The Nation December 21, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

National Assembly raises budget by N63b

Nollywood excited over Nkiru’s release

Page 5

Page 58

•Lawmakers approve N4.98tr Bill

NEWS

•Abductors free her in Owerri

NEWS

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2347 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

PATRICK IBRAHIM YAKOWA (1948 - 2012)

•Yakowa’s widow, Amina (second right), with her children, during her husband’s funeral at Fadan Kagoma in Kaduna State…yesterday

Jonathan warns elders at Yakowa’s funeral Wife: I’ve come to terms with his death Kaduna immortalises late governor We lost a son, not our future, says Kukah

and words of elders are just like winds and waves ‘Utterances that move, gather momentum and cause destructive effects, the end results of such destruction cannot be predicted ’ P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday took exception to what he called the divisive statements of the nation’s leaders, urging them to mind what they say.

Speaking at the funeral of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa in Fadan Kagoma, the President implored the elders to emphasise those things that unite rather than divide the country.

He said: “Utterances and words of elders are just like

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

winds and waves that move, gather momentum and cause destructive effects which end results cannot be predicted. Responses of our young men and women are reflections of what the elders talk in public and even in private”.

It was unclear those the president was referring to since he did not mention names.

A few months ago, Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo fired brickbats at each

other.

Obasanjo fired the first salvo when he blasted Jonathan for being weak in handling the Boko Haram menace.

The president fired back during the last Presidential Media Chat, describing the army’s 1999 invasion of Odi in Bayelsa State on Obasanjo’s order “as a disaster”.

“Old men, women and children and not militants were killed in the invasion,” Jonathan said.

Fadan Kagoma, the home town of the late Yakowa, was a beehive yesterday as the president led members of his cabinet, governors and other eminent Nigerians to the funeral.

At the funeral service which took place at the St Paul Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma, Jonathan described Yakowa as a “bridge builder” who loved his people irrespective of their religion and tribe.

Yakowa, former National SecuContinued on page 5

•FIRE AT LAGOS AIRPORT P10 •ANENIH BACK AS NPA CHAIR P5

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NEWS Jonathan warns elders at Yakowa’s funeral •Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (second right), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (second left) at the Akwa Ibom Government Carol Night 2012 at the Uyo Township Stadium ...yesterday.

Ex-CJN Musdapher faults judiciary’s self regulation

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HE former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher has faulted self regulation in the Jdiciary.

He advocated the creation of an independent body to be given the responsibility of ensuring probity and punishing unethical conduct among judges and lawyers. He said such body should have retired judges and non-judicial persons with proven integrity.

Justice Musdapher argued that

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By Eric Ikhilae and Precious Igbonwelundu

the National Judicial Council (NJC) currently saddled with such responsibility has performed inadequately.

The ex-CJN, who expressed worry about the nation’s future, regretted that the country currently possesses all indices that qualify it as a failing state. He lamented the prevailing trend of violence, corruption and nepotism among Nigerians.

He argued that the frightening dimension of insecurity, corruption, disunity among Nigerians and the inability of excising public institutions to effectively perform their roles combine to heighten public fears about the nation’s future.

The retired jurist argued that the acceptance of the concept of rotational presidency, which places ethnicity and tribalism above competence in the choice of the nation’s leadership, was a reflec-

tion of the fact that the country has drifted from the path of unity.

He argued that pervasive corruption and nepotism have adversely affected the Judiciary and the media, thus robbing both sectors of public acceptance and confidence. He called for a joint effort of the media and Judiciary to help reverse the current unenviable socio-political trend.

The former CJN spoke at an Continued on page 63

Govt names boards for NPA, CAC, NIMASA, TCN

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved boards of directors for three agencies of the Federal Government.

They are the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Members of a supervisory board for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were also named According to a statement by Secretary to the Government of Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Chief Tony Anenih returns as chairman of the NPA

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•Anenih returns

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Other members of the NPA board are Mrs. Florence ItaGiwa, Hon. Hamza Dan Mahawi, Sen. Lekan Mustapha, Alhaji Aminu Baba Danagundi, Mr. Austin Enyonnia Cosmos and a representative of the Ministry of Transport.

Lt. Col Agbu Kefas (rtd) is chair of NIMASA board with Ibrahim Mark, Alhaji Hassan Baba, Alhaji Aliyu Usman, a representative of the Ministry of Transport, a representative of the Ministry of Labour, and a representative of the Navy, as members.

Mr. Funsho Lawal is Chairman of the board of CAC. Members are Alhaji Sanusi Maijama’a, (Representative of NACCIMA), Mr. Okoro Osita Franklin (Representative of.

NBA), Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Omereson, (Representative of ICAN), and Dr. Ausbeth.

Ajagu, (Representative of .MAN) Edosa Aigbekeen, (Representative of SEC), N. Salma-Mann, (Representative of Ministry of Trade and Investment), Prof.

Adedeji Adekunle (Rep. Min of Justice) and Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Mr. Hamman Tukur is the chair of the TCN Supervisory

Board while former Skye Bank Managing Director Akinsola Akinfemiwa, (Vice-Chairman).

Members are: Director of Human Resources Management, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Representative of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/ Minister of Finance, Director of Power, Federal Ministry of Power, A Commissioner from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Representative of the Generation Companies (GENCOS), Representative of the Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

Continued from page 1

rity Adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi, Dauda Tsoho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, Commander Muritala Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Sowole were killed in an helicopter crash last Saturday on their way to Port Harcourt, Rivers State from Bayelsa State.

Yakowa’s widow, Amina said yesterday she had come to terms with her husband’s death.

Mrs. Yakowa urged the people to immortalise her husband by being committed to his ideals of peace, unity and development.

“May the death of my husband bring unity to the people of Kaduna”, she said.

Describing December 15 is a “dark Saturday”, Jonathan said: “Yakowa was a nationalist who played his roles very well as a civil servant of the old brigade and not as the civil servants of today when a director has more houses than Dangote”.

The president said there was no ethnic or religious divide in the late Yakowa’s blood, pledging the government’s continued support for his immediate family.

Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero named the new carriageway and fourth bridge, in the metropolis, after the late Yakowa.

He listed the achievements of the late Yakowa to include the fourth bridge and the access road, which the government named after him.

Yero recalled the late Yakowa’s words during his inauguration in April 2010, that he would not be governor for Christians alone but for all, adding: “This singular declaration endeared him to all citizens of the state and even beyond.

“His declaration in this respect manifested in his subsequent policies and programmes, thereby, earning him the acronym: Yakowa Nakowa. His vision was anchored on three cardinal thrusts, namely the task of security, unity and developing the state.

“He pursued these broad objectives with single-minded determination. The fruits of his labour had started manifesting before the cold hands of death took his life in the most tragic manner, the reality of which I am yet to come to terms with.

“My late boss, Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, exhibited uncommon leadership qualities. He was an embodiment of patience, simplicity, patriotism, peace, commitment to duty, thoroughness, honesty, nationalism, team player, experience in public service and a host of other sterling qualities that time and space will not permit me to mention”.

Yero promised to follow the foot steps of the late Yakowa by being governor for all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geo-political consideration, saying: “My constituency will be Kaduna State in its entirety.

“Nobody will be discriminated against on the basis of his faith or tribe. On the contrary, each and every citizen will be treated on his or her own merit. Let me in particular; assure the Christian community in the state that my government will do everything possible to protect their rights and privileges as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“The wisdom I tapped from my predecessor with regards to his sense of fairness, justice and equity will be fully utilised in the conduct of my official and even private businesses.

My doors will be open for constructive criticism and initiatives on how to move the state forward in all spheres of life.

“I have also given my full commitment to the family of our departed governor, that as long as I remain the governor of Kaduna State, I will do everything possible to enhance their personal welfare.

“Painful as the demise of my boss is, I am consoled by the fact that we had opportunity to reconcile our differences on a number of issues, some of which are personal, before he passed on”.

Continued on page 60

National Assembly raises budget by N63b

HE National Assembly yesterday approved a N4.98 trillion budget for next year, raising the Executive’s N4.92 trillion proposal

by N63billion.

President Goodluck Jonathan had sent a N4.92 trillion Appropriation Bill to the lawmakers.

The oil price benchmark was jacked up to $79 from the $75 per barrel presented by the executive.

Both chambers approved the report of their joint committees on Appropriation and Finance to pass the Bill.

The Senate’s approval of N4,987,202,425,601.00 followed the consideration of the report presented by the Appropriation Committee chair Senator Ahmad Maccido.

Maccido said his committee adopted the Executive proposal of crude oil production of 2.53 mbpd and an exchange rate of N160 to US$1.

Highlights of the budget as passed by the Senate are: Statutory Transfers: N387,976,000,000, Debt Service: N591,764,000,000, Recurrent Expenditure: N2,386,024,770,349,

Zero allocation for SEC

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HE House of Representative made a zero allocation for the Securities and Exchange Committee (SEC) as it passed Budget 2013 Bill yesterday.

Spokesman of the House Zakari Mohammed said the House took the stance because Director-General of SEC Aruma Oteh has refused to resign as requested by the lawmakers.

Mohammed spoke why the House hurriedly passed the budget.

He said: “We went into the executive session particularly to speak with ourselves on the budget and the issues that came up were concerns about the 2012 budget.

“There were people among us who believed that the 2013 budget should not be passed but at the end of the day, in whose benefit?

“We then decided that. If we must pass it, it must be with a proviso and that is the roll over of the capital component of the 2012 budget till April 2013. We realized that at this period, the issue of budget becomes very critical because you are susceptible to blackmail.

From Victor Oluwasegun, Dele Anofi, Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Capital Expenditure: N1,621,455,655,252, Aggregate Expenditure;

•Oteh must go, say Reps “Even things that are consumables can be held up by the Executive on the excuse that the National Assembly did not do certain things, so the budget cannot be implemented.

“In view of this, we felt that we should speak with ourselves and we resolved that it should be passed, in spite of our misgivings and reservations by the end of the day, let us pass the bulk figure while the details of the sectoral components would be taken head-long as they come”.

He said the House was not ready to indulge in self deceit that 2012 capital projects have performed well, while noting that the Ministries, Department and Agencies(MDAs) will want to return unspent funds to the Treasury

by December 31.

“This is the scenario that leads to project failure. This is a country where mutual suspicion has been the order of the day but the assurance we have for Nigerians is that what informed our decision is that we know that there could be a general feeling that this budget might go the ways of the 2012 budget but we are putting a condition and that is the 2012 capital component must roll over.

N4,987,202,425,601, Inflation Rate: 9.5 per cent GDP Growth Rate: 6.5 per cent Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme:

On the benchmark, he said: “By pegging the benchmark at $79, showed that we have experts in the National Assembly that know what they are doing contrary to the believe of the Executive. When we say it should be $80, we know that it was possible but we had to reach a consensus with the Senate for the present benchmark.”

He said the National Assembly would not appropriate funds for the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the 2013 because the Executive had not met the legislators’ demand for the removal of the Director General, Oteh.

In addition, he assured Nigerians that issues of integrity concerning two members, Farouk Lawan (PDP, Kano) and Herman Hembe (PDP, Benue) had not been swept under the carpet.

While Lawan was involved in an alleged $620,000 bribery scandal with businessman Mr. Femi Otedola, Hembe was accused of corruption by SEC DG, Oteh.

“It was the budget matter that delayed the presentation of the reports. They are ready and they would be dealt with when we resume from the break,” Mohammed said.

N273 billion.

Maccido noted that his committee observed that the conceptualisation of the budget by the Executive is still a big issue that the Senate must con-

front as the representatives of the people.

He said there should be a verifiable template for budgeting, especially on capital projects.

•Mark He said:” If the painful sight of abandoned projects in Nigeria will be a thing of the past, then on-going projects must be properly defined.

“A situation where projects not found in 2011 and 2012 budgets are found in 2013 as Continued on page 63

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS PATRICK IBRAHIM YAKOWA (1948 - 2012)

Our father’s death was God’s will , says Yakowa’s son S

ON of the late former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, Peter, yesterday said the death of his father was God’s will. “ It was a grand design by God to show Northerners and Southerners that we are indeed brothers and sisters,” Peter said during the funeral mass for his father in Fadan Kagoma, Kaduna State.

He went on: “A lot of people described the crash in Bayelsa as an accident. I describe it as a grand design by God to show Mr President and Nigeria that Patrick Yakowa was indeed his brother and sincerely believed in him and his administration.”

Describing his late father as an apostle of peace, Peter said: “He has made the ultimate sacrifice that was made on the altar of peace. I pray that that sacrifice will not be a waste. I pray there will be peace in Kaduna State.”

Mrs Amina Yakowa, widow of the former governor said she had come to terms with the demise of her husband, as the people continued to testify to his good nature while he lived.

She urged the state to immortalise her husband by being committed to his ideals of peace, unity and development.

“May the death of my husband brings unity to the people of Kaduna State,” she prayed.

A large crowd of mourners defiled the heavy security presence as the corpse of Yakowa was brought into the St. Pius Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma, in a Kaduna Government House ambulance on the final lap of his final journey.

In his funeral oration, Yakowa’s eldest child, Jatau, said the family has taken the death of their father bread-winner in good faith, describing it as a grand design to show the President that Yakowa sincerely believed in him and to show Nigerians that both northerners and southerners are indeed one.

Jatau said: “We have taken our father's death in good faith, as he taught us to accept anything that happens in life, no matter how painful, as the will of God. He had spent his life, serving the people.

My father was an apostle of peace.

He always preached peace at any given opportunity. He made the ultimate sacrifice and that sacrifice was made on the alter of peace.

"I pray there will be peace in Nigeria. I described the Helicopter crash which killed my father as a grand designed by God to show Mr. President that Yakowa was indeed, his brother, who sincerely believed in him and his administration.

"It was a grand design by God to show Nigerians that we are indeed brothers and sisters. Daddy, God has finally called you to rest, the rest that you constantly denied yourself while alive. We are happy that you are in a better place with God watching over us.”

He concluded that his father's death has "indeed proven beyond reasonable doubt that good people can succeed in life even in

Nigeria, because he came, he saw and he conquered.”

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said the late Yakowa had one character that was not spoken about. He told the audience that the late Yakowa always told him of his desire to ensure peace and stability in his domain so that he could develop the state.

Amaechi said: “Yakowa told me that when we talk about peace and disagreement, it is the rich men; those in government that talk about it. The poor man does not fight a Muslim or a Christian. He told me that there is no difference between the Kaduna Muslim and the Kaduna Christian. He said only one thing united them- poverty. He told me that the solution to peace is to fight poverty. He promised me that the number of years he will be in office, he will fight poverty.

“Yakowa told me that until we are able to fight poverty that is when we will achieve peace.

Yakowa believe that all of us who are in government should fight poverty together and then we as Muslims and Christians can worship in peace.

“Yakowa sacrificed himself in the pursuit of peace, I hope that we’ll not disappoint him because his spirit will continue to hover around us, reminding us on the need to eradicate poverty and have the numerous resources of this country go to people as many as possible so that we can all leave in peace.

“We will identify with the family; we will know those of us friends in Kaduna after today. I know that the present governor of Kaduna will stand by you.”

Also speaking, the Chiarman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, said the views expressed so far about the late Yakowa and the attendance at his funeral was a testimony to the fact that Yakowa was a good man.

He said: “For me personally, we shared many things in common with the late governor Yakowa.

We transferred our services to the Federal government in 1990 together. Yakowa a Christian was always the one who will remind us of our prayer time during our meetings.

"Those who knew him didn't know whether he was a Muslim or a Christian. I was happy when the Izala Islamic sect postponed their activities in his honour. The late Yakowa in his inaugural speech, told us that he was a governor for all and I remind all of us holding one position or the other to always remember that out of millions, God chose us, not because we are the most brilliant or the best, but because it was His will to do it the way he did it.

“Our brother had good intension, not only for Kaduna state, but for all manner of people. Permit me to tell his successor as a new member of the Northern Governors’ Forum to remind him that he has a big shoe

•A cross section of the late Yakowa’s children ... yesterday

•Former Head of State Gen. AbdulSalami Abubakar (second left), Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu (left), Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his wife, Judith at the burial…yesterday.

•Sambo (right), Dickson and former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha at the burial…yesterday.

to wear.

By the grace of God, governor Ramalan has promised to carry on with the good works of Yakowa.

We will help him.

"We will do our best to retain that relationship. May the soul of our brother rest in perfect peace. When our time comes, we will go. Let me conclude by saying, what does it benefit a man to lose his soul when he gained the world.”

Senate President David Mark said the late Yakowa was a different kind of politician, stressing that the late governor was humble, dedicated and a committed nationalist.

He said: “Yakowa built bridges not just between Muslims and Christians, but he built bridges even within the government. We shall miss him. But more than anything else, we as Christians know that Yakowa is resting in the bossom of the Lord. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

President of Catholic Bishop

Conference of Nigeria, Bishop Ignatius Kaigam, described the late Yakowa as a humble and dedicated Christian catholic, who was very loyal, adding that "he was loyal and loved the church.

He was not the pretentious Christian; he was not a Christian by political convenience; he was a Christian from the heart and he loves his God and his people.”

He called on Nigerians to stop using religion as a political weapon, to kill and attack others adding that some people use religion to foster their political and group interest.

The cleric said Yakowa stood for peace, love and development.

“Why do you have to use your religion to exploit another person?

Why do you have to exclude the other person because he does not worship in your religious way?" the cleric asked.

Yakowa’s remaines were interred at his at his private residence at about 4:50pm.

•The late Yakowa

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS PATRICK IBRAHIM YAKOWA (1948 - 2012)

Dickson: crash was a tragedy

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•From left: Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Gabriel Suswan (Benue), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) during the burial Mass, in honour of the late Yakowa, in Fadan Kagoma, Kaduna State... yesterday.

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has described the death former Kaduna State Governor Sir Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi (Rtd) as a tragedy.

Dickson spoke when he led a delegation from his state to the burial of the late Yakowa in Kaduna.

Expressing his condolences to Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Governor Muktar Yero, Dickson said the tragedy would remain dark in the hearts of the people of Bayelsa and Kaduna states.

He described the former governor was a bridge builder, who lived a wonderful life of service to the nation and lost his life while strengthening the bonds of unity and promoting better understanding among the people.

He said the people of Bayelsa and Kaduna states were not just united at this moment of grief and sadness but the ties established by the late governor would be difficult to severe.

Sambo thanked Dickson and his entourage for their show of concern to the family of the late Yakowa and the people of Kaduna State.

Sambo said he had worked closely with the late Yakowa since 1986, when he was his Permanent Secretary.

A burial witnessed by stars

•A group of Knights of the Catholic Church at the burial Mass…yesterday.

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State

•Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema at the burial…yesterday.

•Pall bearers carrying the remains of the late Yakowa ... yesterday.

Yero pledges to administer Kaduna without any form of discrimination

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ADUNA State Governor Mukhtar Yero has promised to administer the state without any form of discrimination.

Yero spoke at the funeral ceremony of his former boss, the late Governor Patrick Yakowa, in Fadan Kagoma, Jema’a Local Government.

He said: “It is pertinent for me to declare in unequivocal terms that I will be governor for all and sundry irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geopolitical consideration.

“Let me in particular, assure the Christian community in the state that my government will do everything possible to protect their rights and privileges as guaranteed by the constitution.”

He also reiterated his commitment toward completing the projects started

by the former governor.

“I wish to reiterate my commitment to complete all projects initiated by my predecessor across the state.

“They were all conceived after very careful consideration and in order to keep alive his aspiration of improving the quality of lives of the citizenry.”

Yero said his office would remain

open to constructive criticisms and initiatives on strategies to move the state affairs forward.

He said despite the security challenges bedeviling the state, his predecessor were able to achieve so much in terms of projects.

“While we mourn the painful loss, we should strive to keep alive his aspiration of uniting the people

‘

Let me in particular, assure Christians in the state that my government will do everything possible to protect their rights and privileges as guaranteed by the constitution

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of the state into a formidable force of development.

“This is the only way we can remember him.”

The Kpop Gwom, retired Col. Zakkah Wyom, said the late Yakowa’s administration never showed any disparity, rather he laboured to unite the people and develop the state.

Wyom commended Yero’s plans to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, explaining that it was the beginning of a modern and advanced administration.

He urged the new governor to employ the services of people with sound knowledge that would aid in pursuing the programmes initiated by late Yakowa to achieve transformational change.

HE burial of the late former Governor of Kaduna State Patrick Yakowa was witnessed by important dignitaries. They were led by President Goodluck Jonathan and his deputy Namadi Sambo.

Other dignitaries who bade the late Yakowa farewell include: former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, Senate President David Mark and House of Representative Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

State governors, including; Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) were in attendance.

They include Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, his wife Judith, Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and Oluegun Mimiko (Ondo).

Also in there were Deputy Governors James Ngilari of Adamawa, Peter Kishira of Kwara, Abubakar Aliyu of Yobe, Umar Mustapha of Borno and Damishi Lucas of Nasarawa.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, his predecessors, Chief Solomon Lar, Chief Audu Ogbe, Alhaji Amadu Ali, as well as Prof Jerry Gana, were also witnessed the funeral.

Also in attendance were ministers, the National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki and some aides of the President.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, assisted by other clergy men, conducted the Requiem and the Eucharist Mass.

Rev. Mathew Kukah gave the sermon at the service, which held at the at St Paul Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma, Kaduna. He said no one could neither teach God knowledge nor question his decisions; therefore people should not feel despondent over the death of Yakowa.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS

•CHILDREN ALL: Tuoyo (left), Rukky, Bawo, Ete and Oti at the service of songs of their late father, Chief Hope Harriman, at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi, Lagos... on Wednesday night.

Audu kicks as EFCC declares him wanted T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu wanted over offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund.

Yesterday, Audu prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the EFCC from launching a fresh legal offensive against him.

He said any move to arrest him would amount to “an abuse of court process.”

Audu also asked the court for N100million, representing damages for the unlawful, illegal, wrongful and unconstitutional invasion of his privacy, home and family life.

The EFCC said it declared Audu wanted following his failure to respond to the invitation by the anti-graft agency.

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said: “Attempt by the EFCC to arrest Audu at his 32, Sulaiman Barau Street, Asokoro, Abuja, home on December 11 failed as he allegedly evaded arrest.

“The former governor is alleged to have fraudulently enriched himself to the tune of over N4 billion when he was the Kogi State Governor between 1999 and 2003.

“The move to arrest him followed a Supreme Court ruling of November 23, which dismissed the ex-governor’s appeal to continue to protract his corruption trial by the EFCC. “The commission implores any one having useful information about the whereabouts of the suspect to notify its offices in Abuja, Port Harcourt,

From:Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Lagos, Kano and Enugu or report at the nearest police station.”

But Audu has urged the Federal High Court to restrain the EFCC from arresting him.

In an originating summons filed by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) on behalf of Audu, he asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to put an end to “an abuse of court process” by stopping EFCC from beginning any fresh process of investigation and or prosecution against him in respect of his tenure as Governor of Kogi State between May 1999 and May 2002.

He asked the court to declare the EFCC’s letter (No: CR: 3000/ EFCC/ABJ/ISOS/ TM.11/ VOL.7/37 dated December 11, 2012) inviting him for an interview with Kabiru A. Shehu on an undisclosed ongoing investigation activities as a “gross abuse of the process of the court.”

He said plans by the EFCC to arraign him afresh before a court in Abuja is also illegal.

He said the respondent (EFCC) had arraigned him at the Kogi State High Court of Justice presided over by Justice S. T. Hussaini with respect to the same offences allegedly committed during his tenure as the Kogi State Governor.

He is seeking the following relief: ·A declaration that the plaintiff cannot legally be arraigned and/or prosecuted by the respondent or any other person or authority within the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respect of offences allegedly committed during his tenure as Kogi State Governor between

May 1999 and May 2003 when there is a subsisting charge pending before the High Court of Justice, Lokoja presided over by Justice S.T. Hussaini and the Court of Appeal, Abuja in Appeal No: CA/A/ 381c/2011, alleging the same offences committed during the same period and arising from same facts as the pending and extant charges. ·A declaration that the unlawful invasion of the residence of the plaintiff in the early hours of December 11, 2012 without any prior invitation and without a valid search warrant or warrant of arrest, under the pretext of arresting the plaintiff and the subsequent wide publicity accorded the invasion by the respondent in the print, electronic and Internet media without any prior invitation to the effect that amounts to undue sensationalism, humiliation, intimidation and invasion of the plaintiff’s right to privacy and family life contrary to the provisions of Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered and is therefore illegal, wrongful, irregular, null and void.”

Audu also wants the court to hold that the Supreme Court’s decision delivered on November 23, 2012 overruling his appeal “did not effectively and finally terminate his trial on the – 80-count charge at the High Court of Justice, Lokoja. ·An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondent whether by itself, servant, agents, employees,

The Nation man wins Trade and Investment Ministry’s award

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•Audu

privies and or persons working for and on its behalf howsoever from inviting, arresting, detaining or arraigning and or taking any step thereto against the plaintiff on a charge or charges alleging offences purportedly committed by the plaintiff during his tenure as Kogi State Governor between May 1999 and May 2003 in the face of Charge No: EFCC/1/2006, FRN v Abubakar Audu, pending and extant before the Kogi State High Court, Lokoja presided over by Justice S. T. Hussaini and also pending and extant before the Court of Appeal, Abuja in Appeal No: CA/A/ 381c/2011 over which the trial court has since July 12, 2012 granted a stay of proceedings.”

In a 31-paragraph affidavit

by Mr. Dominic Ezerioha, he averred that “it will amount to usurpation of the judicial functions of the Court of Appeal for the respondent (EFCC) to arraign the plaintiff (Audu) on the same alleged offences that are currently the subject matter before the Court of Appeal, Abuja.”

Plane crash: Falana accuses Navy of sabotage

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UMAN rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has accused the Nigerian Navy of subverting the presidential probe of the naval helicopter that crashed on December 15, killing six people. The dead included Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Gen.Andrew Azazi.

In a statement yesterday, Falana said the inauguration of a board of inquiry by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crash is “a desperate bid to subvert the authority of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has ordered a probe of the incident.”

By Segun Balogun

“As if that was not enough, the Naval Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbo, has pre-empted the report of the presidential inquiry. While addressing reporters in Abuja on December 17, Admiral Ogbo claimed that the chopper, which was acquired in 2004, was airworthy, well maintained and flown by well trained and experienced pilots,” the statement further said.

Falana said the naval authorities should “tell Nigerians whether the chopper was designed for a shuttle service” and show evidence that “President Jonathan issued a Mission Order through the Ministry of Defence and that an Op-

eration Order was issued by the Chief of Naval Staff authorising the use of the service aircraft by a political office holder.”

He went on: “While sympathising with the families of those who died in the ill fated plane crash, the investigation promised by the Federal Government should be conducted in the open. Beyond the probe, the Federal Government should stop the personalisation of the state and its assets by government officials.”

He tasked the National Human Rights Commission to ensure “that adequate monetary compensation is paid to the families and dependants of those who have lost their lives in air tragedies in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the

• Senator Oluremi Tinubu (left) and Mrs. Patricia Arawore at the event.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Montreal Convention.”

Falana added: “In particular, the widows of the 103 military officers who were killed in the Ejigbo air disaster over 20 years ago should be paid their legitimate entitlements by the military authorities without any further delay.”

Police warn vehicle owners THE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of the abandoned vehicles parked at Alapere Police Station, Ketu, to remove them or lose them through auction after 21 days of this publication.

The vehicles are, Daewoo Tico ME422FST and Honda Civic LA633SR.

reporter with The Nation, Toba Agboola, has emerged one of the three winners of the Ministry of Trade and Investment award for journalists.

Agboola, who emerged the first runner up at the award ceremony at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was given the award by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga.

The award comes with cash and other benefits. It was sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

Aganga said the award underscores the ministry’s desire to promote efficient and effective dissemination of information that affects the real sector, adding that it is to also encourage and appreciate journalists.

“Your role in reviving the economy and achieving government’s transformation agenda is very critical. This is the more reason we need to continue to encourage you,” he said.

Mr. Agboola cut his journalistic teeth at The Comet as a transport reporter. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprising professionals.

The Punch’s Assistant Editor, Layi Adeloye, came top, winning gold and Roseline Okere of The Guardian emerged third.

Major shake-up in Court of Appeal From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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MAJOR shake-up has taken place in the Judiciary.

The Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, has reshuffled the justices of the court.

According to a memo obtained by our correspondent, the new postings came out on December 11.

It is not stated whether the changes take immediate effect or are deferred till after the Christmas break.

The memo shows that Justice Bulkachuwa, who took over as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal from Justice Dalhatu Adamu, will be at the headquarters in Abuja.

Justice Adamu, who was appointed as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal from the Sokoto Division, has been moved to the Kaduna Division as the Presiding Justice (PJ).

Justice Amiru Sanusi will be the new PJ of the Abuja Division and Justice Amina Augie will preside at the Lagos Division.

The full posting is as follows: Lagos-Justices: Amina Augie, I.M.M. Saulawa, C.C. Nweze, J.S. Ikyegh, Rita Pemj, C.E. Iyizoba and Fatima Akinbami.

Kaduna-Justices: Dalhatu Adamu (PJ), Abdu Aboki, I.G. Mbaba, T.N. Orji-Abadua and H.A Abiru.

Ibadan-Justices: M.B. Dongban-Mensem (PJ), C. N. Uwa, A. Jauro and O.O. Daniel-Kalio, Enugu-Justices: A. Jega Abdulkadir (PJ), M.A. Owoade, I.O. keju and E. Agim.

Benin-Justices: O. G. Shoremi (outgoing PJ), H.M. Ogunwumiju (incoming PJ), S.D. Bags, A. O. Lokulo-Sodipe and Tom. S. Yakubu.

Jos-Justices: R.C. Agbo (PJ), O.F. Omoleye, J.H. Sankey, P.O. Ige and I. S. Bdliya.

Port Harcourt-Justices: M. L. Tsamiya (PJ), Ejembi Eko, C.E. Nwosu-Iheme, M. Fasanmi and Jonah Adah.

Abuja-Justices: Amiru Sanusi (PJ), A. D. Yahaya, R. O. Nwodo, M.A.A. Adumien and T. Akomolafe-Wilson.

Calabar-Justices: M.L. Garba (PJ), Uzo Ndukwe-Anyanwu, Joseph T. Tur and O.A. Otisi.

Ilorin-Justices: P. A. Galinje (PJ), Hussein Mukhtar, Obande F. Ogbuinya and T. Abubakar.

Owerri-Justices: Uwani Musa Abba-Aji (PJ), John Okoro, P.M. Ekpe and Haruna Simon-Tsammani.

Sokoto-Justices: Tijani Abdullah (PJ), A.O. Belgore, T. O. Awotoye and J.S. Abiriyi.Yola-Justices: S. Denton-West (PJ), I.I. Agube and Abubakar Alkali-Abba.

Ekiti-Justices: J.O. Bada (PJ), M.A. Oredola and U. Onyemenan.

Akure- Justices: K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun (PJ), Ali A. B. Gumel and Ifeoma Jumbo-Ofo. Makurdi-Justices: Jafaru Mikailu (PJ), A. Gana Mishelia, S.C. Oseji and Muhammad Danjuma.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

9

NEWS Ex-HoS Afolabi heads LAUTECH’s panel

ACN condemns sack of varsity workers HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State has condemned the sack of 63 workers of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba Akoko.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Agbede, ACN said: “It is ironic that this is coming barely two months after the purported victory of the La-

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OVERNORS of the two owner-states of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have constituted a committee of technocrats to review the operations of the institution it.

Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) made this known on Wednesday at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, shortly after meeting with principal officers of the institution.

Ajimobi said the committee, headed by the former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, would come up with guidelines to comply with the law establishing the university.

This, he said, would ensure that nobody took undue advantage of the laws setting up the institution.

Re-affirming the joint ownership of the institution by Osun and Oyo states, Ajimobi said both states would continue to fund and make the best out of the university.

He said: “We will ensure that LAUTECH becomes a role model among its peers in Nigeria.”

Aregbesola also told the monarch that the crisis in the institution was the result of neglect by past administrations.

He said he and Ajimobi had decided to work to-

Ogun PDP suspends four members

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State yesterday suspended four of its members in Ogun West Senatorial District for alleged anti-party activities”.

They are former member of the House of Representatives Kazeem Salako; former Commissioner for Forestry Resources Alhaji Alli Ajibode; former Special Adviser to former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Chief Wale Egunleti and former Chairman of Yewa North Local Government Olusoji Eweje.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

In a statement yesterday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, accused the estranged party members of flirting with the opposition.

He said: “The suspended persons have been fraternising with opposition parties while pretending to be with us. The suspension will last 30 days, within which they are expected to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.”

Amosun hails Soyinka

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday congratulated Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka on his emergence as the first winner of the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership.

In a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun described Soyinka as "an embodiment of integrity, credibility, courage, selflessness, accountability, tenacity of purpose, who deserves the award".

He said: "The winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature has spent his entire adult life leading the crusade for a just and united society founded on the sanctity of the rule of law and press freedom. Soyinka has continued to use the arts as a tool for social re-engineering."

Amosun congratulated the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation for instituting the biennial award, adding that his administration would continue to follow in the footsteps of the late Awolowo.

He said: "With the single-minded commitment with which we are pursuing our mission to rebuild Ogun State, the landmark development witnessed in the old Western Region is within our reach in our dear state."

Amosun wished Soyinka many more years of meritorious service to the nation.

bour Party (LP) in the October 20 governorship poll and one cannot but marvel about this unique way of saying thank you to the people by relieving them of their means of livelihood.

“That this termination of appointment was carried out at this period, when every family is looking up to

a joyous celebration in this Yuletide season, aptly shows that the character ruling this state has no human feeling.

“It is not surprising that Governor Olusegun Mimiko; his brother and AAU ViceChancellor Prof. Femi Mimiko and Dan Nwanyanwu, the Chairman of AAU Council, have become cruel.

“Having failed to secure the

foreign loan, which was stopped by the National Assembly, the governor decided to recoup the money he spent during the last election by downsizing the workforce, starting with AAU.” CPC urged Ondo people and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to come to the aid of the sacked workers.

Ondo poll not free and fair, CPC insists

•Ajimobi

gether to “uplift” the institution and project Ogbomoso, its host community.

Oba Ajagungbade thanked them for their commitment to improving the university.

Earlier, Aregbesola told principal officers of the institution that he and Ajimobi were worried by the incessant rancour in the university.

Explaining that everything necessary would be done to ensure that the institution becomes a model for regional collaboration in higher education, he said: “We are determined to ensure that LAUTECH remains the citadel of learning that will be second to none in Nigeria.”

He said the College of Health Sciences would remain in Osogbo, the Osun State capital and that the two teaching hospitals in Ogbomoso and Osogbo would be recognised.

Aregbesola said the university’s Governing Council would be constituted soon to direct the affairs of the institution.

Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori and top government officials of both states were at the meeting.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday insisted that the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State was not free and fair.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yomi Adetimehin, CPC said the result of the poll would not have been contested by five parties,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

if it was free and fair.

The party wondered why President Goodluck Jonathan said the poll was credible, despite the position of Ondo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Chief Olusola Oke, that the election was marred

by irregularities.

CPC said: “In the circumstances that the whole conduct of the poll and its fallout is now the subject of litigation before a tribunal of competent jurisdiction, we consider the statement incoherent.

“The statement was a disregard and contempt for judicial institutions and processes by

the government. The president is expected to be fair to all and not pander to the wishes of an individual or group.”

CPC said only the court is empowered to deal with election matters and urged the president to concentrate on tackling the country’s challenges.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

NEWS

Osun stands still for Eso

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SUN stood still yesterday as the late Justice Kayode Eso was laid-in-state in Osogbo, the state capital .

Eminent Nigerians thronged the Abere Government Secretariat to pay their last respect.

The atmosphere was charged with mixed emotions. There was a brief moment of mourning and a protracted period of the celebration of the life of one of the finest judges.

Eminent Nigerians showered encomiums on the late Eso. Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the lying in state was a celebration of the passage of “a foremost jurist, quintessential Omoluabi and patriot”.

Aregbesola said the late Eso “bestrode the Nigerian legal firmament and the hallowed chamber of the Supreme Court of Nigeria like a colossus”.

He said the deceased had a sterling record in the public service, adding that he came into international limelight when he successfully defended black miners, who were protesting against the British colonial authority, in the tin mines of Jos, Plateau State.

Aregbesola said: “We mourn because he has passed away, but we celebrate because he lived a wonderful life. Justice Eso belonged to the rarest breed of legal minds whose life and times were dedicated to the law as the instrument for serving

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

justice to the rich, poor, weak and strong.

“He was also a quintessential legal intellectual, who brought much erudition, especially elevated language, to the service of law without losing the greater objective of justice.

“He was a patriot per excellence, a humanist and, above all, a devout Christian, who wholeheartedly served his God, especially in his later days. He was a great ambassador of Osun and an inimitable Ijesa.

“His passage is a huge loss to the legal profession and the anti-corruption fight. It is a void that would be difficult to fill.”

Osun House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam described the late Eso as “an icon of justice and a great legal mind”.

Salaam said the late jurist rose to prominence through hard work, dedication and courage, regardless of whose ox was gored.

He said: “Justice Eso became great by hard work, honesty and dedication. He fought courageously for the integrity of the bench. He is indeed an icon of justice with characteristic discipline and unbending will.”

Former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, described his late colleague as “a legal intellectual and a

•From left: Aregbesola; his Special Adviser on Women Affairs and daughter of the late Justice Eso, Mrs. Funmilayo EsoWilliams (standing); Eso’s widow, Helen and his younger brother, Ven. Ladipo Eso...yesterday. humanist par excellence”.

He said the late Eso would forever be a beacon of hope, courage, dedication and honesty for the bench and legal profession.

Justice Ayoola said: “The late Justice Eso was a great legal icon and humanist. He was courageous on the bench until he called it quit.

“His intellectualism will continue to be the vision of

the Judiciary in Nigeria. Justice Eso will continue to live on and be celebrated.”

Osun State Acting Chief Judge Mrs. Gloria Olagoke said: “Justice Eso was a world class jurist. He was a legal colossus. His contribu-

tion to the Judiciary is unquantifiable. He was an accomplished judge and a rare breed, whose life and time would remain one to be emulated.”

Also at the programme were Deputy Governor Titi

Laoye-Tomori; Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; the Head of Service and Mr. Sunday Owoeye, among others.

Ekiti’s progress made possible by God, says Fayemi

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OVERNOR Kayode Fayemi has said the progress achieved in Ekiti State was made possible by God. Fayemi spoke on Wednesday during the Service of Carols and Lessons held at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

He said: “But for God, we would not have been able to do anything. We cannot thank God enough. We prayed to him last year to make this year one of delivery and everywhere you go in Ekiti, there is tangible evidence of delivery. This is a progress made possible by God.” The governor, who led top government functionaries in the carols, said if the administration had not been creative and prudent, the devel-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

opments across the state would have been impossible.

He said there was hardly any part of the state that had not benefitted from the administration’s programmes.

Fayemi said his administration’s projects were based on requests made by communities during Town Hall meetings.

He said a review of the administration’s achievements, with respect to the meagre monthly federal allocation, showed that the successes were made possible by a greater power, adding that “there is more to be done for the people, who crave more dividends of democracy”.

Appealing to people affected by some of government’s policies to bear with the administration, Fayemi said the government’s actions were in the interest of the people.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, urged Christians to imitate the humility of Christ, which began with his birth, and live like him.

The service of songs was attended by top government officials and traditional rulers, including the wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin; the State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; the Chief of Staff, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu and the Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, among others.

Fire at International Airport

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HERE was fire outbreak at the reconstructed section of the D wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

It was caused by electric spark from a welding machine.

Eyewitnesses said attempts by the welder to put out the fire failed, causing the inferno to spread.

As news of the fire spread, scores of airport workers and passengers became jittery.

The General Manager, Corporate Services, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dalli, said: “There was a minor fire at a construction site beside the ‘D’ wing extension of the MMIA about 11:30am today (yesterday).

“The fire was caused by the welders working on the site. It lasted for about 15 minutes.

“The prompt intervention of fire service officials attached to the airport brought the it under control.

“There were no casualties. The only fallout of the incident was the switching off of the power source, which has since been restored.

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

“Normal activities at the airport, which were not interrupted by the fire, have continued as planes are taking off and landing.

“FAAN hails the rapid response of the officers and men of its Fire Department and other relevant agencies for restoring normalcy.

“We remain committed to providing secure, safe and comfortable airport environment as enshrined in the aviation master plan.”

Only two days ago, wind from a cargo aircraft blew off the roof of the generator house at the Diplomatic Car Park and destroyed some cars.

Confirming the incident, FAAN said: “A plane, Boeing 747, belonging to Saudi Arabia, parked at the E arrival at the MMIA was about to taxi to the cargo terminal when jet blast from it removed the roof of the generator house, which blew over the roof of a police station nearby.

“Debris from the wind caused some damages to a few cars parked at the diplomatic car park.

“A passer-by sustained a minor injury. He was treated at a nearby clinic and discharged.

Normalcy has been restored.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Govt disburses N257b export grant N

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HE Federal Government has disbursed N257.09 billion under its Export Expansion Grant (EEG) programme in the last seven years.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama made this known yesterday in Abuja when he addressed reporters after a meeting with producers and manufacturers.

Giving a breakdown of the disbursement, Dr Ngama said N21.92billion was disbursed in 2005, N24.35billion in 2006, N11.03billion in 2007 and N29.47billion in 2008.

N41.18billion was paid in 2009, N27.96billion in 2010, N67.39bilion in 2011 and N30.75bilion in 2012.

Ngama, who described the scheme as a success, said the it had, over the years, helped to boost nonoil exports as well as make exporters more competitive.

He said the Federal Government would, in partnership with the exporters, expand the scope of the programme, adding that this would depend on the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He reiterated the government's resolve to diversify the economy, adding: “There is no way we can diversify our economy if we don’t

• Dr Ngama From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

encourage non-oil exports and we have been encouraging our manufacturers with the EEG scheme."

Ngama said the Federal Government is committed to strengthening the implementation of the EEG to make it more beneficial to exporters and the government.

Ngama noted that in 2005 when the new scheme started, the country’s total non-oil export was just $1million, but as at the end of 2011, it had grown to $3.2billion.

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

- Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

Call for Demuren's sack baseless, says NCAA

IGERIA Civil Aviation Autjority (NCAA), yester day described as unwarranted the call for the sack and prosecution of its Director-General, Dr. Harold Demuren.

It said the reasons adduced by the lawmakers are baseless and laced with falsehood.

The House of Representative Committee on Aviation said Demuren should be relieved of his post over his role in the June 3, 2012 crash of DANA Air, In a statement, the Media Assistant to the Demuren, Sam Adurogboye, said : " We are not particularly bothered about the call for the sack and the call for criminal prosecution, but the reasons adduced for the call are based on falsehood, fallacies and misrepresentation of facts.

“These are the fallacies we intend to address here for the interest of the nation's aviation sector, the flying public and its continued relevance before the international aviation community.”

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

The report alleges that the DANA Air MD 83 aircraft type has been phased out all over the world. “We make bold to say that the MD 83 aircraft type has not been phased out worldwide,” Adurogboye stated.

He said the second issue raised in the report which needs to be properly addressed, is that the NCCA does not have any licensed aircraft Inspector type-rated on the MD 83 aircraft.

He argued that NCAA has Aviation Safety Inspectors, comprising Pilots, and Air-worthiness experts who are trained on MD83 and effectively carryimg out day-day routine regulatory safety oversight on the given aircraft.

“But what is important to note is that the NCAA insists on the religious adherence to the stipulated Maintenance Programme for all airlines as contained in the Manu-

facturer's Maintenance Manual (MMM) and NCAA Approved Maintenance Programme.

“We want to also emphasise that this mandatory Maintenance Programme is carried out at designated and NCAA Approved Maintenance Organisations (AMO) abroad for the purposes of achieving the highest standards of safety. This outside maintenance programme is carried out under the strict supervision of NCAA Safety Inspectors. So the question of the safety of aircraft operating in the nation's airspace, in spite of the lack of AMO's in the country is not in doubt.

“Finally, the report alleges incompetence on the part of the NCAA's DG. It is important to note that the current DG came on board at a time when the nation’s safety record was at his lowest ebb, with series of disastrous air crashes. The resulted effect was that foreign airlines from America were banned from flying direct into the Nigerian airspace and vice versa for Nigerian Airline Operator's Aircraft,” he said.

Ashaka cement to increase capacity to 3m tons

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subsidiary of Lafarge Group, AshakaCem Plc, has launched a development programme that will increase its capacity from the 900,000 tons to three million tons, its Board has said after a meeting in Abuja.

It also announced that technical feasibility studies on raw material reserves, power and infrastructure un-

By Toba Agboola

dertaken by the firm were in progress, particularly on additional limestone and coal reserves that were at an advanced stage.

The Board also mentioned the importance of conducting financing and operational reviews of the project so that the company would benefit from

Lafarge Technical, operational and financial resources in the country, to ensure the success of this development.

Lafarge, as majority shareholder of Ashaka, gives great importance to Nigeria in its emerging markets portfolio and is committed to strengthening its existing businesses and develop new activities in this country, the company said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS Power firm may get independent directors

‘Solid minerals sector makes N1.7b in two years’

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HE Solid Minerals Sector Revenue gen erated N1.7 billion in the last two years, the Mobilisation Allocation and FiscalCommission (RMAFC) has said.

Its Public Affairs and Communication Committee (PACC) Chairman, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, made this known to reporters at the end of the 67th Plenary Session of the Commission yesterday in Abuja.

He attributed the success to "the effective advocacy and mass mobilisation campaigns on economic diversification mounted by the Commission."

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

Giving a breakdown of the states’contribution, he said the revenue from the solid minerals sector from 2010-2011 was N1,002,601,770.22 and that Kogi State contributed the highest amount during the period under review with N200,960,402.50 followed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which contributed N116,136,097.77.

He expressed optimism that beside complementing revenue from oil, revenue from the solid mineral sector could ensure even development in the country

as every part of it produces one solid mineral or the other.

He explained that in line with the second Executive Order of July 2002, the sharing of the Derivation Fund to beneficiary states would be based on the 13 per cent derivation indices using 2010-2011 Solid Minerals Revenue Contribution by the 36 states and the FCT. The PACC chair noted that unlike oil and gas, solid minerals are found in every state, including the FCT, adding that this would reduce the rancor associated with sharing of oil revenue.

He said the Commission

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• Mohammed Sada

has forwarded the Solid Minerals Derivation Indices to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) for sharing the proceeds of the 13 per cent derivation Fund in January, 2013.

HE Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commis sion (NERC) is planning to introduce an independent director for licensed electricity companies.

Its Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, who made this known to reporters in Abuja, said: "An independent director will be somebody who has not equity, interest connection with the company. " He, however, added that the director would be the watch dog of the board.

Amadi also said executive members of the board would have a tenure of five years which is renewed twice.

He added: "Electricity is a sector with long gestation of projects so we should have executives and management long enough to drive the investment plans. " The chairman said the commission does not want to pave way for family business that culminated in the collapse of the banking industry.

He noted that during the six-month minor review of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO), the commission realised that there was no

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

change in the indicators that would have allowed adjustment of the tariff, adding that it was fior this that the commission left the tariff unchanged.

Amadi, however, noted that following the complaints of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the commission would review their tariff either next January and February.

He noted that the commission has been holding meetings in order to provide funding for the preferred investors in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies.

While apologising that the commission has not realised his plans on metering, he added that there is a plan B, which NERC will announce next year.

He said: "We are working on classification of customers . The committee has finished its job and by first or second week next year, the committee would have rounded off . So rate application is one of the things we have done."

Kwara proposes N94.4b budget

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WARA State Gover nor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has presented a budget proposal of N94.4billion for 2013.

This represents a 10 per cent increase over last year’s projection of N85.1billion.

Presenting the budget proposal, entitled: Sustained prosperity to the state House Assembly yesterday, Alhaji Ahmed said the budget was designed to boost infrastructure, accelerate agro-led wealth creation, create jobs and sustain the state’s development.

It is aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on federally-allocated revenue and attract foreign and domestic investments into the state, he added.

Despite the challenges of limited financial resources, the Ahmed administration is determined to provide good governance to the people ‘through a systematic focus on our interlinked priority areas, he said.

“Our resources may be

limited, but our resolve to overcome these challenges and provide good governance for the benefit of the people is boundless”, Ahmed added.

According to his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr. Muyideen Femi Akorede, a breakdown of the budget shows a total recurrent revenue of N58.1billion while recurrent expenditure was put at N51billion.

Total recurrent surplus is N6.3billion while total capital receipt was estimated at N42.6billion with total capital expenditure also pegged at N42.6billion.

The sectoral breakdown shows that roads received priority in capital expenditure with N7.9billion, closely followed by education and human capital development with N7.6bilion with tertiary education, science and technology and agriculture development each receiving N4.3billion and health allocated N3.3billion.

300 jostle for SWF’s job

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OVEREIGN Wealth Fund (SWF) supervi sory agency Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has received 300 applications for the post of Chief Investment Officer for the authority.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Paul Nwabuikwu, quoted the Managing Director of the NSIA, Uche Orji, as confirming this.

According to Orji, the NSIA hopes to have the interviews early next year and have a CIO in place by early March.

Orji, who was appointed chief executive in October following an international head hunt, explained the

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

status of plans to appoint a CIO for the organisation.

Orji stated that other key management and staff positions in the NSIA would be advertised from today and the projection is that the full complement of staff would be in place by the first quarter of 2013.

To ensure that resources are maximised, Orji said: “Prudence is the cornerstone of management at the NSIA. The organisation will have a lean operating model at the early stages.”

He also emphasised that in seeking the best investments for Nigeria, the NSIA would not limit itself but will search for the best deals wherever they could be found.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS Delta Ministry makes N23m

Local rice farmers lack capacity to L meet national demand T OCAL rice producers lack the capacity to meet the national demand of 5.2 million tonnes yearly, consultant to the Lagos State government on Rice for Job Programme, Dr Rotimi Fashola, has said.

He said local producers can only produce 500,000 tonnes while imported rice merchants bring about two million tonnes.

He said local rice is more expensive than imported rice due to labour intensive production practices and high transport costs.

According to him, local rice farmers face serious challenges in production and output quality.

The numerous problems affect the post-harvesting, especially milling.

He said post-harvest and milling losse are high and variable and that farmers are forced to sell

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

their excess grains immediately after harvest as they lack the facilities and expertise for timely and efficient threshing, handling, drying, storage, and processing of crops.

Due to poor and limited storage facilities, farmers are forced to sell whatever rice they produce immediately after harvest. At a such time, given the over supply of rice in the market, farmers have little bargaining power to negotiate the selling price. Also, the quality of rice has decreased,thereby representing an added cost to farmers.

He said nearly all the milling plants scattered across the country, them are small-scale,adding that they rely on obsolete milling equipmen.These have resulted in high levels of broken rice and other losses.

He said millers are constrained by poor paddy quality in form of mixed variety of seeds from farmers and/or traders and inadequate post-harvest handling.

Rice millers have limited access to foreign markets due to the inability to produce consistent amounts of standardised varieties of milled rice.

Fashola said rice mills, post-harvest quality control, and storage

facilities need further improvement.

He said, however, that there are many large-scale mills that have started processing rice to meet international standards.

He said millers and farmers have an important role in strengthening collaboration to encourage more productive cultivation of paddy rice and improved postharvest handling.

According to him, there is potential for increased output and farm income because of the rising price of rice, increased fertiliser application, and widening of irrigation systems but it will take a long time.

‘Improve funding of safety programme’

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S food companies and consumers grapple with prolonged economic problems, an expert, Prof Tola Atinmo has called for improved funding of food safety.

According to him, there are increasing food control challenges, including spread of allergens and contaminants, which required attention.

Atinmo, who is Chairman, Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS), said food processing firms need to play an

important part in ensuring food safety and quality by implementing appropriate controls to prevent the spread of food borne diseases. This will cover manufacturing and processing of foods, from raw ingredients to finished products.

He said food manufacturers and marketers should establish and administer the controls that ensure that their products do, indeed, meet consumer expectations of safety and quality.

Atinmo said the government

needs to audit industry performance to ensure firms comply with standards. This involves training inspection personnel so that they have a good understanding of the technologies and processes involved, as well as conducting inspections in an even-handed and fair manner.

He explained that the industry has an essential role in food control because of its vested interest in the safety and marketing of foods. He stressed how it is the industry’s commitment and re-

sponsibility to food safety that would, ultimately, affect consumer confidence. Atinmo said food firms have to make adequate funding for food safety to prevent increased problems in the years ahead.

The lack of adequate funding, he noted, is of enormous concern because the results are predictable.

Atinmo said the government needs to give meat and poultry processors information and tools to develop food defence plans.

Farmers face increased farmland rents

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ARMERS are facing risks with farmland rented at higher rents, Reader and Deputy Director, Grants Management,University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adebayo has said.

He said farmers in the urban areas are getting low incomes compared to farms rented at lower rent levels in the rural areas. As a result, he said farms with high rents face large losses in the future.

He noted that farms with more acres of land given out at high rents cannot assure them-

selves of positive incomes following natural challenges.

With farmland prices escalating rapidly in recent years, he noted that rental rates have also been rising.

Adebayo said there is a rise in input costs, and farm commodity prices. Both risks and rewards are increasing, creating volatility and difficulty when it comes to rental rate decisionmaking time.

According to him, the relative scarcity of farmland being sold have also helped drive land values higher. Adebayo said

farmland values and cash rents have continued to soar. Strong farmland demands and a limited supply of farmland for sale kept Indiana farmland values and cash rents moving higher.

For watchers, farmland rents is likely to continue to move higher next year around the rural areas, though at a slower pace than the past two years. He said the prices of fixed asset prices were going up , and rents are following those prices up. He said there is no question that farmland rents are heading higher in response to higher in-

comes.

Nationwide, farmland value increases are good news for landowners, but not so for some prospective buyers. For the landowners, the increase is a good thing,because it makes the asset that much more valuable and if they are thinking about selling it, they can sell it for a good price.

For someone who is trying to start out or get into farming, this news isn’t all that good. It just makes it more difficult to make a farmland purchase,he said.

•From left: Chairman, National Cotton Farmers Association of Nigeria(NACOTAM),Hama Kwajaffa; General Secretary,National Union of Textile,Garment and Tailoring Workers(NUTGTWA) Isa Aremu, Country Representative,United Nations Industrial Development Organisation(UNIDO) Patrick Kormawa and Managing Director,Bank of Industry, Evelyn Oputu at the presentation of N100 billion Cotton,Textile and Garment Industry Revival Scheme in Abuja.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

HE Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Delta State said it generated N23million as revenue between January and November 2012.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr Misan Ukubeyinje, announced this during the ministry’s budget defence before the House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

Ukubeyinje said the amount is 11.7 per cent of the expected N203 million during the period.

He attributed the low revenue performance to low execution of capital projects from which revenues were supposed to be generated.

The commissioner, however, said the ministry needed adequate funding, adding that it only recorded six per cent budget performance in 2012.

He appealed to the House for adequate funding, adding that the ministry was charged with the responsibility of assisting people to engage in farming to boost food production.

10,000 farmers benefit from e-wallet scheme

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O fewer than 10,075 farmers have benefited from the Federal Government’s ewallet fertiliser distribution scheme in Jigawa State during the last cropping season.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Idris Danzomo, stated this while inspecting the distribution of 7,200 tonnes of fertiliser to farmers at Auyo.

Danzomo said many farmers are yet to benefit from the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme.

He said: “The Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme, in other words, called voucher system started this year and Jigawa State participated during the last rainy season.

200 women to train on rice processing From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Kano State Government have evolved a new agricultural scheme, aimed at training about 200 women across the North western region on farm Rice preservation, processing and tag labelling of the bags of farm produce.

The scheme, according to the Kano State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Baraka Sani, is aimed at improving the welfare of the region’s womenfolk, who were left in abject poverty, despite the abundant untapped wealth in the area.

While flagging off the training for the women drawn from the seven North Western states of Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Jigawa states at Kadawa Agricultural Institute, Baraka said each state was given a slot of 36 women, which they have complied with and are already in camp.

Sani further said what informed the new scheme was that 70 per cent of the nation’s farmers were all men, while 30 per cent were women, ‘although the same women are engaged in other agricultural activities, such as cooking and catering.

The Commissioner said in view of the commitment and concern of the Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankawsoled administration on agricultural development, they have, in the last two years, shared over N1 billion to 400 farmers as soft loans, while several billions of naira worth of farming implements were distributed to farmers.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS ‘Document indigenous knowledge on climate-resilient farming’

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•From left: Balogun, World Bank Team leader, Dr Lucas Akapa,Lawal and National Project Co-ordinator, CADP, Dr. Amin Babandi at the event.

CADP to boost farms infrastructure L

AGOS State Commercial Agriculture Development Project(CADP) is working on improving infrastructure to link some farms in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives,Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said the project has also rehabilitated 10 rural access roads totalling 22.4 kilometres across the state valued at N640 million.

He said 10 communities have benefited from the rural energy support under the project through the supply and installation of transformers, high tension and low tension wires in farm estates and clusters to aid processing and increase profits.

Lawal said better transportation infrastructure allows producers to obtain inputs, move their commodities over large distances and access the market.

According to him ,the high productivity of agriculture will be complemented by producers’ ability to quickly bring their perishable and high value goods to market.

Lawal said the state government was doing all within its capacity to maximise the agricultural land usage and expect the continuous support of the World Bank through its various intervention projects in terms of infrastructural development and support services.

He stressed that the present administration takes food security very important and with the support of Governor Babatunde Fashola, the state was doing its best

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

to meet responsibilities in terms of requirement for the projects such as the counterpart contributions and all the neccessary support.

In another view, the State’s Project Coordinator, CADP, Mr Bolaji Balogun, said the project enables participating small and medium scale commercial farmers gain access to improved technology, infrastructure, finance, information and output markets.

Balogun listed the five states benefitting from the project as Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Kano and Cross-River states, adding that three value chains were selected in each of the three states based on comparative advantages.

He explained that in Lagos State the three selected value chains are, rice, aquaculture and poultry, while maize, rice and dairy were selected for Kano State.

Balogun said that Enugu state has maize, orchard and poultry selected as value chains by CADP while maize, dairy and orchard were selected for Kaduna State and oil palm, cocoa and rice were selected for Cross River State.

He revealed that Lagos would contribute N168 million to the project yearly for the duration of five years.

Balogun also listed some key achievements of the project since its inception e to include the development of Commercial Agricultural Plans to guide Commer-

cial Agriculture Development Associations (CADA), which serves as the apex body for Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs).

He said 136 CIGs comprising of 1,471 individual small and medium scale commercial farmers across the three value chains of poultry, rice and aquaculture have been supported to over N300 million to effect expansion in their enterprises.

He added that over 1,800 farmers have also benefited from capacity building and linkages to improved markets and market information while over 29,000 have benefited indirectly from project interventions.

Balogun enumerated some of the equipment, which the project has assisted the farmers in Lagos with, in order to increase physical output to include 571 units of collapsible fish tanks, 174 units of fish plastic fish tanks, 50 units of fish smoking kilns, one unit of fish smoke drying plant and five units of fish extrusion plants.

He added that the project has also assisted Lagos State farmers in acquiring four 4WD tractors fitted with implements, 985 units of nipple fitted battery cages, mini combine harvesters, storage bins, agro inputs and tricycles for farmers to use in conveying their products.

Balogun also said the project has supported rice farmers in Itoikin and Itoga in Lagos State, in cultivating over 200 hectares of farmland during the 2011 planting season.

Fed Govt to set up 774 agric input centres

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HE Federal Government has said it will establish one-stop shop agro-input centres in the 774 local governments in the country.

The initiative became imperative to ensure that agricultural inputs, such as fertiliser, tractor rental service among others are made readily available, accessible and affordable for all farmers nationwide.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bukar Tijani stated this at the inauguration of 62 centres built by the Federal Government at Wushishi, Niger State.

The Minister added that this was part of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) aimed at strengthening the nation’s

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

food security programme.

Tijani, who restated that at least one-stop shop centre would be built in each local government in the country, with each having facilities for about 500 tonnes storage capacity for fertiliser, seeds and agrochemicals as well as provide tractor hire service, primary processing and extension services.

Tijani said:”The Ministry is very much mindful of the serious impediment of inaccessibility of good quality agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, agro-chemicals, seeds and seedlings, livestock feeds, veterinary drugs, tractor hiring, primary processing and extension services by farmers in a bid to maximising aggregate agricultural production

output for the nation.

“This impediment as well as the Federal Government’s preparation to withdraw from direct procurement and distribution of all agricultural inputs informed the decision of the Ministry to propose the establishment of at least a one-stop shop Agro-Input Centre in each Local Government Area of the Federation by the year 2015.”

According to him, the centres which will be jointly supported by states and local governments through operational support tools like tractors and ancillary services will also provide market information services, promote private sector investment in viable commercial agriculture and enhance food security and enhance the activities of the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme.

NITED States based International Food Policy Research Institute(IFPRI) has urged the Federal Government to assist farmers in adapting to climate change by improving meteorological services and integrate indigenous knowledge of climate and early warning.

In a report done on agriculture and climate change,IFPRI said about half of the working population in Nigeria is engaged in agriculture. However, the report noted that the share that agriculture contributes to Gross Domestic Product(GDP) has declined from about 50 per cent in 2,000 to about 30 per cent.

The report said there is a likelihood of heavy rains and farmers may need to switch to new crops or varieties that are tolerant of the new rainfall patterns.

According to it, maize performs relatively better in the face of climate change.”

The estimated gain in yield is 5– 25 per cent over large portions of the country, with a few areas where yields are projected to rise by more than 25 percent. The loss of harvested area is projected to be greater for sorghum than for maize. In addition to areas of yield gain, there are also significant areas where yield will decline.

The report noted that there was a decrease in harvested area in the northern Sahelian zone, which is already prone to desertification.

‘Except in pockets in Kebbi and some inland valleys, all predicted yield loss is within five –25 per cent, with a few areas showing even greater losses.”

In an interview with The Nation, Dr Kola Adebayo urged the government to improve climate alert preparedness to avoid hunger.

Adebayo, who is Reader and Deputy Director,Grants Management, Federal University of Agriculture,Abeokuta, said farmers need information and knowledge to help them innovate and adapt to climate change.

According to him, climate change and natural disasters are becoming a very serious contrib-

By Daniel Essiet

uting factor, affecting food security and creating challenge for farmers.

He expressed the need to develop climate information services, as farmers need reasons to change traditional farming methods.

He said climate change has become a real challenge for farmers across the country and urged extension officers to work closely with them on how to reduce its effects.

He urged “cultivating technology,” not just “transferring” technology, because transferring technology may just mean machines and tools that can reduce employment, which leads to other problems.

He said the government should work with the private sector to decrease poverty and to protect natural resources Adebayo said it was important extension workers are able to interpret climate information to farmers for them to make sound decisions at the time of planting, the varieties to plant as well as probabilities of having dry mid seasons.

He said communities have indigenous knowledge that can be tapped to enhance the management climate change.

Adebayo also reiterated the need to improve irrigation and livestock farming in order to broaden the sector and help improve livelihoods for ordinary people.

He said the government needs to support farmers to produce more economically viable and short term crops and to enhance food security production in a more manageable manner.

Adebayo said there is a growing demand for food due to increasing population .He said the government should adopt actionoriented projects in addressing infrastructural bottlenecks, market access and resource limitations. He said strong performance of the agricultural sector would not only guarantee food security, but accelerate economic growth and sustainable development.

Tool for African rice weeds

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ESEARCHERS have launched a free interactive tool that can be used to identify nearly 200 weeds that harm rice production in Africa.

The tool, which has been launched by agricultural research institutions-AfricaRice and the Centre for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD), can be accessed online and offline on laptops and CD-ROMs or as an application on smartphones and tablet computers.

Researchers, students and farmers can use the tool to identify weed species that affect the rice farming lowlands in East and West Africa.

“The tool works through a schematic image of a weed plant where, for different plant parts, you can select shape, colour and other characteristics,” according to AfricaRice weed scientist Jonne Rodenburg. “By selecting characteristics for different [weed] plant parts, the number of likely species gradually decreases.”

After identifying the specific weed, he said, users can use a database to select appropriate interventions. “The tool will guide the user to information on its biology, ecology and management,” he said. “The database contains species-specific weed management advice. In most cases, the advice

is categorised according to weed categories. For instance, broadleaved weeds, grasses, sedges, parasitic weeds, aquatic weeds, perennial weeds and annual weeds.”

People with specific questions, Rodenburg told SciDev.Net when journalists attending the First West Africa Science Journalists Conference last month visited AfricaRice’s headquarters, can also access online weed science net-SIX work Weedsbook for more documents and the possibility to interact with weeds scientists across the continent or even around the world.

The researchers, who worked in close collaboration on the project with the African Weeds of Rice project financed by the European Union and the Africa Caribbean Pacific Science and Technology Programme, took three years to produce the tool.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, weeds cause estimated annual rice production losses of at least 2.2 million tonnes and $1.45 billion, equivalent to 10 million hectares of rice annually, said Rodenburg.

But Permanent Secretary of the Council of Rice Farmers in Benin,Antoine Adidéhou, said many farmers lack the computer skills or Internet access and so would find it hard to make use of this valuable resource.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Ill-conceived sexist examination •Principal went beyond bounds over virginity tests

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T was a moral crusade carried too far for Rev. Olufunke Oladeojobi, Principal of Ajuwon Senior High School in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, who has been quizzed by the police for allegedly conducting virginity tests on Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1 pupils.

Those subjected to the bizarre examination were the first batch of 10 female students out of 38 who claimed to be virgins, among 300 in SSS1. Described as a “strict disciplinarian”, she reportedly called in a nurse with whom she carried out virginity tests on the students by dipping fingers into their genitals; one of them allegedly bled as a result of the crude penetration.

So preposterous was the exercise that even Oladeojobi could not justify it except to make a nebulous claim to the police that she was “trying to help” the students. According to the report, she had threatened to blacklist and suspend any pupil that failed the virginity test. A student who was discovered to have ‘lost her virginity’ was labelled “promiscuous” and had her name displayed on a notice board, and the principal made an issue of it on the assembly ground. Remarkably, however, she took no action on the 262 female students who didn’t claim virginity.

If, by any stretch of her imagination, she thought she could get away with such primitive conduct, the parents of the violated girls taught her a lesson by appropriately complaining to the police and getting her arrested for carrying out

unauthorised tests on their children. It is inexcusable that she imposed such a test on the pupils without parental consent, and went way beyond her powers as a principal. The virginity test was not only an invasion of the students’ privacy, it clearly infringed on their private affairs.

What was her objective in devising such a test? If her aim was to address a perceived problem of promiscuity among the students, she obviously went about it in a wrong and unacceptable manner. Apart from the fact that she shunned the parents, the method she adopted for what was essentially a medical procedure was unscientific and unreliable. Even in the context of prevalent promiscuity among the youth, her action cannot be seen as a wellmeaning attempt to be helpful. It is ironic that her moral campaign only made matters worse as she trampled on the very idea of morality in subjecting the girls to the test.

This discreditable incident once again exposes the underbelly of a patriarchal society where the rights of females are usually abused with impunity. Although the school involved is a mixed school, the principal, who ironically is a woman, didn’t see any need to find out how many boys were without sexual experience in SSS1.

Even if she tried to do so, it would have been an impossible mission as there would have been no way to determine that, except to rely on undependable oral evidence. Why, then, must the girls be victims of such ill-conceived sexist examination simply because Mother Nature cre-

ated them in a peculiar way that makes it possible to determine their virginity?

Oladeojobi deserves to be sanctioned for her behaviour, and it is good news that the police are considering charging her to court for sexual assault, although there are alleged technical hurdles to cross, including the fact that the matter was reported late and no medical examination was immediately carried out on the affected girls to use as proof in the law court. Notwithstanding the said legal challenges, severe penalties should be meted out to her by her employers, the public school management authorities in the state.

‘Although the school involved is a mixed school, the principal, who ironically is a woman, didn’t see any need to find out how many boys were without sexual experience in SSS1. Even if she tried to do so, it would have been an impossible mission as there would have been no way to determine that, except to rely on undependable oral evidence. Why, then, must the girls be victims of such ill-conceived sexist examination simply because Mother Nature created them in a peculiar way that makes it possible to determine their virginity?’

Farewell to an exemplary cleric •Today’s men of God have lessons to learn from Bishop Adetiloye (1929-2012)

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T is certainly striking that the late former Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, shared the same birthday with the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he was to serve as a faithful priest for the 82 eventful years of his life. Pa Adetiloye, who departed this realm of existence, on December 14, was born on December 25, 1929, in Odo-Owa, Ekiti State.

The late Primate was certainly not born into ecclesiastical greatness. He came from an economically depressed area.

Matters were not helped by the fact that his family was poor. Furthermore, he lost his father at the tender age of three. Yet, none of these deterred him from pursuing, with passion, his ambition to become an Anglican priest and, through hard

‘His was certainly a brand of ‘liberation theology’ that contributed significantly to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation. He demonstrated that the responsibility of religious institutions cannot simply be limited to spiritual concerns but must encompass the socioeconomic and political well-being of the polity. Our religious leaders must heed this example and avoid an unhealthy and compromising romance with transient occupants of state power’

work and dedication, rising to the highest echelon of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.

Primate Adetiloye’s preparation for the priesthood was solid and thorough. It was thus no surprise that he made such an outstanding success of his chosen vocation.

After passing his first school leaving certificate with distinction in 1944, Adetiloye taught for six years before becoming Acting Church Agent at St. Paul’s Church in Ara-Yero, now Araromi in his eighth year.

He trained to become a priest at Melville Hall in Kudeti, Ibadan, Oyo State, in 1949.

Adetiloye served as curate of St. Peter’s Church in Ake, Abeokuta, as well as chaplain to Archbishops Vining and later Howells, before studying further for the priesthood at various times at King’s College, London (BD) and Wycliffe Hall in Oxford. The distinguished cleric taught briefly at the Immanuel College of Theology in Ibadan on his return to Nigeria.

His rise to become the Second Primate of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria in succession to Archbishop Timothy Olufosoye on December 26, 1986, was predicated on hard work, dedication and commitment. On August 10, 1966, Adetiloye became vicar and provost at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Ibadan.

He was elected and nominated Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti and later transferred to the Diocese of Lagos as Bishop from 1985 to 1999. During his 13 years in office as Primate, Archbishop Adetiloye spearheaded the rapid expansion of the church, which grew from 27 dioceses in 1986 to 76 in 1999.

Indeed, during the 1998 Lambeth conference, the Archbishop of Canterbury

described the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as the fastest growing church in the Anglican Communion service. So impressive was the growth of the church during this period that it was divided into three ecclesiastical provinces, with Primate Adetiloye heading Province One consisting of the dioceses in the west.

Primate Adetiloye was a humble, modest but forthright and fearless cleric.

His tenure coincided with the worst period of vicious military dictatorship in Nigeria and he never failed to speak up at all times on the side of truth, justice and human dignity. His was a constant voice courageously advocating the cause of reason, wisdom and sanity in the Nigerian polity. In particular, Primate Adetiloye stood resolutely by the forces fighting for the termination of military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria; a reason for which he was tagged “NADECO Bishop” in quarters ruffled by his relentless criticism.

His was certainly a brand of ‘liberation theology’ that contributed significantly to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation. He demonstrated that the responsibility of religious institutions cannot simply be limited to spiritual concerns but must encompass the socio-economic and political well-being of the polity. Our religious leaders must heed this example and avoid an unhealthy and compromising romance with transient occupants of state power.

We condole with the family and admirers of the late cleric and pray that his soul rest in eternal peace.

No ‘excuse for inaction’ on gun control

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HE BUSHMASTER .223-caliber semiautomatic rifle that Adam Lanza carried into Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday is a frightful killing machine. Just take a look at the manufacturer’s catalogue for this bestselling firearm.“At home on the range and on patrol,” it boasts. “Take on the predators with devastating performance.”

The Bushmaster is known for a design that can be configured for hunting, police work, range shooting and more. But the last place on earth this weapon should have been was in an elementary school. On Friday, Mr. Lanza wielded a Bushmaster to kill 20 children ages 6 and 7 and six adults in a rampage at the school that lasted some 10 minutes. He carried high-capacity magazines allowing him to fire off 30 bullets before he had to reload. A coroner said most of the victims were hit with at least three bullets — and some with up to 11 — that exploded with devastating lethality, tearing them apart from inside.

The Bushmaster was a juggernaut of death.

Obviously, something snapped in this young man that points to evil beyond comprehension.

Yet the tragedy leads to an inescapable conclusion. There is no defensible reason for civilians to own a Bushmaster or other semiautomatic rifles, known more broadly as assault weapons.

This is essentially a military weapon, a version of the M-16, capable in some cases of shooting bullets at more than 2,000 feet per second. It does not belong in private hands, any more than M-1 Abrams tanks belong on Rockville Pike or mortars in the backyard.

Gun-owner advocates who point out that violent crime has fallen in recent years, in the absence of new gun controls, are correct. The link between guns and violence is not always clearcut. But the link between a certain kind of mass murder and a particular killing technology is clearer. It makes sense to reimpose strict limits on these assault weapons, including a ban on high-capacity magazines with more than 10 bullets each. These magazines have figured in several of the most heinous mass shootings in recent years, including the one that severely wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011. The Bushmaster is also a source of grief for Mexico, where it has become a favorite weapon of warring drug cartels.

In his remarks in Newtown on Sunday, President Obama noted that this was the fourth time in his presidency he has consoled a community grief-stricken by a mass shooting. He made clear he no longer wants to be simply the consoler in chief.

“We can’t tolerate this anymore,” he said. “No single law — no set of laws can eliminate evil from the world, or prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. But that can’t be an excuse for inaction. Surely, we can do better than this.”

Yes, we can. We can start by locking up these killing machines. Mr. Obama endorsed an assault weapons ban when running for president in 2008, but in office he has been cautious. The loss of life in Connecticut demands a move from caution to action.

– Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Good teachers do not make good politicians. I don’t know if this is partly responsible for why they are told to wait for their wages but a good Nigerian politician would ditch an office holder the moment he is no longer in a position to award contracts or grant favours.

But teachers are different. During this years World Teachers Day celebrated on October 5, at Eagle Square, Abuja, Nigerian Teachers remembered one of their own, a former official who advanced the cause of national education, including teacher’s welfare, when he was in a position to do something.

The decision of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to honour the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Malam (Dr.) Ibrahim Shekarau (Sardaunan Kano), out of office is dumbfounding.

By many independent accounts, his administration enjoyed the distinction of implementing more projects in the education sector than any other in the federation; asides, it constructed more secondary schools than any other state in the country.

The NUT example has inadvertently widened the frontiers of the debate on national leadership. Our public forums are saturated with opinions in strident condemnation of the performance of the aggregate of the national political leadership. The supreme irony however is that the majority of speakers have been in positions of leadership. They also had visions. But what landmark achievements legacies did they bequeath?

At inception, the Shekarau administration made the revival of Kano’s education sector a cardinal programme. The engine of this revival was located in the uplift of teacher’s morale. The sector was in a state of structural decline and morale was low. Local and foreign training had been suspended while backlog of salaries and leave grants remained unpaid. Where educational facilities like laboratories, libraries, technical equipments and teaching aids existed at tall, they were too few and obsolete. There were almost no computers in Kano’s public schools in 2003.

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

When teachers honoured Shekarau However, in eight years, his administration recorded landmark achievements, especially in student enrolment, construction of classrooms, equipping of laboratories and boosting teachers’ morale. Between 2003 and 2010, the state recorded a 48% increase in primary school enrolment and 82% increase in secondary school enrolment.

With the introduction of free tuition for girls in primary and secondary schools, in addition to other measure, was responsible for increased enrolment of girls by 64% in primary schools and 113% in secondary schools from within the same period.

To cope with the upsurge in school enrolment, the Shekarau administration upgraded 210 Junior Secondary Schools and established 42 senior secondary schools and 551 Junior Secondary/Islamic Schools. It recruited additional 14,343 qualified teachers into the primary schools and over 6,000 into the secondary schools. The administration increased students’ scholarship allowances by 25-50% with effect from the 2004/2005 session and revitalized scholarship awards to 29 courses of study that were earlier rationalized by the previous administration.

The point is that, under Shekarau,

teachers were kings and so treated.

Even before the federal government got around the idea, and while some state governments were still consulting, Kano teachers were the first to earn the new Teachers Salary Scale (TSS), and this was without prompting by any pressure group. As was typical of the Shekarau administration, while the teachers were agitating for the new scale, the cost implication was mapped out. The governor gave the Head of Civil Service the marching order to pay before the ink dried on the agreement paper.

Out of office, Malam has contin-

ued to enjoy the generous affection of the millions of people, across the political aisle and across the nation, who celebrate him for his honesty and purposeful focus in government. That he is the most respected and most popular ex-public officer in Kano presently is not in question. In respect to his achievements in the field of education, AlHikmah University Ilorin also honoured him with a honourary doctorate degree alongside other distinguished Nigerian but more crucially, after he left office. This is the man the NUT chose to honour.

Considering that it is more lucrative to throw garlands around the neck of a sitting governor than honouring a former one who has no favours to confer on anyone, what the NUT has done is nothing but a courageous intervention in the debate on national values.

• Sule Ya’u Sule, Kano.

Generators and Budget 2013

S

IR: The federal budget is usually suffused with requests by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) for the purchase, maintenance and fuelling of plants and generators. This has become the proverbial tortoise that cannot elude a folk tale. The fact is that Nigeria lacks steady power supply and MDAs therefore try to take undue advantage of this to make spurious provisions for this line item. In the 2013 budget, certain requests for generators, fuelling and maintenance need a thorough review so as not to waste public resources.

The wastages found on this item are categorized in three stages; purchase of plants/generators, fuelling and maintenance. In many instances, separate huge amounts of public funds are allocated to these segments.

Take for an example the Presidency. The 2013 budget provides for N72,510,832 to fuel generators in the State House Headquarters alone. Also, the Presidency in its

entirety is to spend the sum of N654.02 million on generators. The money covers the cost of maintenance of plants and generators as well as fuelling them. It also covers the amount set aside to replace some generators in the institutions under the presidency. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources plans to spend N22,525,507 for fuelling of generators and N25,036,676 to maintain the generators.

Considering that the Federal Capital Territory is divided into low, middle and high income zones and the State House and the NNPC Towers are in the high socio-economic zone of Abuja. This zone enjoys regular supply of electricity from the national grid, the rationale for allocating such huge amount of public funds to these MDAs in spite of the regular supply of power to them is hard to fathom.

In the 2013 budget of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a provision of N27,335,017 for maintenance and fuelling of generators in foreign missions. It is justifiable to

make budgetary allocations to foreign missions in some countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and other countries where war destroyed their economic infrastructure including power supply. But how can you justify budgetary allocations of purchasing, fuelling and maintenance of plants/generators in foreign missions in some countries like Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, etc, which enjoy constant power supply? For example, Nigeria’s foreign missions in two highly developed cities of Berlin and Berne got N1,092,428 for generator maintenance and another N2,834,505 for fuelling and N473,570 for maintenance and another N1,228,608 for fuelling respectively.

As if the above is not enough, MDAs include purchase of generators at very exorbitant prices and this appears year after year. It is infuriating that an agency like the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has a budgetary allocations of N23,515,181 for this purpose. The life span of ev-

ery generator, even the one called “I pass my neighbor” exceeds a period of at least two years. So why is there the necessity for this perennial request for purchase of generators in the budget of MDAs each year?

The foregoing makes a strong case for the intensification of the reforms in the power sector so that there will be sustainable improvements in power generation, transmission and distribution. If the government is sincere to itself and to the general public, concerted efforts should be made in adopting and implementing integrated development plans where the good management of one sector will support the management of other sectors.

As a matter of urgency, the National Assembly should embark on downward review of the budget towards pruning the wastages allocated for purchasing, fuelling and maintaining of generators before approving the 2013 federal budget.

•Chukwuma Smart Amaefula Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

calling for the balkanization of the country. The fire o the nationality question which was lit shortly afte independence in 1960 has continued to grow in intensit

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012 16

21

COMMENTS

This year, as all others (2)

Y

EARS pass like dreams of mist and our informed analyses like a drunkard’s fart. Its the stink that’s nauseating. It pervades every nook and cranny. It lingers. It assaults our airspaces like bad breath.

Something is wrong with you and me. And something tells me we know of it. We are just too scared to admit it. Perhaps it’s mere imprudence; or maybe its willful misunderstanding that drives us to stay inert while dream-castles we build are felled to rubble, by elements of state desperate that we remain the threshold of ruined hopes.

Perhaps its cowardice that drives us to analyze this and analyze that and everything and anything, touting whims, pushing logic and remedies we would never pay heed to.

The coming year won’t be different. Thanks to you and me, 2013 will not be the year in which our dreams come true; it couldn’t be the year in which we shall enjoy good leadership. May it not be the year that we would cease to coexist as members of the order of the area of the Niger.

May it not be the year that you and I would cease to breathe kindred air in kindred airspaces. It could be the year in which for all our pretensions to selflessness and grace, we shall remain, nothing.

Next year could bring more pain, more sad stories, more grief and this is the year that becomes

the prologue to such sad, sad stories. This is the year in which we garnish catastrophe and grief with the trimmings of greed and plunder.

Our talk is of change, still. Our talk is of progress and peace; as if talking change and mooting peace and progress would rid our lives of every tragedy we orchestrate.

Some would rather that I regurgitate philosophy and logic of dead and diminishing icons turned fancy daguerreotypes. Why? Just because it is elitist or socio-politically correct to do so?

Some would prefer that we continually espouse the “complacence” of Afenifere, the “superiority” of Arewa and the “vitality”of Ohanaeze Ndigbo even as time and politics demystify their touted clout and exploits. Shall we persist in doing-the-done-thing that usually amounts to nothing –pushing rant, fruitless vitriol and insignificant agendas as if our lives depended on it?

Yet we persist in our fruitless venture flaying and applauding the critic next door, as our politics dictate. Still we stand clueless, even through oppression and misery, our lowliness of mind and might reinforced by our inclinations to tolerate fraudulence and celebrate it.

Tell me, in 2013, what is it that we seek? A martyr to murder or just another scapegoat to substantiate the charade we are set to perpetuate at the 2015 general elec-

F

OR obvious reasons, I have restrained myself from writing on late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki. After all, as a beneficiary, I am most likely to be accused of undue sentiment. More so, when democrats like the Senate President, David Mark, the former governor of Lagos State and Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Senator Smart Adeyemi, among others, have paid glowing tributes.

But when basic facts are deliberately twisted by faceless persons, there remains no option than to set the records straight. In his article published in The Nation with the title Really, what is Saraki’s legacy, one Abdullahi Ishaq, curiously laboured to stand truth on its head.

For anyone, who has followed Kwara politics in the last 40 years, Ishaq’s assertion that Saraki had government’s instruments in his grips for 40 years and did nothing, obviously assaults good sense of history.

Wherever he got his tale, it is common knowledge that Saraki never held any political office in the state. So, one wonders where Ishaq expected him to derive the power to ‘develop’ Kwara State to become another Lagos or Kano. But, if, Ishaq meant that Saraki helped install most governors in the state, there is certainly no argument. Yet, we must put in proper perspective events in those years to

‘While he agrees that Saraki was a great politician, having single-handedly installed commissioners, ambassadors, special advisers, board chairmen and so on, he shockingly, did not know that it could not have been possible if Saraki was not acceptable to the people or party members.

Perhaps, too, in Ishaq’s thinking, Saraki should have, after helping people get political appointments, also break down their walls and compel them to teach others how to fish!’

the country. The fire of h was lit shortly after ued to grow in intensity

tions? Perhaps we seek some unrepentant idealist to demand for us, freedom; even as we for whom it is been demanded are yet unsure of our right to demand it.

For all our bluster, who have we found worthy of the proverbial mandate by which we seek to break free? You? Me? Who? For all our PhDs, M.B.As, HNDs, B.SCs, LLBs et al, we still throw our hands up exasperatedly. We still condemn and criticize, offering nothing practicable to replace everything we condemn and criticize. The knowledge we flaunt makes our lives no better.

Our anecdotes and intellectual protestations aren’t worth a random fart. You see, despite our touted knowledge and humanity, we lack the stuff real men are made of; we lack such measure worthy of the freeborn.

And our dream is to take charge.

From whom? How? When do we hope to take charge? Is it when the moment steals by our anger and renders our grief acceptable enough? Is it when the instant deserts the dreamer and the bated dream?

It will simply not do to do like we used to do. It will simply not do to hasten daylight in order to ornament it with a dark pall. Our talk is of freedom but we silence our will to the wiles of vanquishers we have learnt to celebrate.

Our talk is of freedom yet we smother our sighs to insipidity of folks teaching our clueless fold to remain commonplace.

Shall we remain commonplace?

Shall we remain nothing? As we fumble into the New Year, shall we continue to make history as a nation of freaks forever perverting acclaim and summoning a feast to commemorate our descent into

despondency and grief? Shall we continue to accord the world first class seats to our festivals of shame and bloodshed?

Come 2013, shall we proudly prove that whom the trappings of fortune would desert shall first of all run mad? Shall we engross our will to the pleasure of the predatory ruling class? Shall we accord power to the imbecilic, and nobility to the cheeky?

I think we shall get to do all that, as usual. And when everything gets to boiling point, we shall sit back self-righteously to curse our fortune and curse the times. You see, its the same old grief, same old politics, same old faces and same old script, every moment and all of the time.

In Nigeria, everybody is a critic, everybody is a cynic. Its the optimists in our midst that are worse to see; they would make the undertaker our midwife-in-chief in a heartbeat.

Conjoined with such citizenry, next year, you and I shall continue to watch impotently as characters we dread make‘promising’ subjects of us. A good many of us shall dance and make merry while our usual ‘statesmen’ assume power as they have learnt to have it and we have learnt to give it. It doesn’t matter what slogan we chant, it’s never going to be you or me; neither would it be the next best candidate on our block of barren realities.

Have we even, such candidate that we seek? Come next year, who shall we prepare to assume our mandate? Sanusi Lamido Sanusi? Nuhu Ribadu? Oby Ezekwesili? Goodluck Jonathan?

Who? Perhaps every self acclaimed critic, messiah, activist, egghead and soap-box technocrat.

Perhaps not. If we could accept that our future lies in our hands, not theirs, then we may learn to forget our activists and politicians of the order of the bleeding heart and treacherous mind.

Then we may understand that our usual statesmen would forever keep the succour that we seek from our ailing schools, hospital corridors of death, perilous roads and airspaces and cracked pavements where queues of the unemployed elongate like photographs of civil death. Then we may get to understand that statesmen we allow to power shall always deprive us by power.

The path to greatness is wrought with mines hence it takes men of exceptional abilities to traverse it.

Have we such men yet? Let us seek the luxury and insight of the looking-glass? It’s time we sought out our man of integrity, fearlessness and impartiality. It’s time we discovered that citizen with towering morality, fairness and metaphysical humility: grandiosities which psychologically, become the premise of even unrepentant parasites seeking greatness they are yet to earn.

Let us remember only you and me and posterity in search of the leadership that we are yet to find.

‘In Nigeria, everybody is a critic, everybody is a cynic. Its the optimists in our midst that are worse to see; they would make the undertaker our midwife-in-chief in a heartbeat’

The real Saraki legacy

By Wahaab Oba sincerely gauge the influence Ishaq and his fellow character hunters expected Saraki to wield on the respective successive governments in the state.

We will recall that after Saraki helped install Adamu Attah on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria, (NPN) in 1979, barely few months into office, for reasons space will not permit, they parted ways. Then came C.O. Adebayo, who contested on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), but earned the blessing of Saraki, who encouraged his followers to vote UPN in the gubernatorial election. As always, Adebayo won but few months into office, the military took over government and sacked Adebayo.

Again, when democratic dispensation returned and two political parties emerged – Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Party (NRC), Saraki gave his blessings to Shaaba Lafiagi of the SDP. He won.

Three months in to office, the military sacked the civilian government. Instructively, before the Khaki Boys struck, Saraki had assisted Lafiagi in securing a N30 million grant from the federal government to fix the Kwara State perennial water problem.

The exit of the military saw the emergence of Mohammed Lawal as governor. Just a few months in office, fifth columnists succeeded in their acts. Detail of the disagreement is also reserved for another day, the two families having become best of friends now.

Perhaps, it could be said that not until Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki became governor, whatever dreams his dad had for the state remained only in the imagination, For, as witnesses, we saw the giant leap made by the administration in terms of project initiation and execution. The Shonga farm project, remains a pacesetter in public/private partnership initiative in the country. There are also the first commercial aviation training college, the international diagnostic centre, various road projects, including federal roads, to make life more comfortable for the people. The educa-

tional sector was transformed through a policy that made every child counts. There is also the middle class housing project, among others.

Ignoring the age long culture of not talking evil of the death as ordained by Allah, the unseen hands behind Ishaq’s warped tale decided to adopt the mortal philosophy to achieve their ignoble objective. Or, perhaps, out of sheer mischief, deliberately saw nothing good in a man, who gave his all and best for the good of the people of Kwara, including fighting corruption as Senate Leader. But again, life is a matter of choice: what you chose to see, is what you see. Yet, no matter how good one is at logic chopping, the moment you try to turn the truth upside down, you do violence to facts. This is exactly what Ishaq’s apparently ill-informed article did and doing so with shameless audacity. While he agrees that Saraki was a great politician, having single-handedly installed commissioners, ambassadors, special advisers, board chairmen and so on, he shockingly, did not know that it could not have been possible if Saraki was not acceptable to the people or party members.

Perhaps, too, in Ishaq’s thinking, Saraki should have, after helping people get political appointments, also break down their walls and compel them to teach others how to fish!

Like most people across the country drawn by his unequalled philanthropy, undying love for the less-privileged and unparalleled interest in the affairs and well being of the masses, I added to the growing Sarakite team. While everyday comes with new opportunities, the man, who says he has seen the light, must do well to share the experience where he is coming from. So, you begin to wonder: where were these emergent liberators when Saraki was constructing schools, building water and health-care projects in communities, feeding and investing in people? Here was a humanist, who invested and threw his gates open for indigent people, while others built high walls with the inscription ‘Beware of Dogs’ to scare people away. Where others cared just for their families, Saraki catered for all.

But, really, has it become a crime to have

father, mother, wife, husband, sons or daughters or even in-laws, in politics? Across the world, we have families and children that are carrying on with either a business or political legacy established by their parents. In fact, it is the joy of every parent to groom a daughter or son, capable of continuing with family’s legacies. In the United States, for instance, we have the Clintons and Bushs. So, is it a crime because the name is Saraki or Kwara State or because God carved a special role for some people?

Wide as the political stage, every follower knows his or her leader well enough to readily obey his instructions, Kwara State not an exception. Kwara, like most other politically stable states, has a tradition. A tradition of stability and political consistency. Where were Ishaq’s paymasters and co-travellers when Baba was paying bills for children of the poor, sending them to foreign lands they never dreamt of visiting? Where were they when he was picking people’s wedding bills and feeding the widows and the orphans? Baba Saraki opened his gate when many barricaded theirs. Every one has a mission. Baba accompanied his mission of caring for the needy.

The children of the needy who today are lawyers, doctors, engineers will revolt against Ishaq’s clients of imperialism.

Truth remains that the Sarakis will continue to resonate in Kwara politics, having done so much to shape it to the level it is today. So, for Ishaq and his ilk, who are still wondering why the Kwara people love Saraki in life and death, my advice is to keep the right company and identify with the people, particularly, the masses. Saraki loved Kwara and its people and gave his all. He lived a fulfilled life; conquered poverty and liberated many from its claws. Indeed, he was a political maestro, an enigma that never quivered. Little wonder the people celebrate him, except, perhaps, the few emerging liberators without antecedents that are hiding behind Ishaq’s twisted article.

• Oba, chief press secretary to the Kwara State governor writes from Ilorin

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

22

COMMENTS The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn’t like to do. ——— Thomas Edison ¯ President Barack Obama NE common denominator of most administrations both at the federal and state levels in this country is that one government comes promising to remedy the shortcomings of its predecessor in office. But as time elapses, it becomes clearer that such government becomes more ingrained in the pitfalls it promised ab initio to remedy. This has unfortunately been the bane of governance in this country and one major raison d’être why development and growth have become a mirage. Except in rare and exceptional cases, the nation had consistently been blessed with leaders that are not capable or mischievously incapable of going beyond the level of routine. And this reminds of Barack Hussein Obama’s, the current president of the United States of America (USA) assertion that: “A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” I ask: Where are the ordinary leaders that will bring about the desired change in the country because they are committed and willing to do extraordinary things that would positively impact on the people.

Unlike the ordinary leaders with extraordinary potentials projected by Obama, Nigeria has been inflicted with leaders that encourage their people to be interested in projects/policies without necessarily bothering to gauge their level of commitment to such. They force them to be involved in them.

They have forgotten that there is a difference between interest and commitment. When an individual is interested in doing something, he will prefer to do it only when circumstance permit or just for the sake of doing it. But when he is committed to something, he would stop at nothing as no excuses will be tenable but results.

In the history of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida was the most adventurous military leader that ever emerged. He toyed with policy ideas both meaningful and un-meaningful with the most negative of intensions.

His henchmen showed interests in such economic and political decisions but they were not committed to them. After eight years of dangerous experimentations with the wellbeing of the nation, Babangida dribbled himself out of power and out of the good books of his country men and women. Now,

O

T

HE President Goodluck Jonathan administration has been so dismal and yet receding still that the very thought of it invests one with overwhelming gloom.

Especially when you consider what might have been, the enormous potentials and giant leaps Nigeria might have made under steadier hands and a more perspicacious mind. Embroiled in Jonathan’s unremitting inertia, one becomes quick to dismiss him and his pack as a bunch of no-gooders. But that is indeed what it is save for the work of Prof. Bath Nnaji, Power Minister (now chucked out), Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar and Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, the surprise candidate.

Truth be told, we never gave her a chance.

Not yours truly, not many Nigerians. It must be something about her beauty – she is too beautiful to be capable of any serious work; many thought. She built a sizeable oil firm, the skeptics are reminded, but they would be quick to dismiss that with something like: this is Nigeria and any beauty with half brain would build Disneyland if she desired; after all isn’t the richest woman in the whole wide world a Nigerian fashion designer? Thus Princess Oduah had her bewitching beauty arrayed against her ab initio.

Then there was the Neighbour 2 Neighbour (N2N) suv; a seeming cash machine that steam-rolled President Jonathan to power in spite of deadly odds. She was at the helm of this monstrous vehicle which churned out cash faster than any teller machine. The operation - which was what Jonathan’s primary and subsequent election campaign turned out to be - was driven with such palpable tenacity and a tinge of ruthlessness that the result could not have been anything else but what it turned out to be – landslide victory. Princess Oduah is of course remembered as the dowager wearing the steel gloves in those high-wire moments.

When she was rewarded with the Aviation Ministry top job, there was instantaneous uproar especially from the experts and workers in the industry. We the media joined the lynch mob deploying the rather risqué cliché in classifying her as a square peg in a round hole! Of course job for the boys, sorry, for the girls, was the refrain that rented the

Let’s move away from old song

•Ajimobi tales of how his era laid the foundation of the yahoo economy of today rent the air. That was how the ordinary administration of Babangida with extraordinary ambition inflicted injurious blows on the socio-economic and political psyche of the nation.

Whatever barmy interlude the General Sani Abacha government might have put the country through was caused by the dubiously uncommitted posture of the Babangida administration. When the current democratic dispensation unfurled in 1999, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo emerged on the scene, promising to put smiles on the faces of his country men. But after four years of fruitless global junketing, supposedly in search of phantom foreign investors, the man failed to build a committed team of public officials that could take the land out of the woods.

Despite this, he was reluctantly given a sec-

ond term ticket by his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to run for another term which the electoral commission claimed he won. It was during his second term that he solidified his uncommitted team that played along with him on his destructive tenure elongation ambition.

Obasanjo elevated his third term ambition to a state policy. But it was not. Rather than concentrate on how to provide stable power supply, he was busy playing politics with the lives of the people he swore to govern well.

He frustrated the lofty Bola Tinubu administration’s Enron power project initiative in Lagos state. Like he did in Lagos, he also undermined the institution of several lofty projects in key states of the federation.

Yet, he was for eight years unable to ensure stable power supply to Nigerians despite the billions of dollars his government wasted on that sector. The Obasanjo era was all about him alone and not anything laudable; no team work, no commitment but only interests that were mostly out to serve a few. This actually created succession problem for he was not thinking beyond himself in that regard.

The same old song went on after Obasanjo when a reluctant ailing Umaru Yar’Adua was made president. In months, the man showed his lack of capacity to rule this country due to his failing health conditions. When he died, he left a rag tag team of uncommitted officials that were only interested in what will serve their essence.

After him came President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who has been given the opportunity to prove that though he may be ordi-

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Stella Oduah: Truly transformational

• Stella Oduah air. Perhaps, having lived with the Nigerian culture of appointment as settlement in the past few decades we have grown to expect nothing from our government appointees.

Not the least a beautiful and moneyed Princess. She was written off from the first day by many. Including this column, sorry to say.

But the Princess has turned out to be the soothing revelation of the Jonathan administration. In 18 months she has put up such a sterling performance that had long become extinct in this part of the world. Much used to government propaganda, all the talk about master plan, aviation framework and 8-point road map were just the usual ‘story’ to yours truly as the lady harped upon them early last year. When she embarked on what

they called international road show, I was ‘definitely’ sure it was one of those jamborees. What sold me was returning to Owerri Airport after about one year not to find the seedy shed that was the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA) totally rebuilt. The SMICA terminal was a miserable structure built over 30 years ago by late Governor Sam Mbakwe through the effort of the people. Today it has taken a major makeover; a heart-lifting and indeed a miraculous transformation.

The same thing one has witnessed at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) in Lagos and the domestic terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. One hears the same massive overhaul is taking place simultaneously in eight other airports across the country and 11 more are in various stages of work. If the Princess’ feat were just the erection of glitzy structures, one would argue that anyone who had funding could do same.

But the change is seems to be deeper and multifaceted which include safety and security issues plus long-term plan of hub status and an aerotropolis initiative. There is also the ‘soft’ project of getting foreign airlines to behave better and give Nigeria her due in bilateral agreements.

What one finds most remarkable is not the monumental work initiated and executed in such a short period of time but her unhidden passion for her job and the pathos of a great patriot in the face of despoliation and

nary but that he can generate extraordinary ideas that can move the country forward. So far, this president is a failure because he has not proved that he possesses even ordinary ideas that can guarantee rudimentary stability. Governance at the centre is so far nothing to write home about.

However, at the state level, it would be unnecessary to bore my readers with the good deeds of the governor of example, Babatunde Raji Fashola. Nevertheless, it is important to state that the old music is changing in Oyo state where the latest birthday Governor Abiola Ajimobi is holding forth. The result of this, especially in the famous capital city of Ibadan is obvious for all to see. What is happening in some of the states is quite different from the same old songs at the federal level. One is elated to note that Ibadan, the quintessence of the wild, wild, west and the once very dirty city is changing to a clean and peaceful state. Under Rashidi Ladoja and especially Alao Akala’s administrations in Oyo state, Ibadan was den of mucks and miscreants. Ajimobi is battling flood to a stand still in the city with well constructed drainage systems and proper desilting process on ground. The roads that yours sincerely passed through last weekend in Ibadan on my way from Ikirun are better and clean with an evolving admirable beautification revolution going on. Perhaps, it will not be a bad idea for one to create time to visit this important city to Nigeria’s political history very soon to have a broader grasp of the socio-engineering reforms going on there.

As we approach a New Year, it has become pertinent for the centre government to emulate examples from performing states across the federation where the infamous old tune of governance is drastically changing.

‘Obasanjo elevated his third term ambition to a state policy. But it was not. Rather than concentrate on how to provide stable power supply, he was busy playing politics with the lives of the people he swore to govern well. He frustrated the lofty Bola Tinubu administration’s Enron power project initiative in Lagos state’ decadence. One would not be ashamed to say that in one’s 25 years of practice, one has not noticed this kind of dedication to duty and zeal to repair and deliver the goods to the people from an appointee.

Princess Oduah is by far, the most outstanding minister today in the Jonathan team. One would dare wager that if she were the Petroleum Minister, she would have built us refineries and saved Nigeria the shame of importing kerosene from Niger Republic and Ghana; if she were Works Minister, she would have fixed the BeninOre highway without feeding us with a whole asphalt of excuses; if she were the Health Minister, she would have almost completed for Nigeria, a world class health tourism complex that would make Nigerians shun Indian and UK hospitals; if she were Education Minister, she would have driven the nine new federal universities to great heights and perhaps started about a dozen Unity Schools; if...

While most of Stella’s colleague still can’t find their way around their ministry’s complex not to mention drawing up a master plan and road map, she has shown that in spite of a doodling leadership, all it takes is passion, patriotism and drive to turn Nigeria around. If she can turn around a turbulent aviation industry which had been in decay for the past three decades, there is no responsibility she cannot handle, it seems.

We hope she would keep up this tempo and don’t get carried away by this initial success.

YAKOWA AND AZAZI: Now here, now no more: the painful exit of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi, reiterates for us the living, two quick lessons.

One is that it awakens the realization in us that this minute you are a governor or an NSA and in the next couple of minutes you could become mere ashes. The second point is that if only we realize the unforgiving futility of life we would be more sober, pausing every moment to pay obeisance to life, to the living and to our Maker. May god grant their souls eternal repose. Amen.

NOTE: this is wishing all our readers a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

EXPRESSO goes on vacation till late January.

State

Cut-off point

IKECHUKWU UCHE’S RELEASE

2012 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Pg. 24

Keshi urges Villarreal Chukwu: Latest ranking to fully co-operate won’t matter for Eagles Pg. 24

Sport PAGE 23

Friday, December 21, 2012

•Vincent Enyeama

•Ike Shorunmu

2013 AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS

Eagles will handle pressure — Shorumu

S

UPER EAGLES’ Goalkeeper Trainer, Ike Shorunmu, has declared that the players invited to represent the country at the Africa Cup of Nations slated for South Africa next year have what it takes to withstand pressure.

Shorumu said the players are experienced enough to understand the magnitude of the task at hand in their buildup for Africa’s biggest soccer fiesta.

In a telephone interview with the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper stressed that; the team has resolved not to let its teeming fans down.

"The most important thing is that these players that have been invited for the preparation understand the importance of the task, so they won’t want to disappoint our fans.

"It will be a collective effort and every member of the team will play their part well.

"We understand that the expectations are

high and the players and the coaching crew are working hard to get the team in shape for the AFCON," Shorunmu said.

When asked about the psychological state of the players, in terms of expectation of fans, the former Stationery Stores FC of Lagos goalkeeper told NAN that the players were ready.

"For sure, pressure will come and that’s the essence of having a coach. Pressure pushes one to succeed if well managed, so I believe

that coach Stephen Keshi has been able to do that.

"The pressure before we qualified was much and we were able to manage that pressure and we got our spot, so we have done this before and we will do it again,’’ Shorunmu said.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles are in Group C, alongside defending champions, the Chipolopolo of Zambia, Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia and the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

24

41

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT 2012 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

Chukwu: Latest ranking won’t matter for Eagles

F

ORMER Nigerian manager, FIFA's ranking on Wednesday saw Christian Chukwu has said the Nigeria move up five spots from their latest FIFA world ranking will previous 57th position to 52nd while count as nothing at the 2013 AFCON in they maintain the 10th spot in Africa.

South Africa.

Chukwu said the world football body ranking is based on quality friendlies nations are engaged in and insisted that the country's status will improve further before the next ranking.

"FIFA ranking is all about friendly matches. I know between now and the next ranking we would have played more friendlies and will surely move further up the ladder.

"Of course, if we perform well at the Nations Cup it will up our ranking and we'll take our rightful number five position.

"It's nothing to worry about as far as the Nations Cup in South Africa is •Chukwu concerned," said the former Nigerian captain to supersport.com.

Moses fires AFCON warning

•Says it’s good to score again

M

AN –of- the Match in Wednesday’s Capital One cracker again Leeds Football Club in England, Victor Moses fired warning signals to would be opponents of the Super Eagles at the forth –coming African Cup of Nations, scoring a superb goal for Chelsea, as he expressed delight to be back on scorers sheet.

Chelsea had thumped Leeds 5-1 to march to the semi-final of the Capital One Cup and the Nigeria international Moses scored his fourth goal and provided an assist as the European champions put to sword giant killers Leeds.

Moses, who is primed to make the final cut for Nigeria as the former Champions aim to return to winning ways in the Africa’s biggest soccer event, was even unlucky when his late first half strike was disallowed for an infringement when TV replays later showed it should have stood.

The former Wigan Athletic man showed how ready he is to represent Nigeria internationally with his good football artistry and determination to excel.

"Great win for us and pleased to be back on the score sheet," Moses had tweeted.

Chelsea will now clash with fellow English Premier League side Swansea in next month’s Capital One Cup semi-final.

The other semi-final is between

Bradford and Aston Villa.

Just a minute after the restart at Elland Road, Moses set up Juan Mata to draw level with the home team who had gone ahead in the first half.

AFCON-bound Moses will then fire Chelsea 3-1 ahead in the 66th minute with a well-struck low shot from outside the box for his fourth goal for the London club.

He has enjoyed more playing time under interim manager Rafael Benitez, who has also toyed with the idea of playing the Nigeria star as the arrow head of his attack.

•Moses

Eagles force Nasarawa to 1-1 draw

N

S

UPER EAGLES coach Stephen Keshi has revealed to NationSport that 11 foreign based players would battle the Catalonians in their country on January 2.

According to him, the players expected to join others in camp for the match will include Brown Ideye, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike, Ogenyi Onazi among others. He said that only the England based players would be exempted from the encounter.

•Ahmed Musa

From Andrew Abah, Abuja He promised to release his list of foreign based player next that will fully join the team on Christmas day.

The former international said that his list of foreign based players would include those that are already known to the team. “ If the Nations Cup will begin today, I can tell you authoritatively that I know my team and we can start the tournament today. If I am called to make available my team today, I will not hesitate to do just that. I will release the list of my foreign based player by Tuesday next week.

On the report that Osaze Odemwingie will delay his joining the team because of the expectation of his new baby, the former NNB of Benin Captain said "Osaze has not called me on his late arrival because of his wife putting to bed. If he calls me, i will know what to do about it. But for now, i will keep calm until he calls me. We are still drawing up the list, we don't know who is in it yet' he concluded.

•Says interim board to be unveiled this week

T

HE executive secretary of the Nigeria Premier League(NPL), Tunji Babalola has reiterated the league body's resolve to commence the 2012/2013 season before the start of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Babalola in a chat said everything is presently being worked out to ensure that the games start before hostilities begin in South Africa next January.

He disclosed that the only thorny issue is the composition of the league interim management board which he confirmed the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) would make public this week.

Babalola opined that immediately the league interim management board swings into action, a date would be found for the league's draws slated for Kano and from there a date earlier than January 19th( a date fixed for the start of 2013 AFCON) would be announced for the

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri commencement of the league.

He confirmed that with the situation of things on ground, it would be impossible for the league to begin on January 5th which is the initial date rumoured to have been suggested by the Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation(NFF) but reaffirmed his conviction that the next league s e a s o n w o u l d commence in January.

A c c o r d i n g t o Babalola:""The league will start in January, but we have not fixed any date and so I don't know

where the January 7 or any date is coming from,” Babalola disclosed.

He continued: "We will send out our press release to that effect by Thursday or Friday this week. The league will definitely commence in January because we have to abide by NFF AGA decision.

"The major problem now is the composition of the NPL interim management Board and as soon as the names of those in that Board is made public. The Body will swing into action with a date for the league draws and a date for the season's opener proper," Babalola said.

IKECHUKWU UCHE’S RELEASE

Keshi urges Villarreal to fully co-operate

•Ike Uche

•Confirms Okonkwo’s inclusion

E

AHEAD OF AFCON 2013

EWLY promoted Nasarawa United were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Super Eagles in a test game played in Abuja on Thursday.

After the game, Nasarawa coach Alphonsus Dike urged the national team handlers to work on the concentration of the players.

“The players were quite good and among the best in the country, but the need to improve in the area of concentration because that was what caused the goal my team scored against them,” he said.

The Eagles featured Femi Thomas, Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuewke, Gabriel Reuben, Sunday Mba, Fegor Ogude, Tony Okpotu, Ejike Uzoenyi and Gambo Mohammed in the first half and brought on a new set of 11 players in the second half.

The Eagles dominated and should have

Chukwu said he is satisfied with the level of preparations for the AFCON game even as he insists that performance should be the basis for the selection of players.

"I'm satisfied with the preparations so far, I still believe the team will up their preparations as the D-day draws nearer.

"Ideally performances on the field of play should decide who gets a shirt not whether you're a local or foreign-based player.

"I don't care whether we take 100% local or foreign-based players to South Africa as far as the basis is on performance.

"My interest is to see in place a solid squad that will excel at the Nations Cup," said.

The next FIFA ranking will be on January 17 few days to the start of AFCON 2013 in South Africa.

NFF lists 11 pros for Jan 2 friendly Babalola: NPL to start before 2013 AFCON

AGLES’ coach Stephen Keshi has said he does not expect problems over the release of team’s top scorer during the AFCON qualifiers Ike Uche.

Uche was Nigeria leading scorer in the qualifiers with three goals and he plays in the Spanish second division which, unlike the La Liga, will not go on any break leading into the New Year.

However, the Eagles coach assured he expects Uche’s club Villarreal to fully co-operate with him as regards the player’s prompt release for the tournament.

"The only problem we might have is if Ike Uche is in the list because in the second division in Europe they would still be in action, but I don't

think we would have a problem if we asked the club to let him come because we granted them the favour of leaving him out of the Venezuela friendly," Keshi said.

"The thing is that the clubs know when they have to release these players. And we have spoken with the players and they have forwarded the message to their clubs."

Villarreal are fifth in the Spanish Segunda Division on 30 points from 17 matches, nine points adrift of table toppers Elche. All clubs are obliged

by FIFA rule to release players at least 14 days to a major competition.

In the meantime, the NFF technical committee will meet in Abuja on Friday by 12 noon to vet the

list of foreign pros called up by Keshi for the AFCON. Meanwhile, Beijing Olympic silver medalist Chibuzor Okonkwo's media campaign to be invited to the Super Eagles, who are preparing for the 2013 African Cup of Nations, has yielded dividend.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can confirm reports in the local media that Okonkwo has joined the Eagles camp in Abuja. ''I can confirm that Chibuzor Okonkwo has been invited to join the squad. His invitation came late, but we need him (Chibuzor Okonkwo) now,'' coach Stephen Keshi told allnigeriasoccer.com in a telephone conversation on Wednesday evening.

Okonkwo's international e was against in Abuja on 6, 2011. Since been ignored National Team Early this was linked Finnish club b u t t h e materialize.

l a s t appearanc Argentina September then, he has for selection by the handlers. month, Okonkwo with a move to FC Inter Turku, transfer did not

2013 AFRICA NATIONS CUP

been at least two goals up in the first 10 minutes, but the chances they created were wasted by Mba, Reuben and Gambo.

In the 18th minute, a defensive mix-up by the national team allowed Nasarawa’s Ibrahim Ibrahim to grab the opener.

The Eagles then lifted their game in search of an equaliser and they were rewarded when a Nasarawa defender held a goal-bound shot and from the resulting penalty Mba leveled scores in the 44th minute.

The new set of Eagles in the second half like Gomo Onduko, Ubale Mannir, Papa Idris, Henry Uche, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Zango Umar and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, seemed to have more fluidity, but Nasarawa kept it tight at the back to run away with a 1-1, draw.

After the game a not too happy Stephen Keshi sent the players back to the pitch for another 20-minute drill.

NFF targets N500M for Eagles T

•Aminu Maigari

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is targeting N500 million at a fund raising dinner organised by the country’s apex football body for next year’s African Cup of Nations campaign in South Africa, www.sportsrollcall.com exclusively reports.

Speaking to www.sportsrollcall.com in Abuja, Adamu, chairman, finance committee of the NFF said that there is great possibility that the GlassHouse can meet

their target to complement the amount that may be approved from the N1.4b budget already submitted to the National Assembly.

“The NFF has already forwarded budget of the Super Eagles to the national assembly, but still we are hoping that the fund raising dinner will meet the desired financial expectations as the NFF is targeting from N500m and above" Adamu informed sportsrollcall.com.

He added : " Our aim is for Super Eagles to play at the final of the tournament, therefore our financial expenses is projected towards that and you are aware that Nigeria will be coming to the Nations Cup with the football officials and members of the Supporters club to give the team maximum support" Furthermore, Adamu said that the NFF has already booked the hotel to house both Super Eagles and Nigeria's contingent in

the city of Nelspruit, where the team will play her group games.

"The hotel where the team and Nigeria contingents will stay has already been booked by NFF and hopefully everything will work our fine as we have planned, but we need the funds to ensure that all the preparation for the team is not derailed" Adamu concluded.

Jimmy Bulus out of AFCON 2013 for Niger

N

IGERIA-BORN Niger defender Jimmy Bulus will not feature at next year’s AFCON as he is nursing a hand injury.

The 26-year-old defender or midfielder, who has played in Burkina Faso and Algeria, starred for the Mena at the 2012 tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

He was born in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, and has been a Niger international since 2003.

“He was not called up for the Nations Cup as he has been out of action for some time now on account of a hand injury,” Niger technical director Garba Lawali told MTNFootball.com “He has had to undergo an operation for the injury. And in fact he is right now in Burkina Faso, where his wife is from.”

Other notable absentees from the provisional list of 26 players are Belgium-based Olivier Bonnes and Sulliman Johan Mazadou, who plies his trade in the lower leagues in France.

Defender Mazadou was called up by new coach Gernot Rohr once, but has since not been recalled.

Osaze target top spot with West Brom Peter Odemwingie wants to ensure West Bromwich Albion are in a good position on the table when he departs for the African Cup of Nations.

The 31-year old striker is likely to join the Nigerian team for the tournament in South Africa which kicks off on January 19 but he is confident the club will be capable without his services for a few weeks.

"I want to be going there in the new year with West Brom high in the table, which would help me emotionally," he told BBC West Midlands.

"Of course I will miss a couple of weeks of action here but I believe we have a squad that can hold on to the good start we have had.”

Amateur boxers battle for Governor’s Belt Dec. 26

T

HE Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Lagos Amateur Boxing Association is set for its 4th Governor’s Belt edition (which is also the 37th Monthly Saturday Boxing Show) at the newly refurbished Mobolaji Johnson Sports Hall, Rowe Park, Yaba on December 26th (Boxing Day) in front of a teeming crowd, led by the Executive Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

Eighteen (18) top young amateur boxers will compete for the Governor’s Belt, which will be presented at the end of proceeding to the best boxer of the tournament by the Governor himself. Crowd favourites will be on parade, including other top young prospects to light-up the occasion.

The action kicks off at 3pm prompt, and the last bout is expected to be over by 5:30pm. By all standards, it promises to be an action-packed and awe-inspiring event as LBHF continues its nonstop campaign towards reviving amateur boxing in Nigeria.

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Vice-President Namadi Sambo led eminent personalities to commission the newly renovated Ilorin Central Juma'at Mosque, Ilorin in Kwara State on Sunday. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

•Sambo acknowleging cheers from the crowd. With him are Governor Ahmed (left) and project consultant Arch Jimoh Faworaja

T

HE big men were there in large numbers. The influential Islamic leaders and scholars gathered in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Sunday for the grand opening of the renovated Ilorin Central Juma'at Mosque. The project cost N1.9 billion.

Human and vehicular movement around the popular Emir's Palace in the city centre came to a halt. A detachment of security personnel comprising the military, and police, official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) maintained security. With them, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Kwara Stateowned Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA) who were at major road intersections and strategic locations attending to traffic.

The tattoos and inscriptions on the bodies of the horses stationed in conspicuous places added colour and aesthetics to the event.

Following the call for Juma'at prayers

Ilorin’s finest hour •Muslim leaders gather for mosque’s opening

which took place 3:10pm, the main auditorium and outside of the mosque overflowed with worshippers. The shoving because of the large number of worshippers.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa'ad urged Islamic clerics to preach the correct tenets of Islam.

Sambo said the call was borne out of the current security challenges in the nation; Tambuwal said such teaching was the antidote to peace.

Sambo noted the spirit of sacrifice behind the actualisation of the project despite the downturn in the economy.

The mosque, he said, will contribute to religious tourism and enhance economic activities.

The Sultan, who noted that the project's fund was raised by Christians and Muslims, called for the replication of such attitude among Nigerians to show unity.

He said: "A project like this that was made possible by the contributions of people from different faith deserves our commendation. We must be ready to replicate the gesture in all that we do in this country for if we are able to do such then things will be better. I, therefore, call on my fellow Nigerians from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of unity and let's build the nation together."

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who chaired the fund- raising for the mosque in 2009, urged Nigerians to take a cue from the

success of the project and contribute to the development of their communities.

Aliyu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof Mohammed Yahaya, said the project was completed in record time, praising the foresight of those responsible for the idea and those behind it.

They praised former Governor Bukola Saraki, now a Senator, for driving the project. They called on worshippers to ensure proper maintenance of the mosque.

Saraki expressed delight about the fulfilment of a dream.

He assured Kwarans that the project was just the beginning of good things to come to the state.

Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed described the mosque as a unifying symbol for Muslims across the country.

Ahmed said the manner of actualising the project should be a lesson to Nigerians that genuine brotherhood is possible among the people.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

26

SOCIETY

•From left: Hon Tambuwal; Senator Saraki and Adamawa State Governor Muritala Nyako

• Sultan Abubakar (right) and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari

A night of stars The 21st edition of the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) has been held in Lagos.

NNEKA NWANERI reports.

W

HOEVER had any doubt of this newspaper’s leadership in commentaries should by now drop such doubts.

A forthnight ago, Editorial Board chairman, Sam Omatseye won the Nigeria Media Merit Award’s Columnist of the year. Editor Gbenga Omotoso last Friday won the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME’s) Alade Odunewu Informed Commentary Award.

The event was held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja.

Nominees came with their spouses.

They all turned out in colourful dresses and arrived early for the ceremony. It was an evening of a terrific traffic jam. Many spent hours in the traffic for which there was no reason - except for “it’s always like this around this time of the year.”

They kept crawling till they got to the venue.

The private initiative-driven award was established in 1991 to reward talent, enterprise and excellence.

Toyin Akinoso was the compere.

DAME’s Chief Executive Lanre Idowu said the awards cover various platforms.

He advised reporters to ground their reporting on facts, rather than hearsay.

On the award, he said: "Out of 30 categories advertised, only 19 categories will be awarded. The other entries were not good enough to be awarded. The award should live out its name like diamonds-rare, beautiful and outstanding and enduring. So, the cash award not

•Aremo Osoba presenting a certificate to The Nation’s Korede Yishau, who stood in for Omotoso

• Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde

•Mrs Oyo and Mr Njoku

•Mr Taiwo Obileye (left) and Mr Olumide Ajomole PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

given will go as seed money for training reporters in categories not gotten."

Other categories and the winners are: Agriculture reporting: Debo Oladimeji of The Guardian; Health Reporting: Isioma Madike; National Mirror; Sports Reporting, Eno Sunday The Guardian; multiple award winner of DAME, Chris Ajaero of Newswatch. This edition, he went home with the award for the best Political and judicial reporting.

Development Reporting was bagged

by Arukaino Umukoro of Tell; Child Friendly Reporting: Toyosi Ogunseye - Punch; Action Photography by Saheed Olugbon Punch; Radio presenter by Cordelia Okpei of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria; Ngozi Obileri of Anambra State Broadcasting Services went home with the award for TV Drama.

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and former

CONJUGAL BLISS

Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh bagged Lifetime Achievement Awards. Prince Momoh was represented by Mr Idowu Alimi, who said the measure of a man is measured by what is said of them when they are not there.

Chief Osoba praised the initiator of the awards, describing him as an unassuming gentleman.

He dedicated his award to those present who he said 'went through the hell of traffic jam to get there'.

•Mr Idowu

The former Governor added: "I dedicate this award to two living legends I know that are above 80: former governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Hadj Alade Odunewu.”

In attendance were the Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Remi Oyo; Mr Jeff Njoku of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Editor of Sunday Sun, Mrs Funke Egbemode.

WEDDING

•

•Mr Olatunde Olufemi and his wife Ozavize (nee Ahutu) during their engagement

• Senator Gbenga Ashafa with the couple, Mr Oluwasupo Awe and his wife, Taiwo Abolaji (nee Agbaje) at their wedding in Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

SOCIETY

W

HAT could have made his associates, former classmates, family members and friends to put on hold whatever they were doing to honour him? Surely, he must be dear to them. On December 10, these people joined lawyer cum philanthropist Chief Godwin Obla in celebrating his 50th Birthday in grand style at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja. From the tastefully decorated expansive hall, to the assorted foods and drinks on display, it was a swell night.

By 7pm, the hall was jam-packed.

A live band, Obaf Music International, ensured no dull moment, dishing out old and contemporary tune to the admiration of guests.

Obafemi Agboola-led band drew everyone to the dance floor.

Ace comedian Julius Agwu was at his best with his rib, cracking jokes.

Flanked by people dear to him, Chief Obla could not have asked for a better ceremony.

The celebrator shone in a black suit; his wife Judith wore a stunning black flowing chiffon gown.

Obla's wife of almost 25 years was everywhere attending to guests.

She was supported by their children, Joseph and Mami, also a lawyer.

Obla's mother, Mrs Onyela Obla was there too.

The highpoint of the ceremony that featured cocktail and goodwill messages was the cutting of the cake.

Eulogising the 'Birthday boy,' President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Oke Wali (SAN) described him as a good man.

"We all love him because he is a good man. I had another engagement but was compelled to come here to celebrate this man of honour. You are a man of peace. I wish you many more years in prosperity and good heart," Wali said.

Obla's ex-classmate at the Law School in 1984, Dr. Tahir Mamman, Director General, Nigerian Law School, said apart from being an outstanding student who was among the top four, Obla smiles a lot.

"I am proud of you and your success and we will continue to celebrate you," he said.

Mr Mike Igbokwe (SAN) described Obla as a friend, sociable and someone who stands for benevolence.

"He is generous to a fault. He is the longest serving chairman of his local government. He has helped and continued to help his community. As a member of UNILAG Reunion Class 80-83, he and Senator Effiong Bob will donate and support. Above all, he doesn't joke with his God," Igbokwe said.

The celebrator's elder brother, Emma said Godwin has always been an outstanding kid who was well grounded in academics and sports activities.

"As a kid, he was a good footballer and tennis player. Obla would do anything to get his heart desire. He likes putting his best in whatever he does. He is a diligent and committed man. He goes out of his way to assist. We are blessed to have him as a son and brother in the family. And personally, he is a friend, confidant and brother.

I pray to see him in another 50 years," he said.

An elated Obla was full of appreciation to the guests.

He said: "Today is special". A lot of people cancelled their appointments just to celebrate me. I am extremely grateful for your presence.

I want to thank my mother who at 82 is hale and healthy. She has sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings.

I use this occasion to say thank you Mama. The credit for this occasion goes to my wife who made it possible. I want to thank my friends for many years of friendship. I pray that we will continue to celebrate

Joining the golden club in style A lawyer cum philanthropist, Chief Godwin Obla, celebrated his 50th birthday at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja penultimate Monday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes

•Mr Musa Sanda

•The celebrator assisted by (from left) Mami; Mrs Obla; Judith and Joseph to cut the cake

•Mr Wigwe

ANAN SIXTH ANNUAL LECTURE AND DINNER

•Mr Wike (left) and Aig-Imoukuede

•Dr Ortom and Mrs Lucy Ogah

•Senator Bob and his wife

•From left: Dr Mamman; Mr Wali (SAN) and Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN)

•From left: Justice Dabing, Justice Ojo and Mr Owootori

•Mr Akpedeye (SAN) and Mrs. Idowu Alakija

each other," he said.

His wife, Judith said "Godwin is my sweetheart whom all the women would love to have but unfortunate he is mine. Sweetie has been supportive of me and my children.

What can I say? I will always love you."

Guests later got on the dance floor until they departed at midnight.

Among the dignitaries were Senator Effiong Bob; Justice Christine Dabing; Justice Mobolaji Ojo; Mr Jide Owootori; Justice Segun Olagunju; Access Bank Group

Deputy Managing Director Mr Herbert Wigwe; Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN); Mr. Dafe Akpedeye (SAN); Minister of State for Trade Dr. Samuel Ortom; Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Hon. Frank Owhor; Access Bank

Managing Director Aigboje AigImoukuede; Minister of State for Education Mr. Nyesom Wike; Chief Chineye Nwokocha; Air Vice-Marshal Gbum James; Chief Joe Gadzama (SAN); Alhaji Abdulahi Ibrahim; Mr. Nnamdi Nwankwo; Tayo Ajibulu and Dimeji Adewole.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

28

SOCIETY Children of the late Chief Elijah Babalola have held a remembrance service for him at St. Michael's Anglican Church, Oye-Ekiti. They also launched a magazine in his honour, writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

Honour for a pioneer

T

HE atmosphere and general ambience at St Michael's Church, Oye-Ekiti was quiet, almost somnolent. The gathering inside the church was supportively silent, perhaps accentuating the fact that it was essentially a remembrance event conducted for a big fish who once plied this earth.

Attired in various clothes with matching caps and headgears occupying most of the seats in the church, children and other participants at the event listened to dignitaries reel out tales of what the deceased did while on this side of the world and what would be proper as honour to extend to him now that he is no more.

One could not but become sentimentally attached to the spirit of the occasion when even before the commencement of the service and while the service lasted, one got regaled by achievements of several firsts of a man about whom not much has been heard, at least in contemporary times.

Indeed, the life and attainment of the late Chief Elijah Are Babalola offered seminal affirmation of the inimitable words of Victor Frankl, a World War II holocaust survivor and psychologist that 'the richest place in the world is the cemetery'.

His grave, located within the precincts of St. Michael's Anglican Church, Oye-Ekiti, carrying a finely sculptured effigy of the late scholar/ politician, apart from the two books he wrote in his lifetime, offers prime signal to posterity that one Elijah Babalola indeed once lived.

He was born in November 1897 and departed August 1984 in Oye town which now falls within Ekiti North local government. In between this period of 87 years were strewn activities/attainments that were fittingly captured in many other 'firsts'.

He was First Minister of Works, Western Region of Nigeria (19521956); first indigene of old Ondo State to become a Minister of State (1952); first member, Western House of Assembly (1952-1956); and

•From right: Fourth child of the deceased, Chief Akin Babalola, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, Chief Samuel Alao and Chief Bayode Ajala

• Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ademolaju

• From right: Mr. Sunday Agbaje, High Chief V.O. Olatunji and High Chief Morakinyo Bamisile

• Son of the deceased, Mr. Olusegun Babalola and wife, Temitayo

first Ekiti member House of Representatives, Lagos (1952-1954).

Chief Babalola was the first President-General, Ekiti Progressive Union (1933-1939) and ((1945-1956); first African Principal of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti (1947); and first Principal, Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan (1957-1959).

His other attainments are too numerous to merit a space in a small effort like the present one.

He joined other nationalists in achieving political independence for Nigeria in 1960. He later became a foundation member of the Action Group (AG) founded in 1951.

The church service and launch of a magazine entitled: The life and Legacy of Chief Elijah Are Babalola at St. Michaels Anglican Church,

tributions his late father has made towards the development of the country and his immediate community of Oye Ekiti.

He said: "Some roads and other public utilities put in place during the time of Chief Obafemi Awolowo were the efforts of my father. This is aside the fact that my father had taught in many places like Ijebu, Sagamu, Oyo, Abeokuta and Ibadan before he came back to Ekiti to become first African Principal of Christ's School, Ado Ekiti." "He was equally instrumental to the coming together of several dispersed communities including Oye-Ekiti and those outside like Iyin-Ekiti, IkoleEkiti and Ikare Akoko now in Ondo State.

"The late Chief and Papa Adekunle

Oye-Ekiti, was witnessed by dignitaries including Chief Ayo Ogunlade, former Minister of National Planning and Are of OyeEkiti; the monarch of Oye town, Oba Michael Ademola Ademolaju.

Chief Samuel Alao, Chief Bayode Ajala and the late scholar/ politician's last son, Mr. Olusegun Babalola and his wife, Temitayo, were also in attendance.

Others were Mr Sunday Agbaje, Oye Progressive Union (OPU) National President; Mr Bamise Sunday; Dele Awobusuyi; High Chiefs Victor Olatunji, Morakinyo Bamisile and Seun Owolabi, OPU National Secretary.

At the church service, the fourth son of Chief Babalola, Mr Akin Babalola, recalled the various con-

Ajasin were both assigned by the Action Group (AG) to prepare a policy paper on free education, which they wrote at Olowo's palace at Owo. Papa was not just a contemporary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo wo, they lived and operated well together in the politics and movement of the time.

"I have written to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on the need to remember and honour this great Nigerian, even if posthumously."

In his comments, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ogunlade likened the late politician to a well-scenting flower in the desert, cast away from every possibility of being appreciated by any one.

The Lagos State branch of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Alumni has held a reunion at The Martinos Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

Y

EARLY, alumni of the Usman Danfodiyo University gather to celebrate. This year, they did so in a big way. They came in their numbers. Virtually every set of the institution was represented, It was a platform for the ex-students to thank God for keeping them alive.

It was also for them to meet and network.

They laughed, danced and dined.

They were truly blessed as their alma mater has made them what they are today.

Some hadn't seen each other since their school days in the 80s. Some had the opportunity of meeting the spouses of their classmates. They greeted one another, hugged and shook hands. Others just held on to the each other's hands like little children. For many of them, it was a heart warming.

Seeing old friendly faces gave them joy. All their emotions came pouring out as they exchanged pleasantries.

Though many are resident in Lagos, some came from the north and eastern part of the country. Both the men and the women dressed the Muslim way just as they did back then in school.

The Martinos Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the reunion, was tastefully furnished in purple and green. It wore the look of a wedding decor. The organisers said it was just how they chose to project its brand.

Danfodites, as they are fondly called, have notable individuals in

• Justice Idris flanked by Dr Ahmed (right) and President of the Assocation Ismail Yaya

•From left: Mariam Afolabi-Rufai; Dr Garba; Bosun Eniola; Labake Agbelemoge and Hajiya Giwa

When alumni gather the community. Some of them were present. They included the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, who chaired the occasion; Justice Mohammed Garba Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos; Dr Maymuna Garba of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba; Assistant Commander, Operations, of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abuja, Oke Adebisi and

Mallam Yakubu Etudoye of the Nigerian Customs TinCan. Everyone, in their individual way, carried the banner of the university.

Ahmed implored the members to attend meetings as it is a way to socialise.

Dr Garba spoke on how to manage stresses.

She listed 10 commandments of stress, and encouraged that whether as employees or employers, it is

important to know where to draw the line to avoid stress.

"In our daily hustles, we should put our values in place. Happiness starts from within," she said.

She enjoined parents with busy schedules not to abandon their parental responsibilities.

Then, it was time to do things on the lighter mood. A member of each set came out and spoke of something that made his set to stand out.

Justice Idris of the 1992 set stood to speak with pride of how his set revolutionalised the university by fighting for the emancipation of the Students Union Government and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The jurist recalled how the Union, shut down the university for a week to enable it to dialogue with the university authorities. The outcome, Justice Idris said, was the foundation most of the preceding sets enjoyed.

They took turns to cut and pose for photographs behind the reunion cake.

29 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1781

The Nigerian wine market is booming. It enjoys patronage from far and wide. Projection shows that the future is bright for the market.

The snag is the market favours importers than local wine producers. Smuggling, massive importation, unfavourable policies, epileptic power supply, are forces threatening to kill the local business. Reports RAJI ROTIMI SOLOMON

T

HE wine market is about the oldest trade in the world. For some countries, wine is a major source of revenue. Last year, the United States (US) recorded $32.5 billion in an estimated retail sales value. That same year, wine exportation reached a new record of $1.39 billion.

While some countries are known for producing and exporting wines, some are notable wine consumer markets. Countries, such as France, Italy, Spain (vino espanol), Argentina, are the world’s largest wine producing countries. For a country like Argentina, its citizens consume 90 per cent of the wine it produces.

Italy is rated number one among the wine-producing countries.

Africa is not left out in the international wine market. Presently, South Africa is the largest wine-producing country on the continent; Nigeria is the largest wine consuming market. In Nigeria, it is a a case of producing what we don’t consume and consuming what we don’t produce.

Nigeria’s wine market is valued at $300 million, which would give it N47.4 billion per annum.

Mtome Mbatha, the Marketing Manager, WOSA (Wines of South Africa) for Africa and America’s said: “South African wines currently account for about one-fifth of all wines sold in Nigeria.” This is at the detriment of wine and liquor producers in Nigeria.

Liquor drinking in Nigeria was limited to palm wine, burukutu and Ogogoro (locally brewed gin), the western wine wasn’t an appeal, and the importation was low.

Winds against indigenous wines producers’ souls

• Wines

Seaman Aromatic Schnapps, Sailor Dark Rum, Bacchus Tonic Wine and Finlays were the first set of locally manufactured liquors in the country. Gradually importation of liquor and wines became the order of the day.

Wine and liquors have gone beyond just drinking and appreciating the taste, it has become a social status symbol thing. There is this growing appetite for premium and higher- priced brands in Nigeria.

The more expensive your brand is, the more you are respected.

Now in various night clubs, your status is defined at a glance on your table. Brands, such as Hennesy, Red Label, Jack Daniels, Grey Goose, Bisquit, are prominent liquors on the table of the rich. Some of these brands go for some ridiculous amount of money. For a club on the island, a bottle of Hennesy V.S.O.P goes for N45,000.

In the wine categories, the Baron brand family are the commonest.

Go to any party and you find different variety of the Baron brand being served. Gone are the days when Eva was in vogue. For the

middle class, wines like B ‘N’ G Cuvee, CarloRossi, E and J Gallo, Hardy’s, Baron brands (De Valls and Romero), for the ladies we have Night Train and so on. For the the upper class, wines like Blossom Hill, Jacobs Creek, Sutter Home, Robert Mondavi, Yellow Tail and Beringer grace the shelves and tables of the affluent.

The least of these wines goes for N60,000 for just one bottle and could only be bought in selected stores and wine shops. Some even go the extra mile of ordering for customised wines from wine manufacturers in Europe and South Africa.

The battle for the wine market is high, especially for those who import and distribute foreign brands.

The drinking age population is increasing, giving rise to the high demand for wine. This is a major factor in the growth of the industry.

The major battle is between the European wine manufacturers and the South African wine manufacturers, competing for space in the Nigerian market. The importation of these foreign brands incapaci-

tate the local brands.

The malaise of smuggling is another major factor that is slowly leading the local wine companies to the slaughter slab.

Executive Secretary of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria Aare Fatai Odusile called for the intervention of the government. He said: “Government must take urgent and decisive action on the industry to avert its total collapse as a result of smuggling activities.”

For every country that wants economic growth, it must first invest in its own manufacturing industries. The adverse effect of this industry collapse includes: job loss of about 120,000 workers. The industry turn out N40 billion in corporate taxes and value added tax (VAT) and N2.17 trillion market capitalisation on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). With the current trend in the wine market, the sales of wine would double in the coming years. Of course that is an encouraging projection but how would it affect the local manufacturers positively when 62 per cent

‘With a projected annual GDP growth of 11.8 per cent until 2016, Nigeria would be the fourth most populous nation by 2050 and cannot be ignored by South African wine producers’

of the market is controlled by the foreign wine brands and the smuggled one’s inclusive. The South African wine producers eye the potential growth of wine consumption in Nigeria and are working hard to take a share.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, WOSA, Su Birch: “With a projected annual GDP growth of 11.8 per cent until 2016, Nigeria would be the fourth most populous nation by 2050 and cannot be ignored by South African wine producers” At this point, the bulk of the responsibility lies with the government. The above analysis has shown that the government over the time has been nonchalant about the impending danger of killing local manufacturers. The government has a pivotal role to play in growing local businesses. Putting policies that would favour the industry is very important. Also combating the malaise of smuggling is another way of growing the industry. The life-long issue of power is another mountain that garrulously stands in the way of manufacturers. If all these problems could be tackled head-on by the government, then the business of wine making would favour local manufacturers, more companies would spring up creating more jobs and above all the economy would experience a boost from the wine industry.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

30

I

N the wake of the global financial crisis which made the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene in the management of about eight banks as well as the enunciation of several policies measures to strengthen the industry, the post consolidation era is a wake up time for Nigerian banks to overhaul their public relations activities in tandem with global standard practice.

The reform efforts of the CBN led to a very strong banking industry with a few discerning banking brands trying to take leadership positions in the industry. This development called for a strong reputation management template to woo new customers and lure back the old cynical ones.

According to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the governor of the CBN, the reforms have brought about a new mindset to the industry as banks are putting in place best practices in the areas of corporate governance and risk management. Transparency and public disclosure of transactions have also remarkably improved.

Also, a number of banks have returned to the profit-making path and improved their balance sheets, as the recent results of their financial statements have shown.

Banks are gradually resuming lending to the private sector with the additional liquidity of more than N1.7 trillion injected into the banking system through the issuance of AMCON bonds, and significant progress in re-directing credit to the power sector and SMEs at single digit interest rates. These initiatives have saved and helped create thousands of jobs in the economy.

A new code of corporate governance has been issued by the Bank. The CEO of banks shall serve a maximum tenure of 10 years.

Furthermore, all CEOs who would have served for 10 years by July 31, 2010 ceased to function in that capacity and have handed over to their successors.

Nigerian banks are now key players in the global financial market with many of them falling within the Top 20 banks in Africa and among Top 1000 banks in the world.

The reforms have brought about greater confidence in the banking system with the removal of distress banks and the adoption of a strict code of corporate governance.

However, despite these laudable achievements, the industry is still confronted with certain challenges. First and foremost is the wrong perception of the intent of the reform.

The introduction of the new banking model, especially specialized banking (non-interest banking), is intended to broaden the scope of financial services offered by banks in Nigeria. However, this has been given a religious connotation. The wrong perception and stiff resistance to the policy could potentially deter prospective investors in the banking industry.

Secondly, there is the reluctance of Nigerians to accept positive changes in global dynamics as another challenge. There is incontrovertible evidence that the excessive liquidity in the system measured by broad money (M2), narrow money (M1) and currency in circulation is partly attributable to the high cash transactions for economic activities, which has continued to undermine the efforts to achieve price stability. Yet the cashless policy has faced significant resistance, despite its prospect for economic growth and development and the global trend in the intensity of usage of e-payments.

But despite this short coming, a few discerning banks are already riding on the improved operating environment to assert their leadership positions. One of such banks is Diamond Bank Plc which began operation as a private limited liability company on March 21, 1991 following its incorporation on December 20, 1990.

As part of overall strategy to sustain its growth momentum, it recently refreshed its corporate identity from a silver colour to a more appealing colour as if to say we are closer to you than before in recognition of the ever dynamic public. Not a few people have commended the wisdom in the refreshed logo which has retained its type face.

This initiative has been commended by in-

Thoughts on financial PR dustry analysts. According Joe Brown, a financial analyst with Financial Hedge in New York, modern banking is in the mind and public perception is very important on how a bank wants to be perceived.

Against this background, it is therefore not surprising that the bank recently sought for a reputable, experienced and creative PR agency through a pitch that included some of the leading lights in PR practice in Nigeria to reshape its public perception. At the end of the painstaking selection process, which took some agencies into the second round, TPT International was announced winner and agency of record.

The agency emerged from a highly competitive pitch process that involved four of top leading PR agencies selected for the pitch. Other companies include The Quadrant Company Nigeria, Mediacraft Associates, and C&F Portal Novelli.

According to our source in the bank, TPT however emerged the preferred based on its creative direction during the pitch and its clear interpretation of the brief. Indeed it was a very keen contest according to our sources as all the agencies gave a good account of themselves.

Industry analysts have commended the management of the bank for engaging consultants in various aspects of the bank which shows that the bank is very futuristic in a country where some banks find it difficult to understand the importance of hiring professionals and this will influence its going forward as a futuristic bank.

According to Modupe Adetokunbo, the founder and chief consultant of TPT International, this appointment offers his team the opportunity to once again partner with a futuristic and innovative bank in delivering a desirable corporate perception. The bank will definitely benefit from our rich experience in PR practice as well as our creative approach to perception management.

Diamond Bank is a commercial bank, offering a full range of banking products and services in retail, corporate and investment banking. The business is based on strong, enduring relationships and is driven by innovation and leading edge technology.

The marketing/business development function of the bank is organised in a way that enables it service its clients in the various market segments optimally.

TPT started business in February 1998 with only one client, Rothmans of Pall Mall and has since grown into the leading public relations solutions provider to top brands that spread across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In recognition of its performance, it has won the PR Company of the year award six times in the last 10 years.

It also pride itself on the diversity of its client roster, with experience including the Federal Government of Nigeria, Cross Rivers State, BAT, Pfizer, FinBank, Lagos Lotto, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Procter & Gamble West Africa, British Council, MTN Foundation, Starcomms, Mastercard, IBM, Promasidor Nigeria Limited and many others.

There is no doubt the appointment of TPT by Diamond Bank as public relations partner will further raise the corporate profile of the bank and position it effectively in the industry.

Looking at the pedigree of the bank as one that is noted for innovation and pace setting in the industry, one is not surprised that it is playing such leadership role in the industry post reform by appointing TPT, one of the leading lights in public relations practice in the country to reshape its public perception.

Although, Diamond Bank is one of the new generation banks that was founded by Dr. Pascal Dozie, he had been able to transfer its management and direction from professionals to professionals in a bid to give it a new lease of life.

Dozie, who is reputed for high ethical standards and management prowess, has also relinquished his position as chairman of the board of the bank to others unlike some of his contemporaries who have held on tenaciously to their banks, thereby denying them of new impetus to enhance their growth and modernisation.

H

E got it. He got it on a platter, and that is what deserves. What he was served is what he requested. It is similar to the way you order meals at restaurants. If you request chicken and chips and cappuccino that is what you would get.

On the other hand, if you choose to climb a cage so you could steal the chicken’s eggs and you fall and break your limbs in the process; that is your lot.

However, whatever you find in your plate is what you have attracted, nothing a morsel less, and nothing a morsel more.

Therefore, our James got what he deserves.

Whatever judgement he is served is not a punishment for his actions. Rather it is the direct consequences of his deeds. Every action has reactions. Every cause has effect.

Every wall has two sides. Every beginning has an end. May be you could say the prison terms signalled his end. And, you know, he has been running, running away from the long arms of the law. How long can one keep running? How long? Well, you can only hide, you cannot run. Or can you?

However, isn’t it ironic that the same action he was accused of in Nigeria and was set free, the same action he was charged and convicted for in another land? Talk about running away from a law only to run into the waiting arms of the law. Is the law in the UK different from the law in Nigeria?

Yes, the law is blindfolded in the UK. It has 20/20 Vision in Nigeria. It is sensitive to the feelings and shenanigans of the rich and powerful in Nigeria. It is insensitive to feelings and emotions of the citizens in the UK. If you break the law in the UK, it boomerangs and breaks you. If you break the law in Nigeria, it steps out with its paraphernalia of office and escorts you to your palatial home; unless you do not have a godfather. The law fines or imprisons offenders in the UK. It throws plea bargain at offenders in Nigeria.

That is why the cash-less banking policy is still at its infancy. It is still a toddler and it would take a while for it to learn how to crawl because the law is porous, and Nigerians would always find a way around it, over it, under it and behind it. Come, let us go to the banking hall and you would be converted.

Cash corridor There is a ‘cash corridor’ in the Niger Delta where the oil companies have fallen in love with cash. There is unusual demand for cash in this space. However, as salaries are paid, the cash is taken to Onitsha market for the purchase of goods. The banks have since devised means to constantly mopping up cash in this corridor. How? Bullion van would be driven to Onitsha, mop up the cash and return to disburse the cash in Port Harcourt, Warri and other areas, and then the customers would go back to Onitsha to deposit the cash!

Point of Sale (PoS) terminal The scenario above can be solved by the deployment of PoS terminals, but would the system make it work? The answer is locked within the question. The cost of moving cash around, investment in Bullion vans, investment in sorters and processing the cash, have all become prohibited especially as the cash base is growing. What is the way forward?

Cash-less banking for dummies Dollar to the rescue Okay, the CBN has said you cannot withdraw over N1 million. That is not a problem. How does Nigeria walk around this?

The smart move is to ask a third party to transfer the money to your domiciliary account in hard currency. Once this is done, you can withdraw the dollar equivalent in your local bank and that is cashless banking! A fellow withdrew $12,000 over the counter. When converted that is about N2 million. What the local currency cannot do, hard currency would do better, abi?

30 standing, 3 serving Before the advent of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos, the yellow bus also known as “molue” was king. The bus has seat for few passengers. But to maximise gains, owners of the buses would collect as many passengers as greed would allow to the extent that only a handful of passengers would be seated while numerous other be standing.

These passengers would be pressed so tightly together like canned fish. You would have thought that scene is gone forever. But when you walked into the banking hall and 30 or more bank customers were standing on a queue waiting to be served, you were shocked. The customers had become agitated and were shouting, calling the attention of the bank manager to ensure speedy service.

Why? The three bank tellers attending to the crowd had been overwhelmed with the load of work at hand. They could not do more than they were doing already.

Among these customers were youths and market women. What caused this logjam?

The bank’s debit platform had ground to a halt! This discovery automatically led to frustrations being expressed in varying degrees by the customers.

Wedding versus marriage There are several news reports of marriages that have ended in divorce. As it is in Europe, so it is in America and Nigeria.

Divorce happened in all fronts including lowly citizens, not only among celebrity couples. The overriding factor identified by marriage counsellors is that majority of couples who have found themselves on the other side of marriage is that they were not ready to weather the storm of marriage.

According to the experts, these divorcees usually planned big for the wedding day, forgetting that after the wedding ceremony comes the marriage, and marriage is not a crowd game. It is a couple’s game. The same experience is being played out in the banking sector. The banks have ended their wedding ceremonies, but they are now confronting the challenges that come with marriages.

These banks are still battling with platform integration, software and culture issues. If the platform is not breaking down, it is not having a handshake. If it is not causing bottlenecks at the banking halls, it is giving cash-less banking bad name.

And like our James who is serving 13 years prison term in the UK, the cash-less banking deserves the mud it attracts.

These banks are still battling with platform integration, software and culture issues. If the platform is not breaking down, it is not having a handshake. If it is not causing bottlenecks at the banking halls, it is giving cash-less banking bad name. And like our James who is serving 13 years prison term in the UK, the cash-less banking deserves the mud it attracts

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Try natural Xmas trees this season It is that time of the year when people decorate their homes and environment.

They use various flowers, lights and colourful ornaments for these decorations. In many instances, they are discarded after Christmas. But there is an item which cannot be discarded: flower trees. With them, you would have made a lasting investment, writes JANICE NKOLI IFEME.

C

HRISTMAS is next Tuesday. Preparatory to it, many have decorated their homes, offices and surroundings to reflect the mood of the season. The Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments is an essential part of the celebration. While some are shopping for fresh decor, others simply dust • Continued on Page 32

Guide for getting kitchen utensils

Page 32

Stand out in exotic ornaments

Page 33

Go cane, make your home trendy

Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

32

SHOPPING

Try natural Xmas trees this season • Continued from Page 31

the one they used the previous year. Most of the Christmas trees sold in the market are artificial but you can actually get live flowering plants and trees to buy, including the Christmas tree. If you have not thought of this, you might as well start now.

Many love and admire their aesthetic beauty but not the possibility of having one.

You can use the opportunity of this season of decoration to shop for nice flower trees to design your environment. For those who love to buy Christmas trees, you can buy a flower like the Thuja Orientalis.

You may decide to go for a small one, since it is cheaper; then you can grow it to any size you want.

It may take a little while but you would be happy with your handiwork in the end.

Another decorative plant you may explore is the Ashoka, popularly known as the masquerade tree. It reminds one of a village scene replete with serenity and simplicity.

This tree can also serve as a canopy; you can set a table with seats for relaxation, reading, eating or whatever you feel like doing. The interesting thing about this tree is that you can get it at a very affordable cost.

Other beautiful flower trees which you could buy and grow are the Queen of the Philippines, cycad revoluter, crossandra, weeping ficus, travellers palm, long royal palm and step tree among others.

Those who spoke with The Nation Shopping expressed their love for such beautification.

Mrs Ike Ugo, a house wife said: “I prefer live plants to artificial ones. With live plants you can get any design you want but not so for the artificial ones. I prefer them indoors while the live plants are better outside. I have little knowledge of horticulture but I also employ the services of a gardener.

Besides, I have a Christmas tree which I have carefully decorated and my friends are beginning to follow my example”, she added.

On the other hand, Mrs Charity Ezie who deals on non-living plants said: “Landscaping is good for those who have a very big compound and if you have the patience and money to cultivate it.

“People do ask of them when they come here to shop. I have started selling them bit by bit, beginning with the Christmas tree.

“The level of patronage will determine whether I will continue or not but already, it is good. Christmas is a sellout season and I am happy to be trading flowers.”

A gardener, Mr Sola Adekoya, said there is the need for one to learn the art of aesthetics with landscaping. The proprietor of Shodex Garden, located at Anthony on Ikorodu Road, Lagos, said: “Everyone can have beautiful landscaping. `I have a passion for it. I did a personal study and also attended seminars and workshops within and outside the country.

“The plants and trees are sourced from professional colleagues; some are imported while others are propagated. The interesting fact

about them is that you can also have them in your compound and they are not as expensive as people think.”

• Weeping ficus

Some flower trees and prices • Thuja orientalis from N2, 000 – N10, 000 • Ashoka - Masquerade tree- 1.5 metres N2, 500 • Queen of the Philippines 1 metre N1, 500 • Cycad revoluter N3, 000, big size N7, 500 • Crossander N200-N2, 500 • Weeping ficus N500- N5, 000 • Travelers palm N2, 500 –N15, 000 • Long royal palm N250, 000 to N300, 000 • Step tree terminalis mentalis from N500

• Crossander

Food preparation and hosting of friends are hallmarks of the Yuletide. Having the right kitchen utensils helps, reports SULIAT LAMID.

Guide for getting kitchen utensils

T

HERE are different kitchen utensils to choose from, and the ones you select will have an impact on your preparation time. This buying guide explains the options to save you time while cooking.

Can opener: A can opener is by far one of the most used items in any kitchen. Most can openers feature comfort handles and easyto-turn cutting wheel. Electric can openers are available if you lack the strength to turn a mechanical can opener or if you just want convenience of electricity. A can opener is sold ranging from N70 to N250, depending on the quality and type.

Spatula: Using a fork to flick foods is dangerous and inefficient. Also, the metal of a fork can damage the cooking surface. Use a sturdy spatula instead to flip pancakes, mix scrambled eggs or turn over thick foods like fried rice. It is really cheap to purchase. It is sold for N1, 000.

Mixing spoon: When you stir food in stick pans with metal utensils, you scratch the non stick coating off. The right wooden or plastic mixing spoon helps prolong the life of your pans. Get them in sets in varying handle lengths so you will be ready to mix anything.

Masher: Mashers are the utensils you want when you are making fluffy mashed potatoes. They are faster and easier than mashing with a fork and they make your mashed potatoes smooth and creamy.

Whisk: A whisk is the right utensil to use in the kitchen whenever you need to whip up fluffier eggs, light-as-air cakes and lumpfree sauces.

Nutcracker: Fresh nuts on a salad or baked into a dessert add wonderful flavour to your cooking and is an essential and efficient commodity in the kitchen. Do not think about cracking a nut with your teeth, unless you like going to the dentist.

Vegetable peeler: Peeling vegetables can be frustrating and difficult with a knife. Peel carrots, potatoes, apples and more in no time with a safe and handy vegetable peeler. A vegetable peeler is sold for N900.

• Cooking utensils

Grater: Slicing a block of cheese is fairly easy but grating it presents a problem without a handy grater. In addition, you can grate more than cheese; try grating carrots, potatoes and other vegetables too. A plastic grater is sold for N300 to N450 depending on the size whether small or big size. A steel grater is sold from N500.

Cutting board: They keep your countertops scratch free and your knives sharp. Stock your kitchen with at least two cutting boards so you can cut meat and vegetables on different surfaces; this prevents the spreading of germs. If you often cut large chunks of meat, consider a large, thick cutting board called a chop block; these are bigger and thicker to accommodate lots of meat and big, sharp knives. This is sold for prices ranging from N800 to N1, 500.

Mortar and pestle; Grind fresh and dried herbs, mix stimulating spices and delicious ingredients easily with a mortar and pestle.

They come in various sizes like small, medium and big. The small size cost N700 to N1, 200; while the large size cost N2, 500 to N3, 500.

Measuring cups and spoons: They are the handy kitchen utensils you need to get exactly the right proportion of ingredients.

They often come in sets. Remember to get measuring cups for solid and liquid ingredients.

Mixing bowls: Invest in mixing bowls to mix batters, soup ingredients or salads. Mixing bowls are available in various sizes, and many new mixing bowls even feature non slip feet. Purchase a set of mixing bowls with at least three different sizes so you will have enough bowls and the right sizes for anything.

Kitchen utensils can be bought at Genesis Supermarket located at 128 Ago Palace Way, Lagos. It can also be bought at J.K Mart at Cross Town Mall, opposite M.E.F Petrol Station, Iju, Road, Lagos.

The kitchen utensils are sold at different prices depending on the type you are buying.

• Stylish utensils

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

SHOPPING

Shopping Right with

A time to share

C • Animated singing Christmas ornament

• Animated singing Christmas ornament

Stand out in exotic ornaments There are many ornaments to choose from for that unique appeal, depending on your taste and style. After all, it’s time for Christmas. This season, you can also help your children to catch fun. JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

G

REAT designs, dazzling light and skilful decorations that blend with the theme of the season create a fascinating spectacle for many events this festive period.

For many, Christmas is incomplete without decorations. That is why you see many homes, churches, corporate organisations, shopping malls, entertainment centres and even major roads wearing beautiful and colourful looks. Many communities are engrossed with the frenzy of the celebration as they organise different gigs to celebrate the season. Banners and colourful decorations announcing various events line different streets.

Establishments, small and big, give their surroundings a lift with the use of different decorative ornaments. In many offices, sweets, candies and chocolates are offered to guests. At various banks, which are major ports of call for most people, you are ushered into the banking hall with colourful and glittering Christmas trees with wrapped items underneath. Whether those wrappings contain real gifts is another matter altogether. The basic thing is that the mood is set. It is Christmas! Period. The very common ornaments are flowers, ribbons, colourful balls combined with different accessories and of course glittering Christmas lights.

Incidentally, decorative ornaments could be found virtually everywhere- in the market, shopping malls and around your neighbourhood. This is the season for great sales on them, there is variety to choose from for that unique appeal depending on your taste and style.

However, finding unique, high quality and original ideas for Christmas gifts and decorations can be very difficult as well as time

consuming.

Personalised Christmas ornaments are available in a wide variety of styles and themes, help record family milestones, and are memorable gifts for family and friends.

Ornaments look best when suspended freely rather than resting against branches.

Basic glass balls are the foundation of decorating. Place large ball ornaments close to the trunk to reflect light, and small balls near tips of branches for shine and sparkle.

Place lighted or animated Christmas ornaments early in the decorating process. Use no more than four on a set of 50 lights to avoid strain on the light strand.

Establish balance by first placing the most dominant group or largest number of similar ornaments. Small ornaments will disappear in the lowest branches and large ornaments placed too high in the tree may look awkward.

Place your most favoured ornament front and centre. Cluster several ornaments together on a single hook for unique dramatic effect.

A decoration connoisseur, Mrs Flora Ndibe, offers some Christmas decorating ideas you could use. She said: “For a more Christmas ambiance in your home try decorating throughout the house with Christmas trees of all different sizes and colours. My favourite Christmas tree decorating secret is a stunning little Christmas tree decorating trick I use every year. It adds a touch of grace and elegance that never ceases to amaze adults and children alike. You could decorate an Irish themed Christmas tree.

With its beautiful landscapes and the richness of its culture, Ireland makes a wonderful theme for a Christmas tree.

If you want to thrill and delight your children or the children at your Christmas party, try creating your own Candy Christmas tree that looks as good as it tastes... or as I prefer to call it, a Sugar Plum tree.

If your baby is born in December or you are giving a baby shower during the Christmas season, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the baby while using Christmas decorations as your backdrop. Also, apply fun, unique and easy to do Christmas table decorating ideas.

You could equally turn the inside of your home into a dazzling White Christmas. It is a matter of interest”, she added.

Calendar

As the year winds down, a calendar can make a great thank-you gift, especially when accompanied by a note describing your excitement of looking towards another year of their friendship.

Cards still cool

• Christmas ornament

Saying thanks or wishing one a wonderful Christmas and New Year does not necessarily require a gift. Just a thoughtfully written note can be worth a lot, especially when written on cute cards.

HRISTMAS is just a few days away. It is a season of joy. So, spread the joy and make it a worthwhile experience.

Though giving gifts is not all what Christmas is about, it is a very special part of our tradition. Christmas is a time of sharing, giving and celebration, all of which is powered by tremendous shopping.

It is wonderful to give those special gifts that you have put some time and thought into. I wish you a wonderful Christmas shopping season and may all your gifts be well received!

Do you feel that you do not have a reason to be happy? I must tell you that you do. You are alive, so please be joyful.

Over the years, I have realised that many people attach a lot of passion to Christmas. It is a time when families unite, eat, drink, make merry and celebrate. The greatest of shopping is done during this season. Many tend to flaunt their wealth in the bid to celebrate. There is just this untold and inJANICE NKOLI IFEME comprehensible merriment in the air for almost every one. What are they actually celebrating? A Are you one of those who just got a holiday and friend of mine was quick to interject during a toast want to shop? Or you are one of those who forget to mark the season: “Aren’t you happy when a to do their Christmas shopping on time and then, baby is born, how much more the saviour of the rush here and there in panic? Do you always end world?” up doing last minute Christmas shopping? Then, Another chipped in: “I think God just created read this last minute Christmas shopping tips which that mood for Christmas alone and trust me, it’s will ensure that Christmas shopping at the last worth it. Once in a year, there is need to wind minute does not turn awry. down a bit.”

Even though you are shop“Even the weather ping at the last minute, it does beckons on it”, another not mean that you will exnoted.

‘It is wonderful to give ceed your budget. Just set an It reminds me of people who usually would those special gifts that approximate limit as to how much you will spend and ask: “Are you traveling stick to it. you have put some time for December?” What Since you do not have they actually mean is” and thought into. I wish much time to waste, just Are you traveling for Christmas? Have you you a wonderful Christ- make a list of all the persons noticed that most prepa- mas shopping season you want to buy gifts for, along with the gifts that they ration is geared towards this day? All those who and may all your gifts be would most probably like.

It is better to first go to the planned to travel would well received!’ large stores, which offer evehave arrived their destirything, right from shoes to nations by Tuesday clothing, under a single roof. morning. Some may even arrive in the evening.

You will be able to take care of several presents at The important thing for many people is to be where the same time. they want to be on that special day, even if it is just Even though you are sure to encounter large for a few hours. crowds, you can still avoid getting crushed by peoThe Main market Onitsha, acclaimed the largest ple if you visit the stores during daytime. market in If you do not want to become the target of pickWest Africa always closes to enable the traders pockets, leave excess cash at home. enjoy the Christmas holiday with their families, In case you are planning to buy clothes for somejust like the famous spare parts Ladipo market, one, it is better to have the complete information Lagos. That is the awesome impact of Christmas. regarding measurements and sizes.

Besides, the shops are busy, the markets are jam If you are purchasing electronic items, it is better packed and the entertainment centres are actionto read the complete information about warranty, packed with hordes of people seeking happiness. replacement and the likes.

But Christmas also carries an aura with it- think Since you will be shopping for a long time, it is of a perfect environment, music, lighting and colbetter to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. At ours; inviting atmosphere, tempting treats posithe same time, avoid clutch or oversized handtioned in just the right place to catch your eye. bags.

The shopping malls become a trap for willing The good thing is that you can start planning for spenders, being designed to entice and persuade the next Christmas immediately, so it does not you to reach for your purse. Of course, we have to barge in on you. co-operate because we want to be merry, right?

Planning for the Christmas shopping for the folEven the economic crunch would not give way; lowing year right after the Christmas this year is neither would the skyrocketing inflation retard an excellent strategy that you can attempt, to allow the trend of spending. Last year in the United States, you start and finish your Christmas shopping early. high street stores slashed 50 per cent off prices to These methods have been adopted by many with entice recession-hit shoppers. This year, sales rose extra disposable income. The pros about shopping after a successful kick off of the shopping season few days just after the Christmas are twofold: with Thanksgiving Day in America; a time to offer Firstly, shopping right after Christmas can be enthanks, of family gatherings and holiday meals; a joyable in the Christmas atmosphere. While the time of turkeys, stuffing, and pumpkin pie; a time shops and shopping centres may still be very for Indian corn, holiday parades and giant balcrowded on these days, nevertheless, you can slow loons. down your pace to enjoy the shopping in a more In many parts of Europe, shoppers went on a relaxed manner. Secondly, with grand sales still spending frenzy so as not to be left out of the celgoing on, you are in it for shopping big times and ebration. very likely, a great saving for your shopping. BeIn Nigeria, many are taking time off work and sides, most stores would want do away with most many companies officially close to resume two if not all the items they stocked for Christmas; so it weeks into the New Year. With this they are free to is a time for a good deal. do the shopping that they have put off until now.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

SHOPPING

• Mrs Motunrayo Folarin (left) and Mrs Modupe Jamiu when the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, visited FM Best Bargain Stores Limited at Ogba, Lagos.

• Mrs Funke Tella (left) and Managing Director of Arena Party Shop Limited Mrs Rume Ishiekwene, during Mrs Fayemi’s visit to FM Best Bargain Stores.

Go cane, make your home trendy Many have embraced the use of cane furniture in their homes. Not only are they durable; they are also cheaper and more affordable, writes TONIA’DIYAN.

Y

OUR home speaks volumes about you, which is why you want every corner to be perfect this Yuletide. Gone are the days when people used old heavy-weight, highly expensive furniture. These days, every house is unique in its own way and it is a representation of your personality.

Most manufacturers, suppliers or show room holders provide a long period warranty, which can exceed 10 long years of usage. It is long lasting. There is less likelihood of damage due to breakage and wear and tear.

You will get long term guarantee to keep your mind at rest. It is built specially to last through different weather conditions and can withstand dramatic changes in weather.

Therefore, if you are an environmentalist, it will be your choice as it is made from the natural material that is not treated with any kind of chemical.

Some of the most common cane furniture items are chairs, stools, sofa sets, couches, tables, benches, hanging chairs, dressing tables, bookshelves, cabinets, hanging baskets, bird feeders, and garden benches.

A set of coconut chairs comprising a threeseater, two-seater, two single-seater and a centre table costs about N70,000 while that of box or spiro could cost as low as N40,000. The coconut chair is expensive because it takes more time and materials. Contrary to popular belief, cane seat could be very durable depending on individual usage. It can last for

as long as six years without any dent if well handled.

The price for the baskets, depending on the design and size, ranges from as low as N400 to N3, 500.

Caner and weavers code of ethics is a company in Lagos which stocks cane furniture and accessories in their different designs and prices. Their prices range from N400 to N80, 000 depending on what you want. Other manufacturers are; Design furniture located at Victoria Island Lagos, ABC furniture located at Rocky plaza, Victoria Island; Adebowale furniture industries at Isaac John, Ikeja; Aderaz Benson furniture at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja; Albert furniture at Burma road Apapa and All-Well Furniture Works, Ikeja.

You can find great bargains also under the bridge at Maryland, Lagos. If you are on a tight budget, buying one that does not have any finishing, like paint and varnish are cheaper.

You can also get various designs by some of the biggest names in the industry. The demand for the product rises during Christmas and other festive periods, sometimes lasting into January. Most people have come to realise that there are more styles in cane furniture, to make their homes look stylish than the obvious wooden and steel furniture.

Cane furniture is cost effective and easily fits within your budget. They are usually af-

• A cane weaver at work

fordable and at the same time, they look trendy and go well with modern and traditional homes.

It is most suitable with the modern living and shrinking room sizes. It adorns your living room and garden in a very stylish. Most importantly, it is a nature friendly choice of decorating your home.

Cane is known to be a very flexible material that can be molded into unique, difficult designs. You can make special design requests with manufacturers or ask them to customise the designs.

Its high durability and low maintenance has made it the choice of many. For present-day homemakers who are almost constantly on the move, cane furniture surely makes one of

the wisest investments – it is not only very light in weight, but can also be moved very easily from one place to another. They are also strong so that they do not get blown away by the wind when placed outside.

You do not have to spend hours at maintaining cane furniture. All you need do is dust it regularly to keep it in best shape.

Such furniture is available in muted, soothing colours that light up the ambience in your home and can withstand the dry and cold weather without discolouring or cracking.

They are available in many styles, colours and blend with almost any surrounding, they bring in an instant natural freshness and elegance to the home. A distinctive traditional feel is very innate to cane furniture. With the understanding that everyone has different tastes, cane furniture are offered in a range of fabric colours to suit your décor.

• Cane furniture

• Decorated cane chair

• Cane settee

• Cane bed

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

35

Brandnews

‘No textbook approach to advertising’ The late Dr May Nzeribe, founder and CEO, Sunrise Advertising and former chairman, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), who died on November 19 was one of the godfathers of advertising in Nigeria. He was involved in galvanising advertising practice at home and abroad. Nzeribe was past president of International Advertising Association (IAA) Nigerian chapter and President, Association of Advertising Agencies in Nigeria (AAAN), he was also an author. His book: Political Advertising in Nigeria, remains a reference point in the industry. A professional advocate of comparative advertising, Nzeribe’s copy on two different dry cell battery brands unleashed in the 80s stood out as a paragon of excellence in the industry. WALE ALABI recalls his encounter with the late advertising Czar some years ago in this interview.

Proliferation of agencies ROLIFERATION in business is not peculiar to the advertis ing agencies or business alone.

And this is not new, we’re operating in a society where everybody wants to be his or her own boss. So, I wouldn’t want to see this development as proliferation because proliferation means many operators or people chasing small business. That’s a misconception. I believe there’s still room for more but decent practitioners to set up agencies, operate and get involved in the economy.

And talking about the economy, especially the productive sectors, how much have they invested into marketing communications? Too small. If they had injected a lot of funds in marketing their products, the advertising agencies would have done a lot more in the areas of helping them to package and promote their products and this in turn would have helped to grow the economy the more.

However, in the same breath, I feel a lot of advertising practitioners, without acquiring enough experience and adequate professional competence, are in a hurry to become managing directors.

P

Miracle advertising on TV There’s no ban on miracle advertising on TV or any other broadcast media. If you go through the APCON directive and the Broadcasting Commission code, you’ll find out that nobody has banned miracle advertising on TV or anywhere. For instance, what the APCON directive says is this: if you have to do any promotion at all because of the inherent danger involved in leading people on a slope, because of our attachment to hope in life which is the major product of evangelism, what we said is that the testimonial of the miracle to be advertised must be well documented so that it can be verified.

Testimony should contain full contact addresses and names of the beneficiaries of these miracles. Even in testimonial which is an integral part of advertising, you don’t just advise it without proof, that is, the names and addresses given must be authentic. The same thing also applies in religious testimony.

So if a miracle has taken place and you’re putting it on TV, you must also go ahead and put the full names and address so that it can be verified that before the miracle took place, the person or persons was or were actually afflicted by the ailments that has or have been cured through a miraculous encounter. So nobody has banned miracle on TV. All we’re asking for is confirmation so that the claims made can be substantiated.

And again let’s look at it from the personal spiritual level, when Jesus was around, He did perform many miracles. But did Jesus go to any television station to broadcast or announce his feat? No. Do you

• The late Nzeribe

believe that there’s a human being that can perform miracle? If any miracle takes place, it was done on behalf of God. So, why claim that you’re the one doing it? Even if God gives you the power or gift to perform miracle, must you commercialise it on the television? Is that the only way to win souls? Is that the only way to spread the word of God? You don’t get to see miracle adverts on TV anymore because of the stringent conditions stipulated by the law that they must comply with before they can advertise. Otherwise if the conditions were not stringent they would have continued to advertise.

Window of opportunity We’ve said it time and time again.

But then let me repeat it. The law setting up APCON to regulate advertising practice in the country really spells out certain conditions that must be complied with by practitioners. However, in the APCON law, unlike some other professions like law, accountancy and medicine, there are some limitations in its implementation. So we recognise this limitation.

We discovered that in order to sanitise the advertising industry we need to take some radical steps. But in taking these steps, we have to recognise the uniqueness of advertising practice itself. The profession gives room to a lot of creative people from diverse backgrounds.

Over the years, they have been running advertising agencies, although they have no formal training in advertising. So what do we do with this category of people? We examined two options.

First, do we get the police to arrest them and prosecute them as prescribed by law? The second alternative is to look at it and take an administrative angle. And taking an administrative look means that since we have been empowered to regulate the practice, and this set of people are deficient as the law stipulates, what we should do is bring them into the fold, because if they’re not within the fold we can’t enforce discipline and standard.

So, that was what informed the council’s decision on the window of opportunity programme. For

example, you have a B.Sc in Sociology or B.Sc in Political Science and you’ve been working in an established advertising agency for say five or six years, what should then stop me from inducting you into the fold? Looking at it from a proverbial angle, I have a cloth and you’re outside in the cold shivering, what stops me from covering you?

Over 1,000 people were registered under the window of opportunity programme. So the programme was quite successful. I don’t regard the window of opportunity as a favour, rather I believe it’s what we have to do in the course of our duty, looking at how we can effectively regulate the profession. It was a one-off thing. Any other persons from now on would have to go through our normal professional induction programme.

Toothless bulldog It’s unfortunate. APCON has not lacked the will. It only seems that way because they’ve not been empowered to do what they’ll like to do. For example, you may want to travel to Britain in the next one hour. But before you realise this goal, you need three things: you need a valid visa, you need air ticket to take you there and you need the ability to be able to get there.

And if you don’t have all these, does this make you a fool living in a paradise? But if we become look at issues very objectively, the comment that APCON is a toothless bulldog would not have come up because the APCON law that you called an enabling decree merely looks like an enabling decree, but to a large extent, it’s a disenabling decree. Despite the fact that APCON was put in place, it still needs a lot of things to operate like a proper regulatory body. For example, APCON does not possess the same power granted to institutions like NAFDAC, SON, EFCC and others.

It doesn’t. We are trying to address this. And I want to believe that as a government-approved regulatory body, APCON would soon be empowered.

The brand Nigeria project The Honourable Minister of Information and Orientation made a public presentation where he unveiled the Project Nigeria recently.

At that event, he intimated us with what they have in the pipeline. As a practitioner, I would like to reserve my own comment until when it comes to such a time to execute this project, there would be the need for us to give certain input. There would be the need for us to re-engineer our image first at the local level.

But I think it is a worthwhile effort.

However, the change in attitude or image would not happen overnight.

It would take time.

Yes, APCON was aware of the project, we had discussion before it was unveiled. That’s the much I can say. But don’t let’s forget that APCON is just a regulatory body.

How to boost profit

By Daniel Essiet

THE Dean, School of Media and Communication of the Pan-African University, Lagos, Prof Emevwo Biakolo has advised private and public organisations to apply marketing expenditures to achieve significant lasting lifts in a product’s or service’s profitability.

Biakolo spoke at the professional engagement forum of the Certified Marketing Communications Institute of Nigeria in Lagos.

He said marketing is the lever that drives revenue and practitioners need to apply the same level of vigor and insight to the financial decisions in marketing as they do in any other areas of the corporation.

Biakolo said Return on Investment (ROI) analyses can guide strategies toward higher profit potential using scenario planning precampaign and assessment of results post-campaign, adding that lack of ROI is the biggest deterrent for marketers when it comes to increasing ad spending.

He said the communications industry will increase business volume as consumers and businesses embrace digital technology and return to spending levels.

Director-General, Certified Marketing Communications Institute of Nigeria in Lagos, Mr Olusoji Oyewole said, in today’s challenging business climate, firms of all sizes must see results for their investments of marketing naira. Before investing millions, he said prudent CEOs and CFOs demand calculations to demonstrate reasonable payback on the spending for marketing which costs have escalated dramatically. He said the institute is providing indispensable leadership that drives marketing excellence and champions, promotes and defends the interests of the marketing community.

Maltina shares happiness at CARNIRIV MALTINA, the nation’s number one malt drink has been described as the only malt drink that engages its consumers with loads of fun activities and events that allows for brand interaction.

As part of it’s strategy of bringing joy and happiness to consumers, the brand actively participated in the 2012 Rivers State Carniriv Festival that ended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over the weekend The high point of the event was at the Maltina Sharing Pavilion that attracted people who had the opportunity of winning fabulous gift and cash prizes in the week-long event.

The dance contest which was categorised into three age groups of 11- 17 years, 18 – 34 years and 34 – 50 years was the favourite of fun seekers during the festival.

Participants at the keenly contested dance competition in the free style gig witnessed the crowd choosing the winners by voice vote.

The grand prize winner at the end of the dance challenge was Solomon Nte, an undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt, (UNIPORT) who defeated Oko Felicia to the second position and Kemi Onyemauwa to the third position respectively.

The grand prize was a 2.5 KVA generator with a branded Maltina ATM card loaded with cash worth 20,000.

GSK,Tetra Pak partner on Ribena RIBENA, the premium fruit drink from the stable of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Plc (GSK) is partnering with Tetra Pak, a world leader in food processing and packaging, on Ribena/Tetra Pak “Drink it, Flatten it and Bin it” campaign to make life better.

Ribena/Tetra Pak “Drink it, Flatten it and Bin it” campaign is school-based recycling contest requiring collection of used Tetra Pak cartons of Ribena for the production of furniture for school children in less privileged communities in Lagos State. The announcement was made at a press conference in Lagos recently.

The Brand Manager, Ribena, Mr Olawale Akanbi said: “We believe that it is our duty as a corporate organisation to continually reinforce attitudes that will help enhance our society and preserve our environment. We are all responsible for our collective future and as a brand that is focused on improving the quality of human life; we see the need to work with the young ones with the hope to help them imbibe the right attitude towards our environment”.

Business portal debuts NIGERIA’S first full service Public Relations Consultancy, The Quadrant Company, has launched an innovative business portal to link people searching for up-to-date information on businesses and organisations in Nigeria.

The portal, Qlichy.com, seeks to expand opportunities for organisations, by maximising their digital presence while reaching consumers, stakeholders and other businesses in a unique and cost effective way.

Qlichy.com will also serve as a platform for business and industry leaders to lead thoughts in their various sectors, public discussions on current issues and publicising of News and Events on brands in Nigeria.

The business portal serves as a Business Intelligence solution which will revolutionize the Public Relations industry and take full advantage of the potential of the cyberspace in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of The Quadrant Company, Mr Bolaji Okusaga said the Qlichy Business Portal is the first in a line of Business Intelligence solutions that will change the face of business in Nigeria.

“The Qlichy portal will afford anyone looking for current information on businesses to get what they need fast and easy. It also provides a thought leadership platform through which brands and corporate bodies can talk about industry issues and ideas. “Qlichy is a cross between a social network, a business directory and an E-commerce platform,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

36

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

H

UMAN history is invariably built on the biographies of certain outstanding personalities. Perhaps without such personalities, what we call history would not have come into existence. That is why history and man are seen as Siamese twins. The synergy between them is such that history makes man just as man makes history. It may be difficult or even impossible for instance to write the history of Macedonia without Alexander the Great or that of India without Gautama Buddha or even that of France without Napoleon Bonaparte.

Those were men who formed the axis around which the history of their countries is built.

Writing the history of Islam without any mention of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is unimaginable. There couldn’t have been anything called Islam without that greatest man that ever lived.

Man becomes history after vacating the stage upon which he had been a performer.

Any actor who wants to leave a footprint on the sands of time must transform into a pleasant reading for those who may wish to learn from his chronicled experiences. A confirmation of this assertion came to bear in Lagos last Sunday when a galaxy of Nigerian Muslim crème de la crème swarmed the Lagos Airport Hotel to say kudos to certain rare exemplary duo. The unique gathering was at the instance of the Federation of Muslim Graduates’ Association in Nigeria (FEMGAN).

Two outstanding members of that association were deemed fit for honour and the city was painted red for them. The duo of Prof Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede who was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin until a few weeks ago and Barrister Bashir Olayinka Balogun, the Edo State Commissioner of Police until a couple of months ago remain vertical in the midst of horizontal men having completed their tenures of office without blemish. Both men had traversed the length and breadth of their respective professions walking tall with their heads raised high where others trembled like Lilliputians.

Here are men of rare postures who had allowed their consciences to serve as the vehicle conveying them through their peregrinations on earth from adolescence to manhood. They bear the light with which to illuminate the dark tunnel of life for others to pass through without encountering any huddle. These men are as much a pride to Islam as they are to themselves and their families. Judging by today’s murky water of greed and unprecedented corruption in Nigeria both of which have become an obnoxious vogue and knowing how Oloyede and Balogun maintained dignity in their respective offices despite the overwhelming perversion in the land, no right-thinking person will doubt the fact that these exemplary men truly deserve honour. Both men are being appreciated and celebrated here not for rising to the respective posts they attained in public service but retaining their heads where other were losing theirs.

This is not a biography in which the story of birth and upbringing is often told. Neither is it one in which the schools attended and the teachers encountered is chronicled.

The concern here is the slippery pyramid of life which these icons had to mount from bottom to apex before the observing world could think of them as men of honour. How was that pyramid mounted? At what stage did recognition begin to beckon to each of the revered duo?

Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede had become a household name in the academia before now, not only in Nigeria or Africa but in the entire world just like the University he was privileged to head as Vice-Chancellor. What qualified him for such a vertical position is an interesting question for which most inquisitive minds may earnestly seek an answer. And the answer is not farfetched.

Unlike most Nigerian men of letters in the Ivory Tower, Professor Oloyede wears a binocular with which he sees life from two opposing world the West and the East. And this became evident not just in his management of the University of Ilorin in a tenure of five years but also in the humility, selflessness and patriotism with which he demonstrated civility and exhibition of knowledge in that office. The difference between a man of letters and that of knowledge is quite clear. While the one sees life through the common eye, the other sees it with an uncommon vision.

In the days of Socrates, Aristotle and Herodotus, when education was an adorned virtue used as a yardstick for measuring civility and value, no one cared about the material gains accruing from it. Bastardisation of education only set in when certificate be-

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

The exemplary duo •Oloyede

•Balogun

came a means of valuing its material worth.

Thus, with certificate, mere literacy began to be misconceived as education. And today, Nigerian Universities have been reduced to centres of advanced literacy rather than those of education. Whereas literacy is just an added value to education the modern day man has ignorantly but arrogantly interpolated the one for the other. This is what Professor Oloyede resented in his academic odyssey when he chose to combine eastern education with that of the West with a determination to take advantage of both in fertilising the academic soil of Nigeria’s future. For those who didn’t know, that was why he specialised in Islamic Studies even at the professorial level.

Professor Oloyede’s philosophy of life seems to tally ascetically with that of Daniel Webster who in a memorable poem stated as follows: ‘’If we work marble it will perish; if we work upon brass time will efface it; if we rear temples they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and instill in them just principles; we are then engraving that upon tablets which no time can efface but will brighten to all eternity’’.

This is the philosophy that propelled him to adopt contentment as a principle right from the early age. Why relating his reason for contesting for the office of the Vice-Chancellor, he once told some medical students of his University who went to congratulate him on assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor that he never intended to contest for that office.

But when an academic charlatan with an ulterior motive in the same University threatened to expose him if he dared contest for the post, he (Oloyede) saw it as a challenge to put his privacy on a public table. His intention was actually not to contest but to see what would be exposed in his privacy. And, contrary to the expectations of skeptics, he emerged as the Vice-Chancellor without an iota of blemish.

Before contesting for that post he had served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor twice. First, he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and later Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration in the same University of Ilorin where he had spent his entire academic life as a student, as an alumnus lecturer, as a Director in several areas and as a Professor. Thus, he had seen that University inside-out and that was enough to propel an ambition in him to target the highest office in the Citadel for which he was eminently qualified but it did not. Professor Oloyede relayed to his students the story of his unintended contest for the highest office not as mere bravado but as an encouragement towards service to humanity with humility and patriotism.

When he noticed that the position of the Executive Secretary of the Association of African Universities was more meaningful and more beneficial to Nigeria than that of the President which he then held, Professor Oloyede encouraged some of his Nigerian colleagues to apply for that post promising that he would resign his Presidential position in that Association to enable a fellow Nigerian occupy the office. Incidentally, most of his colleagues did not believe him. But when the time came and one of them indicated interest, Oloyede surprisingly resigned as President of African Vice-Chancellors just after two years in an office where he had opportunity to spend two terms of renewable four years each.

However, the Professor who benefited from

Oloyede’s large-heartedness by assuming the office of the Executive Secretary of African Universities eventually ventured into Nigerian local politics and relinquished the covetous post in favour of that of the Secretary to a State Government (SSG) thereby depriving Nigeria the benefit for which Oloyede had resigned as President.

Only a few Nigerians in the academic arena can surpass Oloyede’s record when it comes to the ‘nitty gritty’ of academic administration. Yet, you can hardly notice it in his demeanour. He is not only the first alumnus of the Faculty of Arts in the University of Ilorin to graduate with a ‘First Class’ he is also the first alumnus of that University to obtain a PhD from the same University. Not only that, Professor Oloyede scored many other ‘FIRSTS’ in that University to the admiration of the upcoming students and encouragement for those with same aspiration among them.

He was the ‘FIRST’ Director of Academic Planning and first alumni President to be a member of the Governing Council of the University. Professor Oloyede is also the first Unilorin alumnus to become a Deputy ViceChancellor and subsequently the first alumnus to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

And at the national level, he was the first Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) method of screening applicants in the country just as he was the first Vice-Chancellor to lead a second generation University to the number one position in Nigeria based on external ranking. He also became the first Nigerian ViceChancellor to emerge as President of the Association of African Universities (AAU) and at the same time the Chairman of Association of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU).

Still not done, he is the first Nigerian ViceChancellor to combine the Board membership of International Association of Universities (IAU) with those of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and Association of African Universities (AAU).

With the above listed ‘FIRSTS’ he was (as Vice-Chancellor) able to make Unilorin the first Federal University in Nigeria to run a decade of uninterrupted academic calendar and prompted that University to be internationally ranked as one of the very best 20 Universities in Africa. Also, through his astute academic administration, the University of Ilorin was able to maintain the first position in national ranking for three consecutive years (2009, 2010 and 2011). Another major plus in this man’s life but which most people hardly focus is arbitrating factor. He does not just resent conflicts in whatever form he also regards arbitration as a duty. Thus, he immediately initiates arbitration and reconciliation wherever he notices any conflict be it interpersonal, intertribal or interreligious and ensures resolution without minding the cost. And his impartiality in doing this is generally acknowledged and revered across all borders.

In Professor Oloyede is a great example for those who aspire to be great in a world where greatness is a slippery land. His life has become a guide for the younger professionals and artisans, especially among Muslims who need guidance either as a warning on the vanity of human wishes or as encouragement or both.

Unfortunately however, this same Professor Oloyede who is also the Executive Secretary/Coordinator of Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC) was the one somebody in Ilorin recently wanted to paint black by linking him to a crime of arson in a Church. Can that be of any surprise? Nigerians are notorious for three things: avarice, corruption and mudslinging. But can the sun be affected in any way if a group of blind men claim not to be aware of its existence? Or how does it bother a brook which water the herds decide to boycott?

From what we know of Professor Oloyede, it is only left for the present days to raise up their voices in chorusing ‘GOD BLESS YOU’ to him so that the future days can chorus back ‘AMEN’ in response.

Barrister Bashir Olayinka Babatunde Balogun is a devout, practical Muslim in conduct and mannerism with phenomenal abhorrence for corruption and indecency. His forage into the Nigeria Police Force in 1980 might not be unconnected with that natural tendency in him. Yinka Balogun, as he is popularly known among Muslim brothers, is a quiet, cool-headed and forthright gentleman who pitches his tent with destiny.

He sees hustling as a form of corruption and refrains completely from it. He believes that man can only attain that which Allah has ordained for him and that no man can give what Allah does not give. Yet, he is quite pragmatic in his approach to life while taking his conscience for the scale with which he weighs his deeds from time to time.

Throughout his sojourn in the Nigeria Police Force, Yinka Balogun always found himself as an odd man out at any post because he refused to concur with any abnormal norm of the moment. And he was regularly treated by most of his colleagues as a lone ranger. Here is a man who, having studied and understood the social terrain of Nigeria, resolved never to initiate or engage in any struggle he could not handle all alone.

As a political scientist, he understands the theory of collective responsibility and the possible implications of its entailed betrayal.

Thus, his permanent companion in all his actions is his conscience with which he has never parted for a moment. While most of his colleagues and even his juniors in the Police Force jostled for promotion by other means and sometimes got it, Yinka held on tenaciously to the will of Allah through destiny believing that with Allah there is a scheduled time for everything.

Not only that, Yinka also believes that knowledge is the basis of every success in human life. To him an orphan is not a person who is bereaved of his or her parents but one who is bereaved of knowledge and discipline, hence his continuous pursuit of further knowledge despite heavy personal and official responsibilities. While still in the Police Force, he knew that a thorough police officer ought to be well familiar with the law of the land and thus enrolled for a degree in law after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He also knew that obtaining degrees in Political Science and Law could form a solid background for any modern man in cotemporary time but the combination of both degrees was not enough to make one a crack professional police officer that he eventually became. He therefore embarked on a series of professional courses in addition to the original police training he received initially. Some professional courses he attended include: Criminal Justice Administration Course at the University of West Virginia, USA, Command Course/ASCON, Seminar Management Course on Police Administration and Strategy in Cape Town, South Africa and Master Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan. He also attended the Senior Executive Intelligence Management Course at the Institute of Security Studies, Abuja as well as African/Middle East Chapter Retrainers Course for FBI National Academy Association (FBINNA) organised by the United States Department of Justice at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Botswana.

Equipped with this chain of trainings, which he combined with a formidable educational background, Yinka was able to walk the ladder of Nigeria Police Force to the top except where politics became a barrier. He served as Divisional Crime Officer, Divisional Police Officer, Assistant Force Public Relations Officer II, Acting Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Officer-in-Charge of Motoring Unit, Officer-in-Charge of Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB), Prosecution/Legal Officer (CID), Divisional Police Officer (DPO) AND Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Fraud Division in various places and at various times.

He also served as Team Leader (General Investigation) FCID, Assistant Commissioner of Police (General Investigation), Principal Staff Officer to Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Patrol and Guard, Operations as well as SCID, Officer-in-Charge, Special Fraud Unit(Ikoyi and Abuja) and finally, he became a Commissioner of Police in Ekiti and Edo States respectively before his retirement on October 30.

In all these, what really matters is the indelible mark of dignity Barrister Yinka Balogun has left behind as a legacy. If transparency with dignity is not celebrated in these exemplary duo what else should be celebrated? God bless the duo! God bless the Muslim Ummah!

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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SOCIETY The wife of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Olori Folashade, has been installed as Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba by the Isese Parapo, Oyo. The installation took place at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo. GBENGA ADERANTI was there

H

ISTORY was made in the ancient town of Oyo last Saturday when one of the wives of Alaafin of Oyo, Olori Folashade Adeyemi was installed as the Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba by the Isese Parapo, Oyo, at the Alaafin’s palace, Oyo, Oyo State.

She is the first Yoruba woman to be conferred with the title. Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, his oloris (the queens), traditional rulers from far and wide and guests, seated comfortably, expecting the big masquerade of the day. The scorching sun did not stop the Oyo people from attending the ceremony, and when Olori Folashade came to the vast arena, she did not disappoint.

Olori Folashade is currently an undergraduate at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

Elegantly dressed, Olori Folashade came to the arena in a combination of white and red attire. She was a sight to behold as she cat-walked into the arena. Her ‘beauty queen’ steps were not a surprise to those who knew her antecedents. Her beauty before now had been acknowledged by different awards in her kitty.

The celebrator’s glowing attractive fair skin was shaded from the scorching sun with a royal umbrella.

While she was being ushered unto

•From left: Olori Nihinlola Adeyemi; Oba Adeyemi; Olori Folashade; Akibio of Ilora Oba Stephen Oparinde and Onisabo of Isabo Oba Salami Adedokun Adeteru

A queen’s historic outing

her seat at the middle of the arena, the crowd went into jubilation, and the noise enveloped the sound of the local gun salute meant to announce her presence.

The other oloris were upbeat when Queen Folashade arrive the arena.

The rich culture of Oyo people was on display as various traditional dance groups entertained the guests.

Children between the ages 7-12 drew admiration of many as they recited ifa corpuses; many could not but shower them with money for their rare ingenuity.

Egungun (masquerades) also entertained the guests. The display of the egungun electrified the atmosphere.

The ceremony proper started with educating the people the importance of Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba. This was later followed by the formal presentation of Olori Folashade to the public. Thereafter, the Isese Parapo (a group of traditionalist) came together to pray for the queen.

The rites commenced with the opening of a big white calabash that had smaller ones inside by Olori Folasahde. Inside these small calabashes were assorted items such as honey, kolanuts and other things meant for the ceremony. At every point, Olori Folashade was told to open each of the small calabashes

and tell the excited guests what he found in them; the item picked was used to pray for her.

The ceremony was not devoid of putting the leaves on the YeyeOba Isese which is important when a person is being conferred with a traditional title in Yoruba land; this was followed by the presentation of Ileke (beads) and staff of office. The excited Folashade was ably assisted by Alaafin’s royal Ambassador, Paula Gomez, a Portuguese, who seemed to have mastered Yoruba culture and tradition.

The presentation of certificate and the staff of office to the Olori was the high point of the ceremony while acknowledging the crowd; Olori

Folashade went straight to her husband, Oba Adeyemi, to show her appreciation.

A visibly elated Olori Folashade was full of praise for the people of Oyo and the entire Yoruba race for the honour bestowed on her.

“You believe in me, and you feel that I deserve it that is why you chose to honour me. I thank you all,” Folashade said, after the rituals were concluded.

While the Kabiyesi went on short break, the guests were thrilled by musicians, who had been waiting anxiously to entertain.

The event was attended by traditional rulers and chiefs from different parts of Yorubaland including Oyo State Speaker, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu and council chairmen.

'My dream has come true' The Olayiwola Mabinuori and Shehu Lawal families have become one, following the consummation of the marriage of their children Olakunle and Olamide in Lagos, ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN writes.

I

T was a three-in-one celebration starting with the engagement held at the SS Joachim and Anna Catholic Church Ijegun, a Lagos suburb.

Family, friends and well wishers came from far and wide to witness the blissful union of Kunle Mabinuori and former Miss Olamide Lawal.

Looking radiant in his national attire of green and lemon lace, the groom danced into the hall with his friends to perform the traditional rites.

He was made to prostrate, a sign of respect for his in-laws and seriousness about seeking Olamide's hand in marriage.

Kunle was well received. His in-laws and parents prayed for him.

After performing the necessary rites; the groom was asked to take the special seat prepared for him.

The bride, Olamide, stole the day. She was resplendent in her lemon green lace iro and buba with green Aso oke.

Accompanied by her friends, Olamide danced into the hall full of smiles.

She knelt before her parents who prayed for her. Her in-laws also prayed for her.

The Nikah took place immediately with the Imam of Ijegun Mosque, Alhaji Ayoade Semiu, officiating.

After joining the couple, the Imam urged the newlywed to be each other’s backbone.

"As a couple now, make sure you are always there for each other, trust each other and don't listen to side talks and make sure you always put God first and make him the pillar of your marriage", he said.

The guests were in Aso-ebi of baby pink and pink head gears.

The reception was held at the wedding

•The couple Olakunle and Olamide

•Groom’s mother, Alhaja Abiola and representative of his father, Mr Williams

venue; with the couple took time off to change into fresh attires.

The groom returned in a black suit, white shirt and pink tie; the bride wore a white flowing gown.

The couple danced into the hall accompanied by the bridal train, grooms men and friends.

The bride and groom danced like never before to the tunes dished out by the Upper Musical Band.

Pastor Emoreke Moses urged the couple to respect their marriage vows, and treat each other right.

• Bride’s parents, Mr Lawal and his wife, Pastor Bukola

The reception was chaired by Dr. Olayiwola Bello, who prayed that the union would be fruitful. He urged the couple to let the word of God reign in their home.

It was time for the couple to cut their threestep cake of white and pink Olamide knelt to feed her husband; Kunle fed her in return.

Olamide, a graduate of Accounting from the Lagos State University (LASU) said: "We attended the same university although we were not in the same class and we were not friends, but when he left, we met outside the school premises on his way back from work and on

my way back from school and our friendship developed; then came love and now marriage".

She described her man as loving, down to earth and gentle.

Olakunle, also an accounting a graduate of LASU described his wife as "cheerful, caring and my dream come true".

The bride's father thanked God for the wedding. He advised the couple to be each other's best friend.

The mum, a deputy director at Isheri-Oshun Junior Secondary School in Lagos, Mrs Bukola Lawal was ecstatic with joy. She prayed for the couple to be fruitful and multiply.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

38

CELEBRITY The Nation’s man Oluwasegun Balogun got married to his lovebird, Oluwafisayo Sobanjo at lhe Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant Hall Parish, Iba, Lagos JUMOKE IDOWU and YETUNDE BASHIRU were there.

D

ECEMBER 1 will linger in the memory of the Sobanjos and the Baloguns as their children, Oluwafisayo Adeola and Oluwasegun Bayonle, were joined in holy matrimony.

The wedding took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant Hall Parish, Iba, Lagos suburb.

Oluwasegun wore a black suit, green bow tie: He waited patiently for the arrival of Oluwafisayo.

The elated bride, walked in with her father to meet Oluwasegun on the pulpit.

The officiating minister, Pastor Tunji Adegoke began the service by announcing to the audience the essence of the gathering.

The church service featured praise and worship, Bible reading, exchange of vows, blessing of union, signing of the marriage register and thanksgiving.

Pastor Tunji congratulated the newlyweds on their new journey.

He urged them not to neglect their vows and treat each other with respect.

"These vows are made in the presence of the heavens and the earth.

They are not meant to be toyed with.

When you come together in the

Their day of joy • The couple Oluwasegun and Oluwafisayo with the groom’s men

presence of God to be joined together as man and wife, that pronouncement that you made is exactly what the marriage should look like," he said.

The recessional hymn O Father, All Creation was taken as the couple marched out, accompanied by their parents, bridal train, groom's men, committee of friends, family members and well wishers.

A photographic session was held outside before the guests stormed Vickpark Events Centre, Iba, for the reception.

The guests looked stunning in their Aso-ebi (uniformed attire) of green and orange.

The hall was equally decorated in green and orange.

The couple danced into the hall accompanied by the bridal train,

• Segun Fagbalu (right) and Dr. Femi Hamzat

WEDDING

• Mr Edmond Eze and his wife Chisom at the reception after their solemnisation at Living Faith Church Rock heaven, Jos.

grooms men and committee of friends in a well arranged manner.

Their stylish dance steps thrilled the guests.

Chairman on the occasion, Senator Babafemi Ojodu was represented by Pastor Tom Ebong.

He congratulated the couple on their new beginning.

"Marriage is the best thing that

can happen to anyone," he said.

He prayed the union be fruitful and productive.

There was the cutting of cake and feeding.

An elated groom said he married a woman of his heart.

His wife thanked God for making the day a reality.

"I'm married to the man of my dreams," she replied.

• Gbenga Akintola (left) and Alh. Sarudeen Tunji Labode

AWARD

• Mr Kabiru Abdullah (second right) with his wives Rukayat (left) and Halima with the Vice Chancellor, Littoral University Porto (Institut Littoral Des Etudes Professionnelles Superieures) Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, Prof Ayeni Oyebode when Abdulahi was being presented with a honorary doctorate at the university’s third matriculation and award ceremony held at the National Stadium Porto-Novo.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

39

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

In the remote town of Odosengolu, Ijebu-Ode, Vanguards Academy is building the future of children. On Saturday, it hosted founding fathers, parents and other dignitaries to a Luncheon to mark its 10th anniversary. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

Silence is Golden!

So, why Speak?

ILENCE has been described by some authors and scholars as one of the most valuable forms of expression. They were of the opinion that it AMODU LANRE speaks volumes. Carmen OLAOLU (Ph.D) de Monteflores said "I think sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. the first virtue is to restrain the tongue; he approaches nearest to gods who knows how to be silent, even though he is in the right." This means that silence goes beyond a physical action; it is a divine nature. Josh Billings also said, "The most profound statements are often said in silence." This corrects the notion that multitude of words must precede making sense.

It has also been suggested that silence can save us from making a fool of ourselves. In respect to this, Meister Eckhart said, "Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer." Agreeing with this, Robert Louis Stevenson said, "Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant." Silence is a worthy teacher that abides with its student throughout life.

M.S. Merwin observed, "Now, all my teachers are dead except silence."

As valuable as silence is, however, it cannot always replace speech. Silence has its place and so does speech. When speech is necessary, silence may seem like a compromise.

According to Martin Luther King Jr., "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Fraquhar Tupper also said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

Not only can silence be sometimes misunderstood, it can also be misleading; Attanasio said, "Silence is a text easy to misread." It is important, then, to speak to clarify intentions.

There are three important uses of speech, among others, and there are; to express displeasure, to express desire, and to offer leadership.

1) To Express Displeasure: it is a common saying that it is easier to criticize a person, idea, or organization than to proffer a solution. Very true! So, to avoid being called a critic, or having to think up a solution, most people opt for silence. Some other people pride themselves in being "frank," so, they "say it as it is!" I have often heard people say, "Well, I will say what I think; they may take it or leave it. They may even hate me for it. Whether they change or not doesn't matter!" First, it is not wrong to express displeasure, and second, the manner of speaking determines the result. It can cost a person or an organization a fortune if the people who notice its flaws, which when corrected could have resulted in improvement, decide to stay silent. Wherever you are, your ability to identify the challenges around you may be an indication that you can do something about them. On the other hand, criticism must be constructive and not destructive. If you are more interested in airing your views "frankly" than in seeing the situation change, you are probably selfcentered. Dale Carnegie noted, "Criticism is futile because it puts a man on the defensive, and usually makes him justify himself. Criticism is dangerous because it wounds a man's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment." Nevertheless, you can constructively criticize issues you have noticed with the intention of instigating people against mediocrity and motivating them towards excellence.

2) To Express Desire: speech is one of the most valuable tools for expressing desires with minimal possibility of misunderstanding. This involves painting a picture of a desired state of being that your listeners can relate with.

Most public speakers are driven by a passion for change which they sell to their audience. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and that dream was replicated in the minds of thousands of people through his speeches. Barak Obama spoke of his desire for change, and he ended up at the White House.

When a desire becomes a passion, you cannot but speak it out; in your mind, it is a dream, and in your mouth, it is a weapon.

3) To Offer Leadership: an author once observed that we have enough problems getting people to do the things they want to do, how much more the things they don't want to do? Leadership is not about making others follow, but about giving them a reason to. The most successful leaders are those with enthusiastic followers. One sure way to inject enthusiasm into followers is through speech. Of course, such a speech must be based on mutual interest and genuine intentions.

You do yourself great injustice when the time is there, the audience is there, and the words are there, yet you do not speak. Silence is golden, but speech is crystal!

S

•Sheikh Abdul Fatah Thanni; Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i and Hon Rafiu Baruwa

•Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) senior lecturer Dr Ismail Bidmus

•Dr Adeniyi (left) Alhaji Arogundade

•Alhaji AbdulGaniy Atitebi (left) Alhaji Abdul Kareem Kadri

• University of Lagos senior lecturer (UNILAG) Dr Tajudeen Yusuf (left) and Alhaji Abdullahi

•Alhaja Apalara

•Alhaja Parakoyi

•Chief Executive Officer, SAFMAQ Alhaji Mutiu Adeboye

•Special Assistant to Voice of Nigeria (VON) Director-General Abu Umar Al-Faruq

Alhaji Dawud Arogundade delivered a welcome address.

Arogundade, a first degree holder in Geography Education and Masters in Guidance and Counselling, is the Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, Lagos State.

Decked in a flowing blue agbada, a befitting cap and matching pair of shoe, the lanky educationist described the day as one of his happiest moment.

He said the school has made landmarks in continuous provision of qualitative education in and outside the classrooms.

According to him, the school has churned out students with impeccable moral standard.

He thanked individuals, parents and groups that contributed to the success of the

school in the last decade, urging them not to relent in supporting the school's projects.

One of the founding fathers, Alhaji Shuaib Abdullahi likened the school to a mustard seed that has grown to be an iroko tree.

Abdullahi, the former Nigerian-Arab Association Executive Secretary praised the school management for impacting academic excellent in the students.

The Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation urged the management not to relent in achieving the target goals.

The school's Director of Administration, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi boasted that the school has lived up to its name but noted that more still needed to be done to meet the goals of the founding fathers, many of who were present.

In the vanguard of learning

T

HE movement of fourwheel vehicles caught the people unawares.

Before they could raise their eyes to see who were in the cars, everywhere had become dusty. In no time, the ancient town - Odosengolu in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State was filled with dignitaries from across the country.

Odosengolu, a beautiful village, is sandwiched between Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State and Epe, another ancient and popular town in Lagos State.

Odosengolu hosted eminent personalities who came for the luncheon climaxing the 10th anniversary of a model private secondary school, Vanguards Academy last Saturday. The school was established in 2002 with 33 pioneering students.

It is about 45 minutes from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye and about 30 minutes' drive from the Ogun State proposed Cargo Airport.

It started operation in Isiwo, a few metres away from the Odosengolu permanent site. Isiwo is a town to behold with its undulating topography and aesthetic landscape. It is home to some of the prominent citizens of

the state. The inhabitants enjoy closely linked family ties.

The guests shone in different traditional and foreign attires. Some decked in agbada, babaringa, buba and sokoto, others appeared in Arabian outfits - jelbaab, jalabia with matching turban.

Many of the inhabitants of the town could not but catch glimpse of the activities inside the school.

The ceremony began with the commissioning of boreholes, the school's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture to the host town.

Afterwards, guests returned to the school's open field for the commencement of the ceremony. The event equally featured N150 million fund raising, entertainment by the school students and goodwill messages.

Mouth-watering meals and choice drinks were served.

The guests, who deferred the traffic snarl along the LagosIbadan expressway among other roads felt a taste of what the students enjoy in the school.

Shortly after the opening prayer and introduction of the guests, Chairman of the school's Management Board,

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

40

SOCIETY The funeral of the slain traditional ruler of Umuode community, Igwe Moses Ugwu, Ode 1 of Unuode has been held at the Catholic Church, Umuode, Enugu State. CHRIS ORJI reports

•Widow and children of the deceased

• Acting Governor of Enugu, Sunday Onyebuchi (left) and John Egba

• Prof. Nnaji and wife

• From right: Former Inspector General of Police, Ogbonnaya Onovo, George Ugwu and Abdul Wahab

Exit of a peacemaker T

HEY live close to each other but are divided by fracas. At the least opportunity, Umuode and Oruku communities are at each other’s throat, fighting over land. The crisis got to a head about three months ago when the traditional ruler of Umuode in Enugu State, Igwe Moses Ugwu, was killed in Akpuoga on October 9.

His killing was linked to the rivalry between Umuode and Oruku. Last weekend, Ugwu’s remains were buried. For the funeral, the Umuode kingdom got a face lift. The major road linking the community with its neighbours was graded; pathways and walkways were paved to ensure free movement.

The palace of the fallen traditional ruler was decorated with clothes of different colours. There were exotic canopies all across the palace. The homes of his next door neighbours former Power Minister, Prof.

Nnaji and Justice Anthony Onovo were also glitter decorated.

The only church in the community, the Catholic Church, could not contain the crowd that attended the funeral service. The mass was said at a cleared expanse of land just 100 metres from the church. The land in the resting place of the fallen monarch and others to come after him. He was buried there

immediately after the mass.

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu diocese, Bishop Callistus Onaga, conducted the service, assisted by other priests. The Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Okonkwo Gbuji, was also there.

In his homily, Bishop Onaga, said no matter the amount of money made by the assassins, it would not be useful for them. He warned those that are paid to kill and those that hire people to kill that God's judgement is near.

"Do not think it is far. His judgement is just by the corner," the bishop sermonized.

Bishop Onaga said the blood shed in the Umuode and Oruku crises would not be in vain. He recalled that the late Ugwu was mediating in another crisis between two communities before his death.

Said the bishop: "His blood will not be in vain. It is going to bring positive things to Umuode people. May his death be a blessing to us. He died for us to get peace."

While hoping that God would resolve the Umuode and Oruku rift, and the bishop charged the royal fathers of Nkanuland to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure that peace returns to the warring communities.

He told the monarchs: "Royal fathers are not doing much. They should not expect the

• Bishop Onaga

•Hon Ojinma Egbuaku

clergy to do all. But we believe that one day it will come to an end."

Prof. Nnaji, regretted the death of the monarch, who was his cousin.

People, he said, may not understand the importance of the Igwe in the peace process between Umuode and Oruku communities.

"His voice was always a voice of reasoning.

He would always pacify Umuode people not to retaliate in time of provocation," Nnaji said.

Nnaji called on the government to

implement the recommendations of the white paper of the panel that looked into the crisis.

Justice Onovo said Umuode is a community in transition.

"We are yet to settle down," he said.

Describing Umuode and Oruku as brothers, he said, however, that God gave each person different destiny.

He hoped that the death of Igwe Ugwu would bring peace to the warring communities.

WHAT AND WHERE Turbaning

•Pedro (SAN)

Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN) will be turbaned as the A g b e s i n g a Adinni of Brazilian/Salvador Mosque, Lagos on

Sunday.

Reception will follow after at the mini hall behind the mosque at Campos Square

Communion Reverend Olabisi Bankole will be consecrated as Charismatic Bishop of the International Communion of Charismatic and Apostolic Ministers on Saturday, at 7, Duduyemi

Street ,Egbeda,Lagos.

Seminar

The 2012 edition of Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI), a non-governmental organisation, annual Youth Orientation Programme will begin today at Sound Hope College, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

The programme is meant to enlighten secondary school leavers aiming at furthering their education. This year's edition has the theme 'Making of the Champions'. It will be rounded off on Sunday.

Concert

The Apostolic annual Christmas Concert will hold on Sunday at the Apostolic Faith Tabernacle Campground Road, Anthony Village, Lagos.

The District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Rev Emmanuel Adeniran said the concert will witness presentations on Christmas Cantata, symphony orchestra, classical and sacred music from the masters that will draw men to Christ.

Coronation The 15th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Pere S PLuke-Kalanama (VIII) Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom will hold tomorrow at palace playground Akugbene town, Delta.

Special guest on the occasion is the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan while his deputy Prof Amos Utuama will be the guest of honour.

Funeral

A Christian wake keep for the late Madam Adebamiro Comfort Adesimbo will hold today at her residence 22, Olorunsogo Street, off Aiyegbeami Street, Ibonwon Epe, Lagos State.

It will be followed with a funeral service at Immaculate Heart of Conception Catholic Church.

A reception for guests will hold tomorrow at Ansaru-ud-Deen Primary School, Ibonwon, Epe.

Wedding

Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the

Action Congress of Nigeria Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale's son Barr Ladipo wedding ceremony will hold tomorrow at Arch Bishop Vining, Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja.

Reception follows at the All S e a s o n s P l a z a , • Ajomale A g i d i n g b i , Ikeja.

Show

The 2012 edition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival will hold tomorrow at Freedom Park, Lagos. The festival will witness presentations from the Brazillian group, Thobiasde Vai Vai from Sao Polo. The show is tagged Bring Back Brazil.

42

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

There seems to be no end in sight to the controversies generated by the recent de-registration of 28 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In this report, ERIC IKHILAE and GBENGA OMOKHUNU examine the suit filed by the National Conscience Party (NCP) and submit that it holds the answer to the outrage over INEC’s action.

T

HE contest between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the 28 deregistered political parties has continued to generate rumpus on the nation’s political scene. The political parties are looking up to the courts to declare INEC as lacking the powers to strike off the parties from the register of players on the electoral stage.

Although some of the affected parties have headed for the court, an imminent answer to this question exists in a suit instituted last year by the National Conscience Party (NCP), established by the late activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos has fixed March 6, next year for judgment in the suit marked: FHC/L/CS/1084/2011. He chose the date on December 7, after entertaining final arguments from parties to the suit. NCP and one of its officials, Tunde Agunbiade are listed as plaintiffs, while the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and INEC are named as defendants.

The plaintiffs are, by the suit, challenging the legitimacy of Section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, which empowers INEC to deregister parties for failing to win at least an elective position legislative or executive during a general election.

It wants the court to void the provision on the ground that the National Assembly exceeded its bound in enacting such a law. NCP argued that provisions of section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act violates citizens’ right to freedom of association guaranteed under section 40 of the Constitution.

Section 78(7) provides that: “The commission shall have power to deregister political parties on the following grounds: (i) breach of any of the requirements for registration and (ii) failure to win presidential or governorship election or seat in the National Assembly or State Assembly.”

The plaintiffs are praying the court for two declarative and injunctive reliefs. They want the court to declare that the provision of section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2004 (as amended) is inconsistent with article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and section 40 of the Constitution, and therefore null and void having regard to the provisions of section 1(3) of the Constitution.

They also seek a declaration that the provisions of paragraph 18(1), (4) and (5) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act contravene section 6 (6) (a) and (b) of the Constitution and therefore null and void in view of the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Constitution.

The plaintiffs are also praying the court for a perpetual injunction restraining INEC “from further disbanding or deregistering the first plaintiff (NCP) or any political party in Nigeria for that matter, in breach of the provision of the Constitution.”

Arguing the plaintiffs’ case on December 7, their lawyer, Marcus Eyarhono, urged the court to grant his clients’ prayers and void INEC’s power to deregister parties under the Electoral Act. He argued that the provision contained in section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act infringed on the freedom of association guaran-

• Prof. Jega

•Justice Mukhtar

•The late Fawehinmi

INEC vs 28 parties: Court to the rescue teed under section 40 of the Constitution and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right.

“We submit humbly that the combined effects of the provisions of sections 38, 40 and 42 of the Constitution, the right to freedom of association, particularly, as it relates to political parties, is inviolable and inalienable, save as provided by the constitution.”

The AGF declined to respond to the case. But the National Assembly responded and defended the commission’s powers to deregister political parties. The National Assembly argued that, in empowering INEC to register and deregister political parties, it acted within its legislative competence as provided in Section 4 of the Constitution.

INEC contended that its powers to deregister parties which failed to win any elective position was not an infringement on the fundamental rights of the citizens as guaranteed under section 40 of the Constitution and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

They both urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the laws being challenged by the plaintiffs were validly made.

Specifically, the National Assembly argued in its written address, that aside the legislative powers vested on it by Section 4 of the Constitution, Section 228 (d) further empowers it to enact laws that regulate INEC’s activities.

It urged the court to hold that the provisions of Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act was validly made and it is within the ambit of its powers to make. It also argued that the provision did not negate the provision of section 40 of the constitution and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

INEC argued that the suit was premature as it failed to disclose any cause of action against it. The electoral body noted that the plaintiffs have not shown that it has taken steps to deregister NCP. It contended that the plaintiffs have failed to establish any wrong doing on its part.

On December 7, INEC’s lawyer, Adeniyi Lawal urged the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that it is incompetent and amounts to abuse of court process.

He urged the court to hold that INEC is empowered by the Constitution and a validly enacted Act of the National Assembly to deregister parties.

Lawal, who argued that his client had not infringed on the plaintiff’s right in any way, contended that the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make, enact and amend the nation’s laws.

Also, National Assembly’s lawyer, Oluwatosin Apata urged the court to disregard the plaintiffs’ claims.

He contended that Sections 4 and 228(d) of the Constitution empowers the National Assembly to exercise legislative powers to enact laws

that regulate the activities of INEC, including the power to register and deregister political parties.

Apata further argued that the right to form and join political party is not an absolute right as Section 40 of the Constitution cited by the plaintiff, provided for the non-recognition of political parties.

“The constitution does not explicitly spell out criteria for the recognition of political associations as political parties and so by virtue of Section 4(1)(2)(3) and item 56 of the Exclusive Legislative List in Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly is empowered to make laws that specifically cater for the criteria and other details with respect to regulation of political parties.

“Thus, the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and particularly, Section 78(7)(ii) was validly enacted,” Apata said.

Prior to the last hearing date, the court in June ordered parties to maintain status quo. It warned INEC against proceeding with its said purported plan to deregister NCP pending the determination of the suit.

Justice Abang warned that his court would not hesitate in nullifying any step taken by INEC which violates the law and forms part of the prayers contained in the plaintiffs’ interlocutory application, seeking an injunction against the electoral body.

On September 12, Justice Abang ruled on the Plaintiffs’ application for interlocutory injunction and fur-

‘Enraged leaders of the affected political parties at the meeting described Jega’s action as unlawful; hence, they vowed to disregard INEC and continue to operate as political parties in line with provisions of the constitution. The embittered leadership of the parties expressed further expressed profuse outrage at INEC’s action even as they accused the Commission of reckless abuse of constitutional dictates’

ther restrained INEC from deregistering NCP. The judge held, in a ruling that the order shall subsist pending the determination of the suit by NCP. The judge ordered the plaintiff to endorse a Form 48 (notice of consequences of disobedience of court orders) and serve it along with the court order, on INEC’s Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega personally.

Justice Abang refused the second leg of the plaintiffs’ prayer to the effect that INEC should be restrained from deregistering any political party in the country.

The judge held that it was improper for the court to make an order in favour of parties not before it.

He noted that the other political parties were not parties in the suit before the court.

Justice Abang also noted that the need to restrain INEC from deregistering the plaintiff before the determination of the main suit was with the consent of parties, particularly INEC’s lawyer, Lawal, who undertook that INEC will not deregister the plaintiff until the main suit is decided.

The judge, who noted that INEC defaulted in filing processes within the stipulated time, granted the commission additional time to respond to the suit. His decision, he said, was informed by the need to ensure justice to all parties.

The plaintiffs had, in an affidavit supporting its application for interlocutory injunction, argued that unless restrained, INEC would carry out its alleged threat to deregister some parties.

“If the third respondent (INEC) is not restrained promptly from deregistering the first plaintiff (NCP) or any political party pending the determination of the substantive suit, it may carry out its threat to do so, and this will cause irreparable damage to the plaintiffs,” the party had argued.

Meanwhile, Intense anger was expressed and deeply felt at the parley which was held in Abuja, the federal capital. The conveners of the meeting were pillars of the 28 political parties that were struck out of existence by the INEC, the nation’s political empire.

In utter indignation, it was a barrage of criticisms from the conveners who wondered why the Prof.

Attahiru Jega-led INEC would kill what they described as constitutionally recognised political parties. The INEC decision, the parties contended, was shocking and unexpected.

Enraged leaders of the affected political parties at the meeting described Jega’s action as unlawful; hence, they vowed to disregard INEC and continue to operate as political parties in line with provisions of the constitution. The embittered leadership of the parties expressed further expressed profuse outrage at INEC’s action even as they accused the Commission of reckless abuse of constitutional dictates.

The aggrieved parties’ spokesman who is also the National Chairman of African Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Emmanuel Okereke, said Jega went ahead with the de-registration of parties in utter disregard for the subsisting court order to the contrary, thus, according to him, acting in contempt of the Federal High Court.

He told The Nation that the parties •Continued on page 44

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

44

POLITICS

...waiting on the court •Continued from page 43

had resolved to ignore the said deregistration and go ahead with their normal activities pending the final decision on its court case challenging INEC’s action. His words: “We are warning him (Jega) to tender his resignation letter because what he has done is a clear indication that the commission under him cannot conduct a credible election. He has shown that he is no longer capable of managing our electoral process. His actions are deliberate.”

Okereke accused INEC of carrying out a premeditated act, having caused the sudden switch in the date of April 2011 general election from the date it was earlier scheduled for. According to him, it was this sudden change in the election date which had huge cost implications that led to the dismal performance of the weaker parties.

He said that N180 million was appropriated in this year’s budget for INEC to organize meetings with parties but that the chairman never held any but simply pocketed it.

“INEC has a hidden agenda. The agenda is to reduce parties in the country to two. Since Prof. Attahiru Jega assumed office as Chairman of INEC, he has never called a meeting of political parties, “he said.

Another party’s National Chairman, Mr. Damian Ogbonna of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), while reading resolutions of the parties, said INEC acted in a most reckless manner unknown to democratic world and against constitution of Nigeria by embarking on such an “anti-people, anti-democratic and grossly illegal escapade.”

He accused INEC of waging war against the rights of the free people of Nigeria to freely associate.

He said: “INEC acted in contemptuous disregard of court proceedings on the constitutionality of deregistration of political parties and the provisions of the Electoral Act being litigated against at the Federal High Courts in Lagos and Abuja. In fact, an application for a judicial order to restrain INEC from the deregistration of any political party was filed and served on INEC as far back as May 23, this year.

“The key element of our freedoms as citizens in a democratic country is the freedom of association as enshrined in our constitution. This freedom is now under attack and is being dangerously undermined by INEC, the very body empowered by law to nurture, safeguard and advance democratic ideals.

“The right of Nigerians to freely associate, including the right to form and belong to a political party of choice is fundamental. This right is enshrined under the Fundamental Human Rights Schedule, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). INEC has no constitutional powers to tamper with these rights; neither does any law made

by the National Assembly. Unfortunately, INEC is now waging a war of attrition against the rights of the free people of Nigeria to freely associate.” Speaking further, he said: “Political parties existed as political associations prior to the transformation by virtue of Section 229 of the Constitution of Nigeria. Political associations transform into political parties as directed by Section 229 of the Constitution of Nigeria, having satisfied the conditions precedent as clearly spelt out in it. It then follows that the political parties will continue to function as political parties with all rights inherent to contest all elections. No inferior law or misguided prescription by INEC of any other organ of government will change that fact.

“The mere fact that the constitution empowers the National Assembly to make laws on the administration of political parties and their relationship with INEC does not in any way confer on any government organ, any power to alter the Constitution of Nigeria by a mere exercise of legislation.

The government cannot and does not have the powers to legislate away the peoples’ rights.”

“This is a country where the culture of rigged and stolen elections under the eye of INEC is threatening our democracy. Rather than pursuing frivolities in the guise of action, INEC would be better off working to eradicate its own culture, which unfortunately encourages and cultivate massive electoral corruption.

“In the light of the INEC’s action, we the political parties of Nigeria will continue to function as fullfledged political parties in strict compliance with the provisions Section 221-2/9 of the Constitution of Nigeria. We urge Professor Attahiru Jega to stem the current lawlessness that has become so pervasive in INEC and to be lawabiding, failing which we the political parties of Nigeria will move to protect our inalienable rights as a free people to our cherished freedom by every conceivable means.

The attempt to turn this country into a nation of one or two statesanctioned political parties will not stand,” he further said.

Some of the party leaders who spoke at the meeting made reference to what obtains in other parts of the world where the number of political parties is as high as 177.

For instance, the party leaders said South Africa has as many as 159 registered political parties while the United States of America (USA) has 210 recognised parties.

Only time will tell when and how this battle will end, but it is the expectation of all that the right path is followed to settle the lingering issue.

Dr Mike Egbebuike was Commissioner for Environment in Governor Peter Obi’s administration. In this interview with ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU, he opposes the call for power shift to Anambra North Senatorial District in 2015.

Anambra 2014: Zoning not best option, says ex-commissioner •Egbebuike

I

T is being alleged that you want to be governor of Anambra- State.

How would you react to the contention it is not the turn of Anambra Central to become governor?

I have not said that I have the ambition to be the governor of Anambra State and I am also saying that being a governor is not beyond me.

Then, on the issue of zoning, I leave that to the political parties. I have heard that the North were promised governorship if they support APGA and we heard also that the North never supported APGA and is not entitled to governorship.

Other people also said that the North was promised governorship without condition. So, the answer lies with the political parties. But when PDP zones presidency, it was just PDP. Sometimes, zoning is a very good thing only when you are trying to protect these things between major large geographical regions but sometimes it can result to inefficiency. In countries like America, we don’t talk about zoning.

If you are talking about zoning, you know that you don’t want to get the best because it always narrows one down.

But if there are contracts made, that will be binding on those that made the promise. But whether zoning or not, the best thing is to ask God to give us the best leader, somebody that can follow on what Gov. Obi has started. We have to listen to God because who says that APGA has monopoly of winning that governorship race, APGA may end up bringing somebody from the zone and another party brings from the zone, the electorate is not interested in the zoning.

But, if APGA has promised a particular zone, then, APGA is obliged to fulfill the promise they made. In contract law when you make a promise, you are bound to perform. But, I know my governor will always say, and I like to respect his opinion that the North has been promised the governorship race and if that is the case, we shall wait and see what God wants.

Which means that if you are not given

• From left: Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Funminiyi Afuye, his Ogun State Counterpart, Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu, Representative of the Katsina State Governor Alhaji Sada Salin Rumal, Dr. Amos Akingba, and Jimoh Ibrahim at the National Mirror Second Anniversary Lecture held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

the ticket in APGA, you can switch to another party?

I have not said that I want to contest for governorship, but I am actually saying that those contesting may not be better than me. We make mistakes when we don’t bring God into our decisions. I had the opportunity to understand my state in the past three years the way I never knew it. I have seen the problems and have also seen what could be done. It must not need to be done by me. It could be done by whoever God brings to be the governor because everybody cannot be governor. It could be people supporting the governor. There are people in Nigeria who contribute more than the people at the helm of affairs simply by their impacts.

What are those problems you have observed and what are the answers to them?

First of all, I believe that Nigeria is very corrupt and as long as we have that corruption, we can never progress. Then, one of the biggest problems is not knowing who we are, that is lack of identity.

America works because every individual is known. If you give me a date of birth and social security number, an American will tell you precisely, who you are.

If somebody has gone to jail or commits crime, America collects your finger print so that next time crime is committed, there is a better chance that it must be from the community of crime committers, so they can go back to their data base and pick somebody up. They do all these things because they have an identity system. But, here, we don’t even know who is a Nigerian or who is a Malian or who is Cameroonian. Everybody claims to be Nigerian. In fact, I went to school with somebody who claims he is a Nigerian but finally, he is from Cameroon.

So we can stop crime in Nigeria with easy identity system. So, the only thing that will help us is to invest in technology. We talk about crime today but if we have proper technology, we can flush it out of the system. We are interested in building infrastructure which is good but the basic thing is not yet done. This country is operating without the skeleton. It has flesh but has no skeleton. If we are to look inwards and ask ourselves our age, nobody can now say. I could have up to 3 or 4 identity systems in Nigeria. So, how can we fight crime without knowing who the people are? I don’t even know how we got to where we are today because without identification system, American will not even be possible.

So, that is what I think that should be done. I don’t even want to go to the bigger one that everybody sees like electricity and others because corruption has been the bane of everything. If Ghana has electricity, why can’t Nigeria have?

There are many things to be done to turn this country around. I have not seen any police officer that is like Nigerian police.

It is totally dysfunctional.

So, there are basic things to be done to move the country forward. We don’t have to look at the big ones. Once we take care of the small basic ones, the big ones will fall in place. Nigeria is like a country without proper foundation. We are just floating. I am praying to God that this oil doesn’t finish and the Boko Haram doesn’t come again because if they do, we are probably not going to learn any lesson from that. If we don’t have proper I.D. system in this country, we can’t even collect taxes; half of the people are not paying taxes. The ones that are paying, pays for those that are not paying. Once they catch you, you pay for your own and the man who didn’t pay. If you withdraw 10, 000 Dollars in America, you get a letter and you are monitored.

Are you in support of state police?

When it comes to state police, I know there are fears people had about governors misusing the state police in the country by using them to intimidate their opponents. But the people saying that are actually indicting themselves because what they are actually saying is that the president today is using the police to intimidate his enemies. If the president is not using the federal police to intimidate the citizenry or his enemies, why should anybody argue that the state governor will use state police to intimidate his enemies?

Let me take my governor, Mr. Peter Obi for instance, his enemies have been moving around with siren and he has the power to arrest them but he is not even interested to do that, even though the law has given him the power to do that. So, I don’t think he is going to do more than what he is doing today if given state police.

So I don’t know why we are arguing.

Governors are Chief Security Officers of states and you cannot be answering CSO when you are not. Its either we make the president the Chief Security Officer of states and the whole country and leave the governors alone. But if still address them as that, we need to make them incharge of security. So that they can give instructions to the commissioner of police and he will listen to them. So, if governors were allowed to be in control of state police, it will bring a lot of changes, the insecurity issue will be a thing of the past. Now, all the governors from the north are blaming the president. What we need to do is to have state police and federal marshals like it is done in US so that federal interests are not put at stake.

Some people ask how are they going to be paid. Well, the police today are still being paid, so the federal government can bring out the money they are paying them and give to states, so that they can pay them. Do you know how many vehicles Governor Obi has given to the police? How many of them do you see on the streets? So, we need to grow. The arguments we make today are the kinds of arguments we made in the fifties.

Babangida made bold to say that Nigeria is ripe for state police. So, this is what true federation is and it will solve our security problems. The northern governors have all agreed that state police is the answer but after meeting with their • The guest lecturer and former emirs and religious leaders, they made a Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice u-turn by saying that they don’t want state Dahiru Musdapher at the event. police and I wonder why they said that.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

Page 45

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Obi strengthens anti-poverty battle

T

•Governor Obi

HE picture is clear as to which issues will receive top priority in the new year by the Anambra State government.

Tackling poverty will get maximum attention, said Governor Peter Obi, explaining that his administration will prioritise economic empowerment so that more people will be able to fend for themselves and their immediate families.

To that extent, the governor said his government will provide the stimulus for microfinance credit to small- and medium-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

scale entrepreneurs. This, it is believed, will help people break the shackles of poverty.

There are other issues that will also receive attention in 2013, one of which is infrastructural renewal, an ongoing programme of the state government.

Obi made this much known when he presented the appropriation Bill for 2013 to the state House of Assembly. The governor sought approval for the sum of N110.890b with which to

implement his plans in the new year.

The figure represented an increase of 33.28 per cent over the budget of the out-going year, which was N83.200b.

The budget christened “Sixth Budget of Integrated Development”, has N70.895b for capital expenditure and N39.995b for recurrent expenditure.

The governor said emphasis would be on poverty reduction, while prioritisation of projects and programmes is the guiding principle in allocation of funds.

He explained that the budget reflects the critical development needs of the people of the state and will intensify the ongoing reforms in the public financial sector.

In his budget speech, Obi said that his administration would target constructing at least 100km of asphalted roads with drains and culverts in 2013.

“We shall continue to ensure that all communities are linked up to further boost socio economic activities,” he said.

•Continued on Page 46

F

ORMER leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has revealed another side of him.

He gathered prominent Nigerians to support the cause of better education and healthcare in the oil-rich delta.

Tompolo revealed his deep love for the masses and probably explained the impetus for his past activities when he launched the Tompolo Foundation at the Hotel Excel in Effurun-Warri, Delta State.

The event gave the public a rare chance to see the face and look into the mind of the enigmatic former warlord. Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Amnesty Chairman of the Federal Government’s amnesty committee, gave an insight into Tompolo’s background when he told guests, including representative of Vice President Namadi Sambo, “This is a young man, who saw money at an early age.”

Kuku said Tompolo was the first person in Warri to own a Mercedes Benz V-boot in the 90s, revealing that he exchanged his comfort for a life of armed struggle in the creeks because he wanted a better deal for his people.

The former Ondo State lawmaker said he was not surprised that the former MEND leader would, again, set up a foundation to cater for his kinsmen and indigent Niger Deltans.

Vice President Sambo urged critics of the former militant leader to look beyond his role as a freedom fighter and emulate his action in giving back to the society. The Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, who represented Sambo, said it is elating that the former freedom fighter was giving back to the society.

He said: “People should look at the society and contribute.

Tompolo has done so much, not just as a freedom fighter but in giving back to the society.”

Wike promised that the Federal Government will identify with the foundation and seek areas of partnership to better the lot of the people

•Traditional rulers and guests at the inauguration of the foundation

Ex-militant fights for needy kids Tompolo floats education, health foundation From Shola O’Neil, Warri

of the area.

Speaking in the same vein, Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was represented

by Mr. Tonye Timi, said the TF initiative was in tandem with his 3-Point Agenda. He said he was elated that a public-spirited individual like the Gbaramatu Kingdom-born Tompolo was interested in improving living and education standard in the area.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, said the foundation was informed by the desire to touch the lives of impoverished children in the region.

He said his boss was concerned about the fate of millions of indigent children from the riverside communities who are forced to compete with their

fortunate counterparts from urban areas of the country with better-equipped schools and recreational facilities to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

“The vision and mission of the Tompolo Foundation is to promote equal and effective education and quality health delivery to the less privileged at little or no cost on the beneficiaries.”

Bebenimibo said the foundation would focus on provision of qualitative health and education facilities. He said Ekpemupolo had been in the business of philanthropy since he was born.

“He has been of tremendous support and help to the needy in the society,” Bebenimibo said.

He appealed to well meaning Nigerians and public spirited individuals to donate generously to the foundation to enable him to continue to touch the lives of

the less privileged.

In his address, a university don, Professor Augustine Ikelegbe, chair of the launch, lamented: “The Niger Delta region is one of the least developed parts of the nation as it is poor and disadvantaged in several indicators of development. It is also one of the least developed and most deprived oil rich communities in the world. The region’s struggle for special developmental attention since the 1950s has not yielded substantial fruits.”

Ikelegbe, a Professor of Comparative Politics and Public Policy at the University of Benin, commended Tompolo for the gesture and called on other Niger Deltans to follow his example.

Over N100million was garnered during the launch with indigenous oil services firm -

FENOG Nigeria Limited donating N30 million and a Toyota Hiluy pickup van. Other donors included Igho Charles Shanomi and Chief Ayiri Emami, who gave N10m each.

Tony Uranta pledged to raise N10m through his goodwill, while Skyebank MD, Mr. T. Ayeni and a friend made personal donation of N10m.

Ijaw leader, Chied Edwin Clark sent a N500,000 donation.

High point of the ceremony was drama presentation by children of Fiowei Primary Schoo, Oporoza.

Speaking with our reporter after the ceremony, Bebenimibo used the opportunity to clear the air on the controversy generated by the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Oil Facility Surveillance Limited, a company said to be •Continued on Page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

46

Obi strengthens anti-poverty battle •Continued from Page 45 On housing, he said the state intends to partner with the private sector to provide more residential accommodation to the people.

He assured on the “proposed housing estates and interventions.”

As a means of attracting more industries to the state, the governor said his administration would continue to improve the business climate while microfinance credit would be provided to viable financial institutions for lending to small and medium scale business within the real and productive sectors of the economy.

Several sums of money were also voted for reactivating the Greater Onitsha Water Scheme and other schemes, development of at least 300 hectares of tractorable land for crop produc•Continued from Page 45 owned by Tompolo.

He lamented that the good intentions of the late President Umar Yar’Adua was being tainted by politics. “The respected late president approved a surveillance of oil facilities jobs to cater for over 35,000 youths of the Niger Delta.”

“Participation in the oil industry has been an issue in the front burner of the Niger Delta, so these jobs are a part of it. Nigeria gains more in engaging these people to guard

tion, training and post training assistance to unemployed and establishment of agro-service providers, further development of the State University two campuses at Uli and Igbariam as well as Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe and College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu, further rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools in the state, among others.

The speaker, State House of As-

sembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili while receiving the budget, referred it to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and directed the members to work through the Christmas holiday to ensure that the budget receives accelerated hearing and passage by January to enable the governor start work in earnest.

The Deputy Speaker, Prince

Commendations trailed the budget presentation from party members, lawmakers and the general public as all lauded Governor Obi’s steadfastness

Chukwudi Orizu commended the governor for successful implementation of the 2012 budget and assured that the budget would be ready for passage by January 2012 while Hon Gabriel Onyenweife commended Governor Peter Obi for bringing a proactive budget.

Also speaking, the member representing Onitsha North I, Mr. Chigbo Enweozor assured that the Assembly will continue to support the governor to achieve the policy thrust of his administration.

The Appropriation Bill passed through first reading on the floor of the House.

Commendations trailed the budget presentation from party members, lawmakers and the general public as all lauded Governor Obi’s steadfastness.

Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Williams Obiorah described the budget as one of hope as it was anchored in an existing strategy of ANIDS. He noted that the

Ex-militant fights for needy kids the pipelines than disengaging them in terms of maximising product and profit as well as creating employment.

Unemployment is one of the greatest challenges in this country and people should stop seeing the contract as handing out money to some person.”

Besides, Bebenimibo faulted the contract sum claimed by the Wall Street Journal and adopted by the media, saying, “I am disappointed that Nigerian

journalists took a WSJ report hook, line and sinker, when we have the FoI (Freedom of Information) Act that would enable them get details of the contract. I want to advice that journalists dig into record and get actual figure and also to report the contract the way it is.”

He also advised the President to as a matter of urgency, reaward that contract “for the next 10 years and let the people do their jobs and begin to create

employment. We know that illegal bunkering and destruction of pipelines are carried out by people in the area.

This job has helped to reduce the incident because it distracts their attention from these activities. This is good for the country. It has also helped to reduce pollution.”

“This contract has actually taken care of a lot of issues beyond the immediate relief of providing employment. The

budgets would steer Anambra state towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) by 2015 and completing of outstanding projects especially roads.

Chief Obiorah reminded that the Senate gave Anambra a clean bill of financial health when it released the gloomy news that the financial accounts of 27 states are in the red as some of them have been declared either “distressed” or “gloomy”.

Jubilation erupted in Anambra over the news because of the peculiarities of the state especially the news came at a time the Masterweb team’s assessment of Governor Obi as one of the best governors in the country was out.

Both the senate and masterweb did an independent research without influence from Anambra state and passed their verdict.

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, in a statement, suggested that Governor Obi is one of the best governors in Nigeria. issue of our environment is dear to us too because after oil we want to still be able to dwell in our environment. Let me speak for Delta State, where I am involved, I cannot speak for the others. I know what I am saying, nobody can contradict this. If you go to my area now you will hardly see drop of oil in the water, except from failures from some platforms.

“The contract has also help build trust and better relationship between the communities and oil m u l t i n a t i o n a l s t o a great extent,” Bebenimibo added.

‘We will fill potholes by Christmas’

N

IGERIANS have been assured that the roads will be safer and more pleasurable to ride on this yuletide.

This is because potholes will be filled as the year ends.

THE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) gave the assurance after completing maintenance work on a number of key highways like the Kano– Kaduna, Abuja–Lokoja and Okene– Auchi routes that are now virtually at zero pothole level.

Other critical routes where road maintenance operations under the presidential directive are also

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

going on include Enugu–Aba–Port Harcourt dual carriageway, Owerri–Aba Road, Sagamu–Ore– Benin dual carriageway, Benin Byepass, Benin–Agbor–Asaba, Onitsha– Owerri Expressway, Onitsha–9thMile– Enugu road, Abuja – Nyanya – Keffi – Akwanga road, Akwanga– Lafia – Makurdi road, Makurdi – Aliade – Otukpo road and Otukpo – Obollo-Afor – 9th-Mile road among others.

According to a statement signed by FERMA’s Head of Communications and Public

Relations Unit, Maryam Sanusi, the agency is confident of meeting the zero potholes target by the Yuletide on critical federal highway corridors as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

FERMA’s confidence, she explained, arose from a nationwide assessment tour currently being conducted by a task force mandated by the Managing Director of the Agency, Mr. Gabriel Amuchi, an engineer.

Sanusi quoted the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer (FRME) in charge of Kogi State, Mr. Michael

•Potholes being patched with cold asphalt on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos

Kayode, as saying that the yuletide target will be achieved within his domain, in spite of the major challenges posed by the reduced road width in Okene town centre and the heavy volume of traffic on the axis.

Two other contractors, Messrs Harvey Construction working from the Auchi section and Borini Prono from Okene are achieving their target to complete Okene– Auchi stretch before the yuletide, while the Agency and Federal Ministry of Works are working closely on the Operation Zero Potholes and Safe Passage programmes.

While conducting the team along ongoing road maintenance operations within his area of jurisdiction on the Abuja–Kaduna and Kaduna–Zaria–Kano stretch, Mr. Abdulkadir stated that they have been working round the clock for over one month now, along with his team, and have virtually completed their task and are now on mop-up operations.

He said their current operations are targeted at sealing up minor potholes and cracks that were not major threats at the inception of the operation. With all very dangerous potholes now eliminated, the

current focus is to implement the Agency’s policy of continuous maintenance to achieve all yearround serviceability of these critical roads henceforth.

Abdulkadir said the acquisition of the FP5 Pothole Patcher as well as establishment of FERMA cold asphalt production plants in Kaduna and other production centres in the country have revolutionised road maintenance operations, giving engineers and technicians the confidence to work seven days a week.

With these, he said, the past pains of waiting for days for materials and equipment and lack of hot rolled asphalt (HRA) are now over.

Motorists interviewed by the monitoring team expressed appreciation over the massive patching of potholes while also pleading that the carriageway be strengthened in addition to recovering the bad shoulders.

The monitoring team mandated to go round the country to ensure full implementation of the Zero Pothole programme will remain on the selected roads till the end of January 2013 to sustain the programme.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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50

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-12-12

Equities recover with N50b gains

A

FTER three days of consecutive decline that saw a loss of N107 billion; Nigerian equities bounced back yesterday as investors rallied behind highly capitalised stocks to return the overall market situation to positive.

Market capitalisation of the equity market, which had opened this week at N8.846 trillion, dropped consecutively to N8.785 trillion, N8.767 trillion and N8.739 trillion on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

However, equities regained their fervour yesterday as the stock market rode on the back of renewed interests in several high and mid-cap stocks to halt the downtrend and resume a new upswing.

With 21 advancers to 17 decliners, the overtly bullish pricing trend added 0.58 per cent to average return, pushing the year-to-date return to

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

32.69 per cent.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rose from opening value of N8.739 trillion to close at N8.789 trillion, indicating an increase of N50 billion.

The benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), heaved up to 27,508.09 points from its opening index of 27,349.11 points.

Total Nigeria Plc led the advancers with a gain of N3.91 to close at N126.91. Guaranty Trust Bank followed with a gain of N1.39 to close at N22.49. Guinness Nigeria rose

by N1.11 to close at N255.11.

Dangote Cement added 50 kobo to close at N122. United Bank for Africa rose by 25 kobo to N4.56. Portland Paints and Products added 20 kobo to close at N4.37. Diamond Bank improved by 17 kobo to

close at N4.87. Ashaka Cement added 14 kobo to close at N18.14 while Oando chalked up 10 kobo to close at N13.10 per share.

On the other hand, International Breweries led the losers with a drop of N1.27 to close at N15.23. Nigerian Breweries dropped by 97 kobo to close at N154.03. Unilever Nigeria lost 20 kobo to close at N46.50. John Holt dipped by 19 kobo to close at N3.75. Morison slipped by 18 kobo to close at N3.47 while Vitafoam Nigeria dropped by 16 kobo to N3.63 per share.

Investors staked a total of N2.81 billion on 224.62 million shares through 3,727 deals. The banking subsector alone accounted for 126.92 million shares valued at N1.04 billion in 1,635 deals.

On stock by stock basis, First City Monument Bank topped the activity chart with a turnover of 24.17 million shares valued at N79.93 million in 67 deals. Zenith Bank placed second with a turnover of 18.96 million shares worth N344.32 million in 284 deals.

Diamond Bank occupied the third position with 18.47 million shares valued at N90.16 million in 72 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-12-12

55

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

MONEY LINK

‘No shift for ecapitalisation deadlines for MfBs, PMBs’

T

HE December 31, 2012 and April 30, 2013 recapitalisation deadlines for microfinance banks (MfBs) and Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) respectively remain unchanged, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

In a circular to all banks, CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions, O.A. Fabamwo, said it was exigent to remind directors and shareholders of all PMBs of the 30th April, 2013 deadline

•To shut illegal outlets Stories by Collins Nweze

for compliance with the Revised Guidelines for PMBs. He also disclosed that all unapproved branches/cash centres of MfBs would be closed within 30 days of discovering them.

He said that all affected PMBs have options to meet the prescribed capital require-

ments of N5 billion for National PMBs and N2.5 billion for State PMBs. He said that the PMBs could raise funds through the capital market, right issue, private placement, public offer, business combination, mergers and acquisition among other options.

He however, advised the banks to conduct due dili-

‘Higher budget threshold will deplete ECA’ H

IGHER budget threshold would reduce the transfers to the excess crude account (ECA) and the sovereign wealth fund (SWF), FBN Capital, an investment and research firm has said. In an emailed report to the firm explained that given the porous nature of the account and the many obstacles to the expansion of the fund, there are legitimate concerns about the defences against an external

shock and therefore called for sufficient buffers to be built.

The National Assembly had agreed on an oil price threshold of $79 per barrel for the term of the 2013 to 15 medium term expenditure framework.

The House of Representatives had previously argued for $80 per barrel and the Senate for $78 per barrel.

The Federal Government had assumed a threshold of $75 per barrel in its proposals for 2013. This was an increase from the level of $72 per barrel in the 2012 budget - an unusual step by the executive which we attributed at the time to its determination (unreciprocated) to secure a relatively swift passage into

gence and seek professional legal and financial advice, adding that the PMBs that choose to undertake rights issue, private placement, or public offer, are advised to complete the process and submit the documentary requirements for verification on or before 31st March, 2013.

This, he said, is to allow enough time for the capital verification exercise and subsequent correction of any discrepancy and/or submission of any additional evidence that may be required, to ensure that the capital is verified, confirmed and approved before the stipulated deadline.

Also, the PMBs that may choose the business combination option will have to comply with the requirements of the Banks and Other financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 1990 and the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2007 and obtain regulatory approvals of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). They would also hold statutorily required

Naira advances as debt yields drop

T

HE naira advanced for a second day after investor inflows into a Nigerian bond auction pushed yields to a record low. The naira rose 0.2 per cent to 157.5 a dollar. The naira has gained 3.1 per cent this year, the second best performance of African currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

Nigeria’s 10-year borrowing costs declined to the lowest

ever at the last auction this year on Wednesday. The N30 billion ($190 million) of bonds due January 2022 were sold at a marginal yield of 11.9001 per cent, a record low at auction.

The Central Bank of Nigeria sold $300 million at its last foreign-currency auction of the year, the most at a single sale since August 8.

Foreign investor inflows into

Nigeria’s bond market “are likely to remain consistent in the medium term,” Standard Bank Group Ltd. Africa strategists, led by London-based Stephen Bailey-Smith said.

The dollar-naira interbank rate has continued to trade in a 156 to 158 range over the last few months. We expect this trend to persist for some time.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. added

the West African nation’s bonds to its benchmark emerging-market index series in October, predicting the inclusion may lure $1.5 billion to sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest economy.

Barclays Plc will follow from March 2013 for its own localcurrency index, it said last month. Nigeria’s credit rating was raised one level on Nov. 7 to BB- by Standard & Poor’s.

Tenor

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

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 20-12-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

GUARANTY 21.10 CUSTODYINS 1.20 UBA 4.31 AIICO 0.56 PORTPAINT 4.17 CUTIX 1.46 UTC 0.67 NPFMCRFBK 0.95 DIAMONDBNK 4.70 WAPIC 0.56

C/PRICE

22.49 1.27 4.56 0.59 4.37 1.53 0.70 0.99 4.87 0.58

O/PRICE 16.50 3.65 1.86 1.45 3.94 0.84 3.79 1.70 0.56 2.06

C/PRICE 15.23 3.47 1.77 1.38 3.75 0.80 3.63 1.63 0.54 2.02

between budgeted oil prices and actual market prices.

Africa’s most populous country of more than 160 million people relies on crude exports for more than 90 per cent of foreign income and about 80 percent of government revenue, making it vulnerable to swings in prices.

The wealth fund will help meet budget shortfalls in the future, provide dedicated funding for development of infrastructure and keep some savings for the future generation, according to the law establishing it.

CHANGE

6.59 5.83 5.80 5.36 4.80 4.79 4.48 4.21 3.62 3.57

CHANGE -7.70 -4.93 -4.84 -4.83 -4.82 -4.76 -4.22 -4.12 -3.57 -1.94

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current After

CUV Start %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

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

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 20-12-12

SYMBOL INTBREW MORISON MANSARD RTBRISCOE JOHNHOLT IKEJAHOTEL VITAFOAM MAYBAKER JAPAULOIL HONYFLOUR

N

IGERIA’S $1 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) will start making investments in March after receiving board approval, it said.

“We’ll start all the securities investing by March” for the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Future Generations Fund, Uche Orji, chief executive officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, told Bloomberg. For the Infrastructure Fund, “we’ll start investing in the second half of 2013.”

Nigeria set up a wealth fund in May last year to invest savings made from the difference

Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

SWF to start investing in March

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

•CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido

Policy Framework by the Board of Directors of the CBN. He said the penalty for operating a branch/cash centre without prior approval of the CBN as stipulated in Section 13.1(b) of the Revised Guidelines for MfBs is N250,000 per branch for a Unit MfB, N500,000 per branch for a State MfB and N1 million per branch for a National MfB. In addition, such unapproved branched/cash centres would be closed within 30 days.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS

Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

meetings and obtain orders of the courts, where necessary.

“These timelines are for guidance only. PMBs are strongly advised to conclude the processes even before the recommended timelines,” he said.

He also reminded directors and shareholders of all MfBs on the deadline for compliance with the Revised Microfinance Policy Framework, particularly in respect of the capital requirements for each category of MfB and existing branches/cash centres among others.

He said that henceforth, all ‘customer interaction centres’, ‘meeting points’ and ‘customer service centres’, or similar outlets, located outside the registered business premises of a Unit MfB would be regarded as unauthorised/unapproved branches/cash centres. Besides, all previous approvals for such outlets for Unit MfBs have become null and void from the date of approval of the Revised

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 132.37 125.53 0.80 1.13 0.92 1,763.58 11.31 1.39 1.87 9,335.15 193.00 1.67

9.08 1.00 132.05 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 1,754.53 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,091.15 191.08 1.62

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 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 FIDELITY NIGFUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 2012

57

NEWS

Gunmen kill two in Katsina •Policeman injured •Frenchman abducted

T

WO people were killed on Wednesday night when some gunmen bombed a police station and kidnapped a Frenchman, Mr Francis Colump, in Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A policeman was injured in the attack.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported yesterday that the incident occurred at 10pm on Wednesday.

The dead are Rabe Dan’Unguwa (45), a security man at the home of Colump; and Abubakar Sale (25), a pas-

serby.

The abducted Frenchman reportedly works with S. A. Vergnet France, the firm handling the contract for the 10Megawatts wind mill power project in Rimi.

An eyewitness yesterday in Rimi told NAN that the attacks on the police station and the home of Colump were carried out simultaneously by about 30 gunmen, who were said to be in two groups.

The eyewitness said the attackers arrived in the town in three vehicles and began shooting.

They were said to have set off the bomb, which damaged the police station.

But there was no casualty in the attack on the police station.

The mobile policeman was injured in the attack on the Frenchman’s home.

It was gathered that as soon as they shot the trio, the gunmen entered the home and abducted the Frenchman.

When the NAN correspondent visited the town, the residents, including the Caretaker Chairman of the council, Alhaji Nasiru Ala, were conducting the burial rites of the dead.

Ala described the incident as “tragic”.

He prayed God to expose those who carried out the attacks.

Police Commissioner Abdullahi Magaji confirmed the incidents.

He said the gunmen used a gas cylinder to bomb the police station.

Magaji added: “Their purpose was to kidnap the expatriate, Mr Colump. But they attacked the police station to divert attention.”

The police chief said two civilians were killed while the injured policeman was receiving treatment at a hospital in Katsina.

“One gun belonging to the hoodlums was recovered and we are going to pursue them,” he said.

Offa: ACN, PDP quarrel over judges’ composition

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State have disagreed over the composition of judges for the hearing of the Offa Local Government election petition appeal.

The ACN alleged that the composition favoured the PDP. But the PDP said it has “absolute confidence in the ability of the panel to do justice and not in any way in doubt in the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

sincerity of the membership as presently constituted”.

ACN Chairman Kayode Olawepo said: “The PDP, being the beneficiary of such anomaly, we don’t expect the party to be objective or rational in its reaction. The sabre-rattling is, therefore, expected and it is true to type. We are glad that after much shadowboxing, the PDP at last admitted that only two judges are

$2.07m cash smuggling: Court convicts two Lebanese

A

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos has convicted two Lebanese, Hassan Rmaiti and Talal Hammoud, who were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Lagos on November 26 with $2,073,160.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke, ordered that the convicts should forfeit $25,310, being 25 per cent of the undeclared sum, to the Federal Government.

A statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the Lebanese were guilty of violating the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011.

The statement reads: “While Hassan Rmaiti was arrested with $1,971,920, Talal Hammoud was caught with $101,240. The convicts were on their way to Lebanon when they were arrested for failure to declare the money to Customs at the airport as required under section 12 of the foreign exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act cap F34 Laws of the Federation

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

of Nigerian 2004 and section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011.

“The offence is punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

“The one count charge against Hammoud reads: That you Talal Hammoud on or about the 7th of November, 2012 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while transporting in cash the sum of $101,240.00 from Nigeria to Lebanon failed to declare to the Nigerian Customs Service the said amount of $101,240.00 as required under section 12 of the foreign exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigerian 2004 and section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Pr0hibition) Act ) 2011.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF ROYAL WORKS GRACE MINISTRY This is to notify the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 The Trustees Are: 1. Rev Demas Elijah Ettah - President 2. Mr. Victor Uguru Eborh - Secretary-General 3. Mr. Ubi Obi Ekabua 4. Mrs. Patricia Demas Elijah 5. Deaconess Aya Ben Egor The Aims and Objectives Include: 1. To preach the living Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To embark on universal missionary work 3. To support the less privileged 4. To support gospel missionaries and gospel missions Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi, Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed Mr. Victor Uguru Eborh Secretary-General

hearing that petition, claiming the third person has been away on a medical trip abroad.

“Clearly, as is also detectable from the PDP statement, the judge has not been sitting on the panel. Now, if the two judges sitting have cause to disagree on the petitions before them, whose opinion becomes the majority decision, as must be the case in time of dissension? This clearly defeats the puerile and suspicious defence the PDP has mounted.

“Interesting enough is the fact that the PDP was silent on our allegation that the panel has been granting only applications brought by the PDP while turning down ACN’s.

This speaks for itself.

“On defection, the PDP spokesman was probably on the Mars when Prince Saheed Popoola openly dismissed claims of his so-called defection and reaffirmed his membership of ACN.” In a statement by PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Mas’ud

Adebimpe, the party said: “As an interested party, the session was properly constituted as provided for by the law and they should disregard the unpatriotic and unfounded claim.

“To put the record straight, the panel was not only properly constituted but was made up of three eminent judges whose credibility and ability were not in any way doubtful.

“The third member, Justice E. B. Muhammad, in our investigation, was confirmed through the authority concerned to have travelled out of the country for an urgent medical check-up.

“The law, however, does not prescribe a quorum that disqualifies the two judges from sitting and hearing the case, if the third member was not available.

“As a party, we challenge ACN to show where the law prescribes the disqualification of the session on the ground of a member who is legally absent from the session.”

Plateau approves three months’ salary for striking workers

T

HE Plateau State Government has approved three months’ salary for its striking local government workers to end their ongoing eight months’ strike.

In a statement in Jos, the state capital, by its Director of Press Affairs, Mr James Mannok, the government said Governor Jonah Jang decided to tamper with the “No work, no pay” policy on compassionate grounds.

“The issue is already before the National Industrial Court for interpretation. But the government has approved the payment of salaries to resuming workers with effect from October to December 2012,” the statement said.

The statement urged the workers to join their colleagues who resumed in October and have been paid.

It promised that the government would respect the outcome and decision of the court on the matter, whenever it was issued.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the local government workers have been on strike since May, demanding the payment of the N18,000 national minimum wage.

Last month, Labour and the government settled for 55 per cent of the minimum wage. But the workers rejected the insistence by the government that it would only pay for the period the workers were at work.

Jang had claimed that he was relying on a United Nations (UN) resolution which stipulates that no worker should be paid for a period he deliberately stayed out of office.

Labour leaders have, however, argued that the law could not be applicable in Nigeria since it has not been domesticated in the nation’s statute books.

The workers yesterday

•Strike suspended

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

called off their eight months’ strike following the intervention of the Labour and Productivity Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu.

In a statement by the Assistant Director (Press), Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mr Samuel Olowookere, the government said the strike was called off after “exhaustive deliberations by both members of the Organised Labour and the representatives of the Government of Plateau State on the ongoing industrial action by workers over the implementation of the N18,000 national minimum wage mediated by the Minister of Labour and Productivity”.

A four-point communiqué

by Obong Ikpe Obong, Emma Ugboaja, and Plateau State’s Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Jibrin Kamga Bancir; Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Prof Shedrack Best; and Association of Local Governments (ALGON) Chairman, Dr Emmanuel D. Loman, said the state government should pay the salaries of workers with 55 per cent implementation of the minimum wage from June.

LOSS ITEMS (i) Letter of Allocation of 3 bedroom block of building at Abesan, Issued by the Lagos State Property Corporation dated 10/06/1983 (ii) Original receipt No. 076943 dated 14/01/1983 (iii) Original Receipts No. 033766 dated 14/ 03/1980 (iv) Original death Certificate No. IV 19718241 dated 05/11/1997 in respect of late MR. BAJOMO GABRIEL OLADIPUPO.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS

Kidnapped Nollywood actress Nkiru freed From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi and Mercy Michael

•Sylvanus

K

I D N A P P E D Nollywood actress and Senior Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Public Affairs, Miss Nkiru Sylvanus (aka Ble-Ble), was released yesterday.

She was abducted on Sunday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with former Mr Nigeria, Kenneth Okolie, during the shooting of a movie.

It was not clear yesterday night if ransom was paid.

The kidnappers reportedly blindfolded Nkiru and Okolie and dropped them at a spot in Owerri.

Nkiru and Okolie were

said to have made calls to their relatives from where they were dumped.

Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President Ibinabo Fiberesima called Zik Zulu, President of the Association of Movie Producers(AMP) during a Nollywood Christmas Carol at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Frontline Nollywood stars were at the event when Zulu received Ms Fiberesima’s call.

The organisers of the event announced the release of the actress and Okolie.

This elicited excitement among the people.

When our correspondent called Ms Fiberesima yesterday, she sounded tired.

But she said: “I’m happy they have been released. I can now rest. I’m sorry I’m very tired and I cannot say

more for now.”

Several Nollywood practitioners had called for her unconditional release.

They included Ms Fiberesima, veteran actor Keppy Ekpeyong as well as groups of actors.

A group of Nollywood actors has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar on the abduction of their colleagues, Miss Nkiru Sylvanus and Kenneth Okolie.

The petition reads: “The two actors were in Owerri, Imo State, shooting a movie, when they were abducted by masked gunmen. Some hours later, the mindless abductors contacted family and friends of Ms. Sylvanus. They demanded N100million ransom. Till now, we cannot fathom the rationale behind their kidnap and their abductors have advanced none.”

Parties protest Okorocha’s two-week He said the government MO State Governor holiday was concealing something Rochas Okorocha’s decla-

I

ration of two weeks’ Christmas and New Year holiday for civil servants has drawn the ire of opposition parties and stakeholders.

They described the “gesture” as another reckless display of power by the Okorocha administration.

The governor, during an end-of-year meeting with head- teachers, declared a two-week holiday, from today till January 7, 2013.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the long holiday as absurd and unusual.

The party noted that grounding government and economic activities for the festivities was unproductive.

The PDP Publicity Secre-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

tary, Chief Blyden Amajirionwu, said the holidays and jamborees have become the hallmark of the Okorocha administration.

He added: “It is unusual to declare two weeks’ holiday just to celebrate Christmas. It shows the government has lost direction and purpose.

“We are tired of the recklessness of this administration, how can they shut government activities for two weeks just to celebrate Christmas it is uncalled for and should be probed.”

All Nigeria National Party (ANPP) Chairman, Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe, expressed shock over the declaration.

from the people.

Dr Ajumbe added: “The government has no vision.

The contractors have not been paid. The only way to escape their wrath is to shut down the government. But this can’t stand for long. The state is yet to recover from the holiday declared to celebrate the governor’s birthday and the anniversary of the Rochas Foundation. And here we are again. It is just laughable.”

The Acting National President of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Comrade Uche Durueke, described the holiday as the height of insensitivity.

He said it would have a farreaching effect on the people and economy.

Court nullifies Plateau election •Sacks Pwajok, Fulani

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FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, yesterday nullified the October 6, 2012 by-election in Plateau North Senatorial District and Barkin-Ladi State Constituency.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Congress for

•Orders fresh poll

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Progressive Change (CPC), Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered Gyang Pwajok and Kaneng Gyang Fulani to vacate their offices as senator and House of Assembly

Methodist Prelate dedicates church

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RELATE of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, will lead the top echelon of the church on December 29 to inaugurate St. John’s Methodist Church at Umukabia-Okpuala community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The date was inadvertently published yesterday as December 20.

The new church is under the Ohuhu Circuit II of the Diocese of Umuahia East.

It will be dedicated at 9am

by Dr Makinde.

Other top Methodist clerics expected at the ceremony are the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang; Dr S.I.O. Agwu, Archbishop of Arch Dio-

•Dr Makinde

cese of Umuahia; Rev. Lawson O. Elom, Bishop, Diocese of Umuahia East; Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Regional Secretary, World Methodist Evangelism for West Africa and Rev. Raphael Opoko (Secretary of Conference) The church was built and donated by Chief Ikechi Emenike in memory of his father, the late Pa Emenike Uwagbama, who died a year ago.

member.

He granted consequential orders against the duo to stop parading themselves as elected representatives of the people.

The elections were conducted following the death of Senator Gyang Dantong and Plateau State House of Assembly Majority Gyang Fulani.

They were killed when they were attending the mass burial of about 50 victims of an attack on villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local governments.

Justice Ademola ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.

He awarded a N5million cost against the commission in favour of the applicant.

The CPC had approached the court after its candidates’ names were rejected by INEC prior to the election.

The court held that INEC has no power to reject the names of candidates nominated by their parties, following the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2010.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS Senate urges Fed Govt on $600m borrowing plan for Lagos •Approves $7,109.53b foreign loan •Adjourns for Christmas, New Year break MOVE by the Lagos State government to shop for $600 million loan yesterday got the backing of the Senate, which demanded the state’s request to raise the funds through loan.

It demanded the request as part of its recommendation on the proposed pipeline projects under the Medium Term (20122014) External Borrowing Plan (MTEBP).

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts presented the report of the Joint Committee on Local and Foreign Debts and Finance.

The committee noted that Lagos State has a subsisting borrowing understanding with the World Bank for a three-year borrowing framework for $600 million, with a yearly disbursement of $200 million which commenced in the current outgoing fiscal year.

It noted that based on the arrangement, the Lagos State government built in as revenue the tranche $200 million in its budget for 2013.

The committee, however, said the Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Ngama, explained that the facility Development Policy Operation (DPO) finance is no longer a lending product within the current Federal Government acceptable lending instrument.

After considering the submission of Ngama, the Senate advised the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to forward a request for Lagos State in order to avert imminent crisis in the implementation of the 2013 budget.

The Senate also approved projects to be implemented by the Federal Government and its agencies as projects for states for which the amount for on-

A

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

lending have been stated.

It deferred for states on any facility which the amount for on-lending are not stated.

The Senate rejected the proposal of $56.61 million which is no longer required by the Kaduna State for its national urban water sector reforms for the French Development Agency (FDA). the senate said some of the projects were not indicated in the loan schedule submitted to the Senate by the President and as such it was difficult to appreciably assess them.

It said that some state commissioners of finance failed to appear to defend their loan requests.

According to the Senate, the Federal Government’s external debt profile is at a level it can accommodate more borrowings without exceeding the international limit of 40 per cent debt/GDP ratio and the country’s limit of 25 per cent.

The breakdown of the loan showed that states would borrow $2,263.239 billion and the Federal Government $4,846.3 billion.

The Senate also approved a continuation of the Eurobond Issuance to the Federal Government to the tune of $1 billion and another Diaspora bond of $0.1 billion to the Federal Government.

This brought the total amount of foreign loans for 2012 to 2014 to $8,209.53 billion.

Also yesterday, the Senate received N315.8 billion budget proposal of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for next year.

After the approval of the borrowing plan, the Senate adjourned plenary to January 16, 2013 to enable it observe the Christmas and New Year break.

UNIPORT four: Three more suspects held A CHIEF Magistrate’s Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday remanded in custody three students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

They were detained in connection with the October 5 murder of four undergraduates of the university in Aluu.

The order came shortly after the resumed sitting ofthe court in which the 13 accused persons were remanded for their roles in the death of the four youths.

Finebone Jeffrey (23), Joshua Ekpe (27) and Abang Cyril (27), according to police prosecutors, were involved in the killing of the UNIPORT Four.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID) Sam Okaula confirmed the accused as UNIPORT students.

He alleged that they caused the death of the victims by attacking them with a dog.

Okaula said the dog was also in police custody.

On October 5, the four undergraduates were lynched at Omuokiri-Aluu for allegedly stealing mobile phones and laptops.

The victims were Biringa Chiadika Lordson (20), Ugonna Kelechi Obuzor (18), Lloyd Toku Mike (18) and Tekena Erikena (20).

•To know fate Feb 28

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

On October 17, the 13 arrested suspects, including the monarch of Omuokiri-Aluu, Hassan Welewa (59), were arraigned and remanded in prison custody. They were not in court yesterday.

Besides the royal father, the other suspects arraigned were David Chinasa Ugbaje (30), Ikechukwu Louis Amadi, alias Kapoon (32), Lawal Segun (28), Lucky Orji (43), Cynthia Chinwo, (only female, 24), Ekpe Daniel (30), George Nwadei (30), Gabriel Oche (33), Ozioma Abajuo (23), Chigozie Evans Samuel (22), Endurance Edet (27) and Uwem Sampson Akpabio (30).

Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Woke did not take any plea on October 17 but he referred the suspects’ case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for legal advice.

At yesterday’s sitting, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Aaron Nsirem, said the 13 suspects in Port Harcourt prisons could not appear in court.

Prosecution counsel Henry Njoku had told the court that the accused persons committed the offence contrary to sections 324 and 319 (1), of the Criminal Code cap 37, adding

that their charge was in continuation of the sister case earlier taken.

Ordering the remand of the accused, Magistrate Woke said: “The court lacks the power to try the case. The offence they are charged with is a capital offence, I therefore order that the case file be duplicated and handed over to the Director, Public Prosecution (DPP), to enable him study and give his advice.

“Section 118 (b) does not give me the power to grant bail to the accused under the section in which they were charged.

“Meanwhile, I order that they be remanded in prison custody. But let me remind them that they have the right to seek bail at the High Court, pending the release of the report of legal advice by the DPP.” He also ordered that the copy of a duplicate copy of the case file be made available to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Human Right Committee Group and to any of the accused persons who may wish to have a copy.

The three accused persons were immediately moved out of the court premises in a white Toyota Hiace bus marked, FG 128 F50, to the Port Harcourt prisons .

Jonathan, Fashola hailed for helping flood victims

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AGOS State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Babatunde Fashola for alleviating the suffering of flood victims in the state by donating food items to them.

Lawal, who was represented by the General Manager of the Lagos State Agricultural Input Supply Authority, Mr. Idowu Agoro, at the commencement of

the distribution of relief materials to flood victims at the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), Oko-Oba, Agege; said the federal and state government should be lauded for helping flood victims.

The Programme Manager of LSADA, Mr. Kayode Ashafa, said food items such as maize, sorghum, gari and others have been donated to flood victims in Lagos State through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Gang members get 93 years for murdering Nigerian boy in UK

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GANG of four was yesterday convicted for the murder of a Nigerian boy Kelvin Chibueze, 17, at a private party at an east London venue.

Dale Williams, 21, Lerone Boye, 25, Hugo Nwankwo, 18, and Roger Damali, 31, denied murder but were convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey.

A judge condemned Britain’s ‘endemic’ knife culture as he jailed the four members of the Barking-based Harts Lane Street gang for 93 years.

A fifth man, deaf-mute Ibrahim Zakari, 21, who threw a bottle at Kelvin during the chase, was earlier jailed for two years - but walked free because he had already served

more than a year in jail on remand.

Hours after the attack, David Cameron pledged to ‘wage a war’ on gang culture in the capital in the aftermath of last summer’s London riots.

Kelvin, from Croydon, was affiliated to the notorious Dagenham Boys gang and went by the street name Boss Don Gramz.

A petty squabble over a girl is thought to have started the row.

Judge John Bevan QC said today: ‘The veil of silence that has fallen over the main participants in this case speaks volumes as to the cowardice and moral bankruptcy of those on both sides of this argument.

Gunmen kill sales rep, abduct wife From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

U

NKNOWN gunmen have killed a sales representative of a pharmaceutical company and abducted hi’s wife in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Their son, who was injured during the attack, is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The victim, who was identified as Olowo Lafe, was killed near his home at Oghodua Street in Benin City.

It was gathered that the victim, identified escaped abduction some weeks earlier.

Sources said the victim was returning home in his car when the gunmen attacked them, leaving him and his son for dead.

They dragged his wife into their operational vehicle.

The source said the late Lafe attempted to escape but lost control and crashed the vehicle into a fence.

When our reporter visited the scene yesterday, the victim’s car, marked AGL-545AQ, was riddled with bullets.

The right door was opened revealing blood-stained seats amid rubbles of broken wallfence.

Police spokesman Anthony Airhoyo said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

Funeral for ex-civil servant

T

HE funeral of Pa Andrew Eriamhinomo Ighodalo, who died on October 19, will hold on January 17 and 19 in Ewohoimi, Esan Southwest of Edo State.

The late Ighodalo joined the civil service in 1956. He worked with the then Public Works Department (PWD) now Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH).

He is survived by wife and children, among them are Owhiyon, Mrs Stella Adams and Mrs Helen Nwaeze

Man docked for defiling teenager From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A •Minister of Culture, Tourism & National Orientation Edem Duke flanked by the Project Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Democratic Governance for Development (DGD II), Dr. Mourtada Deme, (left) and the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri at a two-day workshop for NOA State Directors/Programme Officers on Freedom of Information Act supported by DGD II in Abuja...yesterday

NBA bars members from representing colleague

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HE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Warri, Delta State, has barred its members from representing an activist lawyer, Casely Omon-Irabor, who is on trial for assisting a kidnap suspect.

Omon-Irabor was arrested last Thursday for allegedly trying to bribe a police officer to facilitate the release of a kidnap suspect.

He was arraigned for perverting the course of justice, aiding corruption and assisting a kidnap suspect.

The NBA had on March

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

18 passed a resolution that its members should not provide represent kidnap suspects.

The Chairman, Ben Oji, said: “Any member who represents Omon-Irabor would be in clear breach of that subsisting resolution.”

The NBA insisted that the charges against the lawyer are allegations.

“We would expect the police to prove the allegations.

We shall follow proceedings with keen interest.”

Omon-Irabor‘s lead

counsel Oghenejabor Ikimi said he would continue to represent his colleague.

He queried the association’s resolution, saying it is against the Legal Practitioners Act that does not bar him from representing the accused.

He said: “I am a trained lawyer and that resolution is against Section 36, Subsection 5 of our constitution.

“An accused person is considered innocent until proven otherwise by a competent court of law.”

60-year-old man, identified as David Ejobotefe, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikpoba-Okha Customary Court for allegedly violating a 15-year old girl, identified as his neighbour’s daughter.

In her testimony, the victim said the offence was committed on April 3 at No 2, Etinosa Street, Upper Sakponba in Ikpoba-Okha.

She said when she returned from school, the accused sent her to buy recharge card and when she brought the card for him in his room, the accused locked the door and sexually abused her.

The victim said she told her mother what happened.

An eyewitness, Doris Ijor, testified that she saw the victim coming out of the accused person’s room and that the accused pleaded with her not to tell anyone what she saw.

The court President, Princess Esther Eweka, granted the accused bail for N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case to enable the doctor who treated the victim to testify.

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NEWS Jonathan warns elders at Yakowa’s funeral Continued from page 5

Preaching at the funeral service, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, said no one could question God, pointing out that people should not feel despondent over Yakowa’s death.

“This is not the time to feel despondent, because the time has come for you to stop sleeping and wake up, because our salvation is nearer now come than when we first believe. The night is nearly over, daylight is on its way, so let us throw away everything that has got to do with darkness and embrace light (Romans 13, 11-12).

“Mr Yakowa ascended the exalted position of Kaduna State with a climax that is at best, the most fascination and exceptional career. He stood out as an exceptional child in the whole of Kaduna and especially the whole of Southern part of the state where he comes from.

“It is even tempting to assert that very few people can beat the track record he has set. He was the first person in Southern Kaduna to become a federal Minister, also the first person to become a Permanent Secretary, and the first to become the Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State. Mr Yakowa holds the record of being the only Nigerian that has served two governors as deputy and later attained the position of a governor without break at all.

“It was historic at his swearing in as the governor of Kaduna State at an event that was quite spectacular.

From the creation of the state in 1987, the northern ruling class, by a policy seems to have applied an invisible sign that reads, ‘no vacancy, Christians need not apply in what later came to be known as Sir Ibrahim Kashim House’ to represent the state at the highest level.

“Despite that fact that all states were open to Christian military officers, it was only Kaduna and perhaps Sokoto that were never governed by non-Muslims. This policy of non-inclusion against nonMuslims, turn Kaduna into a political Mecca and laid the foundation for unnecessary and sad religious tension that has continued to bog the state.

“Yakowa’s death has robbed this state of one human being who brought respectability and nobility to politics. A man who demonstrated that faith can influence politics. A man who demonstrated that politics can be played by the rules.

He showed that politics can serve as a means of building bridges, and he built bridges across the country.

“He made Muslims respect and appreciate the Christian faith, and he showed the kind of human life that few in public service have demonstrated. Where he died and why he died was a true reflection of who the man was.

“Some are even asking, ‘why did the Governor not send a representative to the burial of the father of Mr Oronto Douglas, a young man who was of no immediate political benefit to Mr Yakowa’. Those of us, who know Yakowa very well, will testify and can testify that this is exactly what the man was.

“He was selfless; he took friendship rather too seriously. He never counted the cost of sacrifice he made to his friends. By befriending Oronto Douglas, he saw a chance to place a building block somewhere in the creeks of Niger Delta so that one day someone may walk across that bridge.

“He was a man whose life was marked by simplicity, honesty, rectitude, character, integrity, probity, dedication to duty, sacrifice and almost an absolute faith and dedication to friendship…to my dear brothers and sisters of Southern Kaduna, despite the cloud of fear, doubts and uncertainty, we must not surrender to self doubt and prejudices.

“We have lost a dear son, but we have not lost our future.

“Those who project Islam as the basis for power, have now created crisis that has threatened the foundation of our society, especially in Northern Nigeria. Those who use religion, have used the North, and left it poorer than they met it, more divided than when they started.

“But Mr Yakowa has managed to build bridge to a unite a people who have started to believe in one another as brothers and sisters despite the difficulties. He was relentless in the pursuit of peace. The result is that, he has rather, successfully, blunted the sharp cutting edge of religion in our public lives…”

He said the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (II), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari,

presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a wide array of leading Muslims “deeply mourned” Yakowa.

He said he saw ordinary Muslims, young and old mourn Yakowa.

“But It was reported that some people had rejoiced at the death of Yakowa. These people do not represent the average Muslims”, he said “These scoundrels are the toxic waste of our humanity who will dance and rejoice at the nakedness of fathers and mothers in the market place. They should not distract us Christians and Muslims as we hold hands together across the country”, he said.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan conducted the Requiem and the Eucharist Mass.

Among those in the attendance were former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, Senate President, David Mark, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and his wife, Judith, Governors Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo).

Others are Deputy Governors James Ngilari (Adamawa), Peter Kishira (Kwara), Abubakar Aliyu (Yobe), Umar Mustapha (Borno) and Damishi Lucas (Nasarawa).

Peoples Democratice Party National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, his predecessors, Chief Solomon Lar, Chief Audu Ogbe and Alhaji Amadu Ali as well as Prof Jerry Gana, were also there.

Fed Govt is frustrating Lagos, says Fashola

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday accused the Federal Government of frustrating his administration’s developmental efforts.

Fashola said by playing politics with the $600 million loanthe state is seeking from the World Bank for urban renewal projects, the government is frustrating his administration.

Speaking at the public presentation of a book entitled, "Blessings: A history of Eko Club," authored by Mr. Lateef Bada, the governor said the state was seeking the facility to fund development projects.

He said infrastructural development and urban regeneration were paramount and

By Oziegbe Okoeki

so should not be subjected to partisan politics.

Fashola, who dismissed fears that the loan would be diverted, said the government had an impressive record of utilising loans for their intended purposes.

"They ask what we are doing with the money. The suggestion for the establishment of an urban renewal fund in the state is excellent, but who is going to bring the fund? From where? $200 million out of the total $600 million loan we are seeking from the World Bank is for urban renewal. But it is convenient for the other political side to say; “don’t give them the money, why?”, the governor queried.

Minister to launch Lagos-Kano passenger train HE Minister of Transport, Mr. Idris Umar will today launch the Lagos-Kano passenger train service of the Nigerian Railway Corporation's (NRC).

The service had been suspended for years and is being re-launched after the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Kano rail line.

NRC's Assistant Director, Public Relations, David Ndakotsu said the train would depart Lagos by 9. 00 a.m. and would stop at major stations on its route including Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna, before finally arriving at the Kano terminal tomorrow

T

By Eric Ikhilae

morning.

He said the passenger train, once the preferred choice of the commuting public, has standard coaches, air-conditioned sleeper and seater -coaches, restaurant, baggage vans, and effective power generating set for the comfort of travellers.

"It is certain that the service will bring tremendous impact to the transport sector while social integration and interconnectivity of the nation will be further strengthened.

“The service will enhance living standard and is also expected to enhance travellers' safety, convenience and affordability.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS Musdapher faults self regulation

National Assembly raises budget by N63b Continued from page 5

on-going projects is very misleading.

“In the same vein, a situation where uncompleted projects as not included in the budgets of succeeding years, is wasteful.”

He said the Executive should be made to be more thorough in compiling the budget.

The committee, he said, noticed that some critical areas as still under funded.

He listed the Public Complaints Commission and the Office of Auditor General for the Federation as some of the underfunded bodies.

Maccido also said that it is important to note that there is a component of the budget stated as SURE-P which funds to the tune of N180 billion for the year 2013 which would be augmented by a projected 2012 unspent balance of N93.5 billion to translate to a total of N273.5 billion SURE-P fund.

He explained that this amount did not form part of the aggregate budget figure of N4,924,604,000,000.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided, commended the Senator for passing the budget before going on Christmas break.

Ekweremadu noted that in 1999, the Senate passed the budget before going on Christmas break.

Ekweremadu said it is left for the Executive to ensure full implementation of the budget.

The total figure in the proposal presented before the National Assembly for 2013 by

Jonathan was N4.924 trillion.

From the sum of N4,987,202,425,601 Appropriation approved for the 2013 fiscal year, N387.976 billion is for statutory transfers; N591.764 billion is for Debt Transfer; N2,386,024,770,349 is for Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while N1,621,477,655,252 is for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure.

For the recurrent expenditure, Education allocation is highest with N360,822,928,272; followed

by N300,402,146,886 for Defence/MOD/Army/Air F o r c e / N a v y ; N295,011,366,222 for Police formation and commands; N219,373,252,402 for Health; N79,084,295,951 for Youth D e v e l o p m e n t ; N65,512,690,505 for NSA; N51,391,667,171 for Petroleum Resources; N47,390,729,600 for Foreign Affairs; N32,395,973,211 is for Agriculture and Rural Development while N22,831,383 is for Presidency.

Out of the N387.976 billion approved for Statutory Transfer, National Assembly got N150 billion; Universal basic Education (N76.279 billion); National Judicial Council (N67 billion); Niger Delta Development Commission ( N61.347 billion); Independent Electoral Commission (N32 billion) and National Human Right Commission (N1.35 billion).

The Federal Ministry of Works with N168.173 billion got the highest allocation under capital expenditure; Wa-

ter Resources got N84,228,166,366; Power (N73,159,378,866); Education (N71,937,785,489); Defence/ MOD/Army/Air Force/ Navy (N64.013 billion); Niger Delta (N62,331,222,222); Health (N60,082,469,275); FCTA (N57 billion); Agriculture and Rural Development (N50,808,871,428); office of the National Security Adviser (N50 billion); Aviation (N48.5 billion); Transport (N44,527,673,725); Secretary to the Government of the Federation (N33,673,731,529); lands and Housing (N30,399,298,518) and Foreign Affairs (N24,211,948,470).

The bill was read for the third time in the House of Representatives with the relevant House rule suspended to allow the votes and proceedings of the session adopted to give immediate potency to the bill.

Members were in an upbeat mood as they passed the budget in record time.

Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha who presided, said Speaker Aminu Tambuwal sent his sincere gratitude from Kaduna where he was attending the burial of ex-Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa.

Ihedioha said the House has fulfilled its promise to pass the 2013 budget before Christmas.

Plenary was adjourned till January 16.

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, commended the Presidency for early presentation of the

Continued from page 4

•Tambuwal budget and the National Assembly for the feat of passing the budget before Christmas.

Emodi said,” This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history as it is the first time since 1999 that the budget of a succeeding year has been passed in the preceding year.

“This is traceable to the leadership shown by Mr. President through dialogue and early presentation of the budget and the hard work, commitment and team spirit shown by the leadership and the entire members of the National Assembly.”

The Presidential aide noted that the budget is a government’s most important economic policy tool.

She said by the early passage of the budget, the Executive and the Legislature have made a joint statement that they are truly partners in governance and are increasingly taking steps to place the country on a path to economic growth and prosperity.

event in Lagos where businessman and publisher, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Mr. Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and Anthony Idigbe (SAN) sought a paradigm shift in media and judicial practices in the country.

The event was the second anniversary lecture of the National Mirror. Justice Musdapher ‘s paper was titled: “Media and the Judiciary: A necessary symbiotic.”

The event also witnessed the presentation of a book titled “For Law and for country”, a compilation of interviews of law personalities published in National Mirror in the last two years. The 337-page book was reviewed by former Edo State Commissioner for Information Louis Odion.

Justice Musdapher said: “Please consider that thoroughly investigating petitions and allegations of impropriety against judicial officers as well as contraventions of the judicial code of conduct is too cumbersome for the NJC when viewed against the other responsibilities of the council.

“Besides, an independent institution with adequate statutory safeguard s may be better positioned to deal with the issues of discipline and removal as opposed to an institution that is largely managed by those it is supposed to regulate.

“I strongly believe that the creation of such an institution is the only way to properly focus on the problem of judicial corruption in Nigeria as it has been adopted in several common law jurisdiction,” he said.

The former Chief Justice of Nigeria lamented the level of corruption in the Judiciary and regretted the negative effect the dispute between his predecessor,

Aloysious Katsina-Alu and suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami had on the reputation of the Judiciary.

“More than ever before in the history of Nigeria, the scourge of terrorism poses great challenge to the Nigerian state. Our slide into anarchy has assumed dangerous dimensions, perhaps beyond the capacity of our security agencies to deal with effectively.

“Boko Haram insurgency, political violence, corruption, nepotism, tribalism, indiscipline, abductions and kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and extortion; bombing of places of worship and innocent Nigerians are killed are all indicators of a failing state.

Ibrahim agreed with the retired jurist that the nation was on a precipice. While urging the media to ensure that its reports were balance and accurate, he said the judiciary should engage in self reassessment. “I am very, very worried. I pray that God will help us.”

He expressed displeasure about cases of abuse of ex-parte injunctions by judges. He urged judges to be always aware that their decisions impact on the general society.

Also in attendance were representatives of Lagos, Osun, Katsina, Kano, Ogun, Ekiti and AkwaIbom states. They include: Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos, Lateef Ibirogba, Information Commissioner Ogun State, Yusuf Olaniyonu, representative of Kano State Governor, Malam T. Wada and Salisu Ruma, Special Adviser to Katsina State Governor.

Others include Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Funminiyi Afuye; Mr. Adeleke Ipaye, who represented Osun State and Commissioner of Economic Development, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Sunny Nyang.

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21-12-2012

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

O

N Tuesday, December 18, 2012, an historic event occurred in Ibadan, the political capital of the southwest. A dynamic group of young, upwardly mobile men and women, determined to contribute to the transformation of Oyo State launched a project with the inspiring name, ThinkOyo. I felt humbled and considered it an honour to be invited to deliver the maiden edition of the organisation’s Distinguished Lecture Series. The following is the first installment of the lecture that will appear on this page in the next two to three weeks. I appreciate the organising wizardry of the Steering Committee including Funlola Adesina, Wale Olajide, Biodun Makinde, and Femi Popoola, the incomparable broadcaster who brought back memories.

I am particularly impressed with the choice of name for the organisation, ThinkOYO. Thinking is one activity that we as a people have not been serious about in this country.

But the downside of that neglect of thinking is that we are denying what is our fundamental nature. We are thinking animals. That is what separates us from other animals. It is the ability to think that enables us to appreciate who we are, what we are, and why we are here? Opo ojo lo ti ro ti ile ti fi mu. What makes any of us so special that we were not in the list of those that have been called to the other side of the river? Are we better than those that were called?

Moreover, it is the deficit of thinking that makes people engage in disreputable activities. Consider the case of a leader who got carried away by the allures of office and misappropriates public funds. He or she might give little thought to the probability, even possibility, of being caught. That is the kind of shallow thinking that gets people into serious trouble. So the name of the organisation that sponsored this event is itself food for thought. And for me, it does the job half way.

My question then is this: When you think Oyo, what do you think? What ideas run through your mind? What images are presented to your mind’s eyes?

I hope that what comes to your mind is the enviable tradition of pace-setting in every aspect of social and political life, in adventurism, in culture, in work ethics and pride in the dignity of labour, in entrepreneurship, in political consciousness, and in civic responsibility.

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

The responsibility of citizenship: The youth in focus (1)

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi

Oyo indigenes in particular and Yoruba nationals in general have a great heritage to be proud of provided. Consider the origin of the nation. Oranmiyan was the most adventurous of the children of Oduduwa. It was his adventurism that motivated the founding of Oyo and the consolidation of the kingdom of Oyo, making it one of the first empires of note in Africa. That spirit of adventure inspired many of the “first in Africa” achievements that the Western Nigeria was able to claim credit for in the fifties and early sixties.

That Oyo has always been a pace setter in culture should come as no surprise to any-

RIPPLES

one. Whether it is material culture production or artistic creativity, our people have led the pack. And when I once privately watched a video of Iku Baba Yeye Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III making a presentation on Yoruba history and culture I found myself literally leaping out of the seat filled with pride and joy in my cultural heritage.

Of course the video was promptly circulated among my colleagues who were always eager for good news from the home front.

Needless to remind ourselves that culture is an identifier. It is what makes us who we are. The major elements of culture include language and religion. Let us grant that the latter is a controversial issue which can take us further afield from our focus here today.

It cannot be denied, however, that for various reasons and due to various causes, traditional religion has lost its place as an important aspect of our cultural identification. But not only do we no longer want to identify with traditional religion, we also shy away from names that are otherwise meaningful but have dispensable connection with our past religious identification as Africans or Yoruba.

What is more disturbing, however, is the place of our mother tongue in our contemporary quest for new identities. The Yoruba language has been an enabler in several respects. First, like other mother tongues, it provides the most effective medium for the education of our children in their formative years as the research has been an unambiguous about the benefits of mother tongue education. Secondly, the richness of Yoruba lan-

HARDBALL

guage is attested to by scholars and the diaspora community has been fascinated by this undeniable property of the language.

Institutions of higher learning across Yorubaland and the Americas have developed centres for the study of Yoruba. The multiplication of such centres means that there are going to be openings for specialists in Yoruba language and culture in those countries for the foreseeable future. We are going to take advantage of such opportunities for our young ones only if we provide the foundations for the teaching and learning of the language right from the elementary school.

But it is a damning aspect of our present condition that we have relegated Yoruba language to the back burner of the media for civilised discourse such that middle and upwardly mobile Yoruba are literally banning the speaking of the language in their homes!

Our work ethics and enterprising spirit is legendary. Our ancestors understood the importance of hard work. They detested laziness and explicitly expressed their disdain for a life of drudgery or thievery. Tal’o fole lomo? We have poems in praise of hard work: Ise loogun ise. Mura sise ore mi. Ise lafi ndeni giga. Ba o ba reni feyinti, bi olee lari. Baa ba reni gbekele a tera mose eni. The emphasis on hard work is not just so you can do well in life if you had no wealthy relatives. They also advise against relying on the prosperity of relatives. Baba re lee lowo lowo, Iya re lee lesin leekan, Boo ba gboju le won, o te tan ni mo so fun o. Iya mbe fomo to ko gbon. Ekun mbe fomo to nsa kiri.

Ma fowuro sise ore mi. Mura si se ojo nlo.

That was the sentiment that underscored our identity and it is what must naturally come to mind when you think Oyo. For when we now reflect on the pace setting achievements, we must bear in mind that everything associated with that era was the result of the highly charged productivity of the populace and the determination of leadership to make a mark, itself born out of the internalisation of the cultural norms that got them inspired in the first place.

With regard to political consciousness, colonialism cannot claim sole credit for its inception. In any case, politics is the heart and soul of societies. Whether it is the politics of ascension to or abdication from the throne, it’s all politics, if you abstract from the pretentions to spiritual intervention.

•For comments, send SMS to 08082036515

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Yakowa/Azazi: Fate so implacable, so inescapable

EVEN AT 44 MEN STILL ‘TOAST’ME –Ex female sprinter

F

Of course, some men like ‘FAIRLY USED BABES’

VOL.7 NO.2,347

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘The list of air crashes in Nigeria is legendary and the fear of air travel both for local and foreign destinations is not only mortal but is sickeningly morbid amongst Nigerians, especially those whose businesses and jobs require travelling over the length and breadth of our nation ’ DAYO SOBOWALE

ORMER head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon, and Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, have both testified they would have been on the crashed Navy chopper that took the lives of Kaduna State governor, Mr Patrick Yakowa, and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen Owoye Azazi, on Saturday. They missed death by sheer good fortune, they said. According to Gowon, while he waited to board the chopper at Okoroba in Bayelsa State, and the pilot readied himself for the privilege of flying the former head of state, another chopper was made available. He recalled the young Navy pilot regretting not being the one to fly him, and he saying there would be a next time. Maku on his own could really never explain why he missed the crashed chopper other than to say it was sheer fate. He was about to leave the ceremony in company with Yakowa and Azazi, only to inexplicably change his mind. He had got up, he recalled, but then sat down again for reasons he didn’t know.

There are many curious phenomena human beings can really never explain. It is these complex phenomena that determine success and failure, happiness and tragedy, life and death.

It is these phenomena, which humans have summed up as fate, that determine who would be in a crashed plane, car, motorcycle, collapsed building, or shipwreck etc., and who would miss it. It was this hand of fate, sometimes called destiny, that induced Yakowa and others into the crashed Navy chopper while Gowon and others missed it. It is possible some people are

gifted in the metaphysics of anticipating or second-guessing fate, and are therefore able to avoid calamity. But most people do not have that gift. In the end, given the complexity and unpredictability of human existence, especially the aspect that deals with life and death, it is really hard to say whether even those who claim to anticipate fate are really able to do so, for the confident sometimes dies where the cowardly survives.

Academicians have not quite explained how fate is different from instinct, whether it is also different from its homonymic cousin, faith, which can sometimes be exercised to control the former, or whether in reality all three words are not a crude attempt to second-guess God. As Albert Einstein once said, “God does not play dice with the world.” And so when one person misses a crashed chopper, there is order in it, almost like predestination; and when another person does not miss it, there is also order in it, quite like predestination. Alexander the Great called that instinct that made him a victor on the great battlefields between the Ionian Sea and the Himalayas his “hope.”

Caesar called it his “luck,” and Napoleon called it his “star.” Hardball forgets what Hitler called it, but he had a name for it. Whatever it was, Winston Churchill did not attempt to name it, but he recognised its value in the Dunkirk evacuation (otherwise called Miracle of Dunkirk or Operation Dynamo) when the allied powers managed to ferry 338,226 trapped soldiers to safety in 1940 against an advancing but inexplicably dithering German army.

However, seeing the national exultation over the Dunkirk feat, Churchill managed to deliver this witticism on the evacuation: “Wars are not won by evacuations.” If only he knew.

The late Governor Yakowa was himself no stranger to fate, having either ridden on it or was embraced by it for decades, before his final emergence as governor. Twice deputy governor, he finally and dramatically assumed the top position when all hope seemed lost.

The emergence of both Yakowa and his successor, Mukhtar Yero, reminds us of the equally fateful emergence of Calvin Coolidge as the 30th president of the United States after the death of President Warren G. Harding in 1923. Reporters knew Coolidge was an exceptionally lucky man, and a few of them had presumed, based on that luck, that Harding would be assassinated before completing his term. In the event, mused reporters, God Himself was the agency by which Harding was translated in order for Coolidge to secure the great prize.

Just when humans think they have all things figured out, it is then they discover to their dismay that in reality few things are actually ever figured out. That is why in spite of all plans, hope, expectations, visions, wealth, power and age, no one has yet found a way to stop the hands of fate. We must continue to do what we will; but, as great literature has portrayed, the gods must do what they will.

“Their’s not to reason why,” wrote Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1854, “Their’s but to do and die.

Into the valley of death rode the six hundred.”

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO