraba); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe). The PDP National Secretariat was led by the party’s National Secretary, Dr Musa Babayo. He represented the PDP Acting Chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje. Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam sent the state’s representatives. Sambo said: “As the chairman of this important electioneering campaign, I am highly delighted to witness the proof that the good people of Adamawa State are in support of Nyako. There is no doubt that Adamawa State is PDP state and it will remain so for life.”

Kaduna to finance projects with internal revenue in 2012 •Yakowa presents N154b Budget From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

T •Ola

ordered the EFCC to admit our client on bail on terms that will ensure his attendance for trail whenever the above charge before the Federal High Court, Ekiti, comes up for hearing. “It is worthy of note that despite being served with the above order, the EFCC chose to take our client before another Magistrate Court in Ebute Metta, Lagos, again seeking an order to remand our client.

Minister urged to probe National Gallery’s promotions W ORKERS and other stakeholders of the National Gallery of Arts have urged the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, to investigate the promotion of some workers to directors on Monday. But the agency’s DirectorGeneral Abdullah Muku has assured the former top workers’ that their jobs are secure. The stakeholders advised Duke to probe the circumstances that led to the trial of former Director-General Joe Musa and three other directors, Olusegun Ogunba, former Director of Finance; Mrs. Oparagu Elizabeth, Deputy Director (Finance); and Mr. Kweku Tandoh, Director of Research. After about two years of trials, the former directors were discharged and acquitted, last week, by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They were, however, expected to return to their desks

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo was absent yesterday from Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyaka’s campaign rally for re-election. Obasanjo was billed to attend the rally in Yola, the state capital, with his former deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It was learnt that his absence had to do with his protracted feud with Atiku. Also absent was Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Senator Jibril Aminu and Dr. Hassan Adamu, who are top chieftains of the ruling Peoples democratic Party (PDP). But Vice-President Namadi Sambo was on hand to flag off the campaign. The Vice-President, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, said the PDP would win the governorship election on January 14.

ficials of the agency, find out the role they played in the trials of the former DG and the directors. Muku told The Nation that Musa and the other acquitted directors as well as some other workers, who allegedly leaked information about the promotions, were merely crying wolf. He said: “Yes, some workers have been promoted. We need to promote our officers that need to be promoted, and I can assure that the former directors are free to return to their duty posts. Their jobs are intact. When they return, they will get their positions back. But they cannot stop us from promoting officers who are due for promotion.”

HE Kaduna State Government said yesterday it would finance its projects next year with internally generated revenue (IGR). The government said it is exploring all avenues to ensure that its IGR increases tremendously from next year. Governor Patrick Yakowa spoke in Kaduna when he presented the 2012 Budget of N154,331,452,763 to the House of Assembly. The governor said his administration has set up a committee, which he heads, to improve the state’s IGR. The 2012 budget, tagged: Budget of Peace, Unity and Growth, comprises a recurrent expenditure of N69,374,840,844, and N84,956,611,919 for capital projects. Yakowa said the post-election violence in the state affected the performance of this year’s budget and retarded government’s efforts at spreading socio-economic and infrastructural development. He said: “It is common knowledge to all of us now that in 2011, we had the elections into various offices in Kaduna State and in Nigeria. Kaduna State’s elections came and went but left behind the woes as a result of the unfortunate, unnecessary and uncalled-for post-presidential election violence of April...”

Bauchi Varsity takes off January, says Pro-Chancellor HE Bauchi State University will take off in January, its Pro-Chancellor, Prof Ango Abdullahi, has said. Abdullahi said the university’s maiden matriculation would hold early in January. He urged the state government to improve pre-varsity education and ensure that it admits qualified students into the institution. Abdullahi, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, spoke yesterday at the Government House in Bauchi at the inauguration of the Governing Council of the university by Governor Isa Yuguda. He said after inspecting the facilities, the National

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

Universities Commission (NUC) gave express permission for the take-off of the university. Abdullahi said the university has campuses in three locations: Bauchi, Misau and Gadau. He said: “With the support of the governor, we have reached the stage where we can claim that we are ready for the Bauchi State University to start in 2011/2012. With all these, we are ready for the physical infrastructure, academic and non-academic workers, key management workers, the Governing Council, and the admission of the first batch of remedial and undergraduate students.”

Former governorship candidate Bapetel dies at 55

ORMER Adamawa State governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in the 2007 election, Alhaji Ibrahim Bapetel, is dead. The 55-year-old po-

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

liceman died yesterday in India where he was receiving treatment following a prostrated illness. Bapetel, who rejoined the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to assist Governor Murtala Nyako’s campaign for a re-election next year, was Commissioner of Finance under former Governor Boni Haruna.

He later became the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government (SSG) in the same administration. He contested the 2007 governorship race under the AC, now Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS NUT slams Obi, Wike over return of schools to missions From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

HE National Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the return of over 1,000 schools to the missions by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. It said the action is a violation of the “compulsory free Universal Basic Education (UBE) ACT 2004.” NUT National President Michael Olukoya spoke with reporters yesterday in Abuja at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) emergency meeting. Olukoya said: “It is a parody and travesty of governance that as the world moves progressively toward mass education through public funding, Obi is returning education to the level of an elitist project, undeserving for the children of the poor. “The situation in Anambra State assumed a dimension which borders on the criminal violation of ‘the compulsory free Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act 2004’ which made intendments of Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution that ‘government shall direct her policies towards ensuring that there is adequate and equal educational opportunities at all levels, while Section 3 states that ‘the services provided in public primary and secondary schools shall be free of charge.’ “The return of primary schools is an attempt to commercialise that compulsory free and universal basic education.” He criticised the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, who was at the hand over. Olukoya said: “The minister’s presence shows that President Goodluck Jonathan sanctioned it and it is a conspiracy par excellence. This shows that the people that have the love of this country at heart are not yet in power. Nobody should use his position to worsen the condition of the poor.” He said the union would go on strike and ensure that both private and public schools remain closed, if Obi fails to rescind his decision on the schools and the stoppage of union dues.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan insisted yesterday that fuel subsidy must be removed. Nigeria cannot continue with the usual, Jonathan said, explaining that the Federal Government has been exploring crude oil since 1958. There is need to transform the downstream oil sector by encouraging private investors through deregulation, he said. The President spoke at the Maiden Annual Lecture of the National Mirror Newspaper in Abuja. Represented by the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Labaran Maku, he stressed the need for the country to reconsider its stance on the oil sector. He said: “We do not have to always agree on every issue. If we do, that means we are not operating democracy, but no matter what, the media has a role in propelling our nation forward. One of the issues that are highly deliberated on is that of deregulating the economy. I wish to emphasise that our country cannot go on as usual. “Since 1958, our nation has been exporting crude oil. After 53 years, there is need to go back and retrace this sector to see how it has bettered the life of our people. Today, government is taking a clear look at it. After 53 years, we can’t say we will continue to have crude oil without adding any value to it. We don’t want a situation where Europe will manufacture and send finished products to us.” Pointing out that many developed nations are cutting down on expenditure, the President said for Nigeria to witness real economic development, his administration must reposition the sector; otherwise, the interest of future generations may be uncertain. Maku said: “Mr. President feels the time has come to target true economic development by opening up each sector of the economy. The real issue on deregulation is not subsidy; there is no nation in the world that can grow with-

•From left: Akinjide , Ibrahim and Maku ... yesterday.

Fuel Subsidy: We must do the unusual, says Jonathan •National Mirror holds maiden lecture From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

out subsidy. This year alone, we have spent N1.23 billion in subsidising petroleum products. This marks one third of our annual budget. “What the government has suggested in deregulation is to open the sector, so that private investors can come and develop the economy. “In the last 10 years, we have issued 20 licences to people who wanted to invest in the refinery, but they have been unable to do so because of the government’s tax. “They have been waiting for government to open the downstream sector and are now moving to Chad, Niger, Ghana and Benin Republic.” Jonathan said his administration remains committed to press freedom, stressing that without the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, open governance cannot be achieved.

“Let me assure the media that Mr. President is committed to freedom of the press. That is why he signed the FoI Act. It was a carefully made decision because Nigeria’s democracy cannot advance without giving attention to the media,” Maku said. He praised the Publisher of the National Mirror, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, for the impact the newspaper has made in the last one year. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo advocated democratic and good governance. He said it would ensure peace. Represented by former Minister of Transportation Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Obasanjo said adopting a system of open governance will foster decency as well as combat corruption. “Transparency and open governance will provide effective governance, appreciation by citizenry and boost the fight against corruption .

Where there is light, darkness will disappear; openness is the light to be built in a dark tunnel,” he said. Senate President David Mark urged the Federal Government to give justifiable answers on what Nigerians will gain from fuel subsidy removal. Mark, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Media, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the Senate gives priority to the interest of the masses, adding that the upper chamber is ready to support subsidy removal, if the government can be transparent in its approach. He said Nigerians would be happy to see the nation’s refineries function, with operational processing plants in Africa and other parts of the world. He said: “We will not want to be selling fuel, but own petrol stations and refineries all over the world. We don’t want to see Nigerians suffer. We will support you, but in

the spirit of transparency, let Nigerians know what they stand to gain from subsidy removal.” In his lecture entitled: “Africa and The Challenges of the 21st Century,” the Guest Speaker, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), decried the country’s falling standard of education. He said majority of university graduates are half baked and unemployable, attributing the situation to inadequate physical and financial structures. Akinjide said: “80 per cent of our graduates are not employable. Worthless graduates carry worthless certificates. For instance, Ogun State has not less than 10 universities and the rate of robbery is high. We should ask ourselves why it is that high.” In Akinjide’s view, for Africa to gain its economic freedom, it must get it right in terms of capital to finance economic development and competent labour to run and manage it. Ibrahim described the newspaper as a service to humanity.

Lawmaker advocates privatisation of PHCN HAIRMAN, House Committee on Power, Patrick

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Ikhariale has called for the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). He said power generation, transmission and distribution would not be solely handled by the private sector, but government would create an enabling environment for investors by enhancing the status of transmission stations across the country for easy gener-

ation and transmission of power. Ikhariale spoke yesterday in Kano during an oversight visit to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company. He said privatisation would facilitate quality service delivery, create jobs and make the prepaid meter system effective. Ikhariale said the “pay as you go” system used in the telecommunications sector would yield better result in

the power sector. He said the setting aside of N126,000,000,000 for the sector in the 2012 budget is an indication that government is ready to partner the private sector. Commenting on the inability of PHCN to cope with some challenges due to the embargo placed on employment in the power sector, Ikhariale said his committee has started meeting with stakeholders to ensure that the embargo, which has

been on for over 15 years, is lifted. Ikhariale said unless the embargo is lifted and more competent hands are recruited, the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the sector would be a mirage. Condemning increasing vandalism of electricity facilities, he urged the National Assembly to review the law on vandalism and recommend a stiffer penalty for offenders.

Two persons win Kia Picantos in Visafone ‘Xmas Promo

SAFETY engineer turned photographer, Ameachi Iheanacho, and a commercial phone operator, Aliya Eleweogede, yesterday emerged winners of Kia Picanto cars at the first Visafone national draws in Lagos. The draw also produced several other winners of over 69 fantastic prizes. The prizes include motor bikes, LCD televisions, refrigerators, washing machines,

home theatre sets and air conditioners. Others are Microwave ovens, table top cookers, irons, DVD players, standing fans, generators and

Free On net Airtime. Head, Visafone Corporate Communications, Joseph Ushigiale said the ceremony marks the be-

ginning of a rewarding experience for its customers in the “12 cars in 12 weeks Visafone Xmas Showers” draws.

Jega for lecture in Kenya

HAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Jega will today speak in Kenya on “Managing multiple elections: the Nigerian experience.” According to a statement issued yesterday by INEC Chief Press Secretary, Kayode Id-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

owu, Jega will speak as a resource person at the induction of the newly-constituted Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya. The induction, which started yesterday, will end on Sunday.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Fed Govt to issue N64.1b bonds in 2018, 2019

IGERIA issued 64.10 billion naira ($394 million)worth of 10year sovereign bonds with different maturity dates on Wednesday at yields lower than its previous auction, the Debt Management Office said yesterday. The debt office said it auctioned 34.10 billion naira in the 10-year bond due to mature in 2018 and 30 billion naira worth of the 10-year instrument maturing in 2019 at its last monthly debt auction of the year. All are reopenings of previous issues. The paper with term to maturity of six years and five months and due in 2018 was sold at a 15.93 percent marginal rate compared to 16.50 percent at the previous auction, while the bond with a term to maturity of seven years and ten months due in 2019 was issued at a 15 percent marginal rate against 16.50 percent at the previous auction in November.

We must continue to benchmark to international best practises in the compliance to regulatory standards and principles. -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Gov

CBN: Customs impeding cash initiative

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is holding up deployment of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals for next year’s implementation of the cashlite initiative. Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH) yesterday in Lagos, CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, said the Customs is constituting a roadblock to the apex bank’s target of deploying 40,000 PoS terminals by year end. The CBN had earlier set a

• ’It is not true’ By Collins Nweze and Adline Atili

target of 40,000 PoS terminals by end-December 2011 for the ‘Cash- Lagos’ project set to commence by January 1, 2012, to cater for settlement of transactions, alongside other electronic payment options Lemo said the Nigeria Customs classifies PoS terminals as ‘cash registers’ and so is demanding a 20 per cent administrative charges on each terminal being imported by the commercial banks, and coordi-

nated by the CBN, instead of the usual five per cent. He said this has significantly affected deployment of the terminals, ahead of initial implementation of the initiative in Lagos. But the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeniyi insisted that the tariff for PoS remains at 20 per cent. He said there is no problem between the Customs and the CBN over tariff. He said the issue at hand has to do with the law, stressing that the Customs does not have the power to grant waivers on tariffs excepts the Federal Government. “The CBN is not having

any problems with the Customs, but the law. It is not in our interest to grant waivers unless we are directed to do so. It is not a matter of the Customs, but a matter of the law,” Adeniyi told our correspondent yesterday. Lemo however, said all attempts to make the Customs Service see reason had fallen on deaf ears, including written letters to the Comptroller-General of the Service. He said the CBN was ready to dialogue with the NCS but will invoke the aid of relevant political authority to arbitrate on the issue, if need be.

Agency alerts pilots on safety

HE Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority {NCAA], Dr Harold Demuren has issued an advisory circular to all pilots and airline operators in the country advising them to adhere strictly to approved weather minima during harmattan. This he said was in the interest of safe flight operations in and out of Nigeria airspace especially at yuletide The issuance of the circular according to Demuren, is predicated on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) forecast that the prevailing weather condition is likely to herald long and severe harmattan in the months ahead.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

0.2958 206.9 242.1 156 1.9179 238 40.472

• From left: Mr Kester Enwereonu, Legal Adviser, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited; Mr Peter Mbah, Managing Director, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited; Mr Adeyemo Thompson, DMD, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, during the signing of MoU for the develpment of $250 million Single Point Mooring facility at Lekki Free Trading Zone at Lekki Free Zone Administrative complex in lagos ... recently. PHOTO: ABIODUM WILLIAMS

Jonathan signs Personal Income Tax into law

HE Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) has been signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan. It is the first major amendment to the income tax law since 1979. The bill sent to the National Assembly in 2004, was sent to the President for assent after passing through both chambers of the six th National Assembly. A statement from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said the new act would provide more disposable income to the lower income earners following the amendment of the income tax table and adjustments in the applicable income tax incremental bands,

• Promises to make Nigeria attractive to investors From Nduka Chiejina, Assist. Editor, Abuja

which brings it in line with current income levels. The Act also simplified the compliance processes by consolidating the reliefs and allowances stipulated in the Act and lowering the burden on low income earners as well as widening the tax base by bringing in a huge number of potential taxpayers, especially in the informal sector, into the tax net. The act according to the statement also removes obsolete, unrealistic and out-

dated reliefs and allowances associated with the former Act, replacing the previous reliefs and allowances with enhanced consolidated reliefs and allowances Meanwhile, the President has pledged that his administration will continue to implement measures, polices and programmes that will make Nigeria more attractive destination for foreign investors. Jonathan spoke yesterday when he had an audience with a delegation of Polish investors led by a former President of Poland, Mr. Aleksander

Kwasniewski. The President noted that with the ongoing liberalisation and deregulation of various sectors of its economy, Nigeria was full of new opportunities for discerning and knowledgeable investors.”Previously, government alone monopolised some sectors of the economy. Now all those sectors are open to private investors. We believe that this is the best way forward for our country. Our policy is to welcome all credible investors and we will continue to do all that we can to create the right conditions for them to thrive,” the President said.

‘Nigeria’ll save N315b from 50% cassava flour inclusion‘

IGERIA could save N315 billion from cas sava flour if bakers adopt the 50 per cent inclusion in baking bread, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Alhaji Mustapha Bello has said. Bello said at the moment, the country imports wheat worth N640billion, adding that with the inclusion of 50 per cent cassava flour, the country, which is the world largest producer of cassava,

By Toba Agboola

could save N315billion. His words: “At the moment, Nigeria imports wheat worth N635 billion (about $4.2 billion) annually, hurting its foreign exchange earnings and worsening the rate of unemployment. The inclusion of cassava in bread aims to cut imports of wheat by half. Apart from Nigeria saving N315 billion, it will also create jobs and encourage

farmers to produce more.” He said NIPC has developed a draft sector-specific incentives’ policy, which when implemented, would make the country a preferred investment destination among the emerging markets in the world. He assured that NIPC would ensure that all “hand-holding facilitation” that assists and supports investors to navigate through legal and administrative framework for doing business in the country are

put in place. The Federal Government last week, gave flour millers a three-month ultimatum to commence the 10 per cent substitution of cassava flour for wheat flour in bread baking. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, who gave the directive during a meeting with flour millers, urged them to ensure that the initiative is fully implemented.

SEC suspends 45 capital market operators By Taofik Salako

ECURITIES and Ex change Commission (SEC) has so far suspended 38 capital market operators this year, bringing to 45 the numbers of operators under ban from participating in capital market activities in Nigeria. Given the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO), the global body for securities regulatory authorities, the suspended operators would not be able to participate in capital market activities in other jurisdictions. Nigeria’s SEC is a prime signatory to the IOSCO’s MoU and Nigeria leads the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the global body. The updated list of enforcement actions by SEC obtained by The Nation showed that three capital market firms and 35 persons associated with the firms were suspended in the current business year while a stockbroking firm and six associated persons have been under suspension since 2009. Those suspended included three Lagos-based firms and a Bumpai, Kano-based firms with all their directors, brokers and other executives.

Egbin station ups generation to 1100MW By Emeka Ugwuanyi

HE generation level of the country’s biggest power plant, Egbin Electricity Generation Company, will from tomorrow begin to generate 1100 megawatts (MW) of electricity as the plant’s steam turbine (ST06), which has been out of operation for some years, will fully come on stream. With ST06 operational, five of the six turbines will be generating 1100MW. Each of the turbines generates 220MW. Work is also ongoing on the sixth turbine (ST02). The Federal Government is targeting 5000MW by end of this year. The Special Adviser to the Minister of Power, Ogbuagu Anikwe, who disclosed this, also noted that the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday in Benin endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan’s reform programme for Nigeria’s power sector. Oshiomhole said reform of the sector, is the only option left to make the country work and asked labour leaders to support the reform. Oshiomhole said: “I support privatisation, I support the reform,” he told a stunned audience of union officials who are participating in the 9th Delegates Conference of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which began yesterday in Benin, the Edo State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

DISCOURSE

Building a vibrant Legislature as a means of deepening democratic consolidation Text of the Keynote Address delivered by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, at the Conference of Speakers of State Legislators in Abuja. Introduction

T is a honour and indeed a privilege for me to address this important conference of Legislative Heads from the States. Alexander Pope, while commenting on the content and efficacy of governance rather than its form noted that “for forms of governments let fools contest, what is best administered is best”. Pope’s predilection is certainly for the performance of government rather than its form or institutional structure. While the content of governance is quite important, its form cannot also be dismissed. It is the form of governance and its institutional structure that shapes the nature of the relationship between the governors and the governed as it determines the nature of parties, electoral processes, constitutional order, issue of citizenship and rights, and other institutional mechanisms that promote the liberties of the citizens, and limit the arbitrary tendencies of the state and its managers. In other words, the extent to which a government is able to realise the public good will be largely determined or at least influenced by the kind of institutional structures that exist in such system. Undoubtedly, other factors like leadership and prevailing political values go a long way in determining the efficacy or performance of any government. In spite of that, institutions and forms of government matter. Within the liberal democracy strand, there are two major forms of governmental structures or arrangements. These are the presidential and parliamentary systems of government. Both deal essentially with how power is consummated, whether concentrated or dispersed, and who wields what power and how, especially at the central level. As Arend lijphart noted, “defining democracy as ‘government by and for the people’ raises a fundamental question: Who will do the governing and to whose interests should the government be responsive when the people are in disagreement and have divergent preferences? The last two democratic experiments in Nigeria have been patterned along the presidential system of government. These are the second republic (1979-1983) and the current fourth republic (May 1999-present). Even the stillborn third republic was of a presidential mode. In spite of what appears to be a settled question as to what model of liberal democracy Nigeria should adopt, there are serious critique of the presidential system of government and trenchant agitation that the country should return back to the parliamentary system of government that it used in the first republic (1960-1966). The fact that both models and experiments have failed in the past suggests that they are not foolproof or infallible systems and can collapse under enormous political stress. But which system is more adaptable to the Nigerian political condition that may prove more durable and enduring? What are the mediating factors or externalities that bear on the durability or otherwise of these systems, and how can the goal of democratic stability and consolidation be achieved in Nigeria? These are the issues addressed by the paper. HE arguments of the paper are twofold. First that both the presidential and par liamentary systems of government are bourgeois political crafting, which historically the ruling class in liberal democratic societies have used to legitimise their power, manage intra-ruling class struggles and stabilise the political system. The indigenisation or local ownership and efficacy of any of these systems will depend on how the Nigerian ruling class is able to reproduce the context and political culture of the western ruling class. In other words, evolve and internalise the values, nuances, institutions and controls of those systems. Second, beyond the façade of formal political structures, the survival of democracy in the long haul will be determined by how it improves the life chances of the people by providing them basic social welfare and better conditions of living. Without this, the people are likely to develop a “democracy fatigue”, which may sooner than later undermine the system.

Two sides of liberal democracy: The presidential and parliamentary systems of government. The terms “parliamentary” and “presidential” systems of government derive essentially from where the locus of power is situated at the centre. A parliamentary system is a government under the rule of the legislature. Put differently, it is a system in which the legislature wields enormous powers. The executive derives its existence tenure and control from the legislature. The president is elected from the legislature, so are the members of the cabinet. As Ben Nwabueze puts it “an executive elected by the legislature owes its right to govern to the legislature. This is indeed the central feature of the parliamentary system. Government under the system is the rule of the legislature, hence it is called parliamentary government”. In some parliamentary systems there is usually a distinction between the formal authority of the constitutional head of state and the real authority of the head of government. The main features of the parliamentary system are as follows: • The executive is parliamentary in composition. • It consists of a plurality of persons who as a cabinet constitutes the government •It is made by and responsible to the legislature. There is the phenomenon of parliamentary accountability in which the executive periodically gives account of its stewardship to the parliament. In the event of which the parliament passes a “vote of no confidence” on the government or its policies, the government has to be dissolved and in most cases, the parliament will also be dissolved for new parliamentary elections. In the presidential system of government, there is the concept of a single executive. The president is the fulcrum of executive power. He owes his appointment and tenure not to the parliament but the electorate and the constitution. He takes responsibility for his cabinet, and has the power to hire and fire them. The cabinet members are seldomly members of the executive. In the presidential system of government, the concept of separation of powers is well enunciated. The three arms of government are well demarcated, with specific spheres of responsibility. These three arms of government are to serve as countervailing power on each other. This is the principle of checks and balances inherent in the presidential democracy. There has been argument in the literature as to which of this institutional arrangement of liberal democracy is more effective and durable. The urge has been to identify the strength and weaknesses of those models. Parliamentary system of government is considered to be more inclusive, less expensive, and accountable. It encourages coalition building and the actual involvement of political parties in the governmental system through its role in political bargaining and coalition processes. Added to this is that the stakes are much higher in a presidential democracy than in a parliamentary system, as the desperation to win the oval presidential office is usually very high in presidential democracy. Furthermore, presidential democracy may also generate executive-legislative standoff especially in situations in which different parties control the two arms of government. In terms of its weaknesses, parliamentary system of government may create friction and tension between the two executive offices, of the constitutional head of state (president) and head of government (Prime Minister). Also, the doctrine of separation of powers is not clearly delineated in the parliamentary system. Furthermore, governmental activities are usually constrained by the overriding influence of the parliament in executive operation. For the presidential system of government, the major persuasion is that the locus of executive power is clearly delineated, which may engender rapidity of actions and decisions and make for executive responsibility in a clear and

concise manner. As Victor Ayeni noted the major conviction for presidential democracy is that “society is best run by a government that is effectively organised under a clear and definite authority. A plural authority situation often leads to confusion, unnecessary conflict and inability to locate responsibility”. Extant studies suggest that parliamentary system of government is more durable than the presidential democracy. Scholars like Joan Linz6 and Adam Przeworski, Michael Alvarez, Jose Cheibub and Fernando Limongi 7 have pointed out in different cross-country studies the basis of this and provided statistical data to justify such. Adam Przeworski et. al. in a study of about one hundred and thirty five countries between 1950 and 1990 noted that the possibility of survival of parliamentary system is much higher than that of the presidential system. Their finding is quite revealing: The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), which was saddled with the responsibility of drafting the 1979 constitution in Nigeria, also made the same submission in justifying the recommendation of a presidential system of government for the country. According to it, “the separation of the head of state from head of government involves a division between real authority and formal authority (which is) meaningless in the light of African political experience and history”.

Endgame of power: The travails of both the presidential and parliamentary systems of government in Nigeria.

NDEPENDENCE in Nigeria in 1960 was her alded with pomp and pageantry. The British Westminster model of government was bequeathed to the nation at independence. There was the office of Prime Minister and the President, with the latter being a ceremonial head of state and the former the head of government. There was a central legislature, while there were three major regions that were relatively autonomous. The expectation was that this political arrangement would engender some form of political interaction and bargaining at the centre amongst the regionally based political parties and thereby promotes consociational politics. David Apter shortly after independence eulogised the Nigerian experiment as a model of consociational institutional politics in Africa that is worth being emulated. According to him, the arrangement is one in which while the constituent parts joined together in some form of union, they have not lost their identity. It is a system that accommodates variety of groups of divergent ideas in order to achieve unity, and in which its corporate or collective leadership is acceptable to all14. Initially some form of consociational politics was unfolding with the coalition of the two parties that formed the government at the centre- Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), and the National Council for Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). The other party was in opposition and was supposed to form the shadow government. Although the decolonisation process witnessed some tensions amongst the political parties as to when and how independence should be consummated and the issue of numerical representation in political institutions, such was largely insignificant to undermine the system or the processes leading to political independence. However by 1964, the signpost of systemic collapse had begun to manifest in the country. Political parties had become quite desperate either to expand or protect their base of political and electoral support. In addition, some of the weaknesses of the parliamentary system had also begun to show. Cracks in political coalitions especially the ruling coalition of the NPC and NCNC was palpable, as some independent candidates switched to the NPC giving it the needed majority to form a government and as such making the NCNC an “irrelevant

‘In the presidential system of government, there is the concept of a single executive. The president is the fulcrum of executive power. He owes his appointment and tenure not to the parliament but the electorate and the constitution. He takes responsibility for his cabinet, and has the power to hire and fire them. The cabinet members are seldomly members of the executive. In the presidential system of government, the concept of separation of powers is well enunciated. The three arms of government are well demarcated, with specific spheres of responsibility...’

• Dr Fayemi

party”15 in the coalition. This problem was to threaten the stability of the political system when after the 1964 elections, which the NPC won, the NCNC leader, Nnamdi Azikwe, who was the president refused to invite Tafawa Balewa as new or re-elected Prime Minister to form a new government. This left the nation without a government for three full days. The constellation of forces and events that led to the fall of the first republic has been well documented; it therefore need no rehash. The important point to emphasise is that the parliamentary system of government could not be a safeguard against systemic breakdown. It could not diffuse the internecine struggles for political power amongst the political parties and its elite; prevent election rigging or construct relative autonomy for the state, which would insulate it from being the basis of primitive accumulation of wealth by the politicians. In order to avoid what was considered as the pitfalls of the first republic, there was a deliberate attempt towards an alternative model of political engineering in the second republic. The political transition programme (1976-1979) that ushered in the new republic saw tremendous political reforms, which include, local government reforms, a new process of constitution making, reform of the electoral body, and the creation of states. The 1979 constitution was predicated on the presidential system of government. As Alex Gboyega noted, the distasteful political experience of the first republic rather than any hopes of the future informed the making of the 1979 constitution. The quest for a stabilising formula as Rotimi Suberu points out was a major driving force in the making of the 1979 constitution. Some of the features of that constitution include the presidential system in which a clear focus of executive authority was created in the president. The president was to be popularly elected un-subordinated to the legislature. The president was also to command enormous powers and be a rallying point and embodiment of national unity. As such, the constitutional provision for the election of the president was more than wining a majority vote, but a vote with a national spread of 122/3 of the votes cast in the 19 states of the federation. OME other stabilising measures in the con stitution include the entrenchment of the federal principle in the constitution. These include the creation of 19-state structure, a single tier local government system that had constitutional recognition and specified functions, and a bi-cameral legislature at the centre-Senate and House of Representatives. In addition the “federal character” principle was introduced into the constitution, which was an ethnic formulae for the sharing of public goods. That is, all parts of the country were to be represented in state institutions and parastatals, which include ministerial portfolios, the bureaucracy, ambassadorial appointments, and boards of public corporations and agencies. The essence was to prevent claims of ethnic domination and marginalisation by groups in the country. This was to make for group rights, fairness and social justice in the country. The other stabilising devices in the constitution include the provision that political parties must be national in orientation and spread before qualifying for registration. This was to prevent the emergence of ethnic based political parties, which was a major bane of the first republic. Those parties were to be locally funded with the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) regulating the funding of those parties. Also, the Code of Conduct Bureau was established in order to check corruption and financial malfeasance by public officials, while civil liberties were guaranteed by the constitution.

• To be continued

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NATION SPORT

Ogbeche set for debut

ORMER Nigerian international Bartholomew Ogbeche is set to make his Championship debut for Middlesbrough against Cardiff City on Saturday. The 27-year old ex-Paris St Germain striker looks certain to step in for Boro’s top scorer Marvin Emnes, who is down with a hamstring injury. Ogbeche signed a short-term contract with Middlesbrough after a trial in October. He played for Nigeria in the 2002 World Cup and signed for Boro after leaving Greek club Kavala in the summer. With Emnes likely to be ruled out, manager Tony Mowbray does not have many striking options. Ogbeche and Alex Nimely, on loan from Manchester City, are the only real choices and neither have made a single Championship start. Mowbray seems to favour Ogbeche against City, saying: “We watch Bart in training and he has wonderful talent. “He earned the instant respect of the team because of what he’s done in training every day. It’s difficult for a striker like Bart to be getting 10 minutes here or 15 minutes there and then expect them to set the place alight. “Yet I have no fear for his talent and if Marvin has an injury that’s going to keep him out for a week or two, then it will be good to see Bart threaten the goal and do what we see him do in training every day.” Mowbray will pick Justin Hoyte at right-back with Tony McMahon suspended.

•Ogbeche

NATION SPORT GLO /CAF AWARD

Okocha, Hadji to receive Legend Awards

HIRTEEN years after the duo went head to head for the title of African Player of the Year, Nigeria’s Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji will be honoured next week with the Legends Award by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Hadji won the title of Africa’s best player in 1998, narrowly edging Okocha to second place by two points. But on December 22 in Accra, Ghana, both former players will stand side by side to be honoured for their career achievements. Hadji played at two World Cups for Morocco, at USA 94 and France 98. He

also featured in two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in 1998 and 2000. The former Nancy and Coventry City player scored a memorable goal against Norway in 1998 at the World Cup, but Morocco failed to make it further than the group stages. Okocha’s career was no less stellar as he played at three World Cups, five AFCON tournaments and won the Afcon once at Tunisia 1994. He also won an Olympic football gold medal in 1996. The 38-year-old former Nigerian captain was named best African Player by the BBC in 2003 and 2004.

Dike quits as Rangers’ coach

OACH Alphonsus Dike has resigned his post with Enugu Rangers. Dike tendered his resignation letter to the management of the Coal City side on Thursday, December 15. The former Golden Eaglets coach signed a two-year contract in September 2009. He took over from home boy and former Super Eagles’ coach, Christian Chukwu. Dike guided the six-time Nigerian champions to a sixth finish in the 2010/ 2011 NPL season as well as third best in the 2011 WAFU Cup Clubs competition. The amiable coach told SuperSport.com that he decided to quit his post as coach of Rangers and has asked the management to pay him off. "I tendered my resignation letter to the management of Rangers this morning(Thursday) and I told them in the letter to calculate the balance of my sign-on fee and bonuses and pay them to me. "My contract with them has ended with the 2010/2011 season and so far there had not been any discussion or negotiation over my contract. "And since the WAFU tournament which kept me this far in the club has ended, I think it is time to move on." The former Spartans player informed SuperSport.com that he would be glad to offer his service to any club once the terms are good. I am

Eagles, Bafana game hits snag

NSC TO KESHI

We want a home–based team

IRECTOR-GENERAL of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief (Dr.) Patrick Ekeji has advised coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi to build the national team around the players who are hungry for success. Ekeji, gave the advice when the Super Eagles’ coach paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday December 14, 2011 in his office to solicit for support as well as appeal for the rehabilitation of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos playing pitch. According to the Director-General, the

formation of a new-look national team around budding talents from the local league should be the immediate priority of the Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi. While urging him to focus on the task at hand, Ekeji further advised Keshi to concentrate on selection of players from among the home-based, as this will not only serve to motivate them, but will go a long way in giving the foreignbased footballers enough competition for automatic shirts whenever they are invited for national assignments. Earlier, coach Keshi called for support

to enable him carry out the assignment of building a new national team and taking football in Nigeria to new heights. He also appealed for serious efforts to be made in ensuring that the National Stadium, Surulere playing turf is rehabilitated to facilitate matches in Lagos which is seen as home of football in Nigeria. The NSC chief promised that the National Sports Commission will continue to give him all the encouragement required to ensure that he succeeds in the task of building a new squad for Nigeria.

2013 NATIONS CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND 1

Nigeria's waiver excites Keshi •NFF charges coach to get team ready •As CAF appoints Mba as Match Com.

•Dike free now, any club that needs my services can come forward for it." On whether he has any regrets leaving the Flying Antelopes, Dike said he did his best to keep the good name of the club intact. "I wanted to win both the league and WAFU shields and I didn't, so that is a low score. But I think I gave them my best shot within the circumstances available to me," he said.

THAT Nigeria will not be involved in the Nations Cup 2013 qualifiers Preliminary Round 1 has given National coach Stephen Keshi a breather. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had initially stated that countries that failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea will be required to kick start the preliminaries of the 2013 qualifiers in January, which had put Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi under intense pressure. According to sources, Keshi had contemplated the possibility of putting a team together immediately after festivities this December. However, in the draw released in Cairo last week, only four teams, Seychelles,

Swaziland, Sao Tome and Lesotho will play the preliminaries 1 on January 8 with the return leg billed for January 22. All the other teams including Nigeria will now start their matches in Preliminaries 2 on February 29, clear 12 days after the 2012 Nations Cup final in Libreville in Gabon on February 12. Keshi who has been contracted by Supersports to do a study analysis during the Nations Cup, will also try to convince the Barrister Green-Led NFF Technical Committee, why he should be allowed to carry out the Supersport assignment since according to him “ I have some time on my hands” He will meet stiff opposition from

those members who believe that since there is no credible team on ground, he should use the whole of January and February to try and perfect his team instead of going on “…holiday in South Africa” “The match against Rwanda in Abuja on February 29 is like the beginning of the Keshi years, so before then he should be able to put his structures in place, that is in Lagos he will be expected to convince the Technical Committee on how the Super Sport function will not affect his Nations Cup preparations “ Paul Bassey spokesman of the Technical Committee said. Meamwhile, Nigeria’s renown referee, Linus Mba has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as Match Commissioner for the Sao Tome versus Lesotho match slated for January 8.

HE proposed international friendly between the Super Eagles and their South African counterparts Bafana Bafana has hit a brick wall. SuperSport.com can report that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is uncomfortable with the February 29, 2012 date for the tune-up match and will not enter into any agreement for the game. The February 29 date picked for the friendly falls on the same that the Super Eagles are billed to face the Amavubi of Rwanda in the first leg, round two of the 2013 Africa Cup of

Apam eyes first Rennes start after surgery N igerian defender, Ongekachi Apam looks likely to be given his first Rennes start a year and a half after having meniscus surgery in the wake of his four million euro transfer from OGC Nice. The Nigerian, who won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, played for 90 minutes in a reserve fixture on Saturday against USJA Carquefou, the week before he managed 60 minutes in another B team game. Apam's likely return is one of a number of positives that could come out of the match according to Antonetti, "We've already been eliminated from this competition but it's still a very prestigious game for us," he said. "This match will let some players show their skills and it will also help us prepare ourselves for upcoming matches." The Nigerian defender, who had played over 100 games for Nice between 20062010, has also been included in the squad to face Ligue 1 strugglers Ajaccio at the weekend.

Probe sacked chairman, secretary

EEMING supporters of the relegated Crown FC of Ogbomoso have made a clarion call to the Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Dapo Lam-Adesina to probe the activities of the disengaged

From Patrick Ngwaogu and Andrew Abah, Abuja

prosecuting those that really did the work they were sent to do, maybe not satisfactorly”. He advised the Committee not to sweep the recommendations under the carpet like the previous ones but should assist to ensure that the bill establishing the NSC and NFF are passed immediately to give all legal backings to their activities.

Bada, a hero –Ag Sports Minister

former Crown Chairman Gabriel Babalola Olugbodi and Secretary, Debo Awogbade while at the helms of the club’s affair. The plea was made in a letter signed by a group which claims to be the umbrella association of all Crown supporters club and other concerned parties of the club, which was forwarded to Commissioner for Youths and Sports’ office, made available to the sporting press and copied to Oyo State Governor’s office. The group urged government to probe the sacked officials and retrieve the club’s fund allegedly misappropriated by the former chairman and secretary, so that such funds can be used for the on-going recruitment exercise of the club. It is a fact that the club’s treasury had been looted and we are soliciting for an urgent action from government as we have started observing them again, lobbying politicians to facilitate their return to the club, this will spell doom for the club who through their actions got demoted to the lower cadre just after one season in the elite division”, the statement noted. Meanwhile, the disengaged Crown officials were yet to pick up their sack letters at the state ministry for youths and sports after a week the ministry have communicated such to them.

•Claim bodies being short-changed by NSC

PORTS Federations in the country have raised alarm over the allocation of budgets by the federal government being hijacked by the National Sports Commission (NSC). Amongst those who raising the alarm is the president of the Atletic Federation of Nigeria(AFN), Solomon Ogba who claims that the AFN had been shortchanged for long. He said: "Some Sports Federations usually get monthly imprest to run their secretariats, but my Federation never knew that such a measure was in existence in the NSC. I have spent over N100 million but it has not been reimbursed to me." Ogba wondered why a Federations like Powerlifting would get an appropriation of over N32.7 million in 2011, while he only got N2 million since he assumed office as AFN President two years ago. In the same vein, the NIS Executive Director Isaac Ikhioya was a sorry sight,

From Patrick Ngwaogu and Andrew Abah, Abuja as his appraisal report revealed that monies appropriated for some of his activities were diverted by the NSC, and their duties hijacked by the Commission “ take for instance, the money that was meant for the provision of the tartan tracks at the NIS has been used for other things. Only few days ago, we saw the Commission issuing certificates to participants for a course jointly organized by the NSC and Supersports of South Africa. In the real sense, it is duty of the NIS to enter into such collaborations with foreign institute” he bemoaned. He said that the institute mostly receive funds to pay staff salaries. On staffing, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Ayo Omidiran threatened todrag the Institute to Federal Character Commission for loopsideness in their staff recruitment structure.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

Dolphins confront Sony de Ela Nguema in Feb

IGERIAN Premier League winners Dolphins will begin their CAF Champions League campaign with a preliminary stage clash against Sony de Ela Nguema of Equatorial Guinea during the weekends of 17-19 February and 2-4 March, 2012. It is the first time since 2005 that the Port Harcourt-based team will play in the Champions League. They last played in a CAF organised tournament in 2008 when they reached the second round of the Confederation Cup. It may explain why NPL runners up and

first time Champions League campaigners Sunshine Stars were drawn into the round of 32. The Akure were semi-finalists in this year’s Confederation Cup. Sunshine will await the winner of the clash between South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and Recreativo de Libolo of Angola. Other teams drawn into the round of 32 are Al Ahly, Esperance, TP Mazembe, Al Hilal, MAS, Coton Sport, Djoliba, Raja Casablanca, Etoile du Sahel, Dynamos, Stade Malien and El Merrikh. This round of matches will take place between 23-25 March and 6-8 April 2012.

Bosso close to Wikki return

HERE are strong indications that Kano Pillars’ coach, Isa Ladan Bosso, will return to his former team, Wikki Tourists, ahead of the new season, which begins in January 2012. The Bauchi side have been without a substantive manager since Hassan Abubakar, who brought the club back to the top flight after relegation in 2010 left under cloudy circumstances. Although Abubakar’s assistant, Yakubu Maidajin led Wikki to win the Nigeria National League title in front of their home fans, the management wants him to work under an experienced boss next term. Bosso, who is still in charge of Pillars told SuperSport.com that Wikki currently has an edge over other suitors. “I’m still discussing with several teams including Kano Pillars. However, my destination will be revealed before Tuesday next week. “The new management at Wikki wants me back and we’ve had fruitful discussions. I’ve put aside the incident that led to my initial exit,” he said to SuperSport.com. Bosso revealed that Wikki already

has a futuristic plan which appears achievable to him. “They want a developmental approach in the Premier League. The first year is not about winning the league, but by the second year the target is to earn a continental ticket which appears realistic to me. “I’m delighted that the state government has serious plans for the team,” the former Flying Eagles coach told SuperSport.com. In spite of the interest from Wikki, the Niger State-born coach stated that he has enjoyed the working environment at Pillars, which has the best support in the NPL. “I’ve had a wonderful time working at Pillars where the support for the team is different from others in the league. Even if I have to leave Pillars, it has to be done properly because of the good people around me. There’s mutual understanding in the team,” he said. Bosso was earlier linked to the vacant position at perennial Nigerian champions and African campaigners, Enyimba.

Finalists emerge in Karunwi t/ tennis tourney

HE Honourable Minister of Youth Development and Acting Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has described the death of Mr. Sunday Bada as sad, shocking and a great loss to Nigeria. According to him, the Late Bada was a hero, who typified the Nigerian spirit and made the country proud through exploits in several track and field events. “Bada, a role model to many Nigerian youth, brought global fame to this country. His name will eternally be written in gold and his memory forever cherished.” The Minister also called on Nigerian youth and sportsmen to emulate the attitude of the late Bada by putting the country first always.

While Apam seeks to create a future at Rennes, one man who looks to be on his way out is Stéphane Dalmat. The welltravelled midfielder, who has played for 11 senior clubs in his career, appears to been no longer part of Antonetti's plans and has not been included in the squad for either the Madid or Ajaccio matches. "Would it be good for him to leave and find another challenge? We have asked the question, and him too," said Antonetti. "He's a really good player, he has shown that many times but it has not worked out with us, something for which he is partly - but not entirely - responsible." Dalmat, who has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Lens, Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse, Racing Santander, Bordeaux and Sochaux, has half a season left on his contract with Rennes and could leave in January in a bid to find regular first team football.

CROWN FC FANS TO MANAGEMENT

Gombe calls for Ekeji’s sack, prosecution F

ORMER Gombe State FA Chairman Ahmed, Gara Gombe has advised the federal government to sack the Director General of National Sports Commission (NSC), Patrick Ekeji, arrest and prosecute him alongside a former Minister in the Commission Sani Ndanusa.Gombe spoke on the invitation of the House Committee Sports in Abuja on Wednesday. The controversial sports administrator submitted Nigerian sports circuit will never know peace until the likes of Patrick Ekeji are clamped into jail for the evil they have perpetuated in Nigeria sports “Today, four former chieftains of the NFF namely Sani Lulu, Amanze Uchegbulam, Bolaji Ojooba and Taiwo Ogunjobi are standing trial in a court for the money they were given to prosecute the 2010 World cup in which they were visible actors. But the people who took N300 million from the money without doing anything are now serving as prosecution witnesses in the case. If Lulu and his men are being prosecuted for doing the job which the money was meant for, why do we allow those who took over what was given to these men to be walking freely on the streets. Former Minister Sani Ndanusa should be called to give account of what transpired during the U-17 World Cup which Nigeria hosted in 2009. It is in this country that a Minister can award a contract to plant grass at the stadium to himself, and we all saw him planting the grasses, and we allowed it to go, while

Nations qualification in Kigali. SuperSport.com's attempt to get the NFF general secretary, Musa Amadu, to comment on the development was not successful. Amadu instead, referred our correspondent to the federation's spokesman, Ademola Olajire, who could not be reached as his mobile telephone rang without response. "I am not in a position to speak on this, the federation's media officer will do that," said Amadu in a brash tone. This is the third time a game between the two has been nixed.

Sports Federations raise alarm over budget allocation

•Keshi in a training session with Eagles players

FTER three days of intense action at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, finalists have emerged in the team and singles events of the maiden Adeyemi Karunwi Trust table tennis championship. With the final matches scheduled for Saturday, Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School and Oto Awori Senior Secondary came third in the team event of the boys and girls divisions after walking over Eletu Odibo Senior High School and Baptist Junior Secondary School. In the boys’ team event final, Education District two flagbearers, Baptist Junior Secondary School will face District Three representatives, Okesuna Secondary School, while in the girls’ team final, Wesley Girls Senior

Secondary School of District Four will square against Army Cantonment Senior Secondary School of district six. In the boy’s singles event, the race for the title will between Quazeem Quadri of Archdeacon Adelaja Senior High School and Qudus Surmer of Baptist Junior Secondary School both of district two. Also, the winners of the mixed doubles and doubles events would have been decided yesterday with all eyes on the final holding on Saturday. Twenty-two schools out of the 24 expected at the championship participated with the students displaying exceptional skills to the admiration of the fans. According to the technical coordinator of the tournament, John Peters, the students really showed

enthusiasm to participate in the championship considering the interest shown by the participating schools. “We are happy that majority of the teams expected at the championship showed up yesterday and this goes to show that schools are ready to embrace the game. Though most of the players will be playing on a standard table for the first time, this alone will bring out the best in them. For us, we believe if some of these players are well groomed, they will surely become world beaters in the game,” he said. The participating schools are drawn from the six educational districts of Lagos, with each presenting four teams. The one week competition is being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development as well as the Education

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Xmas road blocks • The remorseless extortions on roads must be checked

NE of the problems that will not go away in Nigeria is corruption. Perhaps nowhere is this more exhibited than on our roads and highways. In spite of the vociferous complaints about policemen’s extortion of money from innocent vehicle owners on a daily basis, the rate of extortion is increasing daily. Several times the Inspector-General of Police (IG) had issued orders to state commissioners of police to stop this illegal act, to no avail. The situation has become so bad that vehicle owners have devised a means of placing a curse on the N20 they hand to the police but they are not deterred by this dreaded phenomenon of curse or imprecation. Now Christmas is approaching. A trip from Ile-Ife to Ibadan or Ile-Ife to Akure, for instance, which takes about 50 minutes and one hour, respectively, now

‘Christmas is around the corner, and the corrupt policemen are looking for extra money by all means. Now, some pertinent questions: can the police continue to extort money from people on our roads and highways as they do if the IGP is favourably disposed to stopping their monstrous and shameful activity?’

takes about two to two-and-a-half hours, respectively. This is so because the police, in order to make sure that vehicles stop for them to collect N20 or more from each vehicle owner, now erect huge road blocks with heavy woods and empty drums at every two kilometres. About two weeks ago, commuters ran into a heavy hold-up caused by the police road blocks at the outskirts of Ibadan. One side of the road was completely blocked with heavy woods and empty drums so that no vehicle could pass the policemen without stopping for them to collect the illegal toll. It was only when the hold-up was becoming embarrassing that they partially removed the drums, leaving the woods, to allow uncomfortable passage. This ugly show carried out daily all over the country is very embarrassing to a nation already reeling in official corruption. Yet, it is not that the government and the police hierarchy are not aware of the ceaseless complaints about extortion of money by policemen on our highways which, ordinarily, should not be blocked under any circumstances. This is why highways are free ways. The extortion of money is even more severe on ‘Trunk B’ roads where policemen would block the roads completely until money is given to them as they menacingly brandish their guns. Some of them even kill those who refuse to give them money. The question now is: why have the police taken over the legitimate duties of officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) who are more concerned about safety on the roads and highways by arresting traffic offenders

and sometimes warning them about the consequences of dangerous driving? As for the policemen, many dangerous drivers will go free as long as they dole out some money which they openly collect without fear or shame. We cannot count the number of occasions when trailers ran into many vehicles that were stopped by policemen at check-points. One of the most serious cases happened at Ile-Ife toll gate years ago when a trailer ran into many vehicles which had been stopped by the policemen. More than 100 people were burnt to death on the spot, including a newly wedded couple. The policemen ran away. That is the usual pattern after the policemen had caused unnecessary accidents involving lives. Unfortunately, this scenario continues unabated while our leaders and the police hierarchy look helplessly on. Christmas is around the corner, and the corrupt policemen are looking for extra money by all means. Now, some pertinent questions: can the police continue to extort money from people on our roads and highways as they do if the IGP is favourably disposed to stopping their monstrous and shameful activity? Let the IGP answer this question now before more people are killed on our roads and highways now that the Christmas season (when the police make huge sum of money from extortions) is here with us. The IGP should hold state police commissioners responsible for extortions carried out in their territories and enforce strict compliance now if we are to get out of the mess.

End-of-the year robberies • Besiege states should ape Lagos

ITH the Yuletide and the New Year fast approaching, the spate of armed robberies has increased in the country. This has resulted in the forced closure of banks in parts of the country where the armed robbers have become more daring, even as they launch their operations in broad daylight. The latest of these incidents have taken place in, at least, three states: Kogi, Oyo and Ondo in the south-western part of the country alone in recent times. Just last Wednesday, many banks did not open to customers in Akure, the Ondo State capital for fear of another robbery attack, following similar incidents in the town in the last week. Some of the banks located on Oba Adesida and Oyemekun roads locked their gates, while their workers were also locked inside their premises. A few other banks which opened did so amidst tight security as customers were frisked before being allowed in. Bank customers had the same experience in Oyo and Kogi states in recent weeks. This was the experience of Lagosians at about this time until a few years ago when the state government launched its Security Trust Fund to which corporate organisations and others contributed significantly. Money realised from the fund had been used to boost the operations of the police in the state. Many operational gadgets, including armoured personnel carriers, had been purchased for the police to enable them confront the

armed robbers that used to hold the state hostage. Today, the song in Lagos State is different as Lagosians can now boast of a generally secure environment in which people can sleep with their two eyes closed. Not a few people believe that most of the robbers that now terrorise other states, particularly the adjoining ones to Lagos, fled to these other parts because Lagos is no longer a safe haven for criminals. The lesson from this is that state governments must create new methods to deal with the increasing sophistication of the armed robbers. Some state governments have emulated Lagos and it would not be long before they begin to have the impact of their new thinking in crime control. The fact is that policing is collective responsibility; it should not be left to the Federal Government alone. As a matter of fact, the Federal Government has its hands full already, with the Boko Haram and other security threats confronting the country, some of which are self-inflicted, though. We have made the point many times that the best way to police our kind of country is to allow states have their own police forces. There is nothing unusual about this; as it is the practice in some developed countries. But for reasons known to it, the Federal Government has refused to let go of the centralised police force which has over the years proved to be incapable of solving the security problems. In this case, and until the

situation is reversed, state government officials do not have to fold their arms and continue to wish that the problem will resolve itself. They have to follow the example of Lagos State by taking their destiny in their hands. They must be ready to galvanise the private sector in their respective states to see the sense in partnering with the state governments in dealing with the scourge of armed robbers. Security is one the most basic duties of government. An insecure environment not only breeds social crisis, it also drives away the much needed foreign investment from the country. The banks too have to be ready to buy into the idea of collective responsibility to protect the country.

‘The lesson from this is that state governments must create new methods to deal with the increasing sophistication of the armed robbers. Some state governments have emulated Lagos and it would not be long before they begin to have the impact of their new thinking in crime control. The fact is that policing is collective responsibility; it should not be left to the Federal Government alone’

President Obama’s too-rosy vision of postwar Iraq

N THE opening statement of his press conference Monday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Obama managed to assert no fewer than five times that the war in Iraq is ending. No doubt the president’s reelection campaign hopes that Americans will absorb that message; but we wonder about the thoughts of Iraqis who were listening. The conflict in their country, after all, is greatly reduced but not over: Al-Qaeda continues to carry out terrorist attacks, Iraniansponsored militias still operate, and a power struggle between Kurdish-ruled northern Iraq and Mr. Maliki’s government goes on. Many Iraqis worry that, after the last U.S. troops depart this month, the sectarian bloodletting that ravaged the country between 2004 and 2007 will resume. Those concerns, as well as the hope of checking Iran’s influence, prompted U.S. commanders to recommend that a follow-on force in the tens of thousands remain in Iraq next year. Iraqi politics, and the agreement struck by the Bush administration mandating a full withdrawal at the end of 2011, made that tricky — but a conflicted Obama administration never tried very hard to strike a deal with Mr. Maliki. Now, having promised in 2008 to end the war “responsibly,” Mr. Obama seems to feel obliged to prematurely declare the war over — and to oversell the regime that U.S. soldiers are leaving behind. On Monday, the president portrayed Iraq as a democracy and model for the Middle East whose economy is set to grow more rapidly than those of India or China. He described Mr. Maliki, a Shiite who spent years in exile in Iran, as a nationalist whose stated “interest is maintaining Iraqi sovereignty and preventing meddling by anyone inside of Iraq,” adding, “I believe him.” Leaving to historians the question of whether the war was a mistake, Mr. Obama said, “What we have now achieved is an Iraq that is selfgoverning, that is inclusive, and that has enormous potential.” As supporters of the war, we wish all that were true. But Mr. Maliki’s government increasingly appears headed in a troubling direction. Rather than remaining “inclusive,” Mr. Maliki has been concentrating power, especially over the security forces, in his own hands and excluding minority Sunnis, with whom he promised to share authority. He recently ordered the arrest of hundreds of people he accused of being tied to Saddam Hussein’s former Baath Party. Though he may have, as Mr. Obama said, domestic reasons for doing so, he has set himself apart from the rest of the Arab League by refusing to break with the Syrian government of Bashar alAssad, a key Iranian ally. Mr. Obama’s virtually unqualified support for Mr. Maliki consequently was unsettling. The president said that the U.S. “goal is simply to make sure that Iraq succeeds, because we think a successful, democratic Iraq can be a model for the entire region.” That is true. But success will require continued and concerted U.S. engagement, not rosy declarations about a mission accomplished. – Washington Post

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

IR: We many not be able to prepare the future for our youth but we can prepare them for the future. Nigeria is potentially rich and vastly blessed in natural resources but elite greed, corruption, selfishness, lack of moral and practical integrity is holding her down. At present, education sector is on the verge of collapse because of lapses that we failed to address. Our institutions are underfunded; facilities are not on ground to prepare our youth for the future. Our graduates cannot secure jobs because the economy is ailing. A word of caution to the Federal Government on the planned removal of oil subsidy: it is not the solution to our problems. We cannot use a problem to solve another. Our leaders enrich themselves at the expense of common man and this has left us in perpetual suffering. Our leaders

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Education is key to Nigeria’s future need to display high degree of discipline, selfless service and set practical examples which is the hallmark of leadership. Let the rich whom God has blessed note this that it is not riding expensive cars that contribute nothing to the economy that will solve the problem; they should remember the word of a wise man to wit; “Wealth is given by the creator to help the needy and protect the weak” It is expedient and pertinent that they have investment mentality to generate employment to help our youth.

They can even be benevolent enough to grant scholarship to students from poor homes and stock schools libraries. A word of challenge to our Christian leaders that found universities and charge exorbitant fees that beyond the reach of the poor. Are they treading the footprint of Jesus Christ that made all things free through his death on the cross of Calvary? After all, it is the money of common people in these churches that fund the schools, the goose that laid the golden eggs has been strangled. We cannot not expect

peace in Nigeria, if the children of the poor are not equal with the children of the rich, if not in wealth at least in education. Sound and qualitative education is an inalienable right of any citizen with affordable charges, so that we can have literacy without borders and development without limit. On a serious note, UNESCO recommends that every country should devote 26% of her annual budget to education, but it is far from being the case in Nigeria. Let the Federal Government devote 26% of annual budget to education,

auditing software technologies to curtail the excesses of these seemingly unrepentant “managers” of ghost workers and pensioners in its MDAs at all levels of governance, and subsequently block all the loopholes being exploited by such official burglars and economic saboteurs. The endless parades of senior citizens at designated centres across the federation, must be discouraged. It is unhealthy, shameful and unacceptable to behold many of these aged, retired Nigerians spending days and oftentimes sleeping in on open fields, due to the Government’s decade-long negligence to do just what is right in this regard.

Proper deployment of requisite information technology tools promises to abolish the ghost-worker and pensioner scourge plaguing the country. Any government officials found to be aiding and abetting this wickedness and fiscal damage against the country must be prosecuted by appropriate anti-corruption agencies for economic sabotage. As the nation’s economy continues to gasp under inflation, youth unemployment and collapsed infrastructure, the time to effect this much-needed positive change in the system is just now. • Gbenga Kayode, Wordkraft Communications Limited, Lagos.

Menace of ghost workers and pensioners

IR: During his appearance before the then Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation in 2003, Chief Joseph Naiyeju, then Accountant-General of the Federation, had disclosed that following a manpower verification exercise conducted by the Federal Government, personnel in the employ of the government were “found to be 215,000 not the 255,000 which were in the official records at the inception of the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in May 1999.” This figure invariably translated into a difference of about 40,000 nonexistent names on the Federal Government’s payroll at the time. Similarly, the Minister for Finance in the era reportedly complained of “difficulties being experienced in the payment of salaries to government workers because “ministries do not have accurate figures of the staff strength of their departments.” Even the Lagos State Government, the acclaimed Centre of Excellence and economic capital of the nation at a time announced the “discovery of 4,000 ghosts” in its employ. Year after year, this evil custom of ripping the nation off its economic wealth has never abated. Associated Press (AP) recently reported the inclusion of a-month-old baby in the payroll, earning about “$150 a month for the last two or three years”. The medium described the heart-rending tale as “a discovery indicative of the widespread corruption starving the oil-rich West African nation of much

needed funds....” In respect of the pensions, the sour story of corruption is not different. For example, the audit carried out by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) this year allegedly revealed “71,135 ghost pensioners on the government payroll,” leading to the recovery of over N1.5billion hitherto being deliberately or carelessly paid to the said ghost pensioners. Thus, as serious as the twin evils of ghost workers and pensioners are in the country, many Nigerians have continued to ask: who actually smuggles into payrolls these fictitious workers’ and pensioners’ names? An analyst commented in Lagos recently that there is no state in Nigeria that doesn’t have ghost workers, and that these “ghost workers collect salaries and eventually qualify for pensions” as well. The money is supposedly paid into the accounts of the people who created the identities, while some morally deficient government officials even allegedly continue to collect the pensions of dead people, whereas the bona fide living but distressed pensioners get tossed around pension payment data verification centres in most instances. Just as the Edo State Government was reported to have adopted the measure lately, the Federal Government in particular needs to employ appropriate accounting/

all these strike action, lack of facilities in our schools will become a thing of the past. The U.S have more than 2,000 universities in a population of about 290 million. Here in Nigeria of 150 million people, we have less than 500 universities, hence gaining admission has become a matter of survival of the fittest. It is the rot in a system that leads to riots; for war not to break out and the future not to be destroyed, let our education system be redefined and employment sector be opened to create opportunities for our youth to be gainfully employed. The compelling need of every nation is to advance toward the development that will guarantee her joy, hope, vigour and enthusiasm to live reflectively toward the advancement of its posterity, with such eagerness and will power to place virtue of vision for a better future above living for the present. Nigeria is created with potentials and abilities for success and greatness. The only way by which the land can prosper by fertilizer of heaven is to develop her youth by giving them sound education because today’s kids are tomorrow’s kings. Sophisticated weapons cannot combat crime, get our youth educated to redefine their sense of patriotism and provide employment that will put food on the table of Nigerians. Education is a companion which no future can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate it and no nepotism can enslave. • Ezekiel Oluwole Kolawole Custom Road, Ikotun Lagos.

Subsidy: referendum, not mass revolt IR: President Goodluck Jonathan recently vowed to take the option of social revolt than back down on his plan to withdraw the subsidy on fuel. He said his insistence was informed by his knowledge that Nigeria’s economy will collapse in two years if the subsidy is sustained. The President was said to have made the statement at a meeting with the leaders of some civil society organizations on Saturday, December 10. There are clear indices that Nigeria has collapsed, morally and economically. Nigeria has collapsed. We pray it does not get worse. The country’s debt is said to be N5.82vtrillion.Inflation is killing ordinary Nigerians. There is no

way they can ever accept the so-called fuel subsidy removal. A human rights activist at the meeting was quoted as saying that: “We saw a government that lacked the will to take on the cronies who are responsible for the fraud in the oil sector. The government has decided instead that ordinary Nigerians should suffer for the sins of a small cabal known to the government.” Instead of the Arab type protests that may be bloody, which might not spell a good end for him, I advise President Jonathan to resign honorably or submit himself to a referendum, for Nigerians to reconfirm or deny him their confidence. His option for mass protest implies desperation and reminiscent of the late Col. Muammar

Ghaddafi of Libya who refused to quit honorably. Meanwhile, Nigeria is in the worst of times. It is as if we are in another war situation. How will fuel subsidy removal expiate what the Boko Haram seems to call a stolen mandate and the other crises across the country? Nigeria cannot survive without justice. Return the presidency to the north immediately or dialogue with them. Why are many Nigerians rejecting any move by Gen. Babangida to return as Nigeria’s president? The annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election is a basic answer. • Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011 16

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites S

Olatunji Ololade

CAPEGOAT Jonathan. Not quite interesting anymore, is it? I speak of that flaming, illimitable fervour to deride and crucify President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for everything and anything that’s wrong with us. Some rants get too old to be amplified hence this half-hearted attempt to redirect the flak from President Goodluck Jonathan even as his luck begets the worst of rant and impotent vituperation. His platitudes have worn off now, and the man who was supposed to bring us good luck is desperately in need of luck. Bet when he invited the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Diezanni Allison-Maduekwe, Reuben Abati et al to shore up his cabinet, he thought he had swathed himself in the best of politesse and socio-political duvets. Unknowingly, he was stripping himself bare. Mr. President never knew that appointing the likes of Okonjo-Iweala, Abati, AllisonMaduekwe et al would offer no cover for his many handicaps – they only accentuate his many handicaps. How could they serve as his shields while they are crippled by personal handicaps? Take the case of Okonjo-Iweala: with enviable royal roots, an Ivy League education and intimidating work record; she remains a model member of President Jonathan’s cabinet. And Okonjo-Iweala surely possesses that attitude that’s essentially a prime requirement for engaging in public service in Nigeria: hubris. Providence is the nemesis of pretenders, and hubris is the bane of all demagogues. Enabled by a

president who lusts painless success at all cost, Okonjo-Iweala has been re-invented into a swash-buckling Czarina enhanced with messianic frills and compromises of all sorts. Born on June 13, 1954, she hails from the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State Nigeria. She was educated at Harvard University and earned her Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Okonjo-Iweala is at first glance, a perfect embodiment of the Nigerian dream. She does not apologise for the accident of a privileged childhood and youth nor does she have to preen about having suffered a deprived one. However, it’s a brazen irony that she would be party to depriving not a few Nigerian kids that rare opportunity to a memorable childhood; and the Nigerian youth untrammeled access to the quality breeding that she is a product of. How? To what premise could such brazen assertion be attached? Think fuel subsidy. Okonjo-Iweala’s incendiary take on President Jonathan’s desperate bid to remove fuel subsidy is exactly the kind of taunt that delights Okonjo-Iweala’s fans and infuriates her detractors – like her controversial demand that she be paid in dollars to serve as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet. If anything, Iweala looms even larger in the public psyche now than she did at her first foray into

T is characteristic of Labor to come against any policy that will increase tax and reduce effective purchasing power. Therefore not many will be surprised that Labor in Nigeria has championed the struggle against policy of government to deregulate the downstream sector of oil industry and remove fuel subsidy. Labor did not mince words in this case. Even when it was still a matter of conjecture, Labor moved against the idea, made noise, went round the streets of Abuja and ended up in front of the Arcade at the National Assembly. Labor rally that day was addressed by many labor leaders and human rights activists. Other issues were addressed by Labor. Labor was against non-payment of the N18,000.00 minimum wage by federal and state governments, despite the fact the Minimum Wage Bill had been signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan. Labor kicked against deregulation of power sector in which some subsidiary companies of Power Holding Companies of Nigeria, PHCN, have been slated for privatization. And finally, Labor called on our Legislators to resist being bought over to prevent legislative probe of privatization process carried out by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. However, the current and the most important task for Labor is how to stop government from going ahead with fuel subsidy removal. From all indications, Labor is just incensed with the idea of deregulation. President of the Nigerian Labor Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, infuriated by the situation, threatened to mobilize Nigerians against the policy, warning that it would lead to open revolt. He described the policy as antipeople and one that will spell doom for Nigeria. He said President Jonathan had been acting the script of some elements within his administration that he said were bent on creating disagreement that will provoke open revolt and general strikes. Let us appraise one or two options presented by Labor to meet the government at the middle to break the stalemate during negotiation. Labor had challenged government to rehabilitate all our refineries and make them produce enough fuel for local consumption. With this in place cheap fuel

Ebele Baba and his 40-something cripples (1) (Economics according to a textbook Czarina) Nigerian politics. There is little sign though that her economic blueprint is essentially a functional master plan to engineer the rejuvenation of the Nigerian economy. If anything, her indefensible and uncompromising stance over the removal of fuel subsidy suggests that her politics and economics are at core, infantile and basically unrealistic despite her touted proficiency. You have to give her for her gutsiness though. Okonjo-Iweala knows her worth thus she would never sell herself short. While most other ministers treaded predictable and wholly dishonorable paths into the presidential cabinet, Iweala meandered along two parallel tracks: one befitting a celebrity and the other, designed for a messiah. It is often hard to tell where one stops and the other begins yet nothing is as lucid as the bulky Minister of Finance’s selfassuredness. That towering bust of confidence remains the Finance Minister’s Achilles heel. Okonjo-Iweala believes she is a realist even as she sounds off as the most unrealistic of fantasists. Enabled by the President, Okonjo-Iweala believes she possesses the economic wisdom to retool and possibly remodel the Nigerian economy. Goaded by her unquestionable position in the President’s economic team, she brims with mystifying narcissism that’s at once dictatorial and condescending about the necessity of fuel subsidy removal. Thus a fledgling genius, crippled by untenable economics and hubristic yearnings is unleashed on over 140 million Nigerians because Mr. President lives in awe of her intimidating resume. Forget his contrived hardiness, Mr. President is an intimidator’s delight; even when he talks tough, Mr. President

is interpreting someone else’s commanding script and OkonjoIweala knows this much, hence her adeptness at pulling his strings. She will get away with it even if the imminent fuel subsidy removal boomerangs to hurt the chances of President Jonathan and his party eternally. Okonjo-Iweala will get away with it even if there is an astronomical increase in the pump price of fuel and associated products. She will get away with it even if it wreaks devastating chain effects on the economy, like hyperinflation, prohibitive cost of transportation and more Nigerians become unable to meet their basic needs due to depreciation in the strength of their purchasing power. For instance, families that survived on N10, 000 monthly would need about N20, 000 more to survive because the price of almost every product or service associated with fuel will sky-rocket in response to prevailing market forces. When everything gets to a head, OkonjoIweala will simply pack her bags and scurry for the comfort of her plum position at the World Bank. This doomsday argument is an appropriate response to the government’s declaration that the money saved from the withdrawal of fuel subsidy would be invested in infrastructural development. No responsible government will deliberately weaken the purchasing power of its citizenry in order to develop social infrastructure. The illogicalities of fuel subsidy removal are incalculable. Proponents of fuel subsidy can still offer no convincing explanation – statistical or otherwise – to show that Nigerians had always enjoyed fuel subsidy; not even the unassailable Iweala despite her exaggerated brilliance and infallibility.

Labour’s options on fuel subsidy By Kehinde Laniyan produced locally would then be consumed locally. No import. No duties, port charges, demurrage and landing costs. There will be no need to service the needs of some middlemen that made fuel expensive. This is the simple option labor presented to government, and interestingly, many interest groups have joined in supporting this option. A position like this has made many to submit that, in the first place, there has been no subsidy on fuel in Nigeria. They therefore want Nigeria to go back to the league of oil producers who also refine and consume fuel massively, incentivized by local subsidy regime. The countries are Venezuela, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Qatar, Bahrain, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, Oman and Algeria. Meanwhile, eight out of cheap fuel-seller countries are in the Middle East/North Africa, one in Eastern Europe and one in South America. None of them is in the developed or emerging countries. None is a full democracy. They are all oil producers consuming local fuel more than they produce it; a bottle of table water is far cheaper that a liter of fuel in these countries. Transparent governance is rare in these countries. Local allocation of resources is distorted because they run subsidy on fuel. Most of them, just like Nigeria, have poor local management of assets when compared to the huge resources they have generated through oil in many years. Topping the group asset wasters here is Venezuela and Iran. Venezuela should be noted because its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Enerique Fernando Arrundel, once broke diplomatic protocol by advising Nigeria not to remove oil subsidy because in his country you can fill the tank of your car with just $1.00. If this is the direction Labor will like Nigeria to go, the government will be expected to

begin to spend on massive rehabilitation of four government’s owned refineries. Second, the government will be expected to invest in building more refineries to cater for our local consumption and if possible export. As regards the above outlined, the state in Nigeria has demonstrated very low capacity, competence and efficiency in managing business enterprises. On the contrary, where government has failed, the private sector has succeeded glowingly in Nigeria. For instance, the government was unable to move forward the telecommunication sector in Nigeria for more than 40 years; and in less than 10 years that same sector that was oppressed by government funding and monopoly expanded and became the darling of investors all over the world. The trick was the good environment that was created for private investors through deregulation of the domestic market. Another pertinent question, is it worth the trouble rehabilitating refineries that have gulped so much money without good results or returns in the past years? It has also been argued that these refineries are also very old and would be nothing but bottomless pit. The average age of a refinery, according Professor Tam David West in an interview recently, before it begins to give problems is 30 years. By my calculation all our refineries except one, Port Harcourt Refinery (1984), have passed the age of 30 years. The oldest was established 46 years ago. One refinery is 33 years and another 31 years old. Is this the reason why it has been very difficult to get our refineries to produce optimally to their capacity of processing 450,000 barrels of oil per day despite huge investments in turn-around maintenance? Jonathan’s administration has been advised to consider establishment of new refineries

Even so, Mr. President has taken her word for it. Now he wants us all to accept such harsh irrationality even in the absence of more sensible and humane options like revivifying our refineries, checking monumental corruption within the NNPC, PPRA and the government in general. Funny how Okonjo-Iweala wouldn’t order Mr. President to slash the outrageous salaries and expenses of Nigeria’s serving state officers – the two of them inclusive. Funny how she would conveniently awe him to submission and acceptance of the dangerous illusion that once subsidy is removed or the downstream sector is deregulated, the Nigerian economy would begin to thrive. In her extraordinary and World Bank-informed economics, the effects of the subsidy removal won’t be proactively cushioned by instantaneous palliatives or safetynets spread over the long term. Suspect as this may seem, OkonjoIweala’s genius and patriotism is not in doubt, what is in doubt is the eerie coincidence and vicious intensity of the government’s desperation to remove fuel subsidy which festers in cahoots with the World Bank’s fabled position on issues of subsidy. Okonjo-Iweala’s a ballsy giant of a woman whose plain talking and touted economic brilliance distinguishes her as a down-toearth financial theorist of our day. It is laughable though that despite her genius, she would counsel Mr. President to accept being beaten silly by a cabal that they claimed hijacked the oil subsidy and vent their grief on poor, helpless Nigerians in the absence of crucial socio-economic palliatives. • To be continued…

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to shore up the production of old refineries. Though, we are assuming here that this is the kernel of the challenges confronting the sector. Here the blame for not having new refineries has been heaped on past and present governments. It was argued that with the billions of dollars made from collecting oil rents in the last 50 years, Nigeria should have been establishing new refineries every other year. Unfortunately, this strategy recommended by Labor during negation with government also comes with a major disability - the private sector investment is missing in the calculation. And without a good incentive, where the market is liberalized for business development, no capitalist will put in his money. Capitalist organizations are not charity organizations; they invest with eyes on profit and put their money where the heart is. I believe it should be the concern of Labor, as much as that of President Jonathan, to know why several attempts to get the private sector to invest in refineries in Nigeria have failed woefully. That, it is hoped, will make all negotiators involved in working out options to see the other sides of the arguments. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo for example, issued 18 private refinery licenses before leaving government in 2007, but not one single refinery has taken off till date. Ironically, information has it that Nigerians who did not establish refineries in Nigeria after securing licenses have gone ahead to set up refineries in Niger, Sierra Leone and other West African countries. This shows that business decisions are taken, not based on ethnic sentiments, but on hard facts that assist the investor to recoup funds with huge returns. • Kehinde Laniyan, an administrator, sends this from Abuja.

‘Another pertinent question, is it worth the trouble rehabilitating refineries that have gulped so much money without good results or returns in the past years?’

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION To govern according to sense and agreeable with the interest of the people is a great and glorious element of governance.’’——Edmund Burke FTER the desecration of the southwest by former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors in the name of governance, the people living in the region felt a big sigh of relief that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors that got into power through the ballot and judicial pronouncements would make a difference. This belief is not misplaced because Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, an ACN pacesetter in public administration has afterall, set verifiable template precedent in good governance. Surprisingly, Oyo state under the Adebayo Alao Akala led PDP government was one of the most despoiled states not only in the south-west but in the entire nation. In Oyo state under Akala, wanton contempt for the law was the order of the day. The garage boys because of official patronage from Akala became tin-gods that must be feared by inhabitants of that state. Better put, the NURTW that was until its proscription being administered by touts and drivers saw themselves as another arm of government that must be revered. Due to this self delusion of grandeur, unscrupulous members of the union put the state under siege killing and maiming themselves and sometimes innocent people in the process. When it became obvious that power was slipping from his arms, Akala set the NURTW as a booby trap that would disorientate the then in-coming government of Ajimobi. Initially, the union members created so much hullabaloos with their trade mark violence. But as a man with a mission in government, Governor Ajimobi not only proscribed the union but also ensured that the ugly head of the dastard NURTW never reared in Oyo state again. The taming of irrational members of NURTW that Ajimobi achieved with maturity and savvy could not be so easily achieved in some states. Of course, it has been the waterloo of security initiative measures in other states across the Federation. May be those other governors currently witnessing NURTW rascality should come and seek the Ajimobi model in peace initiative onslaught in Oyo state. However, when stability seems to be in

“Of these elements, the most important is our mutual acceptance Of one another’s full citizenship of Nigeria” Ojukwu.

F you think the hunger gambit was cruel, how about this one: It was determined and Gowon was thus advised after the war that no Igbo man must get more than twenty pounds no matter his credit balance in the bank. Imagine for a second dear reader, that tomorrow, it is decreed that you must forfeit all the money in your bank account; all your life’s savings, all your sweat and toil. You must forfeit them not because you committed a crime but just because you are Hausa, or Yoruba or Itsekiri. At the end of the civil war, the Igbo man was stripped to his war ravaged pants: his house, his assets, his bank balance, his shares, his pension, his gratuity, his citizenship were all seized from him. He was left a vagabond in a Nigeria he calls his country. There has been no reconciliation, no reconstruction, rehabilitation, no restitution, no amnesty. Robbed of dignity and self worth, he has remained a shadow of himself and his domain remains largely a wasteland with little improvement since after the war. Yet this Igbo fellow has forgiven and forgotten. The unifier he is, he has once again, spread out to every nook and cranny of Nigeria creating wealth, building assets and adding value as if nothing happened just 40 years ago. But the last thrust of the sword through the heart of the Igbo man, the final attempt to wipe him out is to make sure he gets only a pittance of the nation’s commonwealth. Before our very eyes, Hausa-Fulani generals contrived to reduce the Igbo nation to the size of old Kano state by allocating it the least number of states and local governments. If the number of states and local governments are the bases for sharing the federation’s resources, is it not criminal injustice to make one zone or region to far outnumber another? Is it not naturally equitable to divide the six zones equally in terms of number of states and local governments? Is Igbo not one of the big three tribes in Nigeria? Why have the people been relegated to the status of the smallest zone in Nigeria of today? Yet some people foreclose the creation of more states. Do we need a prophet to tell us that if two more states are not created peacefully in Igbo

Ajimobi and challenge of governance Burst.’’ The squad is made up of 65 policemen; 55 personnel of the Nigerian Army, 12 Air Force personnel, 7 State Security Service (SSS) and 7 Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that was mandated to quickly swing into action so as to put the criminal operations of armed robbers tormenting the state at bay. However, the squad was also provided with tools to work with because the governor realised the important of contemporary gadgets in crime combat anywhere in the world of which Oyo is no exception. . The squad has since begun patrol of Ibadan

metropolis with 15 vans and eight Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). An additional 34 patrol vans and four APCs are reportedly about to be purchased so that operations of the squad can be effective and extended beyond Ibadan, the state capital. Realising that hoodlums might use the numerous shanties in Ibadan as hideout, Ajimobi commendably has been destroying those illegal structures for security reasons and more importantly too, to reduce illegal construction induced flooding that has become a global problem ravaging humanity. Ajimobi equally realised that security without employment in a state with teeming unemployed youths means nothing. Thus, he has chosen this season to launch the Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State (YES-0) under which 20,000 youths have been employed by his administration. This is a laudable initiative that could help to forestall the kind of revolution that current and former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo respectively predicted could be imminent. One can only call on the governor to endeavour to employ more youths in the nearest future. The governor needs to work more to re-enact the lost glory of the state. Nevertheless, no one is concluding that Oyo state has reached the apogee of its development under Ajimobi but the reality is that the template and leadership focus for realising this goal are now in place.

Beere ’Derin Osoba@ 60

•Ajimobi

sight in the capital of the former Western Region, another peace threatening problem came up. This time, armed robbers tried to put the entire region under siege robbing banks at will and killing people in a manner depicting total break down of law and order. For a good number of days, banks could not open in the south-west but in his typically prompt responsive approach, Ajimobi came up with an initiative that would extinguish the fire power, brawn and brute force of the armed robbers that tormented the state, putting the people on edge in the process. The Oyo governor immediately set up a 146-member squad, codenamed “Operation

Last week Friday, some of my friends called trying to find out where the well deserved 60th birthday party/bash of former First Lady of Ogun state and educationist of repute, Beere ’Derinsola Osoba was taking or to take place. Obviously, they got to know of the birthday of the adorable wife of the incontrovertible godfather of Ogun state politics, former governor of the state, Aremo of entire Ijebu land and Akinrogun of Egbaland, Olusegun Osoba (CFR), through an advert placed in this paper by Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his wife on that day. Whoever has seen this ageless beauty from

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8055001684 email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

OJUKWU: from Biafra to Boko Haram (3)

• Ojukwu land, they will have to be created through the force of arms some day soon because these kinds of blatant injustice don’t stand for too long? What about the voodoo population censuses that has reduced Ndigbo to a minority tribe in Nigeria. Isn’t that laughable? How many coups have been carried out since the first one allegedly masterminded by Igbo officers? Has there been any other genocide since then? Is a coup okay only when it is carried out by the Hausa-Fulani? Though we will want to shy away from the cold facts, but it must be noted that all those zones that teamed up in an evil alliance seeking to exterminate Ndigbo have tasted a dose of the Hausa-Fulani medicine since after the war. Pa Awolowo was cleverly shut out of the presidency even when it was clear that he ought to have won the 1979 election. I wager he died not a particularly happy man and I

want to think that at a point before he died, he would have wished he listened to Ojukwu. See what they did to MKO Abiola, his family and his businesses. What was his crime? He dared to rouse the people against the oligarchs. General Obasanjo could have died in detention under a trumped up charge were it not for public outcry. Apparently he still does not know where the rain started to beat him otherwise, he would not have made the recent statement about Ojukwu apologizing. Our south-south brothers were brainwashed into becoming the worst enemies of Ndigbo during the Biafra war. It was their connivance with the rampaging Hausa-Fulani army that broke their Igbo brothers. And even after the war, thousands more Igbo died of heart-brokenness when their houses down the road in Port-Harcourt were declared as abandoned property, and stolen from them. If you remember that Ndigbo practically built and owned PortHarcourt before the war you would understand the extent of the pain and sorrow. If the millions of Igbo property in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Jos (just name any town in Nigeria) were declared as abandoned, certainly not the ones in the old Eastern region. How could a man abandon a property in his own country? That is the citizenship Ojukwu was pointing at. But the story was told of how Ojukwu had gone to Ken Saro-Wiwa in detention as he awaited the Hausa-Fulani hangman and greeted him “good morning.” Ken himself

close range will marvel at her sparkling outlook. As a wife, mother and grandmother, our Beere has acquitted and is still acquitting herself very well. Her sense of fashion is admirably elegant without necessarily being loud and vain glorious. Her carriage never betrayed her age and she always exude honourable mien. Akinrogun definitely made the right and best choice in her and the result today is their four lovely kids that are doing well in different fields of human endeavour. I am seizing this opportunity to say a belated happy birthday to our ageless and adorable Beere and to wish her many more years of meaningful co-existence with her hubby. had acknowledged in his last book that he had seen the ‘light’ Ojukwu held out all the while. See how far the Niger Delta has been worsted since independence and how the enormous proceeds there from had been skillfully deployed in developing an Abuja that no southerner is allowed to administer. Going up to the middle belt, what is happening to Jos today? Is it not the same thing Ojukwu foretold? How does General Gowon feel now seeing Jos as today’s killing field. Owerri, Enugu, Asaba, etc, had that cruel title under Gowon’s charge. How does General TY Danjuma feel today seeing the genocidal cleansing around him? He it was who exuberantly slaughtered his boss, General JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi whom he was supposed to guard and protect? He murdered an innocent man. One hopes he can sufficiently make atonement lest he returns to his maker with blood-stained hands. And finally, this Boko harassment; innocent people are being slaughtered daily for no sensible reason, including policemen and soldiers. Churches are being burnt, banks are robbed at will and mere anarchy is loosed upon the land, why? You don’t have to be a genius to guess right: it is the same story of some people insisting they must rule or anoint the ruler. I wager that there would not be a bomb-hauling Boko Haram today if a Buhari or Atiku or Babangida instead of a Jonathan, was president. At best, it would remain the harmless, itinerant religious sect that it was up till two years ago. This explains the deafening silence being observed by the northern elite on this particular Haram. The foregoing are some of the deep-seated anger in the heart of the Igboman and one has to say it and say it so plainly because as our people say, you have to expose an ailment before you can set about curing it. This is what Ojukwu died saying to Nigeria. The HausaFulani elite will have to determine whether they are still interested in this Nigeria marriage or not. If they do, they have to learn that it has to be based on justice and equity to every tribe, every citizen. Thank goodness they are now meeting as this column has canvassed. It is salutary that they are addressing some of these issues. We need many more of such soul searching. Nigeria may yet come out of this much greater. • Concluded

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

PLEDGE

PROJECT

CRIME

250 schools rehabilitated

Hoodlums kill nursing mother

Cross River 28

Lagos

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2011

‘We’ll make Enugu prime centre of commerce’ Enugu 40

Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

HE people, both young and old, trooped out en masse to have a glimpse of Governor Godswill Akpabio who they described as “our action governor.” Before his arrival at of Ukanafun in Ukanafun, headquarters of Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to commission some people-oriented projects, the people had gathered in groups expressing to each other their happiness for the lift the governor had given to their community which they said had been neglected by successive administrations in terms of infrastructural development. So, when Akpabio and his entourage arrived, the people of Ukanafun praised him for his efforts at eliminating all obstacles to sustainable development in the state. He had come to inaugurate eleven lives-touching projects in the area. The projects ranged from reconstruction of the Assembly Hall in a Primary School in Ikot Udo Mbang, reconstruction of six classroom blocks and halls in Government Primary School, Ikot Udo Ossiom, rehabilitation of Science Laboratory and two youth corps’ lodges in Community Secondary School Afaha Obo. Other projects were six new classroom blocks, Assembly Hall and office block at Government Primary School, Nto Okon 1, as well as electrification projects in Nyak Iba 1, Nyak Iba 2, Idung Nimeke, Udua Udo and Ndoki respectively. While receiving the governor and his entourage, the chairman transition committee of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Prince Nsikak-abasi Udoekpo, expressed the profound gratitude of the people to the governor for counting Ukanafun Local Government Area worthy to be touched by the dividends of democracy. Mr. Udoekpo maintained that Ukanafun had previously suf-

•Governor Akpabio’s representative and Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Sunday Anyang (middle); Transition Chairman for Ikono, Lovinah Umoefa (2nd left); inaugurating new classroom blocks at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Ikono, Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom community gets a lift Akpabio inaugurates 11 projects Residents pledge more allegiance By Tajudeen Adebanjo

fered from neglect by successive administrations but the present administration had come to her rescue. One of the villagers in the electrification site Mr Udo

Udom thanked the governor for the wonderful infrastructure sited in his village. He pledged the community’s full support to his administration. Also speaking, the paramount ruler of Ukanafun Local Government Area Okuku Victor Umoh praised the governor and chairman

inter-ministerial direct labour committee, saying that he is very happy with the present administration as it has achieved a remarkable transformation. Another indigene of the area and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Obong Eno Akpan also thanked the governor

for the timely completion of the projects. Responding, Governor Akpabio, represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology Bar. Comfort Etuk, appreciated the people of Ukanafun for their warm reception and togetherness. Governor Akpabio added that what they have witnessed was as a result of their massive support to his administration.

Oshiomhole takes score card to ‘beer parlour’

•Governor Oshiomhole at the Tigers Club Guest House in Auchi

IGERS Club Guest House located in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State played host to an unusual and unexpected guest. Immediately the guest strolled in, youths, women and old men trooped in to catch a glimpse of the guest that chose to patronise a local beer palour. The guest comrade governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole walked into the guest house after inspecting road projects in the locality. Shouts of awe rented the air immediately Oshiomhole ordered for a bottle of Gulder after taking a seat with members of the Tigers Club. In his company were Majority

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Phillip Shuaibu and Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Hon Clem Agba. Oshiomhole, who had, last month, given report of his threeyear stewardship, used the opportunity to tell the people his mission to the locality and what his administration has done to uplift the state Addressing the crowd that gathered, Oshiomhole said: “Once you are happy, I am happy. I am satisfied with what I do. You can see •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

ple and the failure of the citizens to demand transparency and hold government accountable. He said: “The government has a lot of authorities, but there are laws checkmating those authorities. Nigerians should assert their rights in decent and respectful manners. “Poverty is the greatest violation of rights. It is not all about government. It is about us as a people keeping those in government on their toes to do what is right. It is unfortunate that Nigeria is a country of subjects and not of citizens. Not asserting our rights amount to self-enslavement.” He said the ND-CLD, with its secretariat in Agbor, would be staffed with experienced lawyers, who would henceforth offer free legal services to indigent litigants, whose rights are abused.

Morka, however, warned that the lawyers would not rise to defend those with proven criminal records. In his remark, Bawa promised NHRC collaboration with the NDCLD to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people are guaranteed. The retired DIG decried the high poverty rate and the falling standard of education across the country. He admitted that there was disconnect from those in government and the people they claim to serve. Speaking at the forum, representatives of the groups used the platform to recount how their rights have been trampled upon by the law enforcement agencies, especially, the police. But the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in charge of Ika North and Ika Northeast were on ground to disabuse the perception of residents towards the police, urging them to always strive to report the excesses of the rank and file to senior officers.

Delta community gets wake-up call on rights

GBOR, a rustic community in Delta State, on Tuesday, hosted two unusual events. Its residents woke up to a Street Walk, co-organised by New Dawn Centre for Leadership Development (ND-CLD) and the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), both non-governmental organisations (NGOs). After a 40-minute guided Walk from the commercial nerve centre of the city near Mobil Filling Station, on Old Lagos-Asaba Road to Ezinne Civic Centre, the residents assembled at the centre for an informal discussion session, where there was a reawakening of the people consciousness to their fundamental human rights as contained in the Constitution. Conveners of the two-in-one event, which drew dozens of local groups within the community, said it was in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Chaired by a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Donald Ugbaja (rtd), the event drew the likes of Idris Bawa, who stood in for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Nollywood star actor Ramsey Noah among others.

•Participants at the walk By Bunmi Ogunmodede

They all spoke at an informal discussion forum, on the need for residents to see themselves as citizens of the country and not as subjects to those in leadership positions. SERAC’s Executive Director Felix Morka, who set the tone of discus-

sion, drew particular attention to Chapter four of the Constitution, which he told the audience, contains the citizens’ rights. He listed such rights as housing, life, association, education, health and dignity, all of which he regretted had taken a flight from the country due to the failure of government to fulfill its obligations to the peo-

Oshiomhole takes score card to ‘beer parlour’ advantage of the dry season to complete many of the roads. “It is also erosion control measure which is why we are using quality drainage system. The reason why I go round to inspect projects is to remind the contractors that we are watching and monitoring the jobs. I don’t just rely on reports I

•Continued from page 25 we are building drains on the roads. We are going to include street lights. This government will continue to work for you. These road networks are to link the communities across Auchi, Jattu, Afashio up to Afawo. I want to take HE management of Med-View Airlines has said that the air carrier has completed the return of about 16, 000 pilgrims it airlifted to Mecca, Saudi Arabia in all the four zones it operated just as it craved for participation in the airlifting of Christian Pilgrims to Israel. Managing Director of Med-View, Alhaji Munir Bankole said that the carrier operated in Maiduguri, Ilorin,

receive. I have to see it myself.” Chairman of the Tiger Club, Braimoh Momoh said they were elated with the presence of the governor in their club. He said: “We have had so many promises by past governments to work on the road. This is the first time we are seeing construction work in this village.”

Airline seeks enlightenment for pilgrims

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Port Harcourt and Lagos Zones. According to Bankole, the carrier airlifted 3,031 pilgrims in Maiduguri, 3,079 in Ilorin, 850 in Port Harcourt

•Pilgrims alighting from the aircraft

and 9,000 including officials in Lagos zones. He explained that the carrier finished the exercise 10 days ahead of scheduled and denied that any of the pilgrims was stranded in Saudi Arabia.

He emphasised that the exercise was completed ahead of schedule because Nigeria commenced the exercise simultaneously with other countries that participated in the exercise unlike in the past when Nigeria started the exercise late. He, however, called for more awareness for the pilgrims and urged them to be more focus on spiritual aspect of the exercise rather than personal things, which he said interfered with the purpose of the exercise. He said, “Personally, I think the awareness of the pilgrims is not enough especially on their safety. Most of the things they are running after in Mecca are already here in Nigeria, but unfortunately, they don’t understand this. “It is good for them to be lectured on the importance of spiritual participation in the exercise rather than personal gains. Although, I will say that our participation in the exercise has been improving over the years and this too contributes to why we are able to finish the exercise 10 days ahead of schedule.”

On the participation of Medview Airlines on the airlift if Christians pilgrims to Israel, Bankole said that the management had applied for the exercise in the past, but was yet to receive favourable response from the Government. He however assured that if given the opportunity, the carrier would perform beyond expectation, insisting that its experience in the annual Hajj exercise would give it an edge even over some preferred foreign carriers. “We have made attempts in the past and I want to still say that we are ready for the exercise if given the opportunity, but we have not been invited so far. It is still our area of interest and we are ready at any day and time. But it seems those who are organising the annual event are more comfortable with foreign carriers. I want to say here that the indigenous operators too are equally good and should be given the opportunity to participate in the exercise,” he said.

THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

HE Abia State governor, Theodore Orji has donated 18 Ford Ranger four-wheel drive double cabin vans to all the security agencies operating in the state. This is the first phase of such donations which aim at ensuring that the security agencies operate at optimum capacity.

Abia donates 18 vans to security agencies From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

Speaking in Umuahia while donating the vans, Governor Orji said that the vehicles were for the

The security agencies proved their capability to adequately protect the state at a time when criminals such as armed robbers and kidnappers nearly over powered the state government’s security operatives

police, the Army, Navy, State Security Services (SSS) and the Civil Defence Corps; even as he disclosed that the gesture was a compliment for their efforts during the period when the state was held hostage by criminals. He further said that the security agencies proved their capability to adequately protect the state at a time when criminals such as armed robbers and kidnappers nearly over powered the state government’s security operatives, stressing that his administration cannot afford to go back to that era, “which is why

we are donating these vehicles to them for their operations.” He noted that they security agents fought a serious battle to liberate the state from the hands of the criminals. “It is a situation we cannot afford to go back to and we want to assure our people coming home for Christmas celebration that the state is safe for them now and after.” He said: “This is the first phase of the donation of vans to security agencies in the state and it will be a continuous exercise, as we have noticed that the vehicles they have are not enough for their

effective operations.” Receiving the vehicles on behalf of other security agencies, the state Commissioner for Police, Bala Hassan thanked the governor for the gestures and assured him that the vehicles will be deployed in making the state crime-free. Hassan added that they will be used for security patrol of the state and warned criminals operating in the state to find another means to fend for themselves, or relocate to other states as Abia State will no longer be safe for them.

Reward for Igbo noble citizens

INE indigenes of Awka in Anambra State have been recognised by a group of young professionals for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria in general and Awka in particular. The recipients of the award included the former United Nations Peacekeeping Commander, Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Obiakor, a Senator of the Federal Republic Senator Ben Obi, the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, a seasoned Administrator Mr. Lawrence Anwunah, a retired Justice, Mrs. Ayo Onejeme, Mr. Obi Orogbu, Isaiah Nwosu, Chief Emeka Okafor and Mr. Mike Uche Ezenna. The Okwanka a Group of Awka young professionals and businessmen decorated these noble citizens of Awka with the gold bracelets and anklets conferring on them awards of excellence in their various fields. According to the President of the Okwanka, Mr Kenneth Adigwe, the award was to celebrate excellence and has the objective of recognising and celebrating the excellence of Awka sons and daughters in whatever field of life. He explained that the award was accorded the recipients with a view to showcasing them as role models worthy of emulation by all, particularly the younger

By Jude Isiguzo

generation. Adigwe, an engineer told Newsextra that the recipients of the awards have brought honour to themselves and glory to Awka town by dint of hard work, honesty and selfless services. Apart from the award ceremony, issues concerning Awka as the state capital also were discussed. They expressed their disgust over lack of development of the area by successive administrations. “I believe Awka is the least developed state capital in Nigeria because I have visited many state capitals and I have seen the level of development there. Awka, being the least developed state capital in Nigeria is worrisome to us because we now raise question as to what the government had done with the lands already provided to it. “Get to other state capitals like Abakaliki. When you get there, you will find real development going on.” He charged indigenes of Awka to have a sober reflection on the situation of the town which he pointed out, had been under siege. Adigwe wondered why men and women of character had gradually disappeared from the town, lamenting that “the absence of people of character in various leadership positions has left a very deep gorge. Unless you

•Chika Obiakor (left) receiving award from Dr A. N. Onejieme

have spent the last few years in Mars, it won’t have escaped your notice that something terrible is wrong with our town. “Thus, today is a perfect date and this place a perfect environment to start a constructive and interactive debate on the future of our town.” In what seemed as another bitter reaction to the barrage of problems facing the Awka man, a legal luminary, Mr. Kenneth

Nwanna condemned the indiscriminate sale of Awka lands by her indigenes. He also wondered why top indigenes of the town would fold their hands and watch things go awry. “I don’t want to believe that Awka is now a paradox like Nigeria. A paradox in the sense that Nigeria is blessed with both human and material resources but what we have are leaders who do not think right,” he added. Similarly, Larry Ekeh, a Pharmacist, urged the people to come

home and assist in rebuilding the town in order to restore the lost glory of Awka. Newsextra learnt that the awards were for sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and by so doing have brought glory to Awka. “This year’s award ceremony is in four categories namely, community service award; public service award; career excellence award and entrepreneurship award.” Adigwe explained.

The award was to celebrate excellence and has the objective of recognising and celebrating the excellence of Awka sons and daughters in whatever field of life…The award was accorded the recipients with a view to showcasing them as role models worthy of emulation by all, particularly the younger generation

•Ben Obi (left) Creceiving award from AIG Ifejila (rtd)

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

Delta farmers to get N1b agric loan T

Cross River rehabilitates 250 schools

•Governor Imoke

HE Cross River State government says it has begun the rehabilitation of 250 schools across the state as part of effort to achieve the MDGs targets. The Special Adviser to the Governor on MDGs and Donour Agencies,Mr Roy NdomaEgba disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Calabar. He also said that the government through the Ministry of Education has signed a partnership agreement with a private sector establishment for the equipping of schools in the state. “Right now, we are working toward rehabilitating 250 schools across the state. The government also recently signed a partnership agreement with the private sector for the equipping of schools in the state. “All these were deliberate programmes of

Imo, Gowon Centre to partner on malaria control T HE Imo State government has stated its commitment to partner with the Yakubu Gowon Centre on the control and eradication of malaria in the state. The state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, said this when Gen. Yakubu Gowon, leader of the centre and members of his team including officials of the Federal Ministry of Health paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri. He stressed that his administration is determined to partner with trusted groups and individuals in disease control and in the improvement of the living standards of the people. According to him, “best governance is one that cares for the people.” Governor Okorocha advised the centre to also channel its resources to the control and detection of cancer which he described as the fastest killer in the society. The governor used the opportunity to call on Gen. Gowon to champion the honour for his departed colleague, Odumegwu Ojukwu

Police warn vehicle owners

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

and also thanked the President, Goodluck Jonathan, for his support for the Igbo leader. General Gowon disclosed that his team is on an advocacy visit to Imo State to attract awareness to the threats of malaria and other diseases. He recalled that the Gowon Centre in conjunction with the Carter Centre over the years, eliminated from the country guinea worm and smallpox and is continuing in their partnership to also fight physiatrists and elephantiasis. General Gowon, however ,called on the state government to sponsor the distribution of acquired mosquito nets to local government areas and communities in the state.

food, but do not have access roads to bring the food to the customers. Most people walk long distances to get basic health services. Most of them have no good schools. Their children still study under trees and you can only see this kind of setting in typical rural areas, very far from the people that are in power”. Speaking on COSHUP’s areas of interest, the spokesman identified mass housing, energy and power, agriculture, transportation, education, rural road rehabilitation and construction and micro-credit, as their core areas. On why the project has not kicked off, he said: “We have been planning and strategising, Studying the needs assessments, developing a workable work-plan. In the process of doing this, some of the proposed staff have been sent to China, Germany and Holland for training, to bring the latest technology on take-off. We have also used the last few months to put up some fundamental foundational structures that will enable the organisation operate optimally. In 2012, the project will commence in full swing. We are working on a massive project that will have a direct touch on the lives of the common people.” On the modalities of operation, he explained that the organisation has mapped out a 4-year development action plan that will transform the country.

•From right: Abia State Governor Theodore Orji , with his Senior Assistant on Project Monitoring, Sir Pat Mgbemena and Engr. Okori Adelekumi, Managing Director, AJ Vision Construction Company during an inspection tour of Nkata-Alike Ohuhu road under construction in Umuahia.

The Police Command in Lagos State has warned owners of vehicles parked at the following police stations to remove them or forfeit same through auction. They are: Elemoro Division 1. Ford bus-BE493LSD 2. Volvo saloon car-FA 319AAA 3. Nissan Blue bird-DB260AAA 4. Honda Accord-AU345ENU 5. Nissan Micra-CZ 908 abj 6. Villager Mercury car – NZ285KJA 7. Peugeot Puk up-CM 628AA Oworonsoki Division 1. Toyota Corolla unregistered 2. Peugeot 504 saloon car 3. Mutsubishi bus –AM 617KPE

GAINST the backdrop of the perennial scarcity of kerosene across the country and the attendant rise in the price of the product to N150 per litre, the Akwa Ibom State government has subsidised the product to a pump price of N50. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who disclosed this to newsmen in his office, said this development has cushioned the excruciating effects of high cost of kerosene on the people who depend primarily on the product for domestic purposes. Mr Umanah said under the scheme, the product is being distributed directly to the end users, under the supervision of the office of the Governor, through the already established distribution network of the Bureau of Cooperative Development across the state in conjunction with the local government councils, using five dispensing trucks

Akwa Ibom The commissioner explained that each local government area is allocated a minimum of 6500 litres of kerosene for distribution to about 650 beneficiaries in each council at the ratio of 50:55 beneficiaries drawn from each of the 3329 wards across the state. Akwa Ibom State participation in the scheme will among other things, help to stabilise the price of the product as well as other complementary goods and services The Information Commissioner maintained that the timing for this intervention is appropriate as it serves the dual purpose of being a Christmas largesse and Governor Akpabio’s responsiveness to the plights of his citizens. Meanwhile, more encomiums have continued to trail the gesture of the state government as women and youths troupe out

each day with containers to purchase the product at the subsidised rate of N50. Those who spoke commended Governor Akpabio, adding that he has continued to maintain a human face in governance.

Delta

will still go and inspect the farms and that procedure will take another long time. “About a total of 700 farmers corporative societies applied for the Federal Government agric loan in the state. We are still awaiting the state government directives”. He said though, there were other loans available to farmers, but came with almost 25 per cent deposit and a certain interest rate which could be double-digit interest rates depending on the bank. According to him, not all farmers can access this loan because of the associated conditions which may be difficult to meet. He called for improved funding and

Nigerian don at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Dr. Laraban Lawal has called on the Federal Government to scrap all private schools as a way of fighting continuous slide in the standard of education in Nigeria. He disclosed this during his visit to Leadmode Resource Centre, Lagos. The don, who came on a recruitment drive, said until government did that, the trend will continue. “All the private universities will have to go. Private primary schools, private secondary schools will all go. Even the president’s son will go to public schools. Everybody will have a stake on education. That is the starting point,” saying this would make government pay more attention to education sector. Laraban condemned the activities of some Nigerian lecturers, insisting that until they change their attitude, things will continue to go bad. He said some lecturers see students as inferior saying, “that is why they don’t go to classes at the right time. In the UK, you have evaluation form, at the middle of the semester; every student fills the form and begin to evaluate on how they teach.” He said any lecturer that falls below standard would be given a warning. While insisting that Nigerian students do well, he said it was always tough for them at the beginning and once they adapt, they excel. “In my dealings with the Nigerian students, I found out that nobody teaches them how to write, the only way they assess them is through exams. But in the UK, it is not so. You can find a module; you can find a course with no exam elements. Our Nigerian students find it very difficult because they are not used to it. What they know is examination which is garbage in garbage out and based on the experience I’ve got over the years of teaching these students, exam is not the best way to assess students. • Dr Laraban

non-governmental organisation (NGO), Tarikah Initiative, has organised an awareness campaign seminar and carried out free medical tests for the participants. The event, which took place at the Isolo Council Centre was well attended by many youths and women.

•The Interim Chairman, Atiba Local Government, Hon Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi presenting cash award to the best Graduating Student of 2010/2011 year , Miss Akindele at John Lafihan Library, Olivet Height Baptist Senior School, Oyo State.

suggested that Nigeria’s welfare system should be improved to reduce the temptation for corruption among the citizens. The suggestion was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a threeday international conference on Corruption, Good Governance and Development in Nigeria held in Kano. The communiqué, signed by Prof. Kunle Ajayi and four others, said that “poverty and socio-economic inequality must be addressed in order to successfully fight corruption and make it unattractive”. The conference also stressed the need for anti-corruption agencies to be empowered with proper jurisdictional power “to investigate and prosecute” as well as to be “truly independent of external influences”. The participants also called for the introduction of a national strategy to combat

Kano corruption, which should “be owned and implemented by all sectors of the Nigerian society and the state”. The communiqué said the focus of the fight against corruption seemed to have been on the public sector, while grave acts of corruption had been committed in the private sector. It also advised the government to make the retirement of civil servants more attractive “so as to discourage them from stealing while in office”. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training in conjunction with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa .

• From left: Churchill Etuk, Alhaji Olaleye, Shakirat Otufowora and others

Institute tasks new members on good governance T THE newly inducted members of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria have been urged to ensure good governance in their places of work. The advice was given by the president and chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Teslim Olatunde Busari at the induction ceremony. ICSAN is charged with the responsibility of enhancing the status and practice of Corporate Governance (CG) and Public Administration in Nigeria. During the 11th induction ceremony held in Lagos, nine members were inducted as fellows, 20 members were inducted as associates, 48 as graduates while 15 members were recorded as CPA inductees. In his welcome address, Busari, tasked the inductees on observation and respect of CG codes. According to Busari, “The SEC, CBN, NAICOM and PENCOM have all formulated different codes of Corporate Governance for the public corporations, banks, and financial institutions, insurance companies and stock market operators. As enforcement officers and compliant soldiers, you must ensure that these codes are observed and respected in your respective institutions.” He also charged them to maintain their dignity without compromise and “hold on to the eternal truth even in the face of persecution” and then shun all forms of unethical practices and any act capable of tarnishing the good name of ICSAN and Nigeria in general. Warning them against corruption he said : “You are graduating at a time when corruption has eaten deeply into the fabrics of our society, a time when economic depression is at its peak, a time when the political game we play in Nigeria is loaded with cants and clichés and devoid of content and convictions, a time when the convoy of

• Governor Uduaghan infrastructure development to assist “grassroots farmers who actually feed the nation”.

NGO provides free medicare

‘How to stop slide in education’

‘Improvement in social welfare ‘ll ARTICIPANTS at a stakeholders curb corruption’ conference on corruption have

•From left: Hassan Salihu, Head of Publications, ICPC; Alhaji Jauro Jibrin, Chairman, Chairman Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit of National Board for Technical Education (ACTU/NBTE); Dr. Raheem Adisa Oloyo, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Chairman, ACTU, FPI, Hon. Festus Adekunle Onifade at the presentation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissioners/Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (EFCC/ICPC) Standing Order and Operational Guidelines to the institution .

HE Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Delta , Mr Joshua Oghenekaro, says the disbursement of the Federal Government N1 billion agriculture loan in the state is expected in 2012. Oghenekaro, who disclosed this to journalists in Asaba, said that the state government was working with some banks on the best ways to disburse the loan. He said more than 700 farmers’ cooperative societies including big farmers in the state had formally applied for the loan. According to him, the banks will have to carry its assessment on the approved list of farmers to ascertain their status and ability to repay. He said: “I know that the state government is working with some banks and that it has sent the list of some farmer’s cooperatives societies to the banks for assessment. “ I don’t think disbursement will be possible until next year, because the banks

Akwa Ibom subsidises price of kerosene

Briefly

Imo

NGO to empower rural dwellers N international donor organisation, Community Social Humanitarian Project, (COSHUP), says it is set to take development to the rural areas of the country . Head of Media of the organisation, Walter Duru , disclosed this during a chat with newsmen in Abuja . Duru, who described COSHUP as an interventionist organisation working with the rural dwellers as partners, explained that its primary concern is the development of the rural areas in Nigeria. “Community Social Humanitarian Project (COSHUP) is an international nongovernmental donor organisation, with local partners in the community to fight poverty and injustice. We do it by intervening in developing projects in the rural areas. “The difference between our organisation and others is that we shall match challenges with available opportunities. Any challenge we have, we look for the right opportunity to match it and move on”. Continuing, Duru explains, “The objectives of COSHUP are to understand the environment well and bring development to the rural areas. COSHUP intends to bring infrastructure closer to the rural people. Our rural areas need more than they have now. In most places, they have

Cross River the government toward achieving the MDGs targets before 2015,” he said. Ndoma-Egba further stated that Governor Liyel Imoke had deep interest in the development of education which“ is under the goal 11 of the MDGs”. He said that through the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), the government had also rehabilitated more than 60 schools across the 18 local government areas of the state. “The government has also equipped these schools with modern technology such as computers and iPods “The government is also embarking on training of technical manpower in the schools in order to meet the challenges of the MDGs in 2015,” he said. According to him, in spite of the lean financial resources of the state, the government is committed to meeting its counterpart funding in the programme.

By Biodun-Thomas Davids

leadership is traveling into the past because it is incapable of charging into the future, a time when even the traditional institution commonly referred to as ‘the last hope of the common man’ is in itself on trial, a time when all the industries have been forced into inglorious death, in time when what we have is’ a triumph of mediocrity and celebration of failure.” These enormous challenges notwithstanding, he called on them to make the task of “restoring Nigeria to greatness” their foremost proiority.

Its founder, Shakirat Otufowora, said they were committed to improving the quality of lives by educating the participants and offering them free medical services. “We have tests for their blood group, high blood pressure, HIV tests and it’s free. The youth and the women can come in here anytime to do the test. We are still doing awareness campaign and we do entrepreneurship programme”. She said they have been able to convince the residents of Isolo to come out because of the awareness campaign they are doing and that the result has been positive. Shakirat appreciated the efforts of Alhaji Samsudeen Olaleye, the Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area in fostering their programme but noted that a lot still needs to be done. She urged corporate bodies and the government to come to their aid. “The council chairman really supported us with so many things and we still need government too. We have a program but we don’t have money. We have some supporters like Nigerian Red Cross but I really need corporate bodies to come out and help. The youth and even the widows need help. People are suffering”. She advised the youth to keep good and worthy patriarchs who can impact positively on their lives, thereby securing bright future for themselves. “If you want to be important in the society, you have to be educated. I want them to go to school and know what they are doing. They should abstain from bad influence, they should have good friends they can work so that they can be helpful to one another. That’s why we are giving them this lecture today, to educate them on what they really want” she said. Olaleye expressed gratitude to the initiators of the programme and described Tarikah Initiative as the right step in the right direction. “As a government, we cannot do it alone. We have always craved for our public sector participation and I say Tarikah Initiative is a right step in the right direction. Who ever is sharing our vision is welcomed. We see what they are doing as something that is really key to our own efforts. Their coming is timely. The youth are growing in population everyday. The facilities that are in place are already over stretched. We always look for assistance from every where possible”

•From left: Mr Busari ; Prof Oyelowo Oyewo Chairman of the occasion, Dr Nosike Agokei past president ICSAN at the ceremony at Golcom-gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos PHOTO: BADE DARAMOLA

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

For their impeccable character while in the service of Air France, eight former members of the staff were decked on Wednesday with the French Medal of Honour by the French Government at Villa Medici on Festival Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.

•Mr Sastourne presenting a certificate to Mrs Yesufu. With them is Mr Descazeaux

HERE was no sign that a big event was holding inside the restaurant. Various big, ancient and modern artifacts adorned the wall of the building. They were surrounded by flowers. To many, Villa Medici on Festival Road, adjacent to Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, may not ring a bell, but its beauty matched the standard of the event that took place there last Wednesday. Among several staff members whose service spanned 20 years and above at the French national carrier, were eight carefully chosen people for the French Medal of Honour. They were a mixture of Nigerians and French The award, sponsored by France’s Ministry of Works, formed one of the ways the French Government honours those whose contributions to its economy are immeasurable. There were not more than 30 people, and it did not last more than 30 minutes. The awardees included Jean Marie Cornetto; Joseph Hoyek; Mr Abdul Lamidi Busari; Mr Titus Ogunbowale; Mrs Adeola Yesufu; Mr Taiwo Ogundimu; Mrs Margaret Lampejo and Alhaji Hassan Aliu. They all looked radiant in traditional and foreign dresses. Many among them spoke French fluently. They were no doubt apples of the eyes of the French national carrier, judging by the way they were singled out and the accolades showered on them by the airline’s General Manager, Mr Christian Herpin. Herpin described the awardees as wonderful.

PHOTO:ADEJO DAVID

Medals for diligence

“Their characters while in service were exemplary. For us at Air France, we have always been willing to respect the tradition and honour dedicated employees,” he said. “The awardees we got today. I know most of them because I was based in Nigeria for many years and they worked with me. It was a real pleasure for me that they could be rewarded. Even though they are retired, they are entitled to get this medal, especially when it’s coming directly from the French Government through the French Minister of Works. That is why we have the presence of the Consular-General,” Herpin said. The company’s Vice-President, Africa and Middle East, Mr Pierre Descazeaux congratulated the awardees. The honour, Descazeaux said, is well-deserved. He praised the French ambassador for deeming it fit to be present at the event. The Air France chief singled out Mrs Yesufu for her exemplary commitment and diligence while in service. “She is a woman of character. The image of Air France in Nigeria is Adeola; our success in Nigeria today is because of you. For sure, you have been a very important personality to this company,” he said. France Consular-General in Nigeria, Mr Francois Sastourne, congratulated the awardees. Sastourne said the French government is proud of them.

He wished them well in their endeavours. Speaking with The Nation, one of the awardees, Mr Busari said he had a wonderful experience at the company. Busari, who retired as the Assistant General Manager (Finance), thanked Air France for recognising him. “If you have been working and they do not recognise what you are doing, you cannot do anything. I set 29 years for myself when I joined this company, but I retired after 32 years. It’s really a great honour for me,” he said. “It has been very interesting because we’ve spent 32 years at the place, that means we are satisfied and the atmosphere is conducive because if you live in an area and you are not well treated, you will quickly move on,” Busari added. Looking back to her days at the company, Mrs Yesufu said she could not have asked for a better job. Mrs Yesufu, who retired as Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, was saddled with Inter-governmental relations. She said: “I had a fantastic experience and I couldn’t have asked for more. We were multinationals. Some of us were trained in France; some Nigerians who are here today are a blend of the local and the foreign content. I started at the top and ended at the top. So, it gave me an opportunity to really relate with people at the lowest rank of the ladder

and at the same time with those at the top. “I have no regrets at all; if I had regrets I would not be here today. I will not be honoured. It means our working relationship was cordial, I enjoyed working with them and they appreciate whatever contributions I have been able to make.” Mrs Yesufu, who retired after 25 years of meritorious service, said the award “is a testimony of appreciation of what we were able to contribute.” She urged those who are still working with the airline to remain focused. “One thing is constant, it will be a count down from the day you start working because you are going to count out, which means as you start from day one, you are going to leave some day and as such, you must make everyday valuable during your service as if tomorrow will not come. “So everyday, for me, counted and I told them, make everyday count because you can either get kicked out, you may choose not to come back tomorrow for one reason or the other or you may wait and attain that retirement age and go, but you must make everyday count. Make sure the day is not wasted so that when you look back a few years later you will say I have done my beat, let prosperity judge me. “There must have been a mark that each one of us has left. I particularly thank God that throughout my tenure, I had a good working relationship with everyone and they even trusted me with every thing. So everyday for me counted and I tried to leave an indelible print behind,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

SOCIETY

•Mr Jean Marrie-Cornetto

•Mr Ogundimu (left) and Mr Busari

•Alhaji Aliu

•Mr Irwin Budding (left) and Mr Simeon Adeniji

•Mrs Annie Herpin (right) and Mrs Gloria Adelanwa

•Mr Gert Jan Reolands (left) and Mr Ibrahim

•Mr Hoyek

•Mrs Lampajo and Mr Yinka Titilayo

•Mr Benceit Autret (left) and Mr Bobby Bryam

• •Mr Otugo Jacob (left) and Mr Cosmando Byarugaba

•RoseMary Okogwu and Mr Micham Lahkim-Bennani

•Mr Ogunbowale

PHOTOS:DAVID ADEJO

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

SOCIETY

A mother in a million

A member of the House of Representatives, Solomon Olamilekan, on December 2, 2011 in Lagos, buried his mother, Madam Abeni Abibat Adeola in style. The event was attended by members of the National Assembly and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) party stalwarts and friends. OSAS ROBERT and T O L U L O P E OGUNKANMI report.

•Hon Adeola (left) and Hon Tambuwal

•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire

HE party could not have been otherwise, going by the array of dignitaries and guests in attendance. It was, indeed, a high society gathering. It was the funeral of Madam Abeni Abibat Adeola, the mother of a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Hon Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. The exotic Haven Skypower, Ikeja, Lagos, where guests were treated to a colourful reception after the funeral service at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Lagos Secretariat, also in Ikeja, had all the qualities for gathering of the crème de la crème of the society. First, were the exotic cars that dotted the premises, which competed with the crowd for the available space. There was also a show of class considering the attire on parade by the guests. Perhaps, the most important reason that made the party classy was the presence of the sensational gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele, who pulled a large crowd to the venue as he and his boys were on the bandstand. The A-list guests included Senator Ganiyu Solomon; members of the House of Representatives, such as Hon Bimbo Daramola representing Ekiti federal constituency; Hon Mustapha Bala Dawaki from Kano federal constituency; Hon Samuel Adejorien; Hon Ayo Omidiran; Hon Samson Osagie; Hon Ifedayo Abegunde and Hon Yomi Ogunsi . Others in attendance were the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire; Chairman, Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Tunde Fowler and his wife, Rosemary; Col. Edward Olusoji and Princess Toyin Adebanjo. They were all decked in gorgeous and expensive attire that matched their status and class. The hall as expansive as it could not contain all those present as other guests had to sit outside under canopies provided in anticipation of the large crowd. Each table in the well-lit hall was embellished with silvery flower vase containing feathers in shades of silver, gold and white. On display were different uniformed dresses, Aso Ebi, which made the people appear gorgeous. The women were the cynosure of all with their expensive beads, bracelets and headgears. The men were resplendent in their flowing Agbada and matching caps. They looked charming as they exchanged pleasantries and back

•Senator Solomon

•Hon Rotimi Makinde (left) Hon Ipoola Omisore

•Hon Babatunde Ogala and his wife

slaps. Nice tunes from Ayefele and his band gripped everyone who were either wriggling their waists or twisting their necks. The arrival of Senator Solomon made the venue more electric as teeming crowd surged endlessly forward to catch a glimpse of him, thus giving the security guards a tough time to create a passage for him. Eulogies poured endlessly for Madam Adeola. Senator Solomon while commending the good life Hon Adeola’s mother lived described death as inevitable. He prayed to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. The Vice-Chairman, Agege Local Government, Hon Sulaimon Olarewaju and Hon Kunle Adegoke, described the deceased as a woman

•Hon Risikat Adegeye

•Hon Bola Bhadmus (left) and Hon Lola Akande PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

‘Her words of encouragement were succour to our hearts. She was truly a sweet mother and will be greatly missed by all’ of great character whose impact is reflected in the children. “Honorable Olamilekan is a very respectful man despite his connections. There is a saying that if a woman is good, definitely her children will be good. If you are trained, it shows in your character and in your behaviour. From Hon Olamilekan, you can talk much about his mother,” he said. Hon Olamilekan’s wife, Temitope, described her mother-in-law as a dutiful and gentle mother. “Mama’s

voice, touch and words of wisdom had a magical way of soothing our pains whenever we were down. Her words of encouragement were succour to our hearts. She was truly a sweet mother and will be greatly missed by all,” she said. The deceased’s son-in-law, Mr Sunday Akindele, described her as kind and caring. He urged the children to be united to make her passage in life worthwhile. “She’s a very kind and caring mother and to be sincere. I will say by the grace of God, she is the

one that assisted me to this position that I am today. Her agitation was for her children to be united. I will say that they should come together as one, not as an entity, but like a broom because a bunch of broom cannot be broken so that the dream the woman wanted to achieve before she left, is achieved by coming together as one family,” he said. Hon Adeola described his mother’s death as very painful. “It’s a very painful loss because she was a wonderful mother who was there for me, praying for me and doing everything humanly possible to see that I succeed. We will continue to remember her in every little way we can”. Ayefele and his band literally forced many to dance tirelessly to good gospel tunes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

They met three years ago. Today, their friendship has blossomed into marriage. This is the love story of Akinola and Abimbola Makinde, who got married in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Saturday, reports BISI OLADELE

T was a gathering of academics, professionals, traditional rulers, businessmen and top civil servants. Both old and young dignitaries blended to make up the A-class guests. The occasion was the wedding of Akinola, son of varsity teacher, professor of Philosophy and member, Editorial Board of The Nation, Prof Moses Makinde, to former Miss Abimbola Adesoye. The ceremony started with an exchange of marital vows between Akinola and Abimbola at the Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Iwo Road, Ibadan. Decorated in gold, pink and white, the church was filled with friends and well-wishers of the couple, who came from Abuja, Ile-Ife, Lagos, among others. The officiating cleric, Rev Olugbenga Adebambo, dwelt on the need for couples to live in full understanding of marital covenants. Rev Adebambo urged the couple to make God their focus, forgive each other, pray always to overcome onslaught against the vow and accept each other as they are. After the solemnisation, the couple and their guests moved to the Le Chatteau Event Centre, Bodija for the reception. The tastefully decorated venue added to the glamour of the ceremony as dignitaries trickled in with their spouses. The event was chaired by former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (rtd). Justice Ayoola described Akinola as a gentleman having known him as a young officer at ICPC. The jurist also described the groom’s father, Makinde as the professor of professors of Philosophy judging by his in-depth knowledge and experience. He wished the couple a blissful marriage. Advising the couple, he said: "Be wise and be guided by wisdom in all your actions and dealings with each other as husband and wife". Referring to Mankinde his friend of over two decades Ayoola, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, said philosophers like him are wise people who by their calling teach people to be wise precisely because philosophers are wise and are structured thinkers. He asked the couple to emulate the good deeds of their parents and wished them double joy and double blessings. Makinde urged the couple to learn from their

parents. “If both parents have been successful, then all they need do is to emulate us. If they do, they will have a successful marriage like their parents. They need to go and find out what made the marriages of their parents successful and do those things,” he counselled. The couple met three years ago at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, where the groom’s father teaches philosophy. Akinola recalled that a friend introduced them. While the groom had finished his one year compulsory national service, the bride was then studying English language at the institution. The initial friendship blossomed into a love affair. Akinola described his wife as “God-fearing, beautiful, lovely, reserved, calm and patient,” adding that he had, no doubt, that he would enjoy the rest of his life with her. Abimbola described Akinola as her “hero and best friend,” “He possesses all I wanted in a man. He has been there for me. He has been the best,” she said. Dignitaries at the event included former Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo Prof Eyo Okon; Nigeria National Merit award winner Prof Olu Odeyemi, and his wife; National Merit Award winner Lara Odeyemi; Commissioner for Health, Ekiti State Prof Olusola Fasubaa; Prof Craig Obafemi; Prof Lere Oladitan; Prof Samuel Ojo; Prof Anthony Aladejana, Prof Femi Omosini, Prof Olu Okotoni, Prof Kehinde Taiwo, Commissioner for Housing, Osun State, Muyiwa Ige; Air Commodore Debo Adegboye (rtd), Mrs Thoephilus Akinyele. There were also Tobi Ogunbayo of African Business Roundtable (ABR) and the Assistant Chaplain, All Souls Chapel, OAU, Ven Stephen Oni Others were Caleb Obafemi; A. Fagbohun; Lere Oladitan and Editorial Page Editor of The Nation, Mr Sanya Oni Traditional rulers who represented the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, included the Olu of Abata-Egba Oba Oladepo Akintilo; Lesi Ekun of Omifunfun Oba Samson Adeyeye; Obapero of Ife Oba John Abiri and Oba Temilade of Mafoworade, IleIfe. The Acting Chairman, ICPC, Dr Rose AbangWushishi, sent goodwill message.

‘My wife, my life’ •The Couple - Akinola and Abimbola

•From left: Justice Ayoola with groom’s parent Prof and Mrs Taiwo Makinde

•Mrs Mercy Layokun; Prof Margaret Fubara and Mrs. K. T. Adegunwa

•Dr and Mrs Jide Asaolu

•Prof and Mrs Eyo Okon

•Dr and Mrs Morakinyo Makinde

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

SOCIETY Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Complex was agog last Sunday as the Lagos chapter of Usman Danfodiyo University (UDU), Sokoto, Alumni, gathered for its yearly reunion lecture and awards. TOLULOPE OGUNKANMI reports.

•Dr Ahmed receivng his award from the Alumini President, Ismail Yaya

T was a reunion for the alumni of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as they came from far and wide to attend the yearly reunion. It was, the first to be hosted in Lagos State. Most of them have distinguished themselves in the society. Their gait, as they walked into the complex of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos showed that they were proud to have graduated from that university. They looked exceptionally gorgeous with most of them decked in traditional Yoruba and Hausa attires with matching caps. The hall was not an exception; it displayed an ambience loved by all. Draped in purple and white, everyone felt relaxed in it as they strolled in to take their seats. There were lots of hugging and laughter coming from them. They had a lot to talk about and a lot of catching up to do. They chatted about old times at the university, shared

•From left: Ganiu Lawal; Gen. Secretary; Femi Fasanya and Tony Maduka

A reunion of like minds present life experiences and challenges, and also made use of the opportunity the gathering provided to interact and network. In attendance were the Emir of Kastina, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Usman Kabir, who represented the special guest of honour and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Wale Ahmed; member, House of Representatives, representing Oshodi-Isolo II, Hon Akeem Mumuni; Justice Muhamed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos; Acting Head of Department General Out-Patient, Federal Medical Centre, Yaba, Dr Ola Adekunle; former Vice-Chancellor of UDU; Prof Abubakar Gwandu; Immediate National Publicity Secretary

of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rasheed Murtala, among others. Mr Ganiu Lawal anchored the event and ensured that there was never a dull moment. UDU Alumni President, Mr Ismail Yahya, in a welcome address, expressed his gratitude to all for gracing the occasion and for their generous donations in making the day a success. He also thanked them for welcoming the idea of a reunion. “When I picked the phone to make calls to most of us here present, I was not so sure the idea made sense at all or how you will react to it. But after the first few calls, I was greatly encouraged by your responses. You were all wonderful not to mention the generous dona-

tions you gave unrelentingly,” he said. Murtala stressed the need for such reunion avenues to hold yearly and urged members to continue to respond to more clarion calls in the future of the association. “Gatherings, such as this, help in building relationships among members and to uphold the communal affiliation that was built way back in school. I urge you not to back out from its activities in the future.” Ismail presented awards to some alumnus, who have performed outstandingly well in their various fields bringing honour to the school. Justice Idris commended the awardees and advised them always live above board in their workplaces. He also urged them to uphold the ideas of UDU in their lives. The members further made generous donations to foster the affairs of the association. They flanked round the table to cut their first anniversary cakes which were four.

The Annual Fund Raising Dinner of the Nigeria-Britain Association (NBA) held last weekend at the Ikoyi residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria where MTN Nigeria got the association’s recognition for consistent support. TOLU OGUNKANMI reports

•Peter West

HE evening was as expected; warm and electric. It was an evening devoid of hiccups usually associated with events of such nature. It was an event with an international flavour; one organised by the Nigeria-Britain Association (NBA) to raise funds and honour corporate organisations that have meaningfully impacted on the lives of Nigerians and cemented the bond of friendship between the two nationals that form NBA. The yearlyevent, which held at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, was a roll call of the crème de la crème of Nigerian business men who have dealings with the British Government officials, their nationals and guests. Top on the list was Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Britain and one time Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc., Dr Christopher Kolade. Also in attendance was the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter West. At the high octane event where most of the British guests wore shirts made of Nigerian fabric and the menu had a jollof rice as an option, a superb platform for networking was created which was accentuated by the ambience of the colonial styled acreage of the high-ranking official of the

•From left: Arogunmati; Dozie; Former NBA President, Chief Binta Famotimi and Vice Patron, NBA, Phil Hall, at the Nigeria-Britain Association Dinner Dance at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ikoyi, Lagos…Saturday

For MTN, its honour all the way British Government. The completeness of the mood was ensured by the sonorous performances of The Shuga Band, which took guests back and forth in time. So irresistible were the beats that many, including an octogenarian, took to the dance floor. It was in this atmosphere of conviviality and brotherliness that MTN Nigeria, a leading provider of Global System of Mobile Telecommunication (GSM) services in Nigeria got recogniSed as an active supporter of the association which has been involved in humanitarian pursuits in the last forty years. According to the association’s former president, Chief Binta Famutimi, who made the presentation to MTN, the award was in recognition of company’s consistent and unwavering support over the years. “MTN’s support has been long and consistent

and they have done this every year. Please convey our gratitude to your brand and management,” Famutimi said to a rousing applause of members of the NBA and invited guests. On hand to receive the award on behalf of the telecoms giant was its chairman, Dr Pascal Dozie who said that the NBA gets MTN’s support because they pursue good causes and for as long as they continue to do ‘good’, MTN would be behind them. “Your organization has been in the vanguard of raising funds to care for the needy and under privileged. That’s a noble pursuit and we support such good initiatives and for as long as you continue to pursue such, we would support you,” Dozie said. Honoured alongside MTN for sustained sponsorship of the NBA were the Dangote Group and the Chicason Group. An elated President of the Association, Tunde Arogunmati, thanked the corporate sponsors for

their support and encouraged them to continue. Their contributions, he noted, “is a resounding testament to the impeccable social capital the NBA has been able to garner along the Nigeria-Britain axis in recent times.” An exclusive event whose Master of Ceremony was Phil Hall, the dinner was one of several fund raiser annual events for charity. The organisation has for the past 40years organized concerts, cocktails and children’s parties to raise money. Funds raised from these various events are utilized via a dedicated bursary for undergraduate students. The NBA is a non-profit making organization and it is a socio-cultural forum for individuals and corporations in Nigeria who have ties with Britain and possess a collective vision to impact positively on the community through various relevant social networking and fund-raising events.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

SOCIETY The Banquet hall of the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, in Lagos, was aglow on the eve of November 27, with colourful personalities when old boys of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Oyo State, who have made giant strides in various fields of endeavour, met. SHEHU BELLO reports

HE gathering was a grand reception in honour of six distinguished alumni of Olivet Baptist High School, who have made immense contributions to the growth, development and progress of their alma mater. The worthy ambassadors are: the Chairman, Airtel Nigeria Limited, Dr Oba Otudeko (CFR) 1956-60 set; the retired Chief Judge of Ogun State, Mr Justice Oluremi Jacobs, (OFR), (1969-70 set); foremost industrialist and oil magnate, Otunba ‘Tunji Durosinmi-Etti (1969-73 set); the Lisa of IlaraMokin, Dr Ayo Ojo, who single handedly revived the virtually defunct association 10 years ago, and two past presidents of the national body of Old Students’ Association of Olivet Heights, Oyo, Chief Adebayo Akintola, fondly called Ogongo Baba Eiye (1946-51 set), and the first actuarial scientist in Nigeria with a PhD, Dr Benjamin Abimbola Adigun, (1951-56 set), who, during his tour of duty, executed several projects including the Olivet Clinic, and the rebuilding of the over onekilometre-long perimeter school fence. Whenever and wherever the name of the school is mentioned, the products always lift their heads high, because of the soaring profile of the old students who made Olivet Heights tower above many schools.

Old boys lift Olivet Heights They flaunt the impressive records of having the school’s products in top positions in the upper echelons of society. According to the National President of the Association, Mr Olusegun Ahmadu, the school has produced the Chairman of First Bank, two state Chairmen of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a permanent secretary in the Presidency, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration among others. “What do you do when your cup runneth over thus?” Ahmadu asked the audience at the gathering. He added: “You bring out the cymbals, and blow the trumpets, in a carnival of joy! That is the Olivet spirit; celebrating our achievers.” The donation of a N30 million sport complex to the school by Dr Otudeko, and a school hall worth N30 million by Otunba Durosinmi-Etti, marked the high point of the event. There were also reminiscences and stories of past glories of the school being told by those in attendance. Ahmadu said: “Olivet Heights, you will remember, was one of the highflying, high-performing

•Dr Otudeko (middle) receiving his award from Prof Akinkugbe (left), while National President of OBHS alumni association, Mr Ahmadu looks on

•The Guest Speaker, Prof Adegoke (left), presenting an award to Justice and Mrs Oluremi Jacobs

secondary schools in the golden age of school sports promotion and achievement in the 1960s and 70s. Laurels were won in soccer and athletics, and notable strides made in hockey and tennis. It was the era of the Grier and Thermo gene Cups, of the Academicals. Such was the importance attached to sports that, at one point, that great Principal, the immortal John Preston and Bamidele Lafinhan, brought in the legendary centre-forward, Tesilim Balogun (Thunder Balogun) to coach the school football team. “Sadly, as time passed, school sports fell into decline, and our sports grounds suffered neglect, becoming overgrown with elephant grass and pockmarked with anthills. Against this background, you will now, no doubt, appreciate the power of Dr Otudeko’s initiative, which may prove to be the first step towards the restoration of sports to its rightful place in the overall curriculum,” he said. Speeches were made by the Chairman at the occasion, the foremost Professor of Medicine in Nigeria, Prof Oladipo Akinkugbe (CON), and the Guest Speaker, foremost Geologist in Nigeria, and Chairman National Awards Committee, Nigeria

Merit Awards (NMA), Prof. Oluwafeyisola Adegoke, who dwelt on the topic: ‘How the old students association can sustain support to the Alma Mater.’ Dr Otudeko also spoke about government returning schools to their former owners in order to regain lost glory. He said that old students were more than ready to take over the running of the schools with the former owners. While supporting Dr Otudeko’s position, Ahmadu observed that there are many misfits in the society today because they did not have the opportunity of living with their peers. “We want the schools back,” he said, adding, “There must be a provision of hostel facilities. Young people need some form of regimentation. There were better standards in those days.” Personalities at the event included Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN); Gboyega Ajibola, an engineer, and the Resident Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo, Mr Akin Orebiyi; his counterpart in Lagos, Dr Kunle Ogunmola, and Mr Akin Oladeji.

•Dr Ayo Ojo and his daughter (right) receiving an award from the OBHS Osogbo Branch chairman, Chief M.A. Alabi

•The OBHS alumni association’s National President’s wife, Mrs. Titilayomi Ahmadu presenting an award to Otunba and Mrs Durosinmi Etti

On Sunday, November 20, Lions’ Club International, Mainland, Lagos inaugurated its new president, Oriola Akinrodemi, and the club’s board of directors at the Etal Hotels and Halls, Oregun, Lagos. OSAS ROBERT witnessed the event.

Change of baton

T was an exciting moment for members of the Lions Club, Mainland, Lagos when friends, family and well-wishers of Oriola Akinrodemi converged on Etal Hotel and Halls to witness his inauguration as the club president and the change leadership of the club. Akinrodemi took over from the immediate past president, Tobi Turner. Guests filled the banquet hall in gorgeous attires. Most of the men were either in flowing Agbada with matching caps, the women radiated in their colourful wine and blue Ankara attire and beautiful headgears. Their joy was profound as they smiled while exchanging pleasantries. The clean hall, draped in wine, blue and gold, complemented their dresses just the chairs and table overlays conformed to the colours of the day. The call to order was made by the immediate past president, Mrs Tobi Turner, to signify the commencement of the event. In his welcome address, a former Managing Director of Marina International, which has been merged

•Adesokan decorating Akinrodemi

with Access Bank, Dr Jaiye Oyedotun, who chaired the event, compared the club with Rotary Club. According to him, they are only clubs: Rotary International and the Lions’ Club, that serve humanity without asking anything in return. “Before the president came to me to inform me that he wanted me to be the chairman of this occasion, I thought the Rotary and the Lions club were

the same. One thing I know and one thing I have been able to figure, is that this is an association of people who are out to serve humanity without expecting anything directly in return,” Oyedotun said. The District Governor, Dr Ayoade Adesokan, who is also medical director of Akanji Memorial Hospital, Ilorin, described the event as the morning that shows the day, because the club like its sister, one under the International association of Lions Club,

would use the day to raise funds for its worthwhile projects. Adesokan, a former president of the club two decades ago, advised all to invest in giving. “If you are working for someone, at the end of the road, you will see that what you thought you have is not enough. That is why we have to invest, but where do we invest in? I gain satisfaction that I am able to touch people’s lives. If you give little, you are making little investment and you will reap little,” he said. Mrs Turner, in her address, thanked all members of her board for working tirelessly with her; advising and giving her all manners of support, especially their time. While Adesokan conducted Akinrodemi’s installation, Turner decorated him with the club’s symbol of authority. Akinrodemi, in his acceptance speech, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to members for giving him the opportunity to serve. He encouraged all not to relent in lending a hand to the needy. “Lion has been very visible in service projects all over the world. This year is not going to be different rather; it is going to be action-packed. I intend to raise N5m to carry out projects, which will touch the lives of the less-privileged trusting that you will join hands with us to reach out and lend a hand to the less-privileged in our society and to mankind generally because mankind is our business.”

THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

CRIME WATCH

Hoodlums kill nursing mother Stories by Titilayo Banjoko

•Fatimoh

ATIMOH Abiola was a hairdresser and a hard working woman. She also has a baby who is just six-month-old which she kept with her mother whenever she is working on a client. She had just completed work on a client’s hair when suddenly she fell. Kuburat Obidare, 51, her mother sat in her one room apartment at 5, Onifade Street, Mushin, Lagos, tending to Fatimoh’s six-month-old daughter, while she was outside the house attending to a customer who had trailed her to her

mother’s house from her shop which was three streets from Onifade Street. Abiola had already finished making the hair for the customer and was packing up preparing to go inside to meet her mother and baby, when suddenly she was hit on the chest by stray bullets. She fell down flat on her face. Unknown to her and many residents of the area, that day had been set aside by suspected hoodlums reportedly fighting over supremacy, to rain terror on their rival group. According to eyewitnesses, around the time Abiola was preparing to go home after the day’s job, a six-man gang of hoodlums, who reportedly stormed Onifade Street in a Vanagon bus, had started shooting sporadically into the air, apparently to scare people away. It was around 9: 00 p.m. Abiola was not the only one who suffered in the hands of the hoodlums. Three other people were said to have also sustained injuries as a result of the stampede that trailed the arrival of the hoodlums on the street. The three other victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where they are currently responding to treatment. Abiola, on her part, was not so lucky. She reportedly died while on the way to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba Yaba which was just a walking distance from the scene of the incident. A source told Newsextra in confidence that the

quality of arms the hoodlums used could only be found in the military munitions store. He said: “I was returning from work that day. After I had alighted from the okada that took me from Ladipo Market, I noticed that the speed at which the bus and the men were in was moving first gave the impression as though war had just broke out. “The bus almost killed a pregnant woman that was crossing the street. All of a sudden, we started hearing gunshots and the boys started jumping down running towards the end of the street. Everyone had to take cover. It was after they had gone that we discovered that a woman had been hit by their bullets.” Abiola’s mother, Obidare, claimed she was feeding the little baby when someone ran to her in her room to tell her of the incident. The troubled woman said that immediately the news got to her, she quickly dropped the baby’s food, carried her on her back and ran outside the house, all to find her daughter lying in the pool of her own blood. In a chat with Newsextra, Obidare said: “I did not know that when Fatimoh gave me her newborn daughter to look after, she was telling me goodbye. I never knew that she was giving me the baby to look after when she might have gone from this world.” Continuing, Obidare said: “Fatimoh had just finished dressing a customer’s hair and was preparing to go home when she was shot. Not long after the gunshots, someone ran into my room

and told me that my daughter had been shot and was lying on the floor. I rushed out and saw her on the floor. Sympathisers joined me to rush her to the hospital, but she died on the way. She was confirmed dead at LUTH,” Obidare concluded. Abiola’s husband, Oriyomi, was said to have travelled out of Lagos on an official assignment. Efforts to get him on phone proved unsuccessful. A middle-aged woman, who claimed to be a neighbour of the Abiolas, said that early that fateful day, Fatimoh had expressed her unwillingness to go to her shop, but that later some of her customers came to call her from home. The woman, who declined to give her name, described Abiola as a “very hardworking and quiet person, who was always ready to assist anyone that approached her for help.” A food seller on the street also narrated her experience thus: “No one knows exactly where the boys came from. You know Mushin is home to all kinds of notorious elements and it is either they were fighting over the control of motor parks or for political supremacy. Whatever the case is, I think the government is incapable of addressing the issue of Mushin because the woman that died was not the first person to fall to hoodlums’ bullets in this area. At the end of the day, nothing would be heard of it.” A source at the Alakara Police Station, Mushin, where the matter was reported, said that a manhunt had already been lunched for the assailants and that the perpetrators of the act would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Okada rider held over police rifle

ONDAY Olem, a commercial motorcyclist is currently being quizzed by detectives for an alleged possession of a police rifle, sub-machine gun (SMG). The gun is marked 3812. The okada operator who is now cooling off in detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, is pointing an accusing finger at a passenger whom he said hired him. According to the 26-year-old suspect, the fleeing passenger hired him from Likosi, a neighbouring town in Shagamu Local Government Area to convey him to Mowe, in OwodeObafemi Local Government Area but never had inkling what his mission was. “We took off from Likosi. And when I asked how much he would offer me, he assured that he would reward me handsomely. I did not hesitate and we set off to Mowe. When I prodded further to know what our mission was to

ESIDENTS of Igbokuta Village in Ikorodu, Lagos have accused some police officers of protecting criminals who have been terrorising the community in the last two years. They are alleging that a certain Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), who is using the suspected criminals to carry out his dirty dealings, has been shielding them from the arms of the law. Members of the community are threatening to expose the DIG if he continues to protect the alleged criminals who they alleged have been killing innocent citizens.

be, he told me we were going there to pick up one of his friends. But before we got to the location, he was busy putting calls across to a man and he was conversing in Yoruba dialect which I do not understand. “When we got to a particular bus stop in Mowe, he asked me to stop and park. He hopped down and went to a particular direction and within 10 minutes, he had returned. To my surprise, he returned only with a black polythene bag and not his friend, as he had promised. “When I asked him about his friend, he said he would join us at Likosi as he had collected what he wanted from him. He said there was no need for him to come with us again. The man wrapped the nylon bag and sat on it. “We wanted to return to Likosi but as we were almost getting to Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) gate, we stumbled on a police patrol team. They accosted us and asked where we were coming from. But before I knew what was happening, the passenger had jumped off

and took to his heels. And that aroused suspicion in the policemen who swiftly searched the black nylon in which the gun wrapped. “When the policemen saw this, they asked where we got it from and I told them it was the passenger who owns it. That was how I was arrested and taken to their station.” Olem, an Ogoja, Cross River State-born suspect denied knowing the passenger previously. “It is true I live in Awoloja area of Likosi. Since three years ago I have been staying there, I had never seen the passenger. The man only wanted to implicate me for a crime I did not know anything about,” he said. Nicholas Nkemdeme, Ogun State Commissioner Police confirmed the report and said luck ran out on the suspect when an anti-crime patrol team attached to Mowe Division accosted the duo (okada rider and the fleeing passenger) along Simawa Road, Mowe, while onboard a Bajaj Motorcycle, marked (Lagos) QP 225 FKJ.

Community decries ‘protection’ of criminals By Jude Isiguzo

According to Sodiq Sholeye, the head of one of the affected families in the community who alleged that one of the suspected criminals simply identified as Lai killed his son Azez two years ago, the suspects openly threaten to kill anyone who goes to the police to inform them about what they are doing in the village. The suspect Lai is allegedly facing a murder charge before Justice Onigbanjo at Court 41

Ikeja High Court. He was granted bail and was recently arrested for another murder case by police officers attached to Area ‘N’ Ijede. He alleged that there was an attempt to secure his release by another murder suspect simply identified as Sir K who is currently on the wanted list of the police. The special police gazette bulletin which was issued as at the time Sir K was declared wanted has its serial number as CB: 2685/FHQ/ABJ/ 09/05/11.

Unknown assassins kill police chief

NIDENTIFIED assassins have shot dead the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uratta Police Station in Aba, Abia State Mr Celestine Ozuora recently while on night patrol to check the activities of men under his command. Although the report of the police officer’s killing was sketchy as at the time of filing this

•Monday

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

report, sources say Ozuora was killed while on night patrol with some of his men by persons believed to be assassins. Speaking with Newsextra on phone, the area commander of the Aba Area Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. Rabiu Dayi confirmed the

It was difficult to tell whether the killing of the police officer was mastered minded by armed robbers or an assassin until investigations into the matter was conducted

incident, even as he said that news of the killing of Ozuora came as a rude shock particular when violent crime had been reduced to its barest minimum. Dayi said that it was difficult to tell whether the killing of the police officer was mastered minded by armed robbers or an assassin until investigations into the matter was conducted. The area commander however declined further comment as he said the issue had been referred to Umuahia for investigation since it is competent to comment on the matter. When contacted on the phone, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Umuahia, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna equally confirmed the incident, but could not make explicit comment on the issue as he said he was out of the state on official duty. Recall that sometime in September, a police inspector attached to Squadron 55 of the mobile police unit Osisioma Aba was killed and his body dumped by the roadside.

It was gathered that while Sir K was making attempts to secure the release of Lai, a directive came from Force Headquarters that the suspect should be transferred to Abuja, an order which was immediately complied with. An SOS petition to the Inspector-General of Police dated August 22, 2011, reads: “The imminent danger that is looming in Igbokuta community as a result of the uncontrollable mayhem orchestrated and caused by these professional criminals and street urchins will consume the entire village if not checked with urgency. The consequences shall be unquantifiable and the damage both physical and psychological imponderable.” The residents also accused the Area Commander in Charge of Area ‘N’ Command Ijede, Mr Amos Omuiyadun, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of taking sides with the criminals and equally receiving 20 hectares of land in the area, an allegation which the commander denied. Omuiyadun, who disclosed that he was just recently deployed to the Area Command, said the allegation is a figment of the imagination of those who are accusing him of what he knew nothing about. He explained that he cannot give protection to somebody he does not know, adding that the man in question has never been to his office before. On the arrest of Lai, the ACP said that nobody was arrested by the Area Command. The Commander, who described the land gift as falsehood, wondered what will be left of the whole of Ikorodu if such large quantity of land was given to him alone.

THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

Deputy Governor donates building to church From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

•Prelate Makinde

T was a roll call of who-is-who in Akwa Ibom State when the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde dedicated a church building constructed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Nsima Ekere for the church in his village, Ikot Oboroenyin in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area. Speaking at the dedication service, Ekere, himself an elder of the church, explained that he rebuilt the church in fulfilment of his vow to give back to God if he was victorious in the April 2011 gubernatorial

OR the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State, the youth are integral part of the church and the society. The youth are not only seen as the leaders of tomorrow but also that of today. They were instrumental to the formation of the Catholic Youths Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) an umbrella body that directs the affairs of Catholic youths in the country. So, CYON from Igbariam Episcopal region converged on PAGODA Retreat Centre at Nkwelle Ezunnaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State to deliberate on ways of empowering the youth towards self sustenance. The seminar, tagged “leadership financial management” which lasted four days was geared towards giving the youth autonomy on financial management and control of the information/ computer technology. Among the resource persons were a former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Mrs. Stella Odife and the Episcopal Vicar for the Region Rev. Fr. Josephat Nzekwesi. The youth Chaplain of the zone in an interview with Newsextra hinted that “looking at Nigeria, there is a lot of problems facing youth development which included unemployment that fuel restiveness.” According to him, as a Priest and Chaplain to the youth organisation, his priorities are the spiritual and moral well-being of the people, even as he added that the seminar was to empower the youth both spiritually and mor-

election, with the encouragement of his father, a Knight of the church. The Deputy Governor stressed that he had every reason to thank God for His mercy and grace in his life, describing his experience with God as worthwhile. He traced his special relationship with the church from birth, disclosing that he was dedicated as an infant in the old church, which he has rebuilt, by the immediate past Prelate, Dr. Sunday Mbang, who incidentally was the first man to see him at birth, 46 years ago. Ekere commended Governor Godswill Akpabio for working tirelessly to change the face and fortunes of Akwa Ibom for good in the last four and a half years, reasoning that the success of the governor in this regard had given hope that the whole country could be developed. In a goodwill message at the occasion, Akpabio lauded his deputy for building the church which he described as a wonderful seed and a demonstration that Ekere remembered his source. The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Godwin Afangideh, said his deputy’s action was in line with the deliberate policy of his administration to encourage the growth of the church in the state. He emphasised that it was better to give than to receive, as admonished by the Bi-

ble, pointing out that blessing will always be the portion of those that invest in the work of God. The Prelate, in his sermon, praised the deputy governor for pulling down the old church building and rebuilding it in such a record time, noting that Ekere had sowed well and was bound to reap bountifully as everyone was bound to reap what he or she sows. He hailed the infrastructural transformation of the state by the Akpabio administration and the cordial relationship between the church and the state. Dr. Makinde was particularly grateful to the governor for his support to the five new dioceses in Akwa Ibom whose creation has brought the total number of dioceses in the state to 11, the highest in the country.

He promised that the Methodist Church will continue to fast and pray for the success of the Akpabio administration, even as he urged members of the church serving in the administration to support and be loyal to the governor. The Prelate, who was on a week-long tour of the Ikot Abasi Diocese encouraged Christians to join politics, warning that if good people stayed away from politics, bad people will take over. The service also featured the 80th birthday celebration of the father of the Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Ekere, who thanked God for surviving a kidnap ordeal and a kidney operation in the last one year. To commemorate the event, the octogenarian, who described the day as the greatest in his life, donated musical instruments to the church.

It was better to give than to receive, as admonished by the Bible, pointing out that blessing will always be the portion of those that invest in the work of God… the Methodist Church will continue to fast and pray for the success of the Akpabio administration

Youths receive training on nation building From Adimike George, Onitsha

ally. Going philosophical, he disclosed that “man fully alive is the glory of God.” Continuing, he said: “In as much as we talk of spirituality or morality, we talk of the physical or the body as man is made up of the two components.” He urged both the state and the Federal Governments to do more on youth empowerment as their efforts were yet to yield the desired results. His words: “The government needs to intensify efforts in terms of youth empowerment as they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but that of today. A successor without a successor is a failure. Governments at all levels should intensify efforts in youth empowerment programmes to curb crime and corruption.” Odife, in her paper entitled “the role of youths in national development” pointed out that the topic alone will leave those with passion for father land to work hard towards its progress. “Growing up amidst the discovery of oil, Nigeria had become a cynosure of expectation- a country that was expected to demystify the African paradox of imposed under-development and break the manacles of cultural and political imperialism,” she said. She noted that the youth, by definition, are a group of young people within the age bracket of 18 and 40, which she said consti-

If the youth will be the proverbial leaders of tomorrow, then they must bid farewell to individual egos to give the long overdue and craved national interest a chance. Let the youth, with enthusiasm, visualise a new Nigeria where everyone irrespective of social status are equal in the eye of the law

tute the greater percentage of the human population, adding that they “are expected to drive the progressive wheel of the nation through intellectual, moral, spiritual, scientific, technological and innovative revolutions.” According to her, in every society there are certain roles the youth are expected to play and such roles are often determined by the type of training they received. In the pre-colonial era, for instance, the youth were formed into age grades with the responsibility of acting as the community armed forces and village police irrespective of education. Till date youths have continued to play vital roles in nation building. Continuing, she said: “Regrettably however, the role of youths

today is a cause for concern. We vividly remember the roles played by the youth during the second, third and fourth Republics in Nigeria. Most of the youth were used as thugs and agents of vandalism by older politicians for selfish reasons. Even now, the youth are still being used for executing destructive acts such as arson, murder, kidnapping and other criminal acts.” Listing the challenges facing the youth, she singled out identity crisis which she said is central to the under-development of the youth. Another factor hampering youth development, she noted, is inadequate and inequitable distribution of resources, among others. On the roles of the youth she said: “The Nigerian youths have

a political role to play in national development,” adding “the youth are the engine for economic growth and progress. Therefore they play a pivotal economic role.” She advised Nigerians to reject and discard the ‘national cake’ mentality by exploring new ideas that represent the core of a new national opportunity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations. “If the youth will be the proverbial leaders of tomorrow, then they must bid farewell to individual egos to give the long overdue and craved national interest a chance. Let the youth, with enthusiasm, visualise a new Nigeria where everyone irrespective of social status are equal in the eye of the law,” she concluded.

•Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State with Ideh John Udeagbala, group chairmanJ. Udeagbala Holdings Nig. Ltd during a sympathy visit after a fire disaster in his warehouse at Aba

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

The government had made successful efforts at providing such fundamental necessities as security, good road network and other social amenities in both the urban and rural areas…This had accounted mainly for the influx of investors to Enugu in recent times

‘We’ll make Enugu prime centre of commerce’

NUGU State governor Sullivan Chime has reiterated the commitment of his administration to make the state one of the country’s biggest centres for commerce and tourism before the expiration of his tenure. Chime, who stated this during the opening ceremony of the Enugu outlet of international retail conglomerate “Game” at the Enugu Shopping Mall said the government has created atmosphere conducive enough and provided the necessary infrastructure necessary to attract major foreign and local investors as well as tourists from across the globe. He noted that the government had made successful efforts at providing such fundamental necessities as security, good road network and other social amenities in both the urban and rural areas, adding that this had accounted mainly for the influx of investors to Enugu in recent times. The governor, who was accompanied to the occasion by top government officials, described the opening of “Game,” which is the second retail conglomerate after Shoprite to come to Enugu, as “a realised dream” and another watershed in the drive of the government to create jobs for its teeming citizens and generally enhance their socio-economic

ESPITE challenges, the Rivers State Micro-finance Agency (RIMA) has said that it is set to meet the 40, 000 target which is aimed at mobilising the poor for active economic and wealth creation in 2012. The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Innocent Harry said that it is also targeting about 130, 000 beneficiaries in each of the 23 local government areas so that in the next few years, it would have reached out to over 2.7m people.

•Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State (right), in a handshake with the General Manager, Polo Park Complex, Enugu, Mr Johan Blom (left). With them is the developer of the Enugu Shopping Mall, Tayo Amusan at the Enugu Shopping Mall From Chris Oji, Enugu

well-being. He added that both going concerns would greatly enhance the economic and tourism potential of the state especially with the increasing influx of people from

neighbouring states. He expressed gratitude to the management of the shopping mall for having such trust and confidence in his administration as to make huge investments in the state. He re-assured existing and potential investors of government’s unrelenting support.

Contributing, the General Manager of Polo Park Mall, Mr Gohan Blom described the complex as one of the best in Africa, even as he explained that the companies in the mall had offered jobs to about 1, 000 people mostly those who are from the state. The state Commissioner for

Culture and Tourism Mr Joe Mammel in his speech, said the management of the shopping mall would encourage local manufacturers whose products met required standards. He therefore called on manufacturers to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by mall.

Rivers agency trains entrepreneurs From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

Harry, who was speaking in Port Harcourt during a training workshop organised by RIMA in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Micro-finance Banks (MFBs) however disclosed that the loans are for economi-

cally-active persons in Rivers State who lack access to funds and who have the capacity to repay the loans. The RIMA boss also said that the objective of the RIMA/UNDP training was to equip them with required skills that would enable them to achieve effective monitoring and loan recovery. He urged the participants to take the empowerment training

•Secretary to the Lagos State Government Mrs Oluranti Adebule presenting a book on Lagos State to the former Mongolia Prime Minister, Mr Rinchinyamym Amarjargal during a courtesy call to SSG office at Alausa, Ikeja

seriously. In his speech, the Public Relations Officer of RIMA, Mr Sam AbelJombo, said the prospective 40,000 beneficiaries would collect between N20, 000 and N100, 000 each to do business with a view to paying back. The RIMA officials also explained that the enabling law of the agency covered only those who are indigenous to the state. However, the payment period did not go down well with some of the participating Micro-Finance Banks (MFBs) as they said that their clients usually complain that the six months loan-repayment period suits only traders as most of the beneficiaries are farmers. They also said that most of the natives who heard about the electioneering slogan of “Rivers money for Rivers people” wanted the loans as government’s free empowerment gesture. Some other participants also expressed surprise that those who are

not indigenous to the state but who voted in the elections that brought the current administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi were not included in the RIMA’s loan. Recall that RIMA has recorded full recovery of the entire loan package of N388m given out in the pilot scheme to about 889 beneficiaries in 2011. Rivers State government set up the agency in 2008 and initially allocated N2.5b to it to boost credit at the grassroots level with prospects of yearly budgetary allocation of N2b which is expected to have hit N8b in unremitted fund so far. The initial managers of the agency allegedly spent N500m before they were sacked thus making the new management to put away N2b in a high yield account from where it finances its recurrent operations. The training workshop tagged “Capacity Building for MFBs” focused on effective monitoring and evaluation for micro-finance operators.

The objective of the RIMA/UNDP training was to equip them with required skills that would enable them to achieve effective monitoring and loan recovery…The prospective 40,000 beneficiaries would collect between N20, 000 and N100, 000 each to do business with a view to paying back…The enabling law of the agency covered only those who are indigenous to the state

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Federal Government’s sincerity on the restoration of credibility to the electoral process was called to question when President Goodluck Jonathan sent to the Senate eight nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners and a National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). There was outcry over the nomination of people believed to be members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Senator Alkali Jajere, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, spoke with Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR and Correspondent SANNI ONOGU on the criteria for screening the nominees.

Why we approved new INEC commissioners W

HAT informed your approval of the nominees, given the public outcry, especially on Dr. Gabriel Ada as REC and Lawrence Nwuruku as national commissioner? First, they are Nigerians. Second, they have the requisite educational qualifications. Third, they have been screened by the State Security Service (SSS) and the police. The fourth step that we took was that we wrote to their respective senators from their states of origin that they should give us a confirmation, attestation on the character and standing of these persons. What other steps did you take on them, especially when there were protests? I remember one of the questions that we asked each of them was whether they belonged to any political party or not because I am not from Cross River nor Ebonyi State. So, I wouldn’t have known those nominees well. I did not know them but from my interview and the papers presented before us, if there is anything that would not allow me to confirm them as requested by Mr. President, I would have done so. I am from the opposition party, if I had known I would be the one to even cry. But nobody drew our attention to it. It could have been at that very material time that they should have come up with these issues. If we got this information maybe, we weigh the strength of the information that is given to us and see whether they are qualified or not qualified. But to the best of our ability we acted on the knowledge before us in taking that decision. It was said that some non-governmental organisations wrote peti-

HE Federal Government must commit itself to the full implementation of the 2012 budget for accelerated development of the country on all fronts, a member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Ifeoluwa Arowosoge, has advised. Arowosoge of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who represents the Ekiti South Federal Constituency 11, also said that all hands must be on deck to make the budget achievable, adding: “The 2012 budget is a workable document if properly and strictly implemented by the Executive. “Although recurrent expenditure of N2.472 trillion accounts for about 72 percent of the total budget, the capital expenditure of N1.32 trillion is an improvement of about 15 per cent increase over the amount approved in the 2011 budget. I hope the government will be committed to its promise to bring down the recurrent expenditure continuously to account for 33 per cent of total budget by 2015. I am happy to note, that the budget also is channeled towards the completion of all ongoing and abandoned projects.” Disclosing that the National As-

•

The Senate in session. Inset: Senate President Mark

tions against Ambassador Lawrence Nwurukwu that he is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)… The said petition never reached the Senate or the committee; not to my knowledge, before we confirmed him. If there is a petition to this Honourable Senate, I know the Senate President would have referred that issue to the Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges and the committee would have drawn our attention. Never was such a petition before the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so we wouldn’t know. Those NGOs that petitioned could have got the wisdom to write di-

rectly to the Senate Committee on INEC of which Andy Uba is the chairman and I am his Vice. So, we would have acted on those petitions but we never saw them, honestly. But what I can tell you as a member of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is that we acted within the knowledge that was before us. We have never heard all these things. It never came to me. This is the first time I am hearing somebody making all these of allegations. You mean that all through your sittings you did not know? You had not heard the name

Nwuruku, a former minister and Ambassador, before? Actually, from the time the issue was raised and the nominations submitted to the Senate and it was read at the hallowed chambers and referred to the committee, we did not know. First, we were given two weeks and that we had to go for extension for another two weeks. It took one month before we submitted our report; some people could have come within that very space of time to complain that this was wrong and I am sure that the committee would have acted otherwise. People can seek remedy if they so wish on what we have done. But the

committee, to the best of my knowledge, acted within knowledge that we were given. How do you see the confirmation of the nominees as an opposition member in the Senate? Being in the opposition does not come in here and as far as the committee is concerned, it has done what it ought to have done and we reported to the Senate. The Senate adopted the report and passed it to the President for confirmation. If Senate does something that is contrary to the constitution as amended and the Electoral Act as amended, is it not proper that when issues arise, it should be corrected? Yes. It should be done properly but somebody has to come by way of petition. Somebody has to pursue that cause before the senate could act. As far as I am concerned, I have not seen any petition. If had seen one I could have been the one to point it out. As I have said. I am from the opposition but not a PDP member and I cannot be a PDP member and that decision if taken maybe it is in favour of the PDP. I can’t favour the PDP against my party or against any other opposition political party because we are looking at the situations, the best scenario that can happen and the best thing that would happen to this country is that by 2015, the opposition should wrest the government from the PDP. So you don’t see PDP taking the country to the promised land... I can’t see in any country in the world where you have a party consistently at the helm of affairs for 12 years and the country continues to sink and the people cannot use their voting power to change that administration. It is only in Nigeria that all that can happen because PDP is a menace.

Rep tasks Jonathan on budget By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

sembly was worried about the number of uncompleted and abandoned projects and programmes by past administrations over the years, the lawmaker said: “The 2011 budget performance was about 67 per cent, 2012 budget performance should be 100 percent if Federal Government is to actualise the objectives of the 2012 budget. The present National Assembly, through the instrumentality of oversight, will monitor and ensure that projects are implemented in accordance with budget proposal.” Nigeria today, he said, is facing some of the toughest challenges in her history, security, economy and unemployment, noting that the budget, if properly implemented, will meet most of the challenges. With security getting the lion share of N921.91b, which is more than 400 percent of 2010 allocation to the sector, he assumed that all security

agencies would be properly funded to meet the challenges of terrorism, armed robbery, militancy and piracy. The liberalization and privatization of the power sector, he also reasoned, would provide employment and ensure the economic growth of the nation. “The proposed improved infrastructure and removal of impediments arising from bureaucracy in our ports will also improve revenue generation and cut down inflation, while the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry will encourage investment, create more wealth and job opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths. He also observed that the N78.98b allocated to agriculture and rural development as against N29.4 billion allocated in the 2011 budget was an improvement. However, he advised that future budgets needed to increase allocation to the sector as

agriculture is the most critical sector of our economy. “Agricultural sector provides jobs for over 70 per cent of employable Nigerians. N78.98billion is inadequate for agricultural sector as Nigeria spends about N365 billion on importation of rice per annum. “I appreciate the fiscal policy measures highlighted in the budget to encourage indigenous farmers and create jobs. Educated youths must be encouraged to go into mechanized farming with government support as a deliberate effort to depart from subsistence method of agriculture hitherto embraced by illiterate and aged farmers.” In the same vein, Arowosoge said: “The zero duty for agricultural and milling equipment, the ‘no waiver’ policy for rice and wheat importation, the ban on the importation of cassava, imposition of levies on wheat grain, wheat flour, imported polished rice and brown rice; the substitution of high quality cassava flour for wheat flour; the low interest rate on loan to farmers are all

• Arowosoge positive ways of actualising value chain in agriculture.” All the fiscal policies if properly implemented, he emphasised, would stimulate domestic production, investment and job creation for our unemployed youths.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS

•Osun State Governor’s wife, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (second left), Commissioner for the Environment and Sanitation, Prof Olubukola Oyawoye (left); Founder, Safehouse International, State of Indiana, United States (US), Mr David Moscrip; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade during a partnership meeting on the fight against child trafficking at the Governor’s Lodge, Oke-fia, Osogbo...on Wednesday.

•Regional Overseer, The Apostolic Church, Rev. Kayode Ajayi, District Superintendent, Rev. Adebayo Emmanuel Adeniran and Director, Welfare & Administration, Rev. James Olaleye at PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS a news conference on the Christmas place at Anthony Village, Lagos

•Head of Department, Product Registration and Consumer Complain, Mrs Oluremi Ayeni (left), Mr Gabriel Omitogun, General Manager, CFAO NIPEN Plc, Mrs Elizabeth Osinsanya, National President, Hairdresser Association and Mr Owojori Wahab, Chief Accountant during Customers Forum for Year 2011 in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) flanked by Adetola Olusegun, Chairman, Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (left) and Otunba Dengel Anifowose, Conference 57 chairman and chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Authority...yesterday

•Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko being welcomed by his supporters at the Sultan Abubakar Airport, Sokoto after submitting his nomination form at the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abuja.

•Managing Partner, Ntermac Consulting, Adeyinka Adeyemi (left) and Managing Director/CEO, Consumer Links Limited, Kola Olusola at a news conference in Lagos

•Chief Executive Officer, Pharmatex Nigeria Ltd, Prince Christopher Nebe (left) receiving the Company with Innovative and Quality Products for the Year Award from Dr Tola Osinowo, Africa Regional President, World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) at the 2011 Yearly Dinner/Award Night of the organisation at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos

•Dr Cliff Dadynski, Director, British Canadian International Education (BCIE) (left), Ms Funmi Ogunlaye, Regional Manager (Southwest) and Mr. Emeka Ude, Regional Manager (North) at the flag off of the 2011 UK Education Mini fair holding in major cities in Nigeria

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

COMMENTARY

“M

ARRIAGE is part of my tradition. Whoever is capable but refuses to marry is not part of me” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) A radical 20th century India-born British journalist and novelist, George Orwell, wrote a famous allegorical fable entitled ‘ANIMAL FARM’ in 1945. His tacit focus in that novel was mainly on the Russian revolution of 1917 which he satirized venomously. While writing the novel, that social critic never thought that the ripples of his book could have a backlash effect on the entire human social life in the 21st century. But ironically, with the demise of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), the real exoteric application of that book has become manifest on the entire social life of today’s mankind. Perhaps no institution in human life is more temporally or spiritually valuable than marriage. This is an indisputable fact across nations, races and religions. Marriage is the main axis around which the continuity of human existence on earth rotates. It is the pivotal source of decency or evidence of malfeasance in any given society. Without marriage, human societies would have been like Orwell’s Animal Farm. And were Orwell alive today he would have probably redirected his attention towards the matrimonial homes globally. Through the media, we read and hear of dissolution of marriages in our customary courts, everyday, as if dissolution is the character of marriage. And the impression often created through the announced names of parties involved is that most of those dissolutions affect only Muslim marriages. What is most disturbing in this development is that the local courts which dissolve those marriages were never involved in their consummation. And yet marriages dissolved daily without passing through courts are uncountable. Nowadays, the rate of dissolution of marriages is by far higher than the rate at which marriages are consummated. At least, going by the local customs of the various tribes in Nigeria one can conclude that marriages are conducted weekly as against the daily occurrences of divorce. There is a pertinent question here: What is the role of religion in marital life? Most marriages in our society are consummated in Mosques or Churches. Yet the same Mosques and Churches turn their backs when those marriages begin to collapse and pretend not to know that homes are crumbling. Isn’t the main duty of religious bodies to maintain sanity in the society? How can societal sanity be maintained without matrimonial stability? Some people define marriage as a legalisation of intercourse and procreation of children. Others call it a social contract culturally or legally consummated between two people of opposite genders. But in Islam, marriage is much more than both definitions. It is on one hand, a promise made by the male gender who is soon to become the husband and at the same time a trust personified by the female gender who is becoming the wife in the custody of the husband. In the life of any serious human being, three events are fundamentally essential. These are birth, marriage and death. All other events are peripheral. Throughout the world today, Nigeria inclusive, marriage has become a balloon which can be casually inflated in one minute and deflated in the next minute. It has been taken for a mere chess game played for the fun of the players as well as that of the onlookers. To many people today, marriage is only as important as dining, wining, singing and dancing. And to many young couples, it is just a means of actualising sexual orgy that would have been perceived as a social aberration without passing through formal consummation. In a public lecture delivered in Lagos sometime ago, yours sincerely compared a couple to a pair of scissors which has two blades. Each of those blades faces a different direction. The one faces right while the other faces left. These natural positions are not interchangeable. Yet, with the nuptial

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

Why marriages crumble

• A couple tie knotting them together in the middle, the two blades jointly work assiduously together in their move to crush their common enemy. If you look at a pair of scissors very carefully, you will discover that the two blades therein sometimes stick closely together and sometimes stand out separately. Their meeting and parting randomly constitute the essence of their togetherness. Through their meeting and parting the two blades of a pair of scissors communicate effectively and mutually function dutifully. There is a marital lesson for human beings to learn from this. No husband can play the role of his wife. Neither can any wife play the role of her husband. The separation of power in the matrimonial home has been naturally ordained. Just as the two blades of a pair of scissors face different directions but work intimately together so should any couple be. If the blades stick together permanently without opening and closing, the tendency is that they will rust away and become useless to each other. And, on the other hand, if they stay apart permanently thereby leaving the scissors in permanent open position, they will never be able to jointly carry out the assignment for which they are manufactured. Thus, through random meeting and parting of the blades, the pair of scissors is able to perform its duty without any hindrance. Unfortunately today, marriage has become like the country called Nigeria where projects are hurriedly executed to satisfy the secret, under the table, terms of contract without any consideration for maintenance of such projects. When two young people are coming together to form a couple, they hardly think of the implications of such a union in terms of individual differences and the possible challenges which may emanate from those differences. Young couples of today perceive love either from beauty point of view or from endowed wealth or even from pleasure of sexual intercourse. And that is a way of turning infatuation or possession of material wealth or sexual enjoyment into love which should never be the case. In marriage, love develops only gradually with mutual understanding especially when it becomes evident that the one accommodates the weaknesses of the other through tolerance and compromise. The attraction which beauty or wealth or intercourse

engenders can only at best be LIKENESS and not LOVE. This is where the foundation of divorce is often laid even before the consummation of marriage. There is nothing called love in a matrimonial home in the absence of thorough study of each other and tolerance. It is not enough to claim any mutual study during courtship. No matter how long it lasts, the period of courtship can never be enough for any couple to understand each other. That period is usually to impress each other while the tendency to pretend is often disguised. Marriage is a serious business which must be seriously negotiated initially by the couples concerned as well as their families. At the courtship stage, the concerned couples must not only discuss the modalities of coming together as husbands and wives they must also negotiate the factors of sustaining their marriage through proper maintenance of the home. Any marriage without a programme of sustenance and maintenance is like trying to use dew for watering crops into fruition. In his recommendation to men searching for wives, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Wives are married on the basis of four factors: beauty, wealth, family background and faith”. He however emphasized (Islamic) FAITH as the strongest factor. He did not recommend such factors to women knowing the difficulties that women might face in making choice of men but strongly recommended that a woman’s consent in a marriage involving her is germane saying any marriage without such consent is invalid. Marriages are globally collapsing at an alarming rate today because couples and their families have closed their eyes to two key factors in maintaining the matrimonial home. These factors are COMMUNICATION and MUTUAL RESPECT. No marriage can ever survive or succeed without a long term premarital counselling by parents, guardians or religious clerics who must not only tutor potential couples but also demonstrate practically to them how marriages are sustained using their own marriages as examples. There can be no matrimonial peace in the absence of adequate communication between husband and wife based on mutual respect. Nothing signals the collapse of a marriage more than the breakdown of communication in the

home. A marriage without communication is like a house without door. Of course, the children from such homes are the mostly the victims If a marriage is initiated and consummated with communication, how can anybody think that such a marriage can be sustained without communication? The real essence of marriage is for husband and wife to disagree in order to agree, not the other way round. And in the process of disagreeing or agreeing, communication is the only key instrument without which the home can never remain intact. Any couple that closes the door of communication has surely opened the door for divorce. Even divorce, whether through mutual agreement or through court injunction, must be communicated in one way or another to the other party. In Islam, the most potent way of ventilating communication in the home is to worship and pray together at least twice in a day (morning and night). A Muslim husband must at least be knowledgeable enough to lead his family in Salat and to preach and pray for such family daily. Through such worship and prayer, many knotty areas are untied. Besides, the children will learn to be good-mannered and to resolve disagreements among themselves. That is why Muslims are urged to acquire knowledge about their religion. The spate of divorce in any society today is much higher among the ignorant couples than the knowledgeable ones. By remaining indifferent to the rate of divorce among Nigerian Muslims, the Mosques are shirking one of their foremost responsibilities. It has been said repeatedly in this column that Mosques are not meant for Salat alone. As a matter of fact, Salat can be observed congregationally or individually anywhere that is clean and not necessarily in a building called Mosque. A Mosque in Islam does not have to be a building if its purpose is just to observe Salat. That is why Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “the entire earth has been made the Mosque for Muslims once it is purified”. One of the fundamental duties of a Mosque is to sanitize the society through resolution of conflicts. And since no conflict can be more devastating to any society than that of the matrimonial homes it becomes incumbent on every Mosque to have a Conflict Resolution Committee constituted by learned scholars and headed by an Islamic jurist. As a duty, the Imam of the Mosque must also educate the congregation on the need to take their matrimonial conflicts to the Mosques where such conflicts can be resolved rather than to customary courts where marriages are dissolved with fiat. Matrimonial conflicts are not new to any modern society. What is worrisome about them is the geometric leap they are taking these days. The very first conflict in human life was the one between the first and second sons of Adam (Qabil and Habil) otherwise known as Cane and Abel. That conflict was about marriage. And the genesis of the perennial disagreement between Muslims and non-Muslims of Semitic origin in the world today was the matrimonial rivalry between the two wives of Prophet Ibrahim, Zahrah and Hajarah, (Sarah and Hagar). If the Mosques cannot resolve conflicts arising from the marriages they consummated to save Muslim homes, what other conflicts can they claim to be resolving? It is embarrassingly shameful to see hundreds of Muslim marriages demolished by customary courts while the Mosques keep aloof. Today, Nigerian society is prone to danger of insecurity mostly because of matrimonial instability. And the more marriages are consummated, the more matrimonial homes crumble. Who, then, will save the society by saving our matrimonial homes? That is the biggest question of this time which is begging for a big answer. The security of Nigeria as a country depends very much on the stability of matrimonial homes. That is why emphasis should rather be on stability of homes than on distribution of contraceptives for the purpose of reducing procreation. There can be no peaceful nation without peaceful homes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-12-11

Dangote, Oando, GTB upset market

HE Nigerian stock market threaded within a tight margin of gains and losses yesterday, but downturns witnessed by some highly capitalised companies upset the balance, pushing the yearto-date return to -19.95 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI), which doubles as the common benchmark index for the stock market and country index for Nigeria, slipped by 0.11 per cent from 19,849.31 points to 19,828.40 points. Reflecting the depreciation, aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies declined by N6 billion from N6.275 trillion to N6.269 trillion. The downtrend was exacerbated by the losses suffered by some high-cap stocks including Dangote Flour Mills, Oando, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Dangote Sugar Refinery. Four sectoral indices located the extent of the bearishness within some sectors, while banking sector was divergent to the downtrend, closing on the upside. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised companies, slipped from 885.63 points to 885.10 points. The NSE Food and Beverages Index, which was dominated by Dangote stocks, dropped from 548.39

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

points to 547.48 points. Oando’s NSE Oil and Gas Index closed lower at 228.45 points as against its opening index of 230.80 points. NSE Insurance Index also dropped from 146.26 points to 145.54 points. Okomu Oil Palm topped the losers’ list with a loss of N1.12 to close at N21.28. Oando followed with a drop of 90 kobo to close at N22.19. GTB lost 56 kobo to close at N13.30. Presco lost 29 kobo to close at N7.36. Dangote Flour Mills dropped by 25 kobo to close at N4.76. University Press lost 18 kobo to close at N3.42, while Learn Africa dropped by 15 kobo to close at N2.95. Meanwhile, several banks closed on the upside with Stanbic IBTC Bank leading the advancers with a gain of 36 kobo to close at N7.64. Zenith Bank trailed with a gain of 35 kobo to close at N11.85. National Salt Company of Nigeria added 15 kobo to close at N4.16. United Bank for Africa rose by 8.0 kobo to close at N2.25, while First Bank of Nigeria and Conoil gained 5.0 kobo each to close at N8 and N33.30 respectively. Total turnover stood at 225.09 million shares worth N2.07 billion in 3,355 deals.

Banking subsector accounted for 170.48 million shares valued at N1.53 billion in 1,758 deals. Food products subsector recorded a turnover of 16.83 million shares valued at N80.1 million in 268 deals. Insurance subsector ranked third on the activity chat with a turnover of 14.85 million shares valued at N8.65 million in 116 deals. The unusual presence of the food products subsector on the top-three table was due to transactions on Dangote Sugar Refinery, where investors traded 14.68 million shares valued at N59.26 million in 106 deals. The voluminous supply dropped Dangote Sugar’s market consideration by a point to N4.02 per share. Third quarter report of Dangote Sugar Refinery had showed significant declines in pre and post tax profits. Profit before tax had dropped by 48 per cent from N12.6 billion in 2010 to N6.5 billion in 2011, while profit after tax dropped by 49 per cent to N4.4 billion as against N8.6 billion recorded in the comparable period of 2010. Market analysts said they expected the stock market to remain cautious as investors juxtapose the yuletide need for cash with the attractive low valuations of most quoted equities.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-12-11

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

MONEY LINK

‘Customers owe Microfinance banks N10b’

BOUT N10billion is owed operators of microfinance banks located in Lagos. The National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Lagos Chapter, Olufemi Babajide told The Nation yesterday, that the amount represents the facility granted various customers of the banks in the Lagos area. Babajide, said the biggest prob-

By Akinola Ajibade

lems facing the microfinance banks’ operators in the state is huge bad debt, adding that the association has arranged with relevant law enforcement agencies to prosecute defaulters, and fraudulent staff of the banks. He said: “We have an understanding with some magistrates and

in the six geopolitical zones of the federation to handle cases relating to defaults. He said some banks have been discrediting the third-party cheques issued by microfinance banks. This informed our decision to write the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the issue. The aim is to identify banks that have refused to do anything with the MFBs”, he added. The NAMB’s boss said microfinance banks have no lender of last resorts to depend on for assistance, arguing that the issue has aggravated the problems of the subsector.

courts to take charge of all cases relating to the microfinance banks. We are having understanding with some police stations and military police in order to deal with all cases relating to debts owed the banks”. He said the banks need a special court on the issue, adding that it would be a step in the right direction if special courts are established

Skye Bank’s CEO makes case for financial inclusion

HE Group Managing Direc tor, Skye Bank Plc, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, has said the bank’s commitment to building a savings culture among its customers is aimed at promoting financial inclusion in the country. The bank CEO who spoke yesterday during the final draw of the bank’s savings promo, said savings is crucial in building lasting wealth for the economy. Also, an Abuja based woman, Mrs Sarah Chinyere Iwuchukwu, won the Toyota Prado jeep grand star prize at the national draw of the bank’s savers promo. Mrs Iwuchukwu, a customer of the bank’s Aminu Kano Crescent Branch in Abuja, emerged the winner at the electronic draw con-

By Collins Nweze

ducted under the supervision of the National Lottery Commission and the Consumer Protection Council. Several other people won various prizes at the draws. An eight year-old girl, Miss Anjolaoluwa Oyegbami, won the Lagos region’s star prize of Toyota Corolla car at the draw. The girl is a Rainbow Account holder at the Obafemi Awolowo Way Branch, Lagos. Other prizes won at the promo were N1 million cash prize by an employee of Globacom, Miss Ibilola Akinrinmade, 15 i-phones, 15 air conditioners and 10 generators. Durosinmi-Etti, said the promo

was done in order to encourage the savings culture among Nigerians as well as the need to reward the customers who have been loyal to the bank. He stated that the promo produced 36 millionaires across the country in addition to making six people proud owners of Toyota Corolla car as well as one Prado jeep owner. According to him, the promotion has succeeded in growing the bank’s deposit base. The special guest and the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, commended Skye Bank for enriching the lives of many Nigerians through the savers promo and encouraged those who have not opened account with the bank to do so.

ICAN trains accountants for global placement

HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) said it is training accountants to take up international employment. Delivering a keynote address at the 16th Annual Conference of the Association of Accounting Technicians in Lagos, its President , Professor Francis Ojaide said the association is developing a practice-focused professional accountancy qualification that is globally recognised . He said the association is implementing standards to grow the profession to meet global demand for high technical competence in accounting practice. To wards this,the institute’s trainings is fashioned on global best practices which help members build competence for international employment. CAs ,he explained, have critical skills which are of national strategic importance. He said ICAN professional qualifications are very highly

Mobile Money: GTBank partners MTN

TBANK Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to promote financial inclusiveness, with the launch of Mobile Money, targeted at the over 30 million unbanked population in the county. At the launch of the product in Lagos, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, GTBank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said that Mobile Money will help mobilise funds from

By Uyoatta Eshiet

the unbanked and channel the funds to productive sectors of the economy where the funds are needed. He explained that Mobile Money will afford subscribers the opportunity to transfer money, pay bills, top up on airtime and shop from their mobile phones, among others. The Nigerian mobile money model he also noted, is different from others around the world and is designed to

provide immense benefits for the economy According to Agbaje, financial inclusion is what the product is about, especially as it will help bring the unbanked into the banking system, through simple technological inputs and devices. He noted that financial inclusion will help drive the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, as funds will be made available to critical sectors in need of funding.

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

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 15-12-11 SYMBOL

IBTC LAWUNION LIVESTOCK NASCON UBA GOLDINSURE ZENITHBANK JAPAULOIL AIICO FIRSTBANK FCMB

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

7.28 0.50 0.50 4.01 2.17 0.55 11.50 0.66 0.50 7.95 4.11

7.64 0.52 0.52 4.16 2.25 0.57 11.85 0.68 0.51 8.00 4.12

CHANGE

0.36 0.02 0.02 0.15 0.08 0.02 0.35 0.02 0.01 0.05 0.01

LOSER AS AT 15-12-11 SYMBOL

UPL OKOMUOIL DANGFLOUR ECOBANK LONGMAN DIAMONDBNK CONTINSURE STERLNBANK GUARANTY OANDO PRESCO

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

3.60 22.40 5.01 1.81 3.10 2.29 0.99 0.99 13.86 23.09 7.65

3.42 21.28 4.76 1.72 2.95 2.18 0.95 0.95 13.30 22.19 7.36

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

rated and in demand for finance roles. According to him, they work as professionals in business and government or in public practice in firms ranging in size from large multinational partnerships to small one-person firms. He said the association is determined to maintain virtues that sustain chartered accountants in corporate governance. On the Accounting Technicians’ Scheme, Ojaide said it has generated interest among school leavers in the country and even undergraduates of other disciplines have increased the number of students registering for the programme besides career accounting students. Ojaide said membership of this Association is now 15,023. He said the institute is determined to increase the number of chartered accountants participating and contributing to the sustained growth of the economy.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

By Daniel Essiet

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

He said Sterling Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc have promised to assist the banks in the area of clearing third-party cheques. Also, the Managing Director, Hamio Group Limited, Sunny Akhariokor, said on several occ Asions, some banks have refused to honour third-party cheques presented to it. Akhariokor said the decision of the banks to discredit third-party cheques was borne out of credibility gap suffered by the microfinance banks in the country. He called for speedy solutions of the problems to enable the banks operate well.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

200m

256m

200m

151.1

14-12-11

200m

248m

200m

152.0

12-12-11

200m

245m

200m

153.2

07-12-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Nov. ’11

MPR

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% 10.5%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE

0.18 1.12 0.25 0.09 0.15 0.11 0.04 0.04 0.56 0.90 0.29

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Anambra PDP women protest

Ogun delegation visits Daniel

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

OMEN from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State yesterday marched on the Wadata National Headquarters of this party with placards. Under the aegis of the PDP Women Vanguard, the protesters said they were tired of the lingering crisis in the state chapter of the party. Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “Anambra is not a curse, register us for transformation now”; “Agent of stagnation stay away from Anambra State”; “Liberate Anambra PDP from evil manipulation”; Urban guerrillas stay away from Anambra PDP”; “Register PDP now”; “Enough is enough in Anambra State”; “Our voices must be heard now”; “Return the register to the PDP now.” In a petition, they said the power tussle has crippled the activities of the party in the state. According to them, the effect of the tussle has made Anambra people lose hope in the party, as it is becoming difficult for the state chapter to put its house in order. In the petition addressed to the Acting National Chairman, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, the women complained that during the last registration, residents who came to register were deprived of the opportunity to join the party.

NBTE restores IMT’s accreditation

HE National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restored the accreditation of programmes of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) ,Enugu withdrawn two months ago. This was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Okechukwu Igbonekwu, at the end of the State Executive Council meeting. Igbonekwu said with the restoration of the accreditation, the institution can now admit students into its programmes, including Ordinary National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), among others. Those due for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, he said, can now collect their call-up letters. Commissioner for Education Simon Ortuanya said with this development, IMT is now back on stream. He attributed the success to the efforts of government and the institution’s management. Ortuanya praised the students and their parents as well as the people for their understanding and the conduct during the period the accreditation was withdrawn.

Abia to educate Fulani herdsmen

HE Abia State Government is to sensitise Hausa/Fulani cattle herdsmen on how to avoid clashes with natives. Speaking with reporters in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Don Ubani, said this became necessary, following incessant com-

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

plaints by farmers that the cattle are destroying their farms. Ubani said the government wants to avoid problems between natives and the herdsmen, “but after the sensitisation if they still persist, we are going to set up a task force to handle the matter.”

Ogun PDP leaders renounce factional panel OTABLE leaders of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State have distanced themselves from the action of a former chairman of harmonised State Executive, Mr. Dayo Soremi, who recently set up zoning and disciplinary committees. They described it as fictitious. In separate messages to the PDP National ViceChairman Southwest, Taju Oladipo, Senator Dipo Odujinrin, Tony Ojesina and Asiwaju Oluyomi expressed disappointment that they were not part of the factional meetings of the former state Chairman

• Adeoluwa presenting the letter to Daniel...yesterday

Enugu probe panel discovers N11.9b fraud in councils

BOUT N11.9 billion was stolen from allocations to local councils in Enugu State between 1999 and 2007. The Judicial Commission of inquiry probing the activities of the 17 local governments from January 1999 to December 31, 2007 has said. The Chairman of the seven-member commission, Justice Anthony Onovo, yesterday presented the report of the commission to Governor Sullivan Chime at the Government House, Enugu. He said the commission recommended that the money be recovered from the suspects. Onovo said the commission went through the cash books and payment vouchers provided by the 17 local governments and the 39 development centres and scrutinised 50,094 payment

From Chris Oji, Enugu

vouchers of the local governments. The chairman said the commission also inspected and verified projects executed. He, however, pointed out that the commission did not receive any document relating to allocation of revenue to the local governments. According to him, treasurers, who served in Nsukka East, Ezeagu North, South and West, did not trully submit their cash books and payment vouchers as demanded by the commission. Onovo observed that the total amount received by the local government is over N79,442,748,374.49 made up of over N7,759,582,888.37 direct payment to the council and over N71,683,163,165,483.12 allocation paid to the council through the Ministry of Fi-

of the aborted harmonised executives and were surprised to see their names among those listed. Odunjirin said: “I was called that there was going to be a meeting but they never said that they were going to put my name in any committee. I am not part of it at all.” Oluyomi took the same position, saying that since the national body has filed an affidavit at a Federal High Court in Lagos in which it confirmed the scrapping of the former harmonised exco, “I cannot be seen as associating with that body”.

‘Don’t be dependent on oil’

HE Central Bank of Nigeria and research experts have said attention must shift from dependence on oil to biotrade. Speaking at a roundtable on harnessing biological resources at the Nicon Luxury hotel, Abuja, the CBN said Nigeria must embrace the practice, if unemployment and poverty are to be addressed. In his paper, former Chairman of the Independent Na-

HE Ogun State Government yesterday sent a delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, to commiserate with former Governor Gbenga Daniel on the death of his father, Most Rev. Abraham Adebola Daniel. Presenting a letter of condolence signed by Governor Ibikunle Amosun to Daniel at his Sagamu home, the SSG said the death of Pa Daniel was painful, pointing out that he was an exemplary clergy. Adeoluwa explained that Amosun was touched by the death of Pa Daniel and would have loved to come personally to commiserate with the Daniels, but couldn’t due to other pressing state assignment. Daniel thanked the governor for the visit, saying it was commendable that the government deemed it fit to send a delegation to commiserate with him. “When this thing happened yesterday, I was in Abuja, out of protocol I called the governor and told him what happened and I think it is something that is commendable that within 24 hours this high powered delegation has been put together,” Daniel remarked

tional Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Maurice Iwu, said the nation was losing billions of naira to non-exploitation of biological resources. He said “We are losing billions of dollars to forests annually.” Iwu is the president of Bioresources Institute of Nigeria. Participants at the roundtable were made up of several organisations from the public and private sectors.

Abuja/Lagos

nance. According to the report, the 17 local governments received N7,759,582,888.37 from June 1999 to April 2002. The commission also noticed discrepancies in the past, with tales of missing public documents some of which were allegedly burnt. It recommended the recovery of COT from the banks in view of a Central Bank circular and a recovery of over N7 billion from the former accountant general who refused to give any explanation for those transfers and nonappearance of the funds in JAAC Account. The commission also recommended greater accountability in revenue generation in the local government administration, recovery of over payment of security vote made to council chairmen between 2006–2007 and recov-

ery of N232,602,437.70 from treasurers of 11 local governments who failed to post the money paid to the council into their main cash books. Chime thanked them for a job well done despite challenges and said: “From the survey, it is obvious that you did a detailed insight into the activities of the local government.” The commission was inaugurated on April 15, 2008 with Justice A. O. Onovo as Chairman. Members are Laz Ugwu, Nicholas Ojike, Chris Ngene, Mrs. Josephine Onaga, Gilbert Obu and Henry Nwatu as Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE USENEKONG Mr. Usenekong Ben Edet is the same person as Mr. Ekong Ben Edet I now wish to be known and address as Mr. Ekong Ben Edet all former documents remain valid. general public please take note

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Tambuwal promises prompt payment

NGO now govt agency in Bauchi From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

AUCH State Governor Isa Yuguda has signed into law a bill that will change a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Challenge Your Disability Initiative (CYDI), into an agency to champion the plight of persons with disabilities. The governor spoke in Bauchi at the 2011 World Disability Day celebration, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with Joint National Associations of Persons with Disabilities. The theme of this year’s celebration is: Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities. Yuguda described the theme as a road map to achieve the Vision 20:20:20 objectives and putting square pegs in square holes. The governor noted that the bill would ensure that persons with disabilities have a sense of belonging in the society. According to him, the agency will provide persons with disabilities a source of livelihood through a skill acquisitions scheme and employment, among other benefits.

Kwankwaso reshuffles Exco From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ANO State Governor Musa Kwankwaso has made some changes in the Executive Council. The former Commissioner for Works and Housing, Bello Muhammad Kiru, has been redeployed to the Civil Service Commission as its Chairman. Alhaji Ibrahim Bello is now the Permanent commissioner of the commission while Shehu Yusuf Gezawa and Garba Yusuf Karaye would serve as Commissioners. Kwankwaso said the changes would enable the government and people to tap more from the experience of the new chairman. “Government does what it feels is right at the most appropriate time and makes changes when circumstances warrant so. We did not reassign Bello Kiru because of any offence but because we think he is best suited for this job,” the governor said. Affirming his administration’s determination to put the right people in high positions, Kwankwaso noted that the new appointees are seasoned civil servants whose wealth of experience would be beneficial to Kano State. He urged them to prove their mettle, assuring them of his support to perform well.

•Kwankwaso

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

•Members of the newly appointed Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission taking their oaths of office in Kaduna...yesterday.

Yuguda ordered to pay N125.5m to ex-lawmakers A BAUCHI State High Court, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Zango, has ordered the state government to pay N125,596,471.50 severance gratuity to former members of the House of Assembly. Thirty-one members of the Sixth State Assembly had sued the Isa Yuguda administration for allegedly refusing to pay their severance benefits while he paid himself, his deputy and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) the severance benefits. Except for the SSG, who is a political appointee, the governor, his deputy and the lawmakers were elected in the April 14, 2007 elections. The lawmakers’ tenure eneded on June 9, 2011. The former lawmakers hinged their action on Section 2(1), Schedule A of Remuneration of Public and Po-

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

litical Office Holders’ Law, Cap 196, Laws of Bauchi State 2006, and Section 2(1), Part III, assented to by the governor. It is also in Sections 105 and 111 of the Constitution (as amended). Justice Zango, who is also the Chief Judge, said the suit was filed under Order 23 (Rule 1) of Bauchi State High Court Civil Procedure Rules. According to him, the law stipulates that “the respondent be served with the court processes, and he is required to file a notice of intention to defend with an affidavit disclosing a defence on merit. “But where otherwise, the court will enter judgment in favour of the plaintiff; the

‘But where otherwise, the court will enter judgment in favour of the plaintiff; the defendant was reserved with court processes on October 19, 2011’ defendant was re-served with court processes on October 19, 2011.” But neither the governor nor the government filed a notice of intention to defend themselves, as required by law. “That shows the respondent has no defence,”

the judge said. The court ruled in favour of the lawmakers pursuant to Order 23 (Rule 4) of Bauchi State High Court Procedures Rules. It ordered the government to pay the money, being the total severance gratuity accrued to the plaintiffs. Counsel to the lawmakers, Rabiu Garba, hailed Justice Zango for his bold verdict. He said: “We are satisfied with the judgment of the Court.” One of the plaintiffs, Harsanu Guyaba, who represented former Speaker Haliru Dauda Jika, said it was the “right judgment”. Another former lawmaker, Muhammad Aminu Tukur, expressed confidence in the Judiciary. Effort to reach the Commissioner for Justice Almustapha Alhassan were unsuccessful.

Adamawa Assembly shut over leadership dispute

HE Adamawa State House of Assembly has been closed for one week following disagreement among its members. Heavily armed policemen have been stationed at the complex to avoid a breach of the peace. The Nation learnt that this followed a directive by Governor Murtala Nyako, who ordered the new Speaker Ahmed Umaru to step down and hand over to the impeached Speaker Sadiq Dasin. The governor’s order was said to have been informed by the zoning arrangement of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he said must be retained. Nyako, it was learnt, insisted that since the position of the Speaker had been zoned to Adamawa Central Senatorial District, it must not be changed. The governor reportedly argued that the Minister of Women’s Affairs; the Deputy Governor; and the new Speaker are from the same zone, excluding the Central Zone from equitable sharing of political appointments. Last week, some PDP

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

youths, said to be Nyako’s sympathisers, stormed the Assembly complex, disrupting legislative activities. Umaru told the youths that the recent changes in the leadership of the Assembly were not meant to remove the governor, as some politicians have alleged. He said it was to provide a focus leadership. In a statement yesterday in Yola, the state capital, the

Speaker said the sack of its leaders was in line with Section 92, Sub-sections 2c of the 1999 Constitution. He said: “Having appraised the activities of the House of Assembly in the past six months, members came to the inevitable conclusion that it was adrift and, therefore, required immediate action to halt the drift and refocus the legislature in line with the vision and transformation agenda o the government.” Ahmed noted that the im-

peachment of the former Speaker was not influenced by anyone or group, neither was it induced by any pecuniary interest. He added that the changes were meant to promote good governance for the people. The Speaker, who appealed to the public to disregard the rumours that the changes were to prepare the ground for the removal of the governor, said the lawmakers would not be intimidated by cheap blackmail.

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday said the National Assembly would ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. Tambuwal spoke in Sokoto at the opening of a four-day workshop organised by the National Pension Commission on the 2004 Pension Reform Act to enable the lawmakers understand pension implementation. He noted that it is unfair that workers, who have sacrificed for the nation in their youthful days, are made to suffer before they are paid their entitlements. The Speaker, who was represented by Mu’azu Lawal Birnin Tudu, a member of the committee, said: “We want to ensure that all such obstacles are removed and all civil servants, who have diligently worked to ensure national development, are not allowed to suffer and, sometimes, die.” Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Ibrahim Kamba, noted that the seminar marked the beginning of a responsive turning point for the pension industry. He said the step taken by the Pension Commission is strategic to the welfare and benefits of workers. Tambuwal said: “It is the first time I believe that a deliberate effort is being made to build the capacity of the legislators. In specific sections are (pensions) for effective legislation and oversight. “The legislators will go back to Abuja better equipped with the knowledge of the operations of an emerging Nigerian pension industry with its inherent contributory pension scheme, vis-à-vis global best practices.” NPC Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir, who was represented by Mr Manzuma Mamman, the Commissioner for Administration in the Commission, said the workshop was meant to fasttrack participants’ knowledge about the basic relevance as well sensitise the committee members on pensions and the implementation of the reform in the pension system. He said: “The commission is aware that as with all the reforms, there are bound to be some concerns and even understanding. That is why, the workshop is apt and timely, as it will go a long way in enhancing the capacity of the participants on the new scheme.”

Kwara Poly students protest fare hike TUDENTS of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, yesterday protested an alleged arbitrary increase in the transport fares the drivers plying the institution’s rate. The students, who barricaded the institution’s gate, smashed the windscreens of some commuter buses. The protesters chanted war songs and disallowed commercial vehicles into the school’s premises. A leader of the students told The Nation that they

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

could not afford the increase. He said many cab drivers and commercial bus drivers have raised the fares from the popular Murtala Muhammed Way to the main campus from N30 to N50 and from N20 to N40 per drop. The student said drivers plying the school’s route from Oyun, Elekoyangan, Poly Gate as well as from

the school to Oke-Ose were doing same. He noted that this has created untold hardship for students. He urged the school’s management to make the transporters reverse the fare. But in a joint statement, the Chairman, Road and National Drivers’ Union, Polytechnic branch, Prince Kasali Ishola; the Students’ Union President, Jimoh J. Adekunle; and A. R. Moshood, representing the Director of Students’ Af-

fairs, called for a reduction of the fare. The statement, entitled: Agreement on Transport Fare in the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, said the “meeting has offered a downward review of transport fare to and from the polytechnic”. It reads: “Transport fare from the Polytechnic to Post Office will remain N50 for taxi and N40 for buses; for the Polytechnic-Oja (Market) by bus is N50; while Oyun to Polytechnic will cost N30 by taxi.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS

Corps member, others held for alleged Youths threaten to shut oil firm T kidnapping in Edo A MEMBER of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Osun State, Kenneth Arabame, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 67year old woman at Ubiaja in Edo State. Arabame, who claimed to have studied Economics at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, was among five kidnap suspects paraded by the State Security Services (SSS) in Edo State yesterday. Others paraded are Oboh Ikhuoria, a Banking and Finance graduate from the same school, Jimoh Edobor, Isioma Jato and Amos Peters. Two other members of

•SSS recovers N680,000

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Arabame’s gang are serving their jail terms, according to the SSS. The suspects, however, denied involvement in the kidnappings, saying they were only invited to assist in collecting the ransom. Arabame said his friend called him to Ubiaja from Ekpoma to help in pushing the

vehicle used in rescuing a kidnap victim. SSS State Director Bakori Tukur said the command recovered N680,000 from some militants in two camps in Ovia South West Local Government. Tukur said the suspects could not be paraded because of security reasons, adding that N450,000 was recovered from a gang which had collected N10million from a

councillor whose father they kidnapped. The SSS chief said the militants beat and raped their victims and that some arms were recovered from their camps. He said some of the kidnap victims were rescued. Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was at the command to see the suspects, announced a N2million reward for the SSS officers, who took part in the operation. Oshiomhole said government would continue to make the state safe.

HE Gbaramatu Youth Development Council (GYC) yesterday threatened to shut down Chevron operations in Escravos and other Gbaramatu communities. This followed a vote of no confidence passed on their representatives on the Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF). According to them, Chevron and its representatives have mortgaged their future. They said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the kingdom and Chevron in

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

2004, reviewed in 2009 is not the true representation of their wishes and therefore should be withdrawn. The youths urged the body representing them people at the company to resign, alleging connivance with the company to deny the people their rights. The President of the youth association, Felix Ubebe, noted that the purpose of setting up the Egbema/ Gbaramatu Ethnic development foundation has been defeated as their representatives have followed the dictates of the oil firm.

Firm opens tomorrow

ESCO Pools Limited is to open itsheadquarters at 164, Lagos Road, Benin, Edo State, tomorrow. Its Chief Executive Officer, Osinubu Adewale,

made this known in a statement yesterday in Lagos. He said the office would ensure effective delivery of pool and lottery business in the country. Adewale said the office would provide jobs for 200 officials and 17 dedicated and credible agents would become mobile. Among the guests expected are: the Edo State Chairman of Labour Party, Sam Omede, traditional rulers, captains of industries and others.

Gunmen kidnap octogenarian in Delta

U •Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc Jacco van der Linden congratulating Christopher Okagbue, winner of the Gulder Ultimate Search 8 at the official prize presentation in Benin . With them is the Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Culture and Tourism Orobosa Omo-Ojo

Oshiomhole, workers disagree on PHCN privatisation E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) yesterday disagreed over the planned privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Oshiomhole spoke in Benin City at the opening of the ninth National Delegates’ Conference of NUEE. He said PHCN must be privatised for industries and the economy to grow. The governor told the NUEE leadership to ensure that workers’ rights are protected in the post-privatisation era. NUEE National President Mansur Musa alleged that there was a manipulation of

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

the process by former PHCN contractors. Also, the National Secretary of Joint Action Front, Abiodun Aremu, said the opposition to privatisation was non-negotiable. He vowed that they would continue to resist the privatisation and deregulation. The governor noted that many industries have left Nigeria because of the failing power sector. Oshiomhole said there was no evidence that independent power producers are more exploitative than the government. He urged the electricity

workers to find time to look at the short and long term gains of privatisation. His words: “I believe in privatisation. We cannot continue like this. Nigeria cannot manage the power sector. “The economy is not in the best of shape. The power sector definitely needs reforms. “Business as usual is not the answer. If we are going to get unusual answer, it must be business unusual. “I asked you to support the process. We have to key into the privatisation. We must take a world-wide view of the opportunity it has to offer.”

Oshiomhole said the challenges of modern times “is that union leaders must see beyond the conventional ways of doing things, the environment has become dynamic.” “I support privatisation but you have the right to defend your welfare regardless of the ownership structure of the power sector. The power sector has to be privatised.” Minister of Power Prof Bathe Nnaji said there was a trust gap between government and the electricity workers. The minister said the privatisation as envisaged by government is not the outright sale of PHCN but to secure more investments for private entrepreneurs.

Amnesty has stabilised economy, say Reps

HE House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta has described the Presidential Amnesty Programme as a success. The committee also noted that the success has impacted positively on the country. The lawmakers spoke yesterday in Abuja when they visited the Amnesty Office. The Committee Chairman, Warman Ogoriba, urged the operators of the programme to ensure strict sustenance of the achievements so the country would not return to the dark days. He said the House would continue to support the pro-

•Kuku hailedf

From Yomi Odunuga,

gramme, which has contributed to steady oil production. His words: “We are going to support you to bring peace to the Niger Delta. “Our doors are open for consultation anytime. After the declaration of amnesty, we have experienced seeming peace in the region. We must do everything possible to sustain that peace for the good of Nigeria.” The Chairman of the Amnesty Programme and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, said the theme of the amnesty

was to stabilise, consolidate and sustain security in the Niger Delta. He said there was no doubt that the target has been met and that the nation’s economy has improved. Kuku said from a paltry 700,000 barrels per day in early 2009, the peace that now prevails in the Niger Delta has aided the increase of oil production to 2.6 million barrels per day. Stakeholders in the Niger Delta yesterday passed a vote of confidence on Kuku. The Niger Delta leaders

Abuja Bureau Chief

met yesterday to review the situation and concluded that the Amnesty Office has performed well. Meeting on the platform of Niger Delta Grassroots Stakeholders Forum (NDGSF), the stakeholders gave Kuku a passmark and urged him to continue the good work. Some ex-militants joined in the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of youth bodies, community based organisations, cultural and traditional societies, community development associations, women groups, town unions, and student union governments.

NKNOWN gunmen yesterday kidnapped an octoge-

narian, Chief Emmanuel T. Ofa. He is reported to be the oldest man in Adagboyerin community in Ethiopia West Local Government of Delta State. An eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the victim’s home at about 10pm and dragged him into a wait-

Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

ing vehicle. A family member said the kidnappers have contacted the family. He, however, declined further comments. Abductions have increased lately in the state. On Monday, the Rector of the Otefe Polytechnic, Oghara, Dr. Clara Sogbaike was kidnapped

Igbo community mourns Ojukwu

HE Igbo community in Lagos State has joined Nigerians in mourning the late Biafran warlord, Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. In a statement, the community leader, Eze Christian Nwachukwu, said: “Ojukwu’s death has created a vacuum in Igbo leadership.” Nwachukwu called on the people to emulate the Ikemba in giving the Ibos a credible and focused leadership. He said Ojukwu’s death should serve as a big lesson to Ndigbo at home and abroad. Nwachukwu called on Ndigbo to always stand on the side of equity and justice, true federalism and rule of law which Ojukwu advocated and fought for. He urged all Nigerians to strive for an egalitarian society that will ensure equal rights; the ideals that Ojukwu represented and projected all through his life.

Praises for Obi From Adimike George, Onitsha

HE Chief Executive Officer, SABMiller PLC worldwide, Graham Mackay yesterday praised the Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for making their investment in the state a reality. Mackay said this while inspecting the facility being built by SABMiller, the second largest brewery in the world in Anambra State, which has reached advanced stage. He said SABMiller was convinced to invest in the state because of the presence of a strong government. Mackay said most of the equipment needed for the facility had arrived and the rest would arrive early next year, adding that the facility would start production in July with 500 hectolitres, and with the capacity to

•Obi

double and re-double the output according to demand. “The facility would have a direct link with local community which would in turn ensure local supply, local sale, and local management, in such a way that Anambra state would feel the impact” Obi, who led the government delegation to welcome Mackay, assured them that the story of their investment in the state would be a successful one.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS

Oyo workers to get 13th month salary •Politicians laud Ajimobi

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

YO State workers got a rare yuletide package yesterday. Governor Abiola Ajimobi said his administration would pay civil servants the 13th month salary. Ajimobi spoke at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, the state capital, during an interactive session with Labour leaders and civil servants, where he presented the half-year report of his administration. He said pensioners would also receive a 142 per cent pension increase. Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, Ajimobi assured civil servants of regular training to enhance their performance. He said the introduction of the e-payment system and the payment of salaries latest by the 25th of every month are part of moves to reform the civil service. The governor said a scheme tagged, “Keke Ajumose,” would be inaugurated next week and over 1,000 tricycles would be given out. After this, he said motorcycles would be banned on major roads to reduce accidents and ease traffic. He said arrangement was ongoing with the Urban Development Bank to se-

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi flanked by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Akin Olajide (left) and his Chief of Staff, Dr. Adeolu Akande, while the governor was addressing labour leaders and civil servants at the House of Chiefs, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan...yesterday.

cure funds for the procurement of mini buses for commercial purposes. Ajimobi said the stateowned Trans City Transport Corporation (TCTC) would also be resuscitated and strengthened under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The governor said the government is working on about 1,007 poverty alleviation projects and N100,000,000 had been approved for each of the 33 local council chairmen for the execution of developmental projects, making a total of N3,300,000,000.

He said the contract for the construction of a flyover at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan had been awarded. Ajimobi said the government would set up a State Security Trust Fund next month and corporate bodies operating in the state would be made to contribute funds to strengthen security. He said a German company, Siemens, has been engaged by the government to assess hospitals and health centres across the state and supply the needed equipment and infra-

structure, while payment would be made over a period of time. The governor urged workers to support his administration in improving the state. Also yesterday, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments (ALGON), Yekeen Popoola, and Secretary Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye described Ajimobi as a visionary leader. They said the governor, who turned 62 today, has transformed the state within his short time in office.

The ALGON leaders said the impact of the Ajimobi administration are not limited to the cities, but encompasses rural communities. They said: “He is a man that has vision for the state. Firstly, he has put an end to the violence that Oyo State was known. “Ajimobi reduced the fees paid by undergraduates by half, offered free health, created 20,000 jobs and recently inaugurated the Joint Task Force to strengthen security in the state. This is in addition to the beautification of the environment and improved welfare for workers.”

Court lifts bench warrant on Lagos Speaker, aide

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday vacated the bench warrant it issued for the arrest of House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his Personal Assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi. The ruling by Justice James Tsoho followed an agreement between prosecution lawyer Godwin Obla and defence counsel Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) Joseph Nwobike (SAN) and Ugwuzor Adindu. It was agreed that Ikuforiji and Atoyebi, who were in court yesterday, should report at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) next Monday. The accused persons signed an undertaken to voluntarily appear in court on the next adjourned date.

By Eric Ikhilae

The case, earlier scheduled to be taken in the morning, could no down till 12 noon, owing to the late arrival of Obla, who was said to be appearing in another case before the Court of Appeal. Oyetibo indicated his intention to move Ikuforiji’s application, seeking a stay the execution of the bench warrant, pending the determination of the appeal. Miss Olatutu Akinleye, who held brief for Obla, opposed Oyetibo, insisting that they were only served the application a day earlier. She urged the court to put off the case till later in the day when her principal would be available, a request the court acceded to. When proceedings resumed, Oyetibo changed his

mind on the application of December 12. He withdrew the application and applied orally that the bench warrant be vacated. He argued that the warrant of arrest was wrongly issued as his client was neither summoned to attend court nor was the charge served on him. Oyetibo told the court that his client attended court yesterday in deference to the court. He pledged his client’s readiness to report at the EFCC’s Lagos office next Monday and to attend court on the next adjourned date. Adindu, representing Atoyebi, aligned himself with Oyetibo’s position and adopted his submission. Obla did not oppose the accused persons’ application for the vacation of the arrest warrant. He said since the

arrest warrant was to ensure that the accused persons attend court, it was no longer necessary to insist on its retention when Ikuforiji and Atoyebi have appeared in court. He said: “In the light of the withdrawal of the application of the accused, the prosecution wants to go straight to the merit of the case. We do not want to be bogged down by preliminary issues of this nature.” Obla said although no application was filed for Atoyebi, the prosecution would allow the magnanimity to be extended to him. He said the prosecution would re-examine the conditions on which the accused were earlier granted administrative bail. Justice Tsoho vacated the bench warrant and adjourned till January 17 for the

Lagos orders defective building demolished

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday ordered the demolition of the Office of Drainage Services being built by the Ministry of the Environment. His directive followed an advice by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development that the building was structurally defective. Seven people that weretrapped in the building during its demolition were rescued by officials of the Fire Service and the Lagos State

Aregbesola seeks true federalism

By Mirian Ndikanwa

Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), who were mobilised to the scene by Environment Commissioner Tunji Bello and the Permanent Secretary on change of Drainage Services, Mr. Muyiwa Akinsanya. Those injured were treatment and discharged . A statement by the ministry’s spokesman, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, said the building was brought down based on professional advice from the Ministry of Physical Planning.

The statement reads: “In the process of pulling down the building, a section of the structure caved in and trapped members of the demolition squad, who were eventually rescued by a team comprising officials of LASEMA, Fire Service and LASAMBUS (Lagos State Ambulance Bus Services). “The head of the squad, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, who is from the Ministry of Physical Planning, confirmed that the caving in of the structure is a confirmation of the earlier suspected de-

fect. “It is heartwarming to report that no death was recorded. “The government, however, wishes to appeal to public and state employees within the Secretariat to discountenance the rumour going round that there was a building collapse.” There was jubilation when the site engineer was rescued at about 3:45pm. It took the intervention of security officials to ward off sympathisers from compromising the rescue effort.

arraignment of the accused. The court room and premises were filled with the Speaker’s colleagues, members and supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), including Alhaji Lanre Razag and Tokunbo Afikuyomi. Ikuforiji and Atoyebi, charged under the Money Laundering laws, are accused of conspiracy and moving cash estimated at N518,000,000 from the Lagos Assembly without going through a financial institution.

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said true federalism is the only solution to Nigeria’s many complex challenges. He spoke as a special guest of honour at the public presentation of a book entitled: “Time to Reclaim Nigeria,” by Chido Onumah, in Abuja. Aregbesola said to rebuild Nigeria, everybody must insist on genuine federal practice. Represented by his Special Adviser on Federal Matters, Mrs. Idiat Babalola, Aregbesola said in true federalism, the units create and sustain the centre, adding that in Nigeria’s case, the centre creates and sustains the units. He said: “A true rebirth of Nigeria must begin with the people’s agitation for a constitution that must be preceded by an assembly of the people. We should know on what basis we are co-existing. This must be well defined and agreed upon. “This does not in any way suggest that Nigeria will break up. On the contrary, a relationship mutually agreed upon stands a better chance of being strong and mutually beneficial. “What will continue to imperil national unity is domination and imperial rule by a group or cabal. These cabals may not necessarily be regional; it could be economic, ideological, religious, military or a combination of all. “We have had an inglorious past of military rule and it is falsely assumed that the dictatorial centralism of the military had been left behind in 1999. “There are, however, deeply entrenched vestiges of an imperial central government under which the states still groan.”

Ekiti appoints Provost for College

ROFESSOR Francisca Olusegun Aladejana has been appointed Provost of the College of Education, IkereEkiti. Prof. Aladejana came first among the four candidates that vied for the position. The Professor of Science Education was born in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on March 24, 1954. She had her elementary education at St Louis Catholic School, Ado-Ekiti, from 1954-1964 and St. Louis Grammar School, Ikere–Ekiti, between 1965- 1969. Prof. Aladejana bagged her National Certificate of Education (NCE) from the Federal Advanced Teachers’ College, Okene, in 1977 and later proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, where she graduated with a First Class in Education Biology in 1985. She had her Master of Arts (Education) Science Foundation in 1989 and Ph.D in Botany in 2000. Prof. Aladejana started her academic career as an Assistant Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 1993 and became a professor in 2005. She also served in different capacities in the Institution including Coordinator, Mathematics Integrated Unit, Institute of Education (1993-2003); Admission Officer, Faculty of Education (2000-2001); and Vice Dean, Faculty of Education (2008-March, 2011). She was also Acting Provost, College of Education, IkereEkiti, between August 2011-till date. Prof. Aladejana is married to Prof A.I. Aladejana and blessed with three children.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

NEWS Pharmacists threaten registrar over dues From Dele Anofi, Abuja

THE crisis of confidence rocking the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) has deepened with members threatening to stop payment of their annual subscription. Rising from its 84th annual conference in Enugu, Enugu State, the members served notice to stop payment of all dues to the Council. The strategy, according to the pharmacists, was to force its leader Ahmed Mora out of office. PSN President Azubike Okwor, who spoke with The Nation confirmed the threat not to pay dues till Mora is removed. He said: “The audited account of the Council showed that the society was denied over N100 million in contravention of the law. The law stipulates that 70 per cent of the members dues should be paid back to the society and the Registrar has not done that for the past eight years. ‘It is not what he wants but what the law says, it is not optional. To even confuse issues the more, the Registrar stopped to gazette new members; right now we are not even sure of the exact number of our members as a result of that. “The Registrar only pays the society what he wants as against the stipulated 70 per cent. All we are asking for is that the right thing be done”. However, PCN spokesman, Tony Idoko, confirmed the commissioning of a firm to audit the Council’s accounts He also denied allegation of fraud, saying the audit report did not indict the Council. “The report of the audit did not indict the Council of any fraud, we are in possession of the report and I can assure you that the Council has always been up-to-date with its remittances to the PSN”, he said. The aggrieved pharmacists are asking for the removal of Mora. He is accused of contravening provisions of the constitution that mandates remittal of 70 per cent of annual dues from practising pharmacists nationwide to the PSN. The Council, however, denied withholding PSN’s dues.

Firm holds carol A MARKETING communications firm - Verdant Zeal, will hold an end-of-year Carol Cantata entitled: Joy to the World, on Sunday. Its Manager, Media Services, Mr Patrick Ubiri, said the carol will take place in its office on 15b Sowemimo Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, by 4pm. It is organised for officials, clients, suppliers, partners and their families and will feature music and dance performances. “As is the norm with companies the world over, parties are a major part of rituals that mark the end of a calendar year. “Verdant Zeal, however, has decided on a more sober approach, one that brings us back to the true meaning of Christmas – a time for family, reflection, merriment and thanksgiving,” Ubiri said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

FOREIGN NEWS

Ex-French President Chirac guilty of embezzling public fund

FRENCH court has found former President Jacques Chirac guilty in a historic verdict of embezzling public funds to illegally finance the conservative party he long led, and handed him a suspended prison sentence. Mr Chirac, a savvy world diplomat and icon of France’s political establishment for decades, is the first former French head of state to face prosecution since the World War II era. But the 79-year-old former leader did not take part in the trial, after doctors determined that he suffers severe memory lapses. The court said today it had found Mr Chirac guilty in two related cases involving fake jobs created at the RPR party, which he led during his 1977-1995 tenure as Paris mayor. He was convicted of embezzling public funds, abuse of trust, and illegal conflict of interest. Mr Chirac repeatedly denied wrongdoing. It is estimated his criminal behaviour cost the public around 1.4 million euros. He was given a two-year suspended prison sentence, which gives Mr Chirac a criminal record but means he does not have to go behind bars. The court said it took into account his age, health and status as a former head of state when determining the sentence. Unusually, the prosecutor

MAC 61

had requested earlier that the case be dropped, saying not enough evidence proved intentional corruption. The court disagreed, saying ‘his guilt results from long-standing and reiterated practices’ of illegal party financing. Mr Chirac is the first former French head of state to be convicted since Philippe Petain, found guilty in 1945 of collaborating with the Nazis Mr Chirac’s lawyer Georges Kiejman said: ‘For all those who could have expected a rejection of the

case against him, or at least no penalty, the ruling can appear disappointing. ‘What I hope is that this ruling doesn’t change in any way the deep affection the French feel legitimately for Jacques Chirac.’ Mr Kiejman said he did not yet know whether Mr Chirac intended to appeal the decision. Mr Chirac enjoyed immunity from prosecution during his 1995-2007 presidential tenure, during which he led France into the shared euro currency and strongly opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Nelson Mandela ‘spy’ cameras confiscated by police

OUTH African police have confiscated cameras they say were illegally filming Nelson Mandela’s house in his home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape. Police spokesman Vishnu Naidoo told the BBC that two media groups were being investigated. The cameras were found in a neighbour’s house and had been constantly filming the ex-president’s residence, he said. The anti-apartheid icon, who is 93, has appeared increasingly frail since he retired from public life in 2004. Col Naidoo said under South African law, it was illegal to film or photograph the houses of presidents and former presidents as they were considered “national key points”. Police were informed about the cameras approximately a week ago, he said. “When our police got there they discovered that the cameras were indeed there and the house was being constantly filmed,” Col Naidoo said. A neighbour who lives directly opposite Mr Mandela, Nokwanele Balizulu, said she had allowed two international media groups to install the cameras on her property, South Africa’s Times Live news site reports.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011

Tomorrow in THE NATION ‘The shadow that hangs on the wall should tell any

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well-meaning Nigerian that the sun is going down and the nation is drifting to the edge of the precipice’ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7 NO.1976

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

OPEN FORUM

ET me state right away that I am not in favour of the establishment of the socalled Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Yet, I believe in planning and saving for the future. My opposition to the SWF idea is based on certain worrisome issues surrounding the enactment of the law itself and the manner the fund in likely to be operated on our behalf by its foreign custodians. Whatever be the much-vaunted economic benefits, I think there are geo-political and international power-play issues which our economic strategists appear to be over-looking. But let’s begin from the home front. The Federal Government has been trying hard to make governors buy into the idea of a sovereign wealth fund which would be sourced from the Federation Account. The governors are largely opposed to this. But their opposition is mounted somewhat belatedly since the law established the fund, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Act, has already been passed. The governors’ reservations could have been expressed much earlier had the bill for the fund been adequately debated. It was one bill that became law before a lot of people even knew it was being seriously considered at the National Assembly. According to Mr Olusegun Aganga, the former Minister Of Finance and current Minister Of Trade And Investment, the SWF bill was one of the fastest to be enacted. He said it was done in five months. However, it is not only the speed but also the circumstances of the enactment that should raise eye brows and question the motives behind the enactment. The SWF law was enacted when nearly everyone was looking the other way. The bill was passed in May. The five months preceding that date was the period of the general elections when the legislators, the governors and the presidency and other stakeholders were all preoccupied concerned with their electoral fate. The attention of the nation was still on the elections when the outgoing National Assembly hurriedly returned in May and surreptitiously passed the Bill, which was immediately signed into law by the President. Note that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which appears far more important, has remained in the cooler for several months for no apparent reason. If any bill needed to have been hurriedly passed, apart from the Electoral Act, it should have been the petroleum bill, not the SWF bill. The PIB which was painstakingly crafted over a decade by a team led by the renowned Dr. Rilwanu Lukman is fundamentally designed to revolutionise the oil industry in the country and make Nigeria to derive maximum benefits. And so the SWF bill was passed when most stakeholders were not attentive enough to debate its full implications, thereby push-

RIPPLES

BUKAR USMAN

The traps in SWF

‘

The SWF will be a serious handicap if Nigeria wants to maintain some degree of self respect. SWF is no more than asset, insurance and deposit for Nigeria’s trading and development partners and it is not only risky but also superfluous to maintain amounts more than the normal safe margin required in support of import bills • Aganga

ing the governors to mount their current belated rearguard action. Three major reasons have been given to support the establishment of the SWF: it is to save for future generations; to provide for infrastructure; and to save for the rainy day. The objectives are unassailable. Nigerians have been assured that credible persons will be appointed to supervise the fund. But I have genuine fears that the SWF would serve us no better than other foreign-recommended “remedies” which we had implemented to our own detriment in the past or are being pushed to implement today. I am referring to the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which devalued the Naira and downsized it to its present pitiful state; the Privatisation Programme, which had stripped the country of some valuable public enterprises and placed them in those same private hands which could not run them well on behalf of the public; and the current feverish move to remove the oil subsidy. They are all part of the grand scheme designed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to create a buffer fund to serve principally outside interests. External creditors delight in shaping a country in a manner that aids the recovery of their money, not minding the ad-

YAR’ADUA’S ILLNESS ECLIPSED OUR ACHIEVEMENTS –Jonathan

HARDBALL

Yar’Adua’s achievements include FUEL PRICE DECREASE, he never REMOVED SUBSIDY

’

verse impact on the citizenry. The case of Greece, which is currently pitched against the European Union and IMF over debt burden, tells the story. It is not long ago that Nigeria managed to free itself from the handicaps of sovereign debt burden. For the period of the debt overhang, Nigeria’s freedom of action was circumscribed by the dictates of the creditors. It will not be different if Nigeria establishes the SWF. Only that Nigeria will now be the creditor and still have its freedom circumscribed for a number of reasons. Answers to these and several other questions may suggest the booby traps in the offing for Nigeria: In what form will SWF be kept? Where will the fund be kept? Would Nigeria be assured of un-encumbered access to the fund when the need arises? Does it make sense for a country like Nigeria with its poor infrastructure to really allow further deterioration while it puts away the much-needed fund and struggles to maintain its value? Has the Excess Crude Account (ECA), said to have been set up on the advice of the World Bank really served its purpose? Is SWF not ECA by another name? The current position is that $1billion has been taken from ECA as an initial amount to establish the SWF. The remaining $4billion in ECA will similarly be transferred to the SWF

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has not made any public fuss about his erudition, and the fact that he is the first Nigerian leader to bag a doctorate degree. We should praise him for this humility. But this sort of intellectual shyness should come with a sort of strength: that is, a quiet show of knowledge. He did not display this in three recent gaffes. The first was his reference to China when he declared that, henceforth, he would only eat cassava bread in Aso Rock until he vacates Nigeria’s first house. He was trying to advertise the need for us to patronise things Nigerian. In spite of the mushiness of his chewing a piece in front of television camera, it was an acceptable show of patriotism until his Chinese foray. He said that Nigeria should close its doors to foreign bread and that China is witnessing its fabled growth today because it shut its borders and decided took care of its needs before it opened its door to the world. No sir. China was locked inside its communist

Presidential gaffes delusion and lagged behind most developing countries in spite of the Maoist experiments and its successors. It was after it aped the old Soviet Union by opening its doors that it started to enjoy prosperity. Prosperity came not with its idea but from the investments from the West. Today, its burgeoning growth is dependent on copycat models. So, China did the opposite of what President Jonathan prescribed. In this age of globalisation, shutting your borders forbids you access to a lot of foreign investments. This is an irony for a government that is calling on foreign businesses to invest here using our so-called Sovereign Wealth Fund. The other gaffe was while receiving a new book launched by Segun Adeniyi, Special

VINCENT AKANMODE

if agreement is struck with the governors. It appears the governors have given in. As part of the arguments to persuade Nigerians to accept the SWF, examples have been given of several OPEC members, Russia, China and some small countries in Africa and other parts of the world, which have established such funds. The truth is that the money theoretically belonged to those countries by many can’t access it when the need arises. My contention is that Russia and China can confidently take care of themselves whenever, wherever and in whatever form their funds are kept. The smaller countries are of no consequence in international politics. The real targets are OPEC members of which Nigeria is one and every effort is being made by outside interests to bring it into the fold. Therefore, the outlined objectives, as attractive as they may seem, may have some hidden traps. Libya is among the countries taunted as having a huge SWF fund. Yet, Libya could not access it when it badly needed it. The powers that be peremptorily froze it. Threats of their funds and assets being frozen hang over other countries unless they remain in the good books of the West and contrary to their national interest. There is no guarantee that Nigeria will not be similarly denied access to its SWF in the future if it runs foul of formidable Western interests. In fact, even now, Nigeria lacks the freedom to price its oil in any currency and recent attempt to consider other currencies as main reserve for the country is facing stiff resistance. I strongly hold the view that although Nigeria may have credible individuals, as is being proposed, to supervise the SWF, they will be in no position to stop the fund from being literally pounced upon when Nigeria is challenged by some powerful interests in the arena of international politics. The SWF will be a serious handicap if Nigeria wants to maintain some degree of self respect. SWF is no more than asset, insurance and deposit for Nigeria’s trading and development partners and it is not only risky but also superfluous to maintain amounts more than the normal safe margin required in support of import bills. The SWF already established with the token $1billon amount. However, if the fund can’t be scrapped, no substantial amount should be added. Nigeria should commit wisely its funds to uplift its much needed infrastructure now. Such act in itself will serve the country better instead of keeping “idle” funds in custody of those over whom it has no ultimate control, thereby unwisely mortgaging its assets and freedom of action. There is wisdom in the words of Brian Browne who says: “Placing one’s hand in the tiger’s gullet is an easy task. The difficulty comes in the extraction of the thing.” • *Bukar Usman, former permanent secretary in the Presidency, lives in Abuja.

•Segun Gbadegesin returns in a fortnight

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above Adviser to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, at the Aso Rock. The book is titled, Power, Politics and Death. It was all good fun until the President waded into Nigerian Civil War literature. He commended Adeniyi’s efforts to document the story of the Yar’Adua years and made reference to the revealing material in the book. In the same way, he said that the first book written about the civil war was My Command by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Gaffe number two. He did not end there. He said further that Ojukwu also wrote his civil war witness in the book, Because I’m Involved. Gaffe number three. If My Command was the first book on the Civil war, where would you place the others like Why We Struck, which was as controversial as they come. Many accounts came before Obasanjo’s including the ones by Effiong, Madiebo, etc. By the way, Ojukwu never wrote any book on the war. He promised but did not deliver. Because I’m Involved was a book of random thoughts and life experiences.

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