The Nation December 30, 2014 4 by The Nation

Why we can’t stop candidates, by INEC NEWS Page 4

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•The plane immediately after landing...yesterday.

PHOTOS: THE MAIL

Cameroon kills 41 Boko Haram fighters in air raid

Troubled Virgin Atlantic jet lands safely in London •‘AirAsia jet at bottom of sea’

VIRGIN Atlantic passenger plane has landed safely at London's Gatwick Airport after discovering a problem with part of its main landing gear. Virgin flight VS43 with 447 passengers and 15crew was travelling from Gatwick to Las Vegas when it had to return. The Boeing 747 circled over southern England for several hours SEE ALSO dumping fuel before makPAGE 61 ing a bumpy but safe landing just before 16:00 GMT. Gatwick's runway was shut to all air traffic causing severe delays. Aircraft due to land at Gatwick were being Continued on page 4

•This image shows how three-quarters of the landing gear is down - but one set of wheels on the starboard wing are not fully down

AMEROON’s army has launched air strikes against Boko Haram militants - the first since their incursion into that country from their base in northern Nigeria. The sect’s members provoked the air strikes after invading some towns in northern Cameroon at the weekend. The Cameroonian military fought back, killing no fewer than 41 of the sect’s

fighters. Cameroon Information Minister Issa Tchiroma said yesterday in Yaoundé, the Cameroonian capital, that the coordinated assaults on five towns and villages showed a change in tactics by Boko Haram fighters, who focused on hit-and-run raids on individual settlements in the past. “Boko Haram’s campaign to carve out an Islamist ca-

liphate has spread from its stronghold in Northeast Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon, raising fears for an already unstable region also threatened by Islamist militants in the Sahel,’’ he said. He added that Cameroon sent thousands of soldiers to its Far North region to fight off the militants. It launched air attacks on Continued on page 4

2015: Amaechi, DSS clash

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

Governor: my life under threat Security: no unguarded statement

From Yusuf Alli, Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja and Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

REEDOM of speech and security clashed yesterday. The Department of State Services (DSS) issued a statement, warning politicians to stop making unguarded statements. A few hours later, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi raised the alarm that his life was being threatened. Amaechi, who is also the DirectorGeneral of the Buhari Campaign Organisation —the engine-room of former Head of State General Mu-

This statement therefore serves as the last warning to all those seeking to truncate the nation’s democracy by their careless and obviously mischievous ut—DSS terances...

We hope that Governor Amaechi’s life is not at risk. We really will ask Mr. President to guarantee the safety of a governor of one of the states in this country. —Rivers Govt.

hammadu Buhar’s battle for the presidency — did not state where the threat was coming from. But his Commissioner for Information Mrs.

Ibim Semenitari, alleged that Amaechi had come under attacks, with some people manipulating statements they claimed he made to hit

him with treason charges. She did not name such people. Amaechi is said to have remarked that soldiers were right to protest, if they are not given tools to fight the Boko Haram insurgency. This, apparently, to the DSS, is “unguarded”. It is one of many statements, which it threatened will no longer be tolerated. A statement by the Deputy Director (Public Relations) of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, in Abuja, said no one is above the law. The statement said: “The attention Continued on page 4

•I DIDN’T ENDORSE PDP CANDIDATE, SAYS ILORIN EMIR P59 SECURITY CONCERNS IN EKITI P7

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT

Hello.... Good news, bad news It all began more than a decade ago. Today, the telecoms sector has contributed about $35 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the economy, bridged the digital divide and created jobs in the formal and informal sectors. Despite the gains, the revolution has its other sides, writes LUCAS AJANAKU.

OMETIME in 1983, after completing his ordinary level school certificate examination in June, Mr. Emmanuel Kehinde left Ibadan for Sokoto, Sokoto State. His intention was to stay with a brother, who was then serving in 7 Mechanised Brigade, Nigerian Army. The family had agreed that Emmanuel would stay with his brother long before he finished writing the examination but there was no agreement about the date of arrival at the Caliphate. Four days after writing the last paper, he boarded a night truck and off to Sokoto he went. Despite riding in a Mercedez 911 truck, the journey was smooth. He arrived at the city garage very early the following morning and from there, he boarded a bus to Ginginya Barracks. When he arrived at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Quarters, he met the doors of the two-bedroom apartment locked. Neither was his brother’s neighbour anywhere near the apartment. The duo had been drafted to carry out ‘special duty’ outside the state. Like a fish out of water, Emmanuel was left in the lurch; he had to plan his return trip to Ibadan. He sold his audio cassettes and a Sony tape player to raise fare as there was no way he could communicate with his brother. Two communication options were opened to him then: one was telegraph; while the other was land line. The former would not guarantee immediate response; the latter was an exclusive preserve of the rich and families of the military personnel, who were at the heml of affairs. Were there a functional ubiquitous communications system, Emmanuel and his brother would have reached an agreement on when it will be most appropriate for the two to see each other. But more than three decades after, things have changed so diametrically. Gradual reduction in devices’ prices has driven access and penetration. Today, the mobile phone is no longer seen as a social status symbol but as a means of voice communication, internet access and even business transactions. Abubakar Ali is an itinerant mendicant and native of Gombi, Adamawa State, one of the towns worst hit by the mindless blood-letting of the radical sect, Boko Haram. A visually-impaired man, who was usually assisted by a young man he simply identified as Sadiq, Ali clutched his mobile phone jealously as he fixed his ear piece. Just a little

after the ever-busy Iyana Ipaja Bridge, he sat down and engaged in a passionate conversation with one of his kinsmen in the town which is also the headquarters of Gombi Local Government Area of the state. Ali, who spoke through an interpreter, said: “I have been talking to my family members. I wanted to know how everybody was doing. I have spoken with Hadiza and Zainab my daughters. I was told Bello and his younger brother, Hakeem, have gone to the farm with the donkey. Because of the problem of these Boko Haram people, mobile phones cannot work in some parts of our community because the base stations have been destroyed.” For Idrissou, also visually-impaired, who regularly stayed on the stairs of the footbridge at CMS, Lagos Island, life would have been worthless without the mobile phone. A beggar from one of the troubled parts of the north, Baba has his ear piece on always, listening to one radio station or the other when making and receiving calls. “Since I am blind, I get people to help me load recharge cards. They also assist me to download some Quarnic recitations which I listen to. They also help me to dial the numbers I wish to call. It has been a wonderful experience but government should help those of us living with disadvantage with mobile phones that would cater for our peculiar needs,” he said. The liberalisation of the telecoms sector by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was one of the best things to have happened to the country since independence in 1960. Communications Technology Minister, Dr Omobola said the industry currently contributes 9.58 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and also aiding the econmic growths of other parts of the country. e-business platforms such as Wakanow, Jumia, Paga, Konga, i-Sec, and iRoko TV, to name a few, have come up and are doing so great, contributing to the growth of commerce, job creation. Users of these platforms ride on the crest of the availability of smartphones which are cheap and internet-enabled. Thus, all that is needed for them to stay within the comforts of their living rooms, with mobile broadband provided by the four Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) service providersMTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat and the only surviving but struggling player in the near-moribund Code

Division Multiple Access (CDMA) sub-sector, Visafone. Dr Johnson said: “The Nigerian Telecoms sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and continues to attract significant (Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). An additional $6 billion was added between 2011 and last year alone. Total mobile subscriptions increased to 134.5 million as at September 2014 from 95 million in 2011. Tele-density increased to 96 per cent in September 2014 from 68 per cent in 2011 “The total mobile internet subscriptions increased to 73.8 million as at September 2014 from 45 million in 2011. Internet penetration increased to about 52 per cent in September 2014 from about 26.5 per cent in September 2011.” Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah said there has been a phenomenal growth in the telecoms sector, adding that it has done better than any other sectors in the country. He said: “In our country (Nigeria), for instance, we now have a total number of 134 million connected lines and a teledensity of 96 per cent with about 29,000 base stations for both GSM and CDMA service providers as at December 2013.”

SIM card registration A SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) Card is the card issued by mobile phone operators which provides the individual user with the appropriate number recognised by that network. A subcriber inserts the card into his or her mobile phone to access the service provider’s network. Since the launch of the GSM services in 2001, SIM cards were offered to subscribers without the requirement to provide proper identification by the users. However, sometime in early 2008, security agencies approached the NCC to assist in resolving crimes perpetrated with the use of phones. Prior to the SIM registration, it was difficult to unmask criminal elements with the number of the phones that they used. Consequently, the NCC held a consultative forum involving various telecoms operators, consumer groups, security agencies, telecoms associations, dealers, the Nigerian Identity Management Commission, National Population Commission (NIMC), National Census Commission, the media and a host of other stakeholders. The participants agreed to the ap-

•A telecoms mast

propriateness and importance to have the record of register all phone users in the country. Another committee was subsequently set up to appraise the details of the implementation of the registration and submit its recommendations to the NCC. Upon reviewing the recommendations of the committee, the NCC Board approved the registration of all phone subscribers in the country. The registration began in Abuja on March 28, 2011, when Dr. Juwah launched the registration. On completion of the validation, harmonisation and scrubbing of the records of all registered SIM cards, operators were mandated to disconnect all unregistered SIM cards from their networks. Director, Public Affairs at the NCC, Tony Ojobo, said the registration helped in no small measure to unmask those behind commercial kidnappings, a time-honoured predilection of youths in the Southsouth and Southeastern parts of the country. Though largely cricised for its imperfections, analysts say it was a good thing for a country that never had any data base at all.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) With the registration of all the ac-

tive SIM cards, the regulator declared the coast cleared for the introduction of other schemes that will consolidate on the gains of the revolution. Two of these were the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme and Mobile Money. Juwah informed that the NCC had selected a consortium of three companies – Interconnect, Saab Grintek and Telcordia – to manage the implementation of MNP. The consortium, according to him, has responsibility to set up and implement the MNP Clearing House and administer MNP in the country. MNP allows a subscriber to abandon his/her inefficient service provider and still retain his/her old number. According to Juwah, MNP has been identified as one service that could further deepen competiveness in the telecommunications market, adding that with the growing reliance and dependency on mobile communications for everyday socio-economic interactions, it became imperative to give the customer more freedom to choose. He said: “The vision of the Commission is not only to provide access to telecommunication services to Nigerians at affordable cost but to also to continue to provide the required

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT

•A graph showing major players in the telecoms and their market share

•Obasanjo

stimulus and appropriate environment for the introduction of innovative services that will impact on quality telecoms service delivery. “Our mobile subscriber numbers have become our identity and in most cases, we are required to provide our mobile (telephone) numbers while filling out forms in opening bank accounts, making hotel and airline bookings. “With the launch of MNP, consumers of telecommunications services will no longer need to acquire new numbers in order to move from one network to the other. They will simply take along their existing numbers to any network of their choice. The power and freedom of choice will henceforth, rest with the consumer. If a consumer is dissatisfied with the quality of services being provided by a service provider, she/he can simply port out of that network to any network of his/her choice without losing his/her subscriber number.” According to Juwah, with the launch of MNP, there will be no need for customers to engage in the usually painful exercise of trying to commit phone numbers to memory, neither will they need to frequently change complimentary cards, billboards, letter-heads and other corpo-

•Mrs. Johnson

rate documents. He added that MNP will revolutionise the way calls are currently being routed since the National Destination Codes (NDC), that is, the network prefix such as 0802, 0803, 0805, 0809 usually identified with operators no longer play the role of unique identifier. He added that the NCC adopted the ‘All Call Query (ACQ)’ option for routing calls and SMS in line with international best practices, preparatory to the implementation of MNP. Though the scheme has not recorded any huge success, owing largely to lack of awareness, the NCC insisted that the idea is not about the total number of people porting from one service provider to the other but the fact that the freedom is there for subscribers. According to the regulator, the mere fact that operators know MNP scheme is in place, their attitude to upgrading their equipment and general customer care would change.

Mobile Money Under the Connect Nigerians, Digital payments and Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Federal Government, it was discovered that more people have access to mobile phones than to bank accounts with 75 per cent of adults living in urban areas and 39

per cent living in rural areas. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has licensed 18 Mobile Money Operators since the scheme began about four years ago. Approximately, one million subscribers have taken advantage of the scheme while there are about 67,000 registered agents across the country. Over 11 million transactions worth over $600 million have been conducted using the platform. Uptake has been slow but analysts say improved infrastructure, fine-tuning of legislation and increasing confidence in product by consumers will stimulate acceleration. “Mobile money is mostly used to buy airtime; it, however, has the potential to draw more patrons into formal financial services,” the minister said. However, the dearth of insurance, agents and lowlevel of awareness have been identified as major challenges hindering the success of the scheme Executive Director, Digital Africa, Dr. Armstrung Takang, who spoke with The Nation in Lagos, said the project, which was designed to complement the cashless policy of the CBN has failed to grow because the agents, from whom money would be

•Juwah collected are not there while the people do not have confidence that when they lose their money online, there will be anybody to hold responsible. The issue of who is liable for loss of money in the course of using mobile money platform has always been avoided by the CBN and operators of the 18 licensed firms. Takang said the absence of an insurance firm to bear the risk of victims using the platform was a great dis-incentive, adding that the existence of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC) encouraged people to use the banks because they know that in the event of a failure, they will not lose their entire deposits. He said: “There is need to have insurance to guarantee confidence so that I can say to you that if you use your phone to transfer money and there is a problem and you lose money, I guarantee that you will not lose that money. It is like when we have NDIC in banking. You and I will go and open an account. If that bank goes down, I know I can go to NDIC and I will get my money. If you lose money online, what happens? It is still a grey area.” Another problem is the lack of awareness. “There is no awareness that your phone can become a bank-

ing hall, your wallet and the money that is transmitted through credit on your phone is as good as the money that you get through the traditional banking halls. This is still lacking among majority of Nigerians,” he said. Even if the two obstacles are addressed, the absence of mobile money agents will be another contraints. Mobile money agents are the last on the value chain. It is from them that people will collect the cards sent through the mobile phone. “Another major aspect is that of having agents to collect cash when the cash is needed. The agents are supposed to be ubiquitous but they are not there,” he said. He called for the enactment of the enabling laws and provision of requisite security platforms in terms of technology to ensure that these transactions are safe enough to inspire confidence in those saddled with the responsibility to manage the scheme. The CEO, Etisalat, Mathiew Wilsher, said all the stakeholders, including the CBN, NCC and operators must come together and instutionalise an efficient framework for the success of the scheme. Continued on page 62

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

•The Convener, Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI) , Senator Oluremi Tinubu (third left); chairman, MYFI, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (third right) and pupils of Leadership Academy for Girls, at the inauguration of MYFI Leadership Academy for girls by Senator Tinubu in Lagos…yesterday

2015 poll: We can’t stop candidates, says INEC

HOSE piling up complaints against wouldbe candidates should not expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop such candidates, the electoral umpire has said. “INEC has no power to stop any candidates; only a court can do that”, an official said yesterday. The Electoral Act 2010(as amended) does not give INEC the power to disqualify any candidate, no matter how grievous allegations against such a candidate are. But the commission has opened a desk to collate objections or petitions against candidates, based on the par-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ticulars released to the public on Saturday. A top INEC official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said the agency cannot disqualify any candidate. The source said: “Sections 65, 66, 106, 107 and 131 of the 1999 Constitution are explicit on qualification and disqualification of candidates for election. In fact, there are about 11 conditions upon which a candidate can be disqualified. “When allegations are raised against a candidate, the only thing INEC can do is to draw the attention of the candidate’s party to the al-

leged infractions. The party has the right to either drop or retain such a candidate. “If a party is adamant in fielding a candidate with moral or constitutional issues, the onus is on the whistle-blower or the aggrieved to go to court to challenge the qualification of the said candidate. “INEC will only abide by the judgment of the court and the consequential order of the court in such a circumstance.” The INEC chairman’s Chief Press Secretary Mr. Kayode Robert Idowu, said: “INEC cannot disqualify any candidate because the law does not empower this commission to

do so.” There are 11 conditions upon which any of the presidential candidates or other candidates can be disqualified. INEC states: “While a person is disqualified if he or she (i) has declared allegiance to another country; (ii) has been elected to the office of President or Governor at any two previous elections; (iii) adjudged to be a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind; (iv) is under a sentence of death or is under a sentence of imprisonment or fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud (v) has in the last 10 years been convicted Continued on page 60

Cameroon kills 41 Boko Haram fighters in air raid Continued from page 1

the movement for the first time on Sunday. “Units of the Boko Haram group attacked Makari, Amchide, Limani and Achigachia in a change of strategy which consists of distracting Cameroonian troops on different fronts. “Making them more vulnerable in the face of the mobility and unpredictability of their attacks,’’ Tchiroma said. He said no fewer than 34 militants were killed after the army laid siege to a base used by the militants in Chogori

and seven others, plus one soldier were killed near the town of Waza. Cameroon Army spokesman, Lt.-Col. Didier Badjeck, said Boko Haram fighters briefly occupied an army camp in Achigachia after a fierce fight, but withdrew after air attacks. “All the militants had now pulled back into Nigeria,’’ Badjeck said. Both Tchiroma and Badjeck said it was too early to give full details of casualties. Boko Haram has killed over 40 soldiers and recruited hundreds of youths during

raids in Cameroon’s Far North region this year. Also at the weekend, Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam visited Niger Republic to persuade over 4,000 residents of the state, who fled the Boko Haram crisis, to return. More than 4,000 residents of Gaidam, Kanamma and Yunusari, fled to Maine Soroa in Niger Republic after their towns were attacked. The governor visited the refugees camp on Saturday, conducted round by the premier (Governor) of Diffa region, Alhaji Yakuba Usman.

Usman said the people were offered shelter in the area with 1,385 in camp, being fed by Niger Government while 3,000 refugees were living with friends and relatives in Maine Soroa town. Gaidam promised the refugees that the Yobe State government would support them, but asked them to return home, noting that more soldiers would be deployed to strenghten security in the state. Some of the displaced persons expressed regret that security forces fled their towns Continued on page 60

Buhari won’t probe Jonathan, others, says Oyegun

OR the umpteenth time, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John OdigieOyegun yesterday warned against rigging next year’s presidential election, saying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is highly unpopular. He said APC candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would not probe President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration or past corrupt political office holders - if elected next year.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

Speaking in Benin, the Edo State capital, Odigie-Oyegun chided presidential aide Doyin Okupe for comparing Jonathan with Jesus Christ. Contrary to the fear in some quarters, the APC chair said: “The only people I can think of who will fear the Buhari presidency are those who do not want change, are those who want to continue with Continued on page 60

PDP member donates N10m to Buhari campaign fund MEMBER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is among the highest donors to the Buhari campaign fund raiser in Jigawa State, the coordinator said yesterday. Jigawa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had launched a scratch card

From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

sales to raise fund for the APC presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari who will be contesting the February 14 presidential poll against President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP. Continued on page 60

Troubled jet lands safely Continued from page 1

diverted to other London airports, while departing flights were being delayed. Passengers are being advised to check the airport's website or contact their airline. Flashing lights of emergency vehicles could be seen close to

the plane, which landed without its full set of landing gear. Ambulances and fire-andrescue crews had been on standby as the plane circled the airport in the hours after it took off for the US late yesterday morning. Continued on page 60

2015: Amaechi alleges threat to life as DSS warns politicians Continued from page 1

of the Department of State Services has been drawn to inciting and unguarded statements and utterances by some politicians ahead of the 2015 general elections. “ Of particular interest is the statement of a serving governor calling on men of the armed forces to rise up in protest against constituted authority, with the intent to undermine the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Their actions, which are intended to achieve their desires, are irresponsible, selfish and against our collective wellbeing as a nation. “It is noteworthy that similar unguarded provocative statements by politicians in the past had encouraged violence that resulted in loss of innocent lives and property.”

Although the DSS described its statement as the last warning to erring politicians, it was silent on the action it might take thereafter. The statement added: “It is pertinent to note that no Nigerian is above the laws of this land. Political office holders must not hide under the privileges of their offices to perpetrate and encourage the commission of acts inimical to the general interest of this nation, as this will henceforth not be tolerated. “This statement therefore serves as the last warning to all those seeking to truncate the nation’s democracy by their careless and obviously mischievous utterances and actions to desist and retrace their steps immediately. “This Service and indeed all security agencies will not rest on their oars and are committed to the successful conduct

of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.” But the government of Rivers State said Amaechi’s life was being threatened. Gen. Buhari is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He will challenge President Goodluck Jonathan, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the February 14 presidential poll. Mrs. Semenitari warned that no harm must befall Amaechi who, she said, is at the forefront of bringing about the much-desired change in Nigeria from May 29, next year. Mrs. Semenitari said: “We will like to think that this is not the case. We will like to think that the Federal Government and its agents will appreciate the fact that this is not a do-or-die affair. Many times, Governor Amaechi

had come under tremendous attacks, with some people manipulating statements that they claimed he made, with an attempt to hand purported treason charge on him. Rt. Hon. Amaechi is a responsible governor and would not at any point, under any circumstance, made the statements that people had alluded to him. “As a government, we have tried to restrain ourselves from unduly fighting with people, because we appreciate the fact that we are in election season. To hear these kinds of allegations and threats to Governor Amaechi’s life is a matter that we are very concerned about. “We are asking Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as the President and the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the security agencies

to please ensure that Governor Amaechi is not harmed in any way, manner or form, because that will be inconsistent with President Jonathan’s claim that he does not think that this election is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Mr. President has repeatedly said that politics should not descend to a point where perceived enemies are ‘taken out of the way.’ Since Mr. President had said so, all the people who work for him must follow that dictate and ensure that all is fair in the prosecution of these elections and campaigns. “For us as a government, we do hope sincerely that these rumours we heard are just rumours. We hope that Governor Amaechi’s life is not at risk. We really will ask Mr. President to guarantee the safety of a governor of one of the states in this coun-

•Amaechi

try.” Speaking on the persons suspected to be behind the plot to harm him, Amaechi Continued on page 60

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THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS Omeri seeks improved security at New Year

SURE-P has failed, says Osinbajo

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE National Information Centre (NIC) has praised Nigerian security agencies for their “high alertness which contributed to ensuring a hitch-free Christmas celebration in the country.” NIC Coordinator, Mr. Mike Omeri, who also called for improved security next year, noted that the seriousness with which security agencies handled intelligence reports and issued security tips to Nigerians during the Yuletide period contributed to violence-free celebrations. Omeri, in a statement by his Special Assistant, David Akoji, urged security agencies to sustain the tempo during the New Year’s celebrations. He called on civilians to continue supporting the security agencies, noting that with continued cooperation between civilians and the armed forces, the country’s security challenges would soon be a thing of the pass. He also enjoined citizens to remain vigilante, report suspicious persons and objects to security agencies and discountenance organisations with unclear motives.

Aregbesola urges activists to convene for Buhari

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged pro-democracy activists and organisations to meet to ensure victory for All Progressives Congress (APC’s) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in next year’s election. Aregbesola spoke in Osogbo at the weekend at the 50th birthday lecture and presentation of a book in honour of a pro-democracy and human rights activist, Amitolu Shittu. His Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the governor as telling pro-democracy activists who came to honour Shittu that the challenges facing Nigeria arose from the ineptitude of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led Federal Government. The governor said the government lacked transparency in management of oil revenues, adding that before the prices of crude oil crashed in the international market, Nigerians were robbed of oil revenues through frauds.

“The Federal Government is the authority in charge of the Navy, the Army, the police, Air Force and other security agencies. Yet, they tell us that 400,000 barrels of crude are stolen. “Who is stealing the crude oil? And these are despite a questionable contract for the protection of oil pipelines and waterways awarded to an individual. “They have no other excuse to give. The only way is to vote them out,” he said. Aregbesola reminded Nigerians of the roles played by the likes of Shittu and others, who were jailed, forced to exile, killed and harassed unjustly for the enthronement of a people’s government. “This is the time for all of you to reconvene and ensure that we rescue our country before it is too late,” he said. Shittu, who lamented the hardship pervading the country, urged Nigerians to use their voting power to vote out antipeople government.

LL Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has attributed the poor implementation of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) to its alleged hijack by chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Osinbajo spoke with reporters at a restaurant in Lagos, in continuation of his meet-the-people campaign tour. Claiming that the Federal Government might have had the best of intention in establishing the programme, he noted that its stated objectives have not been achieved due largely to its abuse and mismanagement by government’s cronies. He said: “I make bold to say that in terms of stated objectives, the SURE-P has failed due to the

By Remi Adelowo

wrong strategy adopted in its implementation. “The subsidy fund has been mismanaged and abused. The way and manner it was set up makes it open for abuse.” On the objectives of his campaign tour aimed at interfacing directly with the people, Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said it was part of listening to the concerns of the people and explaining the vision of the APC, if it forms the next government at the centre. “We are moving around Lagos to meet the people. It’s a phased plan and we have plans to move to other states in due course. The election is about 40 days away and within this period, we want to cover as many states as possible,” he explained. On the agenda of an APC-led Federal Government, the

former Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General said job creation and security would form the fulcrum of its policies. According to him, every policy of the government would be geared towards providing jobs for the people. He added that within the first few months in office, the 36 states would be mandated to provide a minimum of 20,000 jobs as immediate relief to tackle unemployment. In addition, he said employers of labour, who employ a certain number of people, would be offered incentives by the government, while agriculture would also be accorded priority through massive subsidy. Osinbajo added that APC-led administration would introduce the construction of low cost housing, provision of one meal per day for primary school pu-

pils with its multiplier effects in the agriculture sector and payment of stipends to graduates, who have undergone vocational training after the completion of their National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). He noted: “Eighty per cent of graduates do not have jobs and youths are disenchanted and something needs to be done urgently. For me, my interest in politics is all about the people. As the Attorney General in Lagos State, I created the office of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to defend the rights of poor people. “Any responsible government must cater for the needs of the people. I can assure you that an APC-run government headed by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would take the welfare of the people very seriously. There would also be social security for the disabled and the elderly.”

‘Fed Govt needs N5tr to complete 8000 abandoned projects’ From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

HE Federal Government will need about N5 trillion to complete over 8,000 abandoned projects, it was learnt yesterday. A former director at the National Planning Commission (NPC) and lecturer of Economics at the University of Abuja, Dr. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, at a workshop on “Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Education Curriculum”. It was organised by the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai. The economist lamented that majority of the projects have been abandoned since 2009. Expressing doubt over the likelihood of their completion, he blamed lack of collaboration between the three tiers of government and communities, where the projects were sighted, for the neglect. Darma said a survey by the commission on some Federal Government projects showed that states and local governments were not aware that such projects exist in their domains. The university don cited some water and dam projects that were unable to serve the local people due to what he called “lack of collaboration between the Federal and state governments and non-awareness of the project by benefiting state authorities.” According to him, “If the state and local governments were involved in these water projects, they would have collaborated and ensure that water get to the people”. He called on the Federal Government to formulate a national policy on innovation as well as set up a national implementation council on innovation development to drive entrepreneurship

Yuletide: Road fatalities reduced by 42 per cent From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) claimed yesterday that about 120 persons were killed in road crashes nationwide between December 19 and 28. It added that the figure translates to 42 per cent reduction in fatalities, when compared to last year’s figure of 208, within the same period. The Corps Public Education Officer, Imoh Etuk, said yesterday while presenting an update on the FRSC activities. According to Etuk, the FRSC also recorded 48 per cent reduction in the number of road crashes within this period, which stood at 193, compare with 368 road crashes in 2013. He added that a 53 per cent reduction was also recorded in injuries between December 19 and 28, with 733 injured persons against the 2013 figure, which stood at 1,564.

•Ambassador Sheni (left) and Munday signing the MoU in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Nigeria, EU sign MoU on election

HE European Union (EU) and Federal Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the monitoring of next year’s general elections. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Danjuma Sheni, who led Nigeria’s delegation at the occasion in Abuja yesterday, said Nigeria was committed to conducting credible elections in 2015. Sheni, according to a report by the News of Nigeria (NAN), said Nigeria welcomed the EU team to observe its elections because of the importance of neutral observers in the electoral process. “Nigeria welcomes the Euro-

pean Union as observers of its elections just as others because of the importance of neutral observers in the electoral process. “Such observers tend to lend credibility to the legitimacy of the elections. This is precisely the reason why Nigeria is willing to sign this MoU with the European Union delegation. “The EU observed our 2011 elections which were declared as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria”, he said. The permanent secretary added that the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, had confirmed that the 2015 elections would be conducted under the best international practices. He, therefore, called on the

EU and Nigeria’s other partners to continue to assist INEC to live up to the pledge made by Jega. Sheni said: “Nigeria values the presence of the international observers for its elections since this is one of the pillars for strengthening democracy. “Nigeria is committed to having free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections.” Leader of EU delegation Mr. Alan Munday said the union was committed to improving Nigeria’s democratic processes. Munday said the objective of any observer mission was not to criticize, but to deliver independent report to improve future processes. He said the observer mission would look at the whole pro-

cess of the election from the campaigns to the post-election period. The EU envoy called on stakeholders to respect and play by the rules to ensure a level-playing field, free and fair process for all those involved in the democratic process. He said the observer team of about 20 to 30 persons would be in Nigeria in the next few weeks. Munday said the team would not be able to cover the whole country owing to its vastness. He, however, said that it would cover all the geo-political zones, states and the major cities, and collaborate with the locals, NGOs and other international observer teams for effective observation.

‘LP ‘ll adopt another party’s presidential candidate’

HE Labour Party (LP) has explained why it would not be fielding any presidential candidate for next year’s election. The party has, however, set up a committee to scrutinise all the other parties’ presidential candidates with the view to endorse one from the 11 candidates listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the February election. For the other elective positions, LP said it has submitted

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the names of its candidates, including Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State); Chief Great Ogboru (Delta State); Amb Bagudu Hirse (Plateau State) among others, for the governorship elections. The National Secretary of LP, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, told journalists at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the party’s decision on the

presidential candidate was based on principle. According to him: “LP as at the close of submission of candidates to INEC did not field presidential candidate. This is not an oversight, but part of our strategies and principles as a socialist and realist party. If we must field a presidential candidate, we must field the candidate to win and not to merely participate in the election as some parties are doing. “Certainly our voice will count in choosing the next

President for Nigeria. We are the beautiful bride in Nigerian politics. We are being wooed by President Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party and General Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as other presidential hopefuls.” Ajulo also urged Nigerians to rise up by not allowing politicians to continue to take them for granted, stressing that they must not vote for parties that are against the people.

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS 100 First-Class graduates to study abroad DUCATION Minister Malam Ibrahim Shekarau said yesterday that the Federal Government would sponsor 100 First-Class graduates for studies abroad. Shekarau spoke at an interactive session in honour of some selected outstanding members of “Adaidaita Sahu Societal Reorientation Programme”, an initiative of his administration as governor of Kano State. The minister said the graduates would be sponsored under the Special Presidential Scholarship Programme initiated by

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, Jonathan had instructed the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to select the best graduates and secure admissions for them to study up to doctorate level at universities abroad. Shekarau said the first batch had been screened and would soon leave the country to study at the best 25 universities in the world. The minister added that as part of the government’s effort to provide Nigerians with qualitative education, some university lecturers had been sponsored for various training locally and abroad.

SURE-P interns advised on ethics

HE Federal Government has urged the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) beneficiaries to develop useful technical skills, personal effectiveness and commitment toward achieving their career goals. Project Director of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme’s (SURE-P’s) Internship Scheme Mr. Peter Papka gave the advice at an orientation training organised for 100 fresh interns and corporate representatives in Lokoja, Kogi State. It was designed to acquaint the young graduates with workplace ethics as well as enable them to develop capacity for efficiency and performance management. On the essence of the programme, Papka said: “The Federal Government came up with the socio-economic protection scheme and a set of interventions to provide critical infrastructure and social safety nets, which have enabled the Nigeria graduates cross from graduation to the workplace with positive mindset and ethical conduct. “The SURE-P, as a nation-

al policy, is being implemented across the states as a deliberate attempt to create a critical bridge that would provide opportunities for unemployed graduates many of whom are considered unemployable because they have limited skills and no cognate experience to enable them hit the ground running in the workplace. “The GIS was defined and delivered as a critical strategy, whose primary mandate is developing the capacity of the intern within the stipulated 12 months orientation programme. Apart from the mentorship, the scheme provides an important milestone in equipping the graduates with practical skills in competency enhancement, capacity-building and management development.” Urging the interns to seize the opportunities provided for them by the Federal Government, Papka reaffirmed government’s commitment to the internship orientation. He also urged the interns to take full advantage of the scheme and be change agents.

Obasanjo has no conscience, says Adebanjo A N elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has said the Southwest did not benefit from the eight-year administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The former president, according to Adebanjo, was not only self-centred, but he “has no conscience.” “I challenge anybody to come and show what we (the Yoruba) got when Obasanjo was at the helm of affairs for eight years,” Adebanjo said. He spoke at the presentation of the publication: Watch the watcher: A book of remembrance of the Obasanjo years, written by Yinka Odumakin. Adebanjo said Obasanjo was reluctant to heed advice. “For Obasanjo, Nigeria never existed before he came to power. He has only one adviser, Matthew Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo,” he said. The Afenifere leader accused Obasanjo of corruption, saying he backed the review of his party’s constitution to favour him. “Obasanjo believed he is

By Joseph Jibueze

not corrupt. But before he left office, he changed the constitution of the party so that he can become the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT). Obasanjo has no conscience,” he said. Former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, who chaired the event, faulted Obasanjo’s claims of not nurturing a “third term” agenda. He said contrary to the former president’s denial in his book, My Watch, Obasanjo agitated for an extension of his two-term tenure. Osoba, who disagreed with some aspects of the book, also accused Obasanjo of allegedly rigging out Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors in the 2003 governorship election despite an al-

leged alliance. He said he Obasanjo approached the leadership of AD to solicit its support in 2003. According to Osoba, Obasanjo “almost went on his knees” while beseeching AD governors to support his second term ambition. Osoba, now a Social Democratic Party (SDP) member, said he was shocked to learn of Obasanjo’s claim of not nursing a third term ambition. “I am shocked and surprised that he wrote in his book that he knew nothing about the Third Term Agenda, which he said God would have given him, if he had asked God,” he said. The former governor said many aspects of Obasanjo’s book “need correction”. “He was at the centre of all the negotiations to broker a

Falana faults National Health Act UMAN rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has described as scandalous sections 48 and 51 of the new National Health Act, 2015, which allow medical workers to carry out unauthorised surgical operations on patients without their consent. Falana, who addressed a news conference yesterday at his chambers in Lagos, said: “As far as the 1999 Constitution is concerned, the fundamental right of Nigerians to life, human dignity, privacy and freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed. But all these provisions are all being violated by the National Assembly by

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Abia Adamawa Bauchi Delta Ebonyi Enugu Kaduna Kano Katsina Kebbi Kogi Lagos Niger Osun Oyo Rivers Sokoto Yobe Zamfara Akwa-Ibom Gombe Ogun FCT Benue Anambra Jigawa Imo Ondo Plateau Bayelsa Taraba Cross River Nasarawa

Enugu Bauchi Taraba Edo Abia Anambra Sokoto Kebbi Kaduna Zamfara Kwara Oyo Nasarawa Ogun Osun Bayelsa Jigawa Gombe Katsina Delta Yobe Lagos Kogi Plateau Cross River Kano Ebonyi Ekiti Benue River Borno Imo FCT

Prof. O.E. Onukaogu Prof. Tukur Sa’ad Ahmed Makama Mike Igini Selina Omagha Oko Edwin Offor Nwatarali Sadiq Abubakar Musa Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa Hussaini Ahmed Mahuta Abubakar Umar Garba Wara Emmanuel Onucheyo Rufus O. Akeju Abdullahi Umar Danyaya Timothy A. Ibitoye A.L. Ogunmola Barito Lenusikpugi Kphagih Haliru A. Tambuwal Kassim Gana Geidam Ibrahim Bagobiri Marafa Aniedi Ikoiwak Habu Zarma Akin Orebiyi Hussaini Halilu Pai Kwanga Godwin Mbatsavbee Sylvester Okey Ezeani Minkaila Abdullahi Lawrence Azubuike Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun Istifanus Ishaku Dafwang Gesila Khan Samuel Madaki Gabriel Ada Jacob Shekwonudu Jatau

•Osoba: he craved third term

political agreement between the AD and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003. For him to say he knew nothing about it, I totally disagree with him.” He said a meeting was held, with Obasanjo and some Yoruba leaders in attendance. Professor G.G. Darah, who reviewed Odumakin’s book, said: “It is expected that the book will trigger more debates. The author was motivated to write the book to challenge exaggerated claims of the heroic grandeur and accomplishments made by the former President.” At the event were Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by Mr. Shola Ebiseni; Minister of Police Affairs Alhaji Jelili Adeshiyan; Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Chairman Jide Adeniji; Labour Party Secretary, Mr. Kayode Ajulo; Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd); Col. Bello Fadile (rtd); Mr. Akin Osuntokun and Lagos PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle.

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

this new Bill.” Specifically, he said while it was an offence for an individual to attempt to merchandise, sell or commercialise vital organs of living persons, the controversial sections, however, allowed medical workers to remove and transplant organs from one living person to another without the consent of the donor. Noting that hospitals and other medical establishments had been mandated to admit and treat patients in emergency situations, Falana maintained that the Act had “licensed medical personnel to engage in unauthorised surgical operations for the purpose of removing

vital organs of living persons.” Falana, who was angry, said: “We have confirmed that the offending sections 48 and 51 of the Act were introduced to the bill due to pressures from an influential foundation based in the United States.” Particularly worrisome, according to the human rights lawyer, was the fact that “this new Health Act seeks to legalise trafficking in human parts and not less than 10 million women would die annually, if this bill is made to stand.” The lawyer argued that in view of the immorality and illegality of sections 48 and 51 of the Act, the National Assembly should repeal them without any delay.

•Falana speaking at the news conference...yesterday.

“The status quo before the enactment of the law, whereby a donor of an organ had to give his /her informed consent should be restored,” he said.

Jonathan has delivered on education, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan in education in the last four years. Reviewing the gains and challenges of the sector against the performance of the administration, the party urged Nigerians to vote for Jonathan in the presidential election to guarantee the future of the country’s education. Its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, claimed that the PDP had, in the last 15 years, progressively developed education as a social instrument for national development and integration. The statement said this was done through the implementation of broad-based policies in keeping with the party’s manifestos and ideology. The party praised the President for “accelerating” the development of education at all levels in the last four years. It added that Jonathan had repositioned the public school system and provided the enabling environment for greater participation of private individuals and agencies in the delivery of education servic-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

es under government’s regulation. The statement also reads: “This is in addition to the massive rehabilitation and upgrade of Federal Governmentowned schools as well as the three-pronged programmes of the Almajiri Education System, the first of its kind; the GirlChild Education and Back-toSchool programmes, all of which have drastically reduced the out-of-school children profile in the country, particularly in the North. “The 150 Almajiri schools across the northern states and the Out-of-School-Children Programme, including specialised boys’ and girls’ schools across the country have given meaning to the lives of hitherto despaired children. “Under Jonathan’s watch, enrolment in basic schools has increased from 23 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012 and still growing. In the same vein, enrolment in colleges of education has increased from

620,000 in 2011 to 750,000 in 2013. Also, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), established by the PDP, is expanding to 250,000 enrolments annually. “To guarantee enhanced access to university education, President Jonathan established 14 new universities, (nine in the northern states of Kogi, Taraba, Jigawa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Katsina, Yobe, Kebbi and Zamfara states and three in the southern states of Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Ekiti), including two specialised Police and Maritime universities, thereby ensuring that all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory have a federal university.” It added: “Of course, the number of private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions has also doubled as a result of the education-friendly environment created by the PDP-led Federal Government. This is in addition to the establishment of new NCE awarding institutions and upgrade of strategic polytechnics for enhanced service delivery in the country.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

APC petitions NSA over ‘security threats’ in Ekiti

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on the security situation in the state. In the petition, the party claimed that the alleged security threats reached the peak when suspected party thugs invaded the State High Court beating up judges and tearing court records in the chief judge’s chambers. It was forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan, Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), state director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the commissioner of Police. Signed by the state APC Chairman, Olajide Awe, the petition alleged that some police officers, who worked with Fayose during his first stint in power, and were indicted by the report of a Presidential Security Investigation Panel that investigated killings in the state during the period, have returned. Awe said the return of the indicted police officers had constituted a security threat in the state which, according to

Don’t take petition serious, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has urged the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), not to take the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the alleged security threat serious. In a statement yesterday by its state Secretary, Tope Aluko, the party said the motive behind the petition was “a calculated attempt by the APC Chairman, Olajide Awe, to divert the government’s attention from prosecuting him”. The PDP described the petition as part of the antics of the APC whenever it discovers From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

him, had worsened since Fayose’s swearing-in on October 16. The APC chairman alleged that Fayose made a special request for the redeployment of the policemen who formed the nucleus of a “killer squad” in Ekiti State between 2003 and 2006 as confirmed by the Presidential Security Panel Report on Political Killings in Ekiti State. Awe called for the redeployment of the policemen from Ekiti State, if they must remain in the Force. He urged the police to stop supporting

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

that there are no more roads for its chieftains and members to escape justice. Aluko said all the matters raised in the petition “are dead issues which can no longer generate the kind of sympathy that the opposition party chairman would want”. “We implore the National Security Adviser not to take the petition of Jide Awe serious because it is part of the antics of the APC whenever they discover that there is no more road for them to escape justice or are being rejected by the people.”

illegalities “as seen in their support for the seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers while same was denied the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers”. The APC chairman said since the policemen’s arrival in the state, the activities of unknown men visiting the homes of APC leaders at night, particularly lawmakers, had increased. He urged the authorities to provide equal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. The petition reads: “We are worried by the antecedents of these police officers when

they served Governor Fayose between 2003 and 2006. Our fear is not without basis. “A cursory look at the Report of the Presidential Security Panel Investigation of Killings in Ekiti constituted by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 succinctly leads us to the present fear, as state-sponsored terrorism rears its head again with particular reference to the same officers, who were indicted in that report and who have been recalled by Governor Fayose to his service in Ekiti State. “Fayose’s former Chief Security Officer Timothy Gbenga Joseph has been recalled to

the service of the governor and now serves as his Aide De Camp (ADC).” The party said it was worrisome that after this police officer was transferred out of Ekiti State as recommended, he never faced any criminal prosecution but a “befitting” redeployment to Ekiti State through the governor’s special request to continue the reign of terror in the state. Awe also listed two mobile policemen- Usman Shaba and Moses Usman- as former members of Fayose’s special squad, who are now back in his service. “ Shaba was former security aide to Fayose’s wife, and he is currently attached to TK Aluko, Fayose’s close associate, who does not hold any cabinet position to deserve protection and who was also indicted in the presidential security panel report. “Usman was Dayo Okondo’s erstwhile body guard. Usman was also indicted by the security report. According to the report, he was identified as the officer who shot Olugbenga Jaiyeola in the leg at Ikere-Ekiti on March 15, 2004, leading to the amputation of the leg.

HE Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Issa Shuaib Akanbi, is dead. Akanbi, 50, died in Akure, the state capital, after a brief illness. A statement by the command’s spokesman, Kayode Balogun, said: “With heavy heart and sorrow, the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) regrets to announce the death of its commandant, Issa Shuaib Akanbi, who died after a brief illness. “He has been buried according to Islamic rites at his home town of Ilorin, Kwara State. “We saw him in the office in Akure, hale and hearty. We cracked jokes because the command bought him a new official car to enhance his job but surprisingly we just heard about his death. It is very sad and painful. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” He is survived by his wife, children and mother.

Alao-Akala: my campaign’ll be issued-based From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

‘Obanikoro’s comment contemptuous’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described as contempt of court a statement credited to the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore’s petition before the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal. The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, condemned Obanikoro’s assertion in an interview that the PDP had the upper hand at the tribunal. Obanikoro said in the interview: “If you have been following proceedings at the court, you will see that we have gained the upper hand. Aregbesola won with about 50 per cent of the votes while we scored about 40 per cent... You wait for the outcome of the tribunal. We are going to win because the facts show that the results are in favour of the PDP.” The APC, therefore, urged the tribunal to sanction Obanikoro for contempt of court and for unlawfully pre-empting the tribunal’s decision on who won the August 9 governorship election. The party said: “ Obanikoro’s statement was designed to misinform the public against evidence before the tribunal. “Only a drunken man or one in the stupor of drug overdose would arrive at Obanikoro’s conclusion which runs against the grain of evidence so far produced at the tribunal. “Obanikoro’s statement is the insidious impunity of the PDP to present a fait accompli in a case that is ongoing in the court. “The idea is to give a false impression that the PDP has secured a favourable judgment in a case in which evidence is still being produced by witnesses. “The PDP’s bluff is characteristic of its arrogance of impunity inspired by its gross misuse of power that has become notorious.”

Ondo NSCDC Commandant dies

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second left); former Resident Electoral Commissioner Rufus Akeju (left); Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Administrative Secretary Oladipo Oladapo (middle); Head of Department , Political Monitoring Team, Niyi Opadiran (second right) and Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Adenike Tadese at the Government House, Osogbo...yesterday.

Daniel: I was directed to run to ensure PDP’s victory

HE crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State over who should fly the party’s senatorial ticket in Ogun East worsened yesterday with former Governor Gbenga Daniel, alleging that he had been “directed” to run, instead of Buruji Kashamu. Kashamu won the PDP ticket for the seat in a primary conducted by the Dayo Bayoled state executive committee after Daniel voluntarily withdrew from contesting. But yesterday, the former governor said he was asked to run to enhance the PDP’S chances of emerging victorious at the poll. Daniel, who had traversed through PDP, Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN), Labour Party(LP) in the last 42 months before finally returning to PDP last October, said the decision directing him to contest after he had withdrawn from the race, was reached on Christmas Day at a meeting of the party’s national leaders. This development, it was learnt, could put Kashamu and Daniel on a war path to the detriment of the party. Kashamu, on Sunday in Ije-

Daniel’s name, others not on INEC list From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ORMER Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel’s name and scores of others who made the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “unity list” of candidates for the February 14 and 28 general elections in Ogun State are missing on the candidates’ list made available to reporters by the Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abeokuta. Daniel in a statement by his media aide, Ayo Giwa, said he was directed to run for the Senate seat of Ogun East by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure the party’s electoral success in Ogun and that a “unity list” of candidates cutting across interest groups had been drawn. From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

bu-Igbo, vowed to “sacrifice” his “blood” to keep the ticket rather than forfeit or surrender it. The former governor, in a statement by his media aide, Ayo Giwa, said the “National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP declared that there were no authorised primaries in Ogun State”, alluding that the primary that produced Kashamu was not accepted in Abuja. According to him, the leadership of the party had called on stakeholders to draw up a unity list of candidates encom-

passing various interest groups across the state. Daniel urged party leaders to stop discussing political developments in Ogun PDP on the pages of newspapers as it negated one of the articles of the party’s constitution. He said: “Internal disagreements which are supposed to be necessary ingredients of democracy are, on daily basis, being externalised. “For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC has declared that there were no authorised primaries held in Ogun State as the leadership of the party had earlier on called on all stakeholders to come with a unity

list of candidates encompassing all various interest groups across the state. “Tremendous progress has been made in this respect and the onus lies on the leadership to point the way forward. “In order not to disrupt the arrangement, I, Gbenga Daniel, elected not to run and pulled out of the senatorial race some weeks before the so-called primaries were held. “However, at an emergency meeting summoned by the national leadership on Christmas Day, I was directed to run to enhance the success of the party at all levels in the senatorial district and by extension, the state. “Going by this arrangement, it is absurd for any group to call themselves delegates and make statements that will only heat up the polity and may inadvertently affect the fortunes of the party in the state. “All hands must be on deck to ensure the success of all the PDP candidates at the polls by mapping out campaign strategies and ways of reaching out to the masses for their votes.”

HE governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, has said his campaign will be issuebased and cautioned his supporters against violence. Alao-Akala, a former governor, said this at the inauguration of a 30-man campaign committee at the party secretariat, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. “I am an advocate of discipline, orderliness and I adhere strictly by the rules of the game; we should endeavour to go about the campaign without rancour. Let us show the example of good neighbourliness and teach the opposition how best to campaign in a democratic setting. “We have listened to the voices of the people and I am here to offer myself to serve my people again and provide an enabling environment for commercial activities to thrive. Hence, it is a major task for this committee to champion “Issue-Based Campaign” by sending our messages of hope and reality to all citizens of Oyo State.”

Ondo makes N10b in 11 months

HE Ondo State government generated N10.4 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to November, an official said yesterday. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, Peter Paul, the special assistant to the governor on Internally Generated Revenue, said the amount was generated from taxes. He said officials of the board were mandated to ensure that taxes were remitted appropriately and regularly by tax payers. The special assistant said the board had strategised to block all revenue loopholes to ensure that every taxable adult in the state paid tax. Paul said one of the strategies was to discourage cash payments and introduction of electronic payment with the use of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals with official receipt issued immediately.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS Awards night today

HE Move Back to Nigeria Networking will today hold an award and networking programme at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, according to the organisers, is an evening of relaxed and informal networking in a great atmosphere, with great opportunities to engage with business and other professionals. The ceremony is to appreciate extraordinary personalities ,who have featured on the organisation’s online weekly interviews.

Forget Yoruba votes, Jonathan told From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

NDIGENES of Ibadan, Oyo State, under the auspices of Ibadan People Association (IPA), have told President Goodluck Jonathan to forget the Southwest in next year’s presidential elections. They said his spokesman Doyin Okupe, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko should speak for themselves alone, and not for the Yoruba. The Ibadan community in a statement by its National President, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, in Kaduna yesterday, said: “If there is anybody deceiving Mr. President about Southwest support, he shouldn’t deceive himself, it will not work. “We want to tell Okupe, Fayose and Mimiko that the Southwest knows better. Enough is enough, nobody should brainwash us again. “The world can see what is going on in Nigeria. Never in the history of this country has there been a time where stealing and corruption are celebrated daily. This administration has legalised corruption. “There are a lot of atrocities going on in this land. We are tired of the gimmicks. We want to tell Mr. President to look elsewhere for his votes. We won’t vote for him.”

CAN prays for Abiodun

HE Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) in Ogun East Senatorial District held yesterday a prayer session for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Dapo Abiodun. Leading the session at the Itoro Town Hall, Ijebu-Ode, the CAN chairman in Ijebu Ode, Rev. Sobayo, prayed for the success of the APC candidate. He said the association was not partisan but stated that Abiodun can be vouched for in terms of giving the people good representation. The CAN chairman said it was the responsibility of clerics to advise their congregation to ensure they perform their civic duties by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The CAN coordinator for Remo, Pastor Malato Ikuesan, said the prayers were organised because some unscrupulous persons might want to perpetrate electoral fraud.

•The protesters in Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Protest in Ibadan over REC’s deployment ORE than a thousand supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State took to the streets yesterday to reject Rufus Akeju as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the redeployment of the 37 RECs and directed them to conclude all handing and takeover formalities by tomorrow. Akeju was posted from Osun; his predecessor, Nasir Ayilara, was posted to Niger. The protesters, who marched on the INEC headquarters, carried placards with inscriptions, such as: “Akeju must go”; “Don’t bring back the old wild wild west”, “Oyo rejects Akeju”; “Akeju is not fit to conduct

•’I’m going nowhere’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

election in Nigeria”; “Oyo wants credible elections”; “We reject him”; “Akeju will destroy Oyo election.” One of the leaders of the protesters alleged that Akeju was partisan. He urged INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega to transfer him to the national headquarters. Rasheed Rufai, a member of the Accord in Ibadan NorthEast, Mrs Mojisola Soyooye (LP), Adisa Jelili (SDP) in Oluyole Local Government Area, Adeniran Adekola from the Youth for Better Society, and others said they wanted another REC. But Akeju said the protesters have the right to demonstrate, noting that they cannot stop him from resuming. “They can demonstrate. That is their right. They have

no right to say I cannot resume. It is as simple as that.” Clearing the air on the allegation that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he said: “They should go to court and prove it. They have been saying that all over. It is the same people.” Ayilara said: “I believe Akeju is a man of integrity and I believe by the time he resumes, he would conduct the exercise in a manner that will accord him the respect he has earned within the community. “I was not around when the protesters came but it was well handled by the officers they met on ground. “Unfortunately for the protesters, they were not organised. There was no letter to really back the protest, mean-

ing that we are not really sure of the groups that are even protesting. So, it was not a true gathering that has genuine intentions to really say their views to Nigerians. “We regarded them as hoodlums who wanted to disrupt our activities here. That was why we called the security agents. “If there is a court ruling that says he is not competent to be a REC, I know the INEC chairman would not post him. “I believe there is no ruling that restrains him from conducting any election in this country. I know the right thing has been done. “The people of Oyo should allow him to do his job in a manner that will be favourable to all of us. It is a national service; one can be posted to any state, except your state of origin.”

Sambo deserves to be pitied, says Lagos

HE Lagos State government has said VicePresident Namadi Sambo deserves its pity, following his statement that people were leaving Lagos because of heavy taxation imposed by the state. A statement by Governor Babatunde Fashola’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Lateef Raji, said: “It is no surprise at all that the steadfastness that the Lagos State Government has brought to the management of its Internally Generated Revenue and the attendant improved and consistent performance over the years will continue to be mind boggling for all those who do not appreciate the need to move from the past and adopt innovations in order to improve the lot of the society. “For whatever it is worth, Vice-President Namadi Sambo deserves to be pitied. If his itinerary coming on a trip in

an election year had included the inspection, of any ongoing ambitious programmes or projects initiated by the Federal Government for the good of the people of Lagos State, he may have been better preoccupied and avoided the gaffe. “The Lagos State government had for long realised that the state, with its enormous social and economic potentials, cannot continue to depend on the allocation from the Federation Account, if it must deliver on the popular expectations. “Measures were then introduced to drive efficiency in the tax assessment and collection regimes by effectively plugging loopholes and leakages in the system. The result was the leap in the accruable to the coffers of the government. “With this enhanced revenue profile, the government

embarked on ambitious infrastructure upgrades to meet the critical areas of need like never experienced before. “The Lagos State Government is not just “doing it” on the tube and the press; the testimonials abound all over the state for the people to see, feel and put to use. “The lesson for the Federal Government in all of these is that if the Presidency can summon the will power to rein in its members and ensure that oil receipts and accruals from other revenue heads are properly accounted for and remitted to the Federation Account, Nigeria would be better and the citizens would be happy. “If the Federal Government had avoided situations where individuals present claims in billions of hard-earned money spent on hotel accommodation, air travels and all other such excesses in diversion of public funds, the Nigerian

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

government and the people of Oyo State who deserve the best. Governor Ajimobi has done fantastic work in this state. For the first time in the history of this state, we have a governor whose performance cuts across the state. His projects are not concentrated in a particular place. “I have personal reasons for taking my decision. Apart from that, I just felt that as a citizen of the state, I have a duty to contribute to its development. It doesn’t

R. Umana Okon Umana, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State, has named Ben Ukpong as his running mate. Ukpong, a retired Deputy Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja, is a COREN-registered civil engineer and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. An indigene of Urue-offong/Oruko local government area of Oro nation in Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Ukpong was born on 9 August 1962. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University; a Master of Business Administration degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University (formerly Ogun State University), Ago-Iwoye and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Lagos APC advises Igbo •Sambo

economy will not be in the sorry state it is today and we would all have been better for it. “The Vice President is not known for courting controversies, but as a junior partner in Nigeria’s uninspiring Presidency, he cannot but speak during public engagements. Rather than join the gabby gang in Abuja, simple greetings and a few compliments will do instead of making non-residential claims that are lacking in facts.”

Why I left Accord for APC, by Aboderin HE Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Social Mobilisation, Deji Aboderin, has revealed why he left Accord Party to join the Ajimobi’s administration. Aboderin, who is a member of the famous Aboderin family in Ibadan, said Ajimobi’s achievement was the major reason he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said: “It is vital to be fair to this

Umana picks running mate

matter who I work for, it’s all about serving our people to the best of my ability. “I have been around for some time and I know what this state used to be before Ajimobi came on board. To be honest, Ajimobi deserves a second term so that he can consolidate on his achievements. “Violence and crime have sent the best of our people away from politics but Ajimobi has provided a platform for everyone to be involved and contribute to the development of the state.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has advised Ndigbo in Lagos to be cautious, tactful and honest in dealing with their host communities in the interest of peace and harmony. A statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe in Nnewi, Anambra State, said it is reacting to the claims by Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN), led by Chief Udo Udeogaranya, that Ndigbo in Lagos are being marginalised. The statement said: “Contrary to the claims of NCSN, Ndigbo are getting their fair share in Lagos State as Igbo can be found everywhere in Lagos “Ndigbo controls commerce in Lagos from Ladipo market to Tejuosho, from Oshodi to Alaba International, from the Trade Fair complex to Idumota to Balogun just to mention a few of them. “Lagos APC is appealing to Ndigbo in Lagos to work with their host communities in Lagos for peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship. “

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

How trader’s ear was ‘chopped off’

TRADER, Sunday Nwali has lost his right ear in a fracas in Ladipo Market in Mushin Lagos. His ear was allegedly bitten off by a task force member at the market. Nwali went to buy goods from a warehouse when the incident occurred. The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, has involved him for questioning over the matter. His invitation followed a petition allegedly written by those who attacked him. Narrating his ordeal, Nwali said: “I am a trader at the Ladipo Market. My shop is at 49A, Promise Land, Motor Spare Parts Section of the market. On November 29, my friend, an importer simply addressed as Chukwudi, was off-loading his imported goods in a warehouse owned by a man, Connection. The offloading held between 9am and 6.30 pm and the date to sell them was slated for December 2. “That fateful day, I came. I brought the ones I wanted to sort out outside the warehouse. The importer followed me. He asked me whether I had finished sorting the ones I wanted so that I would pay him and I told him that I had not finished. “Within five minutes, a member of the task force, Eto, came. He went straight to the importer and told him that the goods I was sorting out were

I’m under a curse, says robbery suspect

By Ebele Boniface

on the road and should be removed. He later came to me and said: ‘Are you crazy for sorting goods on the road?’ I told him to be patient with me and that I would not waste time in removing the goods. “Surprisingly, he started cursing me, saying that all of us had no sense. He ordered us to remove the goods. As we were talking, one truck that loaded from inside the warehouse came out... One Samuel came and pushed me. I asked him why he pushed me. He said I should not go anywhere. Then I pushed him aside to allow me move. He held my waist and bit off my ear. You can see it (pointing at the scare). I held him. As people were shouting that my ear was off, one Nzube came and slapped me in the eye. When Connection came and saw my ear, he asked for who did it. They said it was his boys. He gave me N5,000, urging me to go and treat myself. I refused to take it because it was not enough to treat my

•Nwali

wound. “The importer gave me N2,000 to go and lodge a complaint at the Ladipo Police Post. They gave me one policeman to get the suspects without success. I was advised to go to Olosan Police Station. I did and I was referred to the General Hospital, Mushin for doctors’ report. There, doctors asked me to go to the scene and see if I could get the part of the ear bitten off but I could not find it. “Owner of warehouse locked the warehouse saying he would not open it till the two suspects are released. The next thing I heard is that a petition had been written against me at the SCID, Panti. I went to the SCID where I was asked to report back in respect of the petition written against me.”

N armed robbery suspect, Samson Oyebanji, has blamed his suffering, lack of progress and the temptation to steal on a curse placed on him by his father’s family. Oyebanji (21), who hails from Oro in Kwara State, said the curse was to render him useless in life. According to a source, Oyebanji, with three others, snatched a Honda Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from a woman during a robbery in Gbagada, Lagos. Luck ran out against them when they tried to escape through Ago Roundabout after refusing to stop for a police search. The police chased and apprehended them at the roundabout. Oyebanji told this report-

Police arraign businessman for alleged N25m fraud HE Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the police yesterday arraigned a businessman Ado Ibrahim at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged fraud. He allegedly obtained the sum of ???? 132,134,000 (about N25million) from a Bureau De Change operator under false pretence. He pleaded not guilty to a

By Joseph Jibueze

two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud. The prosecutor, Mr Effiong Asuquo, said Ibrahim allegedly committed the offence on April 30. The alleged offences contravene sections 1(1) and 1(1)(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Re-

lated Offences, Cap F20, Laws of the Federation, 2004. Following a bail application adopted on behalf of the accused by his lawyer, Mr Abubakar Shamsudeen, Justice Mohammed Yunusa granted Ibrahim bail in the sum of N5million with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case till February 4 for trial.

By Ebele Boniface

er: “I am a construction engineer and I attended Ikotun Technical School in Lagos. My father married two wives and the second one wants to kill me to enable her claim his property. “I worked at the Flour Mill in Apapa for eight years and was later transferred to Niger Mill in Calabar. I was waiting for days to complete the time I was supposed to stay in Lagos before leaving for Calabar when this problem came. We robbed the woman of her SUV. “I was not the one that pointed a gun at the woman. It was one Ochei who did and ordered her to come down and she complied. I operated with kitchen knife only. We operated with cut-to-size local double-barrel gun, with two cartridges. When police pursued us, I threw away the gun in my custody. When they (police) went to search for the gun, they found only Ochei’s gun.” He went on: “My problem is from my father’s family that placed a curse on my head. They don’t want me to become what I want to become in life. My mother normally prayed for me and took me to church even before the incident. They even

•Oyebanji

revealed the incident to my mother in the church but we did not take it seriously. The church even revealed to her that my father’s second wife was planning to kill or poison me. My mother ran around to get money to buy some of the things the prophet requested that I must use for spiritual cleansing to avert the problem. I even gave her some money to add to what she had, but it was not enough. The church said she should provide cloth, olive oil, soap, candle and cash. “It was my meeting with Sheye Campus and other criminals in Gbagada that brought me into this mess. They promised to find work for me, unknown to me that they were taking me to where they dispossessed the woman of her vehicle. “Ochei even lodged us in a hotel where he paid N3,000 a night before we went on that operation. If I am released, I will not do it again,” he pleaded.

Lagos trains 440 Maths teachers

•Chairman, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Young Arabamen, presenting a Merit Award to an official of the commission Olakumi Kayode, during LASTMA staff award in Lagos…yesterday. With him are Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Pedro Lawal and General Manager LASTMA, Babatunde Edun, an engineer. PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

AGOS State Government has trained 440 secondary school teachers. No fewer than 15 teachers had earlier benefited from the Mathematics Clinic. The training, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, was aimed at improving students performance in Mathematics. In an interaction with reporters in Lagos, Mrs Oladunjoye said the objective was “to update the knowledge of mathematics teachers in the state public secondary schools and equally improve the teaching and learning of the subject for improved performance”. She added: “The objective of the clinic is to improve the teaching skills and competence of the mathematics teachers and expose them to some new topics in the subject. The move will also be complemented by the provision of needed instructional

materials in schools for enhanced performance. The training focused on different strategies including active learning, effective teaching, use of resource materials, such as, teaching modules and kits to simplify the teaching of identified difficult concepts in Mathematics, alongside practical steps for overall effective teaching of the subject among others. Other aims included “enhancing students’ interest in Mathematics, offering effective counselling, setting up mathematics laboratories in schools, use of games and computer for teaching, assessment and grading for effective evaluation procedure, content mastering and innovative teaching and learning skills”. The Commissioner expressed hope that the training would support expected improvement in the teaching and learning of the subject; cause discoveries of new ways and methodologies in its teaching.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

Students Welfare Scheme: ‘NICON’s appointment in order’

Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce repositions

HE Nigerian-Ameri can Chamber of Com merce (NACC) has repositioned to attract new members from non-manufacturing sectors. This was the main decisions reached at the NACC 2014 Board of Directors Strategic Retreat held in Lagos, with ”Repositioning the NACC for Optimal Service Delivery” as its theme. According to a communique issued at the end of the retreat and signed by NACC’s Deputy President, Otunba Toyin Akomolafe, the re-positioning is necessary in order to correct the current public misperception that the chamber’s membership is restricted only to manufacturing firms. Part of the communique read: “To this end, a carefully designed and professionally executed public advocacy programme would be put in place to change the current public misperception on membership of the chamber.” Some of the strategies that would be deployed to achieve this include analysis of 20/10 membership model, membership audit and survey, digital database, current members’ recommendation and strengthening existing chapters, among others. The repositioning, according to the communique, would also include closer liaison with the United States Embassy and United States Information Service (USIS) through visits, regular information sharing and provision of support towards achieving their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Earlier in his welcome address, its National President Chief Olabintan Famutimi, said despite the myriad of challenges confronting Nigeria, the prospect for economic greatness is very high in view of the various giant strides recorded recently. He noted that these opportunities make it imperative for NACC to reposition in order to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

• From left: Group Head, Public Sector South, Calabar, FirstBank, John Iyoha; Governor, Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State and Business Development Manager, FirstBank, Cross River, Otu Effiwatt during the 2014 Calabar Carnival ... at the weekend.

SEC extends capital base deadline to September T

HE board of Securities and Exchange Com mission (SEC) has extended the deadline for compliance with the new minimum capital requirements for various capital market functions from December 31, this year to September 30, next year. A circular released yesterday by SEC stated that the extension was granted in view of considerable efforts by operators to meet the new capital base and the prevailing global economic situation. According to SEC, the extension was approved by its board after a review of its status report during which the board found the efforts of operators to be satisfactory, with particular commendation to those who have complied with the new requirements. “The board however took

• 262 operators meet December deadline By Taofeek Salako

cognizance of the effect of the global economic situation and approved an extension of the deadline for compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by nine months, to 30th September 2015,” SEC stated. SEC commended the commitment of all stakeholders to building a world class capital market that enables Nigeria realise its aspiration of a prosperous and peaceful nation. Latest update obtained yesterday showed that 262 capital market operators have met their various capital requirements. SEC had in December last year announced major in-

creases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that was initially scheduled to take off by January 1 next year. Minimum capital base for broker/dealer was increased by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million. Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million. Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have

minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base of N150 million. The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million. Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million respectively. A Registrar will now have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million. While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million.

ENIOR Manager, Cor porate Affairs, NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Ade Adesokan has said the appointment of the risk-bearing firm to underwrite Students Welfare Insurance Scheme followed due process at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. Speaking in Lagos, he said the new scheme, which is the intellectual property of NICON Insurance Limited, was presented to the Federal Ministry of Education and due process was followed before its appointment as the underwriter. Adesokan also affirmed that the firm was democratised and privatised in 2006 and duly acquired by Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim as its core investor. According to him, the company’s appointment as sole underwriter was based on the recommendations of the Committee put in place by the Tenders Board of the Ministry where other insurance companies were screened. He said: “Despite the fact that the scheme is an intellectual property of NICON Insurance Limited, other insurance companies also participated actively before the company was finally appointed as the underwriter. “The Committee also noted that it was only NICON Insurance Limited that has Regional and Branch Offices in all the 36 states of the federation where the Unity Schools were presently located. “The Committee also affirmed that only NICON Insurance’s branch network that could access the Unity Schools all over the Federation within an hour. “For the avoidance of doubt, the scheme was packaged under the normal Group Life and Personal Accident insurance cover. “The statute that established NICON Insurance has not been repealed by any Act of Parliament; therefore the Company could insure the Assets and Liabilities of the Federal Government”.

Govt to save $2.5b from fuel subsidy removal

HE Federal Govern ment is expected to save $2.5 billion or four per cent of this year’s budget by removing oil subsidy, a report by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), a global investment and research firm has said. Sub-Saharan Africa Economist at RenCap, Yvonne Mhango said given the downside risk to revenue and the near-depletion of the excess crude account, the government may have little option but to remove fuel subsidy. She said previously, the probability of the oil price falling below $80/barrel was low. She said: “Today, we are adapting to the fact that this may be

By Collins Nweze

the new normal, following OPEC’s (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) (which represents 40 per cent of the world’s production) decision to maintain current production levels in response to lower oil prices. Lower oil prices may result in a further slowdown in foreign exchange inflows, challenging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) ability to defend the naira. “This means savings of $2.5 billion, or four per cent of 2014 budget consolidated government budget. We think the current low public debt levels of 11 to 12 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenue growth challenges

imply government’s borrowing may increase in 2015, leading to an increase in yields, after being depressed in 2014.” Mhango said next year may turn out to be a tougher year for the consumer, stressing that two of the four variables that explain consumer confidence in its regression model have been adversely impacted by devaluation of the naira and interest rate hike. The economist and author, the Fastest Billions, said interest rates have been hiked and contractionary fiscal policy implies the prospects of wage increases for civil servants, in the short term, have dimmed. “Of the four variables we use to explain the consumer

confidence index in our regression model (including oil output and real Gross Domestic Product growth), we find the index to be most sensitive to interest rate movements. Further upside risk to interest rates and the potential removal of the fuel subsidy imply that 2015 has the potential of being a tougher year for the consumer than 2012,” she said in an emailed report. She expects the cement industry to see a softening in demand as capital expenditure slows on the back of restrictive fiscal policy and a higher interest rate environment. “We see debt benefiting from higher rates, at the expense of equities,” she said. She said while a weaker

naira would possibly slow demand for imports and the lower oil price reduce the cost of importing refined oil by 20 per cent, such would be sufficient to keep the current account positive. She said this implies that foreign exchange reserves may have to be drawn down to finance Nigeria’s balance of payments (BoP). Explaining further, the RenCap chief said a fall in import demand should lower trade credits, and by implication, financial outflows which mean a capital and financial account surplus may result. This may, however, be undermined by portfolio investment outflows. “If the central bank there-

fore finds itself in the position where it is drawing on FX reserves to cover the BoP’s financing gap (as it did in 2009 and 2010, and needs to defend the naira in a low oil price environment, there is a risk that it may be forced to loosen its hold on the naira, implying further currency weakness (an interbank rate of N185 to 195/$1) in the short term is plausible,” she said. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had at its last meeting hiked the policy rate by one percentage point to 13 per cent, the highest it has been since the global financial crisis. The short-term risks to the naira, she said, suggest that further tightening may be necessary.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

It is a year of consolidation for the opposition, political deals, defections and re-alignments, ahead of next year’s general elections. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reflects on the major political activities of the year.

• Dr Jonathan

• Sambo

•Tambuwal

• Obasanjo

S the year before the crucial general elections, the year 2014 was a defining one politically. The highlights of the year include national conventions, acrimonious party primaries, high-powered defections, political endorsements and protests against the use of state security forces to intimidate political opponents.

PDP crisis The crisis within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre, which reached a crescendo in November 2013 with the defections of five governors to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), ended in an anti-climax with beleaguered former National chairman Bamanga Tukur throwing in the towel. Tukur resigned on January 15 to forestall the plan by eight members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to suspend him. He had maintained that he would not resign because only the party’s convention could remove him. Tukur’s problem centred round President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition and the embattled former National Chairman’s bid to clip the wings of state governors. His argument was that no individual can be bigger than the party. But, according to the party’s constitution, governors are the leaders of the party in their respective states. Sequel to the resignation of Tukur, Adamu Muazu emerged as the National Chairman on January 20. Muazu is considered a consensus candidate who can bring a new era in the party, which had been unable to contain rancour within party circles; the party’s crisis had been allowed to fester on the pages of newspapers. He has allowed the party structures across each state to remain in the hands of the governors. With the coming of Muazu, a conservative northern politician, tempers have simmered down. But, at best, the mood within the party is one of uneasy calm.

APC waxing stronger

As the ruling was experiencing a gradual implosion within its fold, the opposition APC has been consolidating. On June 14, former governor of Edo State, Chief John OdigieOyegun, emerged as the National Chairman of the party. Following its successful merging of three major opposition parties and a faction of the regional All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) last year, the APC in June assembled delegates for its first National Convention in Abuja, where Odigie-Oyegun was elected by consensus; despite initial stiff opposition from his kinsman, Tom Ikimi who was not seen at the venue of the

• Tukur

• Kutigi

• Osinbajo

2014: A year of anxiety, tension and hope convention. This was after two other aspirants for the chairmanship position, Chief Sam Jaja and Timipire Sylva agreed to back down, thus leaving Odigie-Oyegun and Ikimi to contest.

Boko Haram insurgency Since the beginning of the year, there has been an upsurge in the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. In April, the insurgents kidnapped more than 200 girls from a boarding school in Chibok. Similarly, Boko Haram proclaimed one of its captured territories the Islamic caliphate of Gwoza in August; a declaration dismissed by the government. In October, the military says it has agreed a ceasefire with the Islamist militants and that the schoolgirls the group abducted will be released. Later, the group denied that it agreed to such a ceasefire, saying that the girls have been married off. The insurgency war in the North-

east has led to exchange of political brickbats between the two major parties. They have been trading blames over the matter.

Sanusi’s battles

Following the frosty relationship with the Presidency for raising an alarm over missing funds from the oil revenue, former Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was named the 14th Emir of Kano. With the circumstances surrounding his ascension clouded in an intense political atmosphere, Sanusi’s appointment, which was formally announced at the ante chamber of the Kano Government House by secretary to the state government, Rabiu Bichi, took immediate effect.

Defections galore

But, the consummation of the APC merger was not without its own drama. Not long after the first APC National Convention, former chief-

tain of the APC, a former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, also moved to the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences with the opposition party. Sheriff formally announced his defection on July 14, while addressing his teeming supporters at the Maiduguri Airport. He had been in the opposition to the PDP for most part of the political journey since 1999. Another chieftain of the party and a member of the merger committee, Chief Ikimi, was also miffed with the outcome of the convention, which produced Odigie-Oyegun as the APC National Chairman. Ikimi, crossed over to the PDP on Tuesday August 26. Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, had earlier left the APC for the PDP on January 25 over the decision of the party to hand over the leadership of the party in Sokoto to Governor Aliyu Wamakko, who had defected from the PDP to the opposition party, along with four other governors, in late

‘The year also witnessed the removal of some elected government officers, prominent of which was former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako. While he was impeached over charges of abuse of office, some analysts believe that his removal was influenced by Abuja over his allegation that the President was sponsoring the insurgency in the Northeast’

• Buhari

2013. He cited a demand by his supporters to do, so having been relegated, with the defection of Governor Wammako. Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, a staunch opposition figure in the state and integral member of the APC merger, had also defected to the PDP on January 29, observing that “the Legacy Group sacrificed all interests for the merger, but for the past six months all agreements reached have not been met.” After a long and sustained denial, former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi defected from APGA to the PDP. Obi had waited till after he left office to switch to join the ruling party. The defection was formally announced at a well-celebrated ceremony at his Onitsha residence. PDP bigwigs from the Southeast and the entire country turned the event into a carnival. But, the move is believed to have subsumed him politically; by diminishing whatever influence he wielded in the Southeast as the foremost APGA chieftain. Similarly, on October 2, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP; with 25 members of the state House of Assembly. This development, which expectedly sparked off crisis within the state’s chapter of the PDP, is part of the ruling party’s strategy to make in-roads into the Southwest. The APC is also a beneficiary of the defections within the year. Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP for the APC on January 31, having frolicked with the leadership of the opposition party after he saw that his political ambitions could not be achieved within the PDP. In a move that sparked a mild political drama, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, abandoned the PDP for the APC on Tuesday October 28. This development brought in its wake a heated debate over whether or not he should vacate his seat as Speaker of the House.

Litmut tests in Ekiti, Osun The governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states on June 21 and August 9 respectively were the first true test of the popularity between the two major political parties, the PDP and the APC. While Governor Ayo Fayose of the PDP defeated the then incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti, the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the APC trounced former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore of the PDP in Osun. A governorship election that was supposed to hold in Adamawa State on •Continued on page 16

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

‘

Obasanjo’s criticisms of the Jonathan administration grew more frequent and pungent as the year drew to a close

RACE TO 2015 A year of tension and hope cards (PVC) and the continuous voters registration exercises in phases, ahead of next year’s general elections. But, the exercise was criticised, for not meeting the logistics demands. Many voters across the nation, particularly in states controlled by the opposition, have complained of not being able to get their cards or get registered.

•Continued from page 15

account of Nyako’s impeachment was stopped following a court ruling.

A season of open letters

The simmering rift between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan erupted again this year. In a open letter, Obasanjo made scathing remarks on the performance of his estranged godson. While a response was still being awaited from Presidency, Obasanjo’s eldest daughter Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello joined the fray with her open letter, which described her father in unprintable words and ruled out further communications with him till death. In another open letter, a former National Chairman of the PDP Audu Ogbeh challenged Obasanjo over the role he played as President, when he watched with glee from his seat of power in Aso Rock Villa as rampaging thugs unleashed mayhem and made Anambra State ungovernable; kidnapping former Governor Chris Ngige and eventually swearing in his deputy. When the Presidency finally replied, it was an oblique response, which did not address some of the issues raised in Obasanjo’s letter. Obasanjo’s criticisms of the Jonathan administration grew more frequent and pungent as the year drew to a close. The former president also released more salvos in his no-holds-barred memoir titled “My Watch”. It is a narrative of some events while he was in office, which detailed some critical and uncomplimentary remarks on some prominent Nigerians, including President Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Transitions

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Gbenga Ashiru died in the early hours of Saturday, November 29, in South Africa. Ashiru, 66, passed away after a long battle with cancer. He served as a minister from 2011 to 2013 and was Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea in 1991 and South Africa in 2005. Former chieftain of the defunct national Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Tunji Adebiyi also passed away mid December. • Muazu

A controversial dialogue

President Jonathan’s gathering of 494 wise-men between March and August for a national dialogue was another defining feature politically. The National Conference took place under the leadership of former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Idris Kutigi, supported by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi. The conference started on a shaky note. But, the series of meetings Kutigi held with zonal leaders in the course of the exercise, paid off as the delegates agreed on a position on the controversial draft constitution. In all, over 600 resolutions; some dealing with issues of law, issues of policy and issues of constitutional amendments were reached. The magnitude of their work was reflected in a Report and Annexures of 22 volumes of approximately 10,335 pages. The conference ended with a minor amendment to the third volume of its report by replacing the draft constitution to read “Resolutions of the conference as draft amendments to 1999 constitution. The APC however described the conference as diversionary. Jonathan’s proposal that the decisions of the conference should be submitted to the National Assembly was also not well received by generality of Nigerians. The conference faced more criticisms due to the suspicion that it could be used to prolong the President’s tenure.

Impeachment fever

The year also witnessed the removal of some elected government officers, prominent of which was former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako. While he was impeached over charges of abuse of office, some analysts believe that his removal was influenced by Abuja over his allegation that the President was sponsoring the insurgency in the Northeast region. Moreover, Nyako had defected alongside four other governors to the APC.

• Odigie-Oyegun

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, as well as Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State also survived impeachment moves. But, the former Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi of Enugu State was not so lucky. He was ruthlessly kicked out of office by his boss, Governor Sullivan Chime, ostensibly for rearing poultry in his residence. Onyebuchi’s removal however is not unconnected to his cosy relationship with politicians in the opposing camp of the governor. The speakers of the Ebonyi and Ekiti States Houses of Assembly were equally impeached in circumstances linking their governors to the plot.

Court cases

There were also court cases that helped to define the political landscape. The eligibility of President Jonathan to contest next year’s election was put to the test at the courts this year. Also, a federal high court in Abuja struck out a case instituted by the PDP seeking to sack five of its governors that defected to the APC. The National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, also survived a move to sack him from office in court, over the manner of his emergence as chairman of the party. Immediate past National Chairman Bamanga Tukur was involved in the case filed by another PDP member. Upon squashing of the case, Tukur was slammed by the party for engaging in perceived anti-party activity.

Hullabaloo over PVC distribution The Independent National Electoral (INEC) distributed permanent voters

PDP’s rancorous primaries

While the APC had a relatively calmer post-primary crisis, the PDP has been battling to curtail the protests sparked by its rancorous assembly and governorship primaries across the country. Many aspirants have complained of being shortchanged by the authorities. Some of them, such former Governor of Oyo State Adebayo Alao-Akala, dumped the party. Alao-Akala has pitched his tent with the Labour Party, to enable him realise his ambition of contesting again for the governorship. In Akwa Ibom, 22 of the 23 governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP have vehemently rejected the outcome of the primary in the state, describing it as a mockery. In Kwara, 11 governorship aspirants on the PDP platform have vowed to prevent what they called the imposition of Mr. Dele Belgore as candidate. Senator Ifeanyi Ararume (Imo), Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shagari (Sokoto) and Dr. Ali Pate (Bauchi) who lost the governorship primaries have kicked against the results. Similarly, the Ogun State chapter of the party went ahead to hold its congress, in the face of the directive of the National Working Committee (NWC) not to do so. It has insisted that Gboyega Isiaka who was elected at the congress must be the candidate. This is coming against the allegation that Abuja is bent on imposing former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole as the party’s flag bearer in the state. Of the seven former ministers who resigned their appointments to contest governorship elections in their states, only two - Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Darius Ishyaku (Taraba) were able to emerge candidates of their party.

Jonathan to face Buhari again

At the National Conventions of both the PDP and the APC, held on the same day in Abuja and Lagos respectively, President Jonathan and former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari emerged presidential candidates of the two parties. While Jonathan went into the PDP convention as the sole candidate and merely had an affirmation vote; Buhari faced a keenly-contested primary, where he defeated the Governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso, his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, as well as Atiku Abubakar and the publisher of Leadership newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah. Jonathan retained Vice President, Namadi Sambo as running mate for the election, while Buhari picked former attorney general of Lagos State, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as running mate.

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APGA governorship candidate promises to rebuild Aba By Lucas Ajanaku

HE Abia State governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alli ance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti, has promised to transform the ancient city, if elected next year’s general elections. Otti, who was received by a crowd of supporters, lamented about the sordid state of Aba, which used to be a prime location for industries in the Southeast. Speaking at the popular Ariaria International Market in the city, the APGA flag bearer said the transformation of the city would be one of his priorities, adding that the filthy and horrendous is a slight on the leadership of the state under Governor Theodore Orji. Otti had a very healthy interaction with traders during the market tour and the traders were well at home to have a heart-to-heart chat with him and laid before him some of their concerns. One of the traders, Obinna Innocent, promised to rally his fellow traders to support the APGA candidate. He expressed concern however over the ability of Otti and his supporters to secure enough votes to win the contest, given the antics of those he referred to as enemies of the state. Also speaking, another trader, Mrs. Duru, expressed great dismay at the state of the Ariaria market and Aba in general, urging the APGA flag bearer to keep to his promises ‘when’ elected. Duru assured Otti traders in Ariaria believe in him and his master plan for the development of Abia State come next year. In his response, Otti assured the gathering that he is a firm believer of President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘one man, one vote’ philosophy and that their votes will be protected, even as they also have a major role to play in this regard. He advised those that are yet to collect their permanent voters card (PVC) to do so at their various local government headquarters because that is the main tool they need to change Abia for better. He pledged to abolish multiple taxations and provide a conducive environment for business in the state.

Ijanikin APC leader sends SOS to Fashola By Raymond Mordi

COMMUNITY leader in Ijanikin, Lagos State, Alhaji Adio Igboro, has appealed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administra tion led by Governor Babatunde Fashola not forget the community in its sharing of the dividends of democracy. Speaking at an event to mark the end of the year in the community, Igboro lamented the imposition of candidates, the neglect of the community by the government and the misbehaviour of elected officials. He said: “I have been a political leader from the days of M.K.O. Abiola, when I was the leader of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) here. We have never had politics like this at all. We have had to make a protest vote against the APC at the councillorship elections, when we voted for the PDP because of the way the ruling party is marginalizing us. “ Igboro said he is one of those who fought for the creation of the Oto-Ijanikin Local Council Development Area. “But, today, our rival community Oto, which is now known as Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, has benefitted more than Ijanikin. He added that Ijanikin is bigger than Oto, but the latter has been given more recognition.

PDP govt has failed, says CLO By Leke Salaudeen

HUMAN rights group, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has scored the Jonathan Administration low for failing to live up to expectations of the electorate. Addressing a press conference in Lagos, its Acting President, Comrade Igho Akeregha, lamented that “the situation has become so helpless that our people, especially those of us who were in the trenches during those dark days of military authoritarianism, have begun to question why we fought the military in the first instance”. Akeregha said: “The CLO has watched with agony, how some politicians have, without conscience, plundered our patrimony and squandered our resources. As one of the richest countries in the world, Nigeria parades some of the poorest citizens with lack of social services, including a persistent inability to supply basic energy and potable water.” He noted that the insurgency in the Northeast is escalating and worsening the security situation in the country. He said rather than addressed the menace, government functionaries have resorted to observing a minute silence for the victims of terrorist acts. Our conclusion is that our government has failed in its duty to provide adequate security for Nigerians, he said. The CLO leader said corruption, impunity and lawlessness have become the most worrisome challenges confronting the Nigerian society. “Things have gone so bad that loopholes in the Constitution are dubiously utilised to entrench lawlessness. Public officers routinely plunder the state treasuries without being brought to book. “Nigerian citizens have continued to experience wanton and arbitrary abuse of human rights and utter disrespect for the rule of law and due process. Citizens are frequently arrested, detained and tortured in custody without recourse to the respect for their rights. Cases of extra judicial killings, disappearances, disrespect for court orders and trafficking in human beings including lethargy by state agencies to try perpetrators of these violations and abuses have increased. “Government has sold almost all the national property to local and international fronts under questionable privatisation processes. The Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) auctioned public utilities and citizens wait in vain to see the proceeds of such sales would be utilised in their interestto provide basic needs and thereby provide some form of palliatives.” Igho asked the Federal Government to fight the scourge of insurgency, free all those abducted by the insurgents and reclaim the territories taken over by Boko Haram insurgents; demand immediate implementation of the National Conference Report; and that INEC revisits the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card in areas where the exercise was fraudulently marred.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Power sector sinkhole •Why would the Fed Govt think merely throwing money at the problem will give us light?

OR a sector that has gulped more than N5 trillion ($31.45 billion) from 1999 till date with pretty little to show for it, the report that the Federal Government is set to take another $7 billion to support the ongoing Power Sector Reform should stoke alarm. If anything, it has merely validated our earlier warnings about the increasing appetite of the Jonathan administration for foreign loans. World Bank’s Country Energy Task Team Leader for Nigeria, Eric Fernstrom, reportedly told participants at a two-day capacity building workshop on post-privatisation monitoring for the power sector jointly organised by the World Bank and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) that “arrangements have been concluded to release about $1.75 billion, which is 25 per cent of the total $7 billion pledged for Nigeria over the four years”. The offer, as one would expect, did not come without a rather gratuitous statement that “the bank was greatly encouraged to offer the additional assistance to ensure that the reform objectives were realised following the high level of transparency exhibited in the transaction process and the robust post-reform measures put in place by the NCP/BPE”. To start with, where is the transparency being touted by the World Bank about the process? The same process currently stuck in judicial tango? Is the World Bank not aware of the controversies surrounding the sale of the

Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, (Kaduna Disco)? Or is the bank feigning ignorance of the court order restraining BPE from transferring the controversial Kaduna Disco to the preferred bidder following its alleged failure to execute the deed of sale and the refusal of the BPE to invite the reserved bidder to complete the Share Purchase Agreement? Did the sale of Afam Power Generating Company (Afam Genco) not suffer the same fate? So which transparency is the World Bank talking about? Of greater concern to us however is the $7 billion loan. We understand that the power sector needs all the help that it can get to bail it out of the current morass. The problem here is that neither the World Bank nor the National Council on Privatisation/Bureau for Public Enterprises deems it fit to avail Nigerians of information about the specific projects the package was meant for and what the terms of the loans were. In May this year, the same World Bank at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Africa (WEFA) summit announced that it had mobilised about US$1.7 billion to boost the reforms of Nigeria’s power sector. At least the nation was told about the US$245 million for the 459-megawatt (MW) Azura Edo Power Plant near Benin City, Edo State; and the US$150 million for the 533-MW Qua Iboe plant in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State. If only for reasons of transparency, we at least expect that BPE/NCP to avail Nigerians of the details of the

latest loan. But then, the more fundamental question is – how many more loans would the Federal Government require before Nigerians begin to see some light at the end of the dark tunnel? And where is the guarantee that this latest loan will make a difference given past experiences? Moreover, isn’t the whole idea of the Power Sector Reform essentially about divesting the Federal Government of some of the burdens it currently bears? How does one reconcile a sector being primed to become the toast of the so-called investors remaining essentially a sinkhole in which taxpayers and foreign monies continue to be poured? As it appears, Nigerians may not have been told the whole truth about the loan. We believe that something is wrong somewhere. It is something the National Assembly should help find out.

‘The more fundamental question is – how many more loans would the Federal Government require before Nigerians begin to see some light at the end of the dark tunnel? And where is the guarantee that this latest loan will make a difference given past experiences?’

Sitting duck •National Assembly should do the needful on bills the president has failed to assent to AKARI Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Information disclosed a perilously inhibitive trend in blissful legislative/executive relationship during a lecture he delivered at the forum organised by Correspondents’ Chapel of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ibadan. He said that ‘40 bills were awaiting President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to become Act of the National Assembly;’ and cited “the political mood of the country’’ as the reason why the House of Representatives had refrained from deploying its constitutional powers on the issue. We have since noticed an evolving pattern of executive languor in the handling of, especially private bills, passed to the president for his assent to complete the process of such bills becoming Act of the National Assembly. For instance, in 2012, not less than 10 of the bills passed by the assembly were returned by President

‘The legislators should deploy constitutional provisions empowering them to override this presidential disdain for and impunity against bills, whether private or otherwise, that are duly passed by the National Assembly’

Goodluck Jonathan. In 2013, there were agitations in the National Assembly over the president’s refusal to give his assent to 28 private bills passed by the legislators. This had created a mounting obnoxious pattern where only bills that originated from the Presidency or from the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) receive prompt presidential assent. President Jonathan should realise that most private bills have direct impact on the yearnings of the people at the grassroots, quite unlike executive bills which are mostly meant to tackle policy initiatives of the president and his team. Those private member bills are the bills sponsored by a senator or member of the House of Representatives, while executive bills are the ones sent from the Presidency to the National Assembly for consideration. What the presidency needs to appreciate is the fact that whenever such private bills are delayed, it is drawing back areas of necessary legal needs in the society and where denied outright, starting afresh the whole process of legislation could only be at high cost and time to the country. Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of this presidential torpor. Therefore, we demand to know if the cause of delay is the president’s inability to read and understand the bills. If this is the situation, what then are his aides doing if they cannot bail him out of his seeming phobia for private bills? The legislators should de-

ploy constitutional provisions empowering them to override this presidential disdain for and impunity against bills, whether private or otherwise, that are duly passed by the National Assembly. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Section 58(4-5) provides, “Where a bill is presented to the President for assent, he shall within 30 days thereof signify that he assents or that he withholds assent”. It states further: “Where the President withholds his assent and the bill is again passed by each House by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required.” Now that the president has failed to exercise the powers conferred on him by the constitution by not signing the bills passed by the legislature in order to give them the force of law, in flagrant violation of the stipulated 30 days and without any cogent reason, the National Assembly should do the needful if only to show that it is not subservient to the executive arm of government. The only time the legislature upturned presidential veto was in the case of the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era. The relationship between the executive and the legislature, and even the judiciary, should be symbiotic and not a master-servant one that the president, through impunity, is attempting to foist on the legislative arm of government.

Prisoners: Beyond the right to vote

IR: On Tuesday, December 16, the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, in an unprecedented and landmark ruling, granted Nigerian Prisoners the right to vote. The Court however refused to grant the applicants relief seeking INEC to make provisions for voting centres in prison yards; instead the Court ruled that INEC can make special arrangements to take the prisoners to the nearest polling centres on Election Day to vote just like when prisoners are taken out for community service. This watershed ruling indeed has critical implications for the parties involved, for the larger society and for the electoral process. First, it would have been better if the court has clearly ruled that INEC should create voting centres within the prison yards, but refusing that request and at the same time suggesting that INEC can take out the prisoners to the nearest polling units to vote just as when they are taken out for community service produces so much ambiguities, and can create serious security concerns as Election Day is usually different from other days; and that sort of gives INEC unnecessary room to manoeuvre and maybe even ignore the ruling. While the right to vote is critically important for Nigerian prisoners, there are also important issues that they face that needs to be addressed. They are still tended to very poorly. A Nigerian prisoner is fed with N200 worth of food per day which is not even enough for a meal apiece for an average individual. When they have a court hearing, they are made to pay for transportation otherwise, they forfeit that day’s hearing. They are made to pay for toiletries, detergents and every other conceivable items of personal conveniences, when they cannot, they bear the consequences. Rather than the prisons serving as correctional facilities, the reverse is the case, as most prisoners come out more hardened. These are the equally vital issues that they face, and that needs to be addressed. Nonetheless, this is a turning point for Nigerian prisoners, and the days ahead will be interesting as we watch how this judgment plays out. • Comrades Eneruvie Enakoko, Omotunde Adetula, Olaide Ekeolere, Papa Siakpere and Abu Babangida, For: Conscience Reports

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”. These words of Theodore Roosevelt aptly relate to General MuhammaduBuhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo in various ways. It is public knowledge that General Buhari has contested three presidential elections without success. There is inspiration for him in Abraham Lincoln’s four electoral losses before winning the presidency. Tackling Nigeria’s problems is not a sprint but a long distance race that demands doggedness and the never quit mentality. One more time, General Buhari offers himself for national service. This time he brings on the presidential ticket, a brilliant, well respected intellectual, indeed your quintessential attorney. Professor Osinbajo might not have been a household name in Nigeria prior to his nomination as vice-presidential candidate, but he is definitely not a new comer to Nigerian politics and/or governance matters having been actively involved in strategic thinking, policy formulation and implementation for the past 25 years. Osinbajo’s wells run deep, he is humane, graceful and humble. He is not a reclusive thinker that sits on the sidelines to criticize. He is a team player with sleeves rolled up, ready to thoughtfully engage with systems. In the late 1980s he took

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Promises of Buhari – Osinbajo presidency the challenge of serving as Special Assistant to Prince Bola Ajibola, then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Their team created the much needed space for intellectual discourse on law reform and they facilitated meaningful dialogue on the problems with the rule of law in Nigeria. Between 1992 and 1999 he was a constant face in the movement for accountability and good governance. As corruption was getting further endemic in the mid-1990s, Professor Osinbajo and others strategized and established counter measures. They created and positioned Integrity as a platform to demand accountability in public

IR: The emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress in the 2015 general election is still creating furor (e) from his admirers and decriers. As a Christian I have written a piece probing why the elite love to sponsor negative campaigns in the news media against General Muhammadu Buhari. In contrast I wonder why some northern elites have chosen to hijack General Buhari candidacy as though it is all about the north and not about Nigeria. Some are now in the habit of criticizing President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, not on his governing philosophy and, policies but because of his religious belief, initiated only by an accident of birth. This is a very disingenuous way of scrutinizing statesmen: politics and religious belief do not mix and

spaces and sought the elimination of corruption in the private sector. Together they ensured that the Convention on Business Integrity was birthed and the Code of Business Integrity was established. In June 1999, he assumed office as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State. For the first time in the history of Nigeria we witnessed the implementation of a compelling vision in the Official Bar that marked a transition from a ministry of law and order to a ministry of justice. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice was emerging as a champion for the peoples’ rights. It was not a programme neither was it an accident.

Rather, it was a cultural revolution, a systemic change undergirded by values of justice and human dignity, piloted with tact and discretion, and sustained by team effort. Since leaving office in 2007 he continued to engage issues of poverty and good governance. Through the Open Society, his team devises and implements initiatives aimed to improve the quality of governance at the local government level and assistance is extended to schools and school children in the less privileged areas. Professor Osinbajo is a champion of the working class. He understands the dignity of labour, a living wage and equitable distribution of resources.

General Buhari and Professor Osinbajo are not by any means men without fault. But they are our men for the job in the presidency at this point of our national history. The Buhari-Osinbajo presidency will not be an accidental or a reluctant presidency. These are two individuals with firm convictions of great possibilities for the nation. These are two men of courage: courage to follow through with great ideas; courage to take sides with the poor and the vulnerable;courage to do the right thing in interest of the nation. The Buhari-Osinbajo presidency might be our introduction to freedom from governmental recklessness and impunity. We might see the emergence of coherent, coordinated and effective policies and action against corruption and a determined and methodical reduction in poverty. The Buhari-Osinbajo presidency might be the beginning of our true democratic experience – the era where government is beholden to the people. • Gbemi Jaiyebo, New York

Buhari and northern elites political persons who mix them are demagogues and do not have anything to offer the people. Real democracy respects the values and rights of all, and - that includes the minority. Such minorities must not be marginalized - and observers say that indigenous minorities are put aside politically in the north. Some of these northern elites in hammering support for Buhari now submit that he can win without the Middle Belt which they reproach for treachery over time. I find this disrespectful. Historians say that the North created the ‘core north theory” to the detriment of the Middle Belt especially when bazaars for all are to be shared. I must state here that if appointments to political offices are measures to judge the open mindedness of a leader, then this president is benevolent enough to have selected many northern sons and daughters into offices, yet there

is no significant impact on the lives of the under 40 percent population in that part of the country. In the attempt to give credit to Bola Tinubu, the national leader of APC for his persistent energy to form the coalition - that gave birth to that party, some northern elites in the press passed a besmirched judgment against Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a rigid politician who could not do the same. This is misguided and discourteous as there was mutual suspicion by all other regional leaders at that time but unlike others, the Chief was poles apart - he believed in the rights of the minorities in a federal system. If democracy were strictly about numbers as canvassed by these elites, then Barrack Obama would not have become president of the United States of America, Angela Merkel raised up in Eastern Communist Germany might not have become Chancellor of a unified Germany but for

the openness of that society. Elise Stefanik a Republican in the United States of America at only 30 years old might not have been mentioned today as the first woman in history to be elected at that age into congress in that country. Even countries like China are beginning to loosen up, reason why President Xi Jinping can now afford to load his speeches with foreign clichés and mantras, once a crime under Mao Zedong. Democracy is not won on the defective concept of propagating religious dogmas, on numbers, but on ideology, the putting up of, and sponsoring candidates with genuine broad support. Could the northern elites look along the lines of writing for development, reaching out to the ‘other side’ to win national goals and fervor without bias? • Simon Abah. PortHarcourt, Rivers State

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

COMMENTS HIS piece, Ripples’ last for 2014, has been conceptually helped by two Facebook posts. One was by Kayode Samuel, journalist and former commissioner under Governor Gbenga Daniel in Ogun State; the other, by Dipo Famakinwa, entrepreneur and director-general at the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Cocoa House, Ibadan. In a December 20 post, Mr. Samuel comlordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) pared the systemic collapse greeting the end of Goodluck Jonathan’s first presidential term to the collapse of the Weimar Republic in Germany (1919-1933): an “economic collapse triggered by heavy war preparations and the stock market crash, a dodto the Nazi emergence in Germany, just because the objective situdering administration overwhelmed by naations in Nigeria now are similar to those in pre-Hitler Germany? tional crisis, disappearance of the elite consensus that normally The North’s apparent obsession with regaining power? sustains a government in power, militant groups roaming free and That worry should stamp the imperative for a clear and radically plots all over the place.” different template; aside from newfound presidential firmness, But noting that such a German meltdown ushered in that global against the (un)presidential waffle, that Dr. Jonathan now presents. plague, Adolf Hitler, Mr. Samuel was not so upbeat on the perBesides, to save the country, there should be more of structural ceived general mood of change-for-change-sake: “If we are going to overhauling, and less of personal daring. vote for a medication that could be worse than the ailment,” he Perhaps Mr. Famakinwa’s recipe would help to deaden Mr. Samuwarned, “then we should at least do so with our eyes wide open el’s dissonance! On route to winning power, therefore, there must and fully aware of the possible consequences ...” be definitive fundamental tinkering, convincing the voter that the It is not clear how Mr. Samuel came to his conclusion of voting a change APC clamours won’t be mere plastics. “medication worse than the ailment”. But is it clear that as much That is where Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the APC vice presidential as he appears fed up with the bumbling Jonathan Presidency, he candidate, comes in. He appears, by his conviction and record as has great dissonance with the North taking charge again. Lagos State attorney-general and commissioner for Justice, the perIn a December 18 post, Mr. Famakinwa moves from Mr. Samusonification of those structural fundaments that Mr. Famakinwa el’s sceptically negative mood to a sceptically positive one. proposes. In a secret memo he wrote some select Yoruba leaders on 14 June Indeed, what Mr. Famakinwa dubs “Yoruba Agenda” are logical 2013, at the birth of the All Progressives Congress, APC (which his constitutional propositions that should get Nigeria out of its present post made public), he argued that if the Yoruba must be lead ultra-centrist cul-de-sac. They should gel with every part of Niplayers in the new APC, then they must ensure the Yoruba agenda geria, given the present turn of events. is fully integrated into the party’s manifesto. There was this costly myth that Abuja would always be flush “What I regard as the Yoruba fundamentals — true federalism, with cash; and that distressed states, but which can beg, would regional autonomy and regional integration for development,” he always grab a piece of the hot cake. declared, “must be put on the front burner; and must be the basis But that myth has cruelly exploded, with the federal government of our public engagements and public communication.” itself reportedly unable to pay December salaries before Christmas “The question is,” he insisted, “what is the APC putting on the — and reportedly, for some months, in some agencies and ministable for the Yoruba people? What is the APC value proposition? tries. This must be viable, clear, unambiguous, unmistakable, and must Now that a perpetually buoyant federal government has proved be persistently marketed to them. It is a sine-qua-non for garnering a painful old wives’ tale, it is time everyone jerked awake from the Yoruba support, which is key. The North,” he added, “has not centrist stupor that has so far ruined the country. minced words about their own fundamental, which is power. We Indeed, productive federalism, regional autonomy, and regional are too silent, and even being timid in pushing our own position.” integration for development, to be sure pushed with passion by the What irks Mr. Samuel so much that he would invoke the improbprogressive and dominant segment of the South West, should apable hyperbole of a change of presidential guard in Nigeria as akin peal to about any rational person. For starters, the North East is devastated — ostensibly due to the ‘In Prof. Osinbajo, APC has a mind with the Boko Haram menace but really due to retarded economics from the competence and temper to drive a truly re- cumulative politics of power, between the favoured North West and the not-so-favoured North East. Even within the war cry of engineered, productively federal Nigeria’ “One North”, the North East must feel the appeal of regional inte-

gration for development, under the general rubrics of productive federalism. The North West, eternal locus of power (even if it often plants its Middle Belt viceroys as acceptable fronts) has, through its alleged greed, wilfully and spectacularly under-developed itself. Therefore, it needs to rev up its Kano-led economic dynamo to make the point it is nobody’s parasite, can pay its way and contribute to funding Nigeria. Neither would the North Central, which prides itself the glue that holds together the country, be averse to productive federalism and regional economic consolidation. As a regional economic hub, that delivers development and mass prosperity, it would perhaps de-emphasise its Christian-Muslim animus; and help build a genuinely peaceful Nigeria, anchored on justice and fair play. In the South, productive federalism would benefit the SouthSouth (which can gain more — by adding value to its domiciled crude oil — from its oil wealth, in the harsh face of plummeting global prices of crude); and the South East (which can fiercely focus on, and develop, its technical and technological niche, to build a humongous regional economy). Of course, the South West needs little prompting, for that would be preaching to the converted. Already, the DAWN Commission is in place to implement its regional developmental strategies, though the emergence in Ekiti of an Ayo Fayose and the billeting in Ondo of Segun Mimiko, the one too infantile to commit to any developmental ideology; the other too ideologically non-committal beyond immediate political survival; plus a disturbing Lagos penchant for economic isolationism, appear to blunt this otherwise sharp developmental arrow. In Prof. Osinbajo, nevertheless, APC has a mind with the competence and temper to quietly drive a truly re-engineered, productively federal Nigeria. In him, the North can make a case that it wants power, not to parasite but for Nigeria’s overall development. The South too can clamber on board, from enlightened self-interest. Osinbajo can quietly boss and drive this process, without competing for headlines with the president. All the APC needs is a rigorous pre-election federal charter, which it should sell during electioneering; and be firmly committed to implementing, virtually from Day One, should the party triumph at the polls. That should assure millions of doubting Nigerians that APC stands for definitive, vigorous and qualitative change; and dull the dissonance of the likes of Mr. Samuel. That is the best way to make Osinbajo count as the APC vicepresidential pick.

state governments – as joint-owners of the federation pool – are ignorant, or that they have no business knowing how the accruals into the account are determined! That’s how bad things can get – the very situation responsible for the current morass in which the nation is said to lose 20 percent of its oil revenue to a cartel of oil thieves! Beyond all of these however, it seems that the nation may finally be coming to terms with one profound character flaw in one of the more foremost players in the federal executive – her penchant to trade in cheap blackmail. I have not even here added one proven case of duplicity against her person such as when, contrary to verifiable records from the Nigerian Customs Service at the height of the controversies over the abuse of duty waivers, her ministry actually granted import duty waivers to the tune of N1.4 trillion in three years as against her claim of N171 billion! And by the way, only the minister pretends that the latest charges from the governor are anything new. She would admit that much when she observed that Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has in November 2013 similarly alleged sharp practices in the management of the federation account to the tune of $5 billion. May I remind her that the issue has actually provoked nearly a dozen editorials without the government nearly succeeding in laying out its case? The expectation this time would be for the minister, alongside her counterpart in the petroleum ministry, to open the books to Nigerians for scrutiny. After all, she knows enough to affirm that federal government which she represents is right – and the rest of us – wrong. Opening the books to the public would certainly achieve far more than what the current low road of sophistry would ever do. Here is wishing you, dear readers, a happy new year!

epublican ipples

Olakunle Abimbola

Making Osinbajo count

ROM the look of things, the controversies over the missing $30 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), as alleged by Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, have only just begun. If anything, we expect more of the fireworks in the coming days as both sides present different versions of the same account before the Nigerian public. Expect an administration that has been only too eager to pass off the mess it has made of the nations finances to the latest cycle of dip in global oil prices mounting the offensive as the lid is finally lifted from its pretences that the nation’s current fiscal challenges are anything but largely internal. To say that a day like this would come is actually putting things rather mildly. Put in the context of the General Elections barely two months from now and rather the gloomy economic outlook foisted by the slump in global oil prices that has left the finances of most states on the brink, the current demand on the federal government to render accounts of its stewardship could not have been anything but compelling. Which is unfortunate really because the demands are not just elements of modern governance, they are supposed to be the critical pillars on which our federal practice is erected. So it was that Governor Oshiomhole would stir the proverbial hornets nest when he opted to task the federal government to come clean on its record keeping. In this, the governor neither said anything different or new from what his brother governors have expressed at one point or the other about the curious arithmetic in which higher differentials between the budget benchmark and actual sales price of crude have come to mean less and less in the piggy bank! With perhaps the exception of the federal government, the scenario which the governor had sought to paint was all too familiar: how come that a nation which has in the last three years assumed a budget benchmark of between $77 to $78 dollars but sold at the average price of $108 a barrel cannot resolve this basic arithmetic? Put in another context: At a surplus of $30 a barrel and using a projected 2.3 million barrels crude production, how come the ECA is a paltry $3 billion when we should be talking of a figure close to $30 billion? Ordinarily, one would assume that the issue is so simple and straight-forward as not to lend to any obfuscation. It comes to the simple arithmetic of how much crude the nation pumped for the period and the applicable price – minus the operational and marketing expenses. The difference of course is that the Comrade Governor thinks there is a gaping hole that demands thorough investigation. Most Nigerians would tend to side with him. On her part, the nation’s finance chief thinks the governor is playing mischief; she insists that the complex econometric formulae used for the federation account is beyond the ken of simple minded Nigerians and that no dime is missing!

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Okonjo-Iweala and the missing $30 billion Left to the minister, the irrepressible governor ought to be in the dock for “going public with a sweeping, political allegation based on casual, back of envelop calculations!” Let’s look at the minister’s defence against the weighty issues raised by the governor more closely. First, she says that the allegations are as “totally untrue”. To the extent that her version of “truth” is at least unknown to the governors or even anyone else for that matter, one assumes that it is one dark secret known only to her and her principal! Secondly, she charges that “the comments reflect once again, the unfortunate tendency of some political players to politicise the management of the economy on the basis of halftruths and sundry distortions”. The familiar word again – politicisation! And what’s the correct picture? Here, her selfrighteous rage is supposed to be taken as sufficient defence! And then of course her reference to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meetings – something I consider even more amusing: “Anyone who is familiar with the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee process knows that this is simply not true. The meetings are held every month and commissioners of finance and other officials represent their states and agreements are reached on issues, including sharing of proceeds from the account”! I assume that the minister could not be referring here to the Fuji House of Commotion described as monthly FAAC meetings. Had the minister bothered to check on the proceedings in the last three years, she would have found that the picture is nowhere near her portraiture! However, beyond the pathetic attempt to muddle things up, what must stand as particularly galling is the insufferable arrogance underlying the minister’s so-called response. In her barely disguised irritation, she may well have said that

A happy and prosperous 2015 to all readers of this column — and a peaceful and democratic change to all.

‘Beyond the pathetic attempt to muddle things up, what must stand as particularly galling is the insufferable arrogance underlying the minister’s so-called response. In her barely disguised irritation, she may well have said that state governments – as joint-owners of the federation pool – are ignorant, or that they have no business knowing how the accruals into the account are determined!’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

COMMENTS

MERE three days after President Goodluck Jonathan extorted money from governors who were starving civil servants in yuletide, he quipped that Nigeria suffered from lack of a sense of shame! President Jonathan spoke to veteran actors who had come to sell him their pet project, Hall of Fame. Jonathan proposed that the country needed the very antithesis of what the actors wanted: Nigeria needed a Hall of Shame “where the names of criminals would be written”. Such museum of anathemas “will serve as deterrent to those who may want to indulge in criminal activities, as they would not want to soil their family names”. Truly, Nigerian needs rapprochement with the sense of shame. Our value system has experienced deteriorative evolution. We used to have ostracism as bulwark against pronounced crimes. Those who appeared with money that had no roots in dignified labor were ridiculed. They were held up as negative models. They spent the rest of their lives under the punishment of stigma and derision. We have since transitioned. From a society that abominates stealing of any kind to one that celebrates the most atrocious in-yourface heists. Hundreds of adults hire themselves out for protests in support of public officials who prey on the treasury. We have become so self-hating that we trump fans of Barabbas. We wield placards and march under the burning sun, campaigning for those who pocket money earmarked for development of infrastructure and citizen welfare. We style them as victims persecuted because they belong to the wrong party or tribe. So the thieves increase like a plague of locusts. And they commit iniquities with ostentatious arrogance. There is a need to roll back the escalating temerity with which they taunt the law and good sense. We need to humble them and relocate them to their due place in infamy. But the idea that crimes can be checked by engraving the names of criminals on tablets of stone while the bearers of the name, walk about freely, licensed to continue their trade, is ludicrous. We see many big people make banner headlines for acts of corruption. The appearance of their names on the front page of newspapers circulated round the country and on the internet has not dissuaded others from soiling their family name. So how can transferring the name of a criminal from newsprint to fossil prevent crime? This is

See who’s talking of Hall of Shame By Emmanuel Uchenna Ugwu tawdry ingenuity! No country has ever tried to conquer criminality by building a beautiful monument. Serious countries make good use of their prisons. And they don’t pack their prisons full with pickpockets. They send the big thieves to jail too. President Jonathan would have us believe that he is allergic to criminals. But he has proved time and again that he has patience for a good number of them. His fashion is to wax his ears when a wrongdoing of great cost leaks. He would rock the chair of inaction and let the fire of public outrage burn out. There is a certain Stella Oduah. She was Minister of Aviation. She procured two bulletproof BMW cars at the inflated rate of N225 million. The House of Representatives investigated the transaction and indicted her for breaching the 2013 Appropriation Act. The President set up a committee to review the same purchase. The committee turned in a report that established that Oduah had committed an actionable offence. President Jonathan kept her on the job until the last incensed voice petered out. He waited till the scam was long forgotten before letting Oduah go. The President could not afford to offend the lady. Or to feed her to the ravenous mob who were calling for her head. He let her to go nicely. The grateful Jonathan remembered Oduah helped bring him to power through her Neighbor-toNeighbor campaign platform. There is one Abdulrasheed Maina. He was chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team. He wrought the most horrendous theft of pensioners’ savings in Nigerian history. Sacred and untouchable. The police declared him wanted. But nobody touched him. Maina is now living it up in a safe haven in the Middle East. The President didn’t embarrass him. Maina was a friend of the Villa. There is one Mohammed Abacha. Son of former dictator, Sani Abacha. He was actively

IGERIA is a funny country where whatever you think is not possible becomes possible. It is one wonderful country where political leaders lie to their subjects with impunity. It is a country where politics is no longer for the decent minds because our leaders can no longer be trusted. Shortly before the 2011 presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan declared in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia at an African Union Summit that he would only run for one term and begged Nigerians to give him a chance to serve them. Again, he repeated same promise of wanting to serve for only a term in New York, USA to further assure Nigerians and the international community that he meant what he said. Moreover, at a meeting with PDP northern governors, he reiterated that one-term commitment and the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum who is the governor of Niger State, Alhaji Muazu Aliyu Babangida confirmed this to Nigerians that the president has assured them of that oneterm commitment. However, midway into his four-year tenure, he made a u-turn and hired political jobbers to sample opinions for him on whether he would be accepted for a second term. Trust them, they began the drum beat by hiring someone to go to court and challenge the eligibility of President Jonathan for a second term and it took the judiciary long time to kick-start hearing on the suit and till today a pro-

‘In the last three and half years of Jonathan administration, the ship has been sinking and sinking and the administration appears to be helpless. Imagine a country like Nigeria where the entire Black race look up to us as a role model with a small group of insurgents holding us to ransom by declaring a greater part of Adamawa state as Islamic Republic while government keep on assuring people of crushing the insurgents?’

involved in an orgy of looting that spanned the length of father’s stay in power. The Federal Government dropped the N446.3 billion theft charge it was prosecuting against him. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, explained that the withdrawal of the case was done in the best interest of the country. What’s the national interest in discontinuing effort to recover the country’s stolen money? We soon found out it was President Jonathan’s re-election. He needs to win the votes of the populous state of Kano. He cut a covenant with Abacha. He would grant Abacha freedom to enjoy his loot. And Abacha would campaign for Jonathan! Lest I forget, there is also Dieziani AllisonMadueke Minister of Petroleum. She blew 10 billion naira hiring private jets for her junkets. When the figure came to light, people screamed at the prodigality gone mad. But President Jonathan concentrated on weightier matters of state. Even the evaporation of an amount reported to range between $49.8 billion to $20 billion from the coffers of NNPC didn’t make the President bestir himself. Madueke is the apple of President Jonathan’s eyes. She remains on her perch till this day. Another one is Abba Moro. He is the face of the biggest state sponsored job scam in the world. He orchestrated a bogus recruitment exercise that saw various stadiums across the country running over with people. There were no arrangements for crowd control. Chaos and desperation caused stampedes. People were trampled. The job seekers found death. Jonathan should have been scandalized. He should have sacked Moro and instructed that he answer for the bloodshed. But President Jonathan has kept Moro on in the position of Minister of Internal Affairs, a portfolio that gives the scam merchant the responsibility of overseeing Nigerian prisons. Under Moro’s watch, Nigeria has witnessed a pandemic of jail breaks, unprecedented in spread and frequency. The blood of the murdered applicants should have been sufficient

2015: Can we trust this President? By Aminu Mohammad nouncement has not been made on whether the president is eligible or not. This is Nigeria where anything goes. The big question is, can we trust this president who has on many occasions said one thing and turned his back on us to do another? Between May 2011 and present time there is no Nigerian who can claim that this country has good security network, constant electricity, good road network, affordable housing, good transportation system and most importantly buoyant economy. The issue of security alone is enough reason to score the Jonathan administration very low because there are a lot of instances to be cited with regard to government failure to tackle the problem of insurgency particularly in the north eastern part of the country where thousands have so far died. While declaring for a second term, the president assured that he would do anything humanly possible to tackle the problem of Boko Haram, but how long can we wait when people are dying on daily basis from the atrocities of these insurgents? Presidential assurance has now become our national anthem because when the Nyanya bombing took place midway this year, the president assured that theperpetrators would be brought to face the wrath of the law and between April and now, what happened to those arrested in connection with that bombing? Again, the story of the famous Chibok girls’ saga is still on the front burner and concerned Nigerians who tried to remind the federal government of her responsibilities were branded as opposition political party members. Today we are in a country where truth has become a scare commodity because if our own president would assure us that he needed only four years to serve his country and midway into that tenure, he hired lobbyists to sensitize the public about his ambition to break his earlier promise, then it is our duty as citizens to remind him that leadership is about service and part of that service is sacrifice. Leaders should sacrifice their personal ambi-

grounds. But even when it’s added to Moro’s incompetence, President Jonathan still finds Moro a good minister to keep. Jonathan is not a selfish man. That’s why he wants shame distributed abroad while he goes without any portion. He surely believes the criminals who are most deserving of pillory are those who are not his cronies. President Jonathan has a dictionary that jars with the one the rest of mankind is familiar with. He has a malleable lexicon. A lexicon that can be hammered into any shape to suit expediency. In his book, corruption is anything but stealing. And he runs Nigeria on the basis of rigging meanings. When he hosted a fundraiser that violated the explicit provisions guiding donations to a political campaign, he acted like one without any understanding of shame. When he grabbed dirty money and stuffed his campaign purse with it, he showed that he was a hostage of avarice. When he took money from governors that placed civil servants in Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, and Plateau on interminable fasting, he showed that he needed a sense of shame more than a huge war chest. Since that night, President Jonathan has shown no contrition. He has refused to return the filthy lucre. He would only bother to rationalize that the money went to his campaign and not his private pocket. Last time, President Jonathan ran without shoes. This time, he will run on the theme of another lack: a sense of shame. • Ugwu is a public affairs commentator

‘President Jonathan has a dictionary that jars with the one the rest of mankind is familiar with. He has a malleable lexicon. A lexicon that can be hammered into any shape to suit expediency. In his book, corruption is anything but stealing. And he runs Nigeria on the basis of rigging meanings’

tion and interest for national interest and in this case the president forced himself on the PDP and wants to force himself on Nigerians. In the last three and half years of Jonathan administration, the ship has been sinking and sinking and the administration appears to be helpless. Imagine a country like Nigeria where the entire Black race look up to us as a role model with a small group of insurgents holding us to ransom by declaring a greater part of Adamawa state as Islamic Republic while government keep on assuring people of crushing the insurgents? Some parts of Borno state are already under the full control of Boko Haram and now Adamawa state while Yobe has the highest record of school bombings and yet we have a military that can put Ekiti and Osun undersiege for PDP but cannot confront Boko Haram. How do we trust this government? The PDP government under Jonathan has no respect for the rule of law and any government that refuses to abide by the rule of law should be shown the way out especially in a democracy where our votes count. But then, under the PDPadministration does your vote count? The aftermath of the 2011 election is still fresh in our memories and we do not pray for a repeat but what assurance can this government give to us that our votes would count when it clearly bragged that it would use the military for the 2015 general election? For Nigerians to vote for PDP or Jonathan, security of lives and property must be guaranteed but can this government ensure that? Again, the president should come out and apologize to Nigerians for not keeping the pact he signed in 2011when he declared that he needed only one term to serve his country. He should also explain to us why the federal government lied to us that a ceasefire deal with Boko Haram has been brokered only for us to discover that the government lied. The president should also explain why Boko Haram has declared part of Nigeria as Islamic Republic in a country where he is president and has failed to act. Again, we need to know why the Chibok girls are not yet back after the federal government publicly said they would soon be released. Nigeria is a nation in grieve and sorrow; a nation at war does not require presidential declaration for a second term but a declaration to free the citizens from bondage. Can someone tell the president that he did not put Nigeria first as he claimed because we are at war and he still went ahead and celebrated at the Eagle Square when parents were mourning their dead? • Mohammed wrote from Abuja

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

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Corruption is not the only issue plaguing our judicial system today. More often than not, it is the combination of one lazy lawyer and one lazy judge. A judge should be able to say, “No adjournment, I’m going on,” so that cases are resolved expeditiously, rather than give in to the whims and caprices of lazy and mischievous lawyers.

’

See page 28

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

The sacking of the governors of Adamawa and Taraba states, the attacks on judges in Ekiti State, the citing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contempt, the coming of Mahmud Mohammed as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the appointment of Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade to succeed her sister Justice Ayotunde Phillips as Lagos State Chief Judge and the death of frontline lawyer GOK Ajayi (SAN), among others, defined 2014. ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU report. Bankole freed Former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole succumbed to emotion and wept on February 14 this year when the Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted him of N874 fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a ruling on a no-case submission by Bankole, held that the prosecution “failed woefully” to establish a prima facie case against the ex-Speaker.

Adamawa’s Acting Governor sacked Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal Hugh Court, Abuja on October 8 sacked Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri on the ground that ormer Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari did not resign from office in accordance with the Constitution. In a ruling, Justice Adeniji held that Ngilari did not resign in accordance with Section 306 (1) (2) and (5) of the Constitution. The judge declared Fintiri’s occupation of the governor’s office as illegal and ordered the Chief Judge or President of the Customary Court of Appeal to swear in Ngilari.

Taraba Acting Governor sacked The Supreme Court, on November 21, sacked the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar (who was also the Acting Governor). In a unanimous judgment, it declared that the process leading to the impeachment of his predecessor, Sani Abubakar Danladi, was unconstitutional. It voided Danladi’s impeachment and ordered that he be reinstated. Umar had been acting as governor since the October 25, 2012 plane crash that took Governor Danbaba Suntai out of circulation.

Setback in Farouk Lawan, Emenalo case The over two-year-old trial of Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo, former Chairman and Secretary, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime was stalled on November 18 when the erstwhile Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gudu, withdrew from the case following Lawan’s allegation that she was biased. Lawan and Emenalo were accused by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) of receiving bribe $620,000 from businessman, Femi Otedola, whose company was named in the petroleum subsidy controversy. The case would begin afresh before a new judge.

Suits on Jonathan’s eligibility

•Justice Mohammed taking the oath of office as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

2014: Year of judicial sledgehammer Tambuwal goes to court

INSIDE:

OUSE of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal on October 31, sued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and others at the Federal High Court, Abuja over the withdrawal of his security aides and

‘Why conviction of 54 soldiers is unconstitutional’ -Page 37

threat to declare his seat vacant. Justice Ahmed Mohammed, on December 16, stayed proceedings in the case indefinitely pending the determination of an appeal filed against his ruling refusing the application for joinder by Chairmen of Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Governments in Sokoto State – Bala Konkani and Sambo Modo.

The Supreme Court, on December 16 faulted an appeal by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Ardo, who sought to join a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest next year’s presidential election. He had gone to the Supreme Court to challenge an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which refused his application to be made a party in a pending appeal. Also, Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja on December 16, fixed January 12, 2015, for ruling on whether or not to refer to the Court of Appeal, some questions raised in a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest next year’s election. The judge has equally fixed January 15 for further hearing in another suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/661/ 2014 filed by Mase Acho, Sadeeq Sarki and Murtala Abubakar. They are also challenging the eligibility of President Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo to seek re-election next year.

Diezani’s N10b jet hire probe The Federal High Court in Abuja on December 17 faulted the invitation sent to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some of its officials by a committee of the House of Representa•Continued on page 26

‘Dissenting judgments should be encouraged’ -Page 38

‘Removing body organs without consent permitted by National Health Act’ -Page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D

•Court of Appeal President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa

• Federal High Court Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta

•Attorney-General of the Mohammed Adoke (SAN).

Federation

•Tambuwal

2014: Year of judicial sledgehammer •Continued from page 25

tives in its bid to investigate allegation that Mrs Alison-Madueke misappropriated public funds, estimated at N10billion, in hiring aircraft for her private use. Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that the House failed to comply with the legal requirement that it first publish its resolution to set up a committee to investigate the allegation in either its journal or the Official Gazette of the Federal Government.

Five defecting governors Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out PDP’s suit seeking to sack the four governors who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The judge held that the suit’s originating processes were invalid, on the ground that they were wrongly issued and served on the defendants. The governors are former Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako (whose name was removed following his impeachment), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara).

Obasanjo cited for contempt A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja on December 10 held that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in contempt of court for flouting its orders restraining him from publishing his autobiography My Watch. Justice Valentine Ashi, in a ruling, gave Obasanjo 21 days (from the day of service of the court’s orders on him) to show cause why he should not be punished for going ahead to publish the book, in spite of the ex-parte interim order made by the court on December 5 and a pending libel involving him (Obasanjo). Hearing in the substantive suit has been fixed for January 13, while Obasanjo has appealed.

Tussle over Ojukwu’s property The Federal High Court in Lagos in January struck out a N100 million suit against the family of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The suit was filed by Chief Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu, who claims to be the warlord’s first son. He sought the sum as damages for allegedly being excluded by some family members from participating in the burial rites of his late ‘father’. Justice Okon Abang held that the court lacked jurisdiction to determine whether or not the applicant’s rights were breached. The suit is one of several others over the late Ojukwu’s property.

Autonomy for Judiciary The Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the disbursement of funds for the judiciary by the executive arm of government. A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) sued the Federal Government challenging the practice of passing funds for the judiciary through the executive. He had argued that the practice

was in breach of Sections 81 (2) (3) (c) and 84 (2) (7) of the 1999 Constitution. Justice Ahmed Mohammed declared the practice unconstitutional.

Bode George acquitted The Supreme Court quashed the conviction of PDP Chief Olabode George for corruption by a Lagos High Court. The court discharged and acquitted him on the basis that the EFCC had no evidence of his intention to commit fraud at the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) where as chairman of the NPA board he was allegedly caught presiding over a contract bazaar that bled the nation. A panel of judges headed by Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi ruled that the charge of “contract splitting” was unknown to law.

‘Shell must pay’ An Asaba High Court ordered Shell Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to pay N305,637,381.60 as special and general damages to no fewer than 400 people in the fishing community of Okia in Burutu Local Government Area of the State. The money was special and general damages for the destruction of the plaintiffs’ properties and capital value for temporary loss of income in fishing rights. The plaintiffs averred that sometimes in August 1998, there was crude oil spillage from the defendants Forcados Offshore loading terminal, in which some barrels of crude oil spilled into the Forcados and Ramos rivers, spreading to Okia community and resulting in the extensive damage to fishing gears, ponds, farmlands, crops, fishing channels swamps, among others.

New number-plate case The plan by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impound vehicles without the new number plates from October 1 crashed as the Federal High Court in Lagos declared the move unconstitutional. Delivering judgment in a suit filed by a lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, Justice James Tsoho held that the commission had no right to impose new number plates on motorists without an existing law to that effect. FRSC has appealed against the verdict.

Sanusi’s cases The Federal High Court in Lagos awarded N50million damages to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Justice Buba held that his arrest and detention as well as the seizure of his international passport by security agencies acting for the Federal Government violated his right. In May, Sanusi won another major legal battle

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against the Federal Government as the court restrained the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) from probing him. Justice Tsoho held that FRCN’s declaration in a Briefing Note dated June 7 and submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan was conclusive; therefore, it could no longer conduct any investigation on the same matter.

Igbo discrimination against women smashed The Supreme Court voided the Igbo law and custom which forbade a female child from inheriting her late father’s estate. The court held that the practice conflicted with section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The judgment was on the appeal marked: SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje (wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje) and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje against Mrs. Gladys Ada Ukeje (the deceased’s daughter). Gladys had sued the deceased’s wife and son before the Lagos High Court, claiming to be one of the deceased’s children and sought to be included among those to administer their deceased’s father’s estate. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour held: “No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her later father’s estate. Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian.”

Okada riders sue Lagos Operators of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, under the All Nigerians Automobile Commercial Owners and Workers Association (ANACOWA), sued the Lagos State Government for N1 billion at the Federal High Court, claiming damages for alleged arrests, detention of their members and confiscation of their motorcycles without due process.

Boko Haram members jailed The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced three Boko Haram members to 25 years’ imprisonment each. The suspects were first charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms and being members of a proscribed organisation. They allegedly committed the offences on March 21, last year, at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase I Housing Estate, and No. 24, Oyegbeni Street, Ijora-Oloye, ApapaIganmu, Lagos. They were alleged to have in their pos-

FRSC has no right to impose new number plates on motorists without an existing law to that effect

session three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators and 11 AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition. Other items also allegedly found on them include 200 rounds of 7.6mm calibre live ammunition, two suitcases containing explosives and a water container filled with explosives. The offences contravenes sections 13(2) and 17(b) of the Terrorism Act 2013 and Sections 1, 8, 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004, and punishable under Section 8 of the same act.

Court frees Ikuforiji The Federal High Court in Lagos discharged and acquitted the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, of money laundering charges. He was arraigned by the EFCC with one his aides – Oyebode Atoyebi. They were accused of receiving over N600million from the House between April 2010 and July 2011, without passing through a financial institution. Justice Buba, while ruling on a no-case submission made by the defence, held that the prosecution did not sufficiently prove its case against the defendants.

AMCON vs Babalakin The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) appealed against the ruling nullifying an order appointing Agbakoba as the receiver/Manager over the assets of Bi-Courtney Limited, its Chairman Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) and three other companies. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos held that the order by his colleague, Justice Okon Abang, was made in error. He said the order should not have been made when there were pending cases and subsisting orders on the same case. According to Justice Buba, the true facts were not disclosed to Justice Abang. “This court has no doubt it has been misled,” the judge held. Dissatisfied with the ruling, AMCON, through Agbakoba, filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos based on four grounds, including that Justice Buba erred in law and misdirected himself when he heard and granted the oral application of lawyers to the Bi-Courtney Group to vacate the receivership, possession and freezing orders made by Justice Abang on September 22.

Lekki toll suit Justice Saliu Saidu, on March 27, held there was no law backing toll collection on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. He delivered the verdict in a suit filed by human rights lawyer Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. The state has appealed the judgment.

Fani-Kayode’s case

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Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos discharged and acquitted a former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode of 38 of the 40 count-charge of money laundering. On November 17, the •Continued on page 27

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D

Year of judicial sledgehammer Leader of the Borno State House of Assembly, which he won. Tributes poured in following his demise. A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) said Ajayi’s death was a great loss to the legal profession.

•Continued from page 26

judge held that the commission did not prove the other counts sufficiently. She partially upheld Fani-Kayode’s no-case submission and directed him to open defence in two counts (25 and 26). In the discharged 40-count charges, the former minister was said to have laundered about N100,219,500 by paying them into his account through an associate. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned till February 23 and 24 next year for continuation of trial.

Aturu dies One of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights lawyers, Bamidele Aturu, died on July 9 after a brief illness. He was known for his commitment to championing human rights and constitutionalism. He came to prominence as a fighter against power abuses when, as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he refused to shake hands with the military administrator of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, in 1988 during a passing out parade in protest against military dictatorship. The late Aturu studied law at the University of Ife, and devoted much of his legal practice to representing marginalised or oppressed individuals and groups. His death came as a blow to many.

Inquest on Synagogue building ‘collapse’ The coroner inquest on the September 12 collapse of a Synagouge Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building generated headlines. Lagos State government on September 26 instituted the Coroner’s Inquest under the Lagos State Coroner’s System Law No. 7 of 2007 and appointed Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, to sit on the matter as the Coroner. The church and its founder Prophet T.B. Joshua filed a prohibition suit before a Lagos High Court presided by Justice Lateefa Okunnu, urging the High Court to issue “Order of Certiorari” to quash the inquest proceedings. The Federal High Court in Lagos had also dismissed a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr Olukoya Ogugbeje, seeking to stop the inquest.

Mukhtar retires, Mohammed steps in President Goodluck Jonathan, on November 20, swore in Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). He took over from Justice Aloma Mukhtar who retired at the statutory age of 70.

NBA vs CBN, EFCC The NBA won a major legal battle during the year under review as the Federal High Court in restrained the Federal Government, the CBN and the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) from enforcing the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (MLA) against legal practitioners. Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from enforcing Section 5 of the MLA against legal practitioners.

APC vs DSS Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court ordered the immediate release of five detained All Progressives Congress (APC) workers. He restrained the Department of State Security Services (DSS) from further arresting Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Chika Augustine Onochukwu, Ebun Ilori and Esther Enemuwe, who were held since the DSS raided the party’s data centre on November 22. The court also ordered the DSS to unseal APC’s data office/warehouse located at 10, Bola Ajibola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, forthwith. “A remand order is not issued indefinitely,” the judge said, adding that the DSS should have applied to a High Court within jurisdiction for a “review” of the remand order.

Braithwaite’s N10b suit The N10 billion suit instituted by elder

Alegeh elected NBA President After a hotly contested election and intrigues over zoning of the presidency to the Southwest, Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) of the Midwest Bar was elected Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president on July 15.

•Alegeh

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No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her later father’s estate. Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution

statesman, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, against Standard Chartered Bank at a Lagos High Court also made headlines. He is challenging the construction of a 14 storey building with a multi-level car park opposite his residence in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Rivers judicial crisis The Supreme Court dismissed three appeals filed by suspended ‘Chief Judge’ of Rivers State, Justice P. N. Agumagu. He was suspended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following his controversial appointment by Governor Rotimi Amaechi. NJC said it did not recommend him for appointment. Agumagu had sought a judicial review of NJC’s decision.

Judges attacked in Ekiti

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The crisis, coupled with workers’ strike, crippled judicial activities in the state. Other major developments

G.O.K Ajayi dies Nigeria lost of one its greatest legal minds on March 28 when Godwin Olusegun Kolawole (GOK) Ajayi, a chief and one of the legal profession’s giants, who practised for 59 years, died in a Lagos hospital, aged 82. The late Ajayi represented the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Moshood Abiola and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. He also handled landmark cases, including the deportation of the late Abdulraham Shugaba, the Second Republic Majority

Prior to the swearing-in of Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, the group E-11 and others challenged his eligibility to contest the election. In a determined bid to stop the case from being heard, judges, lawyers, court officials, and journalists felt the brutality of thugs. The first attack occurred on September 22. Thugs allegedly loyal to Fayose invaded the Ekiti State judiciary headquarters where Justice Isaac Ogunyemi was to deliver a ruling on the case. The thugs beat workers black and blue while the presiding judge and lawyers had to run for dear lives. They smashed windows and furniture. On September 25, Fayose again led thousands of people and thugs into the High Court premises, beating and maiming the staff.

Wali kidnapped Immediate past NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) was abducted in Port Harcourt on October 11 and released on October 23 after 13 days in captivity.

History-making sisters Arguably for the first time in the history of the judiciary, one sister, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, succeeded her sibling, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, as the Chief Judge of Lagos. Justice Atilade was sworn in as the first female CJ on August 20 following her sister’s retirement on July 26.

Abia finally gets CJ After operating without a substantive Chief Judge for a long time, Governor Theodore Orji swore in Justice Theresa Uzoamaka, who had been in office in acting capacity. She is arguably the first non-indigene to be appointed a Chief Judge.

Lagos DPP appointed a judge

•Justice Atilade (left) and Justice Phillips (rtd)

Amiable and soft-spoken Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, was among those appointed judges of the Lagos State High Court. She played a major role in high-profile criminal trials such as those involving the late Kudirat Abiola, the late Abraham Adesanya, among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW PERSONALITY AELEX Law Firm, one of Nigeria’s largest and successful commercial law firms, has marked its 10th Anniversary. In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, one of the firm’s founding partners Mr. Soji Awogbade, speaks on the challenges of sustaining a large practice, legal education, arbitration and sundry issues.

‘Some judges are lazy’ W

HAT are some of the chal lenges in forming and sus taining a large law firm, such as yours, in Nigeria? Sustaining a practice of this size and at this level, particularly with your touted strengths, means that you have to keep adding to your skill sets, because you have to meet the needs of your clients. What we say to the clients as the basis of our initial decision to merge, was that we thought that the legal market required more skills sets than was resident in any of the existing firms. And if we were not going to fall into the trap of just growing by numbers and not skills set, then we had to do some integration along those lines, specifically. Coming along now, I think that we have made a difference to how the business of law is done. We probably are the only firm that still practises specialisms. Partners stick with what they are known for, and that seems to be the way to go. Does that really count for an industry that has become so diverse with practitioners expanding their skills and specialisations to embrace emerging markets and trends? Well, it is going to count more and more, because the size of the market that we service is expanding, the kind of investors coming into our market now are not doing so in briefcases or suitcases. They are coming with global establishments, wanting to take advantage of what the economy offers. To that extent, they are going to require not just legal services, but all sorts of services to back them up. Because whether it is legal or physical constraints, they have to do some shopping here, which is in consonance with that development. What is difficult, is actually finding the skills. What do you mean? Our system has not completely escaped the concept of “My empire,” “Your empire”. The prevailing circumstances around here shows that by the time skill sets begin to mature in law firms with a need to up the antics, associates pack up and leave to set up shop else where. What is the place of one man practice in this scheme of things? Without disrespect to their readiness to take on tasks out there and face the world, I’d say most of them are unprepared for the level you and I are describing now. The level where a client says I need 20 people on a transaction. If you are a ‘one man’ firm, short of taking a holiday from other clients, how would you meet this demand? How are you going to get 20 people? This is the kind of Push and Pull that exist here. There is always going to be a market for boutique-sized type firms, who are smart enough to confine themselves to their areas of specialisation and strengths and sell out other parts in which they do not have the required skills or expertise to other suppliers of labour or services. The fact remains however, that for you to be a full service law firm, you must possess the complementary qualities that make you one. How effective are our laws as tools for economic developmet? Let’s face it, this is the subject of a dissertation because first and foremost, you must ask yourself, is Nigeria constituted as an environment? Are the standards the same across board? What you may not get away with in Ogun State, you

may likely get away with it in Imo State and this goes all the way across the country. Secondly, what is the process of law making in Nigeria? How reflective of our thinking are the laws? How dynamic are they to cater to realities around us? I agree that we are still young as a nation, but the same basic elements that other countries have used as touchstones for development are the same settings that we have right now. It is bound to be a collective decision to do things differently and to change things around here; at least to the best of our abilities, better than not trying at all. Many of us have given up trying while others don’t even bother trying. Have you ever heard one public official give you a coherent reason why the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has not been passed into law? Not one! Instead of telling us what the problem is, they continue making one promise after another. In other countries, a decent office holder would simply say “you know what, I can’t do this anymore, please appoint someone else to do it.” This is because, where he/she fails to do this, someone will ask for his head and before this machete-man comes, they’ll simply say, “I’m sorry I cannot deliver, here’s the job.” When you get to a society where no one asks you to account, no one audits what you do? you simply carry on with business as usual. This is the society we live in today and even the law isn’t sufficient to grapple with the challenges we face today. There have been concerns that despite some admissions into the partnership of the firm from within, no woman has been considered for such an elevation. Are the women falling short of the firm’s high standards? I assure you, that this would happen very soon. As a matter of fact, I can tell you for nothing that it nearly happened not too long ago, but the candidate left just about that time. That is the nature of the industry. Chances are, if I think I am good enough to stand on both legs, I’d simply ‘WALK’. We are used to these patterns in the professional services sector. We don’t expect anyone to plant themselves like a tree. However, at AELEX if you are very good, you may not be let off and that’s how you become a partner. This is the ordinary method by which this happens. When you are very good, you are spotted early and given responsibilities. If you are passionate and in love with the work you do and the achievements you’re making, you don’t just leave and walk away. You aspire higher and make better progress until you get to the top. So it is simply a coincidence of right time, right choice! What reforms would you suggest for legal education in the country to enable law firms compete favourably in the global legal market? The curriculum needs to be more streamlined. We must ensure that people are not studying law for the sheer heck of it. In the UK, even as we speak, you don’t need a law degree to be a lawyer. There are other channels. And though these other

channels mean harder and longer work, it is a choice that one has to make. By the time all of this hard work is done, the finished product would have been tried and tested either way. Here in Nigeria, students possess an examination mentality. We memorise, reproduce, and get a first class. You should come in here when I conduct interviews for first-class graduates for employment and you’d have a field day. Some of these graduates were forced to study law and as far as they are concerned, this obligation has been fulfilled. They have no passion for the law. During quantitative aptitude tests, first-class graduates fall flat on their faces. How would such a person solve problems? I have liabilities if I give wrong advice and I cannot take that risk. We must streamline our curriculum and teaching methods, to steer us away from rote learning. We need a country and a leadership that knows what it really wants to achieve. Despite the introduction of fasttrack procedures in our courts, the judiciary is overburdened and cases are still being delayed. The impact of this on foreign investments cannot be overemphasised. Is there any solution to this setback to justice delivery? The answer is supply and demand. I don’t go to court any more for these reasons. I haven’t been in a law court for the past 28 years. In any society where there are no consequences for anything, there will be trouble. The reasons that cases are adjourned are scandalous. The number of times they are adjourned is unearthly, usually at the drop of the heart. But guess why? We have so many lazy lawyers. Corruption is not the only issue plaguing our judicial system today. More often than not, it is the combination of one lazy lawyer and one lazy judge. A judge should be able to say, “No adjournment, I’m going on,” so that cases are resolved expeditiously, rather than give in to the whims and caprices of lazy and mischievous lawyers. Are you saying judges don’t do this? Only a few actually put their foot down against this indolent and illintended act. This is because there are quite a handful of lazy ones in the bunch. Every professional in Nigeria has five other engagements or businesses other than what they are paid to do; and judges are not exempted from this act. They are always in a hurry to leave the courts to go take care of other businesses – workshops, lectures, luncheons, meetings, and several other activities. Some of those appointed to the bench lose sight of the fact that when you accept to become a judge, you have made the decision to take yourself away from social scenes. You become dead to social activities. Most of them don’t realise what they set themselves up for and so they carry on with business as usual and this has its effect on our justice delivery system. With regards to corruption in the system, some judges go to the bench with set plans. They work to be posted to the right courts and would do anything to be posted to the right courts, and then they work to be assigned the right cases. A lot goes on;

•Awogbade on this altar of justice as we call it. However, if you must resolve your disputes by litigation, then by all means go to court. Looking back to 2004, when the firm AELEX launched out, how does it feel to be marking the 10th anniversary? It sure feels good. The expression is that one couldn’t foresee what the nature of the journey would be, or forecast some of the obstacles we met along the way. Whether the vision was bold or brave, brash or rash, we couldn’t really say at the time. I have led a practice that was big, but it was never an integrated partnership, it just happened to be big in numbers. The difference with the Aelex partnership was the fact that we combined our strengths. Ten years later, we are still trying to acquire more skill set and that I think, is the nature of the development itself. Employees are known to work harder and give more in organisations where they consider themselves stakeholders of the business. What sort of structure does Aelex have to instil such confidence in its employees? When we started AELEX, it was very clear in our minds what we wanted to do, who we wanted to be and where we wanted to go. Starting with the name of the firm, Aelex, it is not the true name of any of the partners, though we all came from backgrounds where we had our names in the firm’s logo, etc. We were clear in our minds that it was not going to be, “my firm” or “your firm”. Rather, it would be a firm where you would come, prove yourself and grow up. This is the way we have kept it. We have made partners as we moved along. It is one place, where no one partner can sack an employee. By the time you are ripe for sacking everyone would have seen it. If you look at the way we appraise our people, it is almost a 360-degree thing. You cannot be that good and I would think that you are not good at all. I may not think that you are as good as my partner thinks you are, but that you are not good at all should not be the case. All of these kinds of elements we have elimi-

‘The reasons that cases are adjourned are scandalous. The number of times they are adjourned is unearthly, usually at the drop of the heart. But guess why? We have so many lazy lawyers. Corruption is not the only issue plaguing our judicial system today. More often than not, it is the combination of one lazy lawyer and one lazy judge’

nated at Aelex and so, it is not a firm where you can leverage on relationships with partners or anyone for that matter to rise to the top. It is also not a place where you can leverage on your gender. You have to roll up your sleeves and dig in the trenches with everyone else. This is one thing I think we have succeeded in establishing. How do you develop skills to cope the ever-changing legal environment? Truly, this is one thing we have been successful at, speaking of formal training and development. We are probably the leaders in what you may call, development spending. We invest massive alot of money on training and developing our team. Unfortunately, having regard to what I said before, there is no guarantee that these skills would remain with you, as they make their way out into the market and away from you, after these trainings. I think in this country, if you talk about a community called the ‘Aelex Alumni’, it is a substantial pool of very sharp minds; who have given themselves a brand in the market. That kind of value addition to the industry and market, is one of the significant achievements we can point to in the last 10 years. Do you think this will pave the way for a successful Arbitration practice in Nigeria? Arbitration is getting more and more grounded in Nigeria. First, the selection process is prolonged. It is much slower than the selection process of the courts, and it can set you back some huge sums. We are in a large arbitration at the moment; a process we kicked started one year ago, and we still haven’t moved. Beyond that, someone can still go to court to halt the entire process and there is little you can do about that at the moment, because access to justice must always be guaranteed. But if you do this in a few other jurisdictions, you will pay dearly for it. What I’m saying is that it is not always going to be the most appropriate solution, because if you are talking about judicial enforcement as a pronouncement, this is infinitely more powerful than an arbitral decision. Also, the simplification of an arbitral process, sometimes turns out to be an oversimplified process. Arbitration used to entirely timeefficient but today, the time is not that superior over litigation. Still, as with litigation, people make their choices with regards to these processes.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

PAGE 29

‘Our concern is reaching out to the needy’ •PAGE 31

•Jos

‘We’ve had enough of violence’

Yuletide amid tight security •PAGE 33

About a week to Christmas, ethnic groups in Plateau State signed an agreement to end conflicts. It was just as well for a once-serene state wracked for several decades by attacks and bloodshed, reports YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU

HE commitment to peace by over 300 ethnic groups and others in Plateau was probably just as stunning as the outbreak of violence in the scenic, temperate state. A few decades ago, Jos, the capital city, was still about the most preferred place to visit or live in the country. Its cool weather is enchanting. The rocks which frame the city still leave beholders in awe. Some are so delicately balanced that they look as though someone laid them there. How about the people? Warm and friendly were the words to describe them. Even though they were of various ethnic and religious backgrounds, and you could hear a Muslim prayer-call right next to a Christian worship centre, everyone lived in peace. Then all the harmony disappeared, replaced by a strange era of attacks and bloodletting. Indigenous people were at loggerheads with those described as settlers. Herdsmen clashed with farmers. Soon, terrorists also crept in, making all other violent acts in the state look like child’s play Representatives of the 300-odd

‘We have vowed to make sure the peace agreement we signed today is implemented to the letter because that is the only way our businesses can thrive in the state. It is only with peace that we can create jobs for the youths’ From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

ethnic groups in the state, realising they have a role to play in its peace and future, have said no to violence. At Hill Station Hotel, one of its once upscale lodges, they signed a peace agreement, saying they had had enough of bloodletting. One after the other, they reached forward and documented that resolve under the supervision of representatives of the Canadian government, which sponsored the pact through their agency, Center for Human Development, sometimes called HD. It was clearly a

New Year’s resolution, which the residents will give almost anything to last. First to come up with their declaration was the business community representative led by Mr Yakubu Gomos. He said, “Business cannot thrive in a conflict environment, just as development cannot take place in a conflict society. We the bankers, industrialists, shopowners, medium-scale business owners, small-scale business owners etc, have vowed to make sure the peace agreement we signed today is implemented to the letter because

that is the only way our businesses can thrive in the state. It is only with peace that we can create jobs for the youths” This was followed by the religious work group, which said, “We call for a renewed commitment to peace in the state; we urge our followers to abide by this agreement; we pledge to continue to work with the HD for sustainable peace in the state. The Youths Working Group also took their turn, saying, “We youth are in dear need for hope and future, we crave for opportunity to survive as leaders of tomorrow, continuose violence will mean no future for us youths, hence we stand by the peace agreement and equally declared that we will resist henceforth to be used for violence” Civil Society Organisations in the state as represented by the Plateau Peace Practitioner Network (PPPN), said, “Total peace in Plateau State is our utmost desire; we will be more effective building capacity of the youths and less privi•Continued on page 33

Jonathan and falling oil prices •PAGE 36

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

E was deposed in 2005 by the government of Adamu Aliero in Kebbi State and exiled to Nasarawa State. His offence, according to the administration, was insubordination and “reckless statements”. Life in exile was bitter for the exEmir of Gwandu. Al-Mustapha Jokolo, once an ADC to General Muhammadu Buhari, was once quoted as saying that guards, during his solitary confinement, were not permitted to even speak with him. The case went through several twists an turns before a High Court in Kebbi put him out of his worries. Justice Abbas Ahman on December 11, 2015, ruled that Jokolo was wrongfully deposed and that his removal was a violation of the law. The judge also declared as null and void, the appointment of Muhammad Iliyasu another retired Senior Army officer as the 20th Emir of Gwandu and ordered the immediate reinstatement

Will deposed Emir reclaim his throne? From Tony Akowe

of Jokolo as the substantive Emir of Gwandu. The decision of the court elicited wild jubilation in and around Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, especially from Jokolo’s supporters. While prosecuting his case, Jokolo had told Journalists that he would continue to fight for his right in court until justice was done, adding that the only settlement he wanted regarding the case was for the current Emir to vacate the Palace in Gwandu and allow him to take his rightful office. He was confident that the judgment at the end will be in his favour, pointing out

that he was unjustly removed from office by the Adamu Aliero administration. He recalled how the Kebbi State government sent the state Commissioner of Police to inform him of his suspension without any formal letter, thus marking the beginning of his ordeal. He said, “We have seen genuine democracy in countries like the USA, in England and in India where people’s rights are respected. What happened to me was unjust and I will never forgive that”. Before the High Court verdict, Jokolo was awarded N30,000 as damages by the Court of Appeal which ordered that the case be retried at the High Court. There are indications that the state government may appeal.

Aminu Usman, Permanent Secretary at the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, said the state government would study the court’s decision and could go as far as the Supreme Court to fight the judgment of the court. Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Rabiu Garba Kamba, however, appealed to the people of Gwandu Emirate and those in the state to remain calm, assuring that the state government would appeal the case before three months at the Court of Appeal. He also urged the people not to take the law into their hands over the court pronouncement. Jokolo, ascended the throne of Gwandu Emirate in 1995 after the death of his father. And was dethroned ten years later by Gover-

nor Aliero over several allegations including abandoning his throne for Kaduna and at one time relocating to Kaduna with his family. While explaining the decision to dethrone him, the then Commissioner for Information in the state Mohammed Ambursa, said the governor acted based on the powers conferred on him by Section Six of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) law of the state. Ambursa continued, saying, “In addition, he was said to be having high disregard and disrespect for constituted authority as represented by his travelling outside his domain without official permission from the state and or local governments.” Will Jokolo return to the throne or will more twists and turns keep him out still?

‘We’ve had enough of violence’ •Continued from page 31 lege than trying to mediate among warring factions. We declare our support for this declaration for peace; we will continue to work together to cement peace in the state” The state traditional council was not left out in the peace declaration. The president of the state council of chiefs, Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da, Jacob Gyang Buba, also declared: “As the father of all in this state, I desire a peaceful kingdom on the Plateau. I desire a peaceful reign as king; I desire that all my subjects thrive in business and whatever they do. There is nothing more than peace. I call on all citizens of the state to join hands for the implementation of the declarations. We appreciate HD for their efforts at peace building. We warn politicians not to do anything to bring violence in the state in 2015 election; this peace agreement must last and last” National Security Adviser, Col. Ibrahim Dasuki who was represented at the occasion by one of his directors, Ambasador Lasiende, said, “This peace agreement is an opportunity offered by the Center for Humanitarian Dilaogue sponsored by the Canadian Government. Plateau people cannot afford to miss this opportunity. This process will serve as a model for other conflict states in Nigeria. The desire of all tribes in plateau State to live in peace is exemplary and the federal government is interested in the Plateau declaration and will follow the implementation of the peace agreement keenly. He said, “The solution to conflict

• A part of Jos should not be left for government alone, so all ethnic groups and stakeholders has a role to play, so this declaration is yours and you must keep it, because if this agreement is fully implemented, business will boom in this state, there will be industries and jobs will be created.

•A representative signs the peace pact

This new year resolution by the people was made possible by an Inter-communal Dialogue and Conflict Mediation sponsored through a grant from the Canadian government. They call it Center for Humanitarian Development. It was aimed at establishing longterm solutions to crises in the city and its environs. The approach was communitydriven and cuts across all levels of civil society, with the focus being on the main communities in and around Jos. Preparatory work began in January 2013, as the HD centre worked hard to bring in various communities, government officials, religious leaders, women’s and youth groups in Jos. From August 2013 through June 2014, HD successfully hosted seven dialogue sessions and two special sessions, and currently continues with the implementation phase of the project. At the preparatory phase beginning from January and lasting through July 2013, the HD Centre

‘As the father of all in this state, I desire a peaceful kingdom on the Plateau. I desire a peaceful reign as king; I desire that all my subjects thrive in business and whatever they do. There is nothing more than peace and I call on all citizens of the state to join hands for the implementation of the declarations’ held consultations with key stakeholders in Jos, namely the leaders of five major communities (i.e. the Anaguta, Afizere, Berom, Fulani and Hausa), government officials, women representatives, and religious leaders, as well as civil society, business community, and youth groups. The purpose of these

discussions was to introduce the HD Centre’s proposed initiative, and to include community leaders’ suggestions on the approach and structure that such a dialogue process could take. •Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

‘Our concern is reaching out to the needy’

OME went home with food items, some kitchenware, electronic articles or clothing materials, among others. But for the event, the beneficiaries, who were mostly poor, would have found it difficult to buy those items in the market. For about four years now, Canaan Ministries International otherwise known as Champions Church, Ilorin, Kwara State capital, has, in this fashion, been helping its less endowed members and the needy outside the church. The church sells household materials, food items, kitchenware and other articles at give-away prices to members of the public. At this year’s edition, the buyers bought tickets which qualified them to access the materials on display. Items sold this year included clothing materials, electronics, food items, both domestic and factory fans as well as home and kitchen appliances. On hand to declare this year’s sale open was the founder of the ministries, Rev Emmanuel AdebayoOset. He told The Nation after making his own purchase that: “The programme started since 2010 and we thank the lord. The purpose is to reach out to people in the love of God. There are many people who, •Continued from page 30

The main dialogue among residence commenced on the 19th August with a ceremony attended by a large gathering of members of the five communities, Federal and State government officials, religious leaders, women groups, as well as civil society representatives. Attendance and political support were offered by influential Nigerian personalities as well as by interested Foreign Embassies. The first session of the intercommunal dialogue (19th – 24th August) focused its discussion on two items, namely trust and confi-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

because of certain circumstances, are living from hand to mouth. We know indeed it is part of our responsibility as a church of the lord Jesus Christ to be a blessing to others. Our concern is to reach out to people, lift them, encourage them and demonstrate to them the love of Christ. “The purpose is to impact on people’s lives and let them know that God loves them, because of the situation in the country now many people are having it tough. Our concern is to let them know that God has not and cannot forget them; we want them to know that God is concerned about them. In our own little way we are reaching out to them in the love of God. “But on a broader scale, beyond a programme like this we want people to know that no matter what they might be going through, the love of God as demonstrated in Christ Jesus is able to handle their problems. “For people to overcome their challenges, they have to draw closer to God, but unfortunately, most people don’t because Satan knows that if they can draw closer to God they will be able to experience God’s touch and change in their lives. “The gesture is without prejudice to congregation or even religion.

•Rev Adebayo-Oset declaring the bazaar open

‘The gesture is without prejudice to congregation or even religion. There are many people out there who are not Christians. It is for all comers. At times like this, it should be part of our responsibility as people of God to demonstrate His love. The language of love is easily understood by all anywhere in the world’ There are many people out there who are not Christians. It is for all comers. At times like this, it should

be part of our responsibility as people of God to demonstrate His love. The language of love is easily

‘No more violence’ dence building and religious and cultural respect and tolerance. Although cautious at the beginning, communities eventually contributed to a lively discussions on these issues. The recommendations developed in session 1 and recognised major roles and responsibilities for youth, women, religious leaders, and media outlets in promoting trust, confidence, religious tolerance, and long term peace building. The Centre held the second ses-

•Kaltungo cultural festival in Kaltungo, Gombe State

sion of the dialogue from September 23 to 28, 2013, which covered six topics of discussion: Reopening and securing of religious places and burial grounds (carried over from the first session); Skill acquisition and employment opportunities for the youth; Detention of youths; Blockage of highways and other roads by youths, and, Tension-management strategies. To support a substantive discussion on these issues, three papers were commissioned ahead of

the session. Generally, the tone and atmosphere of the second session looked more relaxed than the first, and communities seemed to make genuine and less-guarded comments. Several government representatives attended the session including the Director of Public Prosecution for Plateau State and a Senior Director of the Office of the National Security Advisor in Abuja. Furthermore, there was a lively discussion between the Po-

understood by all anywhere in the world. “There is no one who does not want to be loved and the highest form of love is God’s love. I think that all Christians all over the country should have this vision. It does not necessarily mean that should do it as we are doing it. It should be something that is universal to all Christians anywhere. “Love exists in the church of God in Nigeria but we can do better. Romans 5:5 that love of God is shed above in our heart by the Holy •Continued on page 32

lice Commissioner for Jos and the communities. One of the major recommendations drawn from Session 2 included proposals for the communities to jointly rebuild and reopen two churches, two mosques, and two schools in each local government area as a tangible symbol of their ability to work together. From October 21 to 25, the HD Centre held the third session of the inter-communal dialogue forum. The agenda for the meeting centred mainly on governance matters at the local, state, and federal levels as they affect the communities in Jos. Extensive participation in the meeting by government allowed for a candid exchange between the communities and several state commissioners and advisors (including the Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, and Advisors to the Governor on Peacebuilding and Legislative Matters). Presentations by the government representatives were met with cautious optimism by the communities. Plateau residents were happy with the deal, which they prayed would last. Clearly, they have had enough of crises.

‘Plateau residents were happy with the deal, which they prayed would last. Clearly, they have had enough of crises’

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

‘Our concern is reaching out to the needy’ •Continued from page 29 Spirit; one thing is for somebody to have something in his heart and another thing to demonstrate it. I think the lord wants us to demonstrate it more. Many things people do if they will just use the avenue of love the world will be easy place to stay. From the bible the first responsibility we owe everybody is love. Before you even speak to them, love them, help them. By the time you have helped them and they have been ministered to it will be a lot easier for them to listen to your message. Rev Adebayo-Oset blamed the pervasive corruption and other vices in the country on loss of long-held values and primitive acquisition of wealth. He added that: “Many of our people have lost the old values that we were born into. Unfortunately, the first culprits are our leaders. Naturally, in a family, in an institution you look up to your leaders. Our leaders over times have misled our people. “I am not too old but by the grace

of God I am old enough to know that things were not like this in Nigeria. People were not so materialistic. Imagine people stealing money that belongs to pensioners. That is a wicked person. Anybody who does that can kill. Those people don’t even need to talk God almighty will curse the swindler. “Our people no longer know the meaning of contentment. Our parents were ambitious but they knew the meaning of contentment. Our people have lost connection with the values that held society together. Our parents were ambitious people but were decent. A decent person will know that by the time you have two or three houses you don’t need anything more. What is happening in our country is that through our leaders our people have been corrupted.” He said “I want to appeal to Nigerians to come back. Maybe we shouldn’t even wait for our leaders. They have played the prodigal son. Let Nigerians know that the life of a man does not consist in the abundance of his possession. “Let our people know that acquiring things that are not yours is an invitation to God’s anger. Illegal

Ex-council chief declares support for House hopeful

HE immediate past chairman of Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, has thrown his weight behind a candidate for the House of Representatives, Hon. Danladi Zhin in next year’s election. Muhammad, who also contested for the House, but lost out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election, said this when the party’s candidate Zhin visited him at his residence in Kuje. Mohammad said he would mobilise his supporters across the four area councils, including residents of the Abaji Rural Areas Development Association (ARADA), to vote him at the polls. “We are reasoning together before the election and God willing, we are going reason together after the election. I want to assure you of my complete support, even if you do not come to visit me. My supporters and I have started working for you,” he said. He also harped on the need to shun tribal and religious politics,

Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu

saying that for some people to show hatred against another tribe is a sin against God. “It is a sin for one to hate another tribe, because of his tribe or religion. It is an offense before the eyes of God, “he said. Earlier, the House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Danladi Zhin, said he decided pay him a visit, in order to seek for his support, saying any person that attached politics to tribe or religion is out cheat his people. “Therefore, you should count on me that I shall ensure that the voice of people of the Abuja south federal constituency is heard in the House of Representatives of the National assembly by the grace of God, “he said. The chairman of Kuje area council, Shaban Tete, appreciated the effort of the former council chairmen for playing politics without rancor and bitterness during the party’s’ primary election.

•Some of the items donated acquisition does not fill the soul. Jesus said that life is more than raiment, the body is more than meat. Our people have got engrossed in materialistic things and that is why

ESIDENTS of Dukwal Community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to support the community by building accessible roads to enable residents move their farm produce to the markets easily. The village head of the community, Mallam Dauda Sam made this call when he received a delegation of women media professionals under the auspices of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), during the Strengthening Women’s

they are deluded. Because of this inordinate pursuit of wrongdoing some sicknesses that were align to us are now becoming our lots. We are in a hurry because we want to

amass stupendous wealth. There is glory in simplicity. It is one thing to be ambitious and another thing to have inordinate affection for material things.”

‘We want good roads’ Empowerment to Deepen Girl Child Education (SWEDGE) project organized by the Society For Community Development (SCD) in collaboration with Action Aide Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday. Sam who lamented the absence of access roads in the community for residents, who are predominantly farmers to transport their produce to markets around the area, said it has made life difficult for the people. He also revealed that members of his community were yet to benefit

‘We have never benefited from the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) or the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), even though we are a farming community with a population of almost one million inhabitants’

from the federal government’s fertilizer scheme and seed distribution plan since its inception, after collecting and filling the forms for the 2013/ 2014 farming season. He said, “We have never benefited from the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) or the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), even though we are a farming community with a population of almost one million inhabitants. “The greatest challenge of the community is the poor road infrastructure which does not allow farmers easy access to markets after harvest, lack of a secondary school which denies the children better education and the lack of power supply to pump the only working borehole in the community provided by AMAC.” Also speaking, a member of the MWAN, Dr Chioma Iheanacho, said the service was for the community to see the essence of educating the girl child while also offering their services as women professionals. “As a woman medical doctor, when they see me rendering this service, they know their children can also be educated to better their lives and that of their communities,” she pointed out.

Community gets borehole

•Health officers from Aro Bamgbose Foundation attending to residents in Omu-Aran, Kwara State

HE Strong Tower Zone of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has sunk a water borehole in Buzukure community in Kuje area council to reduce the residents water challenges. In his remarks during the commissioning of the borehole, the Assistant Pastor of Province 7, Adebisi Kolawale, Pastor in Charge of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), said the donation was in line with the church General Overseer’s vision of helping host communities in meeting their physical. Kolawale said, “Our general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, some years back, felt it is not good for the church to be preaching the gospel and winning souls when there are pressing needs in the community that are not met.

“He noted that if the church can go a little bit further by providing physical needs to benefit the community, where the church is domiciled, it will be of tremendous benefit. That was what brought up the idea of CSR. “Our father in the Lord has made it mandatory that everywhere we go the people in our community, we must have something to benefit from the church and that is one of the goals we have pursued in FCT Province 7, under the supervision of Pastor Matthew Sule, who is the Provincial Pastor of the province.” In his remarks, the pastor in charge of Strong Tower Zone, Chucks Ojeifo, said the church decide to sink a borehole for the community because it identified a genuine need for borehole by residents.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•Abuja

T is the season of much movement, sharing and felicity, yet, for the security community, it is a time of red alert. After the series of attacks in the nation’s capital in the not-too-distant past, and also the latest signals that terrorists may yet strike again during the festivities, security personnel are taking no chances. Security officials have drafted more of their men to various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) especially the major roads. The military and the police force have mounted bomb detectors and road blocks on all the major roads leading into the nation’s capital. Some of those places are the Airport Road, Kubwa, Dede Expressway and the Nyanya-Mararaba axis. Top security personnel who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that Islamist fundamentalists would be prevented from causing problems. “We are not going to allow the Boko Haram members to disrupt this season,” he said. “We have gotten security reports that the sect members are planning to bomb major places in and outside Abuja. “If you observe all formations of the Army, police and the State Security Service (SSS), are involved in ensuring that this bad act does not take place. We are working day and night to avert calamity. “Explosive detectors are all around the city while more Army

Yuletide amid tight security From Gbenga Omokhunu

personnel are involved now as against what used to be. Nobody is above the search. The bad eggs among us will not have their way this time around. Members of the public should please report any suspicious moves if noticed.” Comprehensive stop and search is ongoing within the city, although at some of the checkpoints, the security agents present did not bother to search vehicles as they simply stare at every motorist driving past. A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke on the situation commended the action of government and urged security operatives not to relent as the sect is not resting on their oars. It is a general belief that the Christmas season, which is a period that Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, has always been an unusual period, possibly because no other festive period could be seen as equal to it, as it stands at ushering in the New Year. Also, apart from ushering in the New Year, it creates a frenzy atmosphere and exciting anticipation in major cities, towns and villages of the world and the FCT is no different. However, since the 2011 at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla in Suleja, just outside the FCT, in which many lost their lives

‘Explosive detectors are all around the city while more Army personnel are involved now as against what used to be. Nobody is above the search. The bad eggs among us will not have their way this time around. Members of the public should please report any suspicious moves if noticed’ and the continued insurgent activities of the dreaded Boko Haram, Christmas celebration in the FCT has been celebrated in low key, with most residents staying indoors and occasionally venturing out because of security situation. It was quite unfortunate that in as much as people will like to enjoy lives to the fullest in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the fear of

safety and security measures adopted across the capital territory conspired to constrained their plans and movement. With the mounting security concern in the country, some of the popular places like Wonderland, Millennium Park, Abuja Amusement Park got less patronage between 2012 and 2013 Christmas celebrations, as residents of the FCT

resorted to enclosed celebration within their homes, hotels, churches and visiting friends, colleagues and relatives. Being the seat of power and administrative hub of the nation, prominent government officials and corporate personalities also use the opportunity to pay homage to their bosses, superiors and colleagues prominent among them being the visit to the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed and President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. The situation is however getting better with government re-invigorate the frenzy mood of the season since 2012 December, up until this years December, with most Christmas decorations in almost every strategic area of the FCT, giving the mood a more sensational look. The FCT is unlike the East with its buzz of people returning from long stay abroad, also where indigenes often travel from wherever they reside in different parts of the world to return home to reunite and celebrate with family members, while lubricating the economy of their respective towns and it is also not like Lagos where most events are celebrated on the streets, beaches, churches and pub•Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

HE Rock of Ages Empowerment Foundation is working on a project aimed at providing housing units for widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This is even as 200 widows who completed a training programme in the various skills acquisition projects of the foundation received N20,000 each to start small-scale businesses. Also, over 2,000 widows received free medical treatment, a bag of rice each and other materials to celebrate Christmas. The Founder of the foundation, Evangelist Ignatius Newman Ezeigbo disclosed this during the organisation’s empowerment and Christmas celebration programme for widows in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs weekend in Abuja. He said the housing units will accommodate some of the widows who either do not have a place of their own or live under dehumanising conditions. Newman said the foundation was also working on a programme aimed at expanding its policy of sponsoring the children of widows

Shelter for widows coming From Bukola Amusan

in primary and secondary schools. While calling on the Federal Government to enact a law that will help protect the rights of widows in the country, he said over 6,000 widows have benefited from the various skills acquisition programmes of the foundation valued at 23 million naira to date , besides free medical treatments, food items and other projects initiated by the foundation. According to him, “The afore mentioned foundation came into being as a result of my passion and overwhelming desire to give succour to widows in different parts of the country. “I am always highly elated and my heart feels the kind of joy that knows no bounds whenever I am able to create leeway for these widows who are going through various misfortunes, struggling to eke

‘200 widows who completed a training programme in the various skills acquisition projects of the foundation received N20,000 each to start small-scale businesses. Also, over 2,000 widows received free medical treatment, a bag of rice each and other materials to celebrate Christmas’ •Continued from page 33 lic centres with colourful carols and carnivals. Most people also recognised the fact that majority of Abuja residents are not indigenes of the territory, so they have to travel to their various states and local communities to celebrate the season with their relatives and old friends who they left behind to seek greener pasture in the FCT and as well use the festive period to at-

out a living to wriggle out of terrible, pathetic and dehumanising situations and circumstances of life. The foundation is an avenue for giving hope to the hopeless. “My greatest joy is to always see these women happy, and whenever they are happy, I am fulfilled. For me, it is a rare privilege and delight to put smile on the faces of these precious women whenever I am in a position to do so especially, in this present economic situation of the country”. A beneficiary of the Foundation’s

previous empowerment programmes, Judith Dzungwe said she invested her empowerment money and materials in poultry farming and has been using the proceeds from the business in training her children in the university. Earlier, the Abuja Coordinator of the foundation, Blessing Orji said previously they just give the widows money to go and start businesses but since this year they always train them in one skill or the other before giving them start off capital. She said during the International

•Hunters display their game, a python, at the Annual Irewha Hunting Festival in Shafa-Abakpa, Nasarawa State

Yuletide amid tight security tend numerous family and communal development meetings. Although, the security situation has not changed much in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, but residents of the FCT are beginning to loosen up and the city is beginning to come back to life with hotels, worship centres, offices, shopping malls, especially banks tak-

•Tangle cultural festival in Billiri town, Gombe State

Widows Day on June 23rd this year about 200 widows from Abuja were trained on tailoring while 400 were trained on catering adding that those who learnt tailoring were empowered with sewing machines, half of the caterers received empowerment materials while the remaining half received theirs at the weekend. She called on Nigerians to assist widows around them saying one does not really need much to help them as little as N10,000 can make a different in their lives.

ing the lead with Christmas decorations. An Event Manager, Mrs Joy SALAMI explained that Christmas is a period traditionally recognised and celebrated as a season of peace, goodwill and hope across national boundaries, that it also offers Christians a unique opportunity to reinforce this same message of love,

unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence to none Christians alike. “Christmas celebration to many people, Christians and none Christians see the period as a unique one. That is why they look out for it with high expectation. One other unique aspect of Christmas is the date, which is always December 25, which everybody knows, even known Christians and it has not changed for centuries, unlike other celebrations that change from one date to the other, apart from the New Year celebration which is January 1. “During this period, Christians are expected to show love and oneness, by sharing gifts with loved ones, which include neighbours which are Christians and none Christians. Also, Nigerians should also use it as a period of sober reflection, preparing our minds for the New Year that is approaching after the Christmas celebration, on how we are going to enter the New Year with love and unity in our hearts,” she said. After the Xmas and Boxing Day celebrations, ABUJA REVIEW went round the city to ask from the residents on how they celebrated both days and their views of the security situation although no calamity was recorded. Miss Blessing Mohammed expressed confident in the security operatives of the security situation in the capital city especially when no calamity was recorded during

‘Christmas celebration to many people, Christians and none Christians see the period as a unique one. That is why they look out for it with high expectation’ the Xmas period and insisted that she will visit relaxation centres with her family and as well visit relatives and friends apart from the church program during the New Year. “I am happy that Abuja is peaceful, I will also spend my New Year in Abuja with my family. So I will visit a lot of places with friends, because, it has been a long time since I went out with my friends, because of the nature of my job. It is also a time for me to give to the needy and be a blessing to others,” she said. The Inspector General of Police was also seen at Jabi Lake ensuring that poeple are secured having fun and he vowed that the security situation will remain tight even after the festive period.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), with, from left, Alex Usifo ; Zack Oji ; Paul Obazele; Patience Ozokwor; Ejiro Okunamen and other actors members during the Legend of Nollywood’s visit to the President at the Villa

•From left: FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed; Senator representing FCT, Senator Philip Aduda; President Goodluck Jonathan; FCT Minister of State, Jumoke Akinjide and Vice President Namadi Sambo during the Christmas Homage at the Villa

ANY seem to have peered into the future and seen a country broken up and crumbling under the weight of many challenges. But that’s nonsense, said the Senior Pastor and Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement in Kubwa, Apostle Alex Ogundipe. He said that Nigeria will not break up come 2015 even though the country is surrounded by so much gloom. He has warned Nigerians against prophesies of doom, saying that even though the country seems to be spiralling downward, God’s gift to man in the form of His son Jesus, tells us that there is hope even in the mist of darkness. Ogundipe added that God promised his son as the solution to us receiving salvation, righteousness, redemption and blessings and we do

•From left: FCT Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide; Dr. Banafit Onu; the President’s mother Eunice Jonathan; First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan and President Goodluck Jonathan during the Christmas Church Service at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.

•From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu during the National Council of Traditional Rulers’ meeting in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

‘Nigeria won’t break up in 2015’ From Grace Obike

not have to do anything other than believe in his son. He stated this over the weekend in Abuja, at the Carol of nine lessons and declaration service, where he said that the celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the arrival of hope in the mist of so much darkness. He said, “I urge Nigerians not to join them to issue threats that we will be consumed and that Nigeria will scatter; let us stop the negative and profess the positive because this country will not fall apart in 2015. This country will not die in 2015, let

us show our love by what we give because God showed us His love. “My message to Nigerians Isaiah 9 verse 1 says, never the less, this gloom shall not prevail; verse 2 says a light has shone on the people that walk in darkness that live in the shadow of death; for Nigeria it might look like we are living in the shadow of death, there is no solution or leadership but we should not focus on the know, focus on the option that is available, that Christ if you know him, you will not be engulfed by it. “Just like we have now, we are living in a season where there are so

Memorable moment with PLWHA

HEY got what they really need: love and care. The wife of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed provided that for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) as well as other needy perons in Abuja. She also appealed to affluent Nigerians to donate generously to support the weak and ailing people in the FCT. Mrs Mohammed made the appeal while distributing gifts to people living with HIV and the less privilege at her life camp residence. She noted that most of the victims of the HIV virus did not know how they contacted the virus, while some got it through child birth due to the ignorance of their parents. According to her, some were infested by the virus through the use of unhygienic instruments in the hospitals and others got it through

From Gbenga Omokhunu

unprotected sexual intercourse, adding that members of public should avoid all forms of discrimination against the victims. She said, “The task of caring, supporting and assisting those living with this virus and the less privileged in the society must not be left for government alone. It should be a collective efforts from both the rich and the privilege in our society to assist these category of people.” The FCT Minister’s wife called on traditional rulers and religious leaders to join in the campaign of sensitizing members of the public, on the need to avoid multiple sex partners and other vices that could expose them to contacting the virus. In her welcome address, the programme Director of Al-

Muhibbah foundation, Hajiya Ladi Ibrahim, said the organization has brought succour to several less privilege in our society. She disclosed that the foundation has provided several skills for woman under its poverty alleviation programme in the FCT, explaining that the women who acquired skills were provided with kits to enhance what they acquired. One of the persons living with HIV virus, Miss Gloria Asuquo commended the FCT minister’s wife for the bold step taking in putting smiles on the faces of those suffering from the virus in the FCT. She said that the gesture, has shown that Hajiya Aisha Mohammed is a true emancipator of the down trodden in Nigeria. Among the items distributed to the people included several bags of rice, cartoons of beverages, detergent and disinfectant.

‘Nigerians should not join the prophets of doom to issue threats that we will be consumed and that Nigeria will scatter; let us stop the negative and profess the positive because this country will not fall apart in 2015. This country will not die in 2015, let us show our love by what we give because God showed us His love’ many deaths in the country, where the economic gloom is heavy, but in the mist of this, this celebration is to tell you there is hope, it is to tell you not to be connected with the economy of this earth but of heaven. “You might look at 2015 and see Boko Haram on the horizon, you see the election in the horizon, you see those involved in baby factories on the horizon and you ask when are we going to get out of this, ten years ago it was the same narrative, the only hope we have is the gift that God gave man, if you can believe him, you can access this gift. “To the Politicians, it is only the power of God that can get a man into any position and God is on the throne for Nigeria, politicians did not create Nigeria, God created Nigeria and he is still on the throne working in the favour of Nigeria, every evil scheme will fail, you will be surprised at how God will enthrone the government of his choice.” He also said, “But then God promised his son as the solution to us receiving salvation, righteousness, redemption and blessings and we do

not have to do anything, that is what his words says, we do not have to do anything other than to believe that son, it is a gift. “It is a celebration; often time’s people have asked why do we celebrate Christmas? We are celebrating the arrival of hope, there is so much darkness all over, same was in the past, people tried religion, self righteousness and all sorts of things and there was no way out and the same thing they did is what we do now. “And so when you see us celebrating during Christmas, it is to state the narrative of how we got there and what where the promises. “When you look at the carol of nine lessons, it narrates, from the fall of man to the promise that God gave and what man needs to do to access it. It is total gift and you do not have to do anything other than to believe Jesus is the son of God which earns you redemption. “We are celebrating that somebody is giving you a wonderful gift of releasing you from darkness, when you have no hope for tomorrow.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

ANY nations whose economy is oil-based have continued to be alarmed and threatened by the falling prices of oil in the international market. Those who were not prepared for it are taking drastic steps to survive the adverse effect of the slump on their economies. One of the world powers, Russia and nations like Iran and Venezuala, have not been insulated against such falling oil prices as their economies have been affected. With almost 50 per cent decline in the prices since June this year, the former Russian Finance Minister, Aleksei Kudrin, has warned President Vladimir Putin’s administration of a full-blown economic crisis. He also called for better relations with Europe and the United States to improve the country’s economic situation. The Nigeria economy, like Russia, is majorly oil-based. But President Goodluck Jonathan has severally assured that Nigerians need not worry about the new development. He has given that assurance at every given opportunity since the oil prices have started nose-diving. Urging Nigerians to remain calm in the face of the falling global oil prices during the 2014 Christmas Carol at the State House, he noted that the country has survived similar or even worse situations in the past years. He also did not fail to give similar assurances during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fund raising dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Speaking during the launch of the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) and Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, he said: “The decline in the price of crude oil did not take us by surprise. For the past three years we have been engaged on a carefully designed and implemented agricultural transformation agenda.” “Our massive food production efforts, which led to the production of 21 million metric tons of food in the past three years, has created a buffer and mitigated the impact of the devaluation on food prices.” “The agriculture sector is vital for the economy of Nigeria. The recent decline in the price of crude oil further underscores the necessity to rapidly diversify our economy away from dependency on crude oil.” he stated

Jonathan and falling oil prices In the same vein, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is now the President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which has a great role to play in the crisis, has assured that steps will be taken in the first quarter of 2015 if the situation becomes unbearable. She said: “This is a very challenging time as you know for OPEC and for the global crude oil wells as a whole. Quite clearly, there has been a battle of wills between certain OPEC countries, the big players and certain non-OPEC countries who are big players in the world crude oil production markets at this time.” “So it is a challenging time to take over as OPEC President at this time and our prayer of course is that we will be able to stabilise the crude oil prices per barrel over this period because it is critical.” “As many countries both OPEC and non-OPEC countries are suffering immensely. Even as we speak Venezuala has gone into austerity measures and is measuring food because they were completely dependent on oil. Angola, Algeria, Iran are all under duress as is Nige-

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya ria because it has affected our budgetary benchmark. And even nonOPEC countries like Russia who will not cut production are already seeing a drop in the value of their ruble.” she added. It will really be a great relief if Nigerians will be spared of any fresh economic hardship as a result of the falling oil prices.

Air safety standard versus low fare The falling air fares in Nigeria in the past few months may have its disadvantages.

There is fear that the price war among the airlines resulting in lower fares may be at the expense of safety standards. It is hoped that this is not the case as Nigerians will not want the plane crash incidences of the past to resurface. Expressing the fears while speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the last Federal Executive Council meeting for the year, the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka said that his ministry is keeping close watch on the airlines. He said: “Recent development in

Indigenous firm produces anti-malaria paints

N contribution to the fight against malaria in the country, Divine Rewarding Services Ltd, a subsidiary of ABS powder has invented an anti-malaria paint. The water based paint is said to be repellent to mosquitoes and other insects and does not have any harmful effects on humans. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the companyý Chief Uche Sylva stated this over the weekend in Abuja, at the launch of the product ISONEM which comprise of sin-out the paint that dispels mosquitoes, soil water trap that ensures rain water is trapped in soils and cement mix isomix. He said that It is about time Nigerians tapped into the much hyped national potentials in terms of human and material resources and added that the basics of human good living and not mere existence is health, shelter and agriculture. He also said that isomix which is added to cement mixture helps to prevent building collapse that has

From Grace Obike

become prevalent in the country. His words, “So with this product we are giving the fight against malaria a strategic boost and delivering better health and productivity to the populace. “Isomix, helps to prevent building collapse while the soil water trap is for ýgreen revolution and an all year round fruitful yield. This product helps to trap water in the grounds thus helping better agricultural yields and making all year round planting and harvesting a reality. “The positive impact of this product on our food security is better imagined. We believe this could be one of the veritable tools for our sustainable national growth and development. All hands must be on deck to ensure that we retool, reequip and reposition our beloved country Nigeria to take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

•People making last minute purchasing in Abuja

the aviation sector have seen to a drop in air fares across different airlines in Nigeria. You will recall that in the past, in less than the past one year, Discovery Air and co have come on stream.” “So there have been increased capacity in various routes. The Lagos route that was averaging over N37,000 before, went all the way down to N14,000, even to our worry as regulators, hoping that the price wars will not lead to cuts in safety standards, knowing the high cost of maintenance with the exchange rate going up.” “We had some worries. But what has happened is that there is increased capacity in the aviation sector with new entrants into the fold. We are watching closely and I must tell you that airfares have gone down from what it used to be in the advent of these airlines.” “But again as the Christmas season approaches when people make more use of air flights all over the world, globally airlines always witness higher airfares during summer vacations, seasonal periods like Christmas. They react to demand and supply.” he added

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY Barely 27 days after four judges were sworn into the Lagos State High Court, three were sworn in last week, bringing to 57 the state’s judges, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA

Lagos judges rise to 57

HREE new judges have been sworn into the High Court of Lagos, bringing to 57, the number of judges in the state, made up of 41 women and 16 male judges. The new judges, two women and one man are the former Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Olabisi Ogungbesan; former Registrar of Titles, Adedayo Akintoye and a former Senior State Counsel, Obafemi Adamson. The state Chief Judge Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade admonished the new judges. “Your elevation to the high court bench is a call to service. A vocation that demands your absolute commitment, dedication, honesty, loyalty and fairness at all time. Like every other judicial officer, yours is a sacred responsibility, a duty you owe to God and humanity. “Having come this far, I have no doubt , the enormity of the task entrusted on you by this appointment, is without any ambiguity.‘’ She continued: “I charge you, therefore, to live aboard board and to always conduct yourselves in accordance with the ethics of the profession. Let the oath of office which shall be administered unto you remain your guide as discharge your constitutional responsibilities. Not only must adhere strictly to the code of conduct of judicial officers as it is contained in the schedule to the 1999 Constitution, you must also be morally upright and shun every act of corruption and all temptations that tend towards corrupt practices. “You must always endeavour to act in such manner as to inspire the hope and confidence of members of of the public in our judicial system. Bearing in mind that the people are watching, and to whom much is given, much is expected. Let the fear of God be at the centre of your thoughts and activities always, acknowledging Him as the ultimate judge.’’ Explained that the need to fill the vacancies at the High Court compelled the appointment of additional competent hands to serve in this capacity. She said this became necessary, taking into cognizance the peculiarity of the state; its vast human population and huge economic presence, which also reflected in the volume of litigations and cases

filed on daily basis in various registries across the state. Expressing confidence in the new judges, she wished them well in their new assignments. Earlier, Governor Raji Fashola (SAN) also admonished the judges to do justice to without fair or favour. He told the judges that as public property, they should “do justice only according to the law”. Pointing out that the world is always changing, the governor counselled them to acquaint themselves with developments around them. “Your quest for knowledge must be unending. You must expose yourself to training locally and at international level to be able to deliver justice appropriately, he said. The governor reminded them that as members of the bench, there are things they can no longer do and thoughts they can no longer share with anybody. He pleaded for understanding from their families, friends and relations on their behalf when they do this. “A judge can get it wrong because a friend is involved,” he noted, reminding them that their duty as a judge is to be fair at all times. The Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye, who introduced the new judges, said their appointment afforded the state to bring to the bench “a wealth of experience, scholarship, selfless service and rigorous work ethics”. He said these attributes imbued in the new judges would further boost the image and efficiency of the judiciary in the state. Ipaye said the judges, who were among the seven nominees whose names were initially sent to NJC, merited the job. He assured the people of the state that the new judges would give quality service like those before them. He said the NJC, having examined their qualifications, competence, experience and integrity, also found them worthy of the appointment. Ogungbesan graduated with LL.B honours in 1982 from the University of London and was called to the Nigerian bar in July 1983. She worked in various capacities in the Ministry of Justice of Bauchi, Oyo and Lagos states both in criminal prosecution and

•From left: Jutice Atilade, Gov Fashola and Ipaye.

•From left: Justice Adamson, Justice Ogungbesan and Justice Akintoye

in defence of civil cases representing the government. In Lagos, Ogungbesan rose through the ranks from Principal State Counsel to become the DPP, the position she held till her new appointment. A thorough bred, disciplined and meticulous prosecutor, Ogungbesan has prosecuted and gained numerous convictions on behalf of the state government. Akintoye obtained her LL.B from the University of Lagos in 1980 and was called to the bar in 1981. She worked briefly as a Legal Officer at Afribank Nigeria Plc in 1983 before joining the Lagos State Magistracy in October 1985. She left the service to manage a legal practice in the United Kingdom in 1991. Justice Akintoye qualified as a Chartered Secretary and Administrator in London in 1988 before taking up an appointment at the Nigerian High Commission in London in October 2000, working directly with the High Commissioner. In 2002, she returned to legal practice in Lagos and joined the state Judiciary in 2005. He was appointed Deputy Registrar of Titles and rose to become the Registrar (an equivalent of Chief Magistrate 1), a position she held

till her new appointment. As the Registrar of Titles, she effectively managed the computerisation of all land records held in the registry dating back to 1863. During her service in that department, the Land Registry expanded to encompass a Mortgage Registry and an Acquisition/Excision Registry. Justice Adamson, on the other hand, graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye in 1994 and was called to the bar in 1995. He began his career at Creeks & Shield Solicitors as a youth corps member. He was involved in many high-profile oil spillage cases, inspections and settlements. He also handled many criminal cases all of which were well defended. After his service year, he joined St. Francis Chambers, the law firm of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali (SAN). After the service year in Lagos, Justice Adamson practised with B.A. Shitta-Bey and Co. as an Associate and joined the service of the Lagos State government as a State Counsel in 2001. His first posting was to the Directorate of Citizens Right and was among the

PHOTOS: MOSES OMOSEHIN

first set of mediators trained by the Department. He handled several mediations, human rights abuse, matrimonial cases, consumer protection, tenancy cases, most of which parties reached settlement. In 2002, he was seconded to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission where he was assigned the responsibility of supervising the production of the Local Government electioneering materials for the Lagos and was issued two commendation letters for his participation in the successful election of 2004 and also for representing the commission in the post-election period. In 2006, Justice Adamson was recalled to the Ministry of Justice and was posted to the DPP where he remained until his new appointment. He drafted the team that prosecuted the notorious Rev. King’s case, responded to the appeal of the defendant at the Court of Appeal. He has just completed the brief for filing at the Supreme Court on the matter. He also handled many highprofile cases while in the DPP. His diligence and resourcefulness and dedication to work earned him, “The most productive officer of the year award” in the senior staff category in 2011.

In this article Sebastine Hon (SAN) writes on the conviction of 54 soldiers by a military tribunal

‘Why conviction of 54 soldiers is unconstitutional’

•Hon

HE recent secret trial and even tual conviction and sentence to death of soldiers by a military tribunal is unconstitutional, null and void. The trial and conviction should be assumed not to have taken place. The reason is plain enough: Section 36(3) of the 1999 Constitution mandatorily requires all criminal trials to be conducted in public and not in secret. The secret trial of these suspects, therefore, amounts to a gross violation of this mandatory constitutional provision. Let it be sounded out in crystal clear terms that section 36(3) of the Constitution falls under Chapter IV of the said Constitution, which in turn has guaranteed certain inalienable rights termed fundamental

By Sebastine Hon rights. Superior courts of record in Nigeria, including the Supreme Court, have held that these rights are above the ordinary laws of the land, in this case, including military laws and rules. See RandomeKuti vs. Attorney-General of the Federation (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt. 6) 211 SC; WAEC vs. Adeyanju (2008) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1092) 270 at 304 SC and Essien vs. Inyang (2012) All FWLR (Pt. 628) 951 at 967 CA, etc. More importantly, the Supreme Court in the fairly recent case of Nigerian Army vs. Aminun-Kano (2010) All FWLR (Pt. 528) 1805 at 1832 SC held in emphatic terms that the fundamental rights provisions of the Constitution apply to all Nigerians, including members of the

Armed Forces, who are also entitled to the protection of the guaranteed rights! It is in the light of the above that I submit on most firm grounds that the secret trial and conviction of 54 soldiers by a military tribunal is null and void on the ground that it infringes on section 36(3) of the Constitution. Be it noted that this subsection has specifically outlawed secret criminal trials by a “court or tribunal.” A military tribunal, without any iota of doubt, is covered by these provisions. Finally, it will be idle to argue that failure by defence counsel to raise timely objection against the said trial will rob him of the opportunity to do so on appeal. In the first place, the right guaranteed

under section 36(3) being fundamental, cannot be waived. Secondly, superior appellate courts of record in Nigeria have been consistent in annuling trials which offend the subsection, objection or no objection. See lavishly on this: Edibo vs. State (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 384) 192 SC, Onwubuya vs. Statw (2014) All FWLR (Pt. 742) 1700 CA and Okoro vs. State (2012) 1 SC (Pt. 1) 1 at 50. Head or tail, therefore, the trial, conviction and sentence to death of 54 soldiers by a military tribunal, in so far as it was done in secret, remains unconstitutional, null and void. I strongly believe the Court of Appeal will void the convictions. • Hon (SAN) is a Constitutional lawyer and author.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY Address by Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) at the Special Valedictory Court Session for the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloma Mariam Mukhtar at the Supreme Court on November 20.

‘Dissenting judgments should be encouraged’ to go and do likewise.

Inconsistencies in judgments of the Court

•Chief Solanke

URTHERMORE, the recognition of the equality of the Bar and the Bench is ger mane to the cordial relationship of the Bar and the Bench to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and co-operation. The CJN has fully demonstrated her acceptance of that equality in all her activities on the Bench, in particular, as the Presiding Justice in the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal and as the CJN. I hereby urge all of us to follow the CJN’s laudable example of courtesy and humility. Justice Crampton’s pronouncement herein-before quoted is so profound, that every lawyer should adopt it as a credo in his or her professional life.

The Supremacy of the Constitution and the Law Having articulated the equality of the Bar and the Bench, I move on to the equality of the three arms of government to wit: the executive, the Legislature and the judiciary. The supremacy of the law is manifested in the fact that in the courtroom, every one stands and bows before the Bench – “id est”: before the law. That is why I am always distressed and embarrassed when I see pictures of Chief Judges in the print media bowing before governors. A judge should stand ramrod straight, chest out, look the governor in the eye with a smile and engage in robust handshakes. May be the governor should bow before the Chief Judge! This situation touches on the independence of the judiciary whose funding should be channelled, straight and direct to the judiciary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under Section 167 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This week, it was reported in the print media that the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had declared his intention to be the first state government to grant financial “autonomy” to the judiciary. Well, this is welcome news. Will this be the dawn of an era of judicial independence? We hope that this will happen soon in one of my two states of origin. “Deo Volente”.

Dissenting Judgments Further, in this day and age, dissenting judgments are rare. The CJN was bold enough, as a Justice of the Supreme Court, to write a dissenting judgment in the Yar’Adua v Buhari election political appeal. With all due respect, Judges are hereby encouraged to follow the CJN’s example and write dissenting judgments when they have a cause to differ from the lead judgment. Every judge has the liberty to express his or her own individual opinion in a dissenting judgment. A judge does not necessarily have to follow the leader. Each judge has to follow the law and his or her own conscience. It is of no consequence whether the appeal is on election petition or any other “causa litis” (cause of litigation or action).

It is extremely crucial that there should be consistency in the judgments of the Courts, particularly the Supreme Court which is the final Court of the land and the doctrine of precedents. Whenever a panel of the Supreme Court renders a judgment, it is the legitimate assumption of the lawyers and litigants that the entire judgment is that of the entire Supreme Court. Indeed, with all due respect, it is assumed that all the Justices of the Supreme Court, whether or not they were on the panel that rendered a particular judgment, are very much aware of the decision to be followed by the lower courts. As the Justices are in the same building intercommunication and conferences on all appeals should be attainable. The problem of inconsistency is quite acute in the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court. The court of Appeal has Divisions in sixteen different locations. Thus, inter communication and conferences on appeals among the Divisions on decisions to be rendered are virtually impossible. The same goes for the Federal High Court in different locations. With profound respect, the judiciary has to attend to the huge problem of judicial inconsistency in order to preserve the reliability of the courts on the doctrine of precedents, id est: “stare decisis”. It is conceded however, that “as man is fallible, so are the thoughts of man,” which situation makes it possible for even the Supreme Court, and any other court, to make mistakes in judgments. When that error is detected, judicial action has to be undertaken in order not to perpetuate it. Thus, in the case of Adegoke Motors Ltd v. Adesanya, Oputa JSC also said in relation to the Supreme Court and the need to act in the interest of justice in relation to precedent: We are final not because we are infallible, rather we are infallible because we are final. Justices of this court are human beings, capable of erring. It will certainly be short-sighted arrogance not to accept this obvious truth... This court has the power to over-rule itself... for it gladly accepts that it is far better to admit an error than to persevere in error”7. Nevertheless, judicial somersaults in judgments must be few and far between because judgments affect contractual and other transactions. Thus, judgments must inherently exhibit a high level of certainty, particularly the judgments of the Supreme Court – the apex of our court system.

The Rivers State Judicial Impasse It is most disconcerting that the crisis in the Rivers State about the appointment of a Chief Judge has remained unresolved. This has led to the closure of the State High Court since June 2014. This situation is intolerable because we cannot have a state without the rule of law being administered by the judiciary. Indeed, “judex est lex loquens” (A judge is the law speaking). And Section 271 of the Constitution provides: “(1) “The appointment of a person to the office of Chief Judge of a State shall be made by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the State”. Section 21(c) of the Third Schedule Part 1 of the Constitution provides thus: The National Judicial Council shall have

power to: (c) recommend to the Governors from among the list of persons submitted to it by the State Judicial Service Commissions, persons for appointments to the offices of the Chief Judges of the States ...” Consequently, the State Judicial Service Commission, the National Judicial Council and the Governor of the State and the State House of Assembly should find a way to resolve this dispute. The Chief Registrar should not be carrying out the functions of the Chief Judge. It is dangerous for the State High Court, to be under lock and key. Lawyers and litigants must have access to justice. The calling of lawyers is the practice of law, particularly in the law-courts.

Oral Advocacy It is to be noted that, although there has been a shift towards more written advocacy, the rules still allow limited periods of oral advocacy for counsel to highlight issues in the written address. It is my plea that the Courts should allow counsel to utilise the limited periods because oral advocacy has its merits. It has a rightful and historical place in the litigation process all over the world.

Security of Judges Another huge problem for the judiciary is the issue of security. I will for ever remember my shock and consternation when I read in The Punch of Friday, September 26, 2014 that a High Court judge in Ekiti State – Justice John Adeyeye – had been physically attacked and “his robe torn”. It also reported that “the record book of the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, was also torn into pieces by the thugs who also disrupted proceedings at the State Election Petitions Tribunal.” I was traumatised by this report. An assault on judges is an assault on the rule of law. That kind of bedlam can only lead to chaos and anarchy. The CJN has asked the Inspector-General to find the perpetrators of that scandalous assault and prosecute them. Such outrageous affront on the judiciary must not go unpunished because it would make judges extremely vulnerable, if would-be attackers feel they can get away with any kind of mayhem. A break-down of law and order must be avoided. We now await the result of police investigation and prosecution.

The Inspector-General The primary duty of the judge to see that justice is accomplished in all situations, encompasses the fact that the Nigeria Police Force, which is an institution created in Section 214(1) of the Constitution must be encouraged to discharge its functions. The section reads: “There shall be a police force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof”. We also have the Police Act which defines the work of the police thus: Section 4: “The police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged, and shall perform such military duties within or without Nigeria as may be required by them by, or under the authority of, this or any other Act”. The police force being a constitutional body, must be allowed to perform its duties to wit: to conduct investigations of alleged acts of mis-

conduct – their legitimate function under the law. The same goes for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Furthermore, there is a crying need for court judgments to continue to order the police not to disrupt non-violent demonstrations. The “Bring Back our Chibok girls campaign” peaceful protest was stopped again on Tuesday, October 14 in Abuja. I ask: When will the police stop these affronts on the Constitution which created the police force? With all due respect, I hereby remind the Inspector-General of Police of Section 40 (right to peaceful assembly and association) and Section 41 (on right to freedom of movement) of the Constitution. The police must respect and uphold the Constitution and not act in sabotage of it, notwithstanding the fact that police work is difficult and fraught with danger.

The use of obiter dicta There are myriads of problems which now assail the country. Judges need to employ the use of “obiter dicta” to draw our attention and that of the government and the legislature to them. It is trite to say that judges are to interprete the law and not make them. However, they should use the obiter dicta more often. Such obiter dicta may become the subject-matter of new legislations, thereby creating a body of judge-made laws.

The CJN’s journey to the apex court It ought to be recalled that the CJN has demonstrated a high level of courage in her judicial career. Obstacles have come her way on the way to the apex of our legal system. The CJN surmounted them with grim determination and confidence in her destiny. Indeed, the CJN is a person of promise and destiny which the Almighty God has helped her to fulfil. Praise God. Alleluyah!

The two most important judicial positions As we know, the president of the Court of Appeal is a female8 Thus, the female gender now occupies the two most important judicial positions. Further, the Hon. Justice Rosaline Bozimo is the Administrator of the National Judiciary Institute. This is a staggering development. Let us make the best of it. However, it must be emphasized that this is without prejudice to the fact that the Bench must be populated by both genders which make up the society. It remains for me to congratulate the CJN for all that has been accomplished during her tenure in order to leave the judiciary in a better shape than when the CJN assumed office. This remedial effort must continue in order to restore the aura, dignity, respect and confidence in the judiciary. The National Judicial Council will, no doubt, continue the cleansing process. We wish the in-coming CJN every singular good fortune. CJN, please stay well and be happy “Deo Volente”. A prayer is a universal “desideratum” and this court is a temple. We all need prayers, so, please permit me to end with a prayer for the CJN thus:May God: be near you to defend you, within you to refresh you around you to preserve you before you to guide you, and above you to bless you. Amen. May God bless Nigeria. May God heal Nigeria. Amen. I rest my speech and thank this august assembly for your attention. •Concluded

Technicality must not defeat substantial justice Another dimension of the CJN’s courage is her declared opinion that judgments must be rendered to achieve substantial justice and that too much reliance should not be placed on technicality. Please, hear the CJN on technicaloity in the case of Maersk Line v Addida Investment Ltd6 as she declared:“The judicial process malfunctions and is discredited when it is bogged down by technicalities and is manipulated to go from technicality to technicalities. That is why, at all times, the tendency towards technicality should be eschewed and the determination to do substantial justice should remain the preferred option and hallmark of our judicial system”. I respectfully invite all the honourable judges

•Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, leading a road walk in Abuja to mark the International Human Rights Day.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

‘Removing body organs without consent permitted by National Health Act’

T was reported in the media last week that President Goodluck Jonathan had signed the National Health Bill into law. As a legal framework for the management and regulation of the health sector the Act has addressed some of the challenges and concerns of the Nigerian people with respect to access to medical care. Unfortunately, some of the provisions of the Act have empowered doctors to violate the right of Nigerians to life by removing the organs of living persons without authorisation. Before examining the obnoxious provisions of the Act it is pertinent to note that it is the most comprehensive legislation on healthcare in Nigeria. Section 46 of the Act which has barred public officers from travelling abroad for medical check-up, investigation and treatment at public expense should compel the federal government to fix and upgrade some hospitals to international standards. To ensure the provision of basic health services to Nigerians not less than one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund of the federal government shall be allocated to the National Provision Fund on an annual basis. But having regard to the enormous costs of medical services the one per cent allocation is like a drop in the ocean. It is however hoped that the National Health Insurance Scheme will be reorganised to partner with the National Health Council (created under the Act) to ensure the provision of efficient and affordable healthcare delivery system throughout the country. The Act has imposed a mandatory duty on all hospitals and medical establishments to provide medical services, even for emergency cases like accident, without demanding for police reports. Going by the letter and spirit of the Act it is indisputable that the right to health has been elevated to the level of justiciability as anyone denied of access to basic health has the unquestionable right to seek redress in court. If religiously implemented by the federal government the Act is going to tackle all preventable diseases including infant and maternal mortality. Any industrial action in the health sector shall be resolved within as health is classified as an essential service by the

By Femi Falana

Act. It is however doubtful if both chambers of the National Assembly which had passed the Bill and the President who assented to it studied the provisions of the law. Otherwise how can the President and the federal legislators justify section 51 of the Act which provides as follows: “1. A person shall not remove tissue from a living person for transplantation in another living person or carry out the transplantation of such tissue except: (a) In a hospital authorized for that purpose; and (b) On the written authority of; (i) The medical practitioner in charge of clinical services in that hospital or any other medical practitioner authorized by him or her; or (ii) In the case where there is no medical practitioner in charge of the clinical services at that hospital a medical practitioner authorized thereto by the person in charge of the hospital. 2. The medical practitioner stated in subsection(1)(b) shall not be the lead participation in a transplant for which he has granted authorization under that subsection. 3. For the purpose of transplantation, there shall be an independent tissue transplantation committee within any health establishment that engages in the act and practice of transplantation as prescribed.” It is indubitably clear from the said section 51 of the Act that the National Assembly has infringed on the fundamental rights of every citizen of Nigeria to the dignity of their person and the right to privacy as well as freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by sections 34, 37 and 38 of the amended 1999 Constitution. As there can be no justification for reducing the body of a Nigerian citizen to spare parts of vehicles which can be removed and sold in the market the National Assembly has, by the obnoxious provision of the National Health Act, 2014, abused its legislative powers. Before the passage of the controversial bill into law the consti-

tutional right of the Nigerian people to reject or refuse medication including a life saving treatment on religious grounds had long been recognised by the courts. The essence of the constitutional right is that an individual should be allowed to choose a course for his/her life subject to overriding public interests. Hence, the consent of patients or their family members is required where surgical operations are recommended. Where such consent is not freely given a doctor cannot perform an operation on any person without a court order.From the information at my disposal a powerful Foundation in the United States influenced the introduction of section 51 to the bill at the National Assembly. It is sad to note that none of the legislators could challenge the sponsors of the provision which cannot be found in any of the health legislations in western countries. Since medical doctors have been empowered to decide when to remove organs from living persons Section 51 of the Act constitutes an infringement of the rights of citizens to life, dignity of their persons as well as the rights to privacy and freedom of thought, conscience and religion guaranteed by Section 33, 34, 37 and 38 of theConstitution. In Medical and Dental Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal v. Okonkwo (2001) WRN 1 the Supreme Court held that a patient has the constitutional right to reject a life-serving treatment on religious n grounds. In the leading judgment of the apex court Justice Emmanuel Ayoola held inter alia: “The patient’s constitutional right to object to medical treatment or, particularly, as in this case, to blood transfusion on religious grounds is founded on fundamental rights protected by the 1979 Constitution…The right to privacy implies a right to protect one’s thought, conscience or religious belief and practice from coercive and unjustified intrusion; and, one’s body from unauthorized invasion. The right to freedom of thought, conscience or religion implies a right not to be

•Falana

prevented, without lawful justification, from choosing the course of one’s life, fashioned on what one believes in, and a right not to be coerced into acting contrary to religious belief. The limits of these freedoms, as in all cases, are where they impinge on the rights of others or where they put the welfare of society or public health in jeopardy.” It is pertinent to point out that it is the medical doctor or manager of a hospital and not the donor who has the power to authorize that an organ be removed from a living Nigerian citizen. The definition of “organ” in the law includes kidney, liver, heart, lens, ovarian eggs, sperm . The proponents of the law are likely to refer to section 48 thereof which provides for the “informed consent” of a donor. But such consent “may be waived for medical investigations and treatment in emergency cases”. As far as the fundamental right of a Nigerian to dignity is concerned there can be no waiver of consent under any medical con-

dition. Even where a patient is unconscious or incapable to give informed consent the power is transferred to a next-of-kin or parents in the case of children. Since the consent clause may be waived for “medical investigation and treatment in emergency cases” it does appear that medical practitioners and hospitals have been licensed to remove tissues and organs of living Nigerian citizens as any medical condition may be considered an emergency. By denying patients the right to give consent or authorize the removal of vital organs from their bodies the National Assembly has empowered doctors to subject Nigerians to degrading and inhuman treatment. In other words, Section 51 of the Act constitutes an egregious assault on the humanity of Nigerians. The provision of the law cannot be allowed to be implemented in any civilized society.Therefore, the National Assembly should expunge it from the law without any delay.

Nigeria doesn’t need crude oil to survive, says Agbakoba

•From left: Mr. Charles Omoso-hwofor, Gbenga Ojo and Dr. Rufus Olaoluwa, all of the Jurisprudence and International Law Department of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo at a seminar on Terrorism by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Badagry branch. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

ORMER Nigerian Bar Associa tion NBA President, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has said Nigeria does not need crude oil to survive. He spoke at the launch of his firm’s Policy Dialogue Series as part of the rebranding of the law firm from Olisa Agbakoba and Associates to Olisa Agbakoba Legal. He said the series is a platform by the law firm to discuss crucial national issues. Nigeria, he said, could overcome its economic challenges by adopting appropriate legal frameworks to drive the relevant sectors for national growth. Agbakoba said: “The solution to our challenges has to do with policy issues and the understanding of what law can do to identify money. Remember that in my specialty, which is shipping, I’ve pushed for two major laws: the Cabotage Act, because shipping is one of eight critical sectors supporting any economy. And

the purpose of the Cabotage Act was to put Nigeria, owners, actors and players in the shipping industry first, and not last in their own country. No Nigerian vessel carry crude. So there are a lot of things: transportation, logistics, down streams, so many things.’’ He said in 2004, the Chamber of Shipping and the Nigeria Indigenous Shippers Association calculated that the resource available in that sector was worth about N7 trillion and could create 10million jobs. The law, he said, had not been implemented to create a large industry. “When I came to Apapa 30 years ago, it was booming but today it’s all dead, nothing is happening. Then, you should go to crude oil itself. I was also instrumental in the Local Content Act, which in some ways has worked. But it’s still a long way to go. It’s only law that can identify the •Continued on page 40

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

LAW REPORT

Trial by an improper court or tribunal is a nullity IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF KOGI STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE KOGI STATE JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT KOTONKARFE THIS MONDAY 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2014 BEFORE HIS LORDSHIP HON. JUSTICE ALABA OMOLAYE-AJILEYE SUIT NO: HC/KK/002 CV/2013 Between: ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) -CLAIMANT And 1. KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT 2. ATTORNEY GENERAL AND COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE, KOGI STATE 3. KOGI STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (KOGIEC) 4. BARRISTER ABRAHAM A. OLANIRAN DEFENDANTS 5. HON. DAVID O. APEH 6. HON. HARUNA IBRAHIM 7. HON. AHMED A. SAMARI 8. HON. AMOKA SUBERU 9. PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) JUDGMENT

Introduction

N immediate display of the factual set ting from which this case arose, at the threshold of this judgment, will, I believe, help depict the case in its correct context. The current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came into force in 1999. Section 197 of the Constitution establishes for each State of the Federation. (a) State Civil Service Commission, (b) State Independent Electoral Commission and (c) State Judicial Service Commission. On July 10, 2010, the Constitution was amended. The amendment affected section 200(1), especially, as it relates to the qualification of members of the State Independent Electoral Commission. 2. For reasons which shall become obvious in the course of this judgment, I should mention here, for record purposes that, when this action was filed, there were three claimants,

namely Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who shall, hereinafter, collectively be referred to as the original claimants. In the course of these proceedings, leave of court was secured to amend the claimants’ names to All Progressive Congress (APC), following what the original claimants called merger of the three political parties. 3. Essentially, this action challenges the composition of the 3rd Defendant, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, (KOGSIEC), on the basis that its membership consists of persons who are members of the 9th defendant, People’s Democratic Party (PDP). It is the contention of the claimant that the 4th – 8th defendants, being members of the 9th defendant, are not qualified to hold positions as chairman (4 th defendant) and members (5th – 8th defendants) of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (3rd defendant) hereinafter simply called and referred to as KOGSIEC. 4. It is important to state here, as a background fact that this action was instituted when election into the local government councils in Kogi State was approaching. The claimant articulates its fears and apprehension over the ability of KOGSIEC to conduct credible, fair and free elections, having regard to its (KOGSIEC) composition. The fears are expressed in paragraphs 12, 13, and 14 of the amended statement of claim as follows: 12.The 4th Defendant as a member of PDP can never be fair and/or be seen to be fair in the discharge of his function as Chairman of the 3rd Defendant likewise the 5th – 8th Defendants. 13.The Claimants shall be highly prejudiced if the 4th – 8th Defendants are allowed to remain in that office to conduct the forthcoming Local Government Elections as a member (sic) of PDP which party is also in control of the 1st Defendant, and is sponsoring candidates to contest the election which the 3rd Defendant is to organise. 14.The composition of the 3rd Defendant headed by the 4th Defendant is illegal; unconstitutional null and void.

5. The claimant, therefore, seeks the following declarations and orders: (a) A DECLARATION that members of Political Parties registered in Nigeria are not competent and qualified to be members of the 3rd Defendant rather only men and women of integrity who are not partisan are entitled to be made members of the 3rd Defendant. (b) A DECLARATION that the 4th – 8th defendants are not qualified to hold any office of chairman and Members of the 3rd Defendant being members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). (c) A DECLARATION that the composition of the 3rd Defendant by the 1st Defendant with the Chairmanship and membership of the 4th – 8th Defendants is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void. (d) A DECLARATION that all the actions and steps taken by the 3rd Defendant with the 4th – 8th Defendants as Chairman and members of the 3rd Defendant are illegal, null and void owed to their qualification. (e) AN ORDER nullifying the appointment of the 4th – 8th Defendants as Chairman and members of the 3rd Defendant. (f) AN ORDER declaring all the action taken by the 4th – 8th Defendants as chairman and members of the 3rd Defendant as illegal, wrongful, unlawful, null, void and of no effect. (g) AN ORDER nullifying the composition and membership of the 3rd Defendant owing to the disqualification of the 4th – 8th Defendants as the Chairman and members. (h) AN ORDER directing the 1st Defendant to appoint persons of proven integrity who are not members of PDP or any other Political Parties as Chairman and members of the 3rd Defendant. (i) AN ORDER of perpetual injunction restraining the 4th – 8th Defendants from performing the functions of the Chairman and members of the 3rd Defendants and an order restraining the 1 st & 2 nd Defendants from recognising the 4th – 8th Defendants as Chairman and Members of the 3rd Defendant. 6. In their further amended joint statement of defence, the 1st – 8th defendants deny that the 4th – 8thdefendants are members of the 9th

defendant. They aver that, at the material time of the appointment of the 4th – 8th defendants as chairman and members of 3rd defendants (as the case may be), they were not and still not registered members of the 9th defendant or any other political party for that matter. It is stated in their pleadings that they are men of honour and integrity who are eminently qualified to be appointed into the respective offices they hold in the 3rd defendant and as such, their appointments remain proper, valid and lawful. The relevant facts in this regard are contained in paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 12 of the further amended joint statement of defence, reproduced hereunder: 7.The Defendants admit paragraph 6 of the Claim to the extent that the 4th Defendant is the Chairman of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) and that he lives in Lokoja, Kogi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court. All other averments in the said paragraph are denied and the Claimant is put to the strictest proof. 8. The Defendants admit paragraph 7 of the Claim to the extent that the 5th – 8th Defendants are members of the 3rd Defendant and that they were appointed by the 1st Defendant. All other averments in the said paragraph are denied and the Claimant is put to the strictest proof. 9.The Defendants admit paragraph 8 of the Claim to the extent that the 9th Defendant is a registered political party in Nigeria and had the right to sponsor candidates for the just concluded Local Government Election in Kogi State. All other averments in the said paragraph are denied and the Claimant is put to the strictest proof. 7. Similarly, the 9th defendant, in its statement of defence avers that the appointment of the 4th- 8th defendants is legal, proper and not in contravention of any law whatsoever. (See paragraph 7 of the 9th defendant’s statement of defence). The 4th – 8th defendants are also described in paragraph 8 of the 9 th defendant’s statement of defence as “honest and respectable persons of high integrity who can be trusted to conduct a credible, free and fair election for Kogi state”. (Par. 8) •To be continued next week

Commission launches complaints boxes in Lagos By Adebisi Onanuga

HE National Complaints Commission (NCC) has launched complaints’ boxes in Lagos State. Launching the transparent boxes at its former office at the National Assembly Complex in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, the Federal Commissioner, Funso Olukoga, said people could drop their written complaints inside the boxes. He said the commission would look into the complaints, adding that the boxes, which have the commission’s name inscribed on them, would be positioned in conspicuous locations for easy access by people. Such places include: local council development authority (LCDA) offices, hospitals, eateries, airport, seaport, market places, and hotels. Although the commission resolved 754 cases this year compared to 338 the previous year, Olukoga said the commission could have performed better, but for ‘’recalcitrant respondents’’. Recalcitrant respondents, he said, constitute a challenge to the commission, adding that where it is faced with such respondents, the commission is empowered to issue summons against them. “When we issue summon, it becomes an offence for such respondents to stay away,”he said. “In the coming year, a lot is going to be done to ensure that recalcitrant respondents are sanctioned for not responding to invitations. We want to ensure that respondents realise that the commission has teeth and can bite. ‘’That way we hope more cases would be resolved when more respondents come forward,” he said. The commissioner said the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has helped the commission to resolve a lot of cases that hitherto would have gone to court.

•From left: Managing Partner, Media Managers PR Ltd, Mr. Adewole Afolabi; Justice Adekola Adegoke of Osun State High Court; his wife, Folake and Managing Director, Tolafikky Nig Enterprises, Mr. Olawale Oladunjoye, during the swearing in of Justice Adegoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Nigeria doesn’t need crude oil to survive, says Agbakoba •Continued from page 39 resources. So, Shell was invited to explore for crude, but the government does not understand that there is the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Authority (NIMASA) law that localises 50 per cent of the oil resources to Nigerians. There are at least 30 by products from the production of one barrel of crude but Nigeria only takes four.’’ On banking, he said, no indigenous bank plays a role in crude oil reserves. ‘’Shell will simply wire the money to their bank and they will later pay. So, it is like me keeping your money for you and wherever you want it, you tell me,’’ he added. He also said the insurance companies are dead. Thirty years ago, he said, Marine insurance was big, with UNIK Insurance and Royal; you know, they are all dead now, because all insurance underwriting are done

By John Austin Unachukwu

abroad. “Then, you talk about legal services; no Nigerian law firms actively, to my knowledge, are involved in matters relating to the energy sector. I am very happy that this has happened because it’s only when you have a challenge, that you think. So, I’d like oil to even go down to $20 a barrel, so that we can then say, you know, oil is no longer what keeps us,” he added. “ But if you don’t have an effective legal framework for land tenure, how can you do industrial farming? No governor, even the efficient Fashola, has an efficient land tenure system where land can be released for mechanized farming. So without mechanized farming, you can’t grow. Some countries like Greece depend only on olives, pasticcio tomato, pineapple, fruits, for their economy. So, law can play a very strong role in identifying sources of revenue, gas, for instance.

Gas. The Indonesian Minister of Oil was telling our Nigerian Petroleum Minister that the money is no longer in Petroleum, it’s in gas. But we can’t even legally enforce the gas flaring laws. Why that is so, I don’t know. “We have the Department of petroleum Resources, which is supposed to be the institution responsible for regulating the industry. It’s not working. We have MTN, that one is unbelievable. They come here, suck our resources. “ MTN makes more money than all the Nigerian banks put together. And they cart away all the money without any problem. Then they refuse to be listed on the stock exchange, and there is no legal framework that says you can’t do business in Nigeria unless you are listed. All it needs is an amendment to the Investment and securities Act, just one paragraph, so that MTN will be forced to declare its profit, rather than what it is doing in collaboration with and cohorts with a couple of Nigerians,’’ he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

News Two doctors, Moyosoreoluwa Abdul Rasaq Ebiti and Kikelomo Hauwa tied the nuptial knot at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

•The couple, Dr Moyosoreoluwa and Dr Kikelomo

T was a day of joy in the households of Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, a Lagosian, and Dr Abodunrin Shodunke, an Egba from Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when their families became one following the marriage of their children, Dr Moyosoreoluwa Abdul Rasaq Ebiti and former Dr Kikelomo Hauwa Shodunke. Ajah, the highbrow playground of the rich in Lagos, stood still when both families celebrated their children’s union in December 14. By 10am, all roads led to the Lekki Central Mosque where Islamic scholars performed the Nikah (wedding) which made them man and wife. The wedding train moved to Ruby Gardens Events Centre for the reception. The events centre wore a coat of many colours as green lace with marching aso-oke, the uniform of the day, lit up the place. The welldecorated hall was glittering. The Ebitis and the Shodunkes played the perfect hosts, pampering guests with sumptuous meals. Drinks flowed. Looking charming in her cream dress, Kikelomo was the cynosure of all eyes; her man looked dapper in his black and white suit. The wedding trains almost sent guests out of their seats with their breath-taking

‘He treats me, like a queen’ Michael Jackson break dance. After taking their seats, Justice Wale Abiru, who chaired reception congratulated the couple and their parents. According to him, when the couple were born, everybody looked forward to a day like this. He urged the couple to abide by Quranic injunctions. “Marriage,” he said, “is not a bed of roses but if you follow the Holy Quran, you can never go wrong.” He prayed God to give them the wisdom to sustain their home. The couple cut the cake and fed each other. The elated mother of the bride, Mrs Aramide Shodunke, thanked God for making the day great. “It is the day I had been looking forward to. I thank God that it has come so easily. My joy knows no bound,” she said.

Describing her daughter, whom she refers to as “My Ada” (Ada in Igbo means the first daughter), Mrs Shodunke said she is a wonderful woman. “Kikelomo Hauwa Shodunke is my first daughter and my first child. In a way, this is my first wedding. She is a trained medical doctor. What would I say? She is a nice person, a compassionate soul who always has people’s interest at heart. She loves me so much and I love her too,” she said. If there is anything she is going to miss it is her daughter’s companionship. “I am going to miss her so much. She is my friend and confidant. I talk to her on phone everyday. We talk, chat, and now that she is starting her own home, I will have to give her some space. Again, ‘as a mother, there is nothing I can do but to wish her all the best.

I am going to miss her, no doubt. My advice is that she should allow Allah to reign in her marriage,” she said. Alhaji Ebiti, the groom’s father, who is an accountant, said: “I am just too excited and happy as a father. I give glory to God for making today a reality. Both of them are from the same background as medical doctors and the same religion. And now that he is married, I am a lucky man that one has become two.” The groom, said he felt on top of the world. “It is an amazing experience. I want everybody that has the opportunity to go through it because it is amazing,” Dr Ebiti said. He described his wife as God fearing. “Her righteousness and politeness attracted me; she is humble and intelligent,” he said. Kikelomo said she felt fulfilled. “I am happy and feel fulfilled because I married the man of my dream. I am grateful to Allah and other people that supported us. I am humbled by all the love and support showered on us by families and relations. “Apart from the fact that we are in the same profession as medical doctors, he is also a caring and God fearing man. My husband is smart, intelligent, humble and generous. Above all, he treats me like a queen.” Continued on page 43

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

News ‘HE TREATS ME, LIKE A QUEEN’

•From left: Mrs Aramide Shodunke; Alhaji Ebiti; Dr Shodunke and Alhaja Adebisi Ebiti

•Dr Nike Oduwole

•Medview Airline chairman, Alhaji Muniru Bankole (right) and Lagos Commissioner for Ayo Gbeleyi

•From left: Justice Abiru; Prof. Wahab Egbewole and Mr Tunde Popoola

•From right: Mr Yusuf Ali (SAN); Alhaji Bashiru Lawal; Mr Niyi Yusuf and Alhaji YKO AbdulKareem •From left: Dr Gbolahan Ali-Balogun; Dr Akinola Ali-Balogun; Dr Olasupo Ali-Balogun and Dr Gbadebo Ali-Balogun

•From left: Kurt Gerken; Major Gbenga Makinde and Mr Tony Okoaye.

•Alhaji Deji Mustapha (left) and Alhaji Afeez Timehin

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

WEDDING

CONJUGAL BLISS •Samuel Iyen and his wife, former Miss Ann Anegbode, during their wedding at NTA Glass House, Benin-City in Edo State

State

•Former Miss Bukola Adamson and her beau, Yomi Johnson during their wedding at the Summit Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

News Former Group Political Editor of The Nation Mr Mobolade Omonijo, has been ordained as a priest at the St Peter’s Anglican Church in Idimu, a Lagos suburb. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

Answering the call I

T was bound to happen. So, when former Group Political Editor and now member, Editorial Board of The Nation Mobolade Adeboyejo Omonijo was ordained as a priest, many who knew him were not surprised. Omonijo and eight others were ordained at this year’s Advent Ordination at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Idimu, a Lagos suburb. The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Dr James Odedeji. The Bible passage was taken from Luke 12:35-38 and it was read by Rev Obinna Asodike, following which Ven. Abel Ajibodu preached. The sermon was followed by the ordination. Those to be ordained were led forward by a priest. They stood facing the congregation as the Bishop sought the consent of all before ordaining them. The priests took their oath of allegiance to God; oath of submission; and denounced all forms of cultism and homosexuality. They laid the floor as the Bishop and the church prayed for them before they were vested with their hood and presented to the congregation to the admiration of all. The congregation received them with applause. Omonijo’s colleagues, family members and parishioners proceeded to Dorothy Ikoku Memorial Anglican Church (DIMAC), at the Ikeja GRA, for the reception, hosted by the church where he had his tutelage for 13 months. Decked in a black robe and a white

•From left: Mrs Ayobami Omonijo; Reverend Omonijo; Rt. Reverend Odedeji and his wife, Lydia

collar, Omonijo looked different. “Where is the celebrator?” many asked on entering DIMAC premises. Many who did not recognise him in his pastor’s outfit passed him. He sat quietly beside his wife. But, immediately they recognised him, they exclaimed at his new look. The Ilesa Osun State born cleric looked different to his friends, but he has become used to the outfit. He smiled as he acknowledged guests’ greetings. A live band was at a strategic point in the arena, dishing out Christian

songs. There were lots to eat and drink. The event coincided with the church’s Christmas party. Many parents came with their children who were entertained at another corner. Many of the parishioners attested to Omonijo’s striking humility, describing him as a man of “the word”. The Vicar of DIMAC, Canon Olamide Bakare, said since Omonijo was posted to the church, he had watched his manner and the way he goes about the work of God. “One thing is to be called and it is

another thing to know why you are called. I have seen that from the beginning to the end of his preaching. There is never a dull moment for him; and for this reason, I see him going places in this ministry, Rev. Bakare said. The Vicar’s wife, Bola, said Rev Omonijo always has a kind word for everyone, even kids, with a smile on his face. She described him as spirit-filled and urged the youth to emulate him. Omonijo’s elder brother Debo said his brother’s call to serve is not

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

as a surprise because their father is a priest, adding that the younger Omonijo showed priestly traits when they were young and living with their father in the mission house. Mr Achike Chude of the Joint Action Front, a civil society organisation, described Omonijo as articulate, generous and sound in political issues. “He is a man of rare courage and boldness, very articulate, exceptional, and consistent. He says things the way they are,” he said.

Personal Assistant to Secretary to the Lagos State Government Noah Adebayo Ajibola tied the nuptial knot with Jemilat Adetoun. The event was held at the Brainfield Event Centre in Igando, a Lagos suburb. AMIDU ARIJE reports.

T was the day they had waited for. On Sunday December 21, former Miss Jemilat Adetoun Adeniran and her beau, Noah Adebayo Ajibola, Personal Assistant to Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, exchanged marital vows. They were accompanied by family members, friends and associates. Managers of Brainfield Event Centre in Igando, a Lagos Suburb, were busy welcoming decorators and other field workers for the decoration and beautification of the hall. The decorators had a hectic time putting finishing touches to their work. Soon, posh cars competed for space at the reserved parking loot. The groom, Noah and his bestman alighted from a sleek Honda Accord car. He was welcomed by friends and family mem-

‘He is God fearing’ •From left: Dr Adebule; the couple, Noah and Jemilat; Alhaji Adebule; Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso and his wife, Fatimat

bers. The bride, Jemilat, stole the show with her beautiful look and adorable attire. She was accompanied from the car to the venue by her bridal train. The couple were consequently invited by the Islamic clerics inside the hall for the Nikah. The ceremony was anchored by Jubril Folami of the Lagos Television (LTV). Prof Abdul Lateef Adetona of the Lagos State University (LASU) conducted the Nikah. In his sermon, he emphasised the importance of marriage, urging

able men and women not to delay in marrying because of its inherent blessings. Adetona advised the couple to make the Quran their watchword and be prayerful. The guests applauded when he declared the couple, man and wife. They shouted Allah Akbar (Allah is greatest). Alhaji Ishaq Babalola blessed the couple. He prayed for the success of the union and gave the closing prayer. The applause grew louder when Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule,

entered the hall. She came in with her husband, Alhaji Saheed Adebule, who chaired the reception. The engagement followed the Nikah. It was a colourful outing for the couple, who looked gorgeous in their blue aso oke. The groom wore Agbada with a matching cap and a pair of shoes; the bride looked beautiful in iro, buba and ipele. The engagement was followed by the reception, which began on a prayerful note. Alhaji Adebule, urged the couple to be patient with each other say-

ing prayer is the key to a successful marriage. The couple cut their four-layer wedding cake. The bride, an Industrial and Human Personnel Management graduate of the Lagos State University (LASU), described the day as her happiest and her husband as loving and God fearing. “He is humble, gentle and a man of his words,” she said. Noah, an Electrical Electronics graduate of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), described his wife as caring.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

It was one strike after the other in the health sector in 2014. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical laboratory scientists took turns in going on strike. Patients bore the brunt of the strikes, reports WALE ADEPOJU.

2014: Year of strikes W

HAT a year for the health sector! 2014 was full of strikes which left hospitals locked and abandoned. Experts said the strikes were too many. At the moment, all governments’ hospitals, though opened, are virtually not working because of the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). Why these strikes? According to the president, National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Dr Felix Faniran, the issues are many. Some, he said, have been solved; others are lingering. He said the government was wasting time, adding: “What it should have done in April is now being done in December. The government has not done what it should do. They are still compiling the cost implication of what health workers should be getting whereas that of doctors was done in January.” Accusing the government of causing division, Faniran said the governor preferred one profession to the others. “I think some people in government are benefiting from the disharmony. The government is to blame.” Faniran added: “Unfortunately, the strike will continue until next year.” The effect(s) The incessant strikes have paralysed the sector, leaving hapless patients to either patronise private hospitals or make do with traditional medicine centres. The rich resorted to overseas treatment, increasing medical tourism, a trend the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Chris Bode, said should be discouraged. According to him, N6 million, which people spend to access treatment in India or other countries abroad, can take care of more than 50 patients in Nigeria. Bode said the loss incurred during strikes, especially the one by JOHESU, is incalculable. He said nobody should single out one group, adding: “Let us blame everybody. It is hypocritical for us to continue to receive salaries for the jobs we did not do.” The government, Bode said, is trying its best to give subvention to hospitals. “Can the firemen be on strike when the house is burning? If we keep striking, training and services will continue to suffer. The health team should avoid industrial action. The government workers in public sector earn double what those in private

•Some doctors carrying placards during a protest

sector receive. So, they must not go on strike.” Bode said people should resolve grievances through dialogue, adding that strikes can never be the way out of difficult situations. First, it was the doctors, who were clamouring for uniformity in their pay among those under the employment of Federal and state government. The health workers were undivided in getting better salaries and position in the sector. Their association, the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), wanted parity with the doctors in appointments to key positions in the hospital as well as answer the title of a “consultant”. The NMA wanted the Consolidate Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) implemented in state and Federal hospitals, which led to the first strike. That problem, however, is unresolved till date. The cry of the doctors and health workers led to the delay in the passage of the National Health Bill, which is today a law governing the healthcare system. The fight as to who should head the health team is still on and the reason for the disharmony is not far-fetched. While the NMA strike lasted, in-patients were ejected from hospitals, especially tertiary facilities, with many of them finding solace in spiritual homes and traditional medicine centres. Hospitals were deserted as

“consulting rooms”are empty and workers now on Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). Doctors, nurses and other workers in the health care team took to the streets carrying placards to press home their demands. The hope of common man to access treatment in public hospitals has been dashed as many resort to alternative medicine for succour. Last year will continue to be green, for wrong reasons, the heart many sick Nigerians who could only access medical care in public hospitals because of finance. Why the strikes The various groups in the sector have their reasons for embarking on strikes. But the common reason remains salary. First, it was the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) that gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to show commitment in meeting its demands or risk overhauling medical services across the country. The government could not meet NMA’s demand and an indefinite strike on June 13 followed. It lasted for 55 days. The group demanded the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), among others for all citizens. NMA president, Dr. Lawrence Obembe said the proliferation of directorates in hospitals was a problem, arguing that it would set

PHOTO: WALE ADEPOJU

a wrong trend in hospital administration. This, he said, led to a strike, which began in December of last year and suspended on January 5. It came when the government failed to resolve the problems within a 24-day ultimatum in December 2013. According to him, the government did try but it could not solve all the problems. “The core of the problems, however, was solved," he said. Some consultants, however, opted out of the strike when it became protracted. Former Health Minister Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu said the government had addressed the problems but the NMA said there were still many unanswered questions. After several meetings, which ended in deadlocks, Chukwu described the striking doctors as “unprofessional”, adding that they did not live up to the Hippocratic Oath they swore to. Vice President, Commonwealth Medical Association, West African Region, Dr Osahon Enabulele said most of the strikes that occurred in the country could have been prevented if the government had done the needful. He said the National Health Bill (NHB), which has now become a law, could have been passed long ago, to give the sector a fresh air. Enabulele said some of the strikes were uncalled for, adding

‘What it should have done in April is now being done in December. The government has not done what it should do. They are still compiling the cost implication of what health workers should be getting whereas that of doctors was done in January. I think some people in government are benefitting from the disharmony. The government is to blame’

that the government should tackle the problems in the sector holistically to prevent recurrence. Comrade Stephen Nwokenta said the only way workers can get something from the Federal Government is to embark on strike. “This is the only language the government understands. But this should not be the case," he said. According to the Supervising Minister of Health, Khaliru Alhassan, the strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) is unjustifiable, unnecessary and unfortunate. Alhassan said the decision of JOHESU’s executive to go on strike on November 13 was unnecessary as negotiations between the union and government were on. The minister said the call for strike suggested that there could be more to incessant strikes by the union than what it was clamouring for. “The strike is unexpected because it is against the rules governing the relationship between the ministry and the workers. “It is most unnecessary because there is ongoing dialogue which has been very successful at various stages whereby most of the demands of JOHESU have been met. “The last meeting between JOHESU and government on November 6 ended amicably with some prescribed assignments for the government and the union”, he said. The government, he said, demonstrated enough commitment to address most of the problems raised by the unions. The strike by JOHESU, he said, shows lack of patriotism on its part. The government, he said, had corrected the lop-sidedness and unlawful constitution of the boards of management of the various teaching hospitals among six other demands raised by the union. The minister called on heads of all tertiary hospitals and other agencies in the health sector to watch out and report any unsatisfactory conduct by members of the union. Trivial matters, such as who should answer the title of a “consultant” in the hospital became an issue. On January 22, the medical workers under the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) went on a threeday warning strike. The strike grounded all health institutions and health-related institutions, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) among others. Like JOHESU, the MHWUN embarked on the warning strike to compel the Federal Government to enforce all agreements it entered with health workers as well as various court pronouncements in its favour. Health workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions •Continued on Page 46

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

HEALTH

Pharmacists petition Jonathan over forex policy D RUG prices may soar by at least 50 per cent in the first quarter of next year no thanks to tariff re-adjustments by some agencies. Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President Olumide Akintayo, who broke the news, spoke of inconsistencies in the application of the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) by banks. In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, Akintayo warned the Federal Government to ensure proper application of RDAS. He said financial institutions argued that medicines, medical devices and machinery brought in

By Wale Adepoju

for use in the factory are part of finished goods. This, he said, has negative implication as it excludes pharmaceutical companies and operatives from accessing foreign exchange (forex) from RDAS. Akintayo said: “While the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, which provides essential services, recognises the Federal Government's economic intents regarding this new directive, we are also of the view that our government is cognisant of the need for special dispensation and in-

dustry engagement in such a critical policy proposal to ensure stakeholders’ involvement and effective actualisation that does not compromise citizens’ wellbeing. The banks are discretional in what are finished goods or not.” Some, he said classified pharmaceutical bottles as finished goods because in their reckoning the form is not changed in their manufacturing process. The PSN chief said: “To banks,

anything you are not changing its nature to use is assumed to be a finished good.” He urged Mr President to intervene as CBN's position on the issue would jeopardise people’s health, adding: “It will only cause avoidable skyrocketing cost of medicines and other medical equipment if finished pharmaceuticals and the components of their production are not waived on this exclusion list

immediately. “It is a statement of fact that pharmaceutical raw materials, packaging materials and even finished drugs are essential specialised commodities, which logically makes the Pharmaceutical industry as sensitive and a priority area. Access to affordable same medicine must be an item of utmost concern only at the level of security of the nation.”

‘Invest in your health’

HERE is dearth of medical knowledge among nonprofessionals in Nigeria, the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Chris Bode, has said. According to him, people need to be informed about medicine and how things are done. Bode, who spoke to reporters on the state of the hospital since he became the Acting CMD, said people often expect miracle from doctors when they come. This, he said, should not be because orthodox medicine deals with facts in acceptable standards.

“We leave miracles to spiritualists. However, we must promote what is ours so that we discourage medical tourism,” he said. Medical personnel, he said felt bad anytime a patient dies in the hospital. He said people should invest in their health, adding: “They have motor insurance but never a health insurance. Bode said the Federal Government cannot do it alone, hence the need for well-meaning people, companies and corporate organisations to lend a hand. He urged professionals to think outside of the box.

•Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi (middle), Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Ado Muhammad (left) and Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Mr Lekan Asuni, at the inauguration of pneumonia vaccine by the NPHCDA in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

2014: Year of strikes •Continued from Page 45

(JOHESU) / Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations declared a three-day warning strike between January 21 and 24. The workers said the strike was aimed at "protesting the grave injustice and persistent industrial discrimination against our members" by the government; discriminatory practices against health professionals in implementation of consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS) in favour of doctors' Consolidated Salary Structure (CONMESS); continued reign of impunity, arbitrariness and non-implementation of duly approved schemes of service of members in hospitals and ministries, and selective and discriminatory increases in wages and allowances of one group in a multidisciplinary sector without commensurate treatment to other members of the sector. The then Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the strike was unnecessary as the government had attended to their grievances. He said the strike was illegal, adding that the government would not entertain cheap blackmail from any group. On July1, patients accessing treatment at various public hospitals across Lagos State, were hard hit as they were denied access to treatment because of a strike declared by the NMA. Doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igboi as well as the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, among others, joined the strike. The out-patient units and clin-

•An empty ward

ics were shut in the hospitals while in-patients were unable to see doctors. On March 26, health workers in the employ of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) vowed to continue strike until their demands were addressed by the state government. The workers marched peacefully within the hospital. Its chairman, Mr Rasheed Bamishe, said the workers would remain resolute until the government implements the Consolidated Health Salary Structure

PHOTO: WALE ADEPOJU

(CONHESS). JOHESU embarked on a fiveday strike between June 15 and 21. Its members in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), General/Specialists hospitals and teaching hospitals joined. The strike, it said, was to register its displeasure against the appointment of a Surgeon-General for the Federation, as requested by the members of NMA. “The position exists only in the United States, assumed by a care provider who has military background on special assignments

‘The strike is unexpected because it is against the rules governing the relationship between the ministry and the workers. It is most unnecessary because there is ongoing dialogue which has been very successful at various stages whereby most of the demands of JOHESU have been met’

often times akin to Peace Corps. The office of the assistant Secretary of Health to which the Surgeon General reports in the US is junior to the Minister of State for Health in Nigeria. The Surgeon General in the US works with commissioned corps officers, which includes more than 6, 700 uniformed health officers from different professions who serve in locations around the world,” it said. Faniran said the sector was poorly represented at the National Conference in Abuja. He said: “The sole representative at the conference is a medical doctor, who we believe cannot adequately represent the 25 professional associations in the sector.” The group advocated that all government health workers should have a unified salary scale to check and prevent unhealthy rivalry and end to the incessant strike action, which leaves the innocent patient to suffer.” Also, the Nigerian Society of

Physiotherapists urged the NMA to end the on-going strike and save lives of millions who have no means to fly abroad for medical treatment. Its president, Mr. Taiwo Oyewumi urged the NMA should rescind its decision and listen to voice of reason as it concerns life. Prof Chukwu advised the nurses to be patient for the government to reach an amicable resolution with the NMA before thinking of the next line of action. Chukwu said:“The nurses should be patient to see the outcome of our negotiation with the NMA. “I assure you that all parties will be happy at the end of the day. What we are after is to bring lasting peace to the health sector. They should be patient. “I believe very soon, we will see the end of this recurrent strike in the health sector. “I appeal to all cooperate and support the government in its effort to provide affordable and qualitative health services to the people.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION To avert congestion at the apron of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, air cargo freighters have been asked to patronise other airports. Re-routing of cargoes to other airports and subsequent expansion of the facility will reduce activities at the terminal, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR, reports.

Avoiding congestion at Lagos Airport Unclearedcargoes at the Murtala Muhammed cargo apron, have left the section of the airport congested. The result is that the tarmac can no longer accommodate large cargo aircraft on account of limited space. Until the uncleared cargoes are removed from both the tarmac and apron, the area will remain a nogo-area for big cargo aircraft, including Boeing 747 and Boeing 767. The reason for the pillage of air freight during the temporary closure of the cargo terminal is due to the clash between Licensed Customs Agents and officials of the Lagos Airport Command of the Nigerian Customs Service over operational procedures. The clash was heightened as neither the agents, nor Customs officials were ready to shift grounds over clearing procedures at the cargo-shed, which bordered on safety and security at the facility. While the closure was on, inbound cargoes continued to arrive at the terminal without any clearance, leading to the congestion at the apron that was already over stretched. The terminal was reopened in the first week of December. After the reopening came fresh concerns on how the cargoes would be cleared loomed. Importers have continued to route their imports through the airport, which has added to the congestion at the apron. Some clearing agents and freight forwarders, however, have raised alarm over pilferage of unclaimed cargoes at the terminal. Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAF), Mr Segun Musa, has cautioned that further disruption in operation at the terminal could further worsen the situation, adding that the security and safety of cargoes could not be guaranteed. He said storage facilities at the terminal, including the apron are inadequate, as a result, theft and pilferage are now a commom occurence. Since the cargo terminal was reopened, heaps of cargoes have remained unclaimed as a result of payment of demurrage on the affected cargoes. Clearing agents, as well as ground handling companies and importers, are yet to agree on the payment of demurrage on cargoes on the ground while the closure lasted. Importers have vowed not to pay the demurrage as the closure was

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted pilots to the harmattan dust haze at this period Its General Manager, Public Affairs, Fan Ndubuoke, said the warning became imperative because harmattan poses obvious risk to aircrafts particularly in terrain with low visibility. He urged pilots to obtain adequate information before departure, and in transit; destination weather information and briefing from the Nigerian Me-

not caused by them. Discussions, it was learnt, are on going on how to resolve the impasse. To avoid confusion at the cargo terminal, the government, two weeks ago, advised operators of all cargo flights to find alternative entry points for their cargoes. The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, said the authority is constrained to suspend cargo flights into the Lagos Airport. FAAN, he said, has advised the Nigerian Airspace Manager Agency to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to this effect. “This has become imperative due to the congestion created by the backlog of cargoes following the two-week closure of the terminal by the Nigerian Customs Service,” he said, adding that the authority has initiated measures to accelerate the clearance of these goods and return the situation to normal. He urged airlines and importers to use alternative airports, explaining that the authority is constrained to take this measure for the time being for the safety and security of all concerned. The acting Managing Director of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Norbert Bielderman, has assured that the congestion would soon be resolved. He said the congestion was not anticipated as all stakeholders are working hard to ensure that the matter is resolved. Clearance of goods at the cargo terminal is ongoing and should end by the first week of January. He said everything is under control and work is progressing at full blast. “All hands are on deck to ensure that the backlog is cleared. Currently we have cleared approximately 60 per cent. We are hopeful that the situation will be back to normal by the end of the first week of 2015. We currently do 24 hours decongestion on the tarmac, which has yielded positive result,” he stated. Bielderman said the seven daysa-week work strategy, adopted by the company, has gone a long way in reducing the volume of cargo on the tarmac. “By joint agreement between the terminal operators, clearing agents and Customs, it was decided that work will continue despite the holidays to address the challenge,” he said, pointing out that this will enable all concerned to seek new ways and measures to address the problem of cargo congestion. This posi-

•Piles of unclaimed cargoes at the tarmac of the Lagos International Airport cargo terminal

tion was agreed between all stakeholders in cargo clearing business, he said. Bielderman explained that because of the nature of the task at hand, the senior management team would be on ground during the holidays and would continue to work until the situation gets back to normal. He said: “Due to the situation in cargo, I will not be going on leave. My senior management team and myself will be on ground during this holiday season until the situation is back to normal in cargo.” He praised the working relationship with stakeholders, saying that everyone is doing great to ensure the situation is contained, particularly Customs and clearing agents’ leadership. He appealed to importers for their understanding during this period, even as he promised that Nahco Aviance is doing everything possible to ensure that their shipments are delivered safely without further delay. “We truly never envisaged this situation. However, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to guard against a repeat of this ugly incident,” he re-assured. Meanwhile, foreign airlines operating in Nigeria have canvassed expansion of the cargo apron at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The airlines are worried that the limited size of the cargo apron is affecting their operations into Nigeria, as the capacity of the apron does not match the scale of operations. The president of Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives

in Nigeria ( AFARN ) Mr Kingsley Nwokoma said the cargo apron of the Lagos Airport is long overdue after decades of its construction . He said the expansion of the apron will assist to reduce cargo congestion at the terminal. NAGAF, Murtala Muhammed Airport chapter has raised alarm over possibility of tampering with the cargo at the airport as discharged cargo flown in by foreign airlines litter the apron. The Chairman of the Lagos Airport chapter of the association, Mr Segun Musa, said discharged cargo at the airport apart from being tampered with could be damaged by rain as there is inadequate cover under the shed for discharged cargo. He said if ground handling companies have state-of-the-art equipment, it could facilitate speedy clearance of cargo at the terminal. Musa said the use of technology could hasten the clearance of cargo at the terminal, by reducing the use of manual procedures. Also speaking in an interview the chairman of PrimePorts, a freight forwarding and logistics firm, Mr Femi Adewunmi, has advised government to address infrastructure challenges at some international airports to reduce the traffic of cargo into the Lagos Airport. He cited the Port Harcourt International Airport as one of the airports to benefit from such facility upgrade. He said the congestion of cargo at the apron of the Lagos Airport could be addressed if other international airports are developed to handle high volumes of air freight. He cited the Port Harcourt Inter-

national Airport as one of the airports to be developed into a cargo hub. Adewunmi said: “If the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State is to develop into a cargo hub for the Southsouth region, the Federal Government should urge relevant aeronautical and other agencies to harmonise operational charges and tariffs, improve on infrastructure as well address gaps in procurement movements.” The logistics, freight and clearing operator said until government puts in place incentives to drive cargo volume into the Port Harcourt International Airport, operators would continue to suffer congestion challenges at the Lagos Airport. He said most of the cargo meant for Port Harcourt are flown into Lagos , only to be moved by road. He said: “If government puts in place adequate facilities, such cargo by air would be flown directly to Port Harcourt thereby reducing congestion at the Lagos Airport. When the Lagos Airport cargo terminal was shut down, many importers suffered losses. If cargo by air were made attractive through other airports, the congestion that operators now suffer would be a thing of the past. Now that government has directed suspension of cargo flown into Lagos Airport, it is now clear to all that other airports have to be developed. We need to put in place deliberate policy to drive cargo development in other airports. The Port Harcourt market in terms of air cargo is worth several billions of dollars.

NCAA alerts pilots to harmattan haze hazard By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

teorological Agency (NIMET) before their flights. According to him, pilots are advised to exercise maximum restraint when strong surface wind, fog or harmattan haze are observed or forecast, pointing out that the alert is in line with the seasonal weather prediction issued

by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on the cessation of rainy season in 2014. Ndubuike said:” The Harmattan is a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across the country between the end of November to March, the following year. On its passage over the desert, it picks up large amount of fine dust particles (0.5 to 10 micrometers)

which are transported hundreds of kilometres over the south. “The effect of the dust and sand stirred by the wind is known as Harmattan Dust Haze. “In addition, the consequence of the harmattan is a heavy fog hence air – to – ground visibility is considerably reduced. “Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and

in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible. “Resultantly, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are likely to be delayed, diverted or outrightly cancelled. All concerned are required to ensure compliance with this circular.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

With the curtain falling on 2014 tomorrow, it is certain that the government will not meet its target of 5,000 megawatts of electricity by the end of the year. What does this portend for the economy in the coming year? AKINOLA AJIBADE reports.

Power: Govt long on promises, short on delivery T

THE year 2014 ends tomorrow. It is obvious that the Federal Government will not meet its target of 5,000 megawatts (Mw) of electricity. On August 2, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deazani Alison-Madueke, set the 5,000Mw target following a reduction in the initial 6,000mw output. To meet the next target, the government reviewed the price of gas upwards. Despite the hike, power generation is still on the decline because of inadequate gas supply, and weak distribution networks, among others. Peak power generation, according to statistics from the Ministry of Power, as at last month, was 3,958.1Mw; peak demand forecast was 12, 800Mw. By December 11, power generation fell to 3,018.52Mw from 3,271.21Mw in November 30. As at December 2, power supply

fell to 3,206.09 megawatts but it dropped again to 2, 954 megawatts on December 15. The development has fuelled suspicions that power may not improve as the year winds up. Notably, activities during the yuletide were marred by irregular power supply.The Nation investigation revealed that power supply has dropped to its lowest level in Lagos, Abuja, Ondo, and other cities across the country. In Lagos, consumers in some areas under the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said the situation has gone from bad to worse. Also, some residents of Egbeda, Idimu, Ejigbo, Ikotun, Oshodi and other areas, said it was not likely that the power would improve before the New Year, citing gas shortage as one of the problems facing the sector.

However, communities, such as Ewu-Elepe, Ijede and others around Egbin Power Plant, Ikorodu are enjoying uninterrupted power supply. In Akure, areas, such as Oba Adesida, Ilekun, Sijuade, General Hospital and others, are contending with regular power outage, while in Abuja, areas such as Jabi, Wuse 2, Nyanyan and the Central Business Districts (CBD) have not got light. Other areas experiencing poor power supply include Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kubwa, Karshi, Kuje, Dobi Angada and adjoining satellite towns. Only last week, the Assistant General Manager, (Public Affairs) Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Godwin Ibemuda, announced that there would be power outage in the zone. Ibemudia said areas, such as Obalende, Lekki Pennisula and

areas within Lagos Mainland, would not have light due to routine maintenance by the company. He said: “There would be interruption between the hours of 10am and 4pm due to routine maintenance work that would be carried out on line 2, AjahAlagbon 132 kv line for seven hours.” He listed areas to be affected as Obalande and others on the Lagos Mainland. The routine maintenance was meant to put the facilities in good condition. A Partner at Usoro & Co, Laidi Munirideen, said there has not been any improvement in power supply since November, last year when the new investors took over the assets of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). He said those expecting improvement in power supply before and after the festive period

• From left: Treasurer, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Nigerian Chapter, Mrs Omesiri Adegbite; the Chairman, Olusola Falodun and Vice Chairman, Omotayo Ojo, during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Why govt is paying N36.9b ‘legacy debts’

HE Federal Government’s decision to pay the N36.9 billion owed gas suppliers will have multiplier effect on the power sector, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Investments, Finance and Donor Relations, Olajuwon Olaleye, has said. He told The Nation that the legacy debt was being addressed to improve electricity generation, ensure seamless supply of gas to the power firms, restore confidence and grow the sector. He said: “A company that owed billions of naira would not be happy to supply gas to the power generation companies (GENCOs). With the payment of the debts the gas suppliers would be more committed to transact buisness with the power firms. The gas firms are enthususiatic, knowing that they can continue to do business. What the government has done was to provide an enabling en-

vironment for operators. When the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, assumed office this year, one of the mandates which President Goodluck Jonathan gave him was to help support the power sector since the major problem was how to improve electricity infrastructure and supply.” Gas suppliers, according to Olajuwon, have committed themselves to a supply agreement, as a result of the payment of the debt. He said the government is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ease the financial burden on the power firms and help restorE some level of confidence in the sector. “There are prudential guidelines binding burrowing of funds. The guidelines stipulate that when you borrow money for, let’s say 30 days, 50 days, or 150 days, depending on the agreement reached with the

banks, you must pay within those periods or pay a higher interest. The government has gone ahead to work with the CBN to ease the financial burden on the energy companies by re-adjusting the prudential guidelines. “This would give the companies time to re-adjust their balance sheets, and get clean records. Based on this, the companies can approach the international community and burrow money. Also, the banks are going to evolve a new era of reducing waste, as a result of the initiative,” he said. The government, in conjunction with the CBN, he noted, had agreed to provide N231 billion intervention fund for the power sector. Out of this, N36.7 billion was the legacy debt, which the government promised to pay gas suppliers to enable them continue to provide the sector with domestic gas for operation.

are going to be disappointed, adding that irregular power is affecting the country’s socio-economic activities. “It is evident that power is not yet stable. Many people rely on generators to provide alternative energy. This is because the supply from the national grid was too insignificant to meet their needs. They need power for social and other economic activities during the yuletide,‘’ he said. The Executive Director, African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (ACMIL),Oluwole Asubiojo, said power had not improved in Abuja where he resides, adding that businesses have suffered as a result of poor electricity. “Stable power supply is still a far-fetched issue in Nigeria in spite of privatisation of the sector. It is obvious that power has not improved. A lot needs to be done to meet consumers’ expectation. The generation, distribution and transmission arms of the sector need to be improved,‘’ he said. A computer engineer, Moses Adejube, said power problem was taking its toll on all activities during festive period. Social and economic activities, Adejube said, were dull in Akure, as a result of poor power supply, stressing that the issue has left many people dejected. ‘’The festive period used to be a booming one for the informal sector operators. But that has not been the case as power supply has dipped. For instance, operators of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are complaining that they do not have light to work with,’’ he said. Power Minister, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said the government was making frantic efforts to address the problem. During a stakeholders’ conference in Lagos, he said the government had a set goal for itself to correct the anomalies in the sector and move the economy forward. He said the sector had been neglected by successive administrations, which has resulted in the decay in power infrastructure and stunted economic growth.

Board promises conducive environment for manufacturers

HE Federal Government will provide a conducive environment for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate their jobs, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Ernest Nwapa has said. The OEMs are to provide technologies for the refineries, and other vital areas in the oil and gas sector. In an interview with reporters, he said the provision of the infrastructure would enable the manufacturers perform well by providing the industry with the required equipment. “So, rather than bringing these OMEs to come here and ask them to start sourcing for land and developing them, we have taken the responsibility to stimulate that by doing some of the basic things.’’ he said.

He added: “We believe that when we do the infrastructure, when we keep them in a cluster; when we invite them in and use the leverage that we have as a statutory agency of the government to push the operators into the oil and gas parks, the OEMs will then come along with their support system into this place. We will also inject some Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).’’ Nwapa said the government would provide basic infrastructure, such as roads and power to make the environment conducive for the OEMs. “We will develop the land in phases. We will create basic infrastructure, such as roads, power, water, telecoms and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

THE NATION

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Fed Govt, firm sign $80m housing deal

HE Federal Government and the Dubai based Signature Value Homes (SVH) have signed an $80million housing deal. Under the deal, 300 houses will be provided in Abuja within six months in the provided first phase. The project is expected start next month. Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban signed on the government’s behalf. Mr. Anand Ramani signed for SVH. According to the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, Messers Signature Value Homes Limited Submitted an unsolicited proposal of intent to develop affordable mass housing under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contractors finance initiative On November 10, 2014, the company was said to have made a technical presentation to the FMLHUD. The minister disclosed that after the due diligence carried out by the PPP Unit, it was discovered that the com-

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

pany has the financial capacity to undertake the project. This is one of the initiatives through which the ministry builds mass housing, providing land for developers to build according to agreed specifications. The project on a 20 hectares land at Gwagwalada, is a mixed development that will comprise one bedroom , two bedroom and three bedroom flats on ground, plus three upper level floors comprising approximately 1,672 dwelling on the ministry’s land at Gwagwalada FCT. Mrs. Eyakenyi said the PPP Unit considered ministry’s the proposal visitable and therefore recommended it for Federal Capital Terrtory (FCT) Minister of state. Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Minister of State Oloye Akinjide praised the minister for what she termed “uncommon transformation” of the housing sector in Nigeria. She said that FCT Adminitration has confidence in the quality of houses provided by the ministry because of what is has done with other projects. Messrs Signature Value Homes Limited is a mass housing project developer that specialises in providing holistic solutions for integrated community development. The company has a history of successful execution of projects in India and Sub- Sahara African countries and are also engaged in mass housing development with the Niger State government. The company has local partnership with Stallion Group Nigeria, technical and engineering partnership with Mahindra Consulting Engineers and construction partnership with Klassic International.

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

Ogun ‘Batch 5’ homeowners get C-of-O

HE fifth batch of beneficia ries under the “Homeowners’ Charter” of the Ogun State government has been presented with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), and other title documents. The scheme is an initiative of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration which enables home owners to regularise their legal status at a discount. Governor Amosun, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, while presenting the documents to the beneficiaries at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, expressed satisfaction with the interest so far shown in the scheme He congratulated the beneficiaries saying:“You are home owners now, because with your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), you can now enjoy several facilities from the banks and other institution in the country,” Amosun said. The governor said with the scheme, “government can also plan effectively for infrastructural facilities once the actual number of houses is ascertained.”

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Adewale Oshinowo, said the presentation was a proof that the government was sincere with the programme and had proven “Doubting Thomas’s” wrong; added that all government promises on housing scheme will not go without being implemented. Oshinowo explained that the Homeowners’ Charter was part of the administration’s plan to improve and encourage the standard of living of the people in the state through innovative policies and ideas, urging the residents to always take advantage of any scheme being introduced by the state government for their own benefits. He said the success of the scheme was a result of the effective collaboration between the agencies and ministries involved, promising that the same zeal and commitment would be given to every application received, adding that those that have not received theirs should be patient with the agency, that in time they will be called upon to collect theirs.

IFMA gets new exco

• The recently commissioned N500m Trinity Shopping Mall, Maryland, Lagos

Firm unveils home ownership scheme

REAL estate development company, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, has inaugurate a new home ownership plan for low income earners under its “Who Wants to be a Landlord?” initiative. Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adetola Emmanuel-King, said the company is determined to address housing challenge of low income earners Nigerians, is reduced to a reasonable level. Under the scheme, those low-income earners who cannot pay cash to buy land or house, can do so by buying a N1, 000 ticket which can translate to their winning a land worth between N500, 000 and N1 million. “We intend to run a transparent raffle draw every month to pick winners from a pool of people who subscribe to the housing plan. The ticket will soon be available in shopping malls, eateries and selected public places”, Emmanuel-King, said. To effectively pass the message across to its target audience,the firm has enlisted two veteran Nollywood actors as “Brand Ambassadors.”

Adewale Elesho popularly known as Baba Elesho and Toyin Afolayan popularly known as Lola Idije are to appear and speak on TV and Radio commercials next year to sensitise would-be landlords. For Elesho, who described the initiative as a first of its kind, past efforts by the firm has produced a reasonable number of home owners within the last two years; hence, he is convinced that this new initiative can only make things better for the low income earning Nigerians who desire to own their own homes with relative ease. Meanwhile, Mrs. Funke Shobowale, the Managing Director of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, explained that the company is working on increasing its land bank across Lagos and Ogun states so as to enable it create more opportunities for prospective landlords. When this is done, it will further boost the existing schemes put in place by the firm. “We currently have four estates namely: Rehoboth Park and

Gardens at Ibeju-Lekki, located after Eleko junction, which is a few minutes from La Capagne; Treasure Park and Gardens Estate in Shimawa town in Ibafo, located behind the Redemption Camp off the LagosIbadan expressway; GrandView Park and Gardens Estate on Sokoto road in Atan- Ota about 15 minutes’ drive from Winners Chapel and Glass House Estate also in Shimawa,” she explained. To own a plot of land in any of the four estates, Shobowale said, is dependent on the location. For instance, a plot of land measuring approximately 324 square metre (sqm) and 648 sqm in GrandView Park and Gardens Estate sell for N500, 000 and N1 million respectively. Plots measuring approximately 400 sqm and 600 sqm in Rehoboth Park and Gardens sell for N2.5 million and N4 million respectively; plots measuring 324 sqm and 648 sqm in Treasure Park and Gardens for N1.5 million and N3 million respectively while plots of measuring approximately 454sqm at the Glass House Estate sells for N5 million.

HE International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter has elected new council members. At its Annual General Meeting in Lagos recently, Mr Richard Olatunji Okesola, an associate member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, (NIESV) was elected President. He succeeds Ms Iyabo Aboaba, while Mr Pius Iwundu became the Vice President. Other council members were Mr Olalekan Akinwunmi, General Secretary Mrs.Abimbola Olusegun-Adamolekun, Treasurer; Arc. Tunji Kuku, Assistant General Secretary; and Mr.Segun Adebayo, Publicity Secretary. The new President pledged to continue from where the immediate past council stopped by aim-

ing at sustainable and enviable feats during his two-year tenure. He further said that collaborating with other professionals in the country would be of utmost priority, the push to have the Facility Management profession chartered would be pursued vigorously. Okesola thanked the outgoing members of the council for laying a solid foundation to build on and also requested the support and cooperation of every member towards the realisation of the vision of the association. In her valedictory remarks, Ms. Aboaba expressed profound gratitude to all members for their unflinching support during her tenure and re-affirmed her commitment to the growth of the association and the promotion of the profession in Nigeria.

Britain’s top eight towns

IRGINIA Water, Surrey Surrey is the most expensive county in which to buy a home, according to a survey by Zoopla of Britain’s top 10 most expensive towns. The county’s Virginia Water topped the list, with an average property value of £1,186,262 and an annual increase of 5.91 per cent. Cobham, Surrey Average property value: £1,003,400. Annual increase: 6.94% Cobham in Surrey takes the number two spot, and is home to the Chelsea Football Club training ground, with many of the team’s players living in large, luxury houses in the area. Keston, London Average property value: £947,955. Annual increase: 10.81 percent Keston sits on the border of London and Kent. Homes range from original 1920’s houses to ultramodern detached houses with high-spec interior design and technology. Esher, Surrey Average property value: £931,669. Annual increase: 10.08% The historic town of Esher is sur-

rounded by green space and boasts average property prices just under £1 million. Close proximity to the M25 makes this area popular with London commuters. Richmond, London Average property value: £906,770. Annual increase: 12.47% Richmond is popular with Londoners seeking a peaceful haven away from the humdrum of the city. The town sits on a bend of the River Thames and boasts numerous parks and open spaces. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire Average property value: £897,872. Annual increase: 4.79% Beaconsfield sits between London and Oxford, and is a quick 20-minute commute from London Marylebone. Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire. Average property value: £897,872. Annual increase: 0.47%. Chalfont St. Giles is an idyllic village in south-east Buckinghamshire, on the edge of the Chilterns., with popular schools and good transport links to London. Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Average property value: £815,222. Annual increase: 9.38%

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

181TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

overnor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE presided over the one hundred and eighty first (181st) sitting of the State Executive Council held exactly five (5) days after the return of the Kano State Political Office Holders, Top Government Func-

tionaries and Directors from the sixth (6th) Retreat of the State Government conducted under the present administration. Notably, each of the six (6) retreats was conducted at regular intervals characteristically attained after every thirty (30) sittings of the Kano State Executive Council. As such, six (6) retreats were conducted in one hundred and eighty (180) sittings of the State Executive Council. Going by an average rate of twenty five (25) approvals granted per sitting, it is correct to state that the State Government, currently under the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE goes on retreat after every seven hundred and fifty (750) approvals granted for the execution of public oriented/spirited programmes/projects/schemes/ policies, etc. Therefore, in one hundred and eighty (180) sittings within which six (6) retreats were conducted, the present administration approved the execution of an average of 750 x 6 = 4,500 programmes/projects/schemes/policies which transformed the State and the lives of its citizenry for the better. Importantly, the retreats are not moments for respite but forums at which the entire Government returns to the "Drawing Board", assess its general performance and grade achievements so as to foster proper continuity with the envisaged good work which instigated the sixth (6th) Retreat to be premised under the main Theme: "A Pedestal for Economic Growth and Development: The New Face of Kano, 2011 - 2014". Essentially, the sixth (6th) Retreat was convened to provide a meaningful platform for deliberation and articulation of the State 2015 Budget through exchange of ideas and wider consultative engagement amongst all stakeholders. Main focus is on the completion of all on - going projects/schemes, programmes with strict maintenance of 30% recurrent and 70% capital expenditure. In line with the above, the Lead Paper presented at the sixth (6th) Retreat reviewed budget implementation in the State from May, 2011 to date. Highlights were presented on achievements recorded across all sectors especially Education, Health, Water, Infrastructural Development/Maintenance, Empowerment Schemes, etc. Main emphasis/objective of the 2015 Budget is completion of all on - going projects across all sectors by MDAs in the State. Fully refreshed and adequately oriented, twelve (12) MDAs submitted fifty two (52) memoranda for deliberation by Council at its one hundred and eighty first (181st) sitting of which twenty three (23) cutting across four (4) sectors were approved for execution with an expenditure of Three Hundred and Sixty Million, Four Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Nine Hundred and Five Naira, Fifty One Kobo (N360,418,905.51) covering fifteen (15) projects while the remaining seven (7) are on policy issues. Thus; 1. THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR Empowering the entire citizenry of the State to self actualization as better human beings, by providing access to professional/academic education; capacity building for serving civil servants; training for employable skills acquisition; take - off capital to small and medium scale (SMS) Entrepreneurship etc, is amongst the prominent preoccupations of this administration from its second (2nd) inception (May, 2011) to date. Series of approvals were granted for the execution of projects/schemes/programmes under the empowerment sector with the singular purpose of producing self - actualized, knowledgeable, skillful, wealthy, God fearing, patriotic, etc. people living in the currently transformed the State. Twelve (12) memoranda were approved for execution by the Kano State Executive Council at its number one hundred and eighty first (181st) sitting. All are in line with the typical trend as they include six (6) on provision of access to professional/academic education; three (3) on provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants, one (1) on provision of access to training for employable skills acquisition and two (2) on provision of support to the needy. o Provision of access to professional/academic education:i. The office of the Head of Civil Service alerted Council of receiving a circular from the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. The circular is on Australian Scholarship and Fellowship Awards on areas of Public Policy, Extractives, Agriculture, Public Health and Education Commencing from 2015 and 2016. More details on the scheme are provided at the website: www.australiaawards.africa.org. Congruence of the scheme to the empowerment policy of the present administration, prompted Council to approve and mandate the office of the Head of Civil Service to issue a relevant circular inviting eligible civil servants to apply for the scholarship award(s) while sustaining liaison with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation. ii. Approval was granted for the release of the sum of N33,440,000.00 to the State Scholarship Board to enable payment of feeding and upkeep allowances to four hundred and eighteen (418) Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for studies at Crescent and Igbinedion Universities as follows; Crescent 174 students (200 level = 78 students; 100 level = 96 students) x N80,000.00 = N13,920,000.00.

Igbinedion 244 level 200 students x N80,000.00 = N19,520,000.00. iii. Two hundred and eighty nine (289) MBBS/ Pharmacy Kano State Indigenous students are currently sponsored for studies in Sudan, India and Egypt. The State Executive Council approved release of the sum of $289,000.00 to the State Scholarship Board to enable procurement and distribution of Laptop Computers to each of the students at the rate of $1,000.00. iv. Council approved release of the sum of $121,000.00 to the State Scholarship Board to

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

enable procurement of one way tickets in respect of the one hundred and twenty one (121) relocated Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for studies in Ukraine amongst the 501 scheme. The students are to commence returning to Kano as from February, 2015 on completion of their respective courses. v. The Director, Administration and General Services Ministry of Higher Education escorted forty (40) Kano State Indigenous Students to Jodhpur National University, India. Council approved release of the sum of N684,600.00 to the Ministry of Higher Education for onward payment to the officer accordingly. vi. One hundred and thirty five (135) Kano State Indigenous Students are currently sponsored to study Nursing Anesthesia/Peri - Operative at Al - Mansoura University, Cairo, Egypt. Council approved the release of the sum of N5,975,000.00 to cater for three (3) items required by the students as follows; Authentication of results = N440,000.00. Opening of Bank Account = N405,000.00. Pocket money $200 x 135 = $27,000.00. o Provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants:i. Two (2) capacity building workshops are jointly sponsored by the Kano State Government and the UNICEF at the total sum of N6,564,690.00. Council approved the release of the sum of N2,463,450.00 as the Kano State Government's share to the funding of the two (2) workshops: viz; Refreshing and update of Devin for 6.0 Data Base Software. Strengthening capacity of key staff of Kano State Bureau of Statistics and other officers on basic skills of monitoring in results based management and evaluation. ii. Council approved release of the sum of N1,400,000.00 to enable the Deans Faculty of Education and that of Humanities at the Northwest University, Kano to undertake a research visit to University Sultan Zainul Abidin, Malaysia (19th - 26th January, 2015). The details presented were considered. iii. The State Executive Council approved the execution of the seven (7) precise recommendations proffered for adoption by the State Government as submitted by the office of the Head of Civil Service on return from the sixth (6th) Retreat for Top Government Functionaries held at Hotel 17 Tafawa Balewa Road Kaduna (18th - 21st December, 2014). The recommendations are as follows; That the 2015 Budget for Kano State should be geared towards timely completion of all on - going projects. That all MDAs should intensify efforts towards achieving their revenue targets. That the ratio of 30% recurrent and 70% capital expenditure should be maintained as a priority in the allocation/deployment of funds. That the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Budget as well as the Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate to ensure effective budget implementation and control. That the policy thrust of budget must be strictly adhered to for effective implementa tion of the 2015 Budget. That documentation and record keeping by all MDAs should be strengthened and improved along the lines of international best practices by embracing ICTs. That all MDAs should ensure strict compliance by indicating relevant expenditure classification/coding in all submissions/memoranda. o Provision of access to training for employable skills acquisition:i. Provision of support to the needy:ii. One (1) Soldier was killed and another wounded while five (5) Policemen were killed and four (4) others wounded at Magasarku Filling Station near NNPC Depot, Kano on 14th November, 2014 while on duty by misguided gunmen. As such, Council approved the release of the sum of N500,000.00 to each of the six (6) bereaved families of the deceased personnel, N250,000.00 to each of the five (5) families of the wounded. Viz; Six (6) deceased personnel = N500,000.00 x 6 = N3,000,000.00. Five (5) wounded personnel = N250,000.00 x 5 = N1,250,000.00. Total = N4,250,000.00. iii. One hundred and thirty four (134) people died while three hundred and seventeen (317) were wounded in the recent three (3) attacks by gunmen in Kano at the Kano Central Mosque; Hotoro Filling Station and Kantin Kwari. So far, the sum of N140,550,000.00 was received as

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 assistance and in custody of the office of the Secretary to the State Government. From the accrued assistance, Council approved the release of the sum of N100,950,000.00 to the Office of the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner Ministry for Local Governments to provide support for the affected families. Details were presented. Again, each of the three hundred and seventeen (317) injured persons and each of the bereaved families of the deceased one hundred and thirty four (134) are to be given one (1) bag of maize, rice and millet depending on the number still hospitalized. 2. THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/MAINTENANCE SECTOR Achievements recorded by the current administration in the State in respect of the infrastructural development/maintenance sector cut across all other sectors especially in the physical sense. This signifies the Kwankwasiyya Legacy as depicted all over Kano State with the brand new look courtesy of the renewal policy of this administration. Review the Education Sector, Health Sector, Water Supply Sector, Transportation Sector, Housing Sector, etc. Whatever, confident of the superlative performance of the present administration in respect of this sector, Council approved the execution of eight (8) more memoranda along this lines at its one hundred and eighty first (181st) sitting as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for One (1) Omitted Property Amongst the Twenty Six (26) Affected by the Establishment of Mosque; Hisbah Board Office; Police Station and Play Ground at Kurnar Asabe Quarters:Reportedly, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted to Council, through contents of this memorandum that, twenty six (26) instead of twenty five (25) properties were affected by the cited project. The correct compensation money for the twenty six (26) properties is N60,493,830.00. But the sum of N22,753,620.00 was requested and approved for release to erroneously pay compensation for twenty five (25) instead of twenty six (26) properties. Council acknowledged the error and approved the release of the sum of N37,740,210.00 to enable payment of compensation for the omitted property. b) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Properties/Land Affected by the Construction of Toll Gate and Trailer Diversion Road Near Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano:The two (2) developmental projects cited affected three (3) properties of different categories with compensation value added up to the tune of N10,664,520.00 which was requested for release to enable payment to the rightful owners. Council noted, considered and approved as requested but for the money to be disbursed as follows; i. Structures - four (4) items = N7,438,320.00. ii. Land - six (6) items = N1,702,700.00. iii. Farm Land - six (6) items - N1,523,500.00. c) Request for Funds to Enable KNUPDA Continue with the Garden Interlock Tiling Work within Kano Metropolis:The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted an update of fourteen (14) approvals granted between 12th December, 2011 and 8th September, 2014 totaling the sum of N1,460,056,090.71 for the distinctive Garden Interlock Tiling Project along pedestrian walkways of major roads and other locations within Kano Metropolis. A request in the sum of N120,000,000.00 was presented to Council to enable continuation of the laudable project. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the trimmed sum of N100,000,000.00 for the stated purpose. d) Request for Funds to Enable Installation of Single - Arm New Street Lights Along Abbas and Arakan Roads (1.5KM):Abbas and Arakan Roads are located within Kano Metropolis in an area that requires lighting at nights to check marauders and safeguard lives and properties as well as beautify the surroundings. The project was assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N26,474,239.10 which was requested for release to enable its execution by the State Taskforce Committee on Installation/ Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights under the supervision of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. e) Presentation of Progress Report on the Construction of Flyover Bridges (State Road Kofar Nassarawa and Ibrahim Taiwo Road by Radio Kano; End of November, 2014):The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport summarized the cited report and presented it to Council for consideration as follows; S/N Item of Work Percentage of Execution (%) i. A main bridge (State Road - Kofar Nassarawa) 100 ii. B main bridge (Ibrahim Taiwo Road from Gidan Radio) 100 iii. Clovers 100 Overall/General Percentage Progress: 99.7%. Nevertheless, the sum of N5,933,520,068.34 was approved for the project of which the sum of N4,010,603,610.09 was released to the Contractor as payment for 30% advance and interim valuation certificates numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 while valuation certificate number 10 is still receiving attention of the Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. In a nutshell; o Overall/general percentage progress = 99.7%. o Bridge structures/related appurtenances = 100%. o All ancillary works = 100%. o Construction of slip roads - on - going. o Progress photographs presented. Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. f) Presentation of Update on the Status of the Independent Hydroelectricity Projects at Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams:The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the cited update and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the Contractor handling the two (2) Hydroelectricity Projects. Status of the projects were summarized and presented to Council for consideration as follows; i. Tiga Project Site.

55 o o o o o

2MW Unit (Turbine/Generator). Completion date is 15th January, 2015 for installation and test run. 8MW Unit (Turbine/Generator). Completion date is 15th March, 2015 including installation/test run Formal commissioning of the projects at the Tiga Site to take place in the first week of April, 2015. ii. Challawa Gorge Project Site. o Excavation of 2 x 12.5MW tail race channels in progress. o Excavation of power house in progress. o Offshore materials presently in Lagos Port awaiting clearance. o Manufacture of 2 x 12.5MW turbine generator completed and units are ready for inspection, testing and subsequent shipping. Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. g) Request for Funds to Enable Renovation and Stocking of Gidan Dan' Hausa, Kano State History and Culture Bureau:The three (3) - Member Executive Committee enacted to revitalized the monumental status of the Gidan Dan' Hausa as result of memorandum for rehabilitation of the House (Gidan Dan' Hausa) from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport was submitted for consideration by Council. Details on the requirements were presented for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N30,145,308.01 to provide three (3) items which include re - design of the Art Gallery, provision of furniture and Traditional Attire/Equipment. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the trimmed sum of N10,000,000.00 for the supply of furniture and Traditional Attire/Equipment. h) Request for Funds for the Procurement and Installation of 500KVA Sound Proof Electricity Generator at the Conference Center, Audu Bako Secretariat:Audu Bako Secretariat accommodates a sizeable number of Government Ministries and Agencies and deserves provision of steady supply of electricity which requires augmentation by standby facilities and this instigated submission of the request for consideration by Council. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with request for the release of the sum of N42,026,886.30 to enable execution of the project on Contractual Arrangement to be supervised by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. Council considered and approved as requested. 3. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION/PROTECTION SECTOR Maintenance of a clean/healthy environment is among the cardinal preoccupations of the present administration in the State, where series of approvals were granted for the execution of various projects under this sector especially those to do with activities of REMASAB; reintroduction of sanitary inspection; reintroduction of monthly sanitation exercise; establishment of shelterbelts to check desert encroachment; etc. In the same line, Council approved the execution of two (2) more memoranda under this sector at the one hundred and eighty first (181st) sitting as follows; a) Request for Funds for the Provision of Laboratory Equipment to the School of Hygiene, Kano:The School of Hygiene, Kano trains Environmental Health Officers inclusive of basic principles of laboratory analysis especially bacteriological and chemical for which especial equipment are required but found to be deficient at the School by officials of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) that visited the School on pre - accreditation inspection. Details on the requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N4,600,000.00 for the stated purpose. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Construction of Laundry for the Restaurant at the School of Hygiene, Kano:The Ministry of Environment submitted this request for consideration by Council in response to a request/instruction from the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NAHOTOUR) from which officials visited the School of Hygiene, Kano on pre - accreditation inspection. The requirements were assessed and estimated to cost the sum of N3,000,000.00 which was requested for release by Council to enable the Ministry of Environment execute the stated project. Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT THE 181ST KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING o APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF KANO ELDERS FORUM (INUWAR JAMA'AR KANO) Council delightfully acknowledged the recent appointment of a new Chairman for the Kano Elders Forum in the person of Prof. Ibrahim H. Umar after the demise of its former Chairman Alhaji Magaji Dambatta OFR. The new Chairman is expected to continue from where the late Chairman stopped. The Elders Forum during its last meeting deliberated extensively on issues related to the security and general well being of the State citizenry. Consequently, the following five (5) Sub - Committees were constituted in order to advise/recommends acceptable measures to the Government that will facilitate the smooth administration of the State. The Sub-Committees were on:i. Taxation, ii. Public Enlightenment, iii. Protection of Public Properties, iv. JAMB and v. Street Begging/Hawking

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture www.kn.gov.ng/new

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

David-West warns Asari-Dokubo against inciteful comments A

FORMER Minister of Petroleum, Prof. Tam David-West, has warned Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo against inflammatory statements on the presidential election. Asari-Dokubo said at the weekend that Jonathan had already won the election. He said he did not owe anyone an apology for the comment. The ex-minister told The Nation yesterday that AsariDokubo’s statement suggested that they knew

•’President faces hurdle at the polls’

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Jonathan would rig the election. He warned that any attempt to rig the poll would plunge Nigeria into trouble because the world was expecting a free and fair election.

David-West said Nigerians knew the difficulties the country was going through, adding that they wanted a change. His words: “The President should call Asari-Dokubo to order. He is not helping Jonathan’s cause. What AsariDokubo’s declaration im-

plies is that he already knows that Jonathan will rig the election. If we don’t have a free and fair election next year, the country will be in trouble. The world is expecting a free and fair poll. “Nigerians are tired of rigging. Election malpractices are antithetical to democratic

ethos. Anyone, who loves Nigeria, should pray for a free and fair election.” David-West noted that Asari-Dokubo abused the northerners by calling them parasites. He said no candidate could win a presidential election without carrying the North and the South along. The former minister said Jonathan faced a hurdle at the polls because people were determined to effect a change next year.

Okorocha mourns lawmaker IMO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has mourned a member of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Eudora Okwesilieze Igwe. In a statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha said: “I commiserate with the husband, the Igwe family in Ideato North Local Government and the House of Assembly on the death of one of the outstanding members, Mrs. Eudora Okwesilieze Igwe, who represented Ideato North Constituency. She died recently and will be buried on Tuesday (today).” The governor was shocked when the news was broken to him. He directed that state functions fixed for yesterday and today, including the 2015 budget presentation, be cancelled or postponed, in honour of the legislator. Okorocha said it was regrettable that she died when her services were needed. He urged her family and others to be consoled that as Christians, they would meet again to part no more. The governor prayed that the Lord should grant the deceased’s soul eternal rest.

Church holds programme PALACE of God Mission has begun a three-day programme, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The programme, which started yesterday, will continue today and end tomorrow with a cross-over service from 10pm till midnight. Its theme is: “My Tear Is Over”. The programme will hold at 8, Olatunde Kaka Close, Ifedayo Estate, off Ajuwon Road, Alagbole, Ogun State. The host, Prophet Joseph Young, said God was waiting to bless people, as there would be miracles, deliverance and salvation, adding that it was advisable to end a year and begin another in God’s presence.

From left: Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Chairman, Gen. Ogbonna (retd); Secretary, Sir George Egu; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives and governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman, Nnamdi Anyaehie; Organising Secretary, Linus Ireoha and Publicity Secretary, Kizito Onuoha, after a meeting between Ihedioha and the exco in Owerri... yesterday

Araraume begins governorship campaign in Imo

ESPITE the stalemate in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume yesterday began his campaign in Owerri, insisting that he was the authentic governorship candidate. Speaking with reporters at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Araraume, who was re-

•’I won primary election’ From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

ceived by thousands of PDP members, said justice must prevail in the primary, which he insisted he won, “although the Electoral Committee returned the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, as

Ex-NYSC director Omojokun dies at 79

HE second DirectorGeneral of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Solomon Kikiowo Omojokun (retd), is dead. He died on December 25. He was 79. Gen. Omojokun attended Igbobi College, Lagos and obtained a double honours BSc (London) in Mathematics/Physics from the Nigerian College (now University of Ibadan) in 1958.

He was a science teacher at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1963. Gen. Omojokun served his country in various capacities. He taught at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. The deceased served as the commandant, Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi (1970); second direc-

tor- general, NYSC (19751979); commandant, Nigeria Army Education Corps (19791984); minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity in the Buhari regime in 1985, after which he retired. After retirement, he served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Cuba and Mexico (1987-1991). He lived a private life at his town, Ilara Mokin in Ondo State, before his death. He is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrange-

LANS are underway to give Mr. Stephen Akinyemi Ajayi, a former inspector of Customs, a befitting funeral. The deceased, an elder brother of Mr. John Ajayi, the publisher of Marketing Edge magazine, died on December 21 after a protracted illness. Ajayi, a disciplinarian and a father of four, was a community leader, who contributed to development in his home town, Ijan- Ekiti in Ekiti State and at Ibafo in Ogun State where he lived until he fell ill a few months ago. Born on September 13, 1952, the former Customs officer attended Inisha Grammar School, Inisha between 1973 and 1974 where he obtained his West African School Certificate. He worked briefly as a laboratory attendant at Maria Assumpta Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, before joining the Nigerian Prisons Service and later Nigeria Customs & Excise on March 1, 1977. He rose through the ranks to become the senior inspector of the department and worked there for 31 years before retiring on April 24, 2007. He engaged in businesses after retirement. A statement by his younger brother, John, said the deceased would be missed, as he was kind and humble. He said besides being the one, who trained him to be what he is today, his late brother was a role model. His words: “For me, the death of my elder brother, whom I also call my father, is a blow and a shock to me. In fact, losing such a humanitarian and an apostle of honesty is the worst thing that can happen to any society.” Ajayi said the community would miss him. According to the programme of events, there will be service of songs at his Ibafo home on January 5. A requiem mass will be celebrated the next day at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Ibafo. He will lie-in-state at IjanEkiti on January 8 and funeral mass and interment will hold the following day. Three reverend fathers have indicated intention to honour the deceased by attending the funeral.

The late Gen. Omojokun

ments will be announced by the family.

‘Southeast traders yet to adopt presidential candidate’

HE Southeast Amalgamated Market Traders Association (SEAMATAS) said yesterday that it had not adopted any candidate for the presidential election. SEAMATA’s President-General, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, spoke at a me-

dia briefing after an emergency meeting in Onitsha, Anambra State. He said the market leaders were still consulting and that consultation had become necessary to avoid sentiments and a bandwagon syndrome. Ezenwankwo said: “Today,

Corps member wins MTN’s N50m house HE MTN-sponsored weekly TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (WWTBAM), took a new dimension at the weekend, as sponsors, MTN, rode on the platform to give out a house worth N50million to a winner, Miss Omotola Akinsola, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as part of its packages for Nigerians in its “Season of Surprise Campaign”.

winner.” He described as unfounded, the speculation that President Goodluck Jonathan anointed a particular candidate, saying the President always insisted on justice and fair play. Araraume said: “It is not true that the President is support-

ing a candidate. He has always insisted on justice and fair play in determining who wins the Imo PDP governorship primary. I have had meetings with him and he is insisting that justice should be done.” The campaign, which started from the airport, resulted in gridlock on major roads, as Araraume’s supporters showed solidarity.

Marketing Edge publisher loses brother

Special episodes of the TV game show, tagged: “Who Deserves To Be Surprised”, were aired on TV stations on December 21 and 28, to the amazement of viewers. MTN, in conjunction with Ultima Ltd, told people to nominate whoever they felt deserved to be surprised during the Yuletide. Such a person, they said, must have influenced or touched their lives in a posi-

tive manner. The organisers said many nominations were received in this regard and it took a painstaking process to select the eight nominees with the most compelling stories, to have a chance of making it to the hot seat, not only to play for the regular star prize of N10million, but to also have a chance of winning a house worth N50millon, courtesy of MTN.

we have resolved that Southeast traders have not adopted anybody as their candidate for the presidential election. “Let me assure you that by January 15, we will convene a general meeting of market leaders and their secretaries in the Southeast. We shall adopt a candidate at that meeting. “Yes, as I said before, we are not politicians, we are doing our legitimate business. So what we are saying is to create an enabling environment for us to do our business. “We need a candidate, who will assist traders. “We are not politicians; we are not taking issue with any party. “We are happy they have conducted their primaries free and fair and presidential candidates have emerged. Goodluck to all of them.’’

He said the traders had resolved not to support any candidate based on sentiment without considering his achievements and track-records. “We are traders and we do not want to plant seeds of discord and mistrust in our midst by endorsing any candidate without wider consultation with millions of traders in markets in the Southeast. “We owe it a duty to direct our members aright on how and who to vote for without sentiments. “We will not endorse any candidate, who will not protect traders’ interest,’’ the presidentgeneral said. He said the presidential candidate to be adopted by the traders must have plans and policy framework to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.

•The late Ajayi

Funeral for teacher THE funeral service for Pa Momoh Mathew Enejiyo comes up on Saturday at ECWA, Alhaji Adamu Atta Road, Kuroko, Okene in Kogi State. Pa Enejiyo, who died on August 24 at 82, was a teacher, a communicty leader and a philanthropist. He is survived by children and grandchildren, including David Onimisi, Janet Mathew and Joseph Mathew.

•The late Enejiyo

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

Man, 85, held for defiling seven-year-old

HE Edo State Police Command has arrested an 85-year old man for allegedly defiling a seven-year old girl at Use, Ogida Quarters in Egor Local Government Area. It was learnt that the incident, which was reported at the Ogida Police Division, had been transferred to the police headquarters for further investigation. The mother of the victim, Endurance Ogieva, a rice hawker, alleged that she was offered N1 million by relatives of the suspect for the case to be withdrawn. In a chat with reporters at the police station, Mrs. Ogieva said the act was committed at the home of the sus-

•Victim’s mother reject N1m offer From Osagie Otabor, Benin

pect, where she left her children with her sister. She said blood and semen were found around her daughter’s private part when she caught the suspect standing naked over the girl. Mrs Ogieva said: “I normally left my children with my sister when I went to hawk rice. After 30 minutes, I decided to check on my sick son. I met my son sleeping and my sister’s husband was also sleeping. His wife was inside the room. I did not see my daughter. I later heard her shouting. I traced the

shout to the landlord’s room. The man is about 85 years old. “I rushed there and saw the man naked. I gripped the man and both of us fell on the chair. The man was begging me to settle. But my shout attracted the neighbours. Other men who came said I wanted to collect money from the man. When they checked my daughter’s private part, they saw blood stains and semen. I went to the police station and the man was arrested. “The police took my daughter to their clinic and said she had a tear in her private part. They gave me a paper to do

four medical tests. “My daughter said the landlord called the girl to buy local gin (ogogoro). My daughter said he held a knife and threatened her not to shout or he would kill her. It was the forceful penetration that made her to cry. “The family of the man has been begging me to close the case. But I refused because the doctor said my child had to be checked to ascertain whether or not the man has a disease. We have not done any test yet. I don’t want any money. I want the government to help me because I don’t know if he has damaged my daughter. The

child is too small for a man of 85. I don’t want his money. They are promising to give me N1 million, but I want justice from the government. My husband travelled yesterday and he said he would return today.” The Coordinator of a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Child Protection Network, Mrs Jennifer Ero, noted that the non-establishment of a family court in the state was responsible for the slow dispensation of justice in rape cases. Mrs. Ero said the NGO would ensure that the case was charged to court. Police spokesman Joseph Edogiawerie, a deputy superintendent of Police (DSP), said he had not received the details of the case.

MOSOP threatens to boycott 2015 polls

HOUSANDS of Ogoni people, under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), protested yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, over alleged political marginalisation and betrayal of the “Ogoni 2015 project”. The protesters were from Khana, Gokana and Tai, three Ogoni areas in the state. They were joined by their kinsmen who resided in Port Harcourt. The march lasted over two hours, causing a heavy traffic on the popular Aba Road. The protesters danced and distributed handbills, including the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), which says: “Ogoni should be granted adequate and direct political representation as of right in all Nigeria national institutions.” Some of the messages on their placards read: “We reject unequal political system

•Seeks Ogoni candidates for parties From Precious Dikewoha and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

in Rivers State”; “Adequate political representation is the right of all Ogonis” and “MOSOP decries political slavery.” The protest was led by former Ogoni students’ leader, Simeon Waayii. It started at 7.30am from Rumuokuta to Isaac Boro Park at Mile 1 in Port Harcourt. Waayii was arrested on the way by the police but later released. Addressing the crowd, Waayii said if political parties in the state did not substitute their candidates for Ogoni candidates before next year’s general elections, the ethnic nationality would boycott the polls. The former students’ leader

explained that since the creation of Rivers State, no Ogoni man had been governor, deputy governor, House of Assembly Speaker and chief judge. He said: “...We will boycott next year’s elections, if the political parties in the state do not act fast to substitute their candidates for Ogoni candidates. We cannot be betrayed when we are the sole contributor to the socio-economic development of Rivers State and Nigeria. “When I was arrested in the cause of this struggle, MOSOP called the police to explain the reason for my arrest. They could not prove anything. That’s why I was released. The Ogoni have the right to carry out a peaceful protest, and nobody can stop us. “We are protesting injus-

tice and marginalisation against the Ogoni 2015 project by successive administrations in Nigeria and stakeholders in Rivers State. We want to govern Rivers State in 2015. Since 1967, when Rivers State was created, we have not produce a governor, a deputy governor and chief judge.” MOSOP Leader Legborsi Pyagbara said the peaceful demonstration was meant to show the people their concerns over the “Ogoni 2015 project”. He noted that if the political parties in Rivers State decided not to field Ogoni candidates, they should explain where the decision was taken and what would be the position of Ogoni in the political leddership of Rivers State. Pyagbara said: “The protest is our disapproval of the po-

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left) handing a broom, the symbol of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to Mr Saturday Owulekhue, former Chairman, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, after his defection to APC... at the weekend.

Governorship: Wike ‘asked’ to withdraw

AJOR stakeholders from the different ethnic nationalities in Rivers State, under the aegis of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders' Council (RELEC), have given the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike, till January 5 to withdraw from the race. They called for his replacement with another candidate from the coastal area to ensure "justice, equity and fairness in the multi-ethnic state". Addressing reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state

•Rivers elders give PDP candidate till Jan. 5 From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

capital, RELEC Chairman and a former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Albert Horsfall, explained the reasons for the action. He said RELEC would resist the imposition of Wike, a former minister of state for Education. The elders stressed that if the PDP governorship candidate was not replaced by the party's leadership with a candidate from the coastal area, it would support any other candidate,

particularly Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC). They promised to vote for Peterside, adding that they would not be enslaved or bought with Wike's dollars. Peterside is an indigene of riverine Opobo, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District. Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the PDP's governorship candidate are Ikwerre, in the

upland. Amaechi hails from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Wike is an indigene of Rumueprikom in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, also in the upland. Wike, a two-term chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and the director-general of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011, said he was from Ikwerre South, while Amaechi hailed from Ikwerre North and constitutionally qualified to succeed the governor.

litical campaign in Rivers State. We are not interested in the campaigns in our communities. We are also using the protest to call on those concerned that Ogoni cannot wait for another four to eight years before we rule. “We have been in the wilderness. We are tired. That is why we decided to tell the world that we disapprove the political decision against the Ogoni. We demand an explanation because we have made sacrifices and we cannot continue to be taken for granted.”

EPZ: ‘Ijaw holding Nigeria to ransom’ From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

HE Ijaw in Delta State have been accused of holding the nation to ransom for stalling the official ground-breaking ceremony of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Ogidigben. The spokesman of the Ugborodo EPZ Interface Committee, Alex Eyengho, spoke yesterday with our reporter in Warri. He hoped the ceremony would hold in January. According to him, the Itsekiri community of Ugborodo had concluded plans with the Federal Government and investors before the Ijaw protest that prevented President Goodluck Jonathan from performing the ceremony. Eyengho said Ugborodo would no longer discuss with their Ijaw neighbours on the matter. The spokesman also said the Ijaw were taking advantage of the fact that Jonathan and the Minister of Petroleum Resources were their kinsmen. He said the hard position of the Ijaw, which he described as unreasonable, was an impediment to the nation’s economy. Eyengho stressed that their refusal to allow the project to take off had impacted negatively on investors.

Delta Ijaw hail deputy governor’s slot

HE Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has hailed Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for choosing an Ijaw man, Kingsley Otuaro, as his running mate. The IYC, in a statement yesterday in Warri by its spokesman, Eric Omare, said the development pleased the Ijaw. The council said the development would represent the first significant political opportunity to any Ijaw man in Delta State, where the people had al-

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

legedly been marginalised. The statement urged other ethnic nationalities in Delta State, especially the Isoko, who had also expected that the office of the deputy governor would be zoned to them, to work with Otuaro. IYC said the cordial relationship existing between the two ethnic nations be maintained. But the body was confident in Otuaro to occupy the office, adding that his exposure, intellect and temperament would enable him to perform well.

Four remanded for alleged forgery, cultism

OUR men have been remanded in prison custody by an Evboriaria Magistrate’s Court for alleged forgery and cultism. The accused - Ekomoba Abu, Ononiwu Samuel, Ehibor Austine and Nkwocha Emeka - were arraigned on a five-count of forgery, unlawful possession of firearms, being members of Black Axe and Advance Fee Fraud (419) scam. They were alleged to have forged the sign-up letters of the Nigeria Entertainment Music Board, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

and the Visionaries Football Club of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. The accused were allegedly engaged in unlawful secret cult and shooting to cause panic among the public. Their pleas were not taken. The Chief Magistrate A. A. Ihenyen remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the matter till January 30. He ordered the court registrar to duplicate the case file and send copies to the Directorate of Public Prosecutor (DPP) for legal advice.

Fuel scarcity bites harder in Benin

HE price of petrol hit N250 per litre yesterday in the black market in Benin, the Edo State capital. Besides the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) filling station, where a litre of petrol was sold at N97, independent marketers sold the product for N200 per litre.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

There were long queues at the few filling stations selling in Benin metropolis. Reports from other parts of the state showed that petrol was available in Auchi, Ekpoma and other towns. The reasons for the nonavailability of fuel in Benin could not be ascertained last night.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS

Man dies in ‘ogogoro’ drinking competition

N “ogogoro” (local gin) drinking competition has ended in tragedy, with the death of a man, Yusuf Bachure, at Bachure, Jimeta, Adamawa State. Bachure is a suburb housing mostly retired military personnel. The area was thrown into mourning following Bachure’s death. He reportedly slumped and

‘Emir of Ilorin didn’t endorse PDP candidate’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim SuluGambari, has denied endorsing the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola. The monarch condemned a story credited to him by an online medium that he had endorsed the PDP governorship flag bearer. Ajibola, at the weekend, visited the emir in his palace. The emir reportedly described “the emergence of Senator Simeon Ajibola as PDP governorship flag bearer in Kwara as sign of good things to come to the state”. But the monarch’s spokesperson and Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Woru Mohammed, described the story as irresponsible, concocted, inciting and an attempt to drag the emir into the murky water of politics. Woru said the emir was a father to all political parties in the state, adding that he could not have endorsed a particular party over others.

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

died during the drinking spree accompanying the Christmas celebrations. It was learnt that the deceased engaged his girlfriend in an alcohol drinking competition to celebrate Christ-

mas. The competition took place at a local beer parlour. Bachure allegedly challenged the girl to compete with him in the consumption of a gallon of “ogogoro”.

But halfway into the context, Bachure reportedly became unconscious and was complaining of pains in his stomach. When spectators noticed the scenario, they rushed him to a nearby hospital. But Bachure was said to

have died on the way. His body was taken to his family’s compound at Bachure. Reporters saw neighbours in groups discussing the shocking incident, despite its “nuisance”, as some residents called it.

13-year old boy electrocuted in Kano

13-YEAR OLD boy, Bashir Auwalu, has been electrocuted at Naibawa Quarters in Kano. The incident, which triggered a protest among the residents, occurred at 5.30am last Sunday at 842, Naibawa Tsakia Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said the boy stepped on a live wire in front of his father’s house when he was preparing for the Muslim early morning prayers (Subuhi).

From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

It was learnt that Bashir suffered multiple shocks from the live fire. He was reportedly found dead by his father when he was returning home from the nearby mosque. The boy’s father, Auwalu Kwaram, 49, said: “Bashir chose to ease himself outside, while our rest room was occupied, to beat time for prayers.” The distraught father ex-

plained that Bashir’s “death was one of the many trials from the Almighty and it occurred in fulfilment with destiny”. In tears, Kwaram said: “We are from God and unto Him shall we return at appointed times. After all, we are living to die.” The Assistant General Manager of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Mukhtar Baffa, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

He said: “It might not be unconnected with illegal connection.” The KEDCO chief said the firm had begun public enlightenment campaign on the danger of illegal connection. Bafa added that the unwholesome practice constituted a danger to life and normal distribution of power. Police spokesman Magaji Musa Majia, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said the command was not aware of the incident.

Explosion on football field kills one in Yobe

N explosive allegedly concealed on a football field has killed a sugarcane seller in Potiskum, Yobe State, an eyewitness has said. Residents said the explosive device, apparently targeted at footballers at Arikime Primary School’s playing ground, was prema-

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

turely detonated by the unsuspecting sugarcane seller at 6.30pm on Sunday. Eyewitnesses said the victim was returning home after the day’s sales and mistakenly stepped on the bomb, which killed him instantly. A resident said the bombers might have intended to

kill early morning football players, who usually come out in large numbers to the busy playing ground. A resident, Dahiru Isa, said: “This innocent wheelbarrow pusher ran into the explosion, leading to his death. The death toll this morning would have been higher. Suicide bombers had killed

some Islamic faithful on procession. A similar attack had been targeted at students of the Government Science Secondary School in Potiskum two weeks later, when another suicide bomber entered the assembly ground of the school, killing over 40 students and injuring several others.

NDLEA seizes 6,821kg of drugs in Kogi From James Azania, Lokoja

HE Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday it has seized 6,821.42 kilogramme of illicit drugs and impounded 11 vehicles in the outgoing year. NDLEA State Commander Idris Bello spoke in Lokoja, the state capital. He said 184 suspects were arrested in connection with drug-related offences and 16 were convicted. Bello said the command executed a large scale operation in the year under review in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area, which he said led to the destruction of four large cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) farms measuring approximately 35 acres.

•Adamawa State Governor Bala Ngilari (third left); Managing Director/CEO, JOF, Mr. Segun Fagboyegun (third right); Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Welye (second right); Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Sule Mohammed (second left); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ibrahim Gisinbee (left); Director of Finance and Management Services, JOF, Sogo Omosona (right), Process Improvement Manager, JOF, Yomi Ogunrinola and other top government functionaries at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sugarcane processing in the state.

Sambo seeks 2million votes From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ICE President Namadi Sambo, at the weekend, said he expects over two million votes for President Goodluck Jonathan in Kaduna State in next year’s presidential election. He said this would be possible with the support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) enjoyed in the state. A statement in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant, Umar Sani, said Sambo spoke at a unity and family meeting of the Kaduna PDP at the Hassan Usman Katsina House in Kawo, Kaduna. The vice president said he expected 100 per cent victory for PDP’s candidates in other elective posts, including that of the governorship poll.

Kwara committee on LCDA creation gets 96 memoranda From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Kwara State Committee on the creation of Local Government Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) yesterday said it has received 96 memoranda from communities and groups. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, last October, set up the 14-member committee for the creation of LCDAs. Its terms of reference included identifying the basic parameters, contingency for the creation of council development areas, identifying suitable communities as headquarters, taking due cognisance of precedence in administrative responsibility in arriving at the choice and consider other relevant factors that would ensure uniformity, equity, fairness and greater sense of belonging. The committee’s Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, that the memoranda and suggestions were from various communities in the 16 local government areas of the state. He added that the committee’s members had visited some states that had carried out similar exercise in the past.

Lamido discusses ‘peaceful 2015 polls’ with Babangida

IGAWA State Governor Sule Lamido yesterday held a closed-door meeting in Minna, the Niger State, with former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, on how next year’s elections will be peaceful. The governor was accompanied to the Minna Hilltop

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

home of Babangida by Niger State Deputy Governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Idris Ndako Kpaki. After the meeting, he addressed reporters on his par-

ley with Babangida. Lamido said: “General Babangida is my leader and my professor in politics. He also has been mentoring me to be where I am today. My meeting with him was very long. I got wisdom from his advice.” Though he said his visit was casual, Lamido admitted

that he discussed some national issues with the former military leader. On the 2015 elections, he said: “We are looking forward to a safest period during the election because the security of the country is very important. We are looking forward to a united country. It must be a

country for all Nigerians North and South, Christians and Muslims. There must be avenue for Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and so on. So, it is about national concerns. I was educated and I was highly elated by his (Babangida’s) wisdom. He is a well educated person, as you know.”

El-Rufai accuses Sambo, Yero of wasting Kaduna’s resources

HE Kaduna State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir ElRufai, has accused the state government of wasting over N600 billion it received from the Federation Account in the last seven years. El-Rufai spoke yesterday in Kaduna when he was the guest of Freedom Radio, Hausa programme, Barka da Warhaka. The APC said Kaduna was

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

the second most indebted state in Nigeria after Lagos State. He said: “Although Lagos State is more indebted than Kaduna State, but it has the capacity to pay. Governor Babatunde Fashola generates N20 billion monthly internally, but Kaduna State does not get N1 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).” The former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister noted

that Kaduna State received the second highest monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account in the North, after Kano State. “Yet, it has nothing to show for it,” he said. El-Rufai said his criticisms were not borne out of partisanship because other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states, like Gombe and Katsina, were implementing laudable projects. The former minister asked:

“Why should our own PDP government be different?” El-Rufai also faulted the state government’s claim that it used most of the money that accrued to it in the last seven years in paying debts. The APC candidate wondered why the government was still owing contractors N20 billion to N30 billion. He recalled that the Ahmed Makarfi administration had liquidated all debts by 2006.

El-Rufai said: “Architect Namadi Sambo did not inherit any debt in 2007, when he assumed office as governor of Kaduna State.” The APC flag bearer stressed that Nigeria had exited external debts in 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. He said what remained were debts between states and the Federal Government. El-Rufai said: “By 2006, the

Makarfi administration had paid off all domestic debts. This fact can be verified from the website of the Debt Management Office (DMO).” The former FCT minister regretted that the present PDP administration in Kaduna State had tied down the state with several debts in the last seven years, adding that the incoming government would find it difficult to execute most of its projects.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

NEWS PDP member donates N10m to Buhari campaign fund Continued from page 4

The Buhari campaign coordinator in the state Farouk Adamu, said yesterday that a member of the PDP donated N10million during the launch of the scratch card. He, however, declined to name the donor - in respect of his request for anonymity. He said more donations were expected from other PDP members in the state. Adamu said the initiative had yielded N85million, adding that the sale of scratch card would continue and be available at party offices and commercial centres across all 27 local government areas of the state. The highest donation came from the chief launcher and the senatorial candidate (Jigawa Central), Hon Sabo Nakudu,

who donated N5million. His business associates gave N50million. The party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, donated N5million and another N5million from his business associates. Party candidates for National Assembly gave N2.7million and state party executives donated N1 million. Farouk urged Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to desist from attacking Gen. Buhari “I know personally that Gen Buhari will get over two million votes in Jigawa and Jonathan will be having only one vote which is that of Lamido,” he said. Farouk urged the people to support Gen. Buhari so that the country could be bailed out of its socio economic malaise.

2015: Amaechi alleges threat to life Continued from page 4

said through Semenitari: “Just as you heard it, that is how we also heard it. It will be hard to begin to cast aspersions or suspect anyone. We will like to think that this is not as a result of these elections and that is not why Governor Amaechi is being singled out and targeted for more attacks and harm. “Governor Amaechi is the Director-General of Buhari Campaign Organisation. It appears that suddenly, since he became the Director-General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, the campaign of calumny against him has quadrupled. The current information of plan to harm Governor Amaechi is worrisome, but we do not want to dignify rumours. All the same, we feel that it is very important to bring it to the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is very likely that Mr. President does not know that there is such a situation.” The governor was recently

quoted as saying that if the 2015 elections, especially the presidential poll, were rigged, a parallel government would be formed, stressing that emphasis should be placed on one person, one vote. He said the elections must be free, fair and credible, which the leaders of the PDP were not comfortable with, thereby creating the impression that they were planning to rig. Besides Amaechi’s face-off with President Jonathan on lack of development in Rivers State and the ceding of the state’s oil wells to neighbouring states of Bayelsa (President Jonathan’s home state), Abia and Imo, in spite of the over 2 million votes he (Jonathan) got in 2011, the governor is also at loggerheads with the President’s wife, Dame Patience, an indigene of Okrika in Rivers State and the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is the immediate past Minister of State for Education.

We can’t stop candidates, says INEC Continued from page 4

and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty (vi) has been found guilty of a contravention of the code of conduct; (vii) is an un-discharged bankrupt; (viii) is employed in the public service and does not resign, withdraw or retire at least 30 days to the election; (ix) is a member of a secret society; (x) has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud by a Judicial Committee of Inquiry or an Administrative Panel of Inquiry or a Tribunal and which indictment has been accepted by the Federal or State Government; (xi) has presented a forged certificate to INEC.” As at press time, all the candidates were undergoing public scrutiny in all the 36

states and the Federal Capital Territory. Another INEC source added: “What we have done is that we have opened a desk at the Election and Party Monitoring Directorate, headed by National Commissioner Amina Zakari, for complaints or issues against candidates. “The EPM Unit will then table all issues before the commission’s meeting after which they will be referred to the Legal Directorate being coordinated by National Commissioner Thelma Irhemiren “As soon as we collate all issues/allegations, we will refer these to the parties of the affected candidates. If the parties do not drop such candidates, we will leave the court to determine their fate.”

Cameroon kills 41 Boko Haram fighters in air raid Continued from page 4

as the terrorists invaded their communities. The governor also visited Geidam, his hometown, to commiserate with the people and to assure them of support following the devastating attack on them. Gaidam, who inspected the military base in the area, the

Divisional police station, the local government secretariat and the Geidam market and other damaged public and private property, assured the people of his government’s support. The governor expressed his condolences to the families of those killed. He deplored the attacks which he described as “wicked, sinful and brutal.”

•Benue ladies on parade during the Benue Carnival in Makurdi...yesterday

Troubled Virgin Atlantic jet lands safely Continued from page 4

Before the successful conclusion to the incident, Virgin announced the plane would be carrying out a "non-standard landing procedure" at Gatwick airport. Pictures of the 747 circling over East Sussex - to burn off fuel - were shared on social media The problem affected part of the 747's right main landing gear The issue meant the aircraft had to land on three of its four main landing gear Eyewitnesses reported the jet was flying at relatively low altitude and the pilot appeared to be trying to "shake" the landing gear down. Nick Hughes, who was on board, said the crew made several attempts to try to free the landing gear. "They put the thrust on quite heavily and then dipped down, I think, to try and loosen the gears but obviously nothing kind of worked. "They gave it every opportunity before they tried the emergency landing. All credit due to the crew and the staff and of course the pilots because the landing was probably one of the softest landings I've ever had." Another passenger, Hardeek Desai, said: "The staff were trying to keep everyone calm but a few passengers were a bit panicky. One of the crew came out to the seating area to reassure everyone everything was

going to be OK. "The staff were giving out things like drinks and water to everyone to make sure everyone's OK. Generally, the mood was pretty good at this point until we hit the brace position." Describing the mood on the plane as it was circling, passenger Dan Crane, 24, from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, said it was "anxious, a lot were worried, some crying. The mood was quiet, just waiting for the captain's next announcement." Mr Crane, who is with family and friends, said the crew kept everyone informed, adding: "They said it was an emergency landing and we had to brace on impact." Another passenger, Mike Kaufman, said: "This was one of the greatest emergency landings in history. It was very smooth." He praised the pilots and the cabin crew, saying the landing had been "textbook". Virgin Atlantic chief executive Craig Kreeger said: "I am very pleased to confirm that all customers and crew have now disembarked the VS43 flight to Las Vegas, which returned to Gatwick airport this afternoon following a problem with one of the landing gear.” Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson tweeted: "Well done @VirginAtlantic pilots & team for safe & skilful landing of #VS43. Thoughts with passengers & crew, thanks for support & patience." A spokesman for British pilots' organisation Balpa said:

"Pilots train hard for exactly this kind of situation. It goes to show that well-trained pilots are vital." Also yesterday, it was declared that the missing AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501 is likely to be at the bottom of the sea, the head of Indonesia's searchand-rescue agency said yesterday. Bambang Soelistyo said the hypothesis was based on the co-ordinates of the plane when contact with it was lost. The search for the Airbus A320-200, which disappeared with 162 people on board on Sunday on a flight to Singapore, has ended for a second day. The search area will be widened on today. Indonesia has asked for US help in searching for the plane, the US state department said, adding that it was considering the request. The pilots had requested a course change because of bad weather but did not send any distress call before the plane disappeared from radar screens between Borneo and Sumatra. "Based on the co-ordinates given to us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is in the sea, the hypothesis is the plane is at the bottom of the sea," Mr Soelistyo told a news conference in Jakarta. I boarded a military aircraft at 06:00 at a base in Jakarta and was on board for 10 hours, seven of which were

spent searching over the Java Sea near Belitung island. It took us about two hours to reach the area where the authorities believe the plane was when it lost contact with air traffic control in Jakarta. Our plane was flying very low - about 300-450m (1,0001,500ft) above sea level. The weather was very clear and the waters relatively calm. From the aircraft I could just see the water, a small island and a few fishing boats. The search team was trying to find wreckage or some signal from the missing plane. They were looking at the sea through small windows. I did the same thing, checking the windows every 15 minutes. But I saw nothing. At around 14:00 the search team found a slick of oil, but the authorities weren't sure where it had come from. Announcing the end of the day's searching, Mr Soelistyo said that today the search area would be widened to cover West Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, and the southern parts of the waters off the coast of Belitung island. Weather conditions yesterday were very good, he said, but helicopters involved in the search lacked the visual equipment for searching at night. The search would continue to focus on oil slicks seen yesterday, Mr Soelistyo added, though it is not clear whether they were caused by the plane. Some ships were still searching for the plane, he added.

‘Buhari won’t probe Jonathan, others’ Continued from page 4

business as usual, are those who want to continue to profit from the level of corruption in the society. “We will have no apologies for people like that. But it is clear that from the Buhari perspective and that of the APC, the future of the people of this country is too important for us to spend valuable time trying to dig into the past. “The first moment of a Buhari presidency the outlook is on the future. The message will be clear; whatever you engage in before that is detrimental to the people of this country, please stop it, change has come. It is time for change and anybody who decides that he does not want to be part of change and want business-asusual, that is his choice. “And we are going to go into

a situation post - May 2015 where the law will normally take its course, not going to be any looking back. Anybody who believes that the future of this country is greater than his personal proclivities will have nothing to fear. There will be a line drawn on the sand; on one part is the past the other side is the future. “If you are part of the future, part of change, part of changing society from all these debilitating ills that have brought us to our kneels, you are our friend, you have nothing at all to fear. We don’t have time to go digging into the past the future of our people is the challenge that we have, not the past.” Warning that Nigerians would resist rigging, OdigieOyegun said: “The other day, we watch a presidential spokesman running his

mouth, comparing Jonathan to Jesus Christ. That is the highest blasphemous comment I have ever heard and the highest level of sycophancy. But they will be swept out by the power of the people and God. “One will hope the PDP won’t rig. I hope they realise that there is a great movement for change and we hope they are wise enough, they recognise it and to allow the peoples vote to count. The international community has been sensitised. You can only rig when the people largely are on your side. I expect that they won’t be foolish enough to attempt the kind of crude and blatant rigging that can upturn the results that we expect and upturn the wishes of the people. “I cannot predict; we are not in control of security forces; we are not in control of the police; we pray for peace, we want

•Gen. Buhari

peace, we desire peace for the interest of the long suffering people of this country. But they will need to do something totally crude that any blind man can see for them to succeed in February 14. That, I think, is virtually impossible,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Death toll in Greek ferry fire rises to 10

HE evacuation of the ferry was completed in the early afternoon with the rescue of 432 people, including 56 crew members, and 10 dead, said Italy’s transport minister, Maurizio Lupi. The original ferry manifest listed 422 passengers and 56 crew members, but Lupi said it was premature to speculate on whether people were still missing. He suggested that there might have been some people who reserved a spot on the ferry but did not board. Among the survivors, there were also people not listed on the manifest, indicating the possibility that some on board were traveling illegally.The fire broke out before dawn Sunday on a car deck of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic. All day and night, passengers huddled on the vessel’s upper decks, pelted by rain and hail and struggling to breathe through the thick

•432 rescued smoke. Four of the dead were found in the water, while the body of a Greek man was recovered Sunday from a lifeboat chute. It wasn’t immediately clear where the others had been found. Exhausted and cold from their ordeal, 49 passengers reached land Monday in the southern Italian port of Bari, more than 24 hours after the fire broke out on a car deck of the ferry making a journey from the Greek port of Patras to Ancona in Italy. The Greek and Italian premiers separately expressed their condolences to the victims and gratitude to the rescue workers. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samras said the ‘’massive and unprecedented operation saved the lives of hundreds of passengers following the fire on the ship in the Adriatic Sea - un-

der the most difficult circumstances,” while Renzi said the ‘’impressive” rescue efforts prevented ‘’a slaughter at sea.” Passenger accounts emerging Monday painted a picture of a panicked reaction as the fire spread, with passengers choking on the smoke and struggling to figure out how to reach safety as they suffered both searing heat from the ship’s floors and driving rain outside. Prosecutors in Bari were opening an investigation into how the fire started. A Greek truck driver, reached by The Associated Press aboard one of the rescue vessels, described the rescue scene as “a chaos, a panic.” He said the fire alarm came after most passengers, alerted by smoke filling their cabins, had gone outside, and that there was no crew in sight to direct passengers.” Our feet were burning and from the feet up we were

soaked,” Christos Perlis, 32, told the AP by telephone. When rescue helicopters arrived, Perlis said passengers began to panic.” Everyone there was trampling on each other to get onto the helicopter,” said Perlis, who said he and another man tried to impose order.” First children, then women and then men. But the men, they started hitting us so they could get on first. They didn’t take into consideration the women or the children, nothing,” Perlis said. He said he reached safety after jumping in a helicopter basket carrying a girl. Turkish passenger Saadet Bayhan, speaking to Turkey’s NTV television from a rescue ship, confirmed that there were no fire alarms and that passengers woke each other up.”We experienced the Titanic. The only thing missing was that we didn’t sink,” she said.

Indonesia plane ‘at bottom of sea’

HE missing AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501 is likely to be at the bottom of the sea, the head of Indonesia’s searchand-rescue agency has said. Bambang Soelistyo said the hypothesis was based on the co-ordinates of the plane when contact with it was lost. The search for the Airbus A320-200, which disappeared with 162 people on board on Sunday on a flight to Singapore, has ended for a second day. The search area will be widened on Tuesday. Suwarto, the father of the captain, says he is trusting in “God’s will” The pilots had requested a course change because of bad weather but did not send any distress call before the plane disappeared from radar screens between Borneo and Sumatra. “Based on the co-ordinates

•More nations join in search given to us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is in the sea, the hypothesis is the plane is at the bottom of the sea,” Mr Soelistyo told a news conference in Jakarta. The search would continue to focus on oil slicks seen yesterday, Mr Soelistyo added, though it is not clear whether they were caused by the plane. Some ships were still searching for the plane, he added. Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said that 30 ships and 15 aircraft were taking part in the search, and that any ships in the area and “even fishermen” were being asked to join in. Four additional areas will be searched, the national search-and-rescue agency said.

Seven zones were patrolled Monday, the second day of working to find AirAsia Flight QZ8501. So far, the search has been fruitless. “Our early conjecture is that the plane is in the bottom of the sea,” said Bambang Sulistyo, the head of the searchand-rescue agency. That belief is based on the plane’s flight track and last known coordinates. The United States had already expressed willingness to help if asked, with the Navy 7th Fleet standing ready to contribute to search efforts. One task Indonesia is seeking help with involves technology. Indonesia has reached out to the United Kingdom, France and the United States for help with sonar devices that may be needed for an underwater

Palestinians seeks statehood bid in UN

ALESTINIANS plan to submit a final draft of a statehood resolution to the United Nations yesterday calling for a peace deal with Israel within a year and an end to occupation of Palestinian territories by the end of 2017, officials said. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas informed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry by phone that he would press ahead with the initiative despite Israeli and U.S. opposition, the official Palestinian WAFA news agency reported. Several European countries had been pushing for a less stringent timeline that might win broader support. Palestinian officials said the proposal calls for negotiations to be based on the territorial lines that existed before Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war. “The draft resolution calls for the resumption of nego-

tiations to solve all final status issues by no later than 12 months after the adoption of the resolution and ensures the end of the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 will come no later than the end of 2017,” the Palestine Liberation Organisation said. “It calls for two sovereign, democratic and secure states, Palestine and Israel.” Israel, which pulled troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip in 2005, has said its eastern border would be indefensible if it withdrew completely from the West Bank. A Palestinian draft, submitted to the Security Council by Jordan on Dec. 17, had called for Jerusalem to be the shared capital of Israel and a Palestinian state. The final proposal reverts to a harder line, saying only that East Jerusalem will be the capital of Palestine, the officials said. It also calls for an end to Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

search, Sulistyo said Monday. France has dispatched two investigators to Indonesia. They are due to arrive in Jakarta on Monday, France’s Foreign Ministry said. The missing plane is made by Airbus, a French company. China will dispatch aircraft and ships to participate in search and rescue efforts, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday. A Chinese navy frigate previously patrolling in the South China Sea was en route to the waters near where the plane lost contact, the ministry said on its website. The Chinese air force is also assisting with planning, the ministry said. A C-130 plane from Singapore has been participating in the search, and the country’s military said it’s sending two more ships to the search area. Malaysia’s transportation minister said his country has deployed three vessels and three aircraft to assist in the search. And the Royal Australian Air Force said Monday that it was deploying a patrol plane to help.

130 people die in India NO fewer than 130 people cold snap have died in a cold spell sweeping across northern and eastern India as dense fog disrupts rail and air services in the region, news reports said on Monday. It said that 25 people lost their lives in intense cold or fog-related accidents in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh over the weekend. The report said that the death toll in the state due to low temperatures had mounted to 124 during December. It added that Churk town in Mirzapur was the coldest in the state, recording a low of 0.5 degrees Celsius. Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner, Leena Johri declined to confirm the casualties, saying officials had not

reported any cold-related deaths so far. Twelve more cold-related deaths were reported from the eastern state of Bihar, Delhi and neighbouring Haryana state, which were also reeling under the cold spell. Air and rail traffic were severely affected, while foggy conditions at Delhi airport led to delays of 137 flights and cancellations of 14 more. Seventy-eight trains were running late due to low visibility. Report says winters in India are brief, beginning in December and ending by February, but cause many deaths

Syria to reopen its embassy in Kuwait

HREE Syrian diplomats left Damascus for Kuwait yesterday where they will reopen their country’s embassy in the Persian Gulf nation, a Syrian official said. Kuwait, where tens of thousands of Syrians live, has been a strong supporter of the opposition trying to remove President Bashar Assad from power. Khaled al-Jarallah, an undersecretary at Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry, was quoted in the local Kuwaiti news website Aljarida earlier this month as saying that the Syrian diplomats left Kuwait City voluntarily in March and are returning voluntarily to resume consular services for Syrian residents there.

Al-Jarallah was quoted as saying that this does not mean a normalization of relations with Syria and that Kuwaiti diplomats would not be returning to Damascus, where the embassy closed after Syria’s crisis began in March 2011. The Syrian Embassy in Kuwait shuttered it doors nine months ago, forcing some 130,000 Syrian residents there to seek consular services from the embassy that remains open in the United Arab Emirates. Syrians across the Gulf Arab states have struggled to renew their passports and register marriages, births and deaths with their government because of the closure of Syrian embassies in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait

West Bank ministers visit Gaza for unity talks

ALESTINIAN officials have travelled from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip for the first working meeting of their struggling unity government, months after it was formed, in hopes of reviving efforts to end years of bitter political division. The Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas agreed last spring to form a government of apolitical technocrats. But the government is still not properly functioning due to deep differences.

Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, leaving the Palestinians divided between two governments. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority governs in the West Bank. Monday’s meeting was the second time officials from the West Bank have traveled to Gaza since the government was formed. Spokesman Ihab Bsaiso says ministers will discuss a range of issues, including electricity shortages and postwar construction.

Ebola case confirmed in Glasgow hospital

A •Abbas

Israel has said a Security Council vote, which follows the collapse in April of U.S.brokered talks on Palestinian statehood, would only deepen the decades-old conflict. It supports negotiations but rejects third-party timelines. “We will continue to rebuff vigorously attempts to force terms that would jeopardize our security,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to the Palestinian U.N. bid, said in public remarks to his cabinet on Sunday.

HEALTHCARE worker who has just returned from West Africa has been diagnosed with Ebola and is being treated in hospital in Glasgow. The woman, who arrived from Sierra Leone on Sunday night, is in isolation at Glasgow’s Gartnavel Hospital. All possible contacts with the case are being investigated, including on flights to Scotland via Heathrow. The woman will be transferred to specialist high level isolation in London as soon as possible. At a news conference in Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressed that the risk to the general public was very low. She added that the pa-

tient was thought to have had contact with only one other person since arriving in the city, but that all passengers on the flights the woman took will be traced. Ms Sturgeon said: “Apart from other passengers on the flights and obviously the hospital staff since this patient’s admittance to hospital, she, the patient is thought to have had contact with only one other person in Scotland since returning to Scotland last night and that person will also be contacted and given appropriate reassurance.” Alisdair MacConachie, of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “She’s being managed in an isolation facility by staff who are comfortable managing patients in such a situation. She herself is quite stable and is not

showing any great clinical concern at the minute.” NHS Scotland said infectious diseases procedures had been put into effect at the Brownlee Unit for Infectious Diseases at Gartnavel. The patient returned to Scotland from Sierra Leone late on Sunday via Casablanca and London Heathrow, arriving into Glasgow Airport on a British Airways flight at about 23:30. While public health experts have emphasised that the risks are negligible, a telephone helpline has been set up for anyone who was on the BA 1478 Heathrow to Glasgow flight. The number is: 08000 858531 The woman had been admitted to hospital early on Monday morning after feeling unwell and was placed into isolation at 07.50.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT

Hello.... Good news, bad news Continued from page 3

“I

HAVE always believed that the CBN, NCC, telecommunication operators and banks need to build efficient mobile money structure that will guarantee the project’s success. Mobile money remains a convenient, secure and affordable way to send money to friends and family. “As at today, mobile money remains a huge business opportunity for stakeholders, but there is the need to get the fundamentals right. It is only when the fundamentals, like knowing whether a bank-led or telco-led model is best for the country, that the level of success expected would be achieved. At Etisalat, we are committed to the mobile money project. We see a lot of business potential in this field. But, like I said, regulators and other stakeholders need to get the fundamentals right,” he told The Nation.

Impact in agric, education, health sectors. The importance of the revolution has been tremendous in the agric sector. It has ended the long years of rackeering in the fertiliser distribution scheme. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina said the importance of the cell phones to farmers cannot be overemphasised. He said: “It is actually the cell phone that has provided us with the tool to directly access each farmer thereby denying corrupt middlemen from making fortune from their sweat. Some people think that our farmers are uneducated and cannot use cell phones. The evidence does not support that. Under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, we made it possible for farmers to transact business in their own local languages using their cell phones. “We intend to use the GES scheme to distribute these phones. To be entitled to a phone, every farmer must be registered on the e-wallet platform. Paper vouchers will be issued to farmers who do not have phones. The government will provide a subsidy to the farmer through the voucher to buy the phone. The farmer takes the voucher to the local mobile phone operator and pays the balance which is the difference between the value of the voucher and the cost of the phone. “Once a farmer buys a phone and a SIM card, his new phone number will be updated on the e-wallet database and he will be able to receive his ewallet voucher which will entitle him to purchase fertilizer and seeds at subsidised rates. Phones will be sold directly to farmers by local mobile phone service providers.” According to him, the total number of transactions done by phone with respect to the GES scheme stood at 4.9 million, relying on available data, based on farmers’ use of cellphones to access fertilizers and seeds last year. Adesina explained that out of the 4.9 million transactions, 1.2 million were in English, 620,000 were in Pidgin (English), 2.2 million were in Hausa, 854,000 were in Yoruba while 344 were in Igbo languages. According to him, in the first year of the GES scheme, 1.2 million farmers received their subsidised fertilizers and seeds through their cell phones, saying that the number is expected to grow to 1.5 million farmers by the end of the dry season. He gave the percentage of benefici-

aries from the distribution of fertilizers and seeds through mobile phones, at 25 per cent from the Northwest, 12 per cent (Southeast) 13 per cent in the Southsouth, 10 per cent in the Southwest, 18 per cent in the Northcentral and 22 per cent in the Northeast. Adesina, however, said that 71 per cent of farmers sampled are yet to enjoy cell phone facility because many of the farmers in rural areas are poor and are excluded from the benefits of the on-going mobile phone revolution. According to him, the use of mobile phones to distribute fertilisers and seeds to farmers has recorded tremendous success in countries such as Kenya and Malawi. Its impact on the education sector is supposed to be revolutionary. With mobile phones that are internet-enabled, online access to resource materials on virtually every subject matter becomes easy. Similarly, there is now access to e-book which could be read online while student could do quite a number of things on their mobile devices, especially in the tablets age. In the health sector, the mobile operators have launched one mobile health insurance policy or the other. A sector analyst says it is too early to start feeling the impact of some of the health initiatives. But health tips sent through the mobile phone has been of tremendous success in the Abiye health initiative that has put and to pregnancy from turning to a death penalty. Each ranger or health facility is equipped with means of vehicular movement and evacuation of patients ranging from customised motorcycles to tricycle and 4-wheeled ambulances. Speedboat ambulances were earmarked for the riverine areas. To facilitate communication, individual mobile phones on a toll free caller-user group platform were provided for the pregnant women and their care-givers.

The bad, the ugly President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Bayo Banjo, said there are some bad sides to the widespread adoption of Information Communications Technology (ICT). According to him, “one of them is this job called Yahoo-Yahoo, a lot of our young people and even older people are involved in this but of course, in any new innovation, there are always the bad sides.”

Steady decline in students’ performance There has been steady decline in the standard of education with the country recording 70 per cent failure rate in the result of this year’s West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). Head, National Office of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Charles Eguridu said a total of 1,705,976 candidates registered for the examination, but only 1,692,435 candidates, consisting of 929,075 male and 763,360 female candidates eventually wrote the examination. Out of the 1,692,435 that wrote the examination, a total of 529,425 candidates, representing 31.28 per cent, obtained credit passes in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics. He said the 2014 May/June result when compared to that of the last two year’s, showed a marginal decline in the performance of candidates. According to him, in the May/June

•Dr. Adesina

•Wilsher

‘

Most of them are busy chatting on phone and playing with computers and laptops. Students nowadays depend on “orijo” which makes reading culture to be on a low side. They are fond of cutting corners 2012 WASCE, 38.81 per cent of the candidates that sat for the examinations obtained five credit passes and above including English Language and Mathematics. In 2013, the percentage declined to 36.57 per cent, as against the 31.28 per cent recorded currently. Details of the current results as presented by Eguridu, revealed that 791,227 candidates, representing 46.75 per cent, obtained six credits and above while 982,472 candidates representing 58.05 per cent, obtained five credits and above. Also 1,148,262 candidates, representing 67.84 per cent, obtained credits and above in four subjects; 1,293,389 candidates, representing 76.42 per cent, obtained credits and above in three subjects; while 1,426,926 candidates, representing 84.31 per cent obtained credits and above in two subjects. A total number of 161 blind candidates, he added, registered for the examination, out of which 150 participated. From this figure, 21 candidates, representing 14 per cent obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language. Visually-impaired candidates, Eguridu noted, do not write Mathematics and science practical’s in the WASCE. He further disclosed that 1,605,613 candidates, representing 94.87 per cent had their results fully released, while 86,822 candidates, representing 5.13 per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors, traced mainly to laxity on the part of the candidates and the schools, in the course of registration or writing the examination. He blamed parents for the dismal performance of students in the examination. He alleged that parents have abdicated their role model functions to the pursuit of money. He said: “With this presentation, most Nigerians would quickly place the blame at the doorstep of schools and government. But they will not be quick enough to compare what quality used to be in those days when par-

‘

ents were part of their wards learning. Contemporary parents no longer show commitment to the learning outcomes of their children. Parents are now too busy to monitor and guide their children towards hard work as well as complement teachers’ efforts. “Everyone seems to have forgotten that those who excel in life are those who do what others are unable to do, going the extra mile with their studies to achieve success. There has been a steady decline in the last two years, though records show that the decline is marginal, but with the slight decline, we cannot say the students have not done well. Nigerian students performed comparatively well, when compared to other students in other WAEC countries, particularly in Mathematics.” But the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof Joseph Olusanya, identified the widespread use of mobile devices as a major factor responsible for the declining fortunes of the education sector. He said: “Most of them are busy chatting on phone and playing with computers and laptops. Students nowadays depend on “orijo” which makes reading culture to be on a low side. They are fond of cutting corners,” he said. A school tutor at Prudent Comprehensive College, Mr Olawale agrees no less with the deputy vice chancellor. He said: “Parents are to blame because they equip their children with tools which they fail to monitor their usage. Experience has shown that while lectures are going on, student bury their heads on the desks browsing the internet, chatting on Facebook and posting goofy pictures on Instagram. It is now common to see students spend valuable time pinging on their Blackberry phones. The situation has been made worse now that the BBM application could easily be downloaded from Google Play store free of charge.”

Armed robbery, kidnap-forransom While the NCC said SIM registration has reduced crime rate in the country, stakeholders insist it has not as some unscrupulous elements within the system still sell pre-registered SIM cards to criminals who use and dump them after perpetrating crimes, leaving no trace behind. Banjo said: “When mobile phones came, I remember I had to caution people who said, oh things will be fantastic, you can call the police, you can call this, you can call that but the reverse is the case. “Now the armed robber can use the phone to warn his people carrying out an operation that police are around. A criminally-minded bank official can call someone and say XYZ has just withdrawn N4 million cash, meet him at such and such places. So in any innovation, there is always the good and the bad side.”

BTS and health challenges As ICT pervade all aspects of modern living there are increases in radio frequency radiation emitted by more and more Base Transmission Stations (BTS), especially those installations erected in residential areas. Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) studies are yet to find any clear risk or health hazards associated with electromagnetic fields based on current findings, there are indeed fears that BTS erected in residential areas poses health risks to those living close to them. Indeed, there have been a couple of cases where some people were diagnosed and cause of their illness traced to emission from radio frequency emissions. There are about 29,000 BTS across the country but between 70,00 and 80,000 are required to enthrone seamless telecoms service delivery. Increasingly, fears about the likely harmful effects of BTS are making people to be wary of offering their compounds as sites for BTS, regardless of the financial inducements.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

Falcons can win the World Cup —Nkwocha L

ONG serving Super Falcons’ striker, Perpetual Nkwocha has stated that the Edwin Okontutored Falcons possess the quality and potential to qualify from their group already tagged the group of death and go ahead to win the Women’s World Cup in Canada next year. Nigeria is grouped alongside the United States America, Australia, and Sweden in group D Nkwocha is confident of her team’s qualification from the Group of Death and also proceed to possibly win the competition. The former Africa Women Player of the Year and who currently plies her trade with Sunnana Sk in the Swedish premier League, disclosed that "There is no reason to panic over the draw, the fact is that we should prepare very well,

• Nkwocha

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja play grade A friendly matches and by so doing the team will be in the right shape to do well at the World Cup. "The good thing also is that the current team has very good players who are so hungry for success. They also have some level of experience that will be handy during the World Cup," Perpetual maintained that the time has indeed come for Nigeria Super Falcons to go beyond the quarter final level. "Our teams have done so well at the junior categories and it is now the right time to replicate those performances at the senior level just to show that our performances at those championships are not flukes," she said. The 2015 FIFA World Cup in Canada is scheduled to hold from June 6 to July 5.

2015 AFCON OFFICIATING

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja ciating in the competition. Edibe who missed out of the 2014 FIFA world cup in Brazil, is looking forward to the competition with excitement.

"This is indeed another opportunity for me to only show how good I am and to also show there are good referees in Nigeria. More so, I want to really represent Nigeria since the Super Eagles will not be there to defend the cup they

NFF sends second batch of elite referees to London • Capacity building programme hits full throttle

HE second batch of elite referees, this time 20 in number, will depart Nigeria for a two –week capacity building exercise in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2015. The delegation will be led by Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and will also include the Chairman of Nigeria Referees Association, Alhaji Ahmed Maude. Already, ARIK airline has offered to fly the 22 persons at half the fare to the United Kingdom and back, while Seina Marine Limited is bankrolling the exercise. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Seina Marine, Mr. Scot Tommey said on Monday: “We are delighted to be a part of this be-

cause we believe in the wellarticulated vision of Mr. Amaju Pinnick for Nigerian football. “He is someone who knows exactly what it will take to make positive changes to the Nigerian game and we are interested in lending a helping hand. I can tell you that apart from the support we are giving to this exercise, we are also looking at other areas in which we can partner the NFF on football development.” The twenty referees who will benefit from the second exercise are: Hadiza Musa, Bosede Momoh, Uloma Nwogu, Paul Umuago, Jelili Ogunmuyiwa, Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Jeremiah Akure, Francis Agbaegbu, Ahmed Rufai, Iheanacho

Chukwuemeka, Dele Atoun, Suleiman Jimeta, Abubakar Audu, Obieze Okiridu, Ezenwanko Obiora, Ishyaku Ibrahim, Sunny Atu, Sani Mohammed, Jibrin Isa and Mohammed Aliyu Jingi. Those who went for the first exercise are Ferdinand Udoh, Shuaibu Abdullahi, Usman Isah, Samuel Pwadutakam, Orowole Tope, Egudia Efosa, Peter Ogwu, Musa Dung Davon, Olayinka Olayide and Ukah Ndubuisi. NFF President Amaju Pinnick said: “It is an ongoing exercise. We want to have a pool of 60 referees who will be fully prepared and able to handle matches in the Nigeria Premier League and other domestic competitons without fear or favour.”

won in South Africa," he said. Edibe’s 2015 AFCON appointment by CAF will be his 5th appearance, making him the highest in the history of Nigeria referees to attain such height. Nigerian Referees have been seriously overlooked by both CAF and FIFA in officiating at major international tournaments, a situation several Nigerian football analysts have attributed to Nigeria’s failure to play the politics of the game. However, some have attributed it to the fact that Nigerian Referees are not good enough to officiate at such high level, and Edibe vowed to change that mentality. "There are good referees in Nigeria, it’s just unfortunate that we have been over looked," he lamented.

• Edibe

CSKA seeks 6m Euros Nigerian target

• Samuel

L10.NG understands that Guangzhou R&F and CSKA Moscow are locked in talks over a transfer fee for Nigeria international Aaron Samuel. The Russian Premier League club have officially approached their Chinese counterparts regarding the availability of the young striker in the January transfer window. Guangzhou R&F chiefs are not willing to negotiate for any sum less than six million euros, a figure considered too high by CSKA Moscow,

hence, their initial approach was rebuffed. Just recently, Guangzhou R&F rejected a bid of 10m euros from Shanghai East Asia for both Aaron Samuel and Morocco international Abderrazak Hamdallah. They are mindful of the fact that the club will be participating in next season's Asian Champions League, and are not prepared to sell their top players, for below their asking price for that matter. In their bid to convince Aaron Samuel to remain at

ACCABI Netanya are demanding an unrealistic sum of money from European teams interested in the signing of Olarenwaju Kayode. According to reports in Israel, the initial bids made by Scottish champions Glasgow Celtic and Gent were far below Maccabi Netanya’s one million euros asking price. That said, the First Division champions are hoping to finalize negotiations with the interested clubs sometime next week, after the New Year celebrations. Maccabi Netanya are seeking one million euros for Kayode because they have to remit 30 percent of the transfer income to Nigerian club Heartland, who had in-

PUBLIC NOTICE AKINOSUN

• Kayode

serted a sell on clause in his contract. Olarenwaju Kayode still has a valid contract with the Diamonds until 2016.

PUBLIC NOTICE OBIUWEVBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinosun Christianah Olufemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ricketts Chriatianah Olufemi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWATOSIN OGHENETEGA OBIUWEVBI, wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWATOSIN OGHENETEGA IKHIDE. All former documents remain valid. University of Benin, NYSC and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF SIGNATURE I, Okanlawon Olatunde of 30, Adigun Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, has applied to change my signature to thumbprint. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I’ll make an impression, says Edibe IGERIA’S FIFA badge referee, Peter Edibe who is one of the referees selected to officiate in next year’s African Cup of Nations has vowed to make Nigeria proud by putting in good offi-

Celtic, Gent fail to meet Kayode’s valuation

the Yuexiushan Stadium in 2015, Guangzhou R&F have promised the Super Eagle that they will increase his wages. Presently, the former Sarpsborg 08 and Vålerenga man earns 650,000 euros per season excluding bonuses. Aaron Samuel has told his minders that his time in China is up and is open to a move to CSKA Moscow. With the Russian transfer window expected to close for business late February, CSKA Moscow are hoping to tie up a deal before that date.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, known and addressed as Alaka Idiat Adeyoola, Adewale Idiat Adeyoola is one and same person as Adewale Idiat Adeyoola (Nee Alaka). All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE WAGWU I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. WENDY NDIDI WAGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. WENDY NDIDI AGIDEE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 3080

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

N the week leading to Christmas, dozens of gunmen stormed Gumsuri, some 70 kilometres south of Maiduguri, killed more than 30 young men and abducted more than 100 women and children. Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility, but the operation, carried out along the road that leads to Chibok, bears its grisly signature. Chibok, as the world knows, was where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 girls from their school hostel last April. Their whereabouts and their condition remain unknown. Details of the deadly raid on Gumsuri did not emerge for four days. Boko Haram had sabotaged the mobile phone network in the area, and many of the roads are impassable. For Boko Haram, this was all in a day’s work. During the past six months, Boko Haram has killed at least 2,053 civilians, according to Human Rights Watch. From the data supplied by the African Studies Programme at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, in Baltimore, Maryland (no official Nigerian figures are available), no fewer than 29, 600 civilians have been killed in Boko Haram’s campaign of murder and mayhem since 1998. More than one million have been forced to relocate. These figures are most likely undercounts. But even at that, for a country that is not caught in the paroxysm of a civil war or ravaged by an epidemic or natural disaster on a Biblical scale, that is a lot of deaths and a lot of displacement. And the prospects are for more of the same, given Boko Haram’s fiendish zealotry and the token resistance that Nigeria’s armed forces have thus far mustered in their engagements with the insurgents. The military high command has taken a great deal of criticism for what many see as its desultory response to the Boko Haram challenge. As if in refutation, the military has been prosecuting its own rank and file on a charge of mutiny, the ultimate crime in its code. Fifty-four enlisted men were recently sentenced to death, having been found guilty of mutiny by a court martial. Some three hundred others are awaiting trial on the same charge, and the indications are that a good number of them will be found guilty and condemned to death. All this is coming at a time when too many people have died at the barbarous hands of Boko Haram that the armed forces were supposed to hold in check, if not vanquish altogether. To add to this the grisly toll by executing those solders found guilty of mutiny can only exacerbate the bloodletting without serving any useful purpose. This column has always stood resolutely

RIPPLES BABANGIDA IS MY FATHER –JONATHAN

Because of Election…ehn?

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Too many people have died

•Some of the condemned soldiers.

and implacably opposed to capital punishment even as a sanction for the most heinous crimes. The support for capital punishment rests principally on the claim that it serves as a deterrent. Knowing that they stand to pay with their own if found guilty of a capital crime, only those possessed by a death wish would commit such a crime. Without such a deterrent, it is claimed, capital crimes would escalate. If this claim holds true, the homicide rates in the major industrial countries that have abolished capital punishment should have risen sharply. So should the volume of capital crimes in those states that do not practise capital punishment, or employ it only sparingly. But again, this has not been the case. Capital punishment, then, is no deterrent. It deters only those who have been executed: they will never commit another capital crime. But the same end can be secured with far less damage to the social fabric by keeping those convicted of capital crimes in jail for life, with-

out the possibility of parole. The strongest argument against capital punishment is its finality. Once carried out, it cannot be reversed even if it turns out, as happens not infrequently, that the executed person was innocent, or that guilt was not established beyond a reasonable doubt. It will be objected that the military is a special case governed by military law, and that the foregoing arguments do not and should not apply. I will argue that the military are part and parcel of the larger society and are, in democratic settings, subordinated to the civilian authority, which can properly set aside death penalties decreed by martial law. There are many reasons why the civilian authorities should vacate the capital punishment that 54 condemned soldiers now face for mutiny. The men had entered the military, prepared to die for their country in the expectation that their country would do its duty by them – house them properly, train them adequately, give them the tools of their trade, pay their

HARDBALL

TILL on his Watch, Baba and the Bard (BAB) just tangled. Is it any wonder barbs are flying from the Bard, that takes no lexical prisoners? Baba, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has committed the literary equivalent of the proverbial Islamic zealot that carries his saara (votive offering) beyond the mosque. The last time the Ebora Owu committed such literary harakiri, he was still the all-mighty president. But not even that illusion could save Baba from the Kongi tempest, sending Baba hurtling down the literary plane, as a vicious hurricane would uproot a big tree and send it zipping on the horizon, like some tiny pin! Phew! Had Baba compared notes with those who inherited his court, they would not have committed similar suicide. Not so long ago, a certain presidential spouse tried her lexical kindergarten on this same bard — and open sesame, a new lexicon birthed on Nigeria’s literary space: sheppopotamus! This bard sure takes no prisoners. Lexical misadventurers, beware! But like a doomed dog deaf to the hunter’s whistle, Baba would go court avoidable trouble. In his latest book, My Watch, Baba ran his mouth on the Nobel laureate’s alleged shakabula (crude, inaccurate) reputation

Baba, the Bard and barbs as a political pundit. Hear Baba Iyabo declare with flourish: He is a “misfit as a political analyst, commentator or critic ... For Wole, no one can be good, nor can anything be spot-on politically except that which emanates from him or is ordained by him ... I take him seriously on almost all issues except on the political, particularly Nigerian politics.” Since Baba chose literature, a field in which the Nobel laureate is well grounded to dismiss him as a “bloody amateur”, the same way the general would, in military conceit, dismiss non-soldiers as “bloody civilians”, Kongi chose D.O. Fagunwa’s Yoruba classic, Igbo Olodumare, to paint an unflattering portraiture of Obasanjo’s public persona. That persona belonged, according to the book, to the worst set of humans who, when they die, in Fagunwa’s fictive cosmogony, don’t go to heaven or hell direct, but are garrisoned somewhere, for extreme wickedness, while on earth.

salaries and allowances at the appropriate time, and care for them when they come to harm in the line of duty, generally look after their welfare. What do we find in practice? The barracks in which many military personnel live are just a shade less decrepit than those housing the police. Payment of salaries and allowances is often delayed, sometimes for several months It came to light at the hearings of the Oputa Panel that, more than 15 years after the Ejigbo plane disaster in which a generation of army officers perished, their families had not received their entitlements. It may well be that, today, 10 years later, they are still waiting for their due. Several years ago, soldiers who served with ECOMOG in Liberia had to stage a sustained demonstration to get their entitlements released by their commanding officer. Those who returned from Sierra Leone and Liberia with serious injuries were abandoned to their own devices in squalid hospital wards. Former U. S. President Jimmy Carter was so moved by their plight that he brought in a planeload of medicines and supplies for their relief. The luckier war casualties shipped to Egypt for treatment had to stage strikes and demonstrations to get their remittances. The obsolescent weapons issued to our military personnel are no match for the munitions of those they are supposed to engage in battle. The Federal Government confirmed that much when it set out to raise a loan of one billion dollars to equip the armed forces to fight Boko Haram. Training and re-training have been put in abeyance. Professionalism has been compromised by those who should serve as shining examples. The corruption choking the larger society has corroded the esprit de corps of the armed forces. Budgets are drawn up, funds are released, but there is little to show for all that expenditure. The result has been widespread demoralisation. The refusal of a large number of soldiers to proceed on combat duty is a manifestation of that demoralisation. Under the military code, the refusal was an act of insubordination. They were certainly remiss in their obligations. But so are the military establishment and the Nigerian state, which failed to hold up their end of the bargain. To make the condemned men pay for their dereliction with their lives will amount to a travesty of justice and morality. Demobilising them – with dishonourable discharge in the most egregious cases — would be punishment enough. Too many people have died. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above The Bard declared that the alleged persona of his amateur literary traducer, from Fagunwa’s classification, belongs to the seventh and worst of this class of people. More details on that persona, according to WS, quoting Fagunwa: “With his mouth, he ruined the work of others, while he used a big potsherd to cover the good works of some, that others might not see their attainments. He nosed around for secrets that would entrap his companions, and blew them up into monumental crimes in the eyes of the world. He who turns the world upside down, places the deceitful on the throne, casts the truthful down — because such is a being of base earth, he will never stand as equal among the uplifted ...” Does that really add up Baba’s public image, though the Bard insists the man is an unfazed master of mendacity? The jury is out! But before you could call WS, our Bard rounded off with sarcastic flourish: “So, let our Great Immortal, the Unparalleled Achiever, Divinely appointed Watchman ... remember Fagunwa’s Iku, the ultimate predator whose visitation comes to us all, sooner or later. Chei! There is Death o!” Did a certain presidential spouse feel some collateral heat?

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