The Nation December 07, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

ICPC insists Wabara must face trial

Fayemi presents N93.6b budget

NEWS

NEWS Page 8

Page 7

•Infrastructure gets lion’s share

•Supreme Court to rule February 22

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2333 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Balarabe, Okotie, Falae lose out as INEC kills 28 parties

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last night de-registered 28 political parties.

There were 56 political parties after the agency withdrew the registration of seven of the 63 political parties before the 2011

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

general elections.

No reason was given for the INEC’s action.

A statement by INEC Secretary Abdullahi A. Kaugama, reads: “In the exercise of the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution (as

amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission has today, Thursday, December 6, 2012, de-registered the following political parties:” “African Liberation Party (ALP), Action Party of Nigeria (APN), African Political

System (APS), Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Community Party of Nigeria (CPN).

“Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN), Fresh Democratic Party (FDP),

Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Justice Party (JP), Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria (LDPN), Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ).”

“Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD), Nigeria Continued on page 4

Fed Govt, states to borrow $7.9b

F

EDERAL and state governments yesterday defended at the Senate their requests for approval to borrow over $7.9 billion.

Of the amount, the Federal Government is to borrow $4,846.3 billion.

Some state governments applied for approval for a loan of $3,059.39 billion.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Business Page 4

Mikel to miss three matches

C

•The multi-billion naira VP’s Lodge...yesterday

PHOTO: SANNI ONOGU

HELSEA midfielder John Mikel Obi has been given a three-match ban and fined £60,000, for his behaviour after Chelsea’s defeat by Manchester United in October.

The Nigerian...

Senators reject N9b T more for VP’s house

Sport Page 24

Capital Oil: Hearing puts off

N14b ‘indefensible’

T

HE Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday opposed additional N9billion expenditure on Vice President Namadi Sambo’s official residence, which is being built.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Smart

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Adeyemi, who visited the site, said spending such a huge amount of money was uncalled for, particularly now that Nigerians cannot afford three square meals.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Adamu Ismail had told the law-

FOR N9 BILLION •Furniture •Fencing •Two guest houses •Banquet Hall •Security gadgets makers that the project was awarded in 2009 at N7billion.

The proposed additional N9billion, he said, is needed

for furniture, fencing, two more protocol guest houses, a banquet hall and security gadgets.

Ismail said the proposal was not included in the original scope of work being handled by construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.

Adeyemi said: “The National Assembly is not going to appropriate additional N9billion for the project, es-

pecially at a period in this country when people cannot get three square meals.

“The N9billion is far more than the original cost of the project.”

The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Domingo Obende, however, asked the Executive Secretary to submit the additional scope of work for which the fund is required to the committee for

Abdulsalami: North to recover in 20 years •SEE P AGE 4 PA

Continued on page 4

HERE was a drama yesterday in the House of Representatives as its Committee on Public Petitions considered a petition by the Managing Director of Capital Oil & Gas, Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, against Access Bank and Dr. Cosmas Maduka, the President/Chief Executive of Coscharis Ltd who is also a Director in Access Bank.

News Page 5

Ghana elects President today

G

HANA’s electoral commission chief has told the BBC everything is ready for today’s parliamentary and presidential elections, in a country seen as a model for democracy in Africa.

Kwadwo Afari-Gyan said the new biometric voter identification system worked smoothly during extensive tests.

•Ex-Head of State laments insecurity •NEWS EXTRA P13 •SPORT P23 •SOCIETY 25 •BRAND P29 •POLITICS P43 Foreign Page 2

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

2

NEWS

Nollywood Nollywood stars yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Enebeli Elebuwa, report OVWE MEDEME and MERCY MICHAEL

T • President Goodluck Jonathan (second right) and Vice- President Namadi Sambo (left), with two recipients of the 2012 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM),Prof. Samuel Obaegbulam and Prof. Emmanuel Ayotunde Yoloye (right) at the State House, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

• Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, his wife Lady Mercy Odochi Orji, Deputy Governor Emeka Ananaba and his wife Lady Nene Ananaba at the funeral service of Late Chief Henry Obioha Orji at Ugba community primary school, Ugba Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA.

HEY worked together. Many learnt lessons from him and were expecting him to recover from his ilness and return to set.

Colleagues of the late Enebeli Elebuwa were still distraught yesterday.

Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus said the late Elebuwa gave his best to the industry. She said he would forever be remembered for his versatility.

Mrs. Okereke-Linus said: “For filmmaker and actress, the flurry of deaths in the industry is a cause for concern. It is really sad the way we are losing our veterans. Only recently, we lost Pete Eneh and now Enebeli has joined him. He was a fine, interesting, loving and giving man.

As an up and coming artiste, I remember working together with him on the film, Together as One. He gave me a lot of fatherly advice. I will miss him greatly.”

Ace producer and actor Kunle Afolayan said his death has created a void. Afolayan said: “I knew him as Andrew and he finally checked out. One thing I know is that his death is a very sad thing. He has left a void that will be hard to fill in the industry.”

Star actor Ernest Obi said the late Elebuwa would be missed in the industry.

Obi said: “He will be missed. He was a great and principled man and he was dedicated to whatever role he was given. He was one of the few professionals left in the industry.”

Actress Benita Nzeribe said she

was shocked to learn of the late Elebuwa’s death. She said the industry was yet to recover from the death of of another veteran Pete Eneh when Elebuwa died.

She said: “His death comes as a great shock, especially as the industry is yet to recover the death of veteran Pete Eneh. More heartbreaking is the fact that I worked with him on a couple of movies. Nobody can deny the fact that Enebeli had a great impact on the Nigerian movie scene. His works speaks for him and he will be greatly missed.”

Former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Segun Arinze, said the deceased was an icon. Arinze said Elebuwa would be remembered as a great man, who fought gallantly till the death.

He said: “He was a great man. He fought gallantly to the end. He was an icon. We remember him as Andrew checking out. He has checked out now.

We hope he checks into heaven. The ailment started when I was still the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

We all ran helter-skelter to see that he stabilizes. At some point, it looked like he was recovering. We later we heard the sickness relapsed until finally a few days ago that we learnt of the sad incident.”

Actress Florence Onuma said she thought the late Elebuwa was recovering. “I was actually thinking he was recovering until I heard of his passing on. It is so sad. The way we are losing our veterans is becoming very alarming. I just pray it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

GHANA ELECTION

Ghana ready for polls

G

HANA’s electoral commission chief has told the BBC everything is ready for today’s parliamentary and presidential elections, in a country seen as a model for democracy in Af-

• Ademola Ogungbuji of SIAO (right), Accenture’s Usen Udoh and Abayomi Olarinmoye (left) at the 18th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO:SOLOMON ADEOLA

• General Manager, Home Entertainment, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr Dave Shin, Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr Mohammed Fouani, and Assistant Manager, Digital Marketing and PR, Mr Paul Mba during the launch of LG 84-inch ultra high definition TV in Lagos.

PHOTO: KUTELU GBENGA

rica.

Kwadwo Afari-Gyan said the new biometric voter identification system worked smoothly during extensive tests.

President John Mahama, 54, is expected to face a strong challenge from Nana Akufo-Addo, 68.

The 2008 election was decided by just 30,000 votes in the run-off.

After gaining the most votes in the first round, Akufo-Addo, from the then governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), was praised for peacefully accepting his defeat.

Mahama, from the National Democratic Congress, took over as president after John Atta Mills died suddenly in July.

Ghana has held two peaceful transfers of power since military rule ended in 1992.

“We are ready to go,” Afari-Gyan told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme.

He said all the election material had been delivered to districts and constituencies around the country.

He said the new biometric system had been tested over two months and again earlier this week, when security personnel voted, but added that if there were any problems, voting would be extended until tomorrow.

“If everything is normal and goes smoothly, we give ourselves 72 hours [to announce the result],” he said.

There are eight presidential candidates overall.

As well as being praised for its democracy, Ghana also has one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, thanks to its recently tapped oil reserves.

Both Mahama and Akufo-Addo have promised to accept the result, but 5,000 soldiers have been put on standby just in case.

A run-off will be held on December 28, if no candidate wins more than 50 per cent of today’s vote.

There are six other presidential contenders and hundreds of candidates for the 275 parliamentary seats.

Though six other candidates are on the ballot, they are not expected to win more than 1 percent each, according to polling groups. Both candidates have been holding back-to-back rallies and posting constant campaign messages to Twitter and Facebook.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

3

NEWS

stars pay tributes to ‘Andrew’ Elebuwa ‘ a great He was

Other younger colleagues of the deceased, such as Bimbo Akintola and Ayo Adesanya, also paid glowing tributes to him.

Ms Akintola said: “I’m so sad. Death is a natural occurrence, but not when it comes early. Uncle Enebeli had so much to give, so much to show. I am still in shock.”

Ms Adesanya described him as a core professional. She said: “Uncle Enebeli, as we normally called him, was a professional to the core. The passion he had for acting was unquenchable. It is so painful that we have lost this particular veteran however; he will forever remain in our hearts. If there is one thing I will miss about him is that genuine way of laughing. When he did you could see the sincerity in his laughter. He was a very lively person and had a strong personality. With late uncle Enebeli there was never a dull moment.”

Actor and Delta State Commissioner for Culture Richard Mofe-Damijo said: "I spoke to him last week and he was in great spirits and was thanking the government for taking care of him. He told me he was much better and walking with his feet. In fact we were even beginning to think of his return. He will be greatly missed. He was a fantastic human being and a great actor. He was a gentle giant. I was close to him and I will miss his gentle and sweet personality because he was a great man, as well as an accomplished actor."

Actor and host of the popular MTN Project Fame Joseph Benjamin said:"It is indeed a great loss to our industry.

"He is most respected and cherished and although we never worked together, I have the utmost and profound respect for him. He is one of the greatest and he will surely be missed. My heart goes out to his family."

Ebube Nwagbo, an actress, said: "It's such a sad news after all the struggles.

But God knows best. It's such a big loss to Nollywood and beyond. May his soul

rest in perfect peace."

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker tweeted:"I have worked with Enebeli Elebuwa, he was a fantastic actor, may his soul rest in peace.

Nollywood has lost another great one."

The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, described the late Elebuwa as a rare breed actor.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Omeri, Mr Paul Odenyi, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the death came at a time when his sense of patriotism and wealth of experience was most needed to guide younger Nollywood operatives.

The work of "Andrew Checking Out" protagonist, he said, would continue to inspire patriotism and contribute to re-orientating Nigerians to always do the right thing.

Omeri recalled that he visited the actor in the hospital in Abuja to wish him speedy recovery.

Though NOA family wished Elebuwa had survived the illness, but it took solace in the lasting legacy of patriotism he left behind.

He urged the family of the late actor to find comfort in his legacies and prayed God to grant them and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The late Elebuwa hailed from Ukpane in Otagunu Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. He started acting in 1967 and the first soap opera he did was Mirror in the Sun. He also featured as a police officer in the popular Village Headmaster drama series.

He has more than 130 movies to his name and they include: "The King and the Maiden", "Royal Fight", "Dry My Tears", "Last Chance", "Heart of a Fighter" and "Implication" among others.

He was married with four kids. He

man. He fought gallantly to the end. He was an icon.

We remember him as Andrew checking out.

He has checked out now. We hope he checks into heaven

‘

died on Tuesday night in a Delhi hospital in India, where he has been receiving treatment for stroke for the past four months.

Elebuwa had been at the hospital for the past few months, courtesy of the Delta State Government.

The veteran actor was stricken with stroke last year and has sought

•Elebuwa

healing from numerous sources, including churches, where one Pastor Sign Fireman of the Perfect Christian Ministry, Surulere, claimed to have healed him in May this year.

But the actor later debunked those claims by saying: "If he claims that he has healed me, I leave everything to God. I was in his church and he

prayed for me, but my condition did not improve."

He then continued with his treatment in an Abuja hospital before being flown to India by the Delta State Government. Reports and pictures from India had all been positive until his death on Tuesday night.

GHANA ELECTION

The front runners

•John Dramani Mahama RESIDENT Mahama, 54, is seeking his first full term in office after succeeding President John Atta Mills, having been elected Mills’ vice-president in 2009.

Campaigning under the slogan “A better Ghana”, he lists economic growth, better energy supplies, improved access to education and political decentralisation as being among his priorities.

Mahama hails from the Gonja ethnic group in northern Ghana, where he was born in 1958 to a well-off family. His father was a member of parliament.

He has published a memoir under the title My First Coup d’Etat, in which he describes his time growing up in postindependence Ghana, including his father’s imprisonment during the coup that overthrew independence leader Kwame Nkrumah.

P

•Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo

M

R Akufo-Addo, 68, narrowly lost the 2008 election to John Atta Mills in the second round, after leading in the first round.

His slogan is “Change Now. Move Ghana Forward”, and his manifesto focuses strongly on education as a “key to individual and national development”.

Known as a champion of free-market economics and liberal democracy, Akufo-Addo promises to kick-start an “industrial revolution”, extend coverage by Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme and fight corruption.

Born to a prominent family in eastern Ghana - his father, Edward Akufo-Addo, was a chief justice and later president of Ghana. Mr Akufo Addo was a founding member of the NPP and served as foreign minister in 20027 under President John Kufuor.

Obasanjo calls for peaceful polls

H

EAD of the 250-member ECOWAS Observer Mission to today’s presidential and legislative elections in Ghana, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for a peaceful atmosphere during the polls.

Obasanjo made the appeal in Accra while continuing his stakeholders consultations with officials of the country’s three political parties, the National Electoral Commission and security agencies.

He held separate meetings with officials of the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP) and two opposition parties – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Obasanjo, who was accompanied by ECOWAS and AU officials, also visited the Ghana Police Headquarters, where they met with the I-G of Police, Paul Quaye, who is also chair of the National Elections Security Task Force, which encompasses representatives of the country’s security services.

The police chief informed him that more than 41,000 security agents, including 30,000 police personnel, would be deployed to provide security on Friday, the polling day.

According to the I-G, the security arrangement on the ground takes into account the identified and possible flash-points as well as a contingency plan to handle any eventuality, including rapid deployment of forces.

At the headquarters of the electoral commission, the chairman, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, assured Obasanjo that the Commission had taken all necessary measures to ensure successful polling on Friday.

“I can tell you that we are ready at the Commission,’’ he affirmed.

He added that the special voting on Tuesday by electoral officials and security personnel, who would be on duty on Friday had reinforced the readiness and confidence of the Commission in the biometric system, being used in Ghana for the first time.

The Chairman explained that security officials who were unable to vote on Tuesday would be given priority attention to cast their ballots on Friday to enable them return to their duty posts.

On Tuesday, Chief Obasanjo met with officials of the National Peace Council, the Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Theodora Wood, and two former presidents of the country, John Kufuor and J.J. Rawlings, whose rival political parties are fielding the two front runners in the presidential race.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

NEWS Senators reject N9b more for VP’s house Continued from page 1

•Wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola, Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello and others admire a Christmas Tree at Oshodi...yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Boko Haram: North needs 20 years to recover

I

T will take the North about 20 years to clear the mess created by insecurity – going by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s estimation.

The North has been held down by the Boko Haram insurgency. Thousands of people have been killed; businesses suffering and the gains of education are being reversed.

Also yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan urged political leaders in the Northeast to find a lasting solution to the sect’s menace. He spoke at the opening of the Northeast summit hosted by Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda at the Yankari Games Reserve.

Gen. Abdulsalami, who spoke at the Arewa House Conference on strategies for sustainable development in Kaduna, lamented the lack of unity among northerners. He said insecurity has done so much damage to the social and economic lives of the region.

The former Head of State said: “Certainly, if there is unity, we wouldn’t be here at this conference and since

Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

there is no unity, that is why the Arewa House is trying to galvanise it at this conference.

“It will take 20 years to revive the North. A lot of socioeconomic damage has been done. If you go round the areas; that is when you will appreciate the extent of damage done to the region. We have to work together to revive it “All of us should join hands; we cannot leave security to the government alone; every Nigeria is a security officer. Let’s try to join hands and report what we see, so that the government will be able to take action. We should be government’s watch dogs and also watch our communities.”

Senate Minority Leader George Akume is sad that the North is no longer safe for both its people and visitors.

He urged the people to imbibe hard work, integrity, honesty, respect and determination to lift the region back to its lost glory.

Akume said in an atmosphere where there is no peace, development will re-

main elusive, “no matter the determination of the actors”.

“The theme of this conference bears direct relevance to what is happening in the North. The topic for today is value and leadership. I do not intend to go into conceptual definition of values and leadership.

“In every society, there are norms and values. These are highly respected; respect for sanctity of human life, and where this is not respected, there is no way you can have peace. This is a very big challenge, particularly in the North.

“I am very sad things are happening the way they are happening now. I was in Borno about six months ago when my friend and brother, Governor Kashim Ibrahim, gave out his sister for marriage.

“We were about 30 that were supposed to go to Borno, but only eight of us decided to go. The others gave different reasons for not making it. We must imbibe the values of honour, respect, integrity, hard work and determination because they have direct bearing on the

development of the North.”

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Secretary Hakeen Baba-Ahmed argued that the next two years would be a test case for the country and the capacity for the North to bounce back to reckoning.

“The next two years will test the resilience of the Nigerian State and the capacity of Northerners to bounce back. Right now, the Boko Haram insurgency is eating it up like a cancer, and it will require bold initiatives by Northerners to find a solution, by influencing both the insurgency and the government.

“Not all Nigerians are comfortable with a united and strong North. Its current position, therefore, is welcome to its detractors and rivals.

They will not lift a finger to heal its wound. This will have to be done by people in this hall who feel the pain most.”

At the two-day Northeast Alliance for Transformation, which opened yesterday, the president asked the six governors in the zone to come up Continued on page 63

scrutiny.

Ismail told the lawmakers that the proposed N9billion has been slashed to about N6billion by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

He said: “We have worked out the details and passed to BPP for consideration. They (BPP) have sent it back to us with their observation.

“We requested for N9billion but now it came to about N 6billion.”

To Adeyemi, the N14 billion is indefensible, “in view of present realities”.

He said: “Now you are asking us to approve a total sum of about N14 billion and this is just the Vice President’s residence.

“N14billion, to me, is huge for the Vice President’s house. If you are even talking of N10 billion that would be understandable.

“The reality is that N14 billion is indefensible and that is our submission. In Nigeria, there are still many people with empty stomach. So, we have to look at budgeting in relation to the needs of the people.”

Vice President Sambo lives in Aguda House, one of the buildings officially designated as Presidential guest houses.

President Goodluck Jonathan also stayed in the Aguda House when he was vice president in the Yar’Adua presidency.

At the outset of this Republic in 1999, Vice President Atiku Abubakar stayed in the house which the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) currently occupies.

During the second term of the Obasanjo presidency – when there was no row between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku, it was then declared that the then VP was staying in the official residence of the CJN according to the Abuja masterplan.

The former VP then moved to his private residence shunning the Aguda House where he was told to relocate.

The Vice President’s residence under construction is a sprawling one-storey building sitting on a wide expanse of land beside the Millennium Park and behind the Yellow House headquarters of the State Security Service (SSS).

The edifice has a wide outer and inner living rooms and sitting rooms. There is a chapel and mosque on the left and right of the house respectively.

The building has been plastered with work on the central cooling system still ongoing. The inner sitting room is laid with marble tiles. The sewage and water system has been completed. The doors and windows are yet to be fixed. The landscaping of the compound has commenced but the roads are not tarred and the floor not tiled.

INEC de-registers 28 political parties Continued from page 1

Advanced Party (NAP), New Democrats (ND), National Majority Democratic Party (NMDP), National Movement of Progressive Party (NMPP).”

“National Reformation Party (NRP), National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP), Progressive Action Congress (PAC), Peoples Mandate Party (PMP), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).”

“People’s Salvation Party (PSP), Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN), United Na-

tional Party for Development (UNPD) United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP).”

“The Commission hereby reiterates its commitment to relating with political parties in accordance with extant laws and for the benefit of our electoral democracy.”

Some of the founder of the parties are Alhaji Balarabe Musa (PPP), Pastor Chris Okotie (FDP), Ex-Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani (CDC), Alhaji M.D. Yusuf (MDJ), Dr. Tunji Braithwaite (NAP), Chief Olu Falae (DPA).

Fed Govt, states to borrow $7.9b in 2013

F

EDERAL and State governments yesterday defended their requests for approval to borrow over $7.9 billion at the Senate.

Out of the amount, the Federal Government is seeking Senate’s nod to borrow $4,846.3 billion while some state governments applied for approval for a loan of $3,059.39 billion.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, explained that the purpose of the loan defence was to know the amount federal and state governments applied to borrow.

Uzamere also said that his committee wanted to ensure that the loans were tied to specific projects.

He noted that it was necessary for the Senate to be fully briefed on the details of the loans to enable Senators take informed decision on the approval or otherwise of the loans.

He said that it was neces-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

sary for Nigerians to know what the loans were meant for.

Uzamere assured that his committee would do justice to the requests before writing its report for the consideration of the Senate.

Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama said that the Ministry of Finance does not want to allow states to negotiate the terms of the loans.

Ngama noted that what the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, did was to negotiate general terms of borrowing for states.

He said that a situation where states would be given verifying terms of repayment would not arise.

He said that it was not true that the loan portfolio of the country is high.

The minister, who noted

that Okonjo-Iweala secured concessions for the loans, added that some of the loans were granted at zero per cent.

Commissioners of Finance of some states represented their states at the meeting.

Some of the loan benefiting states included Adamawa with a total sum of $54 million, Plateau $81 million, Abia $265million.

Other states that applied for the loan are Cross River , Kaduna , Kano , Lagos, Borno, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers, Ebonyi, Enugu , Bauchi, Yobe, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Jigawa, Sokoto, Anambra, Katsin, Edo, Niger, Bayelsa and Delta.

Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Borno States are to benefit from $140 million growth and employment project loan while Adamawa, Ondo and Nasarawa will share $50 million state health programme investment credit at the of

$16.67million each.

Abia,Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States will benefit from $450 million erosion watershed management project loan while Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Imo, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun States will share $250 million youth employment and social support operations loan.

Katsina and Niger will share $75 million rural and mobility project phase 11 loan at the rate of $37.5 million each while Edo State will take the loan of $25 million for Edo State growth and employment support operation.

Cross River and the Federal Government will share $120 million urban water 2 additional financing at the ratio of Cross River $100 million, FGN (Federal Ministry of Water Resources $20 million.

Bauchi, Ekiti and Anambra States will share $150 million state education programme investment project.

Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers will share $200 million state employment and expenditure for result project at the ratio of Bayelsa $37.7m, Edo $45.02m, Rivers $61.63m, Delta $39.78m, FGN $7.8m, Ministry of Niger Delta $2.5m and NPC $5.3m.

Oyo State requested for $200 million flood and waste management loan project while the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will share $300 million agricultural operation loan project.

Under the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) loan, Kaduna State will take $44.69 million to upgrade hospital facilities. The state will also take $17.32 million four science secondary schools loan project.

Kaduna State will also take Continued on page 63

•Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

OUR ERROR The word siege was wrongly spelt as seige in one of our headlines yesterday.

The error is regretted —Editor

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

5

NEWS

Hearing in Capital Oil’s petition against Coscharis, T Access Bank postponed HERE was a drama yesterday in the House of Representatives as its Committee on Public Petitions considered a petition by the Managing Director of Capital Oil & Gas, Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah against Access Bank and Dr. Cosmas Maduka, the President/Chief Executive of Coscharis Ltd who is also a Director in Access Bank.

The hearing of the petition, which was against the Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy headed by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Access Bank Plc and Dr. Cosmas Maduka and his Company, Coscharis Motors, was postponed till December 13 by the committee to enable more input and attendance by the key players in the matter, particularly the Minister of Finance Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

For a long period, the committee headed by Ozor Azubike was undecided whether or not to consider the petitions as various parties buffeted it with the arguments that going ahead with the consideration of the petition was subjudice as the case was currently in various courts both in and out of the country.

The committee had to go into a closed door meeting to decide on the issue.

The Minister of Finance was absent based on the excuse of previously arranged engagements. The CBN Governor and the Access Bank and Ernst & Young, an independent verifier, said they would not partake in because it would be subjudice to the existing court cases.

Access Bank’s counsel, Oladipo Fatai, said the matter could not be discussed as it is subjudice.

According to him, the case is in courts in Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Greece and Netherlands.

The Capital Oil boss had written a five-page petition dated November 14 to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on the issue.

He claimed “serious breach of fundamental human rights, gross misrepresentation, suppression and concealment of material facts, threat to life, fraud, deceit, infringement, gross violation of banking rules and regulations and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria via attempt to forcibly take over Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited under false presence, resulting and culminating in non-payment of over

•Some people protesting the taking over of Capital Oil office by AMCON at the National Assembly, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Uba at the hearing of the petition... yesterday From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

N20 billion due to Capital Oil & Gas Industries Limited.”

According to Ubah, this was being done “under an unending ongoing investigation that spanned over 10 months in a transaction that was guaranteed by the respected and reliable Federal Government of Nigeria Sovereign debit note of 45 days.”

He therefore sought the intervention of the House over “injustices” allegedly meted out to his company through the report of the Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy headed

by Aig-Imoukhuede, which recommended his company for further investigation “without due process and fair hearing.”

“Willful refusal of the Federal Ministry of Finance to pay us over N20 billion on the pretext of Aig-Imoukhuede committee’s verification and recommendation.

“Strangulation of our company and the inevitable conse-

•Maduka...yesterday Photos: Abayomi Fayese

quences of over 3000 personnel losing their jobs due to non-payment of their salaries as a result of the willful refusal of the Ministry of Finance to remit the overdue subsidy payment.

“Unethical and insider abuse

by Access Bank Plc and Mr. Cosmos Maduka contrary to Sections 18 and 20 (2) of BOFIA 2004.

“Collusion, connivance and conspiracy between Dr. Cops as Maduka and the MD/CEO of Access Bank PLC, Sig- Imoukhuede to strangulate, destabilise and take over Capital Oil & Gas Industries Ltd under false presence of a disputed loans facility.

“Willful attempt to destabilise fuel supply and create artificial scarcity in Nigeria to undermine the civil security of the Nigerian people.”

Ubah prayed the House to set aside the report of the Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy due to conflict of interest.

However, the committee flayed Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala and

Southwest states, Edo parley to tackle OUTH-WEST states The governor cautioned yesterday widened the emergencies the public to be wary of frontier of their region-

S

al integration programme with a resolve to form a common front in tackling emergency situations.

It was at the “1st Emergency Preparedness Summit for Southwest states and Edo’’, held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, a Lagos suburb.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who spoke at the opening of the two-day summit, stressed the importance of preparing for emergencies, which according to him are inevitable in the course of human interactions.

He said the two broad seasons in Nigeria’s climatic

condition – raining and dry, expose the environment to flood and fire disasters.

He said: “The rainy season has the potential for flooding, brought about by both human and natural activity.

The dry season on the other hand generally tends to record a higher number of fire outbreaks due to the increased number of highly and easily inflammable materials around us.

“The economic situation has not helped. Lack of power has meant that people tend to improvise, often by employing potentially dangerous methods of generating electricity.”

trooping to disaster sites.

He noted that haphazard physical development in flagrance disregard to extant planning laws has created a potpourri of possible accident and disaster situations, for which the government must be held accountable.

Fashola told participants that the government in Lagos was trying its best at boosting safety and emergency response capability in the Centre of Excellence.

In his opening remark, the Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos, Dr. Wale Ahmed, said the summit offered a rare privilege for experts in safety and emergency management.

Mallam Sanusi as well as the DG NIMASA for shunning the session.

The committee ruled that the hearing would be adjourned to allow the Minister and the CBN Governor make an appearance as well as allow those who claim the hearing is subjudice to present documents to that effect.

The Chairman of the committee ordered the Clerk of the committee to make the sub-issuing of all parties available to all key players in the issue in order to foster transparency.

Ubah, in a chat with reporters after the aborted hearing, said: “We have close to N20 billion with the Ministry of Fi-

nance and this money is also meant for banks. We have lost much in their quest to take over our assets. Is it a sin for us to invest in Nigeria? Is it a sin for us to render services to Nigerians? How can they say what we are doing is fraudulent? Why are they trying to kill this company?

“No multinational company has done what we did in five years in their 50 years of doing business in Nigeria. Why must we go through this mess because we are a Nigerian company? Nigerians need to know the truth. I want them to bring the people involved. I don’t know why the chairman of the subsidy team is not here today, but he has been going to London asking people to come and testify against me. They have been trying to bribe my workers to testify against me.”

Dr. Maduka in a petition dated October 9 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU) Lagos, Mr. Tunde Ogunshakin, alleged criminal diversion of imported petrol by Capital Oil in a business transaction he claimed to have financed.

He accused Capital Oil of reneging on an agreement between the two companies in which the auto firm would finance the importation and sale of petrol importation worth $289.517 million.

Coscharis, in the petition, said his company entered into a joint venture agreement with Capital Oil in July 2011 to import petrol, but that Capital Oil in collusion with its shippers diverted some of the product.

6

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

NEWS THE GREAT CORRUPTION BATTLE DEBATE

Jonathan: TI got it wrong T HROUGH two of his top aides, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said Transparency International got it all wrong by ranking Nigeria as the 35th most corrupt nation.

Mr.Oronto Douglas, a Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, defended his boss at a lecture in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe also filed his defence from Aso Villa, seat of the Federal Government.

They described the approach of their boss as the best in tackling corruption.

Douglas said the President has put in place strong institutions to fight the menace.

Okupe told reporters in Abuja that the president’s holistic approach meets the global strategy benchmark.

He said the Presidency, since Dr. Jonathan assumed office, has worked assiduously to enhance the image and prestige of the country abroad.

He also noted that a lot has been achieved in the intervening period with the transformation agenda of the administration.

He, however, lamented the efforts have not been appreciated by his critics, who he accused of making unfounded and baseless allegations against the administration.

Okupe said in a statement: “Since the present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan took charge of the affairs of this country, it has worked assiduously not only to transform the lives of Nigerians but also enhance the image and prestige of the country abroad.

“A lot has been achieved in the intervening period with the transformation agenda of the administration. Despite these achievements, there is unbridled cynicism on the part of some individuals who have taken it upon themselves to mislead Nigerians by making unfounded and baseless allegations against this administration.

“The purpose of this campaign of misinformation and disinformation is to blind Nigerians to the sure and steady progress President Jonathan’s administration has made in the eighteen months that it has been in power, to improve the quality of governance and deliver on the promises it made to the people.

“In the main, the strategy of these cynics, ‘latter-day saints’ and emergency activists has involved peddling falsehood on the true state of the government’s war on corruption, among other issues of national importance.

“They have posited that contrary to what government would have Nigerians believe, that the present administration is not pulling its weight in the war against corruption.

“They have even gone as far as suggesting that President Jonathan lacks the political will to engage corruption head on.

“We seem to be living in a

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja and Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

socio-political atmosphere of cynicism where theatrical actions, showmanship and other grandstanding are misinterpreted to mean political will in addressing a situation.

“This government does not believe in just arresting people for the sake of drama or playing to the gallery nor does it harbor the idea of deploying the anti-corruption agencies as tools to witch hunt political opponents, which were undisputable familiar practices in the past.

“In this briefing we will show clearly the efforts the Jonathan administration is making to stamp corruption out of national life.

“All over the world, governments seriously desirous of tackling the menace of corruption usually adopt a holistic strategy which encompass some or all of the under listed benchmark: * Enacting enabling laws, which clearly define what corruption is and spell out punitive measures; *Establishing an executive agency, which is transparent in its operations and is subject to the rule of law; *Creating by law, the enabling environment for whistle blowing (FOI); *Enhancing the judicial process such that existing laws, processes and procedures do not hamper the dispensation of justice; *Plugging all socio-economic loopholes within the system by eliminating bottlenecks and increasing access to social goods and services; *Gradually reducing incentives for corruption prevailing in society through institutional reforms, combating poverty, developing manpower and empowering citizens; *Putting up efficient and effective well co – ordinate policies and programmes to combat poverty, create wealth, develop manpower and empower the youth through job creation.

“Going through the benchmarks enumerated above, it is clear to all that the first two measures were already in place by the time the Jonathan administration came into being and the steps being taken

by President Jonathan confirm that he is systematically addressing the remaining five, while under his tenure he did strengthen the EFCC, ICPC operational framework.”

He debunked claims that the President lacks the political will to fight corruption.

His words: “If we look at the endemic nature of corruption in this country, we’ll have to jail 50 per cent of the population.

“Political will is not grandstanding. It is to go to the institution where corruption is endemic and go to the root to remove corruption.”

Dismissing public perception of the President on the anti-corruption war, Douglas said President Jonathan has put in place a frame work to fight corruption, citing the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde to replace Mrs

Transparency International corruption perceptions’ index 2012 Rank 1 1 1 4 5 6 7 7 9 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 19 20 20 22 22 22 25 25 27 27 29 30 30 32 33 33 33

Country

Score

Denmark 90 Finland 90 New Zealand 90 Sweden 88 Singapore 87 Switzerland 86 Australia 85 Norway 85 Canada 84 Netherlands 84 Iceland 82 Luxembourg 80 Germany 79 Hong Kong 77 Barbados 76 Belgium 75 Japan 74 United Kingdom74 United States 73 Chile 72 Uruguay 72 Bahamas 71 France 71 Saint Lucia 71 Austria 69 Ireland 69 Qatar 68 United Arab Emirates68 Cyprus 66 Botswana 65 Spain 65 Estonia 64 Bhutan 63 Portugal 63 Puerto Rico 63

Rank 36 37 37 39 39 41 41 43 43 45 46 46 48 48 50 51 51 53 54 54 54 54 58 58 58 61 62 62 64 64 66 66 66 69 69

Country

Score

Saint Vincent 62 Slovenia 61 Taiwan 61 Cape Verde 60 Israel 60 Dominica 58 Poland 58 Malta 57 Mauritius 57 Korea (South) 56 Brunei 55 Hungary 55 Costa Rica 54 Lithuania 54 Rwanda 53 Georgia 52 Seychelles 52 Bahrain 51 Czech Republic49 Latvia 49 Malaysia 49 Turkey 49 Cuba 48 Jordan 48 Namibia 48 Oman 47 Croatia 46 Slovakia 46 Ghana 45 Lesotho 45 Kuwait 44 Romania 44 Saudi Arabia 44 Brazil 43 FYR Macedonia 43

Rank 69 72 72 72 75 75 75 75 79 80 80 80 83 83 83 83 83 88 88 88 88 88 88 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 102 102 102 105

Country

Score

South Africa 43 Bosnia and Herzegovina42 Italy 42 Sao Tome and Principe 42 Bulgaria 41 Liberia 41 Montenegro 41 Tunisia 41 Sri Lanka 40 China 39 Serbia 39 Trinidad &Tobago 39 Burkina Faso 38 El Salvador 38 Jamaica 38 Panama 38 Peru 38 Malawi 37 Morocco 37 Suriname 37 Swaziland 37 Thailand 37 Zambia 37 Benin 36 Colombia 36 Djibouti 36 Greece 36 India 36 Moldova 36 Mongolia 36 Senegal 36 Argentina 35 Gabon 35 Tanzania 35 Algeria 34

Rank Country 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 113 113 113 113 113 118 118 118 118 118 123 123 123 123 123 128 128 130 130 130 133 133 133 133 133 133 139 139 139

Score

Armenia 34 Bolivia 34 Gambia 34 Kosovo 34 Mali 34 Mexico 34 Philippines 34 Albania 33 Ethiopia 33 Guatemala 33 Niger 33 Timor-Leste 33 Dominican Republic32 Ecuador 32 Egypt 32 Indonesia 32 32 Madagascar Belarus 31 Mauritania 31 Mozambique 31 Sierra Leone 31 Vietnam 31 Lebanon 30 Togo 30 Côte d´Ivoire 29 Nicaragua 29 Uganda 29 Comoros 28 Guyana 28 Honduras 28 Iran 28 Kazakhstan 28 Russia 28 Azerbaijan 27 Kenya 27 Nepal 27

Rank 139 139 144 144 144 144 144 144 150 150 150 150 154 154 156 157 157 157 160 160 160 163 163 165 165 165 165 169 170 170 172 173 174 174 174

Country

Score

Nigeria 27 Pakistan 27 Bangladesh 26 Cameroon 26 CentralAfricanRepublic 26 Congo Republic 26 Syria 26 Ukraine 26 Eritrea 25 Guinea-Bissau 25 Papua New Guinea25 Paraguay 25 Guinea 24 Kyrgyzstan 24 Yemen 23 Angola 22 Cambodia 22 Tajikistan 22 Democratic Republic 21 of the Congo Laos 21 Libya 21 Equatorial Guinea20 Zimbabwe 20 Burundi 19 Chad 19 Haiti 19 Venezuela 19 Iraq 18 Turkmenistan 17 Uzbekistan 17 Myanmar 15 Sudan 13 Afghanistan 8 Korea (North) 8 Somalia 8

Govt should do more, say lawyers

By Eric Ikhilae

N

IGERIANS have asked the Federal Government to be firm in its anti-corruption effort. To some,the government was not doing enough to tackle corruption.

Others called for an improved and sustained effort against the menace.

They spoke in reaction to Wednesday’s report by the international Organisation-Transparency International (TI), which rated the country 35 in its global corruption index.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Felix Fagbohungbe and Joseph Nwobike contended that the nation’s upward movement on the annual corruption was an acknowledgement that something was being done. They urged the government to sustain its anti-corruption efforts.

Another senior advocate, Adeniyi Akintola, the President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasir Fagge, rights activists, Fred Agbaje, Bamidele Aturu and Festus Keyamo faulted government’s claim that the government was taking steps to curb corrupt practices in the country.

Fagbohungbe said: “In the real sense of it, we could be said to have done better. What is the yardstick adopted by those who compiled the report? The mere fact that we have been rated to have moved up the ladder is an indication that the effort by those in government is yielding good result. We only need to improve on our effort.”

Nwobike argued that the report has shown that Nigeria has made an improvement in its effort towards combating corruption. This evident in the TI report. It shows that the current administration has started to pursue an agenda intended to tackle the issue of corruption.

According to him. “That does not mean we have done enough. It means we have started doing something and if we maintain it, Nigeria can be seen and referred to as a country fighting corruption.

“I must say that this administration, as indicated by the various charges filed against prominent personalities by the EFCC and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), we can say that a platform for fighting corruption has been established,” he said.

Akintola argued that leaders have not been serious about fighting corruption. He argued that the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has refused, despite calls from all quarters that he publicly declare his assets, is enough evidence that this administration is not interested in being transparent. What is he (President Jonathan) hiding?

“We know his background as a former deputy governor and vice president. I believe he is afraid that people could easily raise questions. Until we place the onus on public officers to justify their wealth, we will not get there.

“We should emulate the Asian countries where corruption attracts death penalty. The fight against corruption has to be taken seriously. It is the inability of our leaders to implement the law that is the problem.

“Those who are stealing us blind are not more than

Farida Waziri as the chair of the Economic nad Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the dawn of his administration.

The special adviser, who was the guest lecturer at an annual lecture organised by the Federated Correspondents Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Jounrlists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Chapter, Yenagoa, said President Jonathan acceded to public opinion when he approved

the leadership change in the anti-corruption agency.

He said Lamorde, who was seen as the brain behind the success recorded during the tenure of former EFCC chief, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was adjudged as the best man for the job.

Identifying corruption, insecurity, and ethnic irredentism as the problems plaguing the country, Douglas noted that corruption must be fought collectively.

He said: “The only way to

5000. If Ghana could sacrifice 13 lives, we can afford to sacrifice them too for the rest of us to have peace. God even sacrificed his son to redeem the world,” Akintola said.

Fagge, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) advised the government to adopt the right approach to win the against corruption war.

He said that conviction of culprits was the best approach to winning the war against corruption, rather than adopting the “window-dressing approach”.

He said “It is not about fighting corruption, but adopting the right approach. Yes, culprits have been caught but we are yet to really see people that have been caught and punished appropriately. Government officials and public office holders will continue to indulge in corruption because they believe they will not be punished.

“The truth is that, we will not be able to address the issue of corruption until, and unless the culprits that are caught are punished appropriately to serve as deterrent to others. Government catch people for corruption today and tomorrow, you see them on the streets walking as free men and even being given higher responsibilities. What the Federal Government is doing is like window dressing, “ he said According to Agbaje, the report by TI did not show any improvement. In fact it confirmed our position that corruption in the country has worsened. He argued that the present government has become prodigal, spending money as if money is going out of vogue.

“There is nothing about human and institutional development to sustain such huge spending. The leaving standard of Nigerians today is even worse than what it was before this government came on board. In a society where the government is not concerned about the plight of the people, but of the only few in power, what do you expect?

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is not doing enough and the government is not bothered about that. The level of profligacy is higher now than ever in the history of the country. The corruption in the oil sector is enough for TI to damn us,” he said.

Aturu said “I think that there is a problem with the TI rating and the parameters adopted. We can see that there is high level of looting going on in the country and that corruption is on the increase.

“For the report to have rated Nigeria 35th in the global corruption index could be because the report was based on faulty parameters or that other countries of the world are doing better in corruption than us.

Certainly, there is nothing on ground to show that we are doing anything to fight corruption,” Aturu said.

Keyamo said: “There is too much cover up .What happened to the Comptroller of Customs, who forged his academic certificates? They should answer that question first before any other thing.” fight corruption is to build strong Institutions which President Jonathan has done through the EFCC, ICPC where impeccable personalities are in charge.”

According to him, it would be unfair of Nigerians to expect President Jonathan to fight corruption by acting like the headmaster with a cane in hand and going about flogging people.

“The strong institutions are in place and President

Jonathan will not interfere with their activities becuase they are capable to fight the cankerworm, and the process is on course.”

Governor Seriake Dickson, who was represented at the event by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Daniel Iworiso Markson, noted that the present administration in the state has commenced the process of national unity through the various appointments made so far.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

7

NEWS Infrastructure crucial to development, says Amosun

O

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said solid infrastructure is crucial to economic development.

He said businesses would flourish when there are good roads, stable power supply, potable water, excellent transport system, security of life and property and respect for the rule of law, among others.

Amosun spoke in his office in Abeokuta, the state capital, while hosting the management of LAFARGE Cement, WAPCO Nigeria Plc, led by the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and the Managing Director Mr. Joe Hudson.

He said the relevance of infrastructure to economic development propelled his administration to invest massively in infrastructure, which he said is “already impacting positively on the

state’s economy”.

Amosun said: “We are not just building for today, but tomorrow as well. That is why the roads we are building are of international standard. We are also building modern bridges. We are investing a lot of resources in transportation, security and power to accelerate development.”

He called for collaboration between the public and private sectors and explained that bottlenecks had being removed in government transactions.

Amosun praised the company for performing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially for building a Trailer Bay in Ogun. He urged companies operating in the state to partner the government on improving roads in their areas of operation.

Osunkeye lauded the governor’s achievements on

Ondo Tribunal: ACN applies for pre-hearing notice From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its standard bearer in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), have applied for the issuance of a Pre-hearing Notice by the Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, the state capital.

The application filed by ACN counsel Titiloye Charles was in line with Paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last week replied the ACN’s petition, four days after the expiration of the 14 days provided by Electoral Act. With INEC’s response, the petition is ripe for pre-hearing.

ACN is seeking the nullification of the election on grounds that it was marred by malpractices.

The Accord and its candidate, Mr. Olawale Ojo, have also applied for pre-hearing session.

Accord is challenging the exclusion of its candidate from the election.

No date has been fixed for the pre-hearing of the petitions.

The three-man panel, headed by Justice A. Kaka’n, was inaugurated on November 22 at the High Court premises in Akure.

Other members of the panel are Justices H. Mohammad and Kadi Alkali.

Lagosians urged to disregard PDP’s ‘propaganda’

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State has debunked rumours that the state government plans to displace traders at the Katangowa Market without providing an alternative for them.

ACN alleged that the rumour was being circulated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest to discredit the Governor Babatunde Fashola administration.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the party said: “We assure Lagosians that there is no truth in the false and outlandish allegation being traded by the rumour mill of Southwest PDP that Lagos wants to displace traders in Katangowa Market without providing an alternative.

“We urge Lagosians and the people of the Southwest to disregard this as another desperate effort by the Southwest PDP to play on their intelligence for its selfish interests.

“We urge you to see the false alarm by the Southwest PDP as a hollow effort to resurrect a dead and decrepit political dream, as the PDP is known for impoverishing Nigerians and plundering the nation’s resources.

“The Lagos State government wants to relocate some parts of the Katangowa Market to a safer and more conducive environment. It has involved the traders and all stakeholders in the move, which is undergoing feasibility studies.

“The Lagos State government is committed to improving infrastructure and the aesthetics of Lagos, but the PDP has been opposing every good measure the government has taken to achieve these ends.

“We remember the PDP’s stance against the cleaning up of slums, such as Oshodi, Obalende, Ajegunle, Orile, Ojuelegba, and the dislodgement of many covens of criminals. They accused the government of being anti-masses, but we are happy that our resolute stand on going along with those projects is being lauded all over Nigeria today.

“We are happy that we have risen above PDP’s selfish politics to make Lagos a safer, cleaner, healthier and more productive state today. ACN wants Lagosians and other Nigerians to ask the PDP what is anti-masses in relocating roadside traders to a decent environment.

“Is the demolition of estates approved for private developers and built with people’s life savings in Abuja propeople? Why is the ban of commercial motorcycles a capital sin in Lagos when they had been banned a long time ago in Abuja and over 10 PDP states?”

•Amosun (middle), Osunkeye (left) and Hudson...yesterday.

infrastructural development.

He said the visit was “in continuation of the successful Investors’ Forum organised

by the government earlier in the year”, adding that it is already yielding fruits.

Osunkeye pledged the

company’s commitment to partnering the government.

He said the company has set up an Elephant Superset

Block-making Empowerment Scheme and Technical Support Project for its host communities.

Fayemi proposes N93.6 budget for next year E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday presented the N93.6 billion Appropriation Bill for next year to the House of Assembly.

With him at the presentation were members of the State Executive Council, led by his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

The budget, tagged: “Budget of Empowerment and Consolidation”, has a proposed recurrent expenditure of N46,416,141,231 (49.6 per cent) and capital expenditure of N47,200,688,770 (50.4 per cent).

Infrastructure would gulp 21.2 per cent; Education, 17.2 per cent; Health, 10.7 per cent; Agriculture, three per cent; Industry, 3.3 per cent; Tourism, 1.7 per

•Infrastructure get lion’s share •New ministry to tackle poverty From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

cent; Women Empowerment, Gender and Sports, 2.3 per cent.

Fayemi said N9.9 billion would be expended on roads.

He said intra-township roads in the three divisional administrative headquarters, including Ikere, Ikole and Ijero, would be built with street lights installed.

He said all ongoing road projects would be completed next year.

Water projects would get N2.4 billion and the rehabilita-

tion of General Hospitals and Comprehensive Health Centres N2.163 billion.

Fayemi said the funds would be raised from the Federal Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), External Grants, Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Grants, Bond, Special Grants and Ecological Fund, among others.

He said N31.4 billion is expected from the Federation Account, N7.3 billion from VAT, N4.6 billion as external grant,

N14.3 billion is from IGR, N8.5 billion from the Excess Crude Account and N7.1 billion from the Capital Market.

Stressing the need to address poverty, the governor said next year’s budget would focus on empowering rural dwellers.

He said a new ministry would be created to address poverty reduction and facilitate rural development.

Fayemi hailed the Assembly for passing a bill on the establishment of the State Peace Corps and assured investors of safety.

He pledged to sustain the Social Security Scheme for the Elderly and urged the Assembly to accelerate the bill’s passage.

Tokyo may be arraigned today •NURTW leader’s supporters throng police station

F

ACTIONAL leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo, who was arrested on Wednesday, may be arraigned today, it was learnt yesterday.

Akinsola and his rival, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, a.k.a Auxiliary, had been on the police wanted list since last year, following a bloody clash between factions in the union, in which many people were killed and injured.

Last week, the state government raised the alarm that the rival groups were planning to foment trouble and Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu invited the NURTW leaders to the Police Headquarters in Eleyele.

Akinsola honoured the invitation on Wednesday and was detained. He was handcuffed and taken to the Iyaganku Police Division, where he was told to write statement.

A source said Akinsola slept at Iyaganku Police Division and would have been arraigned yesterday, but for some logistic reasons.

The source said Tokyo would be arraigned today for alleged offences bordering on previous attacks on residents

Oyo ACN hails police on union leader’s arrest

T

HE police have been hailed for arresting the factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo, who has been on the police wanted list.

In a statement, the State Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Dauda Kolawole, said the police should also arrest Akinsola’s rival, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, a.k.a.

Auxiliary.

The party said: “It is only in Oyo State that those who disturbed the peace throughout their party’s reign, who used NURTW kingpins as their shield and spilled the blood of Eleweomo and many of our kinsmen, are walking the streets freely.

“More frightening is the fact that these remorseless groups are regrouping to bring back the period of blood, using the same NURTW kingpins.

“We hail the police for arresting Tokyo, but the command should not rest until it arrests Auxiliary too. The truth is that the NURTW kingpins behind the bloodletting of the past did not do so in isolation. They were crudely abetted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of that time.

“Tokyo and Auxiliary are the untouchables in the crime world of Oyo State. They have been boasting that some PDP governorship From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan and Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

by the union’s factions, including the killing of a 500-Level medical student of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), who was shot dead at Iwo Road, on June 4, last year.

It was learnt that Lamidi said he could not honour the police invitation because he was ill

hopefuls in the state would use their link to the Federal Government to reverse their ‘Wanted’ tags.

“Oyo people will resist every attempt by the PDP, using hoodlums, to destabilise the peace-loving administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Before now, no one could sleep with an eye closed. If you leave your home in the morning, you would not be sure of returning in one piece.

Only God knows how many of our people were killed in the alliance of evil between these NURTW kingpins and the PDP. “We urge the police to ensure that Tokyo accounts for what transpired in those bloody years. His arrest and, hopefully, arraignment would be a litmus test on the police’s integrity and a demonstration of its political partiality or otherwise.

“In the last few months, a former senator, who is aspiring to become governor in 2015, has been in cahoots with Tokyo and Auxiliary. He has been telling them that the President directed him to be meeting with them.

“The plan is to use them to foment trouble and make Oyo ungovernable for the ACN. Now that Tokyo has been arrested, he should be properly grilled and the truth of this allegation teased out of him.”

and pledged to turn himself in when he recovers.

Akinsola’s supporters hung around Iyaganku Police Division yesterday in the hope that he would be released.

Police spokesman Ayodele Lanade said: “Murder is a criminal offence and it is not bailable. Only the court can release him. Before that, thorough investigations have to be

carried out with evidence established by relevant people.

That is what we are doing now.

“It is a rigorous thing because we have to interrogate everyone involved to be able to establish a case against him.

If nothing is found against him, the command will decide. But for now, he will remain with us as investigations continue.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

8

NEWS

N55m ‘bribe-for-budget scam: ICPC insists on trial of Wabara, others

Wike decries girl-child neglect in North

T

T

HE Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has decried the neglect of the girl-child in the North.

He spoke at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office in Mararaba, Nasarawa State to scale up Mothers’ Association in the Northeast and Northcentral geo-political zones.

The minister, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Gender Education, Mrs. Helen Abdul, urged women not to relent in their effort at ensuring that gender parity is maintained in schools’ enrolment.

Mother representing the Northeast and Northcentral wings of the Mothers’ Association set up by the ministry, pledged to embark on a grassroots campaign to boost the enrolment of female children in their states.

The women, mainly members of the School Based Measurement Committees (SBMC), PUBLIC NOTICE AJAYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. AJAYI GANIYAT OYEBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SHAFI GANIYAT OYEBOLA ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. NAMA, NIM, Ministry of Education and General public should take note

•Wike

lamented the dwindling fortune of girl-child enrolment in schools within their senatorial districts.

They thanked the Federal Ministry of Education and the MDG office for the steps taken to check the trend.

The minister pledged Federal Government’s commitment to embark on an impact assessment of the training to ensure that it accords maximum benefits to the participants and their communities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Kalamba, represented by Dr. Ify Okeagu, while stressing the significance of the workshop to participants, said it is also important to the MDGs Office in its quest to promote gender equality and women empowerment to improve enrolment, retention and completion rate in schools.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT A certificate of occupancy no 41/41/ 1990A belonging to REVICA ENTERPRISES has been declared missing. If found please return to Ms Andrea Fenkart, 16B Ladipo Oluwole Street, GRA, Apapa or call 07085155915.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Tunde Olabiyi son of late Alhaja Abikatu Oseni hereby notify the general public that the letter of a collection of key issued by LSDPC on Block 8 Flat 3 Oshodi Street Dophin Estate Lagos, got lost on transit and all effort to locate it prove abortive. LSDPC and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general Public that the original certificate of occupancy No. LU/EN/364 in respect of a Plot of land in Independence Layout,Enugu with Plan No.MG/AN1825/78 belonging to IGWE NATHANIEL O. OBI of No.34 Chime Avenue,New Haven Enugu got missing.If found please return to rhe nearest Police Station Or call 08037106735 Enugu State Ministry Of Lands Should please take note.

POLICE AUCTION SALE This is to inform the general public that NIGERIA POLICE, ELELE DIVISION plans to dispose Unclaimed and Abandoned Exhibits in its division.

ITEMS INCLUDE One Toyota Corolla Salon Car with Reg No DD 382 PH One Masda 626 Reg No AG 837 SKP Audi 80 Reg No DE 382 EKY Nissan Sunny Reg No CV 270 MUS Mitsubishi Space Wagon Reg No WZ 453 EKY Mitsubishi truck Reg No XA 705 UMG One mitsubishi bus Reg No XA 836 MLA Mitsubishi Bus XY 391 PHC One tractor 80-66 Reg No 79 Different types of motorcycle and other sundry material. All claims should be made within 21 days of this publication.

Auctioneer EZE JOSIAH NWAGWU JP 08035418793

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday insisted at the Supreme Court that a former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara and four others must face trial for alleged N55m bribe-for-budget deal.

The others are a former Minister of Education, Prof.

Fabian Osuji, Senator Ibrahim AbdulAzeez, Senator Azuta Mbata and Garba Matazu.

Two other suspects (Senators Emmanuel Okpede and Badamosi Maccido) have died and their names struck out of the charge sheet.

The suspects were arraigned on April 11, 2005 before Justice Hussein Mukhtar of the FCT High Court for allegedly obtaining money to facilitate easy passage of the budget of the Federal Ministry of Education in 2005.

They were accused of allegedly committing offences contrary to sections 9(1) (a); 17(a);

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

23(2); 26(1) and punishable under Section 8(1); 9(1) (b); 17(c); 23(3) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The accused had earlier urged the High Court to quash the charges against them, but Justice Muktar, on November 10, 2005, dismissed the request.

Three of the suspects (Wabara, AbdulAzeez and Osuji) later went to the Court of Appeal in Abuja challenging the judgment of the High Court.

On June 2, 2010, the appellate court set the three accused persons free and quashed the 15-count charge brought against them by the ICPC. In the judgment delivered

by Justice Mary Peter Odili, the court held that the charges were bogus and failed to disclose a prima facie case against the accused.

Justice Odili also ruled that

the charges were frivolous, baseless and lacking in merit and as such cannot be sustained by any prosecution.

The ICPC, however, headed for the Supreme Court.

The matter came up for hearing at the apex court yesterday with ICPC insisting on the trial of the accused.

The prosecution counsel, Chief Niyi Oshe (SAN) and Mr. John Bayeshea (SAN) told the Supreme Court that “it is ridiculous to say no prima facie case was made against the accused because the statement of Prof. Osuji, was enough to establish that they have a case to answer.

“Prima facie case cannot be equated with proving a case beyond reasonable doubt. At this stage of arraignment, it is too early to assume that there is no case against them.

“The Court of Appeal went to the extent of treating Sen. Chris Adighije as a tainted witness. But our position is that the court cannot treat an-

yone as a tainted witness until trial takes place. Accused persons should not be discharged on the basis of preferment of charges.

“If the position of the Court of Appeal is sustained to the effect that there was no prima facie case against the accused, a combination of these errors will make criminal prosecution almost impossible in this court.

“The court should let the accused face trial, it should not discharge them on mere preferment of charges.”

But Osuji, through his counsel, Goddy Uche, said he was an innocent actor because of his love for the country.

The ex-minister also said: “There is no proof of evidence to link me with the complicity of the offence.”

The Supreme Court’s fiveman panel, led by Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, fixed judgment for February 22.

Oyedepo: undue fear breeds failure

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HE Head of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, yesterday said many are in bondage owing to the fear of the unknown.

He attributed failures to fear, saying courage leads to success in most aspects of life.

“Most of our defeats in life are traceable to the spirit of fear. Your conquest is a function of your boldness,” Oyedepo said.

He spoke at the yearly Shiloh at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. His sermon was based on the sub-topic: “The spirit of boldness”.

Bishop Oyedepo said Satan gains control over people who give way to fear.

According to him, the best course of life is to acquire boldness, which is based on strong faith.

By Nneka Nwaneri

He added: “For a person to be empowered with boldness, he has to be anointed for it, which produces signs and wonders.”

Reading from Roman 8:15, Proverbs 29:25 and Job 3:2325, Oyedepo said fear was not a characteristic of Christians.

He said trembling at men owing to fear has its dangers, but boldness based on faith in God conquers all inhibitions.

Bishop Oyedepo noted that nobody gets anywhere carelessly. “It takes serious approach to attain anything meaningful in life.”

Said he: “The spirit of fear is the spirit of bondage. Satan cannot gain access to any man’s life unless he has the spirit of fear.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the public that the above named Organization has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part C of the corporate and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE Mr. Lekan Adeboye Mr. Akin Akinpelu Miss. Oluwaseun Awotunde Mr. Olanrewaju John Ogundeyi Mr. Olanrewaju Akeem Olorode Mr. Morufdeen Alani Bello Mr. Emmanuel Olaomo Balogun AIM AND OBJECTIVE • To revive and embrace our food production culture and imbibe agricultural values into our youths to become self-reliant.

• To re-awaken the interest of farming in the youth • To avert the impact of food shortage due to the impact of global warming • To encourage farmers group and societies among secondary school students.

• To work with the pressure groups to encourage government in giving adequate attention to farming and agriculture.

MISSION STATEMENT Nurturing our youths for food sovereignty

Oyedepo said boldness is not acquired through mere practice, adding that the Holy Spirit has a role to play.

He said: “You cannot practise boldness. You have to be empowered with boldness and anointed for it.

“Boldness is what gives you command of signs and wonders.”

Reading from Acts 14:3, Bishop Oyedepo said Christians require boldness to speak the truth all the time and condemn evil.

He attributed failure to fear, saying courage leads to success.

Oyedepo said: “Most of our defeats in life are traceable to the spirit of fear. Your conquest is a function of your boldness.

“You need to be empowered for the lion in you to stay alive. I see you receiving that

empowerment in Jesus’ name.”

He went on: “There are many things you believe but you’ve not been able to declare, because of fear.

“It is impossible to possess your possession without the spirit of boldness.”

Reading from Matthew 11:12, Oyedepo said seeking life in heaven requires taking bold actions.

He said: “What you don’t declare, God is not committed to deliver it into your hands.

“The fear of the unknown has gotten many destinies grounded.

“There is a Goliath between you and your goal.

You need boldness to conquer it.

“You cannot overcome the spirit of fear without the spirit of boldness (Phil 1:28.).”

Yar’Adua Memorial Lecture holds tomorrow

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HE Board of Trustees of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation will host the Second Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of the late politician tomorrow at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja under the Chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

The event is to commemorate the 15th year anniversary of his death.

The theme of this year’s lecture is: “Rebuilding Public Education as a Bridge to Nigeria’s Future”.

An illustrated biography of the late Yar’Adua, entitled: “Shehu Musa Yar’Adua: Neither North Nor South, East Nor West, One Nigeria”, will be presented on the occasion.

Published by Mockingbird Books, this simple, yet poignant story, will serve as an educational tool for primary school pupils throughout the country.

It tells the story of a man who stood in the forefront of those demanding a timely handover

to a democratically-elected government; a man who traversed the nation building bridges of peace, understanding and unity, which he prized as the hope of the nation.

In addition to Senator Anyim, expected dignitaries at the event include former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, who will deliver the lecture and former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will serve as the Chief Launcher, while Chief Tony Anenih is the Chairman of the Memorial Lecture Steering Committee.

Mrs. Lola Shoneyin, winner of the 2011 ANA Prize for Children’s Literature, will review the book.

Through its numerous programmes and projects, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation has continued to further the ideals of the late Shehu Yar’Adua; his commitment to national unity, good governance and building a just and democratic society for Nigerians.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

9

NEWS Kwara backs Senate on renaming Ilorin Airport after Saraki

ACF opposes removal of Army officers from Command College

T

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

T

HE Kwara State Government has backed the Senate’s proposal to rename the Ilorin International Airport after the late Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr Olusola Saraki.

The Senate, at a plenary folowing the death of the Kwara State political strongman, suggested that the Ilorin airport be renamed after the late Saraki.

The State Executive Council has authorised Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed “to do a letter to Mr. President in support of the Senate resolution to rename the Ilorin International Airport after Dr. Sola Saraki”.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, addressed reporters

•The late Saraki

yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, on the outcome of Wednesday’s council meeting.

Gold said: “The Council equally considered the report of a committee on the immortalisation of the late Waziri Ngeri, the late Dr. Saraki, by naming notable infrastructure after him.

“The Council also agreed that the present Fate Road, from Fate Roundabout to Government Secondary School (GSS) Roundabout, be renamed Sola Saraki Way. The present road, starting from Geri-Alimi Roundabout to Yebumot Hotel, remains Dr. Abubakar Sola Saraki Drive…”

Archbishop Ajibogun passes on

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HE death has been announced in Lagos of a prominent Community and Religious Leader of note, a notable Clergy of the United African Methodist Church Organisation, His Grace, The Most Revd Patrick Olanrewaju Ajibogun He was aged, 70 years.

Until his death, Pa, Archbishop Ajibogun who was born into a Muslim Family and converted into Christianity was Baptized at St. Michael Catholic Church Lafiaji, Lagos

•The late Ajibogun

in 1954, He started his Education Career at St. Matthias Catholic Primary School, Lafiaji and concluded his Secondary Education with flying colours from Lagos High School.

Baptists hold quarterly meeting

T

HE fourth quarterly meeting of the Itesiwaju Baptist Association holds tomorrow at First Baptist Church, Itire, Lagos from 9am. It will be presided over by the Moderator, Rev. Gbenga Ojo of Araba Baptist Church, Ilasamaja Lagos and Consultant, Rev. Femi Ajayi of Victoryland Baptist Church, Isolo, Lagos.

P

Funeral for media chief’s dad

A Tobias Ukachukwu Ekechi, the father of the Chairman of the Boards of Marketing and Media Limited, Allianz Media Limited, Dr T. O. E. Ekechi, will be buried tomorrow. He was 91.

The late Pa Ekechi was the Okenze of Imerienwe Autonomous Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government of Imo State.

He was a devout Christian and compassionate community leader, who also doubled as the traditional Prime Minister of the community.

The late Pa Ekechi is survived by his aged wife, Ezinne Lolo Nwaogbo Beatrice, children and grand-children.

Family takes over Ogun community after 24 years of legal battle

A

FAMILY, Ilupewo, has sealed up several homes on the Anglican Road and Odo Pako in Ota, Ogun State.

The action followed an Appeal Court verdict which reportedly empowered the family to take over the community after 24 years of legal battle.

The Ilupewo family was said to be acting on an Ibadan Appeal Court judgment which allowed it to seal up houses on the Anglican Road, stretching to Odo Pako, a boundary community between Lagos and Ogun states.

Armed security operatives and court bailiffs sealed many buildings in the community with the residents seen struggling to evacuate their property.

The battle for an expanse of land in the community started 24 years back.

The matter moved twice from the High Court in Abeoku-

From Jude Isiguzo

ta to the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.

After a High Court verdict

by Justice Jacob Sofolahan on June 6, 1988, in favour of the representatives of the Ilupewo family, there was a first attempt to upturn the judgment.

Many residents, who were following the matter were shocked when, in 2008, the Court of Appeal in Ibadan upheld the judgment.

But the case again returned to the Appeal Court before it was struck out in 2012.

The family, after series of meetings with landlords and other residents, planned to implement the court judgment by appointing an estate agent as its representative.

Many residents said they were aware of the court judgment but expected the Ilupewo family to defer the execution of the judgment.

HE North’s umbrella socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yesterday backed a recent protest by the Jama-Atul Nasril Islam (JNI), the pan-Muslim body in the region, on the removal of two senior military officers at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

The forum called for a thorough investigation of the explosion at St. Andrew Protestant Church inside the Jaji cantonment.

It expressed surprise at what it called the use of opposing tactics for similar issues.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, the ACF said such actions are likely to be interpreted as in-

Army: redeployment has no religious undertone From Dele Anofi, Abuja

THE Nigerian Army has said the removal of Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Isa as the Corps Commander of the Infantry Corps and Centre (ICC), Jaji, Kaduna State, has no ethno-religious connotation. It faulted the position of the umbrella Islamic body in the North, the Jama-Atul Nasril Islam (JNI), on the matter.

The Army said the senior Army officer has not been re-assigned because his removal was to ensure a thorough investigation by the panel of enquiry into the bombing.

Though the Army refused to disclose the number of those arrested on the bombing, it was learnt that the panel of enquiry into the attack has completed its assignment. However, the report is yet to get official attention.

But the Army has said it would not base its work on speculations.

The Director, Military Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jubril, yesterday in Abuja, said the Army was conducting on an intelligence operation in Suleja, Niger Sate, having successfully done same in Maiduguri, (Borno State), Kano (Kano), Damaturu (Yobe) and Kaduna (Kaduan).

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

justice and victimisation.

The forum called for an in-

vestigation into the killing of Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa and the controversies it has gener-

ated.

The communique reads: “The NEC of the ACF held a meeting on December 5 at its national secretariat on Sokoto Road, Kaduna. The meeting was well attended and chaired

by Deputy Chairman of NEC, Alhaji Saidu Barda.

“It deliberated mainly on matters bordering on security challenges created by acts of terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping and militant activism in parts of the country and by Boko Haram in the North.

“ACF considered the recent killing of prominent northerners by gunmen, particularly the allegations and controversies surrounding the killing of General Muhammadu Shuwa.

“All these have been very disturbing, especially because nothing has been done to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

- Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

Nigeria, Thailand trade hits $1.4b

NAICOM to enforce ‘no premium no payment’ on govt’s properties

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

T

HE National Insurance C o m m i s s i o n (NAICOM) has threatened to withdraw insurance cover for government’s assets and properties until it pays its premiums.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, stated this in Abuja yesterday at the sensitisation workshop on the implementation of ‘No premium No Cover’ rule for insurance stakeholders.

He lamented that government agencies are the worst perpetrators of non-payment of insurance premiums.

Daniel said there is growing concern in the industry over “the non-compliance with the provisions of the insurance Act in relation to payment of premium for the insurances of strategic government assets and property

by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).”

He said at different times government has been reminded of the need to show more commitment to the insurance of its assets by making adequate provisions for insurance in its annual budget.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi (right) presenting the 2013 Budget tagged: ‘Budget of Empowerment and Consolidation’ to the House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday.

Reps: SEC may get zero allocation

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HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC) may end up without budgetary allocation in 2013.

According to the House, it will have no dealings with the establishment, with Ms. Arunma Oteh as DirectorGeneral.

Fielding questions from reporters on the 2013 budget defence by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Victor Ogene, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, said the House was steadfast in its re-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

solve that Ms. Oteh should be removed for not meeting the 15-year cognate experience provided for in the SEC Act. He said based on the resolution of the House on the SEC’s boss, there would be no interaction between the House and the SEC on the 2013 budget proposal.

He said: “We made our findings and nobody has faulted those findings because they are based on law that says, you must have cer-

tain (15 cognate) years of experience in the Capital Market for you to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and nobody has faulted that.

“We remain resolute that the House of Representatives will have no dealings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Arunma Oteh as Director General.”

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Finance, headed by Abdumumin Jibrin walked officials of the SEC out of the hall in which a hearing on the remittances

of operating surpluses of revenue generating agencies was being held.

He insisted that the House has no business with the SEC and that the organisation must have been invited in error.

A report of the House probe into the near collapse of the Capital Market indicted Ms. Oteh, mainly on her inexperience to head the Commission.

The House report recommended her immediate removal. President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to comply with the resolution.

HE volume of trade between Nigeria and Thailand has increased by 30.29 per cent over the volume in 2010 to $1.4 billion in 2011, the Ambassador of Royal Kingdom of Thailand to Nigeria, Mr Somchai Powcharoen, has said.

He spoke at a reception to mark the 85th Birthday Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the new record has made Nigeria to be the Thailand’s second largest trading partner in Africa.

Expressing the hope that in the near future more Thai delegation would come to Nigeria, he said Thailand has also shared its experience in human resource development with Nigeria by providing training programmes for Nigerians.

He said: “Diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Thailand was established in 1962. Since then our friendship and cooperation has grown from strength to strength.”

“In 2010 Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand did pay an official visit to Nigeria and participated in the 50th Anniversary of Nigerian Independence,” he stated.

Lauding the virtues of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for initiating numerous development projects in his country, he said: “These remarkable talents have earned His Majesty numerous international awards and recognition, among them the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award and the World Intellectual Property Organization’s First Global Leader Award.”

New contract rule may cost Nigeria $48b investments in oil industry

I

NVESTMENTS in the oil and gas industry worth about $48 billion could be lost following the bid procedure adopted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The procedure has disregarded all due and standard processes in conducting bids for assets development in the industry.

The NNPC, it was learnt, has disregarded all stages usually undergone during bid periods meant to ensure

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

transparency.

Under the present dispensation, the Corporation invites individual contractors directly to negotiate costs of contracts. Multinational oil companies have threatened to abandon some major projects, if the trend is not reversed.

A letter said to emanate from the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Abiye Membere, to the multina-

tional companies last month, showed that with the bid system, contracts, including supply, engineering fabrication and construction, and procurement, among others, which usually go through the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and others before getting to the Group Managing Director, have been collapsed into one and superintended by Membere.

In the letter, a source who

spoke in confidence, said, Membere claimed that the new bid approach is meant to reduce cost of projects’ implementation.

The source said the multinationals frowned at the development because it doesn’t support the sanctity of agreement on contracts.

If the multinationals make good their threat, the ExxonMobil’s Erha North Phase 2 put at $5 billion, and Satellite fields Phase 2 also estimated at about $5 bil-

lion, Shells Bonga SW/NW estimated $8 billion, Total’s Egina field put at about $8 billion, Chevron’s Funiwa Gas Project estimated at $3 billion, Brass LNG estimated at between $12 million - $15 million and Nsiko project also put at about $4 billion, bringing the total projects threatened for abandonment to about $48 billion.

When our correspondent contacted, Membere, he only replied: “Who said that?”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

Fed Govt, states defend $7.9b external loan

F

EDERAL and state gov ernments yesterday de fended their requests for approval to borrow over $7.9 billion at the Senate.

Out of the amount, the Federal Government is seeking Senate’s nod to borrow $4,846.3 billion while some state governments applied for approval for a loan of $3,059.39 billion.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, explained that the purpose of the loan defence was to know the amount federal and state governments applied to borrow.

Uzamere also said his com-

mittee wanted to ensure that the loans were tied to specific projects.

He noted that it was necessary for the Senate to be fully briefed on the details of the loans to enable Senators take informed decision on the approval or otherwise of the loans.

He said it was necessary for Nigerians to know what the

loans were meant for.

Uzamere assured that his committee would do justice to the requests before writing its report for the consideration of the Senate.

Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama said the Ministry of Finance does not want to allow states to negotiate the terms of the loans.

Ngama noted that what the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, did was to negotiate general terms of borrowing for states.

He said a situation where states would be given verifying terms of repayment would not arise.

He said it was not true that

‘Arik Air flights to DRC will boost trade, bilateral ties’

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HE Nigerian Ambas sador to the Demo cratic Republic of Congo, Ahmed Mohammed Kele, has said Arik Air operations in Kinshasa, Congo, will boost the economic opportunities of Nigerians living in that country, and strengthen the good relationship be-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

tween both countries.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the inaugural flight of Arik Air at the Aeroport International De N’ Djili Airport, Congo, Kele, who was represented by the First Secretary of the Nigerian Em-

bassy, Ibrahim Adamu Miringa, said Nigerians in Congo have been grappling with connectivity of flights to facilitate businesses due to the absence of a Nigerian airline.

He explained that since Nigeria Airways Limited was liquidated many years ago, the facilitation of business

between the two countries has been a great challenge.

He said: ”The Nigerian Embassy in Democratic Republic of Congo has been eager to have a Nigerian airline in Congo, with the defunct of Nigeria Airways been out of the air, it makes Nigerian businesses to be-

come handicap here in Congo.

“Some of them even turn their routes to Dubai because of lack of regular flights from Nigeria, so with the coming of Arik Air, it will boost Nigerian economy and the relationship with the DRC Congo,” he added.

the loan portfolio of the country is high.

The minister, who noted that Okonjo-Iweala secured concessions for the loans, added that some of the loans were granted at zero per cent.

Commissioners of Finance of some states represented their states at the meeting.

World Bank, Lagos plan multimillion fish market

By Daniel Essiet

T

HE World Bank and the Lagos State gov ernment are planning multimillion some fish market projects to ensure food security, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, has said in Lagos.

He spoke with reporters at the Seventh Joint FGN / World Bank.

He said the fish mart projects are part of its multimillion fisheries aimed at providing jobs for people.

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

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

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

Nigeria, Philippines to discuss economic ties From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

O increase the eco nomic ties between Nigeria and Philippines, the two countries are meeting in Abuja under the second Nigeria/Philippines Joint Commission.

While the Nigerian side was led by the Foreign Affairs Minister of State I, Prof.Viola Onwuliri, the Philippines’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erlinda Basilio led her country’s delegation to the meeting.

They noted that in spite of the strong political ties between the two countries, which started in the 1960s, the economic trade volumes between them have remained low.

According to them, the first Nigeria, Philippines Joint Commission was held 27 years ago and decisions from the meeting were not fully implemented.

Mrs Onwuliri said: “In spite of the long standing relations between Nigeria and the Philippines, economic and trade relations between both countries have been quite low.”

“While it is heartening to note that there have been an increasing number of Filipino companies conducting business in Nigeria which signifies a push in this direction, there is yet much to be done to improve our economic and trade relations.”

SOS

FACILITY

PROJECT

Man needs N200,000 for urethral surgery

Orji organises free Braille classes

Group enrols 202 kids in school

Lagos

52

Abia

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

E

THNIC ties were strengthened among indigenous people of Anioma in Delta State at the launch of a sprawling ultramodern conference centre in Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

Eminent personalities of Anioma extraction who graced the occasion included Prof Obi Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba, Chairman, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State Peter Nwaoboshi, member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Hon. Ndudi

EING wives and dependants of military men have not always guaranteed self-fulfilment or economic strength. Many have yearned in vain to be skilled in one trade or another.

Now, they have cause to smile. These sometimes traumatised, impoverished women got a big boost, and they welcomed it with open arms and enthusiastic hearts.

For two weeks, the Defence Military Headquarters (DHQ) organised a skill acquisition programme (SAP) for them.

The programme took place at Ikeja Military Cantonment , Lagos.

Over 320 dependants of Armed Forces personnel participated in the free training scheme.

Some of the trainings include hair-dressing, saloon management, hats and bead making, tailoring, agricultural business, allied services, business centre, Information Communications Technology, photo processing, heat transfer, printing, catering and soapmaking, among others.

The participants exuded confidence and relief after undergoing these trainings.

These two weeks, they said, were their best in several years.

They beamed with smiles, grinning from ears to ears as they displayed their handiworks and products to the admiration of top military brass.

To Mrs. Chinyere Ibor, it is farewell to poverty and joblessness. “I can never be poor again,” she affirmed. “With what I have learnt in the last few days, I am ready to take on the world. Henceforth, I won’t depend on my husband again. He would rather start borrowing from me,” she added. Ibor said the hat-making training she received is more than enough to see this dream come true.

“I have been empowered and exposed. It is up to me now and I am taking this opportu-

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Anioma celebrate in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Elumelu, Delta State Commissioner for Information Chike Ogeah, Ada Kachikwu, Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Uju Udeme, Chairman, Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture and Publisher, Hints Magazine Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Economic Adviser to Governor Uduaghan Afam Obiago, and a host of others.

The proposed Anioma convention centre, built on a six-hectare property, is an all-purpose auditorium designed to accommodate 5,000 people.

Director-General, Anioma Convention Centre, Mrs. Theodora GiwaAmu said in Asaba, the Delta State capital, that the convention centre will serve as a meeting place for Anioma people in their bid to promote and foster unity among themselves.

Mrs. Giwa–Amu said the project is a practical demonstration of the

resolve by the people to promote its cultural, economic and political identity.

She said Anioma sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora are bonafide members with full access to facilities provided by the centre, adding that membership will cut across political divides.

She further said that the committee took a tour of Anioma land to sensitise the people on the need to direct efforts towards a common goal, especially as the

governorship election in Delta State in 2015 approaches.

She said: “The convention centre will serve as a platform for sociocultural, educational and recreational activities of Anioma people.

“The centre is where we can come together and put down something practical where all Anioma people can come together for a common purpose. Anioma Convention Centre is a place for socio-cultural, educational and recreational activities to foster unity. Anioma people across the nine local government areas came in their numbers to actualise this dream.”

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•Heat transfer printing class present their products

Army trains women in skills

By Sunday Oguntola

nity with all seriousness,” she enthused.

Until Mrs. Susan Ewame started the training two weeks before, she had no slightest idea of the economic prospects in agricultural services and products. She said the practical and theoretical format adopted by her trainers infused her with knowledge on agricultural products, which she proudly displayed during her class presentation.

“In just two weeks, I can now hatch fingerlings and nurture them. I can produce feeds and other local stuffs like honey, semovita and wheat. It is amazing how my life has improved in these few days,” she told the watching crowd with nods of approval from her classmates.

Ewame has chosen to specialise on fisheries and animal feeds, which she said will fetch her fortunes. “There is no way I wouldn’t make money from them. There is a ready market and with the knowledge I have acquired, I will make a success

of this venture”.

Miss Hart Sandra is even more excited about her newfound passion than the business opportunities. She was in the business centre/ information communication technology class, an exposure she said had done her a whole world of good. “I came here empty and visionless. I didn’t know what to make of my life.

But I am leaving having discovered passion. I have discovered myself and learnt how to confront life’s challenges,’’ she stated.

•Brig-Gen Pat Akem

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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100,000 benefit from micro-credit scheme G

Oshiomhole lists panacea for better economy E

•From left: Chairman, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc and winner of the 2012 Pearl Most Outstanding CEO of the year, Dr Fidelis Ayebae; President/Chief Executive, Pearl Awards Nigeria, Mr Tayo Orekoya and former Minister of Information, Chief Alex Akinyele at the 2012 Pearl Awards Ceremony in Lagos

Abia begins free braille classes

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HE Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,Mrs Joy Alozie, says the state government will start free Braille and sign language classes for the public in 2013.

Alozie made the announcement during the UN International Day of Persons with Disability commemoration in Umuahia .

The commissioner, who was represented by Mr John Oliwe, the Director of Rehabilitation in the ministry, said the programme was part of the government’s effort to support the physically challenged in the state.

She said the classes would be free of charge and open to physically fit persons who had interest in Braille and sign language.

“The programme will provide avenues for both physically challenged and fit persons to become gainfully employed.

“The knowledge of Braille and sign lan-

Abia guage is capable of providing another source of livelihood for an individual even after retirement,” Alozie said.

The commissioner said the government was working toward ensuring that physically challenged persons maximised their potentials and were self-reliant.

“The government has planned to assist more physically challenged persons to get jobs and build more special education schools and organise skills acquisition programmes.

“It also plans to establish a health care scheme for physically challenged persons next year,” she said.

Alozie urged members of various associations of physically challenged persons to always embark on ventures that would support the socio-economic growth of the state.

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has called for for a change of attitude among the leadership and the citizenry so that the nation’s economy could grow.

Oshiomhole made the call at the 1st Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Lecture on “Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria’’ in Abuja.The lecture was organised by the Ahmadu Bello Foundation.

“We are never going to have a perfect, better economy if there is no conscious effort to change our attitude, if we don’t revisit some of the ideas about our leadership culture,’’ Oshiomhole said.

He called for a return to the good societal value system which was devoid of tribe and religion.

Oshiomhole noted that “Nigeria has everything to make her excel but what we seem to lack is the correct leadership that has the capacity of a clear vision and commitment to ensure that resources are well delivered to the people.’’

He urged leaders to imbibe the leadership role of the late Premier, adding that, “he considered everybody equal regardless of religion and region; he did not discriminate, and his ideal was work and worship.’’

Oshiomhole, who expressed optimism in the unity of the country and its ability to overcome its challenges, called for the adoption of a new style of leadership that encompassed

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ous interest groups in the state against encroaching on school lands.

The state Commissioner for Education, Mr Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo, told journalists that government was already working on a plan to

• From left: Anne-Kathrin Lehrburger; German Embassy, Abuja; Oba Michael Gbadebo Onakoya, the Orijeru of Igbooye Land and Executive Director, Development Support Institute Limited, Jacqueline Odiadi at the commissioning of community borehole donated by the Federal Republic of Germany in partnership with Development Support Institute Limited(DSI) at Ogbooye Community, Eredo Local Government Area, Epe, Lagos State.

Council chair pleads for calm

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HE chairman, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, Dr. Augustine Arogundade, yesterday urged members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and indeed, all residents in his domain to embrace peace.

He made the plea in view of the nullification of his election into office on October 22, 2011, by the Justice Ade Awobiyi-led Election Tribunal on Thursday, last week. The Tribunal had, in the judgment, voided the certificate of return earlier issued to Arogundade, the candidate of the ACN, by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), ruling that the poll was won by Arogundade’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival, Busari Akande. But, he has since appealed the judgment at the Appeal Court.

Arogundade who addressed a large crowd of residents at the council secretariat while marking his administration’s two years in the saddle, told the people: “Of course, we are all aware of the development regarding the

•Oshiomhole ees of the foundation, said the event created a platform for sober reflections on what went wrong and how it was possible for him to achieve so much and provide quality leadership.

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By Evelyn Osagie

unharmful in our community but might be dangerous to all. The security challenge we face as a nation must be seen as an issue to be tackled by all of us. Also, we must cultivate the habit of giving vital information to security operatives and the government from time to time because it will allow for a quicker action at fishing out the criminals living in our communities.”

He also urged that security operatives should show more commitment in their assigned duties while pledging the council’s support to their cause, saying: “The two patrol vehicles we are giving out today are part of our commitment to them and our best is yet to come. The beneficiaries of this gesture should ensure good use of these vehicles to encourage the council to provide more support in future.”

The Divisional Police Officer of Alausa Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police(CSP) Wale Ajao, who represented Area ‘F’ Commander, ASP Tunde Arogunduro, reiterated the police commitment to ensuring protection of lives and properties, noting that the gesture is very vital to the battle against crime. “Security is about quality logistics and quality personnel,”he said.

Mobil to give relief materials to councils

Ebonyi warns against encroachment on HE Ebonyi State government has school lands warned members of the public and vari-

‘Be security conscious’ HE Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Hon Francis Babatunde Oke, has urged Nigerians to be security conscious.

He made the charge at the presentation of two Police patrol vehicles to the Area ‘F’ Command and Mosafejo Police Station at the council.

The council chief called for a proactive approach in handling security issues. According to him, security matters should not be left in the hands of security agencies alone, adding that equipping the security agents with the right tools will help combat crimes in the society.

He said: “The high rate of crimes and insecurity calls for concern and must not be taken with levity. As the third tier of government, we know standing aloof will not help in solving this matter; we must be proactive in our approach to this menace if we are to succeed at all as a grassroot government. We believe that equipping and motivating the security agents is one of the approaches which must be taken to combat crimes in our society.

“We must not leave the issue of security to government or security operatives alone, all of us must make it a duty to be security conscious, taking note of little things that look

OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said that the state Micro Credit Scheme had recorded nearly 100,000 beneficiaries.

The governor made this known while speaking with journalists in Asaba.

Uduaghan said that N1 billion had been allocated to the micro credit scheme in the 2013 budget proposal.

Edo

tolerance and mutual understanding.

Also, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State lauded Bello for his leadership role and virtue and described him as an exceptional leader who worked and died in service for the less privileged.

“History will forever be kind to Sir Ahmadu Bello as a colossus, a quintessential philanthropist, selfless and revolutionary aristocrat and humanist,’’ Aliyu said.

He added that Bello’s political influence and generosity was unequalled while his grass roots mobilisation skills transversed the present 19 states in the northern part and beyond.

Aliyu, who is the Chairman, Board of Trust-

tribunal’s ruling of last week. I know how you feel; but I want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to remain calm and at peace with one another. The issue will be resolved in due course. We should not recourse to violence and anything that can cause a breach of our peace as a community. We in ACN are noted for our respect for the rule of law.

“We must educate ourselves that a matter such as we have on ground is one that is normally addressed legally without resorting to violence. We cannot take laws into our hands.

We must remain positive that at the appropriate time, we will all look back and say, we have been vindicated. I therefore enjoin you all to remain law-abiding as you go about your normal duties.”

He said further: “What is happening is a normal ingredient of democracy; it is nothing strange. We must behave ourselves and remain calm. We are in full control of the situation with God and you behind us and I believe that in the end, we will remain ever focused on our services to our people.”

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Ebonyi reclaim all school lands illegally acquired by people.

He said that government would no longer tolerate illegal occupation of school lands by groups, associations or individuals in whatever guise or reason.

He said that school lands, like any other schools’ property, belonged to government, adding that no person or group had the right to use them without approval.

According to him, the Ministry of Education has sent a memorandum to the State Executive Council for approval to seize all property illegally located on school lands across the state.

“Trespass is a criminal offence and we cannot allow that on our schools’ property. Those who have occupied either partly or in full, any of our school lands shall be made to forfeit them.

“We shall use every instrument of law to reclaim every land that has been taken over by groups or individuals,’’ he said.

He said that the ministry would recommend for immediate demolition of a two-storey building built on the football field of Urban Model Secondary School, Okpaugwu in Abakaliki.

He advised heads of primary and post primary schools in the state to be vigilant and report any case of encroachment on such lands to government.

Akwa Ibom

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OBIL Producing Nigeria says it has finalised plans for the distribution of relief materials to residents of four coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State affected by the recent oil spill.

Mobil said the local governments were Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna, adding that it would give 60 bags of rice, beans, garri, 350 rolls of wrapper, five cows, 10 goats, toiletries, beverages and assorted hot drinks to each.

The company’s Manager, Government and Public Affairs, Mr Nigel Cookey-Gam, told journalists that the gesture was aimed at promoting good neighbourliness with the host communities.

“Mobil has finalised plans to provide foodstuffs, water and other amenities to some coastal communities to help ameliorate temporary inconveniences they may have experienced.

“We are doing this to promote good neighbourliness,” Cookey-Gam said.

It will be recalled that Mobil, an affiliate of U.S. energy firm, ExxonMobil, on November 9, discharged large volumes of oil into the Atlantic Ocean creating serious environmental discomfort.

The spill reportedly compelled the predominantly fishing communities along the coastline to suspend fishing activities to pave way for the mop up operations.

A statement from the oil firm in Eket on November 22, stated that the firm had declared a ‘Force Majeure’ on its Qua Iboe crude streams.

Force Majeure is a legal notice that frees oil firms from liabilities caused by circumstances beyond their control.

The firm also said it could not meet its contractual obligations to crude oil buyers due to a ruptured pipeline that caused the spill in its field.

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MUWO Odofin Local Government in Lagos State has played host to the Director of United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), British High Commission here in Lagos, Mr. Mike Purves.He was accompanied by Mrs. Valerie Agodo, the Business Development Manager of the commission.

The visit, which was a follow up of previous visits by top officials of the British High Commission, was however, the first visit made by the head of the UKTI to any local government in Nigeria.

Critical issues, which form the thrust of the Comrade Ayodele Adewale administration’s policy, topped the discussion of the day. These include vocational training, transportation, human capital development, etc.

In the course of the meeting, the Director of

• Hon. Oke presenting the keys to the two Police Patrol Vehicles to ASP Odekunle Murtala.

With them is Oba Yusuf Olatunji

•Uduaghan “Other states are studying the Delta State model because of its acknowledged success,’’ he added.

Council donates patrol vehicles

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HE Chairman, Ojokoro Local Council Development 1Area, Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo, has donated two patrol vehicles to Oko-Oba Police Station and Ojokoro Police Station.

Olabinjo explained that the gesture was aimed at assisting the police to combat crime and protect lives and property in the council area. “We decided to donate the vehicles to the two police divisions in order to strengthen their capability to contain crime in the council area.

“The remaining two police divisions; Abattoir and Alakuko Police Stations will receive their own vehicles soon. And I want to also promise that Oko-Oba Police Station’s patrol vehicle, which was badly damaged by armed robbers, would be repaired. Our administration is also prepared to assist families of two policemen

By Kunle Akinrinade

killed by robbers at Oko-Oba because they died in active service.”

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO,of Oko-Oba Police Station, Mr. Akintade Williams, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, praised Olabinjo’s gesture and assured that the police would ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

He urged residents to assist the police with genuine information to rid the community of criminal elements. “On behalf of myself, the DPO of Ojokoro Police Division, Mrs. Mary Ubangha and all officers and men of these divisions, we say a very big thank you and I want to promise that we will continue to protect lives and property of residents.”

By Emmanuel Oladesu

UKTI, Mr. Mike Purves gave assurance of a mutual prosperity agenda through developmental projects. He promised presenting a case before the British Council on areas of expansion for the council During a media chat after touring the facilities and developmental projects within the secretariat, Mr. Mike Purves stated that they were not wrong in choosing Amuwo Odofin LGA for his first visit to any local government area in Nigeria. According to him, “the LGA was chosen for his first visit because of its strong reputation.”

When asked of his opinion on the performance of the grassroots government in place, he simply said “impressive”.

It is hoped that the recent visit will go a long way to foster bilateral relations between the LG and United Kingdom

Church marks 21st anniversary will end on Sunday, December 9 with a thanksgiving service at 10am. The theme is: Victory At Last.

Speaking immediately after Tuesday programme, the host, Rev. Michael Olajide Alobaloye likened the event to Moses’ escape from Egypt when the children of Isreal were led through the Red Sea to the promised Land.

The governor said the state government had concluded plans to establish 10 industries which would promote the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) next year He said that industries would include four fish feeds’ mills and six cassava-processing plants.

He stressed that the industries would be managed by private investors, as part of efforts to make them viable and efficient.

Describing the scheme as spectacular, Uduaghan said: “We believe we could harness our people’s entrepreneurship skills through our micro credit scheme, while nurturing small and medium scale enterprises.

British envoy visits local govt

Briefly ACTIVITIES marking the 21st anniversary and thanksgiving service of World Wide Gospel Ministry a.k.a. God Anointing Church has begun at 2, Muhammed Ajayi Close opposite Acorn Filling Station along Sagamu Road, Ikorodu Lagos.

The programme continues today with an anointing service from 10pm to 5am and

Delta

• Dr Oloye and members of the Students’ Union Government during the matriculation.

• Hon.Olabinjo presenting the keys of the vehicle to DSP Akintade while Baale of Ikeoluwa community.Wih them is the Baale of Ikeoluwa community,Chief Musa Bello.

Students urged to work hard

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HE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Raheem Oloye has urged students to adhere to the institution’s dress code and study harder in order to excel in their studies.

The rector who made the call last week during the matriculation of 2012/2013 academic session new students, noted that most students had lost touch with their primary objective of being in school, to focus on mundane issues.

He said: “My dear matriculating students, I wish to inform you that you are the clay, we are the potters. We intend to mould you to become knowledgeable, respectable and useful citizens of our great country.”

Oloye advised them to be good ambassadors of the institution noted for excellence. He urged the new students to adhere to the rules and regulations of the institution as that was the only way they could justify their admission.

“Our matriculating students, you owe it a duty to be ambassadors and image-makers, apart from being veritable interpreters of the philosophy of this institution. You should promote, propagate and defend its reputation and values.”

He reminded the students that their journey to success and stardom had started with their entry into the institution, it was therefore, important to take advantage of it and make good use of the opportunity which had eluded others who equally sought admission to the school.

“While we are not asking you to become bookworms, I wish to admonish you to spend your time judiciously on your studies so that you can fulfil your dream of earning a good diploma at the end of your course in the polytechnic.”

Oloye reiterated the need to strike a balance

By Musa Odoshimokhe

between their studies and leisure; he reminded them that the dream of the founding fathers of the polytechnic could only be sustained if the students refused to get involved in outlandish behaviours like cultism.

He maintained that it was imperative for the students to engage in acts that would develop every aspect of their lives. “Engaging in these acts put your mind in all positions where you can generate fresh ideas not only for yourself but the ones that would add value tothe polytechnic.”

The rector encouraged the students to report member of staff who demand gratification or sex for mark to the appropriate authorities to enable the institution to tackle the monster called sorting in higher institutions.

Cleric warns religious leaders RELIGIOUS leaders in the country have been urged to give priority to salvation issues other than those that will promote materialism. The call was made by the President of World Christian Council Association, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin in Lagos.

He said it is regrettable that mundane issues such as state-of-the-art churches, jets, expensive cars and mansions have become the issue rather than the salvation of the soul. He, therefore, urged the leaders to have a change of heart so that their followers will not be misled.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS Group seeks accurate data on agric technology

Rockefeller boosts food security T HE ROCKEFELLER Foundation is supporting climatesmart agriculture to enable farmers in Africa to survive disasters, its Associate Director,African Regional Office, C. D. Glin, has said.

He spoke during the Africa Futures Roundtable in Lagos.

Glin said developing countries should be more innovative to weather the debilitating effects of climate change that is expected to severely compromise food security.

He said the foundation acknowledged the importance of local innovative solutions to build resilience to climate change and increase food security and financial stability.

To this end, Glin said the foundation is supporting Index-Based Weather Insurance (IBWI) Project.

The IBWI is aimed at developing and testing the market viability of index-based weather insurance products designed to reduce the impact of weather related risks on small

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By Daniel Essiet,

Agric Correspondent

holder farmers. IBWI uses recorded data on actual weather from monitoring stations and adapt conventional agricultural insurance products to address weather-related risks more effectively while aligning products with market demand.

He said increasing agricultural productivity is critical for economic growth in African countries.

Glin said the foundation’s Strengthening Food Security initiative includes AGRA, which was launched in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Managing Director, Rockefeller Foundation, Ms Claudia Juech said the Foundation supports AGRA across four interrelated areas of activity: improving access to more resilient seeds that produce higher and more stable yields, promoting soil health and productivity, building more efficient local, national

• Glin

and regional, agriculture markets and promoting improved policies and building partnerships to develop the technological and institutional changes needed to achieve a green revolution.

She said science, knowledge and technology are disseminated and used by African small-scale farmers to rapidly increase agricultural productivity in ways that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

HE African Agricultural Technology Foundation (ATTF) has called on reporters to disseminate accurate information to the public on its new technology, the Maruca-resistant cowpea.

Project Manager, Cowpea Project of AATF, Dr Prince Addae, made the call at a training on Biotechnology Application for Journalists in Abuja.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Maruca-resistant cowpea project, coordinated by the AATF, is to develop improved varieties of cowpea that could withstand the pod borer (marocavitrata) and enhance farmers’ grain and fodder production.

Marucavitrata is a major pest that inflicts severe damage to cowpea.

According to him, both the AATF and the media should have the same message that should be balanced, credible, clear and accurate about the new project.

He told the participants to see the new technology as “science communication’’ in which they were not selling science products but contributing to the development of science culture that the public could understand.

He said that the pod borer inflicted severe damage to cowpea leading to yield losses between 70

per and 80 per cent in severe infestation.

Addae noted that spraying with insecticide had not been widely adopted by farmers due to the prohibitive costs.

“AATF is addressing this problem by facilitating the development of Maruca-resistant transgenic cowpea varieties, thereby minimising insecticide use and its effects on health and the environment.’’

He added that the project was developed at the Institute of Agricultural Research, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Bamidele Solomon, said biotechnology was taking mankind beyond ever known depths of understanding chemical and physical basis of life.

He noted that maruca-resistant cowpea was just an example of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Solomon explained that GMOs were crops that had their DNA altered for particular purpose.

He added that since the commercialisation of biotechnology crops in 1996, farmers in 29 countries decided to plant and re-plant 1.25 billion hectares using biotechnology.

AfDB, researchers launch $63m poverty alleviation initiative

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• Agricultural exhibition in Dutse,Jigawa State.

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‘Non-performing agric loans declining’

HE level of non-performing loans (NPL) granted to farmers by micro credit associations has drastically dropped, a senior officer of the Farmers Development Union(FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, has said.

He said this is a key indicator of the quality of credit and overall risk management approach adopted by cooperatives and associations.

Olowe, a Programme Coordinator with FADU, said the level of the non-performing loans given to farmers belonging to associations and cooperatives were at 20 per cent and below, adding that banks have found repayment rate encouraging and characterised by strong credit growth.

He said repayment rate stood at about 90 per cent. By comparison with individual farmers given loans by farmers, Olowe said banks have the lowest level of non-performing loans working through farmers organisations.

Olowe said the cooperatives ensure that viable business opportunities receive the credit they need, no matter who the entrepreneur may be. With an open, competitive and vigorous financial sector, opportunities are widened, governance improvements underpinned.

For watchers, the performance of farmers cooperatives have improved, as manifested in higher asset quality and profitability.

As the level of non-performing loans in banks continues to drop, the level of credit growth to cooperative farmers is growing raising

hopes that the financial sector is changing its perspective about agric lending.

According to watchers, the financial sector is one the catalysts for agricultural growth since the sector acts as conduit for expansion of private enterprises.

Speaking at a forum in Lagos, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives,Prince Gbolahan Lawal, urged farmers to form associations if they want to get loans from the government.

Lawal said cooperative associations are the building blocks of the private sector in the country and the membership constitutes largely business associations which should be supported to grow.

Ogun State Governor, Senator

IbikunleAmosun, said it was easier to disburse loans through co-operative societies than through the individuals, adding that monitoring to ensure that such loans were judiciously used and refunded would be easy.

He said: “Government has put in place different loan packages that are meant to develop agriculture across the state. To benefit from these packages, however, I advise you to organise yourselves into co-operatives for easy access to the loan and effective monitoring of its use and refunds.”

The governor also said his administration remained committed to the mission to rebuild the economy of the state and solve problems of unemployment.

He stressed that this could be done effectively through the involvement of youths in agricultural production.

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) and some researchers have launched a $63.24 million deal aimed at raising agricultural productivity and lifting millions of Africans out of poverty.

The five-year, multi-CGIAR center initiative known as “Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa” (SARD-SC), is a research, science, and technology development initiative aimed at enhancing the productivity and income derived from cassava, maize, rice and wheat – four of the six commodities that African Heads of States, through the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme, have defined as strategic crops for Africa.

During the launch in Ibadan, the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Nteranya Sanginga, called on researchers to deliver ‘quick impact’ to justify the investments in research.

“We should begin to demonstrate impact in the next two years using available technologies already developed. Everything in SARD-SC is about impact and not only writing scientific papers,” Sanginga said.

The SARD-SC Project comes when food security and nutrition are high on the national agenda of the AfDB Regional Member Countries (RMCs), as rising food prices push millions of people into extreme hunger and poverty. The SARD-SC allows – for the first time ever in a single project – a continental coverage of the food security challenges in Africa.

By Josephine Owede

“What we intend to achieve goes beyond food security. We are looking at boosting incomes and reducing poverty in Africa,” said Mr Ousmane Dore, Resident Representative, Nigeria Field Office of the AfDB, who launched the event on behalf of AfDB’s President, Dr Donald Kaberuka.

“Apart from supporting research with broad sectoral and/or economic-wide objectives, the social impact of this intervention is significant. This is underscored by the all-inclusive nature of the project beneficiaries: farmers’ groups, youth, private sector, policy makers, rural entrepreneurs, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), community based organisations, and nongovernmental organisations,” he explained.

The project, which will run until 2016, will be co-implemented by three Africa-based CGIAR centers: IITA, Africa Rice Center, and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. IITA is also the Executing Agency of the project.

Another CGIAR center – the International Food Policy Research Institute – a specialised technical agency, will support the other three centres.

Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director-General, Partnerships and Capacity Development, IITA, said the distinctive nature of the project offered an opportunity to improve food security in Africa.

He called on partners and researchers to work towards building a new and better future for Africa using the project as a tool.

FAO prepares for challenges

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OOD and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General José Graziano da Silva said the organisation needs to adapt to increasing challenges worldwide.

In a statement ,he said: “We are starting to move from a project approach to a programme approach. We are breaking down institutional silos and promoting synergies across the organisation. We are breaking down the separation between FAO’s work on knowledge and operations.We are doing away with the artificial separation between emergency, rehabilitation and devel-

opment. And we are opening FAO to work better with partners.”

According to him, a recent partnership launched by the African Union and FAO, with the support of Instituto Lula, embodied the “spirit of the changes” that were being made in FAO. Graziano da Silva also asked for the endorsement of the draft FAO Strategy on Partnerships with Civil Society so that the organisation would have a solid and transparent foundation to work with.

He told the meeting that the part-

nerships strategy with the private sector would be submitted to the governing bodies in the first quarter of 2013.

The FAO Council is expected to give its final endorsement to the new set of crosscutting strategic objectives that are designed to address emerging challenges and priorities faced by FAO in its future work.

Emphasising that he had found over $26 million in savings and efficiencies this year and with Council’s approval reallocated over $19 million in savings from administra-

tive areas to support technical work, the FAO head asked for an increased budget for the Organisation for the 2014-2015 biennium.

“Even a small, real increase in the next budget level will help ensure that the new cross-cutting strategic objectives may be achieved, in addition to acting as a catalyst for mobilising further extra-budgetary resources,” he said.

Graziano da Silva asked Council to endorse proposed amendments to the General Rules of the organisation that would make smooth the transition when new administrations took over..

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Rigging the financial system

Dangerous pastime •JNI’s attempt to mix religion with security must be condemned by all

W

HAT does Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), a Muslim pressure group, hope to achieve by its reaction to military postings as a result of the terrorist bombing of a church facility at the Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State?

Sequel to the bombing, which claimed lives and limbs, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Kure, commandant of the college, and Major-Gen. Muhammad D. Isa, corps commander, Infantry Centre and School (ICS), Jaji, were redeployed for alleged negligence.

As far as the records go, there is no evidence that these two officers have complained over their new posting.

But in a shocking written reaction, which Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI secretary-general signed, the body claimed the two officers were removed not because of any perceived incompetence but because of their religious leaning.

JNI thundered: that the “two officers who were removed were Muslims and replaced by non-Muslims makes any discerning observer to be suspicious” really?

This is a most reprehensible and insensitive reaction to a shameful but avoidable national defence and security embarrassment. The high shrine of Nigerian military intellectualism is bombed, precious lives of innocent citizen-worshippers lost and the best JNI could manage is rabid plebeian complaints, erected on a suspect religious

divide?

Beyond playing the meddlesome interloper - and a reckless and dangerous one at that - what is JNI’s locus in a grave and sensitive national security matter?

To start with, the two officers being disciplined, as far as we know, joined the military as qualified citizens; and earned promotion as competent soldiers, and not as fillers of some religious quota. So, if for perceived negligence their employers are disciplining them, what is JNI’s business in the matter?

Besides, if two competent Muslims can command two key positions in Jaji, what is wrong with two Christians taking over the positions, if the former occupiers were found wanting in the command, as indeed they were with the Jaji bombings? Or does the paradigm then change because a set of officers were Christians and others were Muslims?

That apart, is it not ridiculous talking of Christians and Muslims in sensitive military postings, when some murderous criminals, faking as faith-anchored terrorists, had just defiled a military high shrine, to the eternal shame of the rest of Nigerians?

This JNI comment is both reckless and sinister. Reckless, because the bombers were suspected Muslim fanatics; and it was not the first time these criminals would bomb churches and kill innocent worshippers. And sinister, because JNI has adduced religious motives to a strictly military re-deployment, when no one has accused the two officers of com-

plicity with the criminals.

Is JNI then trying to force a Christian-Muslim divide in the military, and its dire consequences? Or is it saying that the military cannot redeploy and discipline its members, just because such members were Muslims?

This is religious activism taken too far. Religious groupings and lobbies must stay out of national security matters. JNI must apologise for this asinine statement. It is enough humiliation that a high profile military facility can be so attacked. It is even worse that JNI is playing politics with the tragedy.

This is a most dangerous pastime that must never be tolerated.

Besides, if two competent Muslims can command two key positions in Jaji, what is wrong with two Christians taking over the positions, if the former occupiers were found wanting in the command, as indeed they were with the Jaji bombings? Or does the paradigm then change because a set of officers were Christians and others were Muslims?

Our prisons •This is terrible: 970 on the death row; 33,731 awaiting trial, in some cases for years!

HE Nigerian criminal justice system is a national embarrassment and there is need for a remedy. The scandal equates to a criminal impunity on the part of the state, if as reported by a daily newspaper, 33,731 of 51,004 prison inmates nationwide are awaiting trial. The paper also reported that 970 of the inmates are awaiting execution, having been condemned to death by the courts. A few days ago, this paper also reported that one of the ‘awaiting trial’ inmates at Kuje Prisons had spent 20 years in prison, for allegedly fighting with a neighbour. These grim data deserve swift action by the authorities, unless state torture is our national ethos.

The data on awaiting trial inmates

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‘Except in a clime where public officials are not accountable in the true sense of the word, these scandalous data are enough to sweep parties out of power, if truly democracy is alive and well. State executives who have sworn to defend the constitution must be reminded that what is happening in our prisons constitutes a gross abuse of human rights, which is protected by the constitution’

constitutes about 66 percent of the entire inmates of the prisons, yet we pride our country as a constitutional democracy. With a constitution proclaiming the accused innocent until proved guilty by a competent court of law, how does the Nigerian state defend the cruelty of allowing an accused to be in prison for decades awaiting trial for an offence that is punishable by two or three years imprisonment on conviction? Again, how do the state officials justify the double torture of permanently keeping on the death row, persons sentenced to death?

Except in a clime where public officials are not accountable in the true sense of the word, these scandalous data are enough to sweep parties out of power, if truly democracy is alive and well. State executives who have sworn to defend the constitution must be reminded that what is happening in our prisons constitutes a gross abuse of human rights, which is protected by the constitution. It is incomprehensible that despite the huge budget allocations in the past few years at the federal and state levels to decongest the prisons, those involved have merely traded in human misery.

If the executive represented by the police, prosecution and prisons have connived to degrade our humanity, the courts could come to their aid. A judge or magistrate could, for instance, insist that all persons standing trial before the court must be brought to the court on each court day, and officially keep a tab of those that suddenly drop

off the court’s list, without the accused having been discharged. If the courts are part of the problem, the legislature can make a law to punish any state official that frustrates a speedy trial of criminal offence. They can also legislate to make trial less expensive and more expeditious.

No doubt part of the crisis is the result of our defective federal system.

While the police and prisons are federal institutions, the directorate of public prosecution for most of the offences is state-based. Also, the trial courts, in most cases the magistrate’s courts are state institutions; so there is no synergy or the leverage to deal with challenges or inefficiencies across the board. What we have is one institution’s inefficiencies rubbing off the other; while Nigerian citizens, sometimes innocent of the crimes they are accused of, suffer debilitating and humiliating cruelties in the hands of the state that should protect them.

One other thorny problem is what to do with the condemned felons on the death row. While some Nigerians defend the death sentence, many condemn it. Death sentence has become unacceptable to many countries, just as many governors in the country are under pressure not to sign the required warrant for execution. To save the convicts the extra trauma of uncertainty, there is need for a compromise. May be, Nigeria should commute death penalties to life imprisonment.

T

HE report this week that UBS, the Swiss bank, may be close to a deal with American and British authorities to settle charges that its employees manipulated interest rates to increase the bank’s trading profits signals incremental progress in the global investigation into rate rigging at more than a dozen big banks, including Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. What it does not signal — at least not yet — is that regulators, prosecutors and political leaders are using the investigation to hold banks and bankers truly accountable for the magnitude of the wrongdoing. The rates in question, including Libor, the London inter-bank offered rate, are used to determine interest rates on trillions of dollars of loans and are linked to other transactions estimated at hundreds of trillions of dollars worldwide.

By rigging the rates, the banks rigged the system against borrowers, consumers and investors everywhere.

UBS is expected to pay more than $450 million, following on the $450 million settlement agreed to earlier this year by Barclays, the British bank, to resolve similar charges. At this stage, the UBS settlement — like the Barclays deal — appears to be focused on civil, not criminal charges.

Barclays escaped criminal prosecution in part because it was the first to cooperate in the investigation. The Justice Department left open the possibility of criminally prosecuting officers or employees of Barclays, but it has not yet done so.

UBS has reached a conditional immunity deal with the antitrust arm of the Justice Department, though the department’s criminal unit could still take action against the bank. Unless civil penalties are paired with high profile criminal prosecutions, they will not add up to meaningful punishment or effective deterrence.

There is little indication that the authorities will learn the right lesson from the raterigging scandal. Most of the discussion has centered on reforming the system for setting Libor and other rates. That is obviously needed. But these cases also show, once again, how big banks are driven to recklessness and even illegal conduct by the pursuit of trading profits, to the detriment of bank soundness and the public interest. So far, there have been only fledgling attempts by American and European politicians and regulators to curb and isolate excessive speculation, which means that even if Libor is made less susceptible to manipulation, behemoth banks still pose a danger to the broader economy.

– New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The recent corruption allegation levelled against our football by the former Super Eagles coach, Clemence Westerhof in the media is laughable.

One cannot but agree in totality with the allegation raised by Mr. Westerhof, in view of the fact that it is not only our football that is affected but the whole body politic of the Nigerian state. The nation is being ravaged by the cankerworm which has held us down. But the truth of the matter is that Mr. Westerhof lacks the moral integrity to accuse anybody of corruption in view of his incontrovertible corrupt nature while he was the technical adviser of theSuper Eagles.

Those who live in glass houses don’t throw stones. I am puzzled by this allegation coming from Mr. Westerhof.

No one should take the forgiving nature of the average Nigerian for granted by insulting our sensibilities when in actual fact, the state that we all are today was laid by the actions or inactions of those who were saddled with the constitutional responsibilities to lead us right.

That Mr. Clemence Westerhof is crying wolf now is akin to the same

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Westerhof should leave Nigerian football alone hypocritical cries of former President Olusegun Obasanjo now on national issues because we will continue to ask what they did to tame this monster when they were in office or is it that it is just rearing its ugly head now which we all know is not the case?

I make bold to state that the high level of corruption that has come to stay till today in our national teams through the coaches started with Mr. Westerhof management of the senior national team during the military era.

Before him, there were foreign technical advisers who were incorruptible and decent like Father Tiko, Manfred Hoener, etc. Mr. Clemence Westerhof presided over the managership of the Nigerian Senior national team in a corrupt manner never witnessed in the annals of our

football history and at a period when corruption was institutionalized as a state policy. The manner of the administration of our football just like in other facets of our life was an aberration. When Mr. Westerhof was in the saddle, he had direct access to then military Vice President, late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu instead of his employers, the football federation for management and disbursement of funds of which he was accountable to no one but himself. The height of the abnormality perpetuated by Westerhof was that he became the chief accounting officer of the National team at the expense of his job as chief coach.

Westerhof also allegedly lured Nigerian players into slave contracts with foreign clubs which allegedly earned him a coaching ban

from Europe by the European football governing body as a result of the Tijani Babangida saga in Holland then.

Characters like Mr. Clemence Westerhof can only function in a system that lacks discipline, transparency, orderliness, prudence and accountability like Nigeria, which explains his lightening exit from coaching jobs in South Africa, Egypt and Zimbabwe, hence he returned to take up the Soccer Academy job in Kwara state having realized that he’s a pariah in the coaching job outside our clime.

Since the exit of Mr. Westerhof as the manager of the Super Eagles in 1994, local coaches who have come after him in managing the team, have followed in his corrupt footsteps of conflict of interest by operating business interest as unli-

Let’s be careful about enforcing dress code

S

IR: The alleged slaughtering of twenty (20) young ladies in Maiduguri by some Islamic fundamentalists is reportedly caused by the fact that the ladies were known for wearing miniskirts and trousers, which, according to the fundamentalists, is against the Shariah Law. Our society must realise that the crime originated from their own obsession with how Nigerian women dress.

How a person dresses depends on a number of factors, which include not only self-expression, but also affordability. Jeans trousers are usually durable, and fairly used ones are sold cheaply. And so, a lady may wear them for economic reasons. Where is the place of thrift and

right to self-expression in the hunt by some people for ladies who dress “improperly”?

There were some African traditional funerary rituals in which women danced round nakedly, and there was hardly any occasion in which women covered up all their bodies as some Muslim women do.

So, the concerned should stop attributing indecent actions to African culture that suffers no nudity psychosis. Senegal and Ghana are rated among the best run African countries. Go there and see freedom of self-expression in how women dress.

Unfortunately, even some Nigerian universities indulge in the bizarre pastime. They police and arrest female students and “slaugh-

ter” them on the altar of”Dress Code”. On account of “Dress Code”, which is defined ambiguously, since a uniform cannot be imposed, some students miss their examinations, because they had to go back home to dress “properly”. In one university, recently, two female students were sent back home to go and dress “properly”. When they came back was when I saw them. I saw they were in very decent trousers and shirts, but the accuser was still unsatisfied and was taking them to a higher authority. Being helpless, I invoked God to come to their rescue.

Nigerian rulers commit economic injustice and compound poor people’s plight with “Dress Code” and banning of commercial motor-

cycling. They deny their workers full entitlements only to be pursuing ladies over how they dress.

They should learn to discipline their eyes if they don’t want to look at women lustfully. Lustful look is a sexual impetus, and it is part of being human, and being fully alive.

We should not breed Boko Haram in Yorubaland, so that women are not slaughtered like in Maiduguri and Kano, on the basis of how they dress! Women and human rights activists should protest en masse the so-called Dress Code. Nigeria is back in the Dark Age of witchhunt!

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

censed football agents and using the National football teams to parade and market their “players” at the expense of the wish and aspirations of Nigerians for quality and fit players to adorn the national jersey which is responsible for the continued woeful display by the senior national till date.

We don’t need a Westerhof to raise the alarm of corruption in our football because we all know how he watered it. If Mr. Westerhof is looking for relevance now, my candid advice is that he seeks it elsewhere because his era is past.

• Nelson Ekujumi Adesina Street , Ikeja, Lagos .

The Obasanjo/ Jonathan brouhaha!

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IR: The issue between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and incumbent President Dr. Ebele Jonathan has generated heated debates from several quarters. The end does not seem to be near.

Did anyone ever know that the former President went to the President to counsel him on the Boko Haram escapades? When it seems there is no change in the ruinous activities of the sect, Obasanjo wanted us to know what he has done.

By his political antecedents and happenings around the corridors of power, Obasanjo has overtime been regarded as President Jonathan’s political mentor. So, many hold the view that they know how to settle their differences and come together again.

Let people stop over- blowing the matter. It is hoped that very soon, God the Almighty will show them what to do for peace to reign in the land.

• Chief E.A Okunrinniyi, President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Festac Town, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 16

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COMMENTS

Revolutionary Rascals (4)

H

ELL is, charting the future by you and me. Together, we personify the lot that we seek in leadership and then, an aberration of it. Such bleakness and hope should never subsist in a nation’s youth, it would seem. But it does and we have ourselves to blame. ‘Ourselves,’ being the mass of cocky, impotent breed constituting Nigeria’s youth.

Men like the ruling class we have now thrive by the cowardliness of youth like you and me. We own their meal tickets and the least they could do by us is to treat us with appreciable tact and respect but they don’t because they know that we are undeserving of certain human courtesies like, accountability and deference.

Yet, to all the monstrosity they affect, we could only sit back and curse the times. This business of cursing the times has gotten old, hasn’t it? It’s time we shed the walnut of the crinkled shell. We have got more serious work to do.

But for all the courses we have set adrift, nobody offers direction, all we have are self-righteous louts and purveyors of morals that have learnt to asphyxiate moral, where integrity silences to double-speak.

All we do is quote dead men of note and recycle wisdom spent in their years of birth. All we do is tout sophistry and over-tasked arguments because it is politically correct to do so. Virulent rant, cynicism and condemnations on social media networks and news pages are hardly the solutions that we need.

Social media activists and

company will do Nigeria a lot of good if they could mature beyond impotent rant and activism on Facebook. So would every other individual qualified to be addressed as a vestige of Nigeria’s dying future and youth.

I do not despise their lot for having found cause to ventilate their anger and discontent with the status quo; I only pick issues with their lot for perpetually engaging in a never ending duel with themselves and their shadows. It’s somewhat incestuous, brassy and all that vainness, all that cowardice will ever be.

Facebook, Twitter activists and company should never let so much luster, brilliance and fury go to waste. Anybody could lampoon the ruling class via bitter and condescending vitriol posted as status update on the over-glorified Facebook wall. It takes courage and amazing degree of firmness to marry profitable action to rhetoric.

If we truly intend to make our lives fruitful, to ourselves and the generation next, we should begin to see in imagination, the things that might be, and the way in which they are to be brought into existence. We should stop squandering time and passion defending and lamenting unjust privileges enjoyed by the ruling class. We should begin to aim at making the world less cruel, less full of conflict between rival greed, and more full of humane elements whose growth has not been dwarfed and stunted by oppression.

A life lived in this spirit—the spirit that aims at creating rather

T

HERE is a sense in which it may be said that had the University of Nigeria not existed in the first place, the generation of post-independence leadership of the country would still have had to invent one. This is because, looking back now, the establishment of the university bordered on a historical mission, as encapsulated in the report of the Economic Rehabilitation of Eastern Nigeria (1955) which made the case for the immediate establishment of a full-fledged university in the region: “Such a higher institution of learning should not only be cultural, according to the classical concept of universities, but it should also be vocational in its objective and Nigerian in its content.”

The dawn of political independence in Africa was all the more remarkable as it offered the new nations a context to dream lofty dreams. It needs be emphasized that, in the case of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Nnamdi Azikiwe, the founder of the University of Nigeria, the original impulse for the establishment of the University ran far much deeper than the crush of independence.

‘The Nsukka environment in its pristine rural setting, with the totemic parched red earth and swirling dust storms, has since given way to evolving modernization, physical transformation, aesthetic renewal and the introduction of new teaching and learning tools and aids. At this juncture, the University is fully braced for new frontiers and higher heights in a world of shrinking borders’

than possessing—has a certain fundamental single-mindedness and purpose, of which it cannot be wholly robbed by adverse tyranny and circumstances.

If we could summon the courage and the vision to live in this way, there will be no need for the regeneration of our fatherland into fragmentary parts by political reform or bloodbath; all that is needed in the way of reform shall come automatically, owing to the moral regeneration of youths.

Let us begin at the grassroots. Let us begin to court the segments of society we would rather not be caught courting. Let us begin to include the “despicable area boy,” “irascible market woman of the metropolitan market and the sidewalk” in our march for freedom.

Let us begin to value the insolence of the enfant terrible police officer, disgruntled teacher, directionless undergraduate, campus cultist cum political assassin, and respond to it in plan.

Let us begin to value the inputs of these human integers that we have learnt to disregard and smother in our march for freedom.

The evils of power in the present system are vastly greater than is necessary, but they shan’t diminish by any suitable form of activism save our concerted effort to do the hackneyed in ways it has never been done before. No bloody revolution will serve our cause; the ballot remains our next best alternative as usual.

It’s about time we stopped speaking with divided voices. It’s about time we freed our kind from the leash of the predatory ruling class. I speak of that great bulk, not only of the very poor, but, of all sections of wage-earners and even of the professional classes, that are the slaves of the need for getting money.

Almost all are compelled to work so hard and covet hand-downs from the predatory ruling class that they dare not aspire to that unimpeachable standard of morality that has as its main objective, freedom and attainment of the common good.

If we could induce every Nigerian in his youth to desire his own happiness more than another’s pain; if we could be induced to work constructively for improvements which we could share with the entire world, the whole system by which our nation diminishes might be reformed root and branch within a generation.

Let us begin to build that proverbial bulwark of citizenship whose ideal of patriotism is held untainted by wantonness, ill-bliss and the temptations of power. Let us not be daunted by the prevalence of socio-political unrest and ineptitude in governance. And let our passion not be overcome by the emergence of narcissists and corruption of broadly cultured men.

We could start by becoming the stalwarts they never want us to become. We could start by exciting dormant will to pulsate where ambition joins with hope to perpetuate, for the love of the good, our common good.

Let us begin that assemblage of writers, artists, students, lecturers, free readers, thugs, social commentators, militants and labour groups that we love to espouse and yet shy to perpetuate.

We are done with impotent saw; let us begin to match our threats with action. Let us begin the movement by which we would reclaim our destinies, and will, from the grasp of the lot in whose clasp we asphyxiate.

If we could so successfully network in thousands and tens of thousands on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter et al; if we could so

painstakingly network to dance (SalsaNaija), see movies (S.H.A.R.E Monday movies) to mention a few; how can we not congregate to salvage our lives from machinations of men bereft of heart, and honour?

We are done quoting Awolowo, Azikiwe, Bello, Voltaire, Bonaparte, Fawehinmi and others.

Let us not mock humanity excited by men channeling peace in quilted sleep. Let us begin to propagate such deeds that would become incense for poetry, and history that elevates.

The odds are great but we who have learnt to navigate the worst of mine-fields with determination and grace should learn to exterminate the ogres that maul our lives to pieces. It’s about time we formed a party of the people, for the people, by the youth.

• To be continued…

‘Let us begin to build that proverbial bulwark of citizenship whose ideal of patriotism is held untainted by wantonness, ill-bliss and the temptations of power. Let us not be daunted by the prevalence of sociopolitical unrest and ineptitude in governance. And let our passion not be overcome by the emergence of narcissists and corruption of broadly cultured men’

Shaping the course of higher education

By Bartholomew Ndubuisi Okolo His was a date with history, a summons to enact ‘Renascent Africa’ in bold relief. I make bold to say that few public institutions of higher learning in Africa can aspire to the philosophical foundations, liberal and utilitarian ethos that gave birth to the university in October 1960. Fewer still have impacted the course of the development of higher education and nation building as much as the University of Nigeria in the past fifty years.

The reason the University will for a very long time to come remain the reference point in the development of higher education hinges on its history as a catalytic influence in the diversification of knowledge and the democratization of access to higher education. The introduction of vocational courses and the teaching of General Studies (GS) have bred an academic tradition that defines the mission of the public university. Through thick and thin, this tradition has largely held firm and constitutes the connecting thread in the tangled web of the institution’s history.

Twenty seven ago, the University celebrated its silver jubilee anniversary. It was an auspicious occasion to reflect on the institution’s history and to contemplate its future. Onigu Otite, a pioneer graduate of the University and by then a professor of Sociology at the University of Ibadan suggested at the time that the chequered origins of the school made its first 25 years appear to collapse centuries of the normal rise and fall of such institutions elsewhere.

Inevitably, the ravages wrought by the ugly spectre of the Nigerian civil war have since become an integral part of the narrative of the University. Upon his return to the war-scarred institution in 1970, Dr.

D.R. Duncan, an Inter- University Council adviser from Cambridge University made a sobering observation of the patent devastation and destruction, on the one hand, and a burning determination and purpose to create something unique from the tragedy of the past, on the other.

Despite a succession of national educational crises punctuated by internal upheavals, the University has grown in exponential terms ever since. The take-off student population of 220 in six foundation departments in 1960 and an academic staff strength of 13, which, by the 1962/63 session had shot up to 1,248 students in 27 departments and colleges, and a total of 160 lecturers, pales in comparison to the current student enrolment figure of about 35,000, academic staff and faculty population of 1,785, in addition to non-academic personnel of 5,420. In fifty years, the University has graduated over 125,000 students in various degrees and diplomas (compared to the first set of 150 graduates in 1963) and today boasts 106 departments, 15 faculties, 10 centres and 3 institutes spread across four campusesNsukka, Enugu, Ituku/Ozalla and Aba. With research at the heart of the founding of the university, post-graduate studies stand out as a beneficiary of the exponential growth of the institution. Fresh from the ruins of war, the school conferred its first Masters degree in 1971 and its first Ph.D four years later in 1975. In the 1978/ 79 session when the School of Post-graduate Studies came into existence, the postgraduate student enrolment figure stood at 288, but by 1984/85 session, the figure had risen to 1,309 students. By contrast, with all academic departments presently running fully functional post-graduate programmes, a total of 2,226 new students enrolled for various programmes under the school in the 2010/2011 session.

Much has been made of the ennobling dreams of the founding fathers of the university, but in reality those dreams might have counted for little without the commensurate sweat and exertions, commitment and conviction of the men and women in the arena of teaching and research. They surely deserve greater credit than they have received so far in any attempt at situating the arduous road travelled by the institution.

Perhaps no less so, the foster hands of the Michigan State University, the InterUniversity Council and the various streams of expatriate egg-heads who worked under difficult conditions towards nurturing values that underpin the idea. The Nsukka environment in its pristine rural setting, with the totemic parched red earth and swirling dust storms, has since given way to evolving modernization, physical transformation, aesthetic renewal and the introduction of new teaching and learning tools and aids. At this juncture, the University is fully braced for new frontiers and higher heights in a world of shrinking borders.

The saga of the development of the University of Nigeria embodies the legend informing the narrative of its traditions and culture as an organic institution with a soul and life of its own. As we mark the 52nd Founders Day this year, preparatory to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the pioneer set of university graduates from a Nigerian university in October 2013, I cannot but register once more my appreciation of the tortuous journey that started with the singular vision of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Premier of the Eastern Region, former President of Nigeria and foremost nationalist.

• Professor Okolo is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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COMMENTS ‘History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamour of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.’

————Martin Luther King, Jr.

I

N today’s Nigeria, the spirits of our ancestors are being troubled by agents of neo-colonialism that have espoused and inflicted painful policies on the people in the name of governance. Their jobs are being made easier because of the inept leadership that is epitomised by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In the on-going dispensation, the most visible agents of neo-colonialism in the Nigerian system are Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Mrs. Diezani AllisonMaduekwe. They are collaborators of disingenuous governance championed by President Jonathan through the Finance Ministry, Central Bank of Nigeria and the lucrative Ministry of Petroleum Resources respectively.

Of recent, the conducts and utterances of the trio have insulted the sensibilities of Nigerians and even further damned the credibility of the current administration for lacking good sense of political economy. Sanusi Lamido, obviously the most loquacious among the world’s apex bank governors set the tone of malice against the struggling people of this country when he called for the sack of 50 per cent of civil servants in the federal civil service. In a contradictory argument quite unbefitting of a CBN governor, he averred in favour of fuel subsidy removal but in a bemused move canvassed for sanctioning of those indicted for stealing what he termed ‘subsidy’.

While he received severe flaks for such impolitic statements, forcing him to swallow his verbatim reported words, denying them by saying that he was quoted out of contest, his misguided fellow and coordinating minister of the economy came out in public to fester the sore of Sanusi’s mischief by supporting this unnecessary and infamous policy vitriolic.

At a recently press conference in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala was reportedly quoted to have said: “We had this hue and cry about misquoting of Lamido and people almost called for his head, but you have to understand that when you talk about reducing cost of governance, you are ultimately talking about human beings.” She further added: “The same public that is crying about cost of governance will remind you that one civil servant is catering

N

IGERIA’S politics of today bears the ugly pockmarks of god-father/godson feuds. Our political arena is littered with small men who happen upon (read hijack) high offices which only confer on them, a certain notoriety that some of them mistake for greatness. Where are our statesmen; our titans, our men of timber caliber? Where are the new Nnamdi Azikiwes, Michael Okparas, Akanu Ibiams, Alvan Ikokus, Alex Ekwuemes, Sam Mbakwes, Ezekiel Izuogus? Where are our men of stature? Or is Igbo land suffering from a sort of terminal leadership disease, something like Igbolaria? It is true that Igbo abhor monarchy (Igbo enwe eze) but have we grown so regicidal that true leadership can no longer thrive on Igbo soil?

OUK diminution This swoosh of questions have been triggered by the running tiff between the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) and his successor and current man-in-the-saddle, Chief T.A. Orji (TA). The story of the twain and the ascension of the latter to Abia State government house are well known to most enlightened Nigerians. OUK had held sway in Abia for eight years from 1999 to 2007. Being quite young at the time he mounted the stool, it was an era that cannot readily be remembered for much of vision or landmarks. It was an era defined by youthfulness of the most exuberant kind and remarkable for its extreme personality cult and a near seamless meshing of family business and the State’s.

If the lack of vision, rigor and administrative acumen of OUK’s era can be forgiven, how is one to explain his profligacy in frittering away an important political foot hold gained in the politically famished Southeast zone. At the end of his tenure, OUK had ditched the vehicle of his ascension to office - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), floating a new party (Progressive Peoples Alliance) PPA. Providence is sure kind to OUK. He got the opportunity to lead Ndigbo on a platter with PPA winning two states in the Southeast. His contemporary, Senator Bola Tinubu had half that chance in the Southwest initially, with just one State. He took his chance and today, Tinubu is not only the dominant factor in Southwest politics, he is a force not to be ignored in Nigeria’s political configuration today.

The retooling of TA Since the loss of his ‘paradise’, OUK has continued to run from pillar to post seeking rel-

Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi, Diezani: What essence?

• Okonjo-Iweala for five other Nigerians when you really want to reduce the cost of governance….Let me tell you, the targets of this fiscal tightening are human beings; they are the ones that must be eliminated to prune down the costs. The cost of personnel in the budget is 32 per cent and that is huge.”

On the periphery, Okonjo-Iweala might seem to be making sense but upon rigorous scrutiny, it is discovered that what she has done, like her cohorts in the CBN and the Petroleum ministry,

was to rationalize their clique’s greed and policy tyranny by saying that Sanusi’s call was made for the good of the nation. But we all know that nothing is more despicable than actions that appear on the surface to be respectable and praiseworthy but were in actual fact underlined by greed and other ulterior motives. Perhaps, the likes of Okonjo-Iweala and her friends in the corridors of power must realise that what is called governance is the judicious exercise of power and decisionmaking for a nation and that the well-being of the country depends on the choices made by the people granted this authority. If the policies of the Ministry of Finance, Petroleum Ministry and the CBN under the trio are not ones that can benefit the mass of the Nigerian people, then, what is their essence in the government of the country? It is opportune to remind the trio what they already know but are trying to hide, that Nigeria’s trillions and $44billion public debts have been shared by just 17,500 top public officers and political parasites. A better analysis on this claim will be done in this space by yours sincerely in the ensuing weeks ahead.

This is why the trio with their satanic official views must be told in unequivocal terms that people like them in public office whether directly or indirectly undermine among others, Nigeria’s national security, overall safety and Nigerians confidence and trust in their government. It is an open secret that virtually those that are in the corridors of power engage

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

OUK-TA tango and Igbo leadership

T.A. Orji

evance and accommodation in the PDP he jettisoned and cursed. Twice he had tried to return to his PDP vomit and twice they would not let him taste even his mess. How callous can politics be? He has been gobbling up humble pie in the last few years and as we all know, that is not the best pie in the world, it tastes like muck. OUK’s desperation to crawl back into PDP conjures the picture of a landlord who sold his mansion and seeks to rent a room in it. What does that betoken? Where is the character? Where are the principles that inspire followership?

TA is at the vanguard of shutting out OUK from the PDP. Rightly so. Self-preservation remains the first rule of life isn’t it? OUK would do exactly the same to TA, if not worse if the positions are reversed. But the issues go beyond the current skirmishes; it is about leadership, strategic thinking, elevated statecraft,

group survival, quiet strengths that derive from knowledge, rigor and communion with the divine. OUK will have to come to terms, sooner than later, with the fact that he is not a leader in the classic sense of it and that he is not going to morph into one tomorrow. Yes, he is a very clever fellow; yes, he may have the touch of Midas and yes, he knows how to get the result he wants out of life by any means possible but LEADERSHIP, the type that is spelt with capital letters, is made of finer stuff.

Besides, it might just serve OUK better if he allows his protégé some breathing space. In Nigeria’s politics, there are only god-fathers and god-slaves. There are usually no godsons in the true sense of the word. And a god-slave is never allowed to grow up to the father or for that matter, to grow up at all. Such was the relationship between OUK and TA. Having worked as chief of staff to OUK for eight years, carrying the cans and covering his behind and even getting incarcerated for it, TA must have been found loyal enough and worthy enough to take over as governor. But he was never good enough to be left alone to run the state. For four years - from 2007 to 2011, the well known OUK dynasty still held sway in Abia. In essence, OUK and his family can be said to have ruled Abia state for 12 years. Without seeming to hold brief for TA, his first four years was like living in bondage; he was in office but OUK and family was in power. TA was a mere stringed marionette dressed like a governor.

It must have taken a whale of courage, a dose of wisdom and serpentine guile for TA to extricate himself from the vice grip of OUK and

in money laundering, official extortion, embezzlement, collection of kickbacks and bribes. They utilise public office for private advantage.

The focus on these three public figures in this column today is informed by the observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. where he said: ‘History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamour of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.’ It will be bad for yours sincerely to contribute to the evolving leadership and entrapped policy tragedies under President Jonathan by maintaining an undignified silence with some too trusting, or better put compromised citizens of this country. After all, a philosopher once said; we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.

That is why one is saying through this medium that whatever successes might have been recorded by Okonjo-Iweala, Lamido Sanusi and Diezani in the private sector have been rubbished by their complicity in the looting of the nation’s till under this current dispensation.

Were the trio still to be in the World Bank, First Bank or Chevron International respectively, would the looting under the guise of fuel subsidy going on in the country, under their supervision, have been condoned? Could they say in all honesty that they have positively impacted on the Nigerian nation with their oppressively drab and provokingly stagnant managerial styles? Will the World Bank have condoned a budget situation where the recurrent will be higher than capital expenditures that Iweala sits atop? Will their subordinates in former places of work be proud of their double standards and policy affronts on Nigerians?

Could the trio in all conscience be bold to affirm that more jobs have been created under this regime to necessitate their calls for sack of public workers?

Thomas Paine once said that: “It is the responsibility of the patriot to protect his country from its government.”The demand to make at this juncture is to ask genuine patriots and groups to come out and demand for the sack of Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi Lamido and Diezani from this administration for failing to be good ambassadors of good governance.

Indeed, the trio are advocates of governance by mischief and deceit. For their boss, Jonathan’s sack, let us all wait till 2015 when we should all refuse to cast our votes for him. family and to ‘liberate’ the State as Abians like to say. TA has only come into his own in the few months of his second term and he has acquitted himself pretty well since then. Apart from the non-indigene civil servants palaver, TA is gradually emerging as the Igbo leader to watch. One is not surprised. Humble, mature, temperate, non-overbearing, all these are attributes that come from sound education (Holy Ghost College, Owerri and University of Ibadan), grooming and a solid track record of work (Imo and Abia States Civil Service).

There are few Igbo leaders today who combine all these qualities.

Shall we say that TA has the game to win or lose? All he needs do is to raise his game by way of more performance, identify and reach out to worthy Igbo sons and daughters across the zone, hone his strategies for delivering collective good and keep an eye on the big picture. He just needs to stay the course, the people ultimately know who their true leaders are. They sure can tell the desperadoes apart from the genuine; the impostors and selfseekers from the real men. We have to begin to rethink and reconfigure Igbo leadership.

Don’t kill Capital Oil &Gas

There seems to be a grand conspiracy to ruin Capital Oil &Gas Industries owned by a certain young man, Ifeanyi Ubah. From the indefinite shut down of its vast facilities for nearly one month now, there is only one deduction to be made. Ubah was first detained for alleged involvement in subsidy scam.

When that did not seem to hold water, it became loan default. The Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) was drafted into the plot. But a million questions beg for answer in this matter: is Ubah the biggest debtor on AMCON’s list? Has AMCON not given bigger waivers to other well known businessmen? Has Ubah repudiated his debt to warrant the invasion of his facilities? Is it not true that Ubah has the biggest fuel distribution facilities in the country today which is a going concern that can pay back its debts if given time? For transparency sake, we challenge AMCON to publish all loans, waivers and assets of all debtors for Nigerian to judge.

In an industry where some people are ranked the richest in the world without a visible office, Ubah should be encouraged for adding value and employing thousands of people.

He should not be victimized.

I

EKO 2012...EKO 2012...EKO 2012

Pg. 24

20km race: Strange illness Good officiating will produce the best athletes, says Commissioner forces Edo athlete out Pg. 24

Sport Friday, December 7, 2012

PAGE 23

THREATS TO REFEREE

Mikel Obi banned for three games •Gets N15m fine

Pg. 24

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Lagos chess ladies grab 3 medals

20km race: Strange illness Good officiating will produce the forces Edo athlete out best athletes, says Commissioner

Anambra Commissioner unhappy over protest …Blames officials, coaches for action

Olowora sets Olympic target

By Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia

By Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia

•Gov. Peter Obi

•Gov. Oshiomole

Gold medallist KICKBOXING: Standards must be applied —Technical Director advises Nigerians to embrace exercise

THREATS TO REFEREE

IOC strips 4 Athens 2004 athletes of medals

Mikel Obi banned for three games •Gets N15m fine EKO 2012 MEDALS TABLE

•Olowora

As at Thursday Dec 5, 2012: 7.30pm

No.

States

G

S

B

Total

KWAM 1, Tuface, Whizz Kid, others for closing ceremony

•Kicker boxer in action

Swimming federation backs Abdullahi on making sports festival open

Peters urges firms to sponsor table tennis tourneys

•Mikel

Kano wins three gold in Kokawa

By Akeem Lawal

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The leadership question was on the front burner during the maiden Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Monday at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, with stakeholders speaking on the making of a good society. VINCENT IKUOMOLA reports.

•Governor Oshiomhole (left) shaking hands with Prof Gambari. With them are Hon Tambuwal (2nd right) and Governor Aliyu

A

BUJA, the seat of power, lived up to its billings on Monday when political gladiators stormed the Federal Capital Territory for the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

The Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in the heart of the city could not contain the crowd.

They came from different parts of the country to honour a man whose life was premised on service to humanity.

Clad in traditional and foreign attires, they beamed with smiles as they exchanged banters.

It was the maiden edition of the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture Series organised in memory of the late Sardauna.

The event was an opportunity for a reunion and sharing of ideas by old friends.

Top on the agenda was the issue of leadership said to be the bane of Nigeria.

So, it was not surprising the topic took the front burner, at the gathering.

The socio-economic woes confronting the country were x-rayed and it was agreed that once the issue of leadership is resolved, the country would be better off.

Hence, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Governors Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State and his Niger State counterpart, Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu; Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a retired federal permanent secretary as well as a research fellow at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Prof. Funmi Para-Malam, among others all agreed that succeeding generations of leaders after the late Sardauna have failed the country.

Sambo noted that strong and selfless leadership as provided by the late Sardauna was capable of propelling any society to a greater height, assuring that

Sardauna: A life of self-less service the current administration was determined to leave good and sound legacies that would be a reference point to generations of Nigerians yet unborn.

The Vice President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Senator Isaiah Balat, listed current efforts by the present administration to tackle the gamut of problems bedeviling the country. He noted that the administration was doing all possible to ensure a secured environment, where the lives and property of all could be guaranteed, irrespective of where they found themselves.

Sambo said the administration would look into the extra-judicial killings by security agents in the course of doing their duties.

According to him, Nigeria is a signatory to major international pacts, including African Charter of Peoples' Rights, so it will not condone a situation whereby its security forces embark on extra-judicial killings, which is a violation of the peoples' rights.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, decried the decline in the quality of leadership. He blamed Nigerians for condoning some of the rots in the society.

He said in their bid to check the executive in line with laid-down regulations, they (lawmakers) have been given all sorts of names because their actions were being viewed as not in tune with the dictates of the ruling class.

Tambuwal, however, assured that as the people's representatives, the lawmakers were determined to ensure that the slide was corrected to give the right leadership.

In his contribution, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who chaired the

event, said that the subject of leadership keeps recurring in national discourses was an acknowledgement that the leadership question was still critical to Nigeria's quest for good governance and the consolidation of the democratic order.

He agreed that the problem with development in Nigeria is mainly leadership.

"Now we have to answer the question, what has happened to leadership and where are the leaders? This question is germane because under a democracy, it is expected that the quality of governance will be much higher than it was under the military, and that the citizens will have the benefit of accountable and transparent leadership and that the resources of the country will be managed for development.

"Hardly was there a leader that had traversed this part of the world that has had such historical impact on his generation and generations that followed thereafter. Indeed, many people in this hall today will not have been where they are today but for late Sardauna's purposeful and developmentoriented stewardship, as Premier of the defunct Northern Region. He made giant strides in educational, agricultural, industrial, and infrastructural development of the northern region. He built a first class civil service and introduced far-reaching judicial and legal reforms all aimed at building an enduring foundation for the socio-economic development of the northern region and positioning it to be an important player in the national development process,” Oshiomhole said.

Prof. Agboola Gambari, a former External Affairs minister and the immediate past United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, who delivered the maiden lecture entitled, "Leadership and good governance in Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello, the ghost of 1914 and the audacity of hope for nationbuilding” highlighted the quality of leadership of the late Sardauna and submitted that nothing was being done to sustain the legacies left behind by the leader.

His words: "Almost a century after the amalgamation and more than half a century after independence, why should the ghost of 1914 continue to haunt around us.

"What has happened to the tradition of excellent leadership bequeathed by the likes of Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa?

Why is it that the North that Sir Ahmadu Bello sacrificed his life to build is in the throes of economic crisis, social upheaval, political uncertainty and terrorist scourge now? What has turned the North of Sir Bello into the North of Boko Haram? Can those who illegally bear arms to cause mayhem regularly in the name of religion claim to be more pious than Sir Ahmadu Bello, the great grand son of the commander of the faithful?

"What is responsible for the North of Sir Ahmadu Bello, which was an able and forceful partner in nation-building becoming a comatose region of collapsed industries, rising poverty and aggravating social inequalities? Why is the North, in particular and Nigeria as a whole trapped in this state of unprecedented dissonance and aimlessness? What can be done to recover the virtues of leadership and values of common destiny?" He asked He concluded by asserting that rather than continuing in the business of lamenting the nation's woes, the leadership and all Nigerians should take pro-active steps to rediscover the ethos and practices that once made the northern and Nigeria great

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

26

SOCIETY Former Ghanaian President John Kufour and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar, were among the quartet honoured by the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, reports OSAGIE OTABOR.

Honour for Kufour, Sultan, others

O

KADA community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State came alive last week. Motorists plying the Benin-Okada route made brisk business as people thronged the community. The occasion was the 10th convocation of the Igbinedion University.

The increase in traffic to Okada was not unconnected with the personalities who were to be honoured with doctorates of the institution.

It was all glamour when the awardees and guests started arriving in exotic cars. A red carpet was laid; security personnel and well-dressed women ushered the guests to their seats.

Chancellor of the university Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, rolled out his Roll Royces and other exotic cars in his fleet to convey many of the guests to the venue of the event.

Among the guests was Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene of Ashanti kingdom in Ghana, whose presence added glamour to the event.

The monarch was heralded into the institution's auditorium, venue of the event, by a retinue of chiefs, palace guards and singers.

His entourage was dressed in Ashanti traditional regalia.

Osei Tutu was there to felicitate with his countryman and former President John Agyekum Kufour.

Kufour received Doctor of Letters, honoris causa of the university alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar; former Kogi State Governor Prince Abubakar Audu; Chief Alfred Eghobamien; Mr. Anthony Edoghogho Ogunbor and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Custom Services Dikko Inde Abdullahi.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chief Eghobamien were honoured with the award of Doctor of Law. Prince Audu, the Custom boss and Ogunbor got Doctor of Administration.

It was as if the entire Sokoto Caliphate came when the Sultan stepped into the auditorium Chief Eghobamien, a senior lawyer fondly called 'The Great' by his friends, was the best man at the wedding of the Chief Igbinedion.

The auditorium was filled to capacity with guests gorgeously dressed, executives of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kogi State, including leaders of Igala community, were present to honour Prince Audu.

The ceremony was heralded by a lecture delivered by Ekiti State

•Cross-section of traditional rulers

Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The Esama of Benin described the honour bestowed on the quartet as well deserved.

Dressed in French suit, Chief Igbinedion said their contributions to the society were unquantifiable.

He enjoined them to continue making sacrifice for the human race.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eghosa Osaghie, said the university has graduated over 7,000 students including 800 medical doctors, 125 pharmacists, 700 engineers, 800 lawyers, 900 computer scientists and over 4,000 from other disciplines.

Osaghie said the institution has produced over 60 masters and 30 Ph.D holders in various disciplines.

Alhaji Abubakar thanked the institution for the honour.

He called for endowment of the younger generations with the best knowledge and skills.

Chief Igbinedion later gave the guests and awardees a lavish lunch at his Okada country home.

His wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion presented gifts to the honourees before they departed the following day.

At the event were the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, represented by top palace chiefs led by Chief Osato Bazuaye; Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Southsouth National Vice-Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu; Deputy Chancellor of the university, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; his wife Eki and Nigeria Custom officials, who were there to honour their boss.

• Gauis Obaseki

•Chief Igbinedion (left) presenting a plaque to Kufour

•Alhaji Abubakar displaying his plaque and certificate

•Prince Audu holding his certificate

• Otumfuo Osei

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

SOCIETY All roads led to the National Headquarters of the Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos last Sunday for the celebration and annual thanksgiving of the church. AKEEM ALAWOKI writes

'There's joy ahead'

M

EMBERS of the Christian Pentecostal Mission church were in an excellent mood for the celebration of the church's annual thanksgiving last Sunday. They came in full excitement and joy. Their attires were unique; they all stood tall for the occasion.

Even their movements radiated joy.

They gathered for the celebration of annual thanksgiving of their church.

They had every reason to gather for thanksgiving; God has saved them from the series of calamities that befell the nation for the past one year. There was no case of death from any of the church members, rather they grew in glory and might. Neither of the church members was missing nor loss of property suffered; these among others are reasons for the celebration.

They were joined by the non Pentecostals folk to celebrate and give thanks to God. Songs of praises and thanks to God pervaded the church auditorium.

The church was as silent as a grave yard when the church choirs were called to sing praises to the Lord.

They were later joined by the congregation for the songs which later turned the church to a rousing session.

The conviviality of the day sparked when the presence of the wife of former Lagos State Governor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her Lagos State Governor counterpart Mrs Abimbola Fashola were announced by the master of ceremony.

Their arrival was welcomed with standing ovations from the congregation. Their presence at the occasion was seen as a great honour for the church.

Rev. Ezekiel delivered the sermon. In his sermon, Rev. Ezekiel urged Christians to always be thankful and create the ability of goodness and being faithful to God

• From left: Senator Tinubu; Rev. Ezekiel and Dame Fashola

in their homes.

In his prophesy for the year 2013, Rev. Ezekiel said it is going to be a year of fulfilment. He said year 2013 is full of actions and activities, where Christians will not lack joy because the joy of God will overflow their lives. He said the joy will permeate the political and economical system and Nigerians will be happy again.

In her welcome address, wife of former Lagos State Governor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu charged Christians to be dutiful to God and hold fast to Him.

She advised that Christians should make it a duty to fast and pray for one another for the will of God to be done among men.

She thanked the host Pastors, General Overseer and National Coordinator Rev. Obiora, Dr. Ezekiel for restoring hope to Christians in the country.

Senator Tinubu urged Christians to show gratitude to God in any situation they find themselves, saying there is reason for everything "my prayer for Christians in the year 2013 is that the favour and blessings of God will

The engagement between the children of Mr and Mrs. Joseph Falode and Mr and Mrs. L A Kadiri was held at the Evangelical Christian of West Africa (ECWA) Guest House, Montgomery, Yaba, Lagos. JUMOKE IDOWU was there.

Union of lovebirds

F

AMILY, friends and well wishers from far and near gathered at the ECWA Guest House, Montgomery, Yaba, to witness the union of Kemi Kadiri and Idowu Falode.

They shone in various attires. The couple wes resplendent in wine and gold and cream lace attires.

The ceremony was declared open by Mr Kadiri.

The groom, looking handsome in his agbada, danced into the hall. He was accompanied by his friends to perform the traditional rite of seeking a woman's hand in marriage from her parents.

He prostrated - a sign of respect and greeting to his would-be in-laws.

He was welcomed with cheers and showeers of prayers.

After all necessary rites have been done, the groom was asked to sit on a special sit made for him. The beautiful bride, Kemi, stole the day as she looked radiant in her iro and buba with wine aso oke. Kemi accompanied by her friends danced into the hall happily. Her friends decked in purple aso ebi.

Kemi, who went straight to her parents for prayers, wept for joy. She knelt to receive their blessings.

After the engagement, the couple changed their wears for the reception held at the same venue.The groom looked cute in an ash colour suit, a white shirt and a black tie while the bride wore a white gown.

The couple danced into the hall to the music from the Force Special Dance Band.

Guests stood up to welcome them.

The reception was chaired by Asiwaju of Aiyepe, Ijebu Chief Kayode Sodiq.

He urged them to communicate with one another and not to allow third party in their life.

"Both of you should not listen to side talks, you should be satisfied with what you have," he advised.

Pastor Precious Ogunleye prayed for the couple's success.

The cleric supervised the cutting of the cake.

He was joined by the chairman on occasion and other guests.

The couple fed themselves with the cake under the lights of the camera.

Performing their first assignment, Kemi knelt to feed her husband, and Idowu also fed her.

For the groom, who works with Bi-Courtney Highway Service Limited as a Public Relations Officer, it was a dream come true.

"We used to attend the same fellowship in higher institution; later we became friends. I thank God that it ended this way," he said.

The bride an Information Technology programmer at Zone Petroleum Ltd, was full of appreciation to God for the success of the day.

She described her husband as a “wonderful and lovely man.”

• The couple

continue to flow for them. They will continue to soar like the eagle and excel in their various endeavours" she said.

For the nation, she thanked God for where we are today because the plan of the devil is to cause retrogression. She called on Nigerians to be helpful and that better days are ahead. She emphasised continuous hard work as the panacea for poverty, adding that God "will reward our efforts to give us peace". She urged Christians to be steadfast in the face of the current daunting challenges.

In a similar vein, wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola said the church is a pivotal tool to development. She stated further spoke on the role of the church in sustaining the moral value of the society. She took consolation in the fact that there is nothing happening now that has not happened before.

On the current wave of insecurity, she urged the government to do more to secure lives and property to ensure adequate peace in the country. She urged Christians to be prayerful and watchful.

28

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

SOCIETY The funeral of Pa Joel Oyebode was held at St Paul's Cathedral, Oke Church, Gbongan, Osun State last Friday.

AMIDU ARIJE reports.

Farewell to a teacher

T

HE remains of Pa Joel Aina Oyebode, (aka Abowaba), a former teacher at Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State were interred last Friday at his residence in Gbongan, Osun State.

Pa Oyebode, who died on October 4, lived a fulfilled life, according to hordes of dignitaries at the funeral.

He was 79.

Family, friends and sympathisers gathered in the morning at the St Paul's Cathedral, Oke Church, Gbongan, for service of songs.

They shone in various aso-ebi (uniformed) attires.

Each unit of the family had its own and they looked resplendent.

The church witnessed an unprecedented congregation as guests kept ‘creeping; into the church throughout the session.

The body was received by the church's priests led by the Lord Bishop of Oke Osun Diocese, Revd.

A O Akinlalu, at the door step.

Prayers were showered on him.

He urged his children to emulate the virtues of the deceased to have a fulfilled life.

Songs of praises and prayers were offered for the eternal life of the deceased.

"We heartily give thanks that it hath pleased thee to deliver our beloved father Pa Oyebode out of the miseries of sinful world," they said.

That was not all; they also prayed for all that came to bid him farewell.

Shortly after the church service, all converged at the grave yard for the burial.

The remains were interred by noon.

Afterwards, guests moved to St Paul's Primary School, Oke Church, for a reception. The Oyebodes hosted their guests to a lavish reception. There was enough to eat and drink.

Traditional itinerant drummers

•From right: Pastor Oyebode and his siblings

• From left: Hon Bamgbola; Hon Bayewu and a guest

• Prof Williams (right) and Mr Fajobi

entertained guests outside the gate as they arrived for the reception.

Inside the school's playing ground, the band of Micho Ade was on stage, entertaining the guests with melodious songs.

The conviviality of the occasion became livelier when guests were introduced by the master of ceremony, Mr Akomolafe Obafemi of the BCOS, Ibadan to the high table. They were all given a rousing welcome with songs from the band.

It was dance and entertainment all day.

The late Oyebode was described as a wonderful man. Tributes were poured to him. In all the tributes, Pa Oyebode was described as ‘a man of the people.’

In his tribute, Prince Adetunji Babalola said: "Pa Joel was a good father to reckon with because he touched so many lives."

•Bolaji Amusan (a.k.a Mr Latin)

• Alhaja Bamgbola

One of the deceased's daughters, Enesi Oluwaranti Sarah, described him as ‘a good family man.’

"Nobody can take his place in my heart; he was a great example for others to emulate."

Another of his son, Gbenga, a pastor, said his father was good.

"My father was a very good man and husband to the wife. He took care of all of us since our mother died in 1993. He ensured that all of

ANNIVERSARY

•From right: President 1962 Set of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association, Chief Kayode Rotimi-Williams; wife of Alumni Association National President, Dr Omolara Smith and her husband Chief Banwo Smith, during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Dinner/Fundraising at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan, Oyo State

us were educated. He was called Abowaba (whatever a man sows, he reaps)," he said.

Gbenga added that he would miss his father's pieces of advice. He thanked all who graced the occasion and prayed God to help them.

Other guests on the occasion included a renowned essayist Prof Adebayo William; former Chairman, Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Hon Kayode Oseni; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfronts, Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Fajobi; Chairman, ItireIkate Local Council Development Area Hon Hakeem Bamgbola; his wife Alhaja Ashabi; Bamgbola's counterpart at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Hon Kamal Bayewu.Regent to Igbijinland, Okitipupa, Prince Tunji Omogoroye; and Hon Olaseni Salvage.

ANNIVERSARY

•From left: Mr. Sunday Odekomaya; Yeye Akeweje of Alapere, Chief Victoria Odegbesan; Baale of Alapere, Chief Rabiu Hassan; and Akeweje of Alapere, Chief Folorunsho Odegbesan, during the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the Odegbesans at Alapere Day in Lagos

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Vol 4. No. 1779

• From right: Oyeyemi; Adetu and Mrs. Ukoh at the event.

Celebrating 20 years of marketing excellence The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) rolled out the drums to celebrate its 20th anniversary in Lagos.

It was a time for critical evaluation of advertising and a projection into the future. RAJI ROTIMI reports.

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TS plan in the next 20 years is to take advertising to greater heights. The past years have been bittersweet for Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN). The association celebrated the good and noted the not so good, with the intention of improving things. At the celebration of its 20th anniversary in Lagos last week, it took stock of where it is coming from and unveiled plans for the future.

The event kicked-off with product exhibition from different manufacturers of consumer based products. A well decorated tent was set just beside the main event auditorium to house the different products up for the exhibition. Just at the entrance of the tent you are welcomed with a pack of Guinness latest addition “SNAPP”. In attendance were top shots in the marketing industry, from the Marketing Director of Promasidor, Kachi Onobogu, Marketing Director Guinness Nigeria Austin Ufuomba, Chief Executive Officer Shepherds Group Idy Enang and others.

Though the event which was scheduled for three o’clock didn’t start until past six, with a comedian, Obuze trying hard to lighten-up the mood before the event commenced fully. The event started with the pioneer Vice President, Mrs Iquo Ukoh giving the welcome speech she started by pointing out the late start-up of the programme.

She said: “We need a cure for lateness, in recent times, particularly the last two or three events she has attended had started late. We really need to do something to salvage this lateness disease that is gradually becoming a norm.”

She welcomed everybody to the programme and promised attendees a night

of pleasant memories. A short drive down the memory lane was done by the pioneer president of ADVAN, Niyi Babatunde according to him, he said: “ADVAN was born into a hostile environment. Pressure was coming from every direction, advertisers were in disarray, and it was a case of everyone for himself, God for us all.

“Pressure on market prices, incessant rate increase in the media, depressed consumer purchasing power with low demand and an increasing competitive market, increased advertising budget to stimulate sales as advertising grew in importance in marketing oriented companies as a marketing mix element putting marketing professionals under severe pressure to justify advertising expenditures. All these were the fate of advertisers before the birth of the association.

“Advertisers (mainly multinational marketing companies, a couple of banks and oil marketing companies) met in the then Lever Brothers, Apapa to midwife ADVAN, with the objective of providing a forum where advertisers could interact and exchange views on issues of common interest and work in concert with other stakeholders for the overall development and growth of the advertising industry.”

To spice up the program was a performance from ace Nigerian artist, Tiwa Savage. A talk was delivered by Thelca Mbongue, senior analyst, Informa Telecoms and media UK who talked about optimizing mobile as an effective advertising platform. The next dinner talk was delivered by a finesse gentleman with matchless pedigree. The Managing Director Guinness Nigeria Mr. Seni Adetu started by acknowledging the efforts of the founding fathers for setting up such a novel association. He specifically commended the effort of the pioneer president Mr. Niyi Babatunde for his initiative.

In his lecture entitled: ‘Advertiser 2032’, Adetu, the first Nigerian to head Guinness, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of various advertisers in the country, charging them on the need to brace up so as to compete favourably with their global counterparts.

According to him: “When it comes to being Advertiser of 2032, it is about how you create advertising that connects to the consumers, that creates consideration for the brand and makes that consideration works for conversion.”

He said the world was changing and that no company would be ready to lower its

‘When it comes to being Advertiser of 2032, it is about how you create advertising that connects to the consumers, that creates consideration for the brand and makes that consideration works for conversion’

standard “because we are Nigerians.”

He said advertisers had held on to conventional way of advertising for too long due to lack of leadership and bearing.

“People have been seeing advertising as business, whereas it is a profession. You need to put your way hard into it to make it work. That for me is what needs to change,” he said.

Earlier, the current president of ADVAN, Kola Oyeyemi, who is also the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, commended Babatunde adding that “if not for him, we would not be here”.

Oyeyemi who said the body could not afford to rest now, emphasized the need to redefine the value proposition of the association so as to make it more attractive and appealing to non members.

He expressed worry over how media organisations increase their rates without adequate consultation with ADVAN and other relevant bodies, since every organization usually had budget plan at the beginning of the year.

“One issue that concerns ADVAN is the rate issue and we cannot shy away from it.

The present executive is carrying out the crusade, it is not a war,” he said.

While presenting the proposed ADVAN secretariat, he called on all members and other relevant bodies to support the association to make it a reality, adding that the building would not just be an office, but will also have event hall which would serve as source income for the association.

In his reaction, the first president of the association, Mr Niyi Babatunde congratulated all ADVAN members for 20 years of existence and relevance in the advertising industry.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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ND finally it came to an exciting end.

After doling out fantastic gift prizes totaling 8.5 million to lucky winners all over the country, the Star Time To Shine promo, the biggest in the 63 year history of premium lager beer, Star finally came to a close. Though the promo may well be ended, the testimonies and exciting moments from the promo will continue to reverberate amongst winners.

Ifeanyi Ejike was the first car winner of a brand new Toyota car. The 25-year-old student of the Institute of Management Technology practically opened the floodgates for other winners in the promo. “I am still speechless. I can’t believe that I am now a car owner just like that. This is the greatest day of my life,” Ejechi stated just as he took delivery of the car at the Lagos Corporate headquarters of Nigerian Breweries Plc., makers of Star lager beer.

While he was obviously overjoyed to become a new car owner, Ejike is also relieved to put behind him what he described as the most tensed period of his life. According to him, he had to flee his home or three days because of fears that he would be robbed of his winning crown cork. “I ran away from my home for three days just because I was scared that the crown cork would be taken away from me. I was scared because my name was announced on national TV so everybody knew I was a winner,” he stated.

Oluchi Otame is another student car winner in the Star Time To Shine promo. The 21-yearold student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology from Delta State became the first female to win a car in the promo. Her only problem is that she doesn’t know how to drive a car. “Now I have a car but I don’t know how to drive. That is my dilemma now. But that is no problem because I am going to start learning to drive immediately,” she said.

However, it’s not an all student affair. David Nwankwo, a commercial driver based in Bauchi State, Glory Edem-Sam, a seamstress based in Akwa Ibom State, Augustine Odachi, a fuel pump assistant based in Ebonyi State and Ese Okarei a security guard residing in Warri, Delta State all joined the car owners club courtesy of the promo. Of the lot, Ese Okarei has the most compelling story. While other winners spent weeks amassing crown corks before winning their cars, all it took for the 27-year old native of Delta State was just one crown cork.

“I believe that my winning this car is destiny. I am not exactly an alcoholic drinker. I only drink once in a while but when I heard about the promo, I took just a bottle of Star and I kept that crown cork. Two weeks later I received a call that I had won a car. I didn’t believe until they took me to Lagos to receive the car,” Okarie said.

As for Innocent Eze, a trader based in Taraba State, it took a whopping 230 crown corks for him to become a car winner in the promo.

According to the 42-year-old native of

Star Time to Shine promo: The end A Anambra State, he literarily turned into a ‘Star crown cork collector’ before he could win the brand new car. “I thank God for this car. When I was busy collecting Star crown corks people laughed at me. Even my wife said something is wrong with me. Now I am a car owner and I am thankful for it,” Eze stated.

The story of 24- year-old Ime Williams, who stays with his uncle, Bello Francis Kayode, readily brings to mind, the popular expression “division of labour’. Though he hardly takes alcohol, Ime Williams was genuinely interested in winning one of the cars in the promo. Luckily his uncle was a regular drinker of Star lager beer thus Williams resorted to collecting the crown corks whenever his uncle sent him to buy Star lager beer.

“My uncle didn’t take the promo serious but I did. I would always take the crown corks from him and he didn’t mind giving it to me,” Williams explained.

It took 10 crown corks for him to finally get the crown cork that got him a brand new car.

Ime Willaims was recently at the Corporate Headquarters of Nigerian Breweries Plc., to take delivery of the brand new car. He was accompanied by his uncle, Francis Kayode.

“I am happy for me. Sometimes I think that it could have been me driving away the car but I am happy that Willaims has this car to himself. I am also going to take a shot at winning a brand new car,” Kayode stated.

Not all the winners in the Star Time To Shine promo were car winners. Some of them have had to make do with the instant prizes on offer. Samuel Okandeji, winner of N50,000 cash prize had the experience of his life courtesy of the promo. His experience sounds more like an action movie. “I took a dangerous trip to Port Harcourt from Warri where I stay just to be a part of the promo. At a point I had to get on a commercial motorcycle and I waded through flooded roads just to get to the draws,” Okandeji explained.

Interestingly, he took with him all of the crown corks he had been collecting since the promo kicked off. He did make it to the draws even though he got there 10pm. And for his troubles, Okandeji was announced as the winner of N50,000 cash. His happiness notwithstanding, Okandeji’s eyes are firmly fixed on one of the Toyota Corolla cars up for grabs.

“Yes I am happy. This N50, 000 is enough compensation for all of the stress that I went through to be at draws. This money will really go a long way for me ,” Okandeji stressed.

Indeed thepromo has been a nationwide affair with draws held in six cities across the federation; Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin, Abuja and Benin. There has also being ample entertainment with some of Nigerian’s biggest comedians including Gandoki, Seyi Law and others entertaining revelers during the draws.

• Starcom Media Management team at Marketing World Media awards – Starcom won the Best Media Agency of the year. From left: Mr Bunmi Johnson, Mrs Nosa Ademola, Mr Ayodele Kupluyi, Mr Ayo Oluwatosin, Mr Jonadab Egbowon and Mr Tosan Omagbemi.

CCESSIBILITY to official Apple products will increase in Nigeria with the opening of the first iStore locally, iStore Ikeja Mall. This one-of-a-kind retail store will welcome its’ first customers today and make it more convenient for Nigerians to purchase Apple products and accessories.

The iStore retail concept was first introduced in South Africa, where there are currently 13 stores in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. These unique Apple destination stores offer innovative ideas regarding retail design, interactivity, customer service and support to provide an unrivaled shopping experience.

“We are thrilled to be opening the first iStore in Nigeria, says Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, iStore’s Executive Director. iStore’s expert team and amazing customer service are the hallmarks of iStores throughout South Africa and we will strive to deliver the same in Nigeria”. iStore Ikeja Mall has been designed as a base for the Nigerian Apple community, where customers are encouraged to learn how to get the most out of their Apple products through hands-on product experiences and professional advice. Convenient free services such as instore tech support and product setup and demonstrations will be available from a knowledgeable team of Apple heroes.

In addition to these value added services, iStore Ikeja Mall will offer free training

Nigerians to get worldclass service as iStore opens

By Jimi David

through a tailored programme that covers Apple hardware and software, which provide customers with the opportunity to get to know their Apple products better.

Furthermore, iStore Ikeja Mall offers Apple enthusiasts the peace of mind that they are purchasing from an official channel partner approved by Apple. Customers are provided with the benefit that if any repair issues arise during the warranty term, the product will be repaired or replaced by an Apple Authorised Technician and there is a required level of support that is mandatory for Apple Authorised Resellers.

In addition to support and the standard warranty, iStore Ikeja Mall will offer an extended warranty of one year free of charge for all iPads. The extra year of warranty extends the standard warranty to a two year period*. In order to qualify, customers must provide proof of purchase from iStore Ikeja Mall and register their iPad on www.isocietynigeria.com.

More information is available on the extended warranty from www.isocietynigeria.com In celebration of the iStore Ikeja Mall opening, customers will get a free sleeve or cover with the purchase of any iPad or Macbook.

Visit www.myistore.com.ng for more information and to download the voucher for this promotion that can be used during opening month.

Brandpower: Brand and perception redefined “T

HERE are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.’’ – Aldous Huxley “There is no truth, there is only perception.” – Gustav Flaubert.

And my favorite: “There is no fixed physical reality, no single perception of the world, just numerous ways of interpreting world views as dictated by ones nervous system and the specific environment of our planetary existence. – Deepak Chopra.

Perception is one word that means so much in the business of branding. It has myriads of definitions but all pointing to one direction. In simple definition, Perception is what you see or perceive about something or someone. Perceptions are simply how we organize, identify or interpret things, events and sights.

Sometimes ago a test was carried out in a psychology class .the lecturer enter the classroom with a paint, he divided the classroom into two groups, Group A on the right hand side and group B on the left hand side. He then placed the painting in the middle. Group A saw an image of a beautiful lady, while group B saw the image of an ugly woman. When the lecturer asked the student what they saw, the student went into argument about what they saw. The lecturer then swapped their sitting position and of course their previous view about what they saw was replaced. The lecturer ended the class with a statement ’’What you see is greatly influenced by where you are standing’’.

Change your position and you may see something else that is the greatest lesson you can learn about perception, its all about angles.

• Harry

By Raji Rotimi Solomon

The above story is an apt description or my experience when I first encountered the magazine (Brand power). The name of the magazine alone suggests the kind of journal it would likely be. To my surprise, it was far from it. I was expecting to see a typical advertising and marketing industry stories; rather, I saw stories that could be found in news magazines. My surprise could not be disguised. Speaking with the publishers /Editor-inChief Mr. Nnanke Harry willie he explained the concept behind the Magazine; according to him in an interview he said “I am a thorough breed brand management person, I have a background that spans two decades in the advertising industry. In my years as a marketing management practitioner, it occurred to me that if we all, and when I say we, I mean everybody, if Nigerians would just look at every issues from the brand management perspective, we would be much more fulfilled. Why do I say this, in Brand management we discover that a particular brand might have been managed over the years, centuries,

decades, by different people, yet the brand would stay true to its essence. The reason for that is not far- fetched, for its best there are particular things that were put in place, I call it Brand architecture, it defines what the brand would look, feel, smell or even taste like.

Now many people might come over the years to manage it but it stays true to its integrity of essence. So if we are able to see things from the brand management perspective in Nigeria, may be things would be better.”

He further explained, “if only we could see Nigeria as a brand, with one goal, or direction while those in power see themselves as brand managers then the brand “Nigeria” might re-crystallize it slowly dissolving self” this thought actually informed the creation of the magazine Brand Power.

Brand Power is actually news magazine only that the treatment or issues and reporting style differs from a conventional news magazine. It reports news and treat topical issues from a Brand management perspective. According to Nnanke, he said, “we are a notch magazine we don’t report the industry alone, we report the society. The mistake many people make is that they think consumers/corporate brands are the only types of brands that we have but NO, we have personality brand, Political brand and so on.”

Taking another leap ahead of others, Brandpower has put together an Aawrd ceremony slated for December 7, 2012.

This is to award not only consumers brand but also corporate brands, personality brands and political brands. The major criteria for picking is based on two platforms, first game changers and secondly vintage brands.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

SHOPPING

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THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Air conditioners

Battle of air conditioner makers

For air conditioner makers, it is a battle for survival. To remain on top, they have included in their products a major aspect in the health needs of users. With the coming of the dry season, air conditioners have become an essential commodity, reports JANICE NKOLI IFEME. • Story on Page 32

Down syndrome boy models for Marks & Spencer Page 32

Perfumes for people of taste Page 33

Shopping for plus size dresses Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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SHOPPING

Battle of air conditioner makers T

HERE is a silent war going on among air conditioner makers. It is who will be the best among the pack. One manufacturer tries to beat the other in technological innovations. The result is sophisticated and elegant air conditioners to meet the cooling and health needs of users.

From Cash ‘n’ Carry, super stores to markets and stores in your neighbourhood, many outlets are flaunting air conditioners from different manufacturers. Each tries to get a share of the market, thus, coming up with sophisticated and elegant designs. They ensure that their goods are available everywhere for shoppers to easily locate their products. For quicker sales, some stores liaise with banks to facilitate payment by installment. The essence of this is to enable the buyer pay little by little at his or her convenience.

The modern air conditioner offers healthy living and instant comfort through fuzzy control of humidity and temperature.

Haier-Thermocool air conditioners feature antibacterial technology to maintain clean and healthy air in the office or domestic environment. The split unit models incorporate Allergen-Buster Technology to specifically attack allergens, bacteria and viruses that may be harmful to the health of people.

As part of its health care campaign, LG electronics offer products which proactively cares for consumer health by providing health conscious features in its products.

Sharp calls its air conditioners ‘the comfort touch’. It is designed to dehumify and vent room air to the outside.

Similarly, Panasonic’s new air conditioners have

plasmacluster air cleaning technology which helps reduce airborne impurities.

Samsung on the other hand, promises better fresh and healthy air with the silver nano health system. It kills mould and bacteria in the filtering process, leaving the air well purified.

Simply controlling the temperature does not guarantee comfort. People can feel comfort or discomfort even at the same temperature due to the varying level of humidity in the air. Samsung understands this completely and is equipped with the know-how that the ideal composite index is 21. This has helped it create ‘Comfort Care’ technology, a unique technology that not only provides powerful cooling, but automatically adjusts humidity so that you are truly cool and comfortable.

Some shoppers who spoke to The Nation Shopping noted that air conditioners are good for the dry weather.

Mr Jonhson Kadiri said: “You can see the weather getting hotter and dustier. I think everyone needs the air conditioner now, so you could keep your windows locked from the dust outside.”

For Mrs Bridget Mbanefo, a shopper who came to buy an air conditioner in one of the super stores in Lagos, it is necessary for the season. She said: “You can see the weather is gradually changing. Though these days, the seasons are no longer clearly demarcated, we can still see the sign of the dry season. I know I am going to need these air-conditioners because my house is going to be really full this Christmas. All my children are coming home and they need all the comfort I can give them. I want my grand children to always miss my home after visiting.”

• Anti mosquito air conditioner

• Samsung crystal

• Floor standing air conditioner

Down syndrome boy models for Marks & Spencer

S

EB White, a four-year old boy with Down syndrome is the new star of retail giant, Marks & Spencer Christmas campaign. He began his adventure in July when his mother posted a message on the Marks & Spencer Facebook page.

She asked why her little boy could not be considered for their advert campaign just because he has Down syndrome. Her effort brought positive responses from readers and earned her an invitation by the management of Marks and Spencer who agreed with her that her son was cute for the commercials.

Seb White stars in the outfit’s Christmas advert.

To say his mum Caroline is proud is an understatement. The 39-year-old mum said: “Watching a Christmas advert last year, I was aware there were no families on TV that represented mine. I felt isolated.

Over time I knew Seb had changed the attitudes of people who came into contact with him.”

In an interview with Reveal magazine, Caroline explained how wrong social perceptions of Down’s syndrome are. She noted that those false notions might have led her to make a drastic decision to terminate her pregnancy with Seb if she had known of his condition.

“Imagine if he’d never been given the chance? 90 per cent of Down’s pregnancies end in termination. Seb could have become a tragic statistic based on out-of-

date information,” she said.

Caroline’s determination to break down barriers brought Seb to the attention of Marks&Spencer chiefs and the little boy is now modelling their winter collection in the Christmas catalogue and on TV. Caroline added: “Seb did so well at the photo shoot, they asked him back for the advert. He earned his place there. He wasn’t singled out, he’s just one of the gang.”

However, some see Seb’s modeling for the retail giant as a form of exploitation claiming that the retail line is exploiting vulnerable children for profit this Christmas. They argue that the advertising and media industry exploit children on daily regardless of how vulnerable they may or may not appear. According to them, children should be left alone to grow up without the spotlight of the entertainment industry.

‘Imagine if he’d never been given the chance? 90 per cent of Down’s pregnancies end in termination. Seb could have become a tragic statistic based on out-of-date information’

• Food court for relaxation at Mega Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos

• Seb Below right modelling with other kids

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NEWS STATE FOCUS

Developing Ogun through agric GUN State is a viable investment destination for agro business investors.

There is huge potential in various segments of the agric sector. The state boasts of 16,000-square kilometre of land suitable for agriculture and forestry and a climate ideal for both cash crop and food crops such as cocoa, oil palm, rice, kola nut, cassava, vegetables, cocoyam and cotton. The farmland accounts for much of the state’s open space.

Agriculture is the main economic driver of the state. Apart from being the highest employer of labour, it is a major revenue earner for the state.

Many areas are noted for food production and agro-based industries.

The state’s agriculture has generated income for farmers and help fuel the rural economy.

For that reason,Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has made agriculture one of his five Cardinal Programmes.

He said the state is willing to give investors in agriculture, a discount of 80 per cent on land purchase.Besides, the state has reviewed the cumbersome and outdated processes relating to land allocation and has begun the process of clearing the backlog of issuing Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of 0), which saw some property owners waiting many years to obtain their land titles.

Amosun said his administration would ensure the rapid growth of the state. He explained that these incentives were structured to supply immediate impetus to the state’s development drive.These conditions essentially require that development occurs within 180 days of the issuance of the Final Letter of Allocation.

These discounts remain valid until December this year.

He stated that one key attainments of the government is the development of the “one stop shop,” which allows prospective investors to have a single point of contact for their dealings with the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state.

He said the state has a growing number of satisfied investors who benefit from this service and remain committed to continuous improvement of Ogun. Amosun said his administration has resolved to create an enabling environment for investors to ensure a continuous industrialisation of the state.

He assured investors of adequate security.

He said agricultural development can end poverty and also make a significant contribution to the effort to tackle poverty, saying: “It provides a financial cushion with which a business can be revitalised, and provides capital to seemingly hopeless people requiring injection of small capital.”

In this regard, efforts have been made to stimulate food production activities through the multiplication and distribution of high-yielding and disease resistant seeds and seedlings of both cash and food crops to farmers at reasonable prices.

His administration has devoted significant percentage of the state’s budget to agriculture and rural development to facilitate the rehabilitation of farm settlements and existing agricultural plantations in the state. Basic food crops, namely maize, rice and cassava, and oil palm as well as fish farming and livestock was adopted for massive production in the state.

O

•Information Secretary,Government of Kenya,Mr Ezekiel Mutua; Chief Communications Officer,African Centre for Economic Transformation(ACET),Dr Sheila Ochugboju and Mr Diego Okenyodo of the Centre for Democracy and Development(CDD) during the Africa Futures Roundtable in Lagos.

‘Under investment in flooded areas will affect agric’

U

nder investment in flooded areas may cause food crisis in the future, Dr Kola Adebayo of the Project Manager,Cassava for Africa(C:AVA) project,Natural Resources Instiute, University of Greenwich,Chatham,United Kingdom, has warned.

The recent flooding in certain parts of the country ravaged farmlands causing damages to the agricultural sector and trimming its growth forecast.

The country’s worst flooding in several decades has also taken away the opportunity for farmers to benefit from rising farm prices.

According to him, floods will affect the economy next year unless farmers are in areas that are wellirrigated or have sufficient water to resume growing the second crop as fast as possible.

He said floods should lead to changes in risk management to more deal with natural disasters and harsh conditions. He said water experts should manage water from dams and reservoirs.

Adebayo said public investment in infrastructure must deliver more benefits and enhance the environment and encourage agricultural growth.

Also worried by the devastating effects that the floods could have on the nation’s food supply, the Federal Government has begun

By Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

moves to forestall a food crisis, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said.

The Special Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture on Media and Strategy, Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye, who said this in a statement added that the measures included food production throughout the coming dry season.

Oyeleye said stocks had been taken and plans outlined on how to obtain farm inputs, including certified seeds, fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides needed to aid dry season food production.

To ensure early responses and proper targeting, he said messages had gone to state directors of the ministry to prepare the list of farmers affected by the floods in the various states.

In addition, food items in the strategic grains reserves would be deployed to cushion the effects of food shortage, Oyeleye added.

He said for food production, regional and state office directors of the ministry would be working with state commissioners and directors of agriculture on how to go about the intervention of the emergency Growth Enhancement Support platform.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr.

Akinwumi Adesina, at a meeting with directors, was quoted as emphasising the urgency of the interventions, saying the more delays, the less successful they would be.

Adesina said: “Where the GSM system is not functioning, we can use the voucher system. We don’t want a situation in which seeds and fertiliser are given and they disappear. We want a system that we can account for.

“For those who have already lost crops to flood, we will use our strategic grains reserves to support. Mr President has released money to the states so they can buy from the reserves. The emphasis should be that, what is being done here is a one-time intervention strategy in response to the present emergency.”

In some states, the dry season intervention would involve a double-up approach. For the double-up approach, the regional directors have been directed to register farmers and harness those already registered on the platform of GES for the purpose of additional food production, according to the statement.

As a part of preparation for the dry season, the minister promised to give free seed and fertilisers to areas affected by the floods.In the double-up areas, also free seeds and fertiliser will be given.

‘How to boost food production in Africa’

B

OLD changes are needed in food production if Africa will continue to feed itself, experts have said.

Addressing the Africa Futures Roundtable in Lagos, the Policy Advisor,African Centre of Economic Transformation(ACET), Dr Julius Kariuki, said the way food is produced is ‘unsustainable’ and the sector ‘must innovate’ to meet food demand.

He said firms in the agricultural supply chain need to change their business models to meet the growing demand for food.

According to him, a farm input complex is shifting gears to contribute to the productivity challenge and also to benefit from the increase in spending power of farmers; made possible by higher agricommodity prices.

He said the local juice processing industries have not performed

relatively well, urgings them to invest in better packaging.

Growing foreign markets for juice concentrates, he noted, offer opportunities for the establishment of standard ventures through which producers can move up the value chain.

He said juice processing has a higher potential for employment creation relative to agriculture.

Kariuki called on governments in the sub-region to identify juice processing as opportunities for improving incomes,adding that the region a hadn’t been able to use its tremendous agriculture potential of the local juice industry to provides employment for the majority of the population.

He said there was be emphasis on industrialisation which was be based on the political conviction

by African leaders that it was necessary to ensure self-reliance and

reduce dependence on advanced countries.

Director, International Programmes, Society for International Development(SID),Mr Aidan Eyakuze, emphasised the need for a complementary process of agricultural productivity growth and development of nonagricultural employment opportunities in industry and services.

According to him, apart from building a striving commodity exchange, the people of East Africa are promoting economic integration which offer significant opportunities for export market expansion and therefore is a key driver of growth in merchandise trade.

But some countries have derived significant benefits from the tremendous increase in merchandise trade following the programme of economic integration.

‘Apart from building a striving commodity exchange, the people of East Africa are promoting economic integration which offer significant opportunities for export market expansion and, therefore, is a key driver of growth in merchandise trade’

•Gov Amosun

By Daniel Essiet

Farmers in the state have been motivated to grow the adopted crops/fisheries/livestock in the state to boost production while entrepreneurs have been provided with necessary incentives to set up small/medium scale enterprises for farm produce.Amosun said the government is set to lay a solid foundation for vibrant, research-driven and mechanised farming and a technologically induced agro-based industry.

He revealed that his administration, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has disbursed N1billion loan to farmers under the CBN Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme. The government has succeeded in getting the Tsonghai farms based in Republic of Benin to replicate their Agricultural Institute in Odeda Local Government Area.

The governor said his administration has three major investors in agriculture who desire to establish farms spread across 30,000 hectares of land at 10,000 hectares in each of the state’s three Senatorial districts.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ayo Olubori, pledged that his Ministry would give adequate support to the cassava processing factory to ensure that it would not only improve the livelihood of the beneficiaries but also give birth to other viable enterprises within the state.

The commissioner hinted that plans were underway to revive school farms in public schools across the state as a veritable means of imbibing the culture of agricultural practice into the students and the youth.

He said the move was a response to the charge by the governor to ministries, departments and agencies to imbibe the culture of constructive interface. He said the scheme would be run by the ministry and those of Education, science and technology. Explaining how the scheme would work, he said schools would be provided with seeds, seedlings, fertilisers and other farming implements needed to make the return to school farming stress-free, reiterating the need for people to see agriculture as a authentic tool for industrialisation and employment generation as against previous the pre-conceived notion that agriculture was only for food production.

He assured farmers across the state that they would have access to fertilisers in quantities desired and called on members of Agro-Commodity Associations to collaborate with his ministry in identifying farmers to prevent the commodity from getting into wrong hands.

Olubori reiterated the government’s commitment to develop the agricultural sub-sector in the state, assuring the team of government’s readiness to partner the Federal Government to ensure the success of its Agricultural Transformation Agenda, expressed hope that in no distant time, all exportable agricultural produce would be processed from the state.

SIX

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

SHOPPING

Shopping Right with FROM MY MAIL BOX WE greatly appreciate those of you who make it a point to read us, especially to those who send their comments. Indeed, we are poised to serve you more and give you every valuable pieces of information on our finger tips.

As we do first Friday of every month, here are some of your responses as space would enable us.

Please bear with us if your comment is not published in this edition.

Thanks a million,

• GUCCI perfume for women

Perfumes for people of taste There are perfumes and there are perfumes. Choosing the right one can be difficult. But those with taste know what to look for when buying perfumes. SULIAT LAMID writes.

Q

UALITY perfumes and fragrances may be expensive (for both men and women), but they are well worth the money, as they can evoke feelings and bring pleasant experience for the wearer and those around him or her.

Perfume is sold in different variety; it may be cheap or expensive depending on the type you choose. Several stores sell perfumes. Some deal solely on designer perfumes.

You can find them at The Palms Mall, Lekki, Ikeja City Mall, Aston’s Perfumery at 22 Road, Festac Town, Palace of Scents located at 52 Abayomi Owulade Street G.R.A Shangish Ketu, Lagos, among others.

A floral perfume of Pour Homme is sold for N8, 000 while Armani Mania is sold for N 12,000. Flower by Kenzo – an oriental perfume is sold for N25,000.

Floral is a type of perfume which is characterised by its smooth, romantic and feminine nature. These are flower based.

They are associated with naturalness and smoothness. It is the largest and most popular category, which is created from flower based note; such as Jasmine, Rose, Garcleria, Orange, Blossom and Carnation.

Floral perfumes for men are in different varieties such as Altamir by Ted Lapidus, Amouge Gold Pour Homme by Ampuage,

• Floral perfume

Dior Homme Intense by Christian Dior.

Women’s floral perfumes are also in different variety such as Gucci by Gucci, Euphoria by Calvin Klein and Nina by Nina Ricci.

Woody is also a type of perfume which is linked to the aroma of freshly cut dry wood such as cedar wood oil, Virginian, sandal wood; sometimes they smell of citrus and fresh greens.

Examples of woody perfume for men are Intimately Beckham Men by Beckham, Armani Code/ Armani Mania by Giorgio Armani, Envy For Men by Gucci. Woody perfumes for women are Prada by Prada, Delicious Night by DKNY. Oriental perfume is a form of perfume which is characterised by its sensual, spicy and exotic nature.

This is a good scent for the winter due to its strong musky nature; it is a mixture of spices, amber, balsams and resins.

Oriental perfume for men are Allure Homme by Chanel, Spirit by Antonio Banderas, and Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein. Oriental perfume for women are Dream Angels Heavenly by Victoria’s Secret, Flower by Kenzo, and Incognito by Dana.

Perfumes are made of water, alcohol and essential oils. They are one of the most difficult accessories to make.

• Oriental perfume

Janice.

Dear Janice, verily, your ‘Shopping right’ is mouth wetting. It brings to JANICE NKOLI IFEME intended couples the anxiety to start up their homes and spouses, an innovation to keep home front a reality of matrimonial harmony. Buka Araku, Civil servant.

Your article tagged ‘Suit yourself correctly’ was a great eye opener for me.

To tell you the truth, before now, I did not know much about the tuxedo, though I always love it when I see it on people. After reading your article, I am determined to get one for myself this December. With your tips, I now know what to look out for. Thanks, Ndubem Ibeachum, Enugu.

Dear Janice, I must commend your efforts in The Nation. I am an avid wearer of suits and I can say that you got it correctly where you wrote about what to look out for when buying suits. I wonder why people wear suits that make them look like scarecrow. After reading your piece, I am glad that you took it upon yourself to enlighten the public on this common but often misused outfit. I hope those who need it read about it. Thanks, Abrahim Abayomi, Lagos.

Janice, your article, ‘What are you thankful for’ is apt. The United States have a special Thanksgiving Day, which is a good thing. It would be nice to proclaim such a day in Nigeria. Americans are celebrating with reunions and shopping. If we have it in Nigeria, I wonder how we are going to celebrate.

Are we going to head out to shop by 12 midnight or 3 am like the Americans did? That is food for thought. It shows that the people are well secured.

That cannot happen in Nigeria. People are afraid to move in the day, how much more at night? My prayer is that sometime, we shall have adequate security, which would really be a great thing to be thankful for. Thanks, Joseph, Maiduguri.

Janice, thanks for your numerous articles. There are so many ‘fake’ products; even ‘expired’ ones in our country looking for attention. God will help us identify the genuine ones.

Charles Calabar I enjoyed your article of last Friday entitled, ‘What are you thankful for?’ I think shopping for good leadership is something that calls for all hands to be on deck. It is every body’s responsibility. To identify a genuine leader, we must first shun corruption and embrace the spirit of oneness, do away with greed, ethnicity and electoral malpractice. These will help us in selecting and give room to a leader with conscience and fear of God; a leader who will fulfill his manifesto and know that he will give account to God and the people in the long run.

Archibong Bassey, Akwa Ibom State I like your piece on Thanksgiving Day. It is amazing how the United States do things. I like them because they are so advanced in everything. They know how to make everything big. Why would one go shopping by 3am?

And why would a store open at 12 midnight? Well, that is a civilized society for you. Those Americans are highly civilized. I just love their way of life.

Thanks, John Suleiman, Abuja.

Good morning Aunty Janice, I really must appreciate your efforts. Your page has really helped and enlightened me. I wish you more success. Thanks a lot. Have a wonderful time. Anonymous Dear Janice, You are a unique lady blessed with good ideas. Shopping is helping me and with this, I will make a good wife and mother. Thanks and more grease to your elbow. Zinnykeson, Abia State I used to be extravagant when shopping. Your tips have really helped me. I tried and it worked. Keep it up.

Jeff, Asokoro Dear ma, Thank you for encouraging people about shopping and budget.

Victor Nathan, Kaduna

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

SHOPPING

• Faux dresses

Shopping for plus size dresses While choosing plus size dresses for special occasions, it is important to choose one that will look good on you. SULIAT LAMID writes.

W

E live in a society where appearances matter. Everyone wants to look presentable at every occasion. It is always good to enhance your beauty and emphasize your physical features along with your personality; Plus size women who want to dress up for a party often face a problem of what to wear because they want to be sure that the dress they have chosen is elegant and dressy enough.

Some women begin to doubt themselves, feeling the dress is making them look too heavy or bulky.

Fashionable apparel that might look great on a size zero model on the runaway, might not work for you.There are many designs, styles and silhouette of dresses that look good on plus size women.

The kind of dress you choose will also depend a great deal on the event you will be attending. For a black tie dinner, plus size formal dresses that sweep the floor or knee length plus size cocktail dresses are appropriate. For a simple party with friends any evening dress pattern with high heels will work well. This trick is to find a perfect plus size gown or dress and make sure that the dress throws attention on your face and neckline and diverts attention from big hips or jiggly thighs.

One of the best plus size dresses for women is the faux skirt and blouse dress. A unique aspect of this dress is that it looks like a skirt and blouse worn together. But it is actually a single garment that is perfectly co-ordinated in the top and the bottom half. Faux skirt and blouse dresses come in many designs, from the simple to the more flamboyant. These type of plus size evening dresses are great for any event in the day time such as polo match or charity auction. Pastel colour in the top portion of the dress with dark hue at the button looks elegant and classy.

Drop-waist dress Another good dress design to consider is the drop-waist dress. A drop waist dress is a dress whose waistline is lower and which elongates the upper portion of the body. The skirt of a drop-waist dress is shorter than the bodice and it is one of the best plus size dresses for special occasions for women since it conceals a flabby tummy and throws attention to the legs.

Drop waist dresses in fabrics like jersey, raw silk and chiffon are the best plus size clothing materials.

While choosing drop-waist dresses for special events, make sure you pay attention to the hemline of the dress, as it should be too short and also ensure that the neckline flatters your face.

Always purchase dresses that do not have big prints and patterns.

With the right plus size dress silhouette and designs, you can look elegant and sophisticated and ready to attend any event.

Plus size dresses for special occasions can be bought at Miraexcel Stores located at H 107 Ikota Shopping complex VGC, Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.

It can also be bought at Marbeley Green located at 40 Buckenzel Street, Off the Grammar School, Bus stop, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos.

Special occasions plus sized dresses can be sold at prices ranging from N4,500 to N10,000. A Grecian draped dress is sold at N7, 000 and a faux skirt and blouse dress goes for between N4,500 to N6,000 depending on the type and the store.

• Drop waist dress

Grecian draped dress One of the best dresses for plus sized women that is fashionable and dressy enough to wear to a special occasion is a Grecian draped dress. There are many designs and styles of Grecian dress and one of the best is a shouldered Grecian dress that comes up to the knee.

These dresses should be ideally in a jewel colour like emerald, turquoise, fuchsia and gold for a dressy look. Crystal embellishments under the bust or shoulder will give such dresses a very classy and elegant look. White and gold Grecian draped dresses that are floor length with antique gold trimmings are best for wearing to a black tie affair.

Faux skirt and blouse dress

• Drop waist pintucked gray dress

• Gracian drape dress

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

35

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

VVF: Ebonyi’s success story The takeover of the vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, two years ago by the Federal Government has raised the profile of fistula prevention and treatment. In this interview, Deputy Co-ordinator of the Mother and Child Care Initiative (MCCI), the agency spearheading the provision of improved maternal and child care in the state, Dr Henry Urochukwu, says community participation has been the major reason for the success of the VVF programme. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports

E

BONYI is now classified as centre of excellence in fistula treatment and management. How did the state achieve this feat in such a short time?

In preventive medicine there is community participation, that is, where you begin to talk about community ownership, especially at the primary health care (PHC) level. This encourages progamme managers to make the people part of the programme, because it is only when they see the project as their own that they can make the most of it and so guarantee sustainability.

The fistula programme in Ebonyi State did not just come about as a top – down thing, in order words, siting the hospital in the city and asking the people to come and access services, no, there were fundamental issues that were considered. First the government was interested; so the political will was there and then the people were consulted, so we had the informed consent of the people and their views considered. This is important because we are in a society where people still relied heavily on culture which presupposes that people still based a lot of their decisions on cultural considerations, even the educated ones still expresses these cultural views. So, if at the beginning of a project you do not consider the cultural views of the people you are going to have problem with it. So, we knew from day one that if only government bought into the programme that it would end up as a top-down programme. That is why it was easy for us to say to our people this is the problem but there is a

solution. One of the first things we had to contend with was letting them know that fistula is not a northern problem because wherever a woman can get pregnant then fistula will most likely be there. Medically, we know that fistula is one of the outcomes of complications in pregnancy and then you have to also consider the issue of inaccessibility to healthcare, delays in referring a woman to the health centre, teenage pregnancy and then cultural practices such as female genital cutting. So if we agree that all of these happen in all communities in the country then it means that fistula is available in all the communities the only difference will be in prevalence of occurrence. These initial conclusions were affirmed by the result of the baseline study we conducted in all the communities in the state prior to rolling out treatment services.

So, how did the government deal with the situation?

In programmes such as this, you do not just walk into a community and say take off your clothes we want to examine you because we have seen people with fistula in the country. No! Education and awareness are very important, advocacy, too. We entered the community first by educating the people on what fistula is all about and what they need to do when it occurs. The traditional rulers were very important in the process of getting the people informed on fistula, because when you get the traditional rulers to sign onto the programme you are half way there because they have a very ef-

•Urochukwu

fective mechanism for reaching the people, especially when you want them to adopt a new behaviour.

The religious and spiritual leaders are also important. The message was simply that we have found out from medical knowledge that this condition is present in our communities and there is a solution which will benefit our people. Once they all signed onto the programme the rest became a case of management.

What platform did Ebonyi State use to achieve the advocacy and education?

Government as you know is stratified: we have ministries, agencies and departments. Under the programme each stratum of government has a role to play. In fact, when some people criticise the roles of the wives of governors and that of the president in making governance beneficial to the people I want to disagree with them because in Ebonyi State, government programmes, especially the ones around health care, have benefitted a great deal from the office and person of the wife of the governor. Mrs Josephine Elechi has been the pillar of the success recorded in health care in Ebonyi, especially fistula.

In what way has she been of help to the programme?

She is passionate about the issue.

It is true that she is not the gover-

nor or the deputy governor but her husband is the governor and so she decided to help her husband’s administration in furthering its healthcare programmes, and in helping she remembered her days in the village when mothers were suffering and ostracized because they were leaking urine and she wanted to know if there are anything that could be done to help them, she felt rightly that those women did not commit any problem, they just developed a problem during childbirth, often times when this occurs the child is also affected so she decided to take care of the mother and the child. That gave rise to a non-government organisation (NGO) which she called the Mother and Child Care Initiative (MCCI). So it was under that NGO that we went into the communities to see how and what could be done to improve the wellbeing of our mothers and children. By the time we toured all the 13 local government areas of the state we discovered that there were many women in our communities suffering from fistula who were hidden at the back yards for many years because of fistula, so unlike in the north were they are on the streets, in our state, as is the case in all of Igboland they are in the bedroom or kitchens hidden away, in the north again you can see them and so treat them but in Igboland they are hidden and you have this self - denial that it does not exist in our place. So it was a hidden problem that the wife of the governor tried to unravel.

What challenges did the state encounter at the initial stage of the intervention?

The first one was getting the women to treat them. We discovered that doing so will be just the tip of the iceberg. How about other people who are not aware of the treatment initiative in the hinterlands of the state, so we had to call on all the stakeholders in the state from traditional rulers to healthcare providers to say this is where we are, what do we do to get these services to any sufferer

of this condition still hidden in the remote parts of the state? So from the onset the community was consulted and their views and roles clearly spelt out. In bringing these women out for treatment the wife of the governor does not go out to personally do so, she relies on the wives of the local government chairmen, wives of the religious leaders to do so. I remember the governor’s wife telling these wives of some officials, those of traditional and religious leaders that these women are our sisters and mothers who need our help. She also mobilised top government officials to return to their various communities to inform their people on the condition and the fact that there is a place where they can be treated at Abakaliki for free.

The women during treatment are fed free, they are given free toiletries, clothes and footwear free and when they are going home they also get free transport fare.

When you say these services are all free and people come out and truly see that the services are free they went back and informed others who were still hiding to come out too.

Because the wives of the traditional rulers and religious leaders were involved in the mobilization campaign the cultural barriers holding them back was easily broken. That was how every layer of the society was involved in the programme and so everybody keyed into the programne in this state.

Prevention is key in eliminating fistula, how has this been factored into the programme?

At the outset of the programme Mrs Elechi thought rightly that the women affected should not be treated without preventing new cases. It will be akin to scooping out water from a full bucket with a teaspoon. It will take forever to empty the bucket.

So, the only way to empty the bucket is to close the tap first and then empty the bucket. In the context of fistula you cannot close the tap when the other mitigating factors to effective health care for women, such as access to health facilities are not resolved.

Lagos promises better health care

L

AGOS State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality health care for Lagosians.

Fashola, who was the guest speaker at the 50th anniversary of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said budgetary allocation to the health sector has increased since he assumed office.

He said the state’s cosmopolitan and megacity status posed some challenges, which are surmountable.

Fashola identified population, infrastructural deficits and poverty as some of the challenges militating against the state’s health care delivery system. Other challenges are human resources for health care, epidemiological transition and partisan politics,” he added.

The governor, who was represented state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said the state had developed a strategic health development plan (SHDP) to

By Wale Adepoju tackle some of the challenges.

The plan, he said, is an integral part of the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP); a product of the harmonisation of federal, state and local governments’ health plans.

He said the state’s vision was to attain excellence in health service delivery by applying best practices at all levels of care. “Our mission is to deliver qualitative, affordable and equitable health care services to the people by applying appropriate technology with well-motivated staff,” he said.

Fashola said a research conducted by the state tagged Reducing health disparities in Lagos State: an investment case recommended strategies to reduce health inequalities by bringing health care to the poor.

Fashola said the success recorded rests on the government’s unmatchable public management system.

• Dr Idris (left) receiving a plaque on behalf of Fashola from the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Akin Osibogun at the event.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

36

COMMENTARY

“N

O sensible educated person will ever limit his life to a permanent habitat; to keep moving and migrating from place to place is the secret of human progress” Going by the above quoted poem rendered by an Arab poet, ‘The Message’ today chooses to migrate from the insanity of Nigeria’s political and religious rigmarole to the global political tempest if only for a change. After all, elasticity has its own limit. And by so doing, some relief might come to readers of this column about the economic heat being heartlessly generated by the so-called rulers of this country.

Recently, Al-Jazeera Television Cable Network throbbed with breaking news, saying that a United States military aircraft strayed into the airspace of Iran and the latter promptly responded by shooting it down. Iran announced another of the like just three days ago. This disturbing development has further aggravated the tension between both countries which started in 1979 with the Iranian revolution that uprooted the country’s imperial despotism which had caged the citizens for decades. In reaction, the US authorities explained that the destination of the shot aircraft was Afghanistan but its pilots lost control and strayed into Iranian territory. Shortly before that incident, Some Iranian students had besieged the British Embassy in Tehran protesting the meddling of David Cameron’s government in the internal affairs of Iran.

And in retaliation, Britain quickly evacuated her diplomats in Iran and sent the latter’s diplomats in London packing despite Iran’s regret over those students’ action. To further complicate the matter, the French government also issued a 48 hour ultimatum to Iranian Embassy to quit France. This was done in solidarity with Britain in the spirit of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Things have since moved so fast that it now becomes difficult to predict what will happen next. Most diplomatic observers saw similarity between these developments and the unexpected occurrences of the early 20th century that precipitated both World War I and World War II. Their fear is a possible reoccurrence of those wars.

Retrospectively, the genesis of the faceoff between the West and Iran took roots in the latter’s unexpected revolution of 1979 which shut the door against the West’s economic exploitation of her people. It was 33 years last February, since Iran jumped to the world stage with a surprising revolution. February 11, 1979 was the precise climax of a struggle, in that country, which began in 1963 between the oppressed people seeking independence from the shackles of imperialism and the implacable oppressors wanting to keep that country’s innocent peasants in perpetual subservience. The success of that revolution has since changed the grand design of the Western powers for the Muslim world.

That grand design was first expressed in 1902 by a British Prime Minister, Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman when he observed as follows: “There are people who control spacious territories teeming with manifest and hidden resources. They dominate the intersections of world routes. Their lands were the cradles of human civilisations and religions. These people have one faith, one language and the same aspirations. No natural barriers can isolate them from one another….If, per chance, these people were to be unified into one state it would then take the fate of the world into its hands and separate Europe from the rest of the world.

Taking these considerations seriously, a foreign body should be planted in the heart of this nation to prevent the convergence of its wings in such a way that it could exhaust its powers in never- ending wars. It could also serve as a spring board for the West to gain its coveted objects”. Sir Bannerman’s observation was in further pursuit of an earlier demand

by Theodor Herzl, a leader of the Zionist movement founded in 1879. Herzl, an Austrian Jewish lawyer and journalist demanded thus: “Let sovereignty be granted us (Jews) over a portion of the globe large enough to satisfy the rightful requirements of a nation; the rest, we shall manage for ourselves…”In response to that clandestine demand, another British Prime Minister, James Arthur Balfour issued a devastating declaration that now

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Iran versus the West

•US President Barack Obama

•Iranian President M a h m o u d Ahmadinejad

bears his name conceded a major part of Palestine to the Zionists as a home has since put the Middle East in an incessant turmoil read thus in part: “His majesty’s Government views with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people and will use its best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this objective…. The rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country shall not be prejudiced by the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people” To facilitate that objective effectively, some other Middle East countries had to be incapacitated economically and politically by excising from them, a juicy chunk of their lands. Thus, Lebanon was excised from Syria and Kuwait from Iraq.

The strategy was to cause a dissention among the citizens of those Countries with the intention of breaking the yoke of the Muslim unity which Bannerman had targeted in his infamous observation quoted above. How does Iran come into this picture when she is not an Arab Country? That is the logical question anybody would who is not quite familiar with the Middle East and the intricacies of its political and economic set up would ask. Naturally, Iran is affected by three major factors: Politics, economy and culture. And by culture here, we mean ISLAM. Iran is a foremost Islamic Country even if her official language is not Arabic. And, as an Islamic Country, whatever affects other Muslim Countries must affect her. The case of Turkey is a good example. Turkey was though not an Arab country she was nevertheless the seat of the Islamic Caliphate until 1924 when a diabolical agent of the West came on stage as Head of State. His name was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk; a man who wanted to prove to the West that it was possible for a nonCatholic to be “Holier than the Pope” especially when it came to adopting the socalled Western Civilisation. On March 3, 1924, just one year after assuming office as the ruler of Turkey, Ataturk introduced a bill to the Turkish Parliament seeking to secularise his country by abolishing the office of the caliph without any consideration for the feelings and sensitivity of the people he ruled. Presenting the bill, Ataturk said: “Ottoman Empire was built and existed on the principle of Islam. Islam is Arabic in character and in concept. It shapes from birth to death, the lives of its adherents; it stifles hope and initiative. The Republic (of Turkey) is threatened by the continued existence of Islam in its midst….”With the passage of that bill, Turkey was recognised as a secular state. Politics was separated from religion and Islam was relegated to a personal matter rather than the state religion that it was before then. The caliphate was abolished and Islamic law was abrogated. Ataturk borrowed the new Turkish civil law from Swit-

zerland, the criminal law from Italy and the international law of trade from Germany. The Muslim personal law was harmonised with the European civil law. Religious instruction in public schools was prohibited. Purdah system was abolished and declared illegal. Co-education was introduced to schools. The use of Arabic alphabets was prohibited and replaced by the Latin Script. Adhan (the call to prayer) was no longer to be made in Arabic but in Turkish language while the national costume was changed to that of the Europeans even as the wearing of hat was made compulsory. What Ataturk did not do was to abrogate the tenets of Islam completely.

Thus, by one man’s whim, Turkey lost her values and heritage of centuries in a bid to adopt the so-called ‘modernity’ brought by ‘Western civilisation’. One can imagine what Islam would have become today if countries like Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan had adopted the same misfortune. It was this same situation that prompted the late Iranian spiritual leader, Ayatullah Ruhullah Mousavi Khomeini to embark on the liberation struggle in 1963 that culminated in a successful revolution in 1979.

Unlike Ataturk, however, Imam Khomeini knew that the greatest virtue that could be lost in the life of man was culture. He knew that without a clear-cut culture man couldn’t be better than a beast.

He knew that such values as law, education and religion, which guide man in his peregrinations on earth, are the attributes of culture. He knew that a nation, which surrenders its culture and adopts that of another nation, has enslaved herself permanently to the caprice of the latter nation. Thus, Khomeini saw Islam, (the culture of over one billion Muslims in the world at that time), as the target of the Western imperialists, which needed defence and protection. No one believed in 1979 that a mass protest which started like a small political billow, engendered by the country’s unarmed Mullahs could eventually grow into such a great magnitude of political ‘earthquake’. By the time the foggy dust finally settled, a new Iran had emerged from the debris of the old.

Against the wish and expectation of the capitalist West, the secular, monarchical Iran became an Islamic republic. The drama was quite electric. Characteristic of the West, all hands were put on deck, at that time, to ensure that an Islamic republic did not succeed the tyrannical monarchy headed by the Shah Pahlavi, heavily backed up by the oppressive West.

America was most active in that ambitious but vain effort. She would not easily allow the massive benefit she had been enjoying for decades in that oil-rich country, under the Shah regime, to slip out of her hands just like that. Thus, under the pretext of wanting to rescue her citizens from the siege laid by Iranian students on that country’s embassy, in Tehran, the US attempted an invasion of the country. The espionage activities by the American diplomats, inside that embassy, against the new Islamic government in Iran had warranted the siege. While a number of US F15 bomber jets were approaching Iran, President Jimmy Carter engaged his country’s press in a chart without giving any hint of the impending military operation in Iran. The tactics was to divert the attention of the press and that of the country from the illegal Pentagon’s military expedition. But no sane person can ever fault the contents of the Qur’an. More than 1,400 years before that incident, a verse of the Qur’an had been revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) thus: “They (the unbe-

lievers) schemed, and Allah schemed. Allah is the supreme schemer”. Q. 3:54.

Jimmy Carter’s thought was that by the time he would be finishing his press address, the news would have reached him that America had successfully invaded Iran. He had therefore intended to announce the news of his ‘great’ successful scheme to the press as the epilogue of his address. And that would have served as his impetus for wining that year’s election for a second term in office. But, as Allah would have it, instead of the expected news, what he got was a shocker of his life. Two of the F15 fighters deployed for the operation miraculously collided in the air just at the point of entering Iran crashing with their contents, and consuming the lives of 16 top air force officers while the other jet fighters had to turn back having run into confusion.

When this devastating news reached Carter, it was too much to hide and it quickly became a public knowledge.

Thus, the mighty America failed woefully, with her technology, in circumstances she has never been able to analyze and explain convincingly. With that scheme, it became obvious that Jimmy Carter of the Democrat Party had dug his own political grave. Of course, he lost the election to the cowboy turned Politician, (Ronald Reagan) of the Republican Party.

For about 444 days (well over a year), the 52 American hostages remained under the siege of the Iranian students. It took highlevel diplomacy, through third party countries, to get them released. Yet, America was not done. She went ahead to freeze Iran’s foreign reserve of $80 billion in addition to imposition of economic sanctions with the intention of running that country’s economy aground. The only Iran’s offence in this case was to chart an independent political course that could liberate her citizens from the manacles of the Western imperialism. Ever since, the relationship between America and Iran has remained icy. That relationship however, further deteriorated recently when Iran started a nuclear project with which to prop up her economy. America responded with a threat saying the United States would not tolerate any nuclear project in Iran because she could not trust that Islamic nation. And of course, America’s voice was re-echoed by the United Nations, through the mouth of the latter’s Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. Only a fool will not know that the UN, as presently constituted, is the greyhound of the US through which the latter barks randomly at the rest of the world. But for the recent Iraqi episode that became regrettable for the self-appointed policeman of the world, and of course, the North Korean case, which has become a cancerous sore on the head of the US, another Gulf war would have either ensued or been in plan by now. The secret of America’s military successes in various parts of the world is neither in technological advancement, nor military superiority per se. The failed rescue mission in Iran can confirm this.

That secret is rather in her ability to cause schism among some other nations and races. Iran has never been a prey to America’s direct military aggression, even when the Shah Pahlavi was in power, because she has never played a fool dancing to the sour music of that predatory country in a seeming open market.Now, with the threat of invasion of Iran by Israel on the one hand and economic and political sanctions against her by the Western the NATO allies on the other, will history repeat itself? One fact has become clear about the US political trend ever since that country withdrew from her self-isolationism in 1945. Her internal politics has been regularly dictated by her foreign policy. Thus, many American Presidents have won or lost elections at home due to the foreign policy of the concerned President. Will this also repeat itself? The days ahead will answer this fundamental question as events continue to unfold even as the ongoing crisis between Israel and Palestine also remains a cog in the wheel of global peace. But with the objection by China and Russia to any economic sanctions against Iran, the US and her allies will have to watch their steps carefully especially with respect to any planned invasion of Iran before embarking on a military action. Iran is neither Iraq nor Afghanistan. The world cannot afford another World War now. No one should attempt to plunge it into one. A word is enough for the wise.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

37

SOCIETY A thanksgiving has been held for Steve Ibenta, who was appointed a professor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). It took place at the school's Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Awka, Anambra State. NWANOSIKE ONU was there.

Reward for patience • From left: Lady Ibenta; Dr Ekwueme; Bishop Ezeokafor; Mrs Ekwueme and Prof Ibenta

M

OST people call him Professor due process; others call him an articulate and meticulous lecturer. But all the names given to Prof Steve Ibenta personify humility.

After a long time of oppression and denial, the amiable Ibenta was made a professor by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) led

by Vice-Chancellor Prof Boniface Chukwuka Egboka.

On Saturday, November 24, friends and

well-wishers gathered at UNIZIK’s Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Awka, Anambra State, for a thanksgiving.

Decked in a black suit with black bow tie, Ibenta was accompanied by his wife, Lady Chinyere, in a black gown, with yellow top and exotic hat to match. Both radiated like stars.

At the service which began at 10am and was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Revd Paulinus Ezeokafor, guests struggled for

seats, despite the capacity of the church.

Revd Ezeokafor congratulated the celebrator on his academic feat.

The cleric enjoined him to continue to be patient in seeking God's glory. He admonished the guests to entrust their lives to the Creator.

He praised Ibenta and others for their patience and trust in God, adding that God's time is the best.

Ibenta condemned intimidation, blackmail and incrimination of innocent people for

selfish reasons in some institutions.

He said: ''The painful thing about it is that many people pass this hard road for no just cause. My greatest surprise is that the university system peopled by the most enlightened segment of the society, the intellectual is also involved in the most barbaric acts of blackmail, intimidations and incriminations of innocent people for selfish interests. ''A lot of people have suffered untold, needless hardships as a result of this reckless and abusive use of power. The situation is hopeless because the justice system in our country is slow and tortuous and many people have died in the course.”

He went on: ''We want to use this occasion to thank God for his love and mercy; it is a day of the fulfillment of our promise'. ''The fact that we are alive today and the fact that we are now professors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University is a testimony of God's faithfulness and that.''

His amiable wife was speechless and overwhelmed by the calibre and number of people who graced the occasion.

For former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, it was not one for speeches, but an occasion for everybody to enjoy and give thanks and praises to God. Former Governor of Anambra State Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife described Ibenta as an epitome of humility, hard work and Godfearing.

Others, who spoke aligned themselves to the former speakers, adding that the life of Ibenta has shown that with God all things are possible.

Dignitaries at the event included Dr Ekwueme's wife Beatrice; Prof Obum Ekwueme, his younger brother and the wife of the traditional ruler of Oko Kingdom, Prof Laz Ekwueme, Prof Lucy Ekwueme.

From the academic realm, professors who attended the event came from all over the country. They included Prof Greg Nwakobi, Prof Ebo (Alusi), Prof Onyali.

Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has honoured Oyo State former Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde with Meritorious Service Award at the NSE secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. YETUNDE BASHIRU reports

Honour for Oyo ex-Commissioner, others at NSE luncheon

T

IMES were when the good deeds of public officers hardly got recognition.

But the story was different at the weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where the state chapter of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), singled out the immediate past Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde for its Meritorious Service Award.

Within 13 months in the saddle, Akintunde supervised to completion; about 31 road projects while 37 on-going projects were at the various stages of completion when the commissioner bowed out.

The colourful event, which held at the NSE secretariat, had in attendance some of its past National Presidents and state officers among who were the immediate past National President of NSE, Olumuyiwa Ajibola, and the incumbent National Vice-President, Otis Oliver Anyaeji.

The Meritorious Award was the height of the body's annual luncheon.

Host Chairman Gbenga Ilori extolled the virtues of Akintunde while he held the forte in the Works and Transport Ministry, describing him as 'a good agent' of change, committed to the transformation of the Pace-Setter State.

Olumuyiwa Ajibola, who spoke glowingly of the former commissioner for his support to the Ibadan NSE, said the honour was bestowed on Akintunde "in recognition of his contributions to the upliftment of the engineering profession and commitment to the development of the larger society."

He said the honour bestowed on Akintude would serve as a reminder to all that hard work

• Ajibola (left) presenting a plague to Akintunde

pays, especially at a time the country is witnessing a dearth of quality administrators Responding, Akintunde, who was honoured alongside other distinguished members of the society, said he was humbled by the award, especially, coming after taking a bow from the office.

Akintunde, who expressed surprise that such

recognition could come from a professional body like the NSE notwithstanding that he had vacated the post, lauded the body for the gesture.

Akintunde told the audience that he introduced concrete drainage for the first time in the history of the 36-year-old state to replace the old fashioned block drainage that had been

in existence for long.

He described as unprecedented in the state award of 68 road contracts within a year under his watch. The feet attributed to the need to turn around the fortunes of the state and make it truly a primus inter pares in the comity of other states.

Of the awarded contracts, he listed eight different bridges, a first flyover to be undertaken by any civilian administration at Mokola Ibadan and dualization and expansion of five roads with two in Ibadanland and one each in Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso areas of the state.

Akintunde listed the road, as: MethodistEfunsetan Challenge, Ibadan, Dugbe-Magazine road with spurs to Agbarigo, Iseyin junction to Owode Afin, Ogbomoso express (Federal Government College) to Taki to Soun palace and Oyo-Ibadan junction to Aseyin palace to Okeho-Ipapo junction in Iseyin.

The former commissioner listed the rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of Ijokodo-Apete road and construction of the first ultra-modern motor park (Temidire park) in Ibadan as some of the remarkable achievements.

The former commissioner has not be replaced because of the new policy of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to make the ministry a department of public works under the Governor's Office, manned by a general manager.

Honoured alongside Akintunde are: incumbent NSE National President Olorunfemi Ademola Isaac and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Isaac Adewole,

WHAT AND WHERE Summit Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola will today host the South-West States and Edo State to a summit on emergency preparedness.

The summit which is organised by the State's ministry of Special Duties is scheduled to hold at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

The State's AttorneyGeneral/ Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; Director General Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi and GM/CEO Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), DR Femi

Oke-Osanyitolu will give talks on the theme First Emergency Preparedness .

Anniversary The kingdom Come Glorious Chapel (aka Divine Way) will on Sunday marks its seventh anniversary at the church auditorium, 2, Alhaji Lasisi Street, Off Celestial Road, General Bus Stop, Igando, Lagos. Guest Speakers on the occasion are Aare Segun Oladeji and Mr M.O Idowu.

Seminar

The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in collaboration with Messrs New Product and Services Enterprises (NEPRO) will today

conclude its conference for teachers in both the private and public school teachers.

The seminar with the theme "Consolidating the Gains of Private Education in Nigeria and Capacity Building for Mathematics and English Teachers in Private Schools" is slated to hold at the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Road, Shangisha, Magodo, Lagos.

Inauguration The Great Ife Alumni Association (worldwide) of the Obafemi Awolowo Univrsity will today inaugurate its Board of Trustees for the association at 9, Methodist Church Street, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

It will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof Bamitale Omole.

Award

Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, (AES Excellence Club) will today hold the 2012 edition of its annual CEOs Dinner/Awards at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Expected as guest speakers are Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammed Buhari and the Minister of Works, Mike Onolenemen.

Nigeria's Vice President Namadi Sambo is the Chief Guest of Honour and Kano State Governor , Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is the Special Guest of Honour.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

38

CELEBRITY

Austin Oniwon's sterling achievments

F

OR the first time in the history of the institution, the authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria decided to honour some of those that have played one role or the other in the development of the institution in terms of human and infrastructural development. Two categories of award were created by the Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha led administration as a way of saying thank you to these Nigerians and institutions. They are the Sir Ahmadu Bello award reserved for those who have contributed to the development of the institution and the Vice Chancellor's award reserved for staffs of the institution who have served meritoriously in their assigned responsibilities.

Among those honoured with the Sir Ahmadu Bello award were the Kebbi, Katsina, Taraba and Niger state governments as well as individuals which included the immediate past Group Managing Director the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Austin Oniwon whose contribution to the development of the institution widely acclaimed as the largest university south of the Sahara is the establishment of an ICT centre of excellence in the university. Sources close to the university told The Nation that the decision of the management of the university to honour the former NNPC boss was in view of the fact that when he at the helm of affairs at the NNPC, Oniwon championed some infrastructural development within the university.

From a humble beginning as a Process Engineer with the Warri Refining and Petrochemical company, Oniwon rose to be the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, led the much talked about search for oil in the Chad basin of the country with positive results and because of his dedication to duties, he was asked to continue to lead the corporation even after he retired from service in April 2011, an assignment he diligently carried out until he was eventually replaced.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the soft spoken, simple, amiable and hardworking gentleman left a footprint in the corporation, leaving an indelible mark on the sand of time in the nation's oil and gas industry. This explained why the decision to confer on him the highest honour of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), did not come to many as a surprise. Named after the founder of the institution, Oniwon was named alongside four state governments of Taraba, Kebbi, Katsina and Niger as well as other accomplished Nigerians.

Authorities of the institution

‘There is no gainsaying the fact that the soft spoken, simple, amiable and hardworking gentleman left a footprint in the corporation, leaving an indelible mark on the sand of time in the nation's oil and gas industry.

This explained why the decision to confer on him the highest honour of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), did not come to many as a surprise’ • Oniwon From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

explained that they decided to honour Oniwon and others for their contribution to the development of the institution in particular and the education in the nation in general.

For Oniwon, he had the added advantage of being honoured for this contribution to the development of the oil and gas sector of the nation's economy.

Many are quick to say that the stability in the supply of petroleum product and relative lack of fuel scarcity during his tenure as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC was due largely to his proactive approach to the management of the sector which led to industrial harmony within the sector. With the active support of the Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, Oniwon approached any problem that was likely to lead to scarcity of petroleum products in the country with utmost diligence, giving Nigerians the assurance that with good and proper handling and good approach, the nation's oil can be properly managed. He took adequate steps to always nip in the bud disputes with industrial unions

in the sector such as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), Major Oil Marketers among others as a way of avoiding any artificially induced fuel scarcity.

A trained Chemist and Petroleum Refiner, Oniwon is a tested manager who has left a mark in all the places he has worked. He is credited with championing the massive deployment and usage of computers across the NNPC Corporate Headquarters and Strategic Business Units throughout the country as the Group General Manager, Information System Department of the Corporation.

The impact of the former NNPC boss is not only felt in his professional field, but even in his locality. In 2010, he instituted an Education Trust Fund that would give scholarship to indigent but intelligent Ebira youths wishing to pursue courses in engineering,

FESTIVAL

•From left: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Sisi Ilaro Miss Busayo Fagbenro; Chief Kayode Odunaro and Ms Remi Ogunsola during the grand finale of Oronna Ilaro Festival.

management and the arts. While speaking on the scholarship, he said it was aimed at encouraging the "young ones who are looking up to us. I wish to use this auspicious moment to institute a scholarship trust fund that would support prospective students from Ebira land to study engineering, management and the arts from Ebira land".

Oniwon is an ardent believer in the complete deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, pointing out that before the private sector can be given licenses to build private refineries in the country, there must first be complete deregulation of the sector.

Speaking at a lecture in Zaria in 2011, Oniwon said that "a situation whereby you control the price of petroleum products to a point that is below the cost of manufacturing the product, only government can really invest in such sector because it is only government that bears the loss." He said further that "one of the biggest barriers to any private business man, is doing investment is if he cannot recover his cost and make profit. Business people survive from the profit they make

and anybody you tell to go and pay for crude oil at international price and earn below international price for the product he is going to bring after his effort, he will not do it, and that is why private refinery licenses are stalled but once we have the courage to deregulate in this country, you will be surprised.

The upstream was deregulated, nobody ever regulated the upstream. A lot of mistake we keep making is that oil is God- given. It is true, God gave us the oil, but God gave us water and water is all over the place, but once you put an effort to treat water, you have added value and you cannot take it for free any more. If you want to drink that water, you have to pay for it, and if you say you are going to pay below the cost, the water man will not continue to sell water. So, it is the same thing with petrol."

He believed that stakeholders in the nation's oil industry must work towards the expansion of the Nigerian economy by extending their investment frontiers to cover all aspects of the industry rather than looking to the developed economies in the west or east for opportunities. In one of his outing as the boss of the NNPC at a Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, Oniwon argued that opportunities for massive investment expansion abound in the country especially in the power sector. While xraying the trends in the international energy market, he said that the recent technological breakthrough in the use of shale gas in the United States could create a lull in the demand for Nigeria's oil and gas since the US is Nigeria's major oil buyer. According to him, "with this development, we should be looking elsewhere for opportunities. We could look to Europe in the West or Asia in the East. But rather than look to the West or the East, I think we should look inwards; we should develop the local market by tapping into the opportunities being provided by the federal government".

Born in 1951 in Okene, Kogi state, Oniwon is a product of St. Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba and Titombe College, Egbefor where he obtained his Higher School Certificate before proceeding to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study Chemistry, graduating in 1975.

Twice, he emerged the winner of the prestigious NNPC GMD's Merit award for hardwork and dedication to duty. He held series of top management positions in the NNPC and its subsidiaries before being appointed the Group Managing Director, a position he held until his retirement from the service of the corporation after 34 years of meritorious service.

He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSCE) and a member of various leading societies worldwide.

GET-TOGETHER

•From left: Head of FirstBank, Mr Supo Adigun; Chief Medical Director, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital Osogbo; Prof Femi Fadiora and his wife and a Manager at Ecobank, Mr Tunji Jaiyeola, during the end of the year party of Osogbo Grammar School, Osogbo, 1975 set.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

39

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) gathered at Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Lagos for their annual Integrity Award, ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN reports.

Honour for men of integrity

H

AVING searched through various Christian and political organisations, it found 19 Nigerians worthy of receiving honours.

It was yet another edition of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Integrity Award This year's event was held at the Christ the Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The 19 awardees were joined by their family members, friends and well wishers, who found the occasion quite a joyful and wonderful experience. Though held on a weekday, the turnout was impressive, underscoring the love and support they have for the awardees.

The church auditorium bubbled the whole day. Comedian MC Smart thrilled guests with jokes.

There was a musical interlude by the Light Band.

The guests danced to the tunes that suffused the arena.

CAN Chairman Monsignor Benard Okodua, who gave the welcome address, said the aim of the award was to recognise Nigerians as well as Christians who have helped the growth of Christianity.

"They are good people in Nigeria and also in Lagos State who have good things and have helped in the growth of the society and the Christian race; so this is why we are

here to say thank you and to encourage others to do more and keep up the good work," he said.

Soon after Dr A.Y. Akintoye took the Bible reading, the Hymn, Blessed Assurance was led by John Omo-Ajayi.

The guest speaker, Melvis Oyaki, who stood in for the Director, Centre for Media Development, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh, spoke on challenges and responsibilities of Christian leaders on the Nigerian political scene.

As each of the awardees was called upon, his/her citation was read.

Among them was the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, who could not hide her joy and pride. She recalled how she rejected the offer of the award till she was advised and persuaded to accept it.

The Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Hon Ayodeji Joseph, was awarded, too.

He said: "Anytime I look at this award, I know integrity should be my watchword and I will always ensure that I hold integrity in high esteem".

The Pro Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of Samuel Adegboyega University, Olabisi Ogunjobi, also an awardee, was full of thanks to God and CAN. "I thank them for recognising my little contributions; the award that

CAN has given us today is a privilege to those who have received it, it is an opportunity to remain good Christians," he said.

He enjoined Nigerians to tolerate one another.

Other awardees include Lagos State Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe; Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc and Chief Executive Officer, STB-MCCANN, Sir Steve Omojafor; Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye; Board Member, Nigerian Communications Commission, Shola Taylor; Chief Executive Officer, Bond Chemist Limited, T.A. Omotosho; Secretary of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Sir G.O. Deinde; Managing Director, Current Foam Ltd, Godwin Umeugoji; Chairman, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and CEO, Prima Garnet, Mr Akinlolu Akinwunmi; Oluruntoba Oke; Managing Director Cashville Investment and Securities, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ejezie; Vice-President, Women Fellowship, Methodist Church of Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos, Anthonia Adadevoh; a Deputy Director in the Federal Civil Service, Mrs Felicia Olabanji; Obe Lawrence; and a member of Gospel Apostolic Church Bible College Governing Council, Florence Elusogbon.

•Monsignor Okodua and Dame Fashola

•Rev. Odofin (left) presenting a plague to Mr Ogunjobi

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

Speak out that Idea!

M

OST great thinkers and successful persons in the world, both past and present, have, at one time or the other, associated their successes to good ideas. Several books have been published on this valuable seed called idea and how it can be capitalized upon for great achievements. We cannot over emphasize the fact that good ideas rule the world. When ideas become a passion, they consume the proponent so that he or she becomes unstoppable. Victor Hugo said, "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come." Great ideas cannot be restricted; they find their ways around every obstacle. According to Benazir Bhutto, "You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea." Not only are good ideas characteristically bigger than their proponents, they also mostly outlive them. In this respect, John F. Kennedy said, "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death."

As valuable as ideas are, however, we will be making a big mistake to think that they are all it takes to succeed. Ideas don't fulfil themselves, they must be put to use, and the first step of this is expression. What are ideas without expressions? Have you ever seen an army commander who instructs his troupe with his mind?

No matter how skillful or tactful he is, he must issue clear commands, either by speech or by gesture, for the soldiers to act. Can a teacher teach a class without words, gestures, or other technical aids? Unless the subject matter is "silence," the students would receive nothing. Likewise, ideas are nothing unless they are expressed.

People cannot get into our minds or read our thoughts; hence, they cannot access our brilliant ideas unless we express them. Lois Wyse said, "The only people in the world who can change things are those who can sell ideas." In whatever endeavour we are engaged in, our ideas will be no good if we cannot convince the necessary stakeholders of their authenticity.

If we don't know how to present our ideas, they may die in our minds.

Some people spend their entire lives merely brooding over some ideas because they believe the ideas are not good enough to be shared. According to Brian G. Jett, "We think good ideas to death, when we should be acting them to life." I am of the opinion that we don't know the value of our ideas until we share them. Have you ever had the experience, probably when you were in school, that your teacher asked a question, to which you knew the answer, but you were afraid to be wrong, so, someone else spoke exactly what you had in mind and was correct? How did you feel?

Whether in the same scenario or a similar but more complex one, the effect is usually the same. Even

AMODU LANRE OLAOLU (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com.

though you tried to console yourself that it wasn't really a big deal, deep down, you felt a sense of loss.

That is what happens when we don't share the valuable ideas we have; we lose them to other thinkers. Ideas get bigger when they are shared effectively. George Bernard Shaw said, "If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."

Having established that ideas are invaluable, and that they are of no use when we keep them to ourselves, the next question is, "How do we share our ideas?"

There are several ways to share our ideas; in fact, there are many more ways than we can talk about here.

But I can assure you that one of the major and most effective ways is through speaking. Of course, you may write a proposal, but you are most probably going to need to make an oral presentation of it at some points. Some people write winning proposals but are screened out only because of their inability to come across convincingly in their oral presentations.

When a business proposal is particularly brilliant, and the presenter is particularly poor, the assessor naturally concludes that the idea is stolen. Think about this: why is it that we hear some people accuse some popular musicians of stealing their songs, yet it's not a hit when the supposed owners perform it? Why does a student explain a course to another and the latter passes while the former fails?

The answer is simple- some people are good at getting ideas, some are good at expressing them, and some are good in both. "But is this fair?"

You may ask. Well, that may be a discussion for another day. In the mean time, know that you can learn to express your ideas effectively and win your audience to your line of thinking. Organize your thoughts, support it with facts, create the context in which it can work, and be passionate as you speak. You are closer to achieving your dreams than you know.

Thanks for following me through our topic for today. I hope you have derived as much fun and inspiration as I have. Join me again next week as we explore another important topic on public speaking. Please write to share your experiences and ideas through: sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. You can also ask questions about our topic for today or any other one and I will be glad to make it a topic for discussion. Have a blessed week.

Dr. Amodu lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

40

DISCOURSE • Continued from Tuesday, November 13

The burden of adjudging volatile political cases AM not aware of any country in the world where Judges are made to go through the trauma of presiding over election cases with the attendant harassment, intimidation and corrupting tendencies by politicians. A few years back, election petition cases consumed two Justices of the Court of Appeal. A lot of Judges of Tribunals have been either sanctioned or dismissed, based on election related matters. We are all living witnesses to how this phylum of cases is dislocating our appellate and intermediate court today. The first woman to retire as a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olufunola Adekeye was quoted as saying “Politicians often besiege Judges with mouth-watering offers of bribes in order to win election petition cases in court… desperate politicians, in a bid to win at all cost, even attempt to reach out to Judges through their relations, friends and close associates …. Politicians have developed the knack of using election petition periods as time to malign Judges, batter them or say all sorts of things against them in the media[65].” While not holding brief for any corrupt Judge, I strongly hold the view that it is not fair to shift blames of election rigging, election violence, ballot box snatching, multiple thumb-printing of ballot papers, thuggery against and murder of political opponents etc, all perpetrated and committed by politicians, before and during elections on our Judges.

Despite all these, the Judiciary has come out to be the prime sustainer and nourisher of this democratic sojourn or evolution. Thank goodness for the amendment contained in section 233(2)(e) of the Constitution which now allows appeals from any decision of the Court of Appeal in a Governorship election petition to go to the Supreme Court. I believe the Court of Appeal has now been relieved of the burden of heaping all sorts of blames on it anytime it gave an unfavorable decision to some politicians in Governorship election matters. Had this been the position of the law from the start, the present crisis in the Court of Appeal would have been avoided.

Which judiciary?

Having said all this, we must appreciate the fact that the topic of this lecture talks of the “Judiciary”. To my mind, the Judiciary being referred to comprises, in the main, the superior courts of record established by section 6(5) of the Constitution. It is a mix grill of the Federal and State Courts, exercising unfettered jurisdiction in their respective domains, strictly in accordance with the tenets, principles, tenor, spirit, constituents and practice of federalism. This was the position under the 1979 Constitution where by sections 236 and 237 thereof, relevant and appropriate jurisdiction was vested in a State High Court, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, to exercise unlimited jurisdiction on diverse issues, including election to any office or to the membership of any Legislative House or whether the term of office of any person has ceased or the seat of any person in a Legislative House has become vacant. Section 230(1) of the said 1979 Constitution also rightly delineated the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to or pertaining to revenue of the government of the Federation and allied matters. The Supreme Court (in full session) had to construe and interpret the limit and extent of the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in the celebrated case of Bronik motors Ltd v Wema Bank Ltd[66] and came out with this beautiful pronouncement (amongst others), which is rooted and enshrined in the doctrine of Federalism that the judicial powers given to the courts in section 6 of the 1979 Constitution are not in any way intended to delimit the extent of Federal and State judicial powers but to define the nature of judicial power as authority for the determination of the rights of parties in all matters before the courts.

Unlike the 1979 Constitution which was truly Federal as far as the jurisdiction of the State High Court was concerned, section 272(1) of the 1999 Constitution now subjects the jurisdiction of the State High Court primarily to section 251 which vests extensive jurisdiction in the Federal High Court. Let us again remind ourselves that the entirety of section 251 of the Constitution constitutes relics of the military incursion into the Nigerian political arena, particularly the emergence of General Sani Abacha’s administration in November, 1993. While the Military enjoyed, saluted and used the well-researched judgment of one of the ablest Judges Nigeria has ever produced (Adesanya J. of the Lagos State High Court which sacked the Interim National Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan) to assume office, it nevertheless quickly promulgated Decree No. 107 of 1993[67] to delimit the jurisdiction of the State High Court and expand that of the Federal High Court to include, amongst others, any matter or cause involving the Federal Government or any of its agencies. The General Abdusalam 1999 Constitution reproduced the contents and wordings of Decree 107 of 1993 into their 1999 Constitution verbatim. The Abacha Military Government did not want any State High Court

I

Role of judiciary in evolving sustainable Nigerian nation Text of an address delivered by Chief Wole Olanipekun, Ofr, SAN, Fciarb (former President, Nigerian Bar Association) and Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council of the University Of Ibadan) at the opening of the Ondo State Judiciary Legal Year at Akure, Ondo State on November 6.

•Chief Olanipekun

to interfere in any matter concerning it. In the words of Chinua Achebe, in his book titled “Things Fall Apart”, things have actually fallen apart, ‘the centre can no longer hold’. Applying the words of the great writer to our present situation, it is submitted that the falcon of the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court can no longer hear the falconer of the State High Court, and jurisdictional emasculation and extinction have been loosened upon the State High Courts.

It is trite that when the expression ‘subject to’ is employed by the Legislature in any statute, the provisions of the subject section subordinate it to the section referred to which is intended not to be affected by the provisions of the later. See Tukur v Government of Gongola State[68]. It is, therefore, apparent that any provision of section 251 of the Constitution relating to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court is a no go area to the State High Court. Again, a close examination of section 272(1) of the Constitution would reveal that no tangible jurisdiction has been vested in the State High Court.

Moving towards a unitarised judiciary I am an apostle of true federalism and my contention, which is being repeated in this paper is that the Constitution be amended to reverse the jurisdiction of the State High Court which was deliberately taken away by the Military and handed over to the Federal High Court. I must not be mistaken as suggesting by any stretch of imagination that the Judges of the Federal High Court are not competent. I respect them a lot, in and out of court. I have deliberately gone into the historical excursion as to how the present section 251 of the Constitution came about, through the military dictatorial backdoor, in order to let people appreciate that at no point in time was any of the Judges of the Federal High Court involved in the expansion of its jurisdiction. In other words, they were/are not hungry for jurisdiction and no one can rightly blame them for the emergence of section 251. The unfortunate thing is that with this present arrangement, our Judiciary is also being unitarised instead of being federalised. I repeat again, pursuant to the speech I delivered at the Supreme Court on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria on 31st October, 2012 that apart from the expansive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, the State High Court also has to contend with the equally newly wide jurisdiction vested in the National Industrial Court and which is now incorporated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.[69] Interestingly enough, section 254(c) of the Constitution relating to the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court also takes away a good chunk of the jurisdiction of the Federal and State High Courts and is couched in this empathic manner:“Notwithstanding the provisions of section 251, 257, 272 and anything contained in this constitution and addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by an Act of the National Assembly, the National Industrial Court shall have and exercise jurisdiction to the exclusion of any other court in civil causes and matters.”

Challenge to state chief judges The saying goes that heavens help those who help themselves. State High Court Judges must also appreciate the stark reality that in a Presi-

dential system, lobbying is allowed and encouraged, provided there is no criminality employed.

An occasion like this affords the opportunity to waken up the Chief Judges of the States, as well as that of the Federal Capital Territory, through the Chief Judge of Ondo State, that they have to convene their own ‘National Conference’, at anytime not later than now, to strategize on how to reverse the ‘unfederal’ delimitation of their jurisdiction by the Constitution. In so doing, they should borrow a leaf or learn from the yeoman’s duties and or the rather revolutionary adventure of the Honorable Justice Tunde Adejumo who single handedly struggled and fought, not using cudgels and swords, but lobbying and effective persuasion, to first bring the National Industrial Court into limelight through legislative and constitutional recognition of it as a superior court of record; but also moving further to acquire expansive jurisdiction for it. As at the time Justice Adejumo left his position as a Judge of the Ondo State High Court to assume office as the President of the National Industrial Court, a lot of people made a mockery of him, that he was proceeding on a ‘judicial asylum’ and travelling to a ‘judicial Siberia’. But through his doggedness and determination, the story and fortunes of that Court have changed today and he is having the last laugh!

It is not sufficient for the State High Chief Judges to be contented with their positions as heads of courts. Recently, Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal across the country had legitimate meetings to chart the way forward regarding their jurisdiction and influence within the judicial formations in Nigeria. Earlier in this paper, reference has been made to 1863, when the Supreme Court Ordnance was promulgated.

That was the precursor of the present State High Courts. In other words, the State High Courts have come a long way and both their status and jurisdiction must be respected, well defined and delineated. If not done now, a time will come in the near future when the State High Courts would be totally forgotten in the scheme of things within the Judiciary in Nigeria. In the event of this scenario presenting itself, a paper of this nature, if delivered by then, would not make any reference to the activities and judgments of the State High Courts, for a High Court that is bereft of jurisdiction cannot play any role in the evolution of a sustainable polity.

Corruption, independence and appointment Before concluding this address, let me quickly touch on the issue of corruption, independence of the Judiciary and appointment of fit and proper persons to the Bench. The Holy Writs have been referred to relating to the appointment of incorruptible people to serve as Judges. This is the mandate of God. I attest to the fact that most of our Judges are above board; but a few who are known or who have been adjudged or singled out or dismissed for corruption are denigrating the large majority who are judicially sane. Their action and continuous stay on the Bench can be likened to the deadly disease of cancer, which, if not early diagnosed and exorcised, would eat into and kill the entire body of its victim. Nigeria is lucky to have at this point in time as her Chief Justice, the Honorable Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, a woman of impeccable character and unsoiled and unstained integrity. I do not belong to the school of thought that postulates that she is good and trusted by most lawyers because she is a woman. She is what she is because she fears God and believes in justice and fairness. Let every Chief Judge in Nigeria and, indeed, all judicial officers in the country follow her good examples. To our colleagues at the Bar who indulge in aiding and abetting corruption of Judges, the NBA is called upon, under our able and dynamic President Okey Wali, SAN to start sending those lawyers out of the committee of men of the noble profession. The Judiciary cannot afford to act and behave in the same ways and manners like the two other arms of Government, if it would continue to perform its sacred role as the arbiter in disputes, as well as the vessel for the evolution of a sustainable country.

My Lord, the Honorable Chief Judge, I have earlier in this paper referred to the Honorable Justice Folarin Adeloye who was Chief Judge of this State, before, during and after my serving as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Let me add a few more words. Throughout the two years that I was here in that position, he met with the Governor thrice and on each occasion, he insisted that I must be in attendance. In

fact, on the first occasion, all the Judges were present. He championed, defended and coveted the independence of the Judiciary. He, even in death should be a role model to all Chief Judges and Judges alike. The concern or worry of some legal practitioners now is that the Federal Judicial Officers are freer and more independent than the State Judicial Officers, because of the overbearing tendencies of some Governors who believe that Chief Judges are their direct employees or even boys or girls who can be dictated to at will. I am happy to note that the Governor of this State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko does neither have nor harbour such tendencies. Even at that, the Judiciary has to protect its independence at all times.

Regarding appointment to the higher Bench, may I plead, once again, that if the Judiciary must continue to play any role in the evolution of a sustainable Nigerian nation, those who are appointed to the Bench must possess sound knowledge of the law and be imbued with wisdom and understanding. It was Socrates, who posited that four things belong to a Judge, that is, “to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly and to decide impartially.” Also Justinian, the Roman Jurist who enthused that the ignorance of the Judge is the calamity of the innocent, expressed in the latin maxim ignorantia judicis est calamitas innocentis. May I plead that any candidate who does not possess the attributes listed by Socrates or who is known or adjudged to be very ignorant of the trite principles of law, how much more of the complex ones, should not be recommended for appointment to the High Court Bench. Everybody talks glowingly of and parrots justice. Most Nigerians only see justice and celebrate it when justice is done to them. But I dare say that justice is more appreciated, even by lawyers and Judges alike, when justice is denied or when injustice is done in a clear and glaring manner.

Term certain for a head of court The position of a Chief Judge or head of any court is far becoming competitive, if not controversial, during any vacancy. Again, one must appreciate the easy successions which the Supreme Court of Nigeria has witnessed for years whenever the leadership position was/is vacant.

In America, Judges are elected; but we do not have that practice in Nigeria. In order to safeguard and protect the integrity of the Judiciary and also free the position of headship of any court from turning into a game of musical chair, it is being suggested that a time certain, say a maximum period of five years be inserted in the Constitution for anybody to hold the position of any head of court in Nigeria. If after five years, the holder of the office still wants to retain his position as a Judge, he reverses back to same, and there is nothing diminishing by so doing. We should also remind ourselves that everybody who holds a judicial office is appointed as a Judge or Justice as the case may be.

The provision of section 271(4) of the Constitution relating to the appointment of an acting Chief Judge whenever the position of the Chief Judge is vacant, limiting the period of the acting appointment to three months, after which another person would be appointed in that acting capacity should be replicated in respect of substantive appointment to the position of any head of court, except of course, the period of five years being suggested. In this country, we must not forget that some legal icons have occupied the positions of Chief Justice of Nigeria for short periods, ranging from six months to one year plus, and have performed beautifully well.

The saying again goes that it is not how long, but how well. If this suggestion is properly considered, I believe it would bring some measure of harmony and stability to every judicial formation in Nigeria.

Conclusion My Lord, the Honorable Chief Judge, my noble Lords of the Ondo State High Court, respected colleagues of the different branches of the NBA in Ondo State, ladies and gentlemen, please pardon and forgive any shortcomings noticeable in this presentation. It is neither possible nor practicable for me to cover the entire field anticipated by the topic. All I have done was/is to make an effort and attempt at addressing this topical issue. But the joy again lies in the fact that this presentation is taking place in Ondo State, a State which is adjudged to be the cradle of legal education and knowledge.

To our respected Judges of the State High Court, I wish you a most successful and productive 2012/ 2013 legal year. May the Almighty God, who is the righteous Judge and to whom all of us would bow on the day of the final judgment, guide and direct your thoughts and decisions, and also endow you with the enabling grace to dispense justice to all manner of men, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

I thank the organisers of this event for the opportunity afforded me to deliver this address; while I appreciate you all for listening.

• Concluded

EKO 2012 IN PICTURES

•Visually impaired athletes in Men's 100m finals

Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

• Women's Hockey Semi-Finals state in blue shirt and Adamawa Gymnasts gettingbetween ready toDelta compete •Team Ogun Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

Friday, December 7, 2012

42

•Martins Ogieriakhi of Delta state takes the lead in Men's 110m hurdles race Photo: JOHN EBHOTA •Lidehen Omo competes in the Shot put event Photo: BOLA OMILABU

• Women's Wheel chair final race

Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

•Emmanuel Okadigbo Ogun state competes in the Men's Long Jump final Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

•Gymnastics action with Bayelsa's Tekena Erede •Track and field officials • Deaf and dumb Women's 100m finals

•200 meters Men's Semi-Finals

Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

•Oghenetegiri Eferobor of Lagos state falls during Women's Low •Matins Amoda during Men's Long Jump final Photo: JOHN EBHOTA Photo: JOHN EBHOTA Hurdles finals

•Martins Ogieriakhi of Delta state celebrates his victory after he won 110m men's hurdles finals Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

Ogun, Lagos dominate in boxing, as final takes place today

T

EAM Ogun and Lagos have continued to dominate the boxing event of the 18the National Sports Festival (NSF), Eko 2012.

In the semi final bouts held yesterday at the Indoor Sport Hall of National Institute of Sports, both states had the number of boxers qualifying for the finals of the event in the various categories.

In what was adjudged to be the

•Team Lagos' Fijabi excites spectators

By Innocent Amomoh most interesting bout of the day, defending champion, Olaide Fijabi of Lagos defeated hard-fighting, Taiwo Segun of Ogun 7-1to set up the final bout against Adeniyi Korede of Team Kogi today in the 64kg category.

Others are Rasheed Muyideen of Ogun State, who will take on Dauda Azeez of Lagos after defeating Etukubo Robert of Akwa- Ibom in the semi final of the 49kg category.

While, Osiemede Taiba of Edo State will try to stop Omotayo Saadu of Ogun in the 51kg category, and Yusuf Yinka of Bauchi State will

attempt to outsmart Sanusi Musiliu of Osun State for the gold in the final of the 52kg weight category.

Also, Sunday Omobolanle of Ogun engages Oriyomi Aishat of Lagos in the 54kg category, as Sanusi Abiodun also of Ogun engages Team Oyo's Ogunbanjo Sheriff in the 56k. Again James Femi of Ondo State fights Odion Onome of Ogun State in today's final of the 57kg category.

Meanwhile, Soyoye Kazeem of Ogun will gun for the gold medal

against Team Lagos' Otto Joseph in the 60kg category, as Okebugwu Flora of Abia State takes on Olaniyi Bola of Ogun State in the 60kg category in a female contest.

NationSport learnt that 16 boxers from Ogun State are already in the medal zone, while Lagos have about 9 medal prospects at the Nigeria's most prestigious sporting competition taking place in Lagos.

Other bouts were still being as at press time.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Will the 2013 Budget proposal be passed into law this year or will it, again, suffer the jinx of delay? In this report, VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI examine why the House of Representatives may not meet the December deadline to pass the budget.

What fate for Budget 2013?

F

ROM all indications, the hope of an early passage of the 2013 budget in the House of Representatives is fast fading. There had been hope that the usual jinx of delayed passage of appropriation bills might be broken this year. But this may not be, after all.

Many House Committees are yet to meet with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on which they exercise oversight functions for the purposes of defending their budget estimates as well as present the report of how the 2012 funds were utilized.

As an example, the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes as well as the Committee on Pension are among the many committees which have had their progress stalemated by alleged refusal of the the helmsmen at these MDAs to honour several invitations.

Chairmen and Directors-General of agencies and parastatals have registered constant absentism at budget defense sessions thereby setting the process back by weeks in some instances.

The simple implication of this is that theHouse may not meet its target of passing the budget before the end of December to ensure that the 2013 financial year commences from January next year. Besides, it all means that there is a strong possibility of extending the 2012 fiscal year till March, 2013.

To forestal reoccurrence and probably set a precedence of early passage just like President Jonathan did with early presentation of the proposal to the National Assembly, Committee Chairmen took a hard stand against errant CEOs by threatening zero allocation or issuance of warrant of arrest.

Not even the Economic and Financial Crimes

• Tambuwal

Commission (EFCC) as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were spared the wrath of the lawmakers, when their CEOs failed to turn up for their budget presentation and defense without cogent reasons.

Another reason for the likely late passage of the budget is the position of the House that it would look for areas in the proposed budget where it would move funds from Recurrent sub-heads to the Capital in order to stimulate infrastructural development and growth in the country. The leadership of the House is said to have given the various committees directives to scrutinize areas in which the House may intervene in this regard.

More also, the yet to be resolved bickering on the crude oil benchmark between the National Assembly and the Executive is also another sore point that may impede the speedy passage of the bill as the members are still sticking to their position of $80 benchmark as

opposed to the Executive’s $75 proposal.

Chairmen as well as members of various committees of the House are also questioning the envelop system adopted by various MDAs on the premise that a uniform template cannot be used for every MDA by the Finance Ministry and the Budget office.

The lawmakers are of the opinion that such a system is not indicative of the needs of the MDAs and that while it gives room for waste, manipulation and profligacy in some quarters, it stifles others of needed funds.

The lawmakers, however, have expressed their determination to address the issue with the 2013 budget, as summed up by Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, Beni Lar during the budget defense of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) where she put the issue succinctly in her speech.

She said: “This envelope system is not doing this nation any good, it is setting us back. It is our opinion that we have to find new ways of helping this country.

“One can imagine that in a country that is short on infrastructural development, the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office would not find it expedient to have the input of the MDAs that actually know what they needed before being given whatever they feel.

“It is disheartening to hear from one agency to the other that they have no input in the final budget proposal sent to the National Assembly by Mr. President.

“The Ministry of Finance should not just give a blanket amount to MDAs telling them to spend it anyhow they can. If they spend the money given to them anyhow they can, won’t they be violating the Appropriation Act if they really want to meet their needs with the inconsiderate envelope thrown at them by the Presidency?”

On his part, Chairman, Committee on Integration in Africa, Abubakar Momoh wanted to know what N60m security vote for 2013 for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) was meant for.

He queried the Special Assistant to the President on NEPAD Dr. Tunji Olagunju of what use was the security vote and another for teaching aid and laboratory.

“We are aware that NEPAD has no security issue to address on its own and one just wonder what use would teaching aids and labora-

tories be for the agency. It is the opinion of this Committee that the envelope system is retrogressive and it showed that they were not carried along in the preparation of the budget.

“The MDAs should be involved in the planning of the budget and that is the only way through which they can be effective”, he said.

Lawmakers have been alerted on the need to restructure the budget template and scrutinize various sub-headings in order to decipher double entries as well as unnecessary inputs.

This is also slowing down the budget consideration.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, at a briefing last week, expressed optimism that the House would conclude work on the budget before the end of December.

Yet another likely impedement to an early passage of the bill is the on-going public hearing on all collectible earnings by revenue generating agencies as heads of some critical agencies have refused to honor initial invitation for the forum by Committee on Finance.

Chairman of the Committee, Abdulmumin Jubrin did not, however, mince words when he declared that the House should not be blamed for the delay. On the first day of the public hearing, the heads of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and nine others failed to turn up.

Jubrin did not declared that the input of the affected agencies would be included in the revenue framework for the next budget, he also threaten to arrest the CEO should they fail to turn up for their next appointments.

As a proof of the significance of the matter at hand, plenary was suspended by the House till December 11, so as to concentrate on the 2013 budget consideration.

However, the optimism of the lawmaker, if held to the candle, may not support the existing reality on the ground.

The House for the past two years had extended the fiscal year into the first quarter of the incoming year on the premise that it would •Continued on page 44

‘Dankwambo is stimulating growth in Gombe’ Gombe State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Hadi Shehu Usman superintends multi-billion-naira road projects across the state. In this interview with Abuja Bureau Chief YOMI ODUNUGA, he speaks on the strategies being put in place by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo to turn the state into an economic hub, with a roads network that will link the entire region and stimulate growth.

W

HAT informed the decision of the Gombe State government to com mit huge resources to the development of road infrastructure?

All over the world, roads are very critical to development. It is a global infrastructure. I was at a conference organised by the senate committee on works, and the Minister for Works was in attendance to present a paper. Incidentally, some of the revelations we received from the paper presented by the Minister addressed the issue of historical background of road development and road infrastructure.

We were told that the greater economies, the big nations of the world are talking about millions of kilometres of road networks in their environment.

The paper dwelled on some African nations with hundred of thousands and that in Nigeria we are still battling with just about 33,000 kilometres of roads nationwide. Don’t forget that of this number, we have major places like Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Ibadan that could take some chunk. In states like Gombe and its peer group, we

are still below 1000 kilometres coverage.

Roads are the United Nations requirement for indices of reaching out to development even if you want to provide health services to a community, the community needs to be accessed; if you want to provide education, erect a school or establish any school related infrastructure, that community must be accessed even if they have to use bicycles or motorcycles at least they need what you can call a track to reach the target area. If you are talking about agricultural operations, if you have your farm located way into the bushes you need to open up access for these farmers to take in inputs for the development of their farmlands and you need access roads for them to bring out their produce to the markets. If you want to convey services of any type you need corridors, and for maintenance purpose, even if you are tracking through the bush, NNPC pipelines that traversed all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, you need tracks for maintenance and so on. It is still another form of road. We are talking about providing corridors and opening access. It can be

an earth road, it can be a bush track. We only develop the asphalt type of conventional roads to make them durable, accessible, maintainable and reliable. With specific reference to Gombe, I must tell you that we realise that Gombe needed to be interlinked with our various communities and settlements from where we take produce. Our people here are mostly agrarian in nature. Greater majority also are traders who need access to markets. Some of the roads the governor has ordered to be developed, based on the report of our 11 sector based committees, are mainly to open up our vast agricultural potential areas so that activities can be enhanced.

Gombe needs to explore ways of improving on its internally generated revenue base.

For example, the road we are developing in Deba-Jagali-Jaurogotel is one of the expensive venture for a state government to embark upon, but the investment is worth the while because we are opening up the Balanga Dam site with all its vast agricultural potentials, we are opening up

• Dankwambo

Maikaho International cattle market, we are opening up Kuri International produce Market, we are opening them up to access markets from which we get people coming from neighbouring states and as far as from neighbouring countries who come to trade in our several international markets •Continued on page 44

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

44

POLITICS

‘Govt must tackle insecurity’

By Emmanuel Oladesu

A

N Itsekiri leader, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori Ogbebor, has declared herself vindicated over over alleged abduction and kidnap of Judges in Delta State, suspecting that the case of kidnapping of Judges who were about to deliver vital judgment was more than meet the eye.

In a release, she reacted to a report about how kidnappers prevented Judge from sitting for two months, and in addition, demanded N20 million ransom.

According to the report, Justice Flora Azinge of Otor-Udu High Court, Delta state, “had not been able to sit for two months because kidnappers had asked her to pay a ransom of N20m or she would be abducted.”

The kidnappers were reported to have told the Judge that “many of her colleagues had paid similar monies, and that if she fails to comply, her life would be in danger,” and thus frightening the woman and preventing her from going to her court for two months.

“When a similar matter occurred in Delta State in August, I shouted myself hoarse, but nobody seemed to listen. Now, it is reacing epidemic proportion,” Ogbebor lamented, reminding that “when the Okereke people went to court against the government over a parcel of land, and an interlocutory injunction was to be delivered, the Judge was allegedly kidnapped on his way to court and the case has been a subject of incessant adjournment till date.”

Ogbebor, who cried foul and petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Nigeria Bar Association and the Police said nobody listened to her, expressing worry that the similar case was the lates one about Justice Flora Azinge.”

In the two cases, the Woman Leader suspected that all indications pointed to the fact that the Judges were either kidnapped or threatened to be kidnapped to stop them from giving judgement on the matter that concerned the plaintiffs and the State Government that was the defendant because according to her, the government is still erecting structures on the land in dispute between it and the Okere people.

She therefore asked rhetorically: “If a High Court Judge was prevented from doing his duties to the country, then, aren’t we heading for anarchy?” He added that “even when I threatened to go to court if nothing was done on the matter, mum, sadly is the word even with no indication that the matter is being investigated!”

Now that another Judge was being threatened and intimidated by kidnappers, to the pont of not being able to sit for two months, Ogbebor reasoned that “justice is being arrested and I am therefore vindicated.”

The visibly worried woman then asked: “When the government has taken the law into its hand, supported by the Joint Task Force, why should anybody risk his or her life by going to court?” regretting that “there is no guarantee of justice again in Delta State and the state is descending into anarchy,” just as she called on the relevant authorities to do the needful and expeditious too, before the centre can no longer hold and anarchy is let loose upon the • Ogbebor world.

What fate for Budget 2013?

•Continued from page 43

allow for the completion of the Capital project not completed during the year.

But the usual excuse that the Executive had always brought in the budget late would no longer be tenable this year as President Goodluck Jonathan submitted the budget before the National Assembly in good time.

It was initially believed that the early submission of the 2013 budget proposals would eventually culminate in the early passage of the appropriation bill.

However, as December creeps in, it is increasingly becoming evident that unless the House wants to do a quick fix to the estimates or wave a magical legislative wand, the 2013 budget may not be ready this year.

On the other hand, National Assembly watchers are of the opinion that the seeming hard stance of the lawmakers was only a smokescreen, pointing out that the lawmakers have never make good their threat of arresting Chief Executive Officers (CEO).

A source in one of the MDAs, who craved not to be named, shared his thoughts with The Nation, saying, “Let us look at it from the perspective of consistency. These lawmakers have made countless threats of issuing bench warrant of arrest against many CEOs but how many have they actually arrested? But more worrisome is the issue of executive session with the MDAs by the Committees. That is where I think the problem is.

“The executive session is exclusive to the Committee members alone and what is discussed behind closed doors is never known to the media that were always there when they were making the threats and all the drama. At the end of the day, the budget would be jerked up and passed, end of story.

“I sincerely believe that the power of the National Assembly is such that it gives them the opportunity to make things right in this country. The combination of oversight function and budget defense is enough to make every aspect of governance accountable, but that is if the lawmakers are determined to be patriotic. When you look at the volume of discoveries of all kinds of fraud in the MDAs turned up by the lawmakers as they embark on these allimportant responsibilities, one would have expected Nigeria to have moved away from the current rot in our national life.

“Unfortunately, it has always been business as usual and more unfortunate is the fact that not many of Tambuwal’s colleagues shared his zeal to move this country forward. If all of them are on the same page, who can stop their moving train? I can name quite a few that are as determined as the Speaker but what about the rest who were saddled with sensitive responsibilities of steering the ship with him?”.

Dankwambo’s growth strategy •Continued from page 43

. Our Governor believes strongly that if we can improve on this, we will have saved Gombe not less than 40 to 50 per cent of its revenue base.

In the areas of the Dadinkowa water body, we have some villages or communities that are adjourning these water front but for sometime they have not been opened up to explore what activities we can open up for our foreign direct investors to come and see what potentials they can access around there. In this regard, we have developed GarindogoKufto road off Gombe/Potiskum highway, you can access the Dadinkowa dam from there, Bajoga-Ashaka gari you can access the Dadinkowa dam from there, because the leg right from Dadinkowa stretches up towards Ashaka. At Malleri we have opened up from the junction of the Gombe/Potiskum road also, we are just about awarding the development of the road from Daban-Fulani to Kinafa to Gwani.

This is the last community settlement bordering the water front.

The intention of our governor is that we want to invite our foreign direct investors in the agricultural and hospitality industries.

In the other areas, there is this Maiganga coal deposit that has been discovered in Gombe here.

Presently between Gombe State government and Ashaka we are considering an effort to open up and develop the vast majority of communities around there so that they can access the Maiganga coal exploration and many more things. So, roads are very vital to enhancing development and promoting growth and the investment in this that we are doing all over Gombe is meant to drive the state towards sustainable development.

What is the situation of road infrastructure in the state now given the fact that a number of roads had been constructed in Gombe metropolis and in some local government areas?

Incidentally, you are asking this question at a time when Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo had already called for bids and council was engaged in the last few days, taking performance and evaluation reports and various activities of all the ministries. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure had been fully engaged because we had some list of projects that needed to be presented, and evidently we have done a lot in response to the mandate given to us by the governor. We have already presented our score card

and the cabinet was highly impressed and the governor, especially, commended most of the ministries for keeping the flag of total commitment flying. Gombe is at the threshold of a kind of renewal of efforts and commitment.

The state is celebrating its 16th year anniversary at the same time 52nd year anniversary of Nigeria as a nation.

In Gombe, we took stock of where we were yesterday, where we are today and where we would like to be in the future. In the last couple of months, we have been very active as you can see as far as roads construction is concerned. We are still very busy and active notwithstanding that we were faced with the most difficult wet months; the rainy season has not been friendly I think globally and Nigeria as a nation has gone through very difficult times due to flooding. In Gombe we had a bit of the difficulties but it did not deter us. In the few months we were at twenty or thirty per cent completion stages but I can proudly tell you that we are almost nearing completion of some and we have remarkably improved in the construction of others.

How would you describe the spread of the contract awards?

When I had my last interaction with the media, we were still concentrating on our first 12 and 19 additional roads. Today, 20 to 21 others have been added. When I say added, because of the problem of flooding, those 12 and 19 were awarded last year August.

At that time some of the areas which showed some vulnerability to flooding did not manifest then. Now that these areas became manifest, the governor personally undertook visits to such sites and ordered that we must package and consider these corridors for development and since these were surveyed, designed and presented for consideration, contract was awarded as additional work to the contractor on his existing contract. If you go around, especially, within the Buba/Shango area and Federal Low Cost you will notice that, in the past, these are areas which have high deposit of sand and therefore anytime there is heavy rainstorm, it log onto our roads and seal up with deposits of sand thereby making it look as if there is no road there. But we have completely taken care of this menace and the down stream within the Gombe Metropolis has not faced the serious challenges it had faced in the past like this problem of erosion of our streets.

Let us talk about the nature and location of these roads. Is the government only focusing on urban roads?

We have the regional roads network, these are the link roads connecting important towns and settlements and then we have the local government township roads in about five local governments.

In the first instance, we have two communities in Balanga called Banbam and Cham benefiting from sub township road development. There is also Kaltungo with about five roads network being developed there. Billiri with about four township roads network, Funakaye, that is Bajoga with about two township roads, even though the Governor has graciously approved that we add two more roads in Bajoga which means we will be developing four roads. In Dukku, we are developing three township roads network and the Governor has also graciously approved that we add another one to make it four.

The total kilometre coverage of the roads network within the local government township roads was about seventeen before he added the two and one in Bajoga and Dukku respectively. The two and one in Bajoga and Dukku are adding up to another 4.5 kilometres, so we are talking about 22 kilometres in the local government township that is already awarded. There are two other local governments, Kwami and Nafada. We are using the state and local government joint account to fund these projects; in Kwami for instance we took about five communities- Gadam, Bojude, Dukkul, Jurara and Daban-Fulani, they all have roads network running into several kilometres. These roads have been awarded and work is in progress. In Nafada, we did the Birin-Bolawa and Birin-Fulani and at the same time now there is work going within the Nafada axis. The three other local government the Governor has ordered for submissions and we are already packaging to present to Council for award. We have Akko with township roads in Kumo – about five road corridors totalling about 6.5 kilometres. In Deba, as well as two other communities in Yamaltu/Deba local government – Dadinkowa and Hina and Lubo we have already done the survey, done the design, prepared the cost. In fact, we are at Tender stage now. The other local government is Shongom, we have about three settlements in Kulishin, Gwandum and Lappan, we are doing some road projects there also.

• From left: The Olojoda of Oda, Oba Bamidele Akosile; Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida and the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri at the Palace of the Deji during a Peace and Unity meeting with stakeholders.

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Words & Origin With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08022664898

COCKPIT Cockpit seems a rather strange choice to denote the pilot’s compartment on an airplane, but once the semantic history of the word is known, all becomes clear.

Cockpit originally referred to a place for cockfighting, literally a pit for fighting cocks. Thomas Churchyard writes in The Worthines of Wales (1587): The Mountaynes stand...In roundnesse such as it a Cock pit were.

Shakespeare used the word to refer to a theater and in the 17th century there was theater in London with that name. From Henry V (1599): Can this Cock-Pit hold The vastie fields of France?

Or may we cramme Within this Woodden O, the very Caskes That did affright the Ayre at Agincourt?

In the 18th century, cockpit entered naval jargon, denoting the junior officer quarters on the lowest, or orlop, deck of a ship that doubled for the surgeon’s hospital during battle. Presumably, this was because the midshipmen, like roosters, would get into fights with one another. From William Falconer’s 1769 An Universal Dictionary of the Marine: Cock-pit of a ship of war, the apartments of the surgeon and his mates, being the place where the wounded men are dressed.

In 1914, the term was applied to airplanes; from the Reports and Memoranda of the Advisory Committee on Aeronautics: There are several speed indicators...in which the pressure of the air in the cockpit is allowed to act on one side of the recording diagram.

So the literal sense gave way to a naval metaphor, which was later applied to airplanes.

SCRAMBLEWORD Unscramble the word below to reveal an 11-letter word with meaning”creative force or influence”

RAINTIOSPIN WORD MATCH Match the words in Box A with those in Box B to form whole words. An example is BASKETBALL

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

52

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Since he started with us eight months ago, he has done a marvelous work, which is a surprise to all of us because it has never happened since the existence of Makoko

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Group enrols 202 kids in school

O assist the government in reducing the number of children who are out of school, a volunteer youth group, Slump to School Project (S2S), has enrolled 202 primary schools in Makoko, Lagos.

The initiative which started as a Community Development Service of a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Otto Orondaam, has in the last eight months, enrolled a total of 320 orphans and vulnerable children in Makoko in the educational scholarship scheme.

Otto said he embarked on the project out of the need to help reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He said there are millions of less privileged children who are not in school due to no fault of theirs.

“Education is the greatest legacy a nation can give its children. It creates thirst for better alternatives, improves choice and greater opportunity for a nation and her people as well as reduces the twin burden of poverty and disease.

“However, there are still millions of unaccounted Nigerian children of school age that are currently roaming the streets due to persistent psychosocial factors, economic challenges, cultural orientations and astounding defiance of guardians.

“As a result of these social challenges, our project is designed with an innovative approach geared towards mobilising the efforts of government, private sector and other development agencies towards securing educational opportunities for children in disadvantaged families and communities.

“So we have received support from the government and private individuals who have donated money towards the project. We hope to extend to other

By Precious Igbonwelundu

communities across the country and our plan is not just to enrol but to see our beneficiaries through school.

“It has not been easy and we are aware it won’t be an easy task because most of us have spent our time, money, energy to ensure that we assist you in achieving a bright future.

It is not about the ceremony or party.

The whole essence is not to come here and eat or drink but to ensure that as you are given your school kits, you stay in school,” Otto said.

“Parents are expected to never keep their children and wards away from school and to encourage them to do their homework. Also, as parents, we expect you to engage in meetings and discussions with teachers in order to help improve your child.

He said to avoid issues of mismanagement of funds; S2S has ensured that all the money paid towards the project does not get to either of its members.

“We are in partnership with Bethersdat Child Support Agency to ensure that our donors pay through their account and from there to the various schools. So, we do not have access to the money, and all those who have volunteered to be part of the project are not paid.

“So far, I have gotten over 200 volunteers and it gives me joy to see that we have other young people across the country who have agreed to dedicate their finances, time, energy, among others, to give a brighter future to the under-privileged ones.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Incubator Africa Limited, Alero Aiyida-Otobo, a development agency, said the initiative was

•Continued on Page 14 •Chief Clement Akeweje and his children who benefitted from the project a revolution in the country, even as she disclosed that her organization, under the education reform team, has adopted 20 of the children to train them through primary school.

She said: “It is a major event because it has the answers and solutions to out of school children. As you already know, Nigeria has between 810 million out of school children, the highest number in the world.

“The government has been trying to deal with this issue but having a group of young persons, who on their own volunteered to raise funds and enroll these children in schools.

I think they deserve to be commended and honoured because this is a histry making event. I want to use this opportunity to encourage young people across Nigeria to emulate what S2S is doing so that this problem can be addressed.”

Head of Baales, Makoko, Chief Francis Agoyon, commended S2S for coming to their community to enlighten them on the need as well as sponsor their children to school.

“Since he started with us eight months ago, he has done a marvelous work, which is a surprise to all of us because it has never hap-

Man needs N200,000 for urethral surgery

Kolade, NGO strengthen moral campaign

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PRIVATE organisation, Good Character Development Initiative (GCDI), has stepped up its campaign to inspire a new moral disposition in the country.

Joining the organisation in that effort is Nigeria’s former High Commissioner in the United Kingdom Dr Christopher Kolade.

GCDI is seeking to “improve the ethical quality of the Nigerian society by helping young people develop the values and abilities for good moral decisions and conduct,” said Prince Nnagozie Ochi, initiator of the project.

Ochi who would rather be called Chief Social Architect than Chief Ex-

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

ecutive Officer, said the organisation is working towards the emergence of a “conscious, committed and competent critical mass of young people” who will make life decisions based on principles of sound character.

GCDI hopes to inspire young people to see success from the perspective of good charater, rather than merely from its pleasures.

To achieve this goal, the organisation works in concert with people of proven integrity who are not only worthy role models but also devote time to speaking to and mentoring youths. Kolade is one such models.

A good starting point is the school

•Prince Ochi giving a good character lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs

where GCDI has fostered a partnership with the authorities, leading to the incorporation of character ideals in the curriculum.

This pact has been replicated in schools across the country, from Lagos to Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

While joining the rest of the world to mark the Character Counts Week, GCDI organised a three-day workshop to train senior staff members and school owners from 22 partnering international schools in the country.

The school managers were trained to effectively implement character education in schools.

On the second of the training, Dr Kolade addressed the trainees on the imperatives of good character, saying they need to be good ambassadors of knowledge in order to help build a new Nigeria. Prof Pat Utomi, another role model, also urged te trainees to make character count by “standing up for the good things they believe in even in the midst of stiff competition.”

The organisation is seeking, among other things, to “stimulate moral ambition, focus moral energy and generative powers of young people so as to make our society more honest, fair and accountable.”

GCDI equally wants to “enhance the ethical quality of governmental and organisational conduct by inspiring leaders to high integrity, honesty and accountability.”

Ochi said the project is also working to “create a platform for building and celebrating the goodness and greatness of Nigerian children and youth.”

pened since the existence of Makoko.

“Otto brought everybody together and told us that education is the first step to civilisation. He said if we want our children to become doctors, professors, teachers, we must allow them go to school.

“Before, our people did not see the need of education, but he taught us the benefits of education and why we must allow our children to go to school.

“We pray that God will empower him more and we also promise that we shall not disappoint him. Our children will go to school and be great people as he desires them to be.

By Amidu Arije and Yetunde Bashiru

•Mr Israel Adebisi FTER an occupational hazard left Mr. Israel Adebisi unable to urinate naturally, except through a tube, the carpenter needs N200,000 for a corrective surgery.

He was at work at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God along Lagos-Ibadan Express Road back in 2007, when he fell from the roof. His bulbopenile junction, as the doctors called it, got burst.

Since then, he has been unable to pass urine through his organ, except with the aid of a tube medically inserted into his body.

That is not all. The carpenter has also been unable to work because he cannot stand. The pain around his abdomen and private parts is excruciating. Worse, the tube and pouch into which he urinates must be changed every 15 days in the hospital at a huge cost to him.

Married with children, Adebisi has been unable to provide for his family.

The carpenter said he was rushed to Shagamu General Hospital, Ogun State,

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for treatment as the accident happened.

His co-workers were said to have absconded.

After treatment, he left the hospital thinking he was okay. He was shocked to discover later that his condition was still very much with him. He was referred to the UCH Ibadan but Adebisi said he went to Ife General Hospital instead.

Going to the hospital and paying his medical bill have been a huge challenge as he found that much of the world has left him to his fate. Only a few friends and family members have stood by him.

The X-ray result carried out at a diagnostic centre showed that Adebisi has stricture in the urethra.

The result which was signed by Dr O.A. Dosumu reads: “The anterior and posterior urethra is outlined. Stricture is noted at the bulbopenile junction. Air is noted in the anterior and posterior urethra. Conclusion: stricture at the bulbopenile junction”.

The carpenter needs N200,000 for the operation which will help him regain his health and probably the ability to pick up his shattered life again.

Contributions towards the medical need of Mr Israel Adebisi can be channelled to the following account number.

Account name: Adebisi Akinsoji Adebowale, Account No: 3063895635; First Bank. Phone number: 08189633975.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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NEWS How I bought Tafa Balogun’s house from EFCC, by ex-Works Minister Lawal FORMER Minister of Works and Housing, Hassan Lawal yesterday told a Federal High Court, Abuja, how he bought former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun’s house from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said the N43.4 million which is the subject of his money laundering charge is a proceed from his landed property in Nasarawa, which he sold to repay the bank loan he used in buying the house.

The anti graft agency had on October 2 closed its submission against Lawal and a former official of the United Bank of Africa UBA, Adewole.

When the matter came up

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

yesterday, the accused raised a case of no submission.

Adopting his address, Lawal’s counsel, M.A.Odeh said he obtained a loan from UBA Plc to buy the house which was seized and offered to him.

Odeh said it was the proceed from the property that his client credited in his UBA Plc account that has become the subject of money laundering charge EFCC brought against him.

He asked the court to strike out the charge on the grounds that the sale of a landed property can never constitute an illicit act or illegal source of fund. ‘’I wish to draw the attention of the court to evidence of pros-

ecution witnesses ( PW1, PW2, PW3, PW5) which have been so discredited during cross-examinations. The court cannot take cognizance of them as properly supporting offence charge on the Lawal was predicated on Money Laundering Act (MLA). The evidence of prosecuting witnesses clearly stated before the court that these are normal banking transaction. ‘’The PW2 who is a former staff of the EFCC said Lawal bought the Asokoro house from the EFCC, while PW3 and PW5 who are staff of UBA said Lawal took loan from the bank and used the proceeds of landed property sold in Nasarawa State to off-set the loan’’.

Police urged to rescue abducted Ogun THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State has lawmaker’s wife urged the police to ensure the release of Mrs. Folashade Onademuren, the wife of the member representing Ijebu North East in the House of Assembly, Mr. Samson Onademuren.

Mrs. Onademuren was kidnapped by gunmen at the site of the family’s building project in Ijebu-Ode. In a statement, ACN Publicity Secretary Mr. Sola Lawal described the incident as “one horrendous development too many, which the police must track without further harm, financially or emotionally, inflicted on the lawmaker’s family.

The statement reads: “Kidnapping is not only an alien vice in our environment, but also an unacceptable debasement of humanity, which all forward-looking citizens should condemn.

“Ogun State of the ACN era is not a haven for criminals and other societal dregs. That is the reason the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration has deployed a reasonable fortune on equipping the police to combat crime.

“We implore the police to thoroughly investigate the incident as sabotage cannot be

ruled out. We are aware of the various unpatriotic and uncivilised plots by some enemies of the state to rubbish the recent Most Security Conscious Governor in West Africa Award given to Amosun.

“The feat of the men of the vigilance group, which exposed the kidnappers of the Osun State Speaker’s wife and the recent success of the police in preventing robbers from carting away N6 million stolen from the ATM machine of a bank are pointers to the government’s triumph in the war against crime.”

Journalist to present books Dec 11

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ETERAN journalist, newspaper columnist and awardwinning author, Dr. Ethelbert Okere, will on December 11 present three new books to the public.

Their titles are: Democracy By Military Tank (The untold story of Imo 2011); No Trace of Zakki (a novel) and Introduction to Igbo language and Culture for the Diaspora Child.

Senator Hope Uzodimma, representing Imo West, is the Chief Host and former President Olusegun Obasanjo is the chairman.

The chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye, will review Democracy By Military Tank.

Remembrance service for ex-lecturer •EFCC chair Lamorde

Counsel to Adewole, Godswill Mrakpor told the court that the requirement under Section 14 of Money laundering Act was not met by the prosevution.

The Section provides that in proving a case of money laundering, the prosecution must show that the money must have been gotten from an illicit or illegal act with attempt by the accused to conceal such act.

He argued that the prosecution did not demonstrate or show that the said money was gotten through an illicit way.

He also said that majority of the witnesses admitted that they did not know the source of the money, adding that only PW3 mentioned something about the source of the money and what he said was that the money was gotten through the sales of a house in Nasarawa.

Mrakpor noted that the proceeds from a sale of house could never be said to be illegal adding that the onus is on the prosecution to put forward before the court all the facts showing that the said money was a proceeds from an illegal act.

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HE family of the late Mr Abdulmumeen Oladimeji Ayinla, a former lecture at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), will hold a remembrance service for him on December 12.

The event will hold at 23 Babaloma Stree, Ilorin, Kwara State, at 10am.

The late Ayinla was born in Ilorin..

He attended Islamic Preparatory School in Omoda Quarters, Ilorin; Alore Primary School;

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Ilorin Grammar School; School of Basic Studies of Kwara, where he sat for the Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced Levels). With an excellent result, he was given admission into UNIJOS and studied Law between 1979 and 1982.

He also attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The late Ayinla is survived by his wife and four sibblings.

Osun ACN moves to new office •Hails commissioner on chieftaincy title From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has relocated its secretariat to Ogo Oluwa in Osogbo, the state capital.

The new party secretariat is located beside Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) on the Gbongan-Ibadan Road.

In a statement, the party’s Publicity Director, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, urged the public to take note of the new address.

The party congratulated the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, on his installation as the Oluomo of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area.

The Acting Chairman of the state party, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, in a congratulatory message, said the chieftaincy title bestowed on Akere was well deserved, considering his humility, selflessness and commitment to duty.

The party said Akere was a thorn in the flesh of the ousted administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

It prayed God to grant the Oluomo wisdom and good health.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Stockbrokers, stakeholders brainstorm on national growth

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-12-12

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TOCKBROKERS would engage key stakeholders in the capital market and the economy generally to chart new course for macroeconomic issues that impact the sustainable growth of the capital market.

Speaking on the forthcoming annual national workshop of the Chartered Institute Stockbrokers (CIS) scheduled for Tuesday, December 11, President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun said the workshop was meant to generate quality inputs into the Federal Government’s economic programme.

According to him, stockbrokers have resolved to take a more active role in influencing economic policies that would contribute immensely to the transformation, not only of the capital market, but the national economy as a whole.

He said the workshop would afford key players in both the public and private sectors to brainstorm and generate ideas which will serve as useful input to the national budget and enhance the quality of the policy making process.

He added that discussions at the workshop would assist government agencies to track budget performance and showcase best practices in service delivery.

“The workshop will present an avenue to influence government policies thereby ensuring the growth and development of key sectors of the Nigerian economy,” Olushekun said.

According to him, through

• Equities add N36b gains

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

the workshop, brokers would regularly collaborate with and engage key arms and agencies of government including the Presidency, National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange among others as part of their contributions to national development.

The workshop, with the theme, Working the Transformation Agenda: The Real Issues,’ will focus on telecommunications and power sectors of the economy.

Olushekun said the two sectors were chosen because they hold strategic importance to the realisation of the vast potentials of the Nigerian economy, and reinvigoration of the capital market.

The workshop will attract distinguished Nigerians from both the public and private sectors. Some of the guests, paper presenters and discussants at the event include Arc. Namadi Sambo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Honourable Minister of Communication Technology, and Mallam Sanusi Lamido, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Oscar Onyema, Director General, Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE), Mrs Arunmah Oteh, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. K. Ahmad, Managing Director, Pension Commission ( PENCOM), Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group, Dr Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group, Dr Abraham Nwankwo, Director General, Debt Management Office, Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman Heirs Holdings, and Mr.Atedo Peterside, Chairman, Technical Committee of National Council on Privatisation.

Meanwhile, equity transactions on the NSE continued on the upward yesterday, as gains by major stocks pushed market capitalization up by N36 billion.

The All-Share index rose by 110.31 points or 0.4 per cent from 26,435.89 recorded on Wednesday to 26,546.20 while market capitalization increased by N36 billion from N8,446 trillion to N8,482 trillion.

Specifically, AIICO topped the gainers chart with 8.93 per cent to close at N0.61 per share, Conoil followed with 4.98 per cent to close at N19.62 per share.

Eternaoil gained 4.86 per cent to close at N1.51 per share while Nigeria Bags Mnufacturing Company, Diamond Bank, Zenith Bank garnered 2.17,2.07 and 1.96 per share to close at N2.35, N4.44 and N17.65 per share.

Skye Bank added 1.83 per cent to close at N3.90 per share while Japauloil and Nigeria Breweries gained 1.79 and 1.51 per cent to close at N0.57 and N142.11 per share.

FBNH also added 1.49per cent to close at N15.01 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-12-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

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MONEY LINK

Money in circulation drops over poor projects’ funding

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EDERAL Government’s reluctance to release funds allocated for capital projects has put consumers under pressure and slashed volume of money in circulation, Renaissance Capital (RenCap) has said.

In an emailed report obtained by The Nation, the research firm explained that Nigerian consumers seem to be under pressure due to the lack of money in circulation, as the government has not yet released funds allocated to fund many capital

By Collins Nweze

projects.

It said the effect of this has been compounded by floods in some parts of the country that led to loss of crops and other means of livelihoods.

The firm added that due to the current fuel scarcity in states such as Lagos, consumers are being forced to pay more for transportation, which is also reducing disposable incomes of consumers.

RenCap said South Africa’s

retailers are still expanding, looking at smaller cities outside the key cities of Lagos and Abuja. Massmart, Woolworths and Shoprite recently opened new stores in Enugu, a city in the eastern part of the country.

According to the firm, Massmart plans to open a store in Kano next year, while Shoprite recently opened a store in Ilorin and plans to open stores in Ibadan and possibly in Kano next year.

Most of the South African retailers agreed that Nigerian

consumers have been under pressure, but the food retailers seem to be coping better than the clothing retailers, as they are more accessible to both low and high income consumers.

It said Nestle Nigeria remains a consistent outperformer within the Nigerian Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector. The company continues to benefit from efficiency improvements in its distribution and its tight control of its route to market.

Nestle Nigeria estimates that

Eurobond yields fall

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IGERIA’s Eurobond yields fell for the sev enth day to a record after Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the nation’s financial system is not under threat from the withdrawal of speculative investments.

Borrowing costs on the $500 million dollar debt due January 2021 slid four basis points, or 0.04 percentage

point, to 4.162 per cent in Lagos, the lowest since it was issued in January 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The yields have dropped 213 basis points from a high of 6.29 per cent on December 21, 2011.

Africa’s biggest oil producer would still have $36 billion in reserves if speculative investments of about $10 billion left the country, Sanusi said. The nation’s for-

eign-exchange reserves have increased 35 per cent this year to $44.5 billion as at November 30, according to data on the CBN’s website.

The naira weakened less than 0.1 per cent at 157.18 a dollar on the interbank market in Lagos. The currency has strengthened 3.2 per cent this year, the second-best performer in Africa. The yield on 16.39 per cent naira debt due January 2022 fell

eight basis points to 12.10 per cent, according to prices on the website of the Lagosbased Financial Markets Dealers Association.

Investor concerns over the EU’s crisis leadership remain a major driver of risk-off sentiment, but the likelihood of the US fiscal cliff event occurring has increased, which led to weak performance of many Middle African currencies last week.

‘Liquidity mgt key to business success’

E

RNST & YOUNG, finan cial advisory company has advised financial services firms to develop sustainable liquidity management strategies for growth. Risk Adviser and Partner, Ernst & Young, Mr. Ben Afudego, said liquidity management is key in ensuring that businesses continue as going concerns.

Speaking at the Ernst and Young Strategic Financial Sector forum in Lagos, Afudego said: “Higher capitals and liquidity buffers are changing the economics of much business as without them, returns on investment will go down”. He explained that stress testing, defined role of internal auditor are key

make better and informed decision when purchasing rather than relying on the industry to know what is right for them. We should set out to explore what drives consumers’ behaviour in life and non-life to achieve results that are structured around their commonly held beliefs within the industry.”

to financial system development.

Financial Services Leader for Africa, Ernst and Young, Mr. Emilio Pera, stressed the need to explore myths available in the insurance sector. According to him, the exploration will increase consumers confident in the financial sector. He said, “Customers want to

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 6-12-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

AIICO 0.56 CONOIL 18.69 ETERNA 1.44 BAGCO 2.30 DIAMONDBNK 4.35 ZENITHBNK 17.31 SKYEBANK 3.83 JAPAULOIL 0.56 NB 140.00 FBNH 14.79

O/PRICE 3.11 10.59 115.00 19.00 26.32 15.12 4.25 4.55 1.09 0.94

By Adedeji Fakorede

lic good by lifting the underprivileged and needy in the society. The bank also donated a set of two plasma TV sets and instructional materials to the school.

“We believe strongly that giving back to the community where we do business is the right thing to do, because in nourishing that community and paying attention to its needs, we show that we are real citizens and members of that community and not just visitors and strangers in the land,” he said.

The school Headmistress, Mrs Yaya F.F, thanked the bank for the initiative and encouraged other organisations to emulate the bank’s gesture. According to her, the gesture from the bank will always be remembered and appreciated by both the pupils and others that will be joining the school in the future.

C/PRICE

0.61 19.62 1.51 2.35 4.44 17.65 3.90 0.57 142.11 15.01

CHANGE

0.05 0.93 0.07 0.05 0.09 0.34 0.07 0.01 2.11 0.22

C/PRICE 2.80 10.05 109.25 18.05 25.01 14.37 4.04 4.33 1.04 0.90

CHANGE 0.31 0.54 5.75 0.95 1.31 0.75 0.21 0.22 0.05 0.04

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 6-12-12

SYMBOL DNMEYER UAC-PROP MOBIL ASHAKACEM MRS NCR MORISON UPL EVANSMED IKEJAHOTEL

F

idelity Helping Hand Programme (FHHP) instituted by staff of Fidelity Bank Plc to support communities, has donated educational materials to Ikoyi Primary School, Lagos. The group said it has also renovated the nursery section of the school to enable the pupils have a more conducive atmosphere for learning.

Speaking yesterday at the school, the bank’s Assistant General Manager, Public Sector, Richard Madiebo, said the FHHP is the workers’ way of supporting the society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He said the initiative has helped so many people, schools and communities to live better lives and achieve success in different endeavours.

He said the programme has helped the bank to raise young corporate executives that are committed to pub-

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Fidelity Bank’s staff donate educational materials to school

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

it now controls 78 per cent of its distribution as against only eight per cent a few years ago.

This, it said, has driven sales volumes as it is now aware of the stock levels of its distributors and can replenish stock when it falls below a given level. The company is focused on increasing its penetration in key white spots, which are regions outside the major cities.

1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456 1234567890123456

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 130.49 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 124.61 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.11 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.96 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,746.93 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 11.31 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,938.81 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 130.19 123.81 0.77 1.11 0.94 1,739.08 10.75 1.33 1.80 8,709.48 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

57

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

58

NEWS Property Tax Law in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law the bill to make provision for the consolidation of all land rates and charges payable in the state into a single charge to be called Land Use Charge.

The law, popularly known as property tax or tenement rate, was passed after a clause by clause consideration of the bill.

Majority leader Philp Shaibu said the bill would increase the state’s internally generated revenue and create employment.

Shaibu said Section 8 of the law exempted religious houses, burial grounds, palaces and family residence from paying rates and charges provided by the law.

Qualification for Delta lecturers DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said Masters Degree would be the minimum qualification for lecturers in the state’s higher institutions.

Uduaghan spoke at the Economic Dashboard Implementation workshop in Asaba, yesterday.

He said it was not acceptable that there are many masters degree holders looking for jobs and tertiary institutions were employing first degree holders as lecturers.

Uduaghan said his administration places great emphasis on education .

He said to achieve academic excellence in higher institutions, a lecturer with first degree should not teach in tertiary institutions.

Dangote storms trade fair THE Dangote Group has stormed the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair with goods at discounted prices.

Companies from the group that are exhibiting at the fair include Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Flour Mills, Dangote Agrosacks, National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), Dangote Pasta, Dangote Cement, Dangote Noodles and Dansa Foods Limited.

Wet sampling of its food product is being provided at the Group’s stand by the Dangote Kitchen, which is offering a wide range of the delicacies prepared from products manufactured by companies under the Group.

The restaurant offers delicacies like Dangote Noodles, pasta, Alkama (wheat meal), Danvita among others. A range of fruit drinks from Dansa are also on offer at the restaurant.

The Group’s Head of Corporate Communication, Anthony Chiejina, said his firm has adopted the trade fair as one of the areas through which it could get closer to its consumers.

Court throws out Airhiavbere appeals

T

WO appeals filed by Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere against two rulings of the lower tribunal were yesterday thrown out for lack of merit by the Court of Appeal.

Airhiavbere, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, is challenging the outcome of the election based on alleged malpractices.

He is also challenging the academic qualification of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The lower tribunal headed

by Justice Suleiman Ambrusa ruled that Airhiavbere could not call 17 additional witnesses not listed among the 31 witnesses in the main petition.

Justice Ambrusa also struck out some paragraphs in Airhiavbere’s reply to Oshiomhole’s reply in the petition.

Delivering judgment on whether Airhiavbere could call additional witnesses, the three-man panel, headed by Justice George Shoremi, held that failure by the petitioner to list the witnesses alongside the main petition “added poverty to the peti-

Oshiomhole closes defence

F

OUR witnesses yesterday testified at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal on the on-going hearing of the petition filed by Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere against the election of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The witnesses were Bernard Isioma, Joseph Aguebor, Osasere Austin Uzamere and Kenneth Edebiri.

Oshiomhole’s counsel Adeniyi Akintola told the tribunal they were closing their defence after calling seven witnesses.

He said: “We do not want to call any witnesses. We did because we have to show that we have something to say.”

Bernard said he voted at Unit four, Ward 10 in Egor Local Government Area and all voters were accredited before voting.

He said he recorded the counting of ballot papers with his Samsung cell phone and From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tion.”

The court said the complaint of lack of fair hearing by the petitioner was faulty and lacking in merit.

It therefore upheld the ruling of the lower tribunal.

Giving a second judgment, the court held that issues raised by Airhiavbere in his reply were new and fresh issues not contained in the main petition.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tendered the video recording as Exhibit 62.

Bernard, however, said he did not know the number of accredited voters in the unit.

Aguebor said the ACN won the election in his unit and that other party agents signed the result sheets.

Uzamere said he was the ACN agent at Unit 11 Ward 1.

He said Sunny Imafidon was not the PDP agent during the election.

Kenneth Edebiri denied allegations that he bribed to induce voters during the election.

He said he did not order soldiers to threaten anyone and that the elections were free and fair.

The case was adjourned till Tuesday for the ACN to open its defence.

The court ruled that bringing in such issues would take the respondents by surprise and would not give them time to respond.

Justice Shoremi held that the paragraphs struck out by the lower tribunal dealt extensively on academic qualification not contained in the main petition.

The new facts can only be provided in a petition through an amendment, adding that allowing the issues

was an infringement of First Schedule of the Electoral Act as amended.

The appellate court said only paragraphs 6 and 7 in Airhiavbere’s reply are competent.

“The findings of the lower tribunal are sound in law. If the paragraphs struck out are heard, the respondent will be taken by surprise. The paragraphs ought to have been in the main petition.”

“This appeal is dismissed.”

15 inmates freed in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

F

IFTEEN inmates awaiting trial in various prisons in Edo State have been released because of their missingcase files.

The inmates were freed by the Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, during his annual visit to prisons.

Sule Dauda, Abiodun Afehena-Moses, Sule Musa and Osilama Musa, who were released at the Auchi Medium Security prison, were arrested for cases of robbery.

Ebhodaghe Akhebue and Abu Sule were freed at Ubiaja prison.

At the Benin Central Prison, Olabisi Adewomi, Anthony Osazee, Endurance Omoregie and Daniel Johnson were discharged and acquitted.

The four inmates had spent more than two years and five months without case files to prove the offences they were charged for.

He also directed that three inmates who had clocked 18 years at correctional centres in Benin and were not of good behaviour be transferred to regular prisons

Bayelsa gets post-flood committee

Firm to build hangar

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

FIRM, Azikel Group of Companies is to invest $10 million to set up an aircraft maintenance hangar.

A famous aviation company, Castle Air of United Kingdom, is partnering Azikel to set up the project.

The firm’s President, Azibapu Eruani, said the project will save cost and create employment in the Niger Delta.

Eruani said it would save foreign exchange for Nigeria as those to be trained in aircraft maintenance would not be taken to the United Kingdom as they will now be trained in Nigeria.

“We are building technical training and maintenance hangar to create competition in the aviation industry.”

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

A

T

HE Bayelsa State Government has inaugurated a Post-Flood Management Committee to rehabilitate victims and rebuild infrastructure destroyed by the flood.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who inaugurated the committee, urged them to solicit support both within and outside the state.

Former National Security Adviser Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) is the chairman of the committee.

Appealing to individuals and organisations for more support, Dickson said the government would use the funds judiciously.

Dickson said the committee was constituted to temporarily free government officials from active involve-

•Dickson (centre) and his deputy, Gboribiogha John Jonah (left) handing over the draft donation to Azazi at the Government House, Yenagoa...yesterday

ment in the flood management process so that they can attend to their duties.

The governor presented a draft copy of N500million, donated by frontline

businessman Mike Adenuga, to the committee.

Azazi pledged the committee’s determination to work diligently to achieve set goals.

The 16-man committee has a Director in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, as secretary.

2,561 ghost workers in Akwa Ibom

T

HE Akwa Ibom State Government has uncovered 2,561 ghost workers through its compulsory biometric data capture for all civil servants.

Commissioner for Finance Bassey Akpan said this yesterday at a presentation on the 2013 budget briefing/ public hearing at the House of Assembly Complex orga-

C

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

nised by the Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

Akpan told the lawmakers that the actual number of workers in government ministries which used to be 27,025 was reduced to 24,644 after 2,561 were identified as ghost workers.

He noted that the state had

saved N251 million after the ghost workers were identified.

The commissioner said: “We found out that we saved some money from the payment of salaries. We saved N251 million after the ghost workers were identified.

“The governor has approved that the process should be extended to all

government agencies to bring down the cost of governance.”

The commissioner told lawmakers that the government is not going to award any new contract next year but rather complete all ongoing projects initiated and inherited by the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration.

Imoke on two-month leave

ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke yesterday proceeded on a two-month accumulated leave.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Assistant on Media, Christian Ita, said Imoke communicated his decision to the State House of Assembly through a letter to Speaker Larry Odey.

The statement said Imoke’s Deputy Efiok Cobham will

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

act for the duration of the leave in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“Three weeks ago, His Excellency took a short break after a long hectic, and eventful year all preparatory to the start of the busy Calabar festival season.

“He used the opportunity to undergo medicals and in the course of so doing, was

advised by his doctors to undergo further evaluation.

“Accordingly, His Excellency will be proceeding on a two-month accumulated leave with effect from today.

“In line with the provisions of the constitution Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham will act in his place during the period of his leave,” the statement read .

It also quoted the governor as wishing all Cross Riverians the very best in the yuletide season.

•Imoke

‘Enrol out-ofschool kids’

By Adeola Ogunlade

T

HE Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, has urged stakeholders in the education sector to intensify efforts in the enrolment of out-ofschool children among the poor.

She spoke at the just- concluded Nigeria Youth Economic Summit (NAYES) 2012 and the Nigerian Youth Merit Award organised by the Global Partner for Development Initiative in partnership with the Green Global Inceptis Limited, held at the Civil Centre, Lagos.

The programme was entitled: “Positioning the Youth for Active Participation in an Emerging Economy” Prof. Rufa’I said: “One of the major challenges we face today is access to education. In many parts of Nigeria, scores of children are not in school. This is despite that access to a nineyear basic education is the right of all.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

59

NEWS PENCOM, Edun end dispute

Babalakin: Lawyers slam EFCC for laying siege to LUTH

S

OME lawyers yesterday berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for laying siege to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Arab, for the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, Olawale Babalakin (SAN).

He is said to be recuperating in a private ward of the hospital, following the psychological trauma he reportedly suffered after his arrest by the EFCC. The EFCC accused Babalakin of allegedly conspiring with former Delta State Governor James Ibori to launder about N4.7 billion belonging to the state.

Following the botched attempt to arraign him nine days ago, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo ordered the agency to verify at LUTH Babalakin’s state of health.

Lawyers, who decried EFCC’s action included a

By Adebisi Onanuga

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Nwobike; human rights activist Jiti Ogunye and Emmanuel Majebi.

Nwobike described the action as abuse of power and violation of Babalakin’s right to life and medical care.

Babalakin’s counsel alleged on Wednesday that about 20 EFCC agents stormed the hospital and detained him in the ward.

Nwobike said: “I understand that the EFCC granted him administrative bail, which has not been vacated by the commission till date.

“I am also aware that the EFCC is aware that Babalakin is ill and is undergoing treatment at LUTH. “So, it amounts to a breach of his right for the commis-

sion to disturb his treatment by laying siege to the hospital, thereby worsening his condition.

“The court has adjourned his arraignment till December 12, so the EFCC ought to have waited and see if he will appear in court or not.”

Nwobike said what the EFCC had done amounted to an abuse of power which should be condemned.

Ogunye said the EFCC may have a good reason for its action given past incidents when suspects feigned illness to evade arrest and prosecution.

He, however, cautioned the commission to act within the confines of the law.

Said he: “Babalakin was to be arraigned in court last week, but before this could be done, he went to court to file an action seeking a judicial

Why I support state police, by Amaechi IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said the country will be better policed, the people better secured and crime reduced, if the constitution allows states to have their own police.

He spoke at the opening of the State Security and Technology Innovation Forum 2012 in Port Harcourt yesterday.

“We are doing our best to secure the citizens. Our investment in security is very huge, that is why I am an apostle of state police, because if you give us state police, we will do far better,”he said.

Amaechi urged the Federal Government

R

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

to fund the police and provide them with the necessary facilities to enable them combat crime across the country.

“The Federal Government must fund the police. It is not good enough to give them uniforms and they will be walking on the streets, in a community where you have robbers carrying AK-47 rifles.

“The police are overwhelmed by the number of crimes committed in the country.

“Police are not being properly funded in Nigeria. Even the man on the street knows.”

P

review of the administered and executive powers of the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) and to prohibit the AGF, EFCC and the police from arresting him. “ He was granted leave by the court.

“As this was taking place, his lawyers told the court that he has been hospitalised.

“While I don’t support security officials storming the hospital to disrupt treatment and recovery of a citizen. “ I also won’t support anybody hiding under a false illness to evade the law.”

Majebi said: “As much as I don’t believe that anyone is above the law, I also don’t support or encourage tyranny.

“If Wale Babalakin is in the hospital, the EFCC should wait until he recovers before arresting and prosecuting him.”

ARTIES in the suit instituted against the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and a director of Trustfund Pensions Plc, Olawale Edun, have resolved their differ-

ences.

The dispute ended with the parties agreeing to a consent judgment whose terms were endorsed by Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court (formerly of Lagos division).

PENCOM in May 2007 issued a statement claiming to have summarily sacked the directors of Trustfund Pensions Plc including Edun; U.M. Abubakar; Sebastian Adigwe and J.D. Lawuyi for purportedly breaching the Pension Reform Act. Aggrieved by the development, Edun instituted a suit through his lawyers, Tunde Odanye & Co. He contended, among others, that the reasons for his removal were neither true nor correct.

Edun argued that he was denied fair hearing as he was not given an opportunity to respond to the false allegations levelled against him before the decision was taken by the administrative panel set up by PENCOM. Hearing began before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, where PENCOM and its DirectorGeneral were represented by Tony Idigbe (SAN).

Upon Justice Abutu’s retirement, the case was trans ferred to Justice Liman in Lagos.

At a stage during the proceedings, the parties agreed to end the dispute by agreeing to a consent judgment.

Terms of the judgment entered on July 5 addressed the issue of fair hearing and the purported summary removal.

It ended with the proviso that there were no admission of liability by either party with regard to the allegations, claims and counter-claims in the suit; the letter in dispute and its contents and that each party was to be responsible for his costs.

Edun hailed the judgment and said justice has prevailed.

Atuche: Court rejects EFCC’s graphic evidence LAGOS High Court, Ikeja yesterday rejected a graphic presentation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to support the oral evidence of its witness, Hamada Bello, in the trial of former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) Francis Atuche.

Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth and the bank’s former Chief Financial Officer, Ugo

A

By Adebisi Onanuga

Anyanwu, are standing trial for allegedly stealing N27.5 billion belonging to the bank.

Ruling on the graphic presentation request, Justice Lateefa Okunnu held that the memory stick containing the document sought to be tendered as exhibit by the EFCC, did not comply with Section 84 of the Evidence Act. Justice Okunnu said the de-

vice could not stand as a primary document as it contained information copied from a computer.

The device, she said, could not be classified as a primary document as the prosecution had intended to extract information from it.

Justice Okunnu held that the memory stick must be certified to be admissible within the contemplation of Section 84 of the Act.

SPORT EXTRA

Rivers allege plan to scuttle team’s progress

T

EAM RIVERS has alleged that there is an underhand ploy to prevent the State from emerging the overall winner of the Eko 2012 18th National

By Tunde Liadi Sports Festival just like it was during the last competition.

Speaking through the State's

Rivers, Delta claim gold in badminton R IVERS and Delta continued their impressive run as champions in the men and women singles event of badminton after Rivers’ Clement Korobakpo beat Delta’s Gideon Babalola, while Delta’s Dorcas Adesoka beat Abuja’s Augustina Sunday to claim the gold in the men and women finals.

For men’s the champion, Korobakpo, said being his last festival, he was happy winning the competition. “I am very happy that I am ending my appearance at the festival on a good note. I am grateful to God for helping me. The standard at Eko 2012 is very high and my

By Innocent Amomoh

dream is to make the national team which I believe I will make,” the 22 year-old said.

An elated handler of the Rivers team, Jimoh Anthony told NationSport that preparation aided their victory. “We have been preparing well for every festival games that at the last festival hosted in Port Harcourt, Korobakpo won two gold and two bronze medals in the single, doubles and mixed doubles and all these players have been trained well for the future,” he said’’.

Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Fred Igwe during his interactive session with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), he alleged that other States have ganged up to ensure that they frustrate Rivers' quest for successful outing during Eko 2012.

"There has been a lot of gang up against Team Rivers. I will give you an example. There is this very good swimmer by name Doutimi (Dagbe) who the State was assured of getting 9 gold medals from her based on her antecedents and that in her category she doesn't have a rival in Nigeria.

"They quickly just cooked up spurious allegation against her and disqualified her. We stood our ground and fought back with petition and appeal. But, by the time we got a temporary respite that she could compete under protest she has lost some of her events.

"If we want to grow in Sports Why don't we leave a level playing? In another events they

New NPL interim board promise better league

T

HE newly appointed interim management board of the Nigeria Premier League NPL has assured that the new season would be a better league for Nigerians.

This was part of the outcome of the first meeting of the board held Thursday morning in Abuja and presided over by the chairman, Mike Idoko. Speaking shortly after the early morning meeting held at Denis Hotel Abuja, a member of the board Alloy Chukwuemeka said the decision taken by the clubs to sack the outgone board was in the best interest of the league, stressing that their position had been communicated to all relevant

bodies like NSC, NFF and the secretariat of NPL. He added that the Interim board was in the process of meeting with secretariat and taking charge of normal football administration processes in matter of hours.

According to him " Yes as you can see we have the mandate of clubs to ensure that we take charge within the short time in interim capacity, so we are working towards getting things put in place for a better league next season.

“We have communicated the NSC, NFF and NPL secretariat of the situation on ground for their understanding and for their consideration.

"We hope to get the secretariat staff to work towards ensuring that all processes and registration formalities are on-going so that we can commence the league soon after the NFF final ratifications at the Annual General assembly.

“We have also resolved to work with the outgone board in any area we need their advice in the spirit of sportsmanship and they should see their exit not as a witch hunt but rather a sacrifice they need to make to ensure the growth of the league".

Meanwhile the Board of the NFF will meet on Friday (today) to consider the decision of the premier league Clubs amongst other issues.

were allowing coaches who came with athletes to serve as referees.

If we are going to grow why don't we breed transparency in the game?

"Apart from that, it just appeared to me that a lot of people do not want Rivers to win.

We did what we ought to do. We played by the rules and did the required camping. We camped three times. We had three phase camping of one month each," Igwe said.

EKO 2012 MEDALS TABLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

G Delta 79 Rivers 54 Lagos 34 Edo 19 Bayelsa 16 Ondo 11 Plateau 6 Oyo 6 Ogun 5 Ebonyi 5 Akwa Ibom4 Imo 4 Jigawa 4 Niger 4 C/River 3 FCT 3 Kano 3 Nasarawa 3 Bauchi 2 Kaduna 2 Abia 1 Enugu 1 Benue 1 Kwara 1 Ekiti 1 Osun 1 Kogi 1 Kebbi 1 Anambra 0 Borno 0 Zamfara 0 Yobe 0 Taraba 0 Katsina 0 Adamawa 0 Gombe 0 Sokoto 0 TOTAL 275

S 70 40 32 13 14 6 8 6 13 3 12 11 1 1 8 7 4 1 2 2 4 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 274

B TOTAL 48 197 46 140 46 112 27 59 13 43 16 33 15 29 9 21 24 42 3 11 16 32 11 26 5 10 3 8 11 22 4 14 10 17 1 5 6 10 6 10 7 12 6 10 14 17 6 8 5 7 2 4 3 4 0 1 2 4 2 4 0 2 4 5 1 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 381 930

45 nations watch Eko 2012 online

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IX thousand viewers from 45 countries have been confirmed to watch watch the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012 online.

According to Product Manager, Crown Interactive, Bayo Okunowo, United Kingdom and United States recorded the highest number of viewers aside Nigeria.

As at Thursday, 881 Nigerian viewers have watched the games, UK has 147, while U.S has 99 viewers.

Countries where viewers have watched the games are Turkey, Austria, India, Italy, India, Italy, Spain, France, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and host of others.

Okunowo said: “We're pleased to provide you a report on the number of viewers that have watched the Eko 2012 games so far. We've had viewers from 45 countries till date with over 6000 streams and we hope to see this number rise as the games conclude.”

We were trained for medals, Lagos’ boxer admits

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FTER beating his Kwara counterpart in the 60kg of men’s semifinal bout, Lagos’ Joseph Otto believes they are equipped to mop up medals in the event.The Cross River State-born pugilist told NationSport yesterday that they were well tutored for the festival.

“I think we had the best of

preparation for this festival because we participated in various national and international competitions which exposed us to the best facilities in the game. So for me, I was not surprised with the results we are getting because we really deserve it.

My target is gold and I am not sure I am ready to play second fiddle to any boxer,” Otto said.

Lagos faces Akwa Ibom in Women's OST, Lagos State will football final battle Team Akwa

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Ibom in the women's football final of the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012.

In the first semi final match decided at the Agege Stadium, Team Lagos defeated their Osun State counterparts 6-0.

The second match of the day between Edo and Akwa Ibom

By Akeem Lawal State played at the same venue, ended goalless at the end of regulation time.

Akwa Ibom, however, clinched the final ticket by winning the resultant penalty shootout 3-0.

The final match will hold on Friday at the Agege Stadium.

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NEWS

Fed Govt, states to borrow $7.9b in 2013

Boko Haram: Reps make u-turn on President’s summon

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan may not appear before a closed session of the House of Representatives after all as the lawmakers have conceded that their June resolution inviting him to explain steps being taken to tackle terrorism in the country, was not a summon.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal had met the President severally since the invitation and security issue had always featured in their discussions, it emerged yesterday.

According to the lawmakers, the resolution of the House was not a summon and, as such, the President is free to decide what step to take.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Information and Public Affairs,

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Victor Ogene, while interacting with reporters yesterday, however, noted that the lawmakers are still waiting for the President.

He said: “On June 19, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted a motion on the security situation and one of the prayers of that motion was to invite, not summon Mr. President and other heads of security agencies to interface with the House in a closed session because security is not what you discuss in the open.

“Our intention was the security and well-being of the Nigerian people. We are worried by the mounting security situation. However if you sleep in your house and invite a visitor, you cannot complain that the visitor is

taking too long because you are in your House.

“So you keep waiting until the visitor comes”.

He stressed that the lawmakers were equally concerned about about the worsening security situation which was responsible for their action in the first place, “But like every other Nigerian, we are worried that the security situation instead of getting better is worsening.

“Maybe there is something Mr. President knows that we don’t know, but we feel that as representatives of the people, there are things that each member in the different areas that are embattled would have to say to help the situation.

“Jonathan is President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and until such a time that he deems it necessary to in-

Continued from page 4

•Tambuwal

terface with us concerning security, our doors remain open. Don’t forget that the direct supervision of the security apparatus are under Jonathan.

“The problem of security lies in the hands of Mr. President. We are only acting as concerned Nigerians on behalf of the Nigerian people to say that we should rub minds on this issue,” he added.

$136.34 million Zaria regional water supply while Niger will take $54.5 million Zungeru 700mw hydroelectric power project loan.

Adamawa , Niger , Kano , Kwara, Kaduna , Nasarawa, Gombe and Borno will share $70 million bilingual education programme loan.

Osun State will take $50 million dam project for water supply and irrigation loan, Yobe takes $40 million 200 bed ultra-modern hospital and equipping of primary health centres loan, Yobe State is also to take another $80 million loan for Gashua water supply and Nguru water supply projects.

Kaduna State requested for approval of another $81.23million for Zaria wa-

Boko Haram: North needs 20 years to recover Continued from page 4

with a frame work to address insecurity.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of National Planning Dr Shamsudeen Usman, was happy that the governors were waking up to address the problems.

“I hope this summit will not be a talk show. Hope you will identify at least four to five ways in tackling these problems in the next one year. Gov-

ernors of Northeast region should work collectively to solve this problem in order to have peace in the region because insecurity is a reality in the region,” he said.

Yuguda described the summit as historic. He said: “For quite a long time, the sub region has remained one of the least developed; if not the least developed of the six geo-political zones in the country in all spheres of human endeavour”.

The Governor lamented that the underdevelopment in the

Northeast had been compounded by the current security challenges which have adversely affected the socio- economic activities in the region.

He said the problem of the region is not lack of resources but failure to harness the abundant resources for its socio economic development.

“It is expected that at the end of this summit, recommendations for setting in motion the machinery for the Northeast sub-region to use its comparative advantage in agriculture,

solid minerals and tourism to fast track the region’s development will be made.

Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro noted that insecurity has dampened economic life in the Northeast in particular and Nigeria in general. He urged the summit to take a critical look at security issues and proffer workable solution. Chairman of the summit, Gen. TY Danjuma, represented by Maj-Gen. Tanko Nuhu Abdulahi, urged the participants to tackle every fac-

et of security, including education, health, food, technology and solid industrial base.

The two-day summit is being attended by Yuguda, Kashim Shettima (Borno), Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe), Acting Governor of Taraba State Alhaji Garba Umar, Yobe state deputy governor and the representative of Adamawa Governor Murtala Nyako. Also in attendance were Deputy senate leader Abdul Ningi, Senator Babayo Gamawa, Senator Adamu Gumba and royal fathers.

ter supply.

Under African Development Bank (ADB) funded loans, Kaduna State will take $1.23 million Zaria water supply loan while the state will take $56.61 million national urban water sector reforms loan from the French Development Agency (AFD) projects.

Under the Indian Credit Line projects, Enugu , Kaduna and Cross River States requested for $70 million power (energy project) loan.

Under the Exim Bank of China , the Federal Government wanted approval for $765.00 loan for Zungeru 700mw hydroelectric power project.

Some the loans has maturity period of 40 years, grace period of 10 years, service charge of 0.75 per cent and commitment charge of 0.50 The duration period for the projects is put five years.

Few have 13-year maturity period, grace period of two years, interest rate free and service charge not exceeding two per cent of total loan.

Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Sam Onuigbo told the committee that the state has been unable to access $200 million already approved for it while the Plateau State representative said that the state has not been able to access $50 million approved for it.

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TOMORROW IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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S the good people of Oke-Ogun assemble this week-end in the historic town of Tede, I am sure that they understand very well the task of development that stares them in the face and they are determined to move forward with an agenda that privileges the strength of the collective efforts of all.

There is no denying the truth of the good old axiom that there is enormous strength in unity. Unfortunately, as is the case with the larger Yoruba nation, the all important requirement of unity has been an elusive goal of Oke-Ogun community. All is not lost, though. For it is also very true, as the history of nations makes it clear to us, progress or development has never been achieved on the basis of a hundred percent participation of members. Indeed, a minority of selflessly dedicated citizens and leaders have led the development efforts in the majority of historical cases.

In the matter of the plight of the communities, including the ten local governments that make up Oke-Ogun, it is an understatement to suggest that there is much work to be done. With poverty on the increase and spreading, everything else follows on the road to decline. Health is an easy prey to the scourge of poverty, and we are seeing an alarming rise in the morbidity and mortality rate among young folks. If it took a statewide free health clinic for many of our people to discover the near-death nature of their bodily conditions, it is not a surprise that we have recorded such a large number of untimely and unexpected deaths in recent years.

The statistics are far from heart-warming. The response, however, cannot be a mournful resignation to despair. What is needed is a renewed determination to move forward with thought leaders stepping up to the task of generating innovative ideas that challenge preconceived opinions and lethargic thinking.

Since what ails Oke-Ogun is integral to what ails the nation at large, it stands to reason to stand back a little and reflect on these common ailments. Of course, it is not an original idea to suggest that politics tops the list since the political system is the all-embracing and all-devouring leviathan of our time. If we play the game right, politics should leverage our aspirations and achievements in other areas. For one thing, by ensuring the security of life and limb, we should enjoy the peace of mind to pursue our individual dreams. By pro-

VOL.7 NO.2,332

‘No government should allow terrorists to operate with such impunity as this weakens respect for constituted authority and casts aspersion on the sovereignty of the state’ DAYO SOBOWALE

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Moving Oke-Ogun forward

•Map of Oke-Ogun

viding the public goods that no individual can provide for himself or herself (e.g. good roads) economic activities are boosted for all. If government, whether local, regional, or national, is unable to deliver on these matters, then citizens are in jeopardy of unfulfilled aspirations.

In the case of Oke-Ogun, there is a double jeopardy. Without the advantage of early recognition and attention during the prosperous times of our national economic advancement, our various communities lived with derelict roads and poor infrastructure for a long time. And second,

when the national economy tanked, these same communities bore the brunt of the collapse.

A glaring if embarrassing illustration of the pathetic condition referenced in the last paragraph is the Ikere Gorge Dam project. Initiated by the Obasanjo military administration prior to its handing over in 1979, the project was inaugurated in 1982 by the Shagari administration. The multi-billion naira 700 million cubic water dam project was designed to provide electric power, irrigate farmlands, and provide portable water for the entire OkeOgun communities and beyond. Former President Shagari did not complete the project before he was ousted and the military administrations that followed did not care much about it. The civil administration of President Obasanjo apparently had too much on its agenda to take notice of such an “obscure” project. The consequence is that the dam site is now a safe haven for reptiles. But it is worse. For there is a genuine threat of a tsunami-like flooding of Oke-Ogun should a breach of the levee occur.

I have not brought this matter up to apportion blame. Rather, the question on my mind is a simple one. If the national government is too far from our corner of the nation to the extent that it has no qualm abandoning a project that is meant to improve the lives of the people, what is the story about our local governments? For Ikere Gorge dam, there is plenty of blame to go round. Where should the blame go for the supply of basic material needs in our local elementary schools, local dispensaries, and for the construction and maintenance of our local roads?

Local governments have responsibilities assigned to them by the constitution. This is one of the most encouraging aspects of

the constitution—that the welfare of the local people is placed in the hands of local leaders. And it is the tragedy of our clime that the sacred expectation of the constitution has not been fully realised in this matter. I do not want to be misunderstood. A good number of local politicians are above board. But there are many that understand their mission in ways that suggest that the people are expendable.

There are rumours about the practice of sharing local government allocations by local government chairmen and councilors. How much of this is true and what are community leaders doing about it?

For thought leaders, traditional rulers, business men and women from Oke-Ogun, there is a need for community forums where the plight of the people and the responsibility of local government are addressed with the sacred authority of the community brought to bear on the decisions taken. Local governments are peopled by local community members. The power that they exercise is from the community. A servant is not greater than the master or mistress. As servant leaders, they are answerable to the community. Should the community, in a non-partisan forum, express its disapproval of the actions or inactions of particular local leaders, such disapproval cannot but be taken seriously.

Every local community has a community organisation. These organisations have functioned effectively in raising awareness and promoting development. That was until the politics of party affiliation severed the ties that bind extended families of a community. Interestingly, this is one dilemma that only Oke-Ogun people have resolved against their larger interests. In other communities, blood brothers and sisters not only belong to rival political parties; they also hold political offices as senators, ministers or commissioners. Oke-Ogun indigenes have the distinction of elevating party loyalty over and above family loyalty.

And when families are split on account of party loyalty, family affairs invariably suffer irreparable damage. In such cases, we are justified to judge such loyalty as blind and unhelpful. There must be a reconciliation of differences such that politics serves the needs of the community and the people. This is how to move Oke-Ogun forward. I extend to all delegates very best wishes for a successful convention •For comments, send SMS to 08082036515

RIPPLES

HARDBALL

NIGERIA MAY MISS VISION 20-20:20–NESG

Shock, shock! Men are not all they are cracked up to be

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We knew all along it was APRIL FOOL

T used to be that when a woman failed to conceive after many attempts, her male counterpart self-righteously blamed her and began proudly to look for alternatives.

After reading the current edition of a scientific journal, Human Reproduction, men are unlikely to be so sanguine about their masculinity, not to talk of their pride. The reason is that according to the journal, between 1989 when a research into male reproductive health began and 2005 when it ended, scientists discovered a worrisome indication of a substantial drop in sperm count. In statistical terms, the researchers found out that “sperm count (concentration of sperm per millilitre of semen) declined progressively by 1.9 per cent a year throughout the 17 years – from 73.6 million sperm per millilitre in 1989 to 49.9 million/ml in 2005.” Worse, they said, even “The proportion of normally formed (that is, healthy) sperm also decreased by 33.4 per cent over the same period.” This is double jeopardy for men who think they are seldom to be blame for infertility.

That, sadly, is not the only bad news for men. According to the research conducted at the Institut de Veille Sanitaire, St Maurice, France using samples from 26,000 men whose average age was 35, “Although the average sperm count of the men was well above the threshold definition of male infertility – which is 15 million/ml – it was below the World Health Organisation threshold of 55

million/ml which is thought to lengthen the time to conceive.” The report then compounds the nightmare for men. It says: “The worldwide fall in sperm counts has been accompanied by a rise in testicular cancer – rates have doubled in the last 30 years – and in other male sexual disorders such as undescended testes, which are indicative of a worrying pattern.” In order words, men are not just becoming more sterile; they are even becoming diseased as a result of that sterility. It means to save themselves from disaster, men must simply be fertile; sterility is not an option. Call this triple jeopardy, if you permit that lexical licence.

It does not require deeper analysis to appreciate that men who love to sow their wild oats, (the predatory libertines who consider themselves as gifts to womanhood), will find it more difficult to impregnate a woman.

Assuming their frustrations do not make them desperately indiscrete, this new reality should begin to engender a salutary cultural metamorphosis: men would become less inclined to put away their wives hitherto blamed for infertility. But as if the bad news is not enough, with men not knowing what is going on down there, their historical pride is now being affected by factors they neither understand nor have significant control over.

According to the study, “Something in our modern lifestyle, diet or environment is causing this and it is getting progressively worse.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

We still do not know which are the most important factors, but the most likely are … a high-fat diet and environmental chemical exposures.”

Now that we know that men are no longer what history and culture tell us all they are cracked up to be, perhaps we should appeal to women to show more understanding and not delay childbearing, for any delay on their part could worsen the woes of men. If the worrisome trend continues, however, women could start to relish the tantalising prospect of Isaiah 4:1 being reversed. “In that day,” said Isaiah, “seven women will take hold of one man and say, ‘We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!’” Consider this role reversal: “In that day seven men will take hold of one woman and say, ‘We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!’” Does anyone imagine seven men gently taking hold of one woman? Of course, there would be war, and six men would die, for it is obvious that the world, as we know it, is more tolerably and safely polygamous than polyandrous. But if a man is not as fertile as he used to be, how can he even contemplate polygamy? And who can tell, would it not sometime in the heretical future require seven polyandrous men to put one woman in the family way?

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO