E pages 20 11 14

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Police probe kids’ kidnap in Ibadan NEWS Page 10

•CID takes over investigation

News Tukur: I remain PDP chairman P65 Sports Super Eagles out of AFCON 2015 P65 Business Fed Govt cuts 2015 budget by N63b P11 •www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 9, NO. 3038 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

2015: The Tambuwal example

The Nation man Eke still being held by gunmen

A

W

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

DELEGATION of journalists in Abia State, led by the Chairman of a Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. John Emejor and Correspondents Chapel Chairman Emma Ugwu have visited the family of their kidnapped colleague, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke of The Nation.

Mr. Eke, the Umuahia Correspondent of The Nation, was kidnapped in front of his house last weekend by gunmen who took him away to an unknown destination. His kidnappers have demanded N20million ransom from the family.

Speaking at the residence of their kidnapped colleague, the Continued on page 4

N150.00

•Tambuwal

HEN House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal decided to make a bid for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), observers felt the race could only get tougher in the opposition party.

Before him, those who had indicated interest in flying the party’s flag included former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari,

ANALYSIS

By Bolade Omonijo, Member, Editorial Board

former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and SEE Leadership pubSam ALSO lisher Nda-Isaiah.

PAGE 5 Speculations

were rife that the Tambuwal bid could further complicate matters as he had become popular, with a section of the party and the public admiring him for his firmness.

His relative youthfulness also counts for him. Even as a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he dumped last month, he had succeedContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: MILITARY RE TAKES ADAMAWA TOWNS P2 KWARA SURE-P MEN ANGRY P66

Abuja quakes as Buhari, Oyegun, Amaechi protest

•ALL FOR NIGERIA: Odigie-Oyegun flanked by (from left) Onu, Gen. Buhari, Mala Buni and Farouk Adamu ...yesterday.

Oni, Onu, Oyinlola, El-Rufai, others lead Salvation Rally

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) leaders yesterday took to the streets their case against the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Some of the party’s leading lights, including Chiarman John Odigie-Oyegun, led a “Salvation Rally” in Abuja, accusing President Jonathan of using the Boko Haram insurgency as a joker to win election.

From Yusuf Alli and Tony Akowe, Abuja

The party said there was no limit to the length the President had not gone in his “obsession” for re-election.

It accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of working in concert with the Presidential Villa to corrupt the system and disenfranchise voters in APCcontrolled states.

APC queried why the Per-

THE DEMANDS •End to insurgency and killings •End to impunity •End to massive corruption, poverty •Free and fair 2015 general elections

‘

manent Voters Cards collection and the continuous registration in 12 states were a fiasco.

It challenged the government and INEC to explain why the Continued on page 4

•Amaechi...yesterday

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

The President must tell us why our brothers and sisters are dying in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and they are here enjoying in Abuja

’

•SENATE DEFERS ACTION ON EMERGENCY P4 PLOT TO REMOVE EKITI SPEAKER ON P7

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

2

NEWS

Boko Haram:

• Head, Benefits Administration, Legacy Pension Managers Limited Mr. Musa Joda; the company’s General Manager, Mr. Mai Moustapha; and representative of the Managing Director, Mr. Christopher Bajuwa, at an Open Customer's Forum organise by the company in Lagos...yesterday

•Many insurgents killed in operations •Gaidam seeks new military approach •Aliyu supports emergency rule’s extension •NEMA registers 700,000 IDPs in Borno, others

T

•From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Development Commision (NDDC) Sir Bassey DanAbia presenting Long Service Award to Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission’s (ICPC) Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, at the NDDC 2013 Long Service Award & Award for Excellence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

•From left: Founder, Biire Child and Maternal Health Foundation Mr. Dare Ajayi; Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Ryuichi Shoji; and Special Adviser on Public Health to Lagos State Governor Mrs. Yewande Adeshina, at the inauguration of medical equipment donated by the Embassy of Japan, through Biire Foundation, to 10 primary health centres.

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ambassador Musa Abdulkadir; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; and Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Lateef Busari, at a news conference on “Top 100 Companies Awards” in Abuja...yesterday.

HE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday that troops have killed many Boko Haram insurgents and reclaimed three communities in Adamawa State.

The recovered communities are Gombi, Pelia and Hong, which were occupied last week by the insurgents.

The troops have been ordered to secure all reclaimed communities.

A tweet by the Defence Headquarters said: “Our troops are in full control of Gombi, Pelia and Hong as operations to clear all areas infested by terrorists continue.

“Many terrorists are being captured as some die. Weapons and equipment are also being recovered.

Mopping up ongoing in the areas.”

A military source, who spoke in confidence, added: “The ongoing military operations in Northeast are to clear all areas infested by terrorists.

“This time around, troops gained the upper hand by killing many insurgents. We cannot give the exact figures until after mopping up in the communities.

“We will provide evidence to show that troops have really taken charge of some seized communities.”

The source said the Defence Headquarters had directed that “troops should remain in all the reclaimed towns until a proper clean-up is effected and security of lives and property guaranteed.

“The trend in the past was for troops to leave any recovered area, but the insurgents are taking advantage to regroup for reprisals. More troops will be deployed in the Northeast to reinforce those on ground.”

Also yesterday, Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said the extension of the state of emergency rule would amount to nothing, if the military approach is not overhauled.

A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Abdullahi Bego, said: “Over the past 12 months when the emergency rule declared

by Mr. President was renewed twice, after the first one, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam had approached the renewal with caution, always emphasising the need for an all-hands-ondeck approach where the military troops on the ground are sufficiently kitted by the Federal Government and people across the affected states pitched in to do their parts, through vigilance, community surveillance and helping the security forces in every way possible to defeat the criminals and insurgents, who are wreaking havoc. ”However, ongoing emergency rule has, so far, failed to roll back and contain the disaster that is Boko Haram. Only 10 days ago, our very young students full of hope for the future at Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Potiskum, were killed in a very evil and grotesque manner. And there were

•The soldiers planning their next operation.

•Gas cylinders - materials for improvised bombs - recovered during mop-up operations.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja, Duku Joel, Damaturu and Jide Orintusin, Minna

many others before them in four schools and in communities in the affected states.”

The statement added: “Governor Gaidam believes that the presence of military troops on the ground is absolutely necessary, but not sufficient to take the war to the insurgents and to defeat them. There are other vital ingredients, which must feature now, if the current extension is to enjoy any success at all. ”One of these, Governor Gaidam believes and has voiced out on many occasions before, is the absolute need to provide heavy weaponry and military gear that the hard-working troops on the ground need. From Afghanistan to Somalia, terrorists and insurgents are defeated or forced into hiding only through the use of advanced weaponry.

“The governor has said before – and it bears repeating now – that the Federal Government also needs to adopt or build on an approach that addresses ongoing security challenges from the bottom up. That means actively partnering with local communities and community leaders to get them to enroll more actively in the fight to restore peace and security.”

The statement added that the government should provide more support to the affected communities, more than it was doing.

It said: “With more support to people who have been displaced or who have lost limps, livelihoods or loved

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

3

NEWS

Troops reclaim three Adamawa towns

tion.

•The troops in action.

•An improvised bomb

d •A burning vehicle.

ones to the criminal activities of the insurgents, it’s more likely that people will participate more actively in going forward. ”And this, by the way, is a measure that the Yobe State government itself has taken as the governor pushes on with mobilisation effort to get people throughout the state to continue to pray for Almighty Allah’s direct intervention and to stay vigilant and help the security forces with useful information.”

Gaidam also pleaded to the Federal Government to invest more in education and infrastructure in the Northeast to help the people to recover.

According to him, “There is no question that the affected states are doing their best in so many ways under very difficult circumstances, but the Federal Government can help accelerate the process by intervening in road construction, rebuilding and re-equipping of schools, and by setting up regional skills hubs, where young people and women would get the training they need to support themselves and their families.”

The statement also called on the government to engage in multilateral approach against the insurgents.

Also yesterday, the Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for extension of emergency rule in the troubled northeast states.

He, however, opposed the dismantling of the democratic structures in the three affected states, saying such action would be unconsti-

•Handsets and a laptop recovered from insurgents during the operation.

CONSCCIMA decries poor corporate governance in North

T

HE Coalition of the Northern States Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CONSCCIMA) has decried alleged poor good corporate governance in the North.

The association also said the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents had crippled businesses in parts of the region.

CONSCCIMA bemoaned growing level of corruption, poor implementation of government policies and unemployment as well as their debilitating effects on the economic growth in the region.

Its Chairman, Alhaji Sanusi Bauchi, spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the association’s 34th yearly general meeting (AGM).

Alhaji Bauchi added that though the region is enormously blessed with human and natural resources, “yet it is facing a lot of socio-economic difficulties.”

His words: “Undoubtedly, the northern states are Nigeria’s fountain heads, as we are blessed with human, agricultural and mineral resources and also share joint and common inherent economic destiny.

“In spite of these potentials, the region has been facing socio-economic difficulties and, above all, security challenges occasioned by the activities of the insurgents, which to a larger extent, have crippled business activities. Worst to mention is that people have been displaced and dislodged from their daily means of livelihood. Recent haptutional.

Aliyu spoke after being screened for the National Assembly election by the National Screening Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the party’s secretariat in Minna.

The governor argued that the extension of emergency rule in the affected states should not be viewed from the point of performance of the security operatives in the region, but from the perspective that “Nigeria

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

penings in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe are cases in point.”

The CONSCCIMA chairman, therefore, urged the association’s members to contribute their quotas by opening the doors to the region’s economic potentials.

Alhaji Bauchi said: “I need to remind us that in a market-driven economy like ours, we have a major role to play in encouraging business and contributing to socio-economic growth by identifying, analysing and influencing the improvement of laws and regulations that govern business activities.

“There is need for internal capacity of our city and state chambers. We should adopt a paradigm shift in the way we operate to a contemporary pattern and in line with global practices. Members should as a matter of fact be self-financing and creative, rather than relying solely on government for funds.

“Most importantly, our members should see and appreciate the need for NACCIMA-CONSCCIMA chambers synergy. This is a chain that should be nurtured and consolidated at all times, if really we need to position ourselves within the scheme of development issues in our region and the country.

“By extension, it will serve as the surest route to developing a strong and viable private sector in northern Nigeria.”

should do what is right in the eyes of the international community.”

Aliyu explained that if emergency rule is not extended, human rights activists would accuse the government of human rights abuse, adding that this would discredit the nation before the international community.

He said: “What we should understand is that what we are facing is a guerrilla war; this is terrorism. Terrorists do not respect the rules. When you need to fight the people, you

need to declare a state of emergency.

“If you do not declare a state of emergency, you are susceptible to human rights abuse. There is a misconception on declaration of emergency rule. The rule did not say political structures should be dismantled”.

The request for an extension by President Jonathan last Tuesday failed to secure the Senate’s approval, as the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly was divided

over the issue.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has registered about 700,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The agency gave the statistics from its North-East zonal office in Maiduguri.

NEMA said IDPs in Adamawa are 160,198, Borno 402,039 and Yobe 116,536. They are all in various camps.

There are 12 camps in Borno and six in Adamawa.

The Adamawa camps hold 4,412 IDPs at the NYSC camp in Yola; 3,205 at Nyako Housing Estate camp; 658 at Malkohi camp; 120 at COCIN Church, Yola; 836 at the Federal Poly, Yola, and 3,272 at Damare camp.

“The Borno camps have 5,587 IDPs at NYSC camp in Maiduguri; 9,021 at Eccleziya Yan’uwaa Nigeria Church, Wulari, Maiduguri; 2,250 at Government Girls Secondary School, Biu; 5,681 at Government Girls Secondary School, Yerwa; 7,500 at Government College, Maiduguri; 4,750 at Government Girls College, Maiduguri; and 6,000 at Government Girls Secondary School, Maiduguri.

“Also in Borno, the Government Secondary School, Maiduguri is hosting 3,352 IDPs; Chad Basin camp, Maiduguri with 5,336; Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School has 1,003;, Army Primary School II, Maiduguri with 2,000; and Ngomari Gana Primary School, Maiduguri with 2,700,” it said

4

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Senate defers action on emergency

S

ENATORS failed again yesterday to agree on President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for an extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The debate on the presidential request started on Tuesday with most senators from the North stoutly opposing the extension.

Senators, after more than two hours, resolved to continue the discussion on the controversial request today The lawmakers also resolved to invite the Service Chiefs for discussion.

The Senate also mandated Senate President David Mark is to contact governors of the affected states for more information and for their input.

After the session, Mark said: “The Senate in executive session discussed the letter from Mr. President on the extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. We had a very robust and detailed discussion and we will continue the discussion tomorrow (today).”

The Senate President asked whether what he said was a true

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

reflection of what transpired in the Executive Session.

Senators answered in the affirmative.

Mark also said “the Senate resolved that we will invite the Service Chiefs to appear before the Senate and be part of our discussion tomorrow (today).”

He adjourned plenary till today.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, threw more light on the executive session.

Abaribe said “the discussion was very frank, robust and sometimes very acrimonious”.

He said the governors of the affected states would be contacted by the Senate President for more information.

The information offered by the governors, he said, would assist the Senate to arrive at an acceptable decision.

He dismissed the allegation that the Presidency brought money to influence the lawmakers to approve the request.

Abaribe, who described the

allegation of bribery as “utter rubbish”, noted that if senators had been induced to approve the request, they would they have continued to debate the issue.

Abaribe was optimistic of a breakthrough today after members might have armed themselves with information.

A source at the closed session said the chamber was charged throughout the debate.

He said some senators, especially those opposed to granting the President’s request, were combative in their approach to the debate.

Those opposed to extension of emergency rule, he said, refused to shift ground “even after what appeared to be superior argument by those in support of the President’s request”.

He said: “By and large, the state of emergency will be extended. There may be no alternative than to grant the President’s request. We appreciate the position of those opposed to the request but there may be no alternative than to approve the request.”

Senate Ahmed Lawan (Yobe

The Tambuwal example Continued from page 1

•Mark

North) said: “Many of us are opposed to it, particularly I am vehemently opposed to it. I believe that we should explore other avenues but some other people feel differently and the discussion continues tomorrow (today).

“Let’s see; could the president under Section 218 not use the military to fight insurgency in the Northeast? Was it not done in Niger Delta when insurgency was taking place in the Niger Delta? Was there state of emergency in the Niger Delta before the operations of the military were undertaken and successfully too?

On alleged financial inducement to senators, Lawan said: “I am opposed to the state of emergency, so maybe if there was money it was never extended to me.”

ed in portraying the House as the more purposeful of the two arms of the National Assembly.

The House usually took the side of the people in contests between the legislature and the executive.

Besides, in all scandals that have been linked to federal lawmakers, none has been traced to him.

These made many to see Tambuwal as the one who could lead the country. It took courage to turn down the gesture of his colleagues in the House who bought the nomination form for him.

By stepping down from the race, Tambuwal has set a good example, living up to his reputation as a selfless politician. As he indicated in the statement confirming his withdrawal from the race, the gesture would promote unity in the party. An opposition party like the APC must keep rancor at bay if it is to successfully challenge the ruling party.

At various times in Nigeria’s political evolution, the inability of politicians to subsume narrow personal interests to the general interest has led to conflagration, sometimes threatening the stability of the country. At other times, it changed the national political equation. In the Second Republic, the entry of the late Dr. Nnam-

di Azikiwe into the Nigerian Peoples’ Party’s presidential race led to the exit of the late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim who then established the Great Nigeria People’s Party. Had the party (GNPP) stayed united, its impact at the poll is best imagined.

In the First Republic, a clash of ambitions led to the crisis in the Action Group and the resultant political crisis that engulfed the young Republic and the eventual collapse of the democratic order.

The ability of Tambuwal to see beyond temporary gains and despite the public support he enjoys arising from the travails he is facing from his former party’s leaders mark him out as a potential great political leader from the Northwest. Having served at the federal level as Speaker, it is good that he is going to Sokoto State to offer his services as governor, perhaps to acquire the necessary experience needed to confront the gargantuan challenges facing Nigeria in future.

His example is commended to other politicians who are aspiring for high offices of state. Humility, firmness, determination to succeed, principles and nobility of spirit are required from all, if we are to spring out of the bondage of ages.

The Nation man Eke still being held Continued from page 1

Abia NUJ chairman described the kidnap of the veteran journalist as unfortunate, assuring the family that the union is strongly with them spiritually and physically.

Emejor, quoting Exodus 14:14-15, said: “It is a temporary challenge. The battle is of the Lord and we shall hold our peace. Ugochukwu is a distinguished professional. He is not the troublesome type. We don’t know why they should kidnap a journalist that is just doing his professional work. They (abductors) should know that they are playing with the handiwork of God. You (immediate family) should have patient. It is a challenge and indeed a temporary one that you are going to overcome.”

•APC members and supporters during a protest in Abuja...yesterday

Thanking the Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji administration for its concern over the development, Emejor urged heads of security agencies to intensify their efforts at ensuring Eke’s unconditional release.

NUJ Correspondent Chapel chairman Emma Ugwu described Eke’s abduction as shocking, stressing that the incident was coming at a time when it was felt that the government had invested much in curtailing kidnapping.

A member of the victim’s family thanked the delegation for coming to show their support.

He enjoined Nigerians to join the family in praying for Eke’s safety and early return.

Abia State Commissioner of Police Adamu Ibrahim said efforts were ongoing to find Eke.

Jonathan doing nothing on Boko Haram, says APC Continued from page 1

PVC collection was muddled up in Lagos, Kano Rivers, Niger, Ogun, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and all APC strongholds The APC said it was becoming obvious that President Goodluck Jonathan might be unable to organise a free and fair election next February.

The party said the President was also planning to use the extension of the emergency rule not to conduct the 2015 poll in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

It protested against the inadequate funding of the Federation Account to, in the party’s view, starve APC-controlled states of funds.

Besides the rally, the APC chieftains defied old age and apparatchik of office to march around Abuja metropolis to draw the attention of the government and Nigerians to the insurgency in the Northeast.

Odigie-Oyegun, in an address to open the Salvation Rally at the Eagle Square in Abuja, said the party had tabled four demands which the President must address immediately.

He said the rally was a demonstration of its lack of confidence in Jonathan’s administration.

Odigie-Oyegun said: “We are here today as a practical demonstration of our lack of confidence in the ability or willingness of President Goodluck Jonathan to organise a free and

Policemen stop Odigie-Oyegun, Buhari, Amaechi, others from meeting IG

F

OR about one and a half hours, the entrance gate of the Force Headquarters in Abuja was shut yesterday to prevent the National of John the All Progressives Congress(Chairman APC), Chief OdigieOyegun, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Minister Nasir El-Rufai, Hadiza Bala Usman and other party leaders from having access to Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba.

The party leaders and members were at the Force Headquarters to protest against impunity and alleged bias of the police.

The leaders trekked for about three kilometres to the Force Headquarters to lodge their compliant.

They occupied the entrance of the Force Headquarters from about 1.07pm till about 2.24pm when, upon a plea from an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, they peacefully retreated.

The protest march was not, however, without its drama between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson A. Inalegwu.

Inalegwu had asked Amaechi to prevail on his people to vacate the Force Headquarters, but the governor and APC leaders were adamant on seeing the IGP. You are not supposed to be here, what are

fair election come February 2015.

“President Goodluck Jonathan is so desperate to win re-election that it will now appear that there is a secret understanding that our security forces should turn a blind eye to the Boko Haram Insurgency so that the insurgents can occupy as much territory as possible and make elections impossible in these areas, knowing full well these are APC strongholds.

“Otherwise, how does one explain that local hunters carrying

From Yusuf Alli and Tony Akowe, Abuja you doing here?

Another infuriated riot police officer, Bawa Dauda, said: “Look at you, you are a governor, why are you doing this?”

But being a low-ranking officer, Amaechi just ignored the officer.

At a point, some policemen were almost set to disperse the crowd with teargas, but they later exercised restraint.

Sensing the likelihood of being teargassed, Amaechi got a liquid substance, suspected to be kerosine, to neutralise the effect of any poisonous gas.

The replay of the old memory of demonstration in universities earned Amaechi instant applause from the protesters.

Still undone, the police mobilised two photo cameramen and a video cameraman to film Amaechi and other protesters.

In a dramatic turn, the Rivers State governor brought out his Blackberry phone to also record the drama between the protesters and the police.

To avoid the situation degenerating, AIG S.I. Aguda came out, in company of a Commissioner of Police, to offer Amaechi a slot to enter the Force Headquarters.

dane guns and amulets are capable of dislodging the dreaded Boko Haram while our once proud army, which has distinguished itself in and out of the country, has failed?

We daily hear idle talks that the President needs to declare total war on Boko Haram. “ Pray, what has the Jonathan government been doing since the moment the state of emergency was declared the very first time? Or is the President saying that he declared and renewed

At that stage, anti-corruption activist Dino Melaye warned: “If you take him away and detain him or whatever, we will not leave the entrance to the Force Headquarters.”

The police offer was rejected by Amaechi, APC leaders and protesters who later vacated the Force Headquarters amidst praises from many Abuja residents.

Earlier at a Salvation Rally at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the APC leaders asked President Goodluck Jonathan to prevent the nation from drifting.

They also challenged him to address the increasing Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

They also demanded free and fair election in 2015 - in line with the change desired by Nigerians.

Amaechi said: “The President must tell us why our brothers and sisters are dying in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and they are here enjoying in Abuja.

“The President must answer that why he is comfortable that Nigerians are dying and he is enjoying here. Today they insult us with what they call stomach infrastructure, this stomach infrastructure must stop. Three per-

the state of emergency only to cage the civil populace so that the insurgents can have a free rein?”

Odigie-Oyegun said the party suspected that Boko Haram insurgency was being used to promote Jonathan’s re-election bid.

To APC, the extension of the emergency rule may be the President’s ploy not to conduct the 2015 poll in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

He added: “Without doubt, the war against Boko Haram has

Continued on page 63

become a tool for self enrichment and a tool to disenfranchise Nigerians who are perceived not likely to vote for President Jonathan’s re-election.

“Everything points to the fact that President Jonathan’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency is aimed at one thing and one thing only: disenfranchisement of persons who are perceived not to be in support of his re-election, especially in the North-Eastern part of the country.

“Is it not curious that Mubi was captured without one shot being fired by the insurgents or one single casualty on the part of Federal troops?”

“As a matter of fact, we have it on good authority that as soon as President Goodluck Jonathan obtains the green light from the National Assembly, there will be no elections in the North-Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. By this singular act, some five million Nigerians will be disenfranchised, making Jonathan’s re-election a foregone conclusion.”

Odigie-Oyegun accused Jonathan of being obsessed with re-election by using every issue, including abduction of 219 Chibok girls, as pawns.

He said: “There is no limit to the length Jonathan has not gone in his obsession for re-election, using the kidnapped Chibok girls as pawns on his political chessboard. On the 17th of October, he cruelly played on the emotions and sensibilities of all Nigerians, especially the families, relations and associates of the kidnapped girls, when he asked his Chief of Defence staff to falsely announce that Boko Haram has agreed to a ceasefire and that the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls was just a Continued on page 63

ADVERT HOTLINES 08023006969, 08052592524

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

5

NEWS President for London

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will travel to London tomorrow evening to preside over a meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investment Council (HIIC), which opens in the British capital on Friday.

The HIIC, established in 2004, advises the Federal Government on matters pertaining to Nigeria’s economic development, making the Nigerian economy more competitive globally and attracting greater direct foreign investment to boost domestic industrial growth and job creation.

ASUU blames NUC for rot in education From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T •From left: Senators Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North), Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) and ‘Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), at the”Salvation Rally” organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Eagle Square, Abuja...yesterday.

HE Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter, Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, has blamed the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the rot in the education sector, through what he called “black market accreditation” of universities.

He said there might be need to regulate the activities of the agency to revamp university education.

Ajiboye, who spoke with reporters in Ibadan, noted that the country would not achieve development until government stopped paying lip-service to the funding of public education.

According to him, no country could develop beyond its education.

Ajiboye said while the state and federal governments refused to fund the existing institutions, new ones were established for political reason.

LP leadership rejects Caretaker Committee

N10b jet probe: Alison-Madueke, NNPC know fate Dec 17 •National Assembly, House of Reps insist on power to conduct probe

J

USTICE Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed December 17 for judgment in the suit between Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), challenging the planned probe of the alleged N10billion private jet lease scam by the House of Representatives.

The judge chose the date yesterday after parties made final arguments and adopted their final written addresses.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Etigwe Uwa (SAN), argued that the proposed probe of the minister was illegal.

He noted that while the House of Representatives had the power under the constitution to probe activities of the agencies of the government and public officers, the House failed to comply with the required procedure before inviting his clients.

Uwa argued that Section 8(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act required that the resolution directing such probe must be published in a national gazette or the journal of the National Assembly, which, according to him, was not complied with in this case.

He argued that sections 88 and 89 of the constitution,

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

which empowered the National Assembly to conduct investigation and invite public officers in that regard, allowed for some exceptions.

Uwa said such exceptions include the provision that public officers or government agencies must first seek the President’s approval or consent before they produce certain unpublished documents and internal memos for the investigation by the National Assembly.

He argued that he came to court to protect the rights of his client after the House issued a letter of invitation summoning her to face the panel without meeting the prerequisites.

Uwa told the court that sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which the House was relying upon to set up a probe panel, was subject to the provision of Section 8 (2) of the Legislative House and Privileges Act of 1953.

He prayed the court to grant his clients’ prayers and restrain the National Assembly from further embarrassing his client and breaching their rights on the pretext that they were to be probed.

Counsel to the National Assembly and House of Representatives, Yakubu Maikyau

(SAN) and Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) argued that it was preposterous for Diezani to argue that sections 88 and 89 of the constitution were subject to Section 8(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act when in fact it was the Act that should take its life from the constitution.

They argued that assuming the legislative act had such provision, it was inconsistent with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and must be struck down.

The duo contended that although the resolution of the House was not gazetted, the one being circulated, which Diezani had a copy, had been published in the National Journal.

They argued that the journal should not be seen to mean a record book published either daily or weekly to communicate the resolutions of the House to its members, but be liberally interpreted to mean any publication in the form in which the resolution on the probe was.

They also argued that there was no cause of action before Diezani approached the court, arguing that the plaintiff’s action was a panicky measure to prevent the National Assembly from performing their constitutional role of checking the

excesses of the Executive.

Maikyau and Mahmud argued that what the plaintiffs sought to achieve with the suit was against the principle of separation of powers and the concept of checks and balances, which were key elements in every democracy.

They said it was only a letter of invitation that was issued her, which triggered her filing of the suit.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit and amounting to an attempt to encourage impunity among public officers.

Diezani and the NNPC are by the suit, seeking among other reliefs, a “declaration that having regard to the provisions of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and Section 8 of the Legislatives Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act Cap. L12 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010, the respondents or any of their committees are precluded from summoning the applicants to appear before them for the purpose of giving evidence and or producing any paper, book, record or other document, which relate to the unpublished official records of the applicants without the consent of the President first had and obtained by the respondents or their committees.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

HE leadership of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday in Kano rejected the Caretaker Committee constituted by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union (TUC) to oversee the activities of the party.

The leadership, who noted that the action was a violation of the party’s constitution and laws, told NLC that it lacked power in the constitution of the party.

Briefing reporters, the Chairman of the LP in Kano, Alhaji Mohammad Abdul2lahi Raji, said the action of the NLC would be considered as rubbish by a group of desperados, who had been dismissed by the Labour Party.

He went on: “Second, the response became necessary to set the record straight, as the Labour Party is not an extension of the NLC and the TUC. The party was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with an existing constitution and mandatory provisions.

“To avoid contempt, we will not comment on the matter, as the case is still in court.”

Jonathan cautions PDP aspirants against do-or-die politics From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to play a do-ordie politics.

He spoke at the State House, Abuja at the lunch reception and dissolution of his Presidential Declaration Committee, headed by former Defence Minister Dr. Haliru Bello.

Noting that the world would not begin or end with the offices they were seeking, Jonathan said they should allow the will of God to be fulfilled.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to urge those of us aspiring for electoral offices that the world does not begin and end with the office we are seeking.

“Sometimes, you will be looking for an office, you may not be able to get it for one reason or the other. Let us say somebody block you, so be it, let somebody block you. But if God wants something better for you, even after that blocking, you will get something else.

Tambuwal a patriot, says Tinubu

T

HE National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday praised the courage of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for suspending his presidential aspiration.

He said the Speaker made history by placing patriotic conviction over political convenience.

Tinubu said the Speaker’s sacrifice of his ambition for the cohesion of the party would go down in history as one of the greatest pragmatic and progressive political sacrifices ever made in politics in the country.

Tinubu, who eulogised Tambuwal in a statement he signed, said the Speaker’s sacrifice would not be in vain.

The statement said: “The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, your bold decision

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

to suspend the pursuit of your presidential ambition is cast in the mould of defining sagacious political decisions that have set the tone for positive and progressive thinking, so badly needed to lift our country up. ”This sacrifice you have made will not be in vain. It must be noted by all democrats across the country as an act of great patriotism. We all appreciate the position you have taken and the sacrifice you have made. There are lessons to be learnt from all that is unfolding towards building a better future. This is noted by the party and Nigerians.”

Tinubu said Tambuwal had shown the way for others in the party on the type of sacrifice expected of them.

The statement added: “You have demonstrated the true

spirit of democracy. You have indeed shown the way to other party members on the kind of sacrifice expected of them.

You are a good example to the young and old and the leading lights of our party. “ You secured the wish of a virile section of our party, especially your colleagues, honourable members, who meant well in their desire to have you vie for the highest office of the land. And excited by your politics and candidature, most Nigerians looked in your direction hopeful in the prospects of your candidacy and a New Nigeria.

“But rather than pursue a selfish ambition, you humbly submitted yourself to the service of the common good. Whatever anyone may say, you have made history. ”Since you joined our party, the APC has become stronger. You have brought strength to our party through a politi-

cal profile that is unrivalled.

“Having travelled through over 300 federal constituencies, the widespread support you enjoy across the country validates you as a leader for our generation and a political asset for our great party. Undoubtedly, you have what it takes to lead this country to a better future and we take note of your astuteness, brilliant political trajectory and preparedness for higher service.”

The APC National Leader said the Speaker’s decision was unique in the political history of the nation.

Tinubu said: “Your sacrifice for the cohesion of the party and a greater Nigeria will go down in history as one of the greatest pragmatic and progressive political sacrifices ever made in the politics of our country. ”You have demonstrated to all that after the political calcu-

lations are made and the dust of competition has settled, it must be this nation and its people who shall stand. Therein, we find the lessons of your decision to suspend your participation in the presidential contest for now.

You have demonstrated that your political convenience will never triumph over patriotic conviction. You no doubt joined the APC not to advance any personal ambition.

“Your decision in this delicate moment gave no space for emotion to intrude into the path of objectivity and blind you and many of us from what is best. The APC is the best vehicle to enact the progressive and broad change this nation cries for. I salute you for eagerly lending yourself to this fine cause. You will never walk alone. ”Though many, including myself, may call what you

•Asiwaju Tinubu

have done a sacrifice, I wish to again call it otherwise. It is a patriotic contribution and duty. With a happy and uplifted heart and clear conscience, you have by this decision committed yourself to seeking the best for this nation before seeking what is good for yourself.

This is the creed of statesmanship. May this be the creed of our party! ”May the light of a bright future always shine on you and on our beloved nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

6

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

NEWS

Reps’ special session: We are ready for PDP’s antics, says Minority Leader

T

HE caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives is poised to foil whatever surprise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may want to spring against Speaker Aminu Tambuwal at the special plenary today.

This comes against the backdrop of alleged clandestine moves by the PDP caucus in the House to highjack proceedings at plenary today.

It will be recalled that the Presidency and PDP hierar-

From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

chy have been involved in covert moves to remove the Speaker by reconvening the House before the official date of December 3.

The Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday said the APC caucus in the House was “prepared” for any eventuality on the floor today.

Today’s special session was convened to consider a request by President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

It was, however, learnt that PDP was considering using the opportunity of the reconvened plenary to execute the plan of demanding the resignation of the Speaker, following his defection to the APC shortly before the House adjourned till December 3.

However, a lawmaker, who preferred anonymity, said he did not foresee any friction today in the chamber, as the courts had ruled that the status quo be maintained.

According to him, there was no possibility of any bickering or row on the floor, as the purpose of the reconven-

ing of the House by the Speaker was for the purpose of discussing the request of President Jonathan for the third extension of the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

His words: “Although we are not expecting any negative moves from the PDP, we are not politically naive to the extent that we will sleep with our two eyes closed over the matter.

“As a caucus, we are prepared for eventuality, but we must be quick to point out that a precedence is going to be set by whatever the outcome of

‘Govt committed to upgrade facilities in tertiary institutions’

•Lagos State governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), submitting his nomination form to the National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Osita Izunaso. With them is the National Secretary, Alhaji Bale Buni, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja... yesterday.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

T

HE Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, said yesterday that the Federal Government was committed to upgrading facilities in the universities, to meet world-class standard.

She noted that excellence in the education sector was one of the key components of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda.

Speaking at the inspection and inauguration of Federal Government projects in tertiary institutions in Imo State, the minister said government spent over N10 billion to upgrade facilities in Imo State University (IMSU).

Prof. Onwuliri, who represented the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said in less than one year, IMSU, through TETFund projects, had received over N4 billion for the upgrade of its Law Faculty, Engineering Department and other infrastructures.

She said as part of the intervention fund for universities, government allocated N1.5 billion to the Imo State University for iconic projects and gave N1.6 billion worth of engineering equipment, adding that it had spent more money in the university than the state government, as part of its programmes to improve facilities in higher institutions.

Her words: “Government is determined to turn around faculties, increase capacity building and improve facilities in the universities.”

The minister said government had disbursed N1billion to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) for the building of a science park.

According to her, government did not discriminate against any institution, be it federal or state, in its funding, adding: “In fact, some state institutions receive more money than federal institutions.”

Prof. Onwuliri noted that with the cordial relationship between the two ministers in the education sector, “we will ensure that education becomes the pride of Nigerians and is respected by the international community.”

She said the President Jonathan administration had zero tolerance for failure.

this matter is.

“Looking at it from another angle, since the case is in court, which affects the House itself, everyone is interested in it.

“Even if the court ruled against the Speaker’s move, remember the window of appeal and the Supreme Court is there for him to explore.

“In other words, the status quo ante must be retained.

“As a law-abiding institution, I believe our PDP colleagues would not want to engage in the impunity we have witnessed in recent past in some parts of the country.”

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

PVC a disaster, says CODER

T

HE Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) yesterday described the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a disaster.

It said “the bungled exercise” could not guarantee free and fair elections.

The group lamented that the digitalised voters’ register, which the commission failed to improved upon, had been corrupted by a technically-deficient and untested “patch software,” which might not prevent multiple registration and under-age registration.

Its convener, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, said since the fingerprints of the bio-data had been corrupted, it became necessary to re-capture the biometric of many registered voters.

Opadokun, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, warned that

•Group wants INEC to revert to 2011 register

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

next year’s elections might be a stillbirth because many Nigerians might be disenfranchised.

He described the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as a power monger harbouring ethnic and political agenda, stressing that the bungled exercise would reduce the voting strength of the opposition’s stronghold.

Opadokun added: “Prof.

Jega, being barely computer literate, has brought a Kenyan, Mr. Nyibi, as his ICT consultant. Nyibi has developed a PATCH software to solve some of the technical issues INEC has been facing.

“But because the PATCH software has not been tested anywhere and found suitable

to solve errors without creating critical technical issues, it has been found out to be corrupting already captured fingerprints.”

He doubted the usability of the proposed card reader in a country reputed for epileptic power supply, despite the heavy investment in the sector.

The CODER convener said: “More worrisome is the fact that the presidential and National Assembly elections have been fixed for February 14. Between now and then, there is no magic that can be conjured to produce a fresh, reliable and all-inclusive biometric databased register for a significant part of voters to perform their most important civic duty of electing those who will govern them for a particular duration, as enshrined in the 1999

Constitution.”

Opadokun noted that the failed exercise had exposed Jega’s weakness as the INEC chairman, adding that the commission had been working to reduce the voting strength of the opposition-controlled areas through the guise of “loss-data”.

He urged stakeholders to prevail on INEC to “stop the avoidable corrosion of all captured bio-data registration by discontinuing the usage of the PATCH software.”

His words: “We demand that Jega should be prevailed upon to resume the usage of the 2011 compiled register for the 2015 elections. The fresh voters’ registration should proceed without delay in order not to prevent qualified Nigerians from exercising their right to elect persons, who will govern them.”

EFCC appeals ruling in Atuche’s trial

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed a ruling by Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in the trial of a former Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) Managing Director Francis Atuche.

The judge held that Section 5 of the court’s Criminal Practice Direction was not enforceable on Atuche.

The section requires the defence to specify in writing the defence being raised; aspects of the prosecution’s case which it agrees with; aspect of the prosecution case which is in dispute and which witness-

By Joseph Jibueze

es are required for cross examination, and why.

The trial was stalled yesterday. The prosecution counsel Mrs. Damilola Agboola said an adjournment was necessary, pending the outcome of the appeal.

Atuche is on trial with a former defunct Spring Bank Plc Managing Director Mr. Charles Ojo in an amended 45-count charge on an alleged N125 billion fraud.

Opposing the practice direction’s provision, Atuche’s lawyer Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) said it was not fair for

the defendant to be constrained to disclose its case where no witness had been called.

He said no burden of proof should be placed on the defendant, adding that the practice direction tried to force the defence to specify their strategy.

The prosecutor, Mr. Kemi Pinhero (SAN), argued that the practice direction did not derogate from the provisions of the constitution.

He noted that Section 254 of the 1999 Constitution empowered the chief judge to make the rules to guide the court’s proceedings.

Reckless granting of loans

•Atuche

contravened Section 7(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under Section 7(2)(b).

Justice Saidu adjourned till January 29 “for further mention.”

Why Nigeria is not developed,

by Unilag VC From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

T

HE Federal Government needs to establish a body to coordinate and direct researches to realise its development agenda, the Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Lagos (Unilag), Prof. Rahamon Bello, has said.

He said despite being an essential ingredient for developing the nation, researches lacked coordination and were bedevilled by poor funding.

The VC spoke at an interview in Abuja.

He said besides the agricultural sector, which witnessed a significant level of research, other sectors, especially the technological-related areas, had suffered a setback.

Bello said: “One thing is that research is not coordinated. Research has to be coordinated. We need to know where we are going. We are doing well in agriculture because it concerns us, but we are not doing well in other areas of technology because we’ve got to have an apex body that will say in 10 years, Nigeria wants to eradicate malaria. It can be done.

“When we set that kind of target, those funding may come in and other segments, such as medical, social service, engineers and by five years, we can ask how far we have gone. That’s how target is made, funding is done and we reach the peak of researches. Until we really have central coordination, research direction and funding, it will be difficult.”

He said for the country to succeed in a meaningful research that would translate to innovation and witness transformation, it should increase research funding.

SON urges Nigerians to have zero tolerance for substandard products From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T

HE Director-General/ Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has urged Nigerians to have a zero tolerance for substandard products.

He spoke in Ibadan at a sensitisation forum on liquified petroleum gas plants operators and retailers with the theme: ”Implementation of Standard Organisation of Nigeria Policy on Zero Tolerance on Used LPG cylinders and Storage Tanks”, at the Penthorise Building, Old Bodija, Ibadan.

“You will recall that many lives and property of huge economic worth have been lost over the years. We have suffered from issues arising from gas explosion due to the use of bad cylinders and substandard tanks. The time has come to put our act right and end the terrible nightmare.”

The regional coordinator, who was represented by Dele Ayeni, an engineer, said the organisation would not fold its arms and see things go haywire.

He said in winning the battle, SON must function as a watchdog and ensure monitoring, compliance and implementation of the dictates of the standard.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

7

NEWS CRISIS IN EKITI

PDP caucus plots to remove Ekiti Speaker

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, backed by Governor Ayo Fayose, is strategising to remove the Speaker, Dr.Adewale Omirin, The Nation gathered yesterday.

This followed the controversial “sitting” by seven PDP lawmakers in the House of Assembly to “screen” and “clear” three commissionernominees.

The seven PDP lawmakers and three unidentified persons, who posed as lawmakers, also “ratified” Fayose’s list of appointees for chairman and members of caretaker committees for the 16 local governments.

The commissioner-nominees and caretakers were sworn in on Monday by Fayose, few minutes after being “cleared”.

A member of the PDP caucus, Adeyinka Adeloye, said the lawmakers have the constitutional power to impeach the Speaker and change the House leadership to “reflect the present realities in the state”.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with The Nation yesterday, Adeloye who represents Ikole 1 Constituency, said the lawmakers were constitutionally empowered to “change, arrange, re-arrange, align and realign the leadership of the Assembly”.

Adeloye, who was one of the six All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers who defected to the PDP, said the people should expect a change of leadership in the House to alter the power configuration of the state.

He added that the House’s standing order recognised the power sharing arrangement of the principal officers –in line with the senatorial districts they come from.

According to him, Omirin’s continued stay as Speaker is no longer sustainable, following Fayose’s emergence as governor.

The lawmaker said Omirin, who is from Ekiti South Senatorial District, would

•APC: police are culpable• ’It’s not true’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

have to go since the Deputy Governor, Olubunmi Eleka, is also from the same senatorial district.

Adeloye said: “You know that the governor is from Central, the deputy governor from the South and at the same time, the Speaker is from the South.

“The House has the power to change leadership and there is no novelty about this.

Remember the Second Assembly had four Speakers and the Third Assembly had two and if this happens again, it is not something new.

“But the whole thing depends on the leadership of the Speaker. If the Speaker has the acumen, the creativity, he can still hold fort. We were in the APC together before and he should not be crying foul now.”

Adeloye denied the allegation that the PDP lawmakers had been bribed to impeach Omirin.

He claimed that their action at Monday’s plenary was in tandem with the wishes of their constituents.

“This is the aggregate preference of our people, 26 House members against the will of the people? I want to tell you that I was an APC man to the core; in fact, I voted for Fayemi at the last governorship election but the people of my constituency said they want me to go to the PDP. “The people of my constituency voted for Fayose that is simply indicating that they wanted change and the bribery issue does not arise at all,”Adeloye added.

When asked whether or not the PDP lawmakers’ action could stand, the lawmaker said: “Let them go to court; the House can regulate itself.

In the absence of the speaker and the deputy speaker, we have the right to appoint a speaker protempore to preside

‘There are rules and procedures guiding screening and ratification of nominees by the House. Fayose’s commissionernominees were not screened, their resumes were not scrutinised and we don’t know if their credentials are genuine’ and that was what we did.”

The police have denied complicity in Monday’s “sitting”.

Police spokesman Victor Babayemi absolved the command of blame.

Babayemi said the police did not take sides with any of the contending parties “but was carrying out its constitutional and statutory functions of forestalling the breakdown of law and order”.

The police spokesperson denied the allegation by the APC that its lawmakers, who heard of the illegal sitting, were turned back by mobile policemen deployed in the Assembly complex.

He refuted the claim that armed policemen and PDP lawmakers held the Clerk of the House, Tola Esan, hostage and forced him to surrender the mace with which the “sitting” was carried out.

Babayemi said: “We have nothing to do with the mace or its custody.

“It is not correct to accuse the police of any complicity in what transpired at the Assembly because all what we were doing was to ensure that there was no breakdown of

law and order.

“The policemen who were at the Assembly complex on Monday were there to perform their duties.

“We are always proactive because when we see any problem coming, we always try our best to avert them.

“All these happenings call for serious concern. I want you to know that we have a police post at the Assembly complex but we had to deploy more personnel to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“And on our part, we are doing our best that there is no breakdown of law and order.

Responding to a question on why some APC lawmakers were allegedly prevented from entering the Assembly on Monday, Babayemi said the police had no reason to do so because “they are not partisan”.

“The allegation that we prevented some people from entering the Assembly complex is not true.

“We are not siding with any party, all we are after is maintenance of peace and prevention of breakdown of law and order.”

The State APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the police cannot exonerate themselves from the “illegality” carried out on Monday.

Olatunbosun, who featured on a live interview programme on ADABA 88.9 FM, Akure, which was monitored by our correspondent yesterday, said the police were culpable for giving security cover to a “sitting” that contravenes the constitution.

He said the alleged partisanship of the police encouraged the desecration of the Assembly by the PDP lawmakers.

Olatunbosun, a former Commissioner for Information, said Ekiti was sliding into chaos and anarchy.

He decried what he called the “decimation of the Judiciary and the Legislature” in the

state.

The APC spokesman said the purported sacking of the Speaker’s aides was an unprecedented illegality.

He said the action means that the governor can sack the aides of the chief judge.

Olatunbosun said the blackmail of the APC lawmakers by Fayose’s loyalists set the tone for the latest crisis in the state.

He insisted that the allegation that the 19 APC lawmakers were bribed was sheer blackmail that was illogical and untrue.

Olatunbosun said: “Blackmail is the stock in trade of Fayose and his followers and we are not surprised at all.

“His knack for blackmail has no limit and if he and his supporters are blackmailing the APC lawmakers, we are not surprised.

“There are rules and procedures guiding screening and ratification of nominees by the House.

“Fayose’s commissionernominees were not screened, their resumes were not scrutinised and we don’t know if their credentials are genuine.”

The APC Vice Chairman in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Kayode Babade, who also spoke on the programme, said with the sealing of the Assembly, showed that Ekiti was under siege.

He maintained that the governor lacked the power to sack the aides of the speaker and the deputy speaker because the House was immuned from the control of the Executive.

“Fayose must produce the three unidentified persons who impersonated the lawmakers.

“The prevention of cameras to cover the proceeding was illegal because it is in the rules of the House that every procedure must be recorded.

“The latest situation in Ekiti portends retrogression for our dear state, lack of peace and there can be no development and since this man became governor, it has been needless controversies and crisis.”

APC lawmakers to Fayose: respect constitution

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the Ekiti State Assembly have urged Governor Ayodele Fayose to be guided by the constitution in dispensing executive powers.

Speaking through their solicitors, Tunji Abayomi and Co, the lawmakers, in ‘an open letter’ titled ‘Your Threat To Peace, Order and Governance Leadership in the Ekiti House of Assembly’ addressed to the governor, dated November 18, read: “Please take time to do right not only to those who voted for you but those who voted against you.

“This is what the constitution expects for you to be considered fit for the commission you now hold.

“Several members of the House of Assembly, who we refuse to name because of the prevailing threat to them, have retained us to help assure their personal security, political standing

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

in the House and the honour of the House of Assembly as a separate power.

“Their concern and ours as their legal counsel arise from government sponsored threat to peace, order, good leadership and good government, particularly in the House of Assembly.

“From the credible information that is available to us and from several meetings held with the House, you desire uncritical allegiance from the House of Assembly members notwithstanding that they represent various constituencies and interests.

“To force this allegiance, we are told you continue to harass, intimidate and threaten, especially the leadership and members who have refused your directive to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“You continue to threaten

several members of the House and their staff with state power and instrumentality, almost playing god over the people you are supposed to govern under the laws and the constitution.

“We are further told that you encourage brigandage and hooliganism everywhere, preferring government of the unruly and the violent.

“Further, you encourage your loyalists in the house to disrespect the House leadership, and its rules.

“You encourage minority members to sit regularly in total violation of the standing orders of the House and the constitution and under the protection of your own controlled security and unconstitutional use of arms.

“Ekiti State House of Assembly has reached a point where it is now afraid of the security of its members, the security of authority and proceedings because you

want the rule of force to prevail throughout the state.

“Under our constitution, the Speaker is the presiding officer of the House of Assembly without allowance for anyone else, but you prefer to designate your devotees with disdain for the law.

“Now Mr. Governor, it is indisputable that our constitution guarantees separation of powers as the fundamental and cardinal principle for the distribution, separation and sources of government powers, function and limitation.

“This principle, which you are expected to have sufficient exposure to understand as governor, confines you to the executive department under law and the constitution.

“But since you became governor you have threatened the judiciary and is usurping the legislative powers and authority out-

• Fayose side the limits granted the governor.

“This letter is a warning to you and your administration that no one is above the law in Nigeria.

“Our instruction on behalf of our clients is to advise you not to throw Ekiti State into further chaos.”

In a reply to the letter by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said Abayomi was a “self-acclaimed human rights lawyer and hypocrite”.

Traders meet PDP lawmakers

T

RADERS from the 16 local government areas in Ekiti State met yesterday with members of the House of Assembly to broker peace between them and the executive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market women were led by their leaders (Iyalojas and Iyalajes).

The President of Ekiti Market Women, Mrs. Eunice Okunlale, who doubles as the Iyaloja of Ise-Ekiti, led the women to the meeting.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members received the women; All Progressives Congress (APC) members were absent at the meeting attended by the Clerk of the House, Tola Esan.

NAN reports that the leader of the PDP caucus, Dele Olugbemi (Ikole II), assured them of the House’s resolve to continue making laws that would bring development in the state.

The lawmaker urged the women to pray for the success of Governor Ayo Fayose’s administration.

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Mrs. Okunlale said the women were in the House to sue for peace between the legislature and the executive.

The women leader called for unity between the two arms of government.

She appealed for cooperation between them to enable the governor to succeed in his transformation bid.

‘Prosecute impostor-lawmakers’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

A

GROUP, Ekiti Youth Vanguard, has urged security agents to prosecute the three impostors who sat with seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers to conduct plenary on Monday.

It called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to identify the policemen assigned to the seven PDP lawmakers, who forced the Clerk of the House to surrender the mace to conduct the illegal sitting.

Its Coordinator, Charles Fakunle, said the handling of the case should go beyond the illegality of the matter but investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Fakunle said: “The exercise was an illegality because the Speaker did not call the plenary and all the rules that must apply if the Speaker was absent were ignored.

“Whether seven sat or 10 sat, it is not important, what is important is that it was an illegal sitting and a nullity aided by policemen without the knowledge and approval of the speaker, who should call such a sitting.

“To that extent, it is a nullity even if a quorum was formed.

“The sitting was embarrassing and smacks of impunity even by Nigerian standard.

“It follows therefore that all the commissioners confirmed and the positions of special advisers approved are a nullity.”

POLITICS

8

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PDP CRISIS The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is polarised by the agitation for automatic tickets by senators. Following the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term, the senators intensified their clamour for return tickets. When the party leadership acceded to the senators’ request, members of the House of Representatives also demanded for the same privilege in the spirit of equity. How will the ruling party resolve the logjam? Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR and SANNI ONOGU write on the scramble for parliamentary slots by PDP National Assembly members.

•Mark

• Ekweremadu

• Ndoma-Egba

• Adeseun

• Gemade

Controversy over automatic tickets for senators

T

HERE is no end in sight to the intrigue trailing the controversial automatic tickets conceded to 40 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators. That the Senators are all interested in return tickets to the Senate is not in doubt. What is increasingly becoming doubtful is the number of senators who will return to the Red Chamber after the 2015 general elections.

To the discomfort of many observers, unmitigated horse trading, scheming and wily maneuvers are characterising the electioneering. Political gladiators are plotting to undo one another. Others are exploiting available loopholes to stay afloat in the murky political environment. To the average politician, all is well that ends in their favour.

Senators are up in arms, threatening to frustrate legislative functions, including the passage of the 2015 Appropriation Bill, following the controversial November 1 ward congresses of the PDP. To some observers, the insistence of the senators for automatic ticket smacks of selfishness and an attempt to perpetuate themselves in office.

Some of the lawmakers claimed that they were flagrantly denied a level-playing field during the congresses by governors. Others alleged that they were deliberately schemed out of the exercise.

The aggrieved senators have been holding nocturnal meetings. At one of their secret meetings, the aggrieved lawmakers resolved to seek President Goodluck Jonathan’s intervention.

On November 6, the senators, led by Senate President David Mark, headed for the Presidential Villa. They complained that the hands of the governors were heavy on the crisisridden chapters. After over three hours exhaustive meeting with Dr. Jonathan and the PDP leadership, the senators convinced the President.

Consequently, no fewer than 40 senators were granted automatic tickets to return to the Red Chamber in 2015. But, the gains are now being reversed. Reflecting on the controversy that trailed the decision on automatic tickets, a senator said: “Nothing is certain yet.

We are still at the stage of wait-and-see.”

The concession made by President Jonathan and the PDP leadership to the senators was said to have been arrived at after many options had been considered.

One of the options included the principle

that, at least, one senator per state, should return to the Senate under the party’s platform, if two senators of the same state cannot make it.

The case of Akwa Ibom State was said to have been cited where “the coast has been cleared for the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East), to return to the Senate, since Governor Godswill Akpabio is seeking to replace Senator Aloysius Etok (Akwa Ibom North West).

Besides, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Helen Esuene (Akwa Ibom South), will pursue her governorship ambition.

Another option said to have been adopted at the parley was the principle that “if a governor wants to take the seat of a senator, he should negotiate with the senator involved.”

In the case of Enugu State, where a seat was said to have been conceded to Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, the party was said to have resolved to negotiate with Governor Sullivan Chime. A source said governors who could not make it to the senate may become ministers, if the President wins at the polls.

In the case of states where there are no PDP senators, the agreement was that the party leadership will take a decision.

Those said to have been granted automatic ticket include Mark, Ekweremadu, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, Senators Ita Enang, Ahmed Makarfi, Nenadi Usman, Smart Adeyemi, Atai Idoko Ali, Barnabas Gemade, Berth Nnaji, Pius Akinyelure, Boluwaji Kunlere, Philip Aduda, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Uche Chukwumerije, Bassey Out and Benedit Ayade.

Others are: Senators Zainab Kure, Simeon Ajibola, Ayo Adeseun Ademola, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP, Hosea Agboola, Emmanuel Bwacha, Umar Abubakar Tutari, Suleiman Adokwe, Maccido Mohammad Ahmed, Abdullahi Danladi, Hassan Abdulmumin,

Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, James Manager, Emmanuel Paulker, Heineken Lokpobiri, Bello Tukur, Hassan Barata, Joshua Lidani, Alkali Saidu Ahmed, Andy Uba, Margery Okadigbo, Magnus Ugbsia, Garba Gamawa Babayo and Adamu Gumba.

The outcome of the Villa meeting was described as “a win-win scenario” because “no side lost out completely at the end of the talk.”

But,the governors are already plotting to pull the rug off the fret of the senators.

After the ceremony marking Dr. Jonathan’s declaration for a second term in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the governors held another meeting with him. The governors resolved to upturn the automatic tickets granted the lawmakers.

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was the first to cry blue murder after the meeting.

Apparently sensing that his senatorial ambition may be ruined, he said the claim of automatic ticket by senators should be discountenanced.

The governor emphasised that no concession of automatic ticket was granted to any senator.

But, a PDP leaders, who was part of the senator’s meeting with the President, dismissed Suswam as a desperate senatorial aspirant, wondering why he chose to act as the President’s spokesman.

Former PDP National Chairman Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East) also took on Suswam. He said: “Governor Gabriel Suswam is not a senator and he was not in attendance at the meeting that was held on the 6th of November, 2014 by the senators of the PDP extraction with the President and the National leadership of the party, and could not have been privy to the decisions reached.”

Another senator, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said that Suswam was merely being edgy because of his senatorial ambition.

A source said that details of Jonathan/governors’ meeting was leaked to the senators.

The leakage, it was gathered, forced the sena-

‘The embattled PDP senators are racing against time.

The race however, may not be for the swiftest. Those who will emerge front runners are likely to be those imbued with guts and political sagacity’

tors to convene an emergency PDP caucus meeting on November 12.

At the end of the meeting, the senators resolved to renew “the work to rule” they embarked upon after the congress.

The lawmakers also resolved to renew their battle with the Presidency and the leadership of the party because they suspected plans to go back on the agreement on automatic tickets.

During their meeting, the governors insisted that President Jonathan and the party leadership should take another look at the issue of automatic tickets.

The governors reasoned that instead of granting 40 automatic tickets to senators, they (governors) should be allowed to take up the issue and review it on a state by state basis.

The Senators on their part saw the move by the governors as a fresh move to outwit them and shortchange them ahead of 2015 elections.

They were suspicious of the governors’ plan and resolved to send Mark to President Jonathan and the party to drive home their point.

One of the senators said: “We were told at the meeting that governors met with the President and resolved that the party should allow them to review the issue of automatic tickets on a state by state basis instead of granting automatic tickets to the senators.

“We see this as a ploy to outwit the senators and undermine our agreement with President Jonathan and the party. We believe that the move by the governors is a fresh bid to shortchange us and reverse the decisions of the meeting we held with the President and the party. Senators are not happy and I can tell you that a number of people are already contemplating ditching the party.”

He added: “If care is not taken, the PDP could become a minority in the Senate before the end of the year. The danger again is that going back and forth on agreements reached with the highest organs of the PDP is painting a bad picture of the party.”

It was also gathered that 11 PDP Senators from the Northwest geo-political zone may have concluded arrangements to dump the party, owing to what they considered as the leadership’s high handedness.

No doubt, the embattled PDP senators are racing against time. The race, however, may not be for the swift. Those who will emerge front runners are likely to be those imbued with guts and political sagacity.

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

9

RACE TO 2015 Bayelsa stakeholders warns PDP against imposition

P

‘APC ‘ll spring surprise in Bayelsa’

T

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HE Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it will spring surprise in next year’s elections by defeating the Peoples Democratic party (PDP).

Party chieftains, including the Prince of Odi, Mr. Preye Aganaba, and the former Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr. Eddi Julius, said the APC is not dead in the Southsouth state.

Aganaba is a senatorial aspirant in Bayelsa Central District. Julius is seeking a senatorial ticket in the Bayelsa West.

Speaking with reporters after obtaining his forms, Aganaba lamented that the PDP federal lawmakers have failed the state in the past 16 years.

He said the lawmakers have not added value to the state, accusing them of selfishness.

The aspirant noted that PDP lawmakers viewed their positions as an opportunity to accumulate wealth.

He lamented that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) could not be passed into law, despite the fact that its committee was chaired by a lawmaker from Bayelsa.

He urged the people to shun sentiments and elect leaders that would protect their interests.

Aganaba added: “It is not just enough to say we have our brother as the President. Our brother should be able to protect our interests. The PIB has been abandoned for over five years and a Bayelsa senator is in charge of this PIB. In 2009, the SA to late President Yar’Adua accuse members of the senate downstream petroleum sector of collecting bribe to kill the PIB. “This is five years after, the PIB remains without being passed. Accusations were made five years ago and the reality is dawning on us right now. We need to kick these people representing Bayelsa at the National Assembly because they have not done anything.”

Julius said that there was a disconnect between the federal lawmakers and their constituents.

He said the APC had come to bridge the gap and give the people effective legislation.

He said: “The lawmakers representing us in the National Assembly have disconnect with their people and the APC will bridge that gap. We are ready to confront the ruling party and the incumbent lawmakers.”

It is not just enough to say we have our brother as the President. Our brother should be able to protect our interests. The PIB has been abandoned for over five years and a Bayelsa senator is in charge of this PIB

‘

Ikeja ‘ll be world-class state capital, says Ambode

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

EOPLES Democratic party (PDP) stakeholders in Bayelsa West Senatorial District have frowned against alleged plan by the party leadership to impose a senatorial candidate on the zone.

The stakeholders under the aegis of the Bayelsa West Democratic Assembly (BWDA) said only a candidate that is selected by the people stands a chance of winning the senatorial poll. They warned that any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate will lead to doom for the party. electoral defeat.

They urged the governor, Seriake Dickson, to provide a level-playing ground for aspirants as the primaries.

The stakeholders endorsed the aspiration of the Coordinating Secretary, Southsouth Peoples Assembly (SSPA), Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey, saying he is the best among all the senatorial aspirants from the district.

The Chairman of the group, Mr. Victor Augustine, observed that the district had suffered untold hardship because of the imposition of candidates on them by the government.

While noting that government exists to serve the interest of the people, he wondered why few people in power were fond of deciding the fate of the masses in general elections.

Augustine said: “We came together as a result of this particular issue of imposition of candidates. The district has long been suffering on the issue of government imposing candidates on the people and these are candidates who cannt perform.

“We have taken a stand to say that enough is enough over this issue of government imposing non-performing candidates on us”, he said.

Augustine lamented that, after elections, imposed candidates who became victorious often relocated to Abuja, thereby making themselves unapproachable by their constituents.

He said the federal legislators only showed up in their constituencies elections.

He said: “We are crying for the whole world to hear us. We have been suffering and we know that this time around God will not allow the wish of the government to prevail against popular wish.

“We are mobilising all the 74 communities in the district to come out to stand against imposition. Government must allow the people to vote for their choice.

The people must choose their leaders”, he said.

He said, if the government allows credible primaries to hold, aspirants supported by the people will clinch the party’s ticket.

He urged the government not to underestimate the strength of the stakeholders explaining that their membership cut across the 74 communities that make up the district.

Augustine said, if the government insisted on imposing unpopular candidates, members of the group would support better candidates from opposition parties.

He said community and youth leaders from the district were behind the campaign against imposition.

He added: “Our membership strength is about 5000 and more are still lobbying to register with us. All the community leaders are working n line with our vision.

“I advise everybody to support a credible candidate. Nobody should allow the government to impose unpopular candidates because by doing that you are selling your rights.

“Don’t be bought over by the government. PDP will lose the election if the government opposes unpopular candidate. There are credible candidates in opposition parties that would make PDP lose election.”

‘

By Emmanuel Oladesu

• Ambode

L

AGOS State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Akinwumi Ambode has promised to give Ikeja, the state capital, a facelift, if elected as governor in next year’s election.

He said: Okeja will become the symbol of a true megacity in every sense of the word, with world-class infrastructure, social amenities and an environment conducive for citizens and visitors.”

The former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, spoke at Ikeja, shortly after meeting with stakeholders. He was in the state capital in continuation of his consultations and “thankyou” tour of local government areas.

Stakeholders endorsed his candidature at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, where he met with leaders and party members from Ikeja, Onigbongbo and Ojodu local governments, who joined members of the Akin Ambode Campaign Organisation to express support for the chartered accountant. Hailing his composure, many party leaders described him as a humble and pleasant technocrat bubbling with the passion for creative service to the Centre of Excellence.

The aspirant spoke on the status of Ikeja as the administrative headquarter and commercial hub, promising to intensify its beautification, if he gets the APC ticket and wins the election.

He said: “We can see the evidence of rapid developments in Ikeja like every other part of Lagos. But, many people either forget so easily or are not aware that, not only is Ikeja a first-class city, it is actually the capital of this prosperous and very important state of ours.

“We need to let the glory of Ikeja show and blossom to every eye.

And there is no better way to do this by doing a lot more for the city, in terms of physical developments and rapid infrastructural developments.

We must make the city attractive to businesses and business owners, while ensuring the safety of every residential and commercial area in the capital city. Ikeja should be the envy world-class capital cities of the world and I am committed to ensuring that this happens by the grace of God when the time comes.”

Ambode, who is not strange to many of the leaders, unfolded his agenda for a better and more

‘More than any other person who has been here, you is exceptional because you have spoken as a loyal party member and expressed the desire to let party elders have a say in how elected candidates implement the programmes of the party’

prosperous Lagos. He also highlighted his qualifications as a thorough-bred professional and a grassroots mobiliser, who spent the first 13 years of his career as an accountant/auditor in various local government areas.

He said he would submit himself totally to the manifesto of the APC and the direction of the party leadership.

The aspirant also reflected on the import of party discipline and loyalty, stressing that the wisdom of party leaders and elders are needed for party guidance.

He said: “We cannot be tired of saying this. No individual is bigger than or more popular than the party. It is the party that chooses a candidate and equips him for the onerous job of governance. A good candidate cannot therefore, get to position of power and starts to implement his own vision. It must be the vision of the party and our great party, the APC, has the perfect manifesto that addresses every need of the citizens, from free education and health to rapid infrastructural development.”

Southwest APC Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson, a former commissioner, applauded Ambode for his maturity, candour and sense of honour.

“Morning shows the day,” she said, urging the aspirant to forge ahead in his bid to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

She added: “ More than any other person who has been here, you is exceptional because you have spoken as a loyal party member and expressed the desire to let party elders have a say in how elected candidates implement the programmes of the party.”

Ambode, whose formal declaration at Onikan stadium last month has continued to elicit positive reactions stakeholders, started touring the local governments last week. He has visited Ikorodu, Alimoso, Badagry, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Oshodi and Ojo councils.

Urhobo back Emerhor for governor THE Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has called for power shift to the ethnic group. Some members also supported its support the All Progressives’ Party (APC) and its governorship aspirant Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

Its President-General, Chief Joe Omene, while receiving Emerhor and his entourage during a visit to the union leadership, said the people have resolved to shift allegiance to any party that will field an Urhobo candidate.

He said: “Urhobo is unwavering on the spirit of the Ovwiamuge Declaration, which affirms that Urhobo will mobilise its over one million majority votes in Delta for the alternate party, APC, for both the governorship and the presidential elections, should PDP refuse Urhobo candidacy for the 2015 governorship in Delta.

“Following our reaffirmation of the Ovwiamuge Declaration at the UPU House in Warri a week ago, we have been reached by the Presidency and the Governor, but as I speak now we still do not understand the language they are speaking. If the APC has found our own son worthy to fly its flag, then we are solidly behind you.

• Emerhor From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

“During the fundraising for the new UPU Complex, you donated handsomely to UPU. Over recent funeral of our late President General, we know how well you gave too. We are motivated that your party chairman, other executives and Delta North and South are strongly behind you even on this visit to UPU and Urhobo will not go back on its word”, Omene said.

Emerhor lamented the misrule

of Delta State by the PDP-led administration, noting that APC is the only party equipped to give the ruling party the required fight and an assurance of winning.

The aspirant, who was accompanied by Prophet Jones Erue, his deputy, Dr. Cyril Ogodo, party chieftain, Chief Ovie Frank Kokori, APC Delta North Zonal Chairman, Chief George Okafor, Chief Andrew Orugbo, Hon. Julius Okpoko, said he was determined to win the governorship next year.

He said: “People all over Delta are tired of the PDP whose administration has been hijacked by a tiny proportion who lord it over the majority even in their own party. Now, it has degenerated to a point where to determine succession, one man presents his messenger to take over. Or they begin to talk of zoning but they still present their own brother.

“APC is the only true alternate party to take over with robust followership and sense of equity to correct the wrongs of the PDP in Delta. I stand here on that platform. I have consulted all the components of Delta. If Urhobo stand for her son, Delta North and South are ready to support.”

10

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

NEWS

Court adjourns Ado-Ekiti chieftaincy suit

T

HERE was tension in some parts of AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday as a suit filed by Chief Bamidele Aduloju challenging his deposition as the Edemo of AdoEkiti by the Ewi, Oba Adeyemi Adejugbe, came up for hearing at the State High Court.

There were several policemen at the court with patrol vans stationed within and outside the premises.

Aduloju’s supporters filled the court, hours before the hearing.

Members of the Ewi-inCouncil, who are traditional chiefs of the Ado-Ekiti kingdom, were present in court.

Also joined in the suit were Akin Bernard and Idowu Aduloju.

Aduloju is contesting the appointment of Dayo OluFajemilua as the new Edemo of Ado-Ekiti, urging the court to set aside the appointment on the grounds that he remained the holder of the title.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

The claimants averred in their statement of claim that it was the Edemo family that could appoint a new Edemo, saying since Aduloju was still alive appointing a new occupant to the position was against tradition.

The defendants are Oba Adejugbe, Olu-Fajemilua, Ojo Adeyeye, Abdul Abugan and Sola Akinlusi.

Afolabi Fashanu appeared for Oba Adejugbe and OluFajemilua while Adeyeye, Abugan and Akinlusi were represented by Rotimi Adabembe.

Aduloju and the two other claimants were represented by their counsel, Olalekan Olatawura.

Olatawura told the court that he had filed an application for an extension of time to file a response to the preliminary objection by Fashanu.

Fashanu demanded cost,

saying he must be indemnified because he came from outside the state, saying he was only served the application shortly before the court sat.

Olatawura apologised to Fashanu on the development, saying circumstances beyond his control necessitated his action.

Justice Monisola Abodunde said the court would determine whether cost should be awarded.

The judge said she always frowned at filing processes a day before or on the day of hearing.

In moving his motion, Olatawura said it was brought pursuant to Order 4 Rule 4 of the State High Court Rules, seeking to file for an extension of time to file a response to the preliminary objection.

According to him, the application was backed by a 13paragraph affidavit and a written address.

Both Fashanu and

Adabembe did not oppose the application and did not ask for cost.

Adabembe told the court that the fourth and fifth defendants had not received copies of the motion for the preliminary objection by Fashanu.

Justice Abodunde granted the application moved by Olatawura, saying the court had taken cognisance of Paragraph 3 of the affidavit in support of the application.

She added that the court had also taken notice of the facts in Paragraph 3 of the affidavit and the fact that not all parties had been served the preliminary objection.

The judge held that the time within which the claimants reply to the preliminary objection was extended and the filed response was deemed to have been served.

Justice Abodunde adjourned till January 28 and ruled that all processes must be duly filed before then.

Police investigate Ibadan kids’ kidnap

T

HE Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Kola Shodipo, has ordered an investigation into the “disappearance” of four kids allegedly kidnapped by a woman, now at large.

He directed that the matter be transferred from Yemetu Police Station, where it was initially re-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

ported, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Police spokesperson Mrs. Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor said this yesterday at a briefing on the alleged disappearance of the four kids.

The proprietress of the school, Mrs. Clet-Ilobanafor said, was being detained by the police to assist in the investigation.

She assured that the police were looking into the matter.

Her words: “The allegation was brought to us that one woman in hijab kid-

napped four children. We are investigating and the investigation will reveal whether or not the matter was true.

“The commissioner is interested in the matter and he has directed that the matter should be transferred to the state CID Iyaganku, Ibadan for thorough investigation.”

Clerics to meet aspirants

L

AGOS State governorship and other political office aspirants are to meet with Christian leaders tomorrow at the Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo,

Yaba.

A coalition of Christian organisations led by the Southwest Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, organised the meeting, to enable the public interact with the aspirants.

‘PDP austerity measures have failed’

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led Federal Government for subjecting Nigeria to economic ruins.

It said the austerity measures reeled out by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, show that the PDP could not be trusted with the fate of any country seeking development and progress.

In a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said it was lamentable that the PDP laid no foundation and built no project that could help Nigeria survive the economic crisis occasioned by the drop in oil price.

“We note that while oil price skyrocketed in the last 16 years of PDP’s governance, the people have been fed with wrecked infrastructure, grand reversal of the gains made during the previous era, a crumbling country, massive corruption, ineptitude and impunity.

“We note that in any sane and normal society, the providential windfall Nigeria gained from skyrocketing oil price would have been employed to build infrastructures, create jobs and reduce poverty.

“We note how the party has been promoting a bizarre corruption complex, which has seen Nigeria broke just two months after oil price started a free fall.

“We had raised alarm that the PDP was raiding the excess crude account and other savings that would have helped us withstand the present economic shock.

“We note that the so-called austerity measures the PDP government has rolled out said nothing about the gargantuan fonts of corruption the government has been nurturing since it came to power.

“We know that majority of Nigerians make nothing out of the so-called austerity measures since millions of Nigerians have been subjected to endless austerity for most of their lives.

“Lagos APC believes that what is happening now warns the good people of Lagos against the PDP and its set of desperate day dreamers who have been dreaming of taking over Lagos.”

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Nigeria ‘ll attain self-sufficiency in fish production’ From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

T

HE Chairman, Interna tional Fish Resources Park (IFRP), Mr Olusegun Mogbojuri, said yesterday that Nigeria was on a sure path to becoming self-sufficient in fish production.

He said IFRP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish six Fish Resources Parks across the geopolitical zones of the country.

Mr. Mogbojuri who spoke in Abuja on the sideline of the presentation of the 2013 Malta Maritime Summit report to the leader of Nigeria’s delegation, Oba David Olateru-Olagbegi of Owo kingdom, said: “I am excitedly looking forward to more achievement as Nigeria is on the path to join the league of nations that are self-sufficient in fish production.”

Mr. Mogbojuri, who puts the capacity of each park at 2500 to 3000 factory units, said it has the capacity to produce200, 000 tonnes of fish when fully operational.

He said the parks would empower no fewer than one million persons as it would simplify aquaculture for citizen to produce fish.

Mr. Mogbojuri said the parks would provide means of producing fish in uplands and secured environment as it will not depend on the water bodies.

‘Economy to remain among 10 fastest growing’

P

T

There is nothing wrong in having a robust renewable energy programme in the country. In fact, government has taken a step in that direction by introducing the: ‘Light Up Nigeria’ scheme.

- Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, Rueben Okeke

Jonathan cuts 2015 budget to N4.661tr

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday cut the proposed 2015 budget of N4.817 trillion to N4.661trillion as a result of falling oil prices.

The budget was reduced by about N63billion.

The Federal Government also reviewed its proposed exchange rate upwards from N160 to N162 to $1.

The proposed oil benchmark also dropped from $78 to $73 per barrel.

The price of oil at the international market has since crashed from over $100 per barrel to less than $80 per barrel.

The Federal Government’s

• As oil benchmark drops to $73 From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

position was contained in the revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) presented to the Senate yesterday by Jonathan.

Jonathan’s letter entitled: “Submission of revised 20152017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework” was read by the Senate President David Mark at plenary.

The letter reads in part: “As

you may recall, I had transmitted the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

“However, recent developments in the international oil market have necessitated that the MTEF be revised.

“Consequently, following further consultations with key stakeholders, adjustments have been made to some of the key parameters as well as to some fiscal estimates in the MTEF.”

Jonathan however expressed optimism that the MTEF/FSP would be expeditiously considered to bring the 2015 budget preparation to a quick close.

Jonathan said: “I hereby forward copies of the reversed 2015-2017 MTEF to the National Assembly. I hope that it will receive your usual kind expeditious consideration in order to bring the 2015 FGN budget preparation process to a quick closure.”

The government also projected N4.733.21 trillion and N4.930.29 trillion as expenditure for 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Out of the proposed N4.661 trillion, N1,208.37 representing 24.93 per cent is for Capital Expenditure, while N2,622.42 representing 75.07 per cent is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure.

Proposed oil production per day in 2015 is 2.2782mbpd.

The sum of N184.87billion was set aside for the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

The Federal Government also proposed N458.68 billion for fuel subsidy and N156.69 billion for kerosine subsidy.

NHIS eyes 16,000 health facilities From Vincent Ikuomola, Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Blessing Olaifa, Abuja

T

through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. The latest report, which aggregates data for the 10month period ended October 31, 2014, showed that foreign portfolio outflow was N676.67 billion as against inflow of N575.26 billion during the period, representing a net deficit of N101.41 billion.

Foreign investors remained the dominant bloc at the Nigerian stock market.

Total foreign transactions during the period stood at N1.25 trillion compared with domestic transactions of N964.74 billion, represent-

ing foreign-domestic ratio of 56.5 per cent to 43.4 per cent.

Aggregate foreign and domestic transactions stood at N2.22 trillion over the 10month period.

Nigerian equities market particularly has witnessed increased foreign divestment in recent period. In October, when foreign transactions accounted for 87.5 per cent of total market transactions, foreign outflows totaled N101.22 billion as against inflow of N52.06 billion. Total transactions stood at N175.10 billion in October, with Nigerian individual and institutional investors only contributing N21.82 billion.

O attain universal health coverage, the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme ((NHIS), Dr. Femi Thomas, yesterday said the scheme was working towards increasing the number of health facilities on its scheme to 16,000 by next year.

Dr. Thomas, who gave a score card of the scheme in the last one year also announced that the enrollment into the scheme has reached 7.2 million, assuring the gathering that the scheme will achieve the universal coverage by 2020.

He explained that the recent increase has made it imperative for the scheme to also increase the present number of health facilities available to the enrolees from 8,000 to 16,000 in the next one year.

Dr. Thomas, who spoke in Abuja at an occasion commemorating his one year in office, said the scheme has been able to increase the number of enrollment by two million.

This he said was 40 per cent of what was achieved in eight years before his coming into office.

He said: “It is to our collective credit that within the last one year, enrollment figure went up by about two million lives, about 40per cent of the total figure for the preceding eight years. As at today, total enrollment figure stands at about 7.2 millions lives.”

Dr. Thomas was optimistic about the country’s ability to achieve the 100 per cent coverage given the resources available at the nation’s disposal.

breaking unit of the cargo terminal to ensure compliance with new operating procedures.

Part of the mission of the inspection, it was learnt, was to ensure there were no touts at the bulk breaking area. This allegedly infuriated the agents forcing them to haul stones at the NCS personnel.

It was gathered that attempts

by customs personnel to call the clearing agents to order proved abortive as they prevented customs officials from carrying out the routine inspection.

Worried that the situation may get out of hand, the airport command of the NCS, sent for reinforcement at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU),

which deployed four armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Hajj Camp axis of the airport to quell the rampaging agents.

Airport ANLCA Chairman, Mr Alloy Igwe, could not also be reached for official comment. He was said to be attending a crucial meeting with his executive on the issue.

• Med-View Airline, MD/CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole flanked by Head, Engineering Unit, Lookman Animashaun (left) and Head, Flight Operations, Capt. Wale Oke, at a briefing to mark the second anniversary of the airline at the company’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

HE Minister of Indus try, Trade and Invest ment, Olusegun Aganga said the rebasing has confirmed that with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $510billion, the Nigerian economy is the largest in Africa.

He spoke during a press briefing on the top 100 investors in Nigeria, stating that the main event is on the next month at the Presidential Villa, adding that this will be the inaugural dinner for the top 100 industrialist and will be made an annual programme.

He said: “In the last 10 years Nigeria has been one of the top 10 fastest growing economy in the world and over the next ten years will still remain one of the top fastest growing economy in the world.

“In the last three years Nigeria has attracted more foreign and local investment than any other economy in the whole of Africa. We expect this trend to continue.

Early this year the prestigious world script journal frontier market ranked Nigeria as the number one country of interest in the investors level.

11

F

Nigeria records N101b portfolio deficit

OREIGN investors have so far taken away more than N101 billion from their portfolio investments in Nigeria as most foreign investors appeared to be downsizing their portfolios.

In its latest Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) report, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated that Nigeria has so far recorded a net foreign portfolio deficit of some N101.41 billion over the past 10 months as divestments significantly outpaced investments by foreign investors.

The NSE report is generally regarded as a credible gauge of foreign portfolio investments in Nigeria as it coor-

T

By Taofik Salako

dinates data from nearly all active investment bankers and stockbrokers. Nigeria presently operates a mono stock exchange, which makes the NSE the sole gateway to the nation’s stock market and the NSE’s benchmark indices, the country indices for Nigeria.

The NSE report used two key indicators-inflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy.

Foreign portfolio investment outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments

Customs, clearing agents clash at Lagos airport

HERE was pandemo nium yesterday at the cargo unit of the Lagos International Airport as officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Airport Command and Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) customs clearing agents clashed over mode of operations at the

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

bulk breaking area of the cargo terminal, According to eye witnesses, trouble started when some clearing agents attacked Customs officials led by Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Taju Olarenwaju who was on routine inspection of the bulk

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

13

14

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

15

16

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

17

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIALS

Hunters sweet and sour •Local hunters’ liberation of Mubi, where the Nigerian military failed, is both cheery and scary

I

T is cheery that citizens’ outrage, not the might of the state, just saved Nigeria its honour in Mubi and Maiha, Adamawa State, with local hunters reportedly kicking out Boko Haram.

No matter the reservations, it is tribute to courage, patriotism and citizens’ outrage to save motherland. It was about time too — with Boko Haram running rings around our military: demoralised, neardemystified, and wracked with alleged high-scale sabotage.

If the military, with their superior armoury and even supposed better discipline capitulates, and an elementarily armed local hunters triumph against Boko Haram, that suggests an apparent military house divided against itself. That is not strange, though it is sad: for Nigeria too appears a country divided against itself.

Still, there are some positives the military authorities must take from the Mubi hunters’ triumph — if their clearly hurt pride would let them, from a scary report that the chief hunter of an Adamawa community was arrested for leading his guild against Boko Haram.

The first is the indispensability of sound intelligence in a military campaign — and the bastion of intelligence is the local people. If hunters armed with Dane guns — and charms, as many claim — triumphed over Boko Haram, it is logically because the locals are masters of their environment.

If Nigeria must reverse the disgraceful Boko Haram victories, the military must incorporate the locals into the army: not as a militia, as they are now, but as fully trained members of the armed forces.

Their knowledge of the environment,

coupled with discipline and better arms from the Army, is more likely to help halt the Boko Haram advance; and stop its cruelty, its dehumanisation of citizens and clear humiliation of our country.

Now, to the dire tales. Local hunters coming to the rescue show the terrible state the country has sunk — and the terrible condition of the Nigerian military.

Trite: a state unable to secure its own territory is no state. Nigeria, sadly, is nearing that meltdown, with the parlous state of things in the North East, and the creeping anomie, plaguing the whole of the North, what with suicide bombing all over the place.

Many have said the demoralised military literarily melt in front of Boko Haram because many of them don’t feel any cause to fight for. Local hunters, on the other hand, prevailed because they had a deep and strong urge to protect their culture, their environment, their heritage, and even their basic human dignity, daily rubbished by a band of crazed Islamists.

But that local outrage, no matter how deep it runs, does not necessarily translate into a cause to fight for Nigeria, beyond the liberation of local territories from the Boko Haram nuisance. If that comes to play, a worst-case scenario could well emerge: the local warlords, after unhorsing Boko Haram, could challenge the very state itself — and why not?

With the security meltdown, to many of the locals, Nigeria is after all, no more than an abstract — and a hated one at that!

Putting it differently: the hunters’ success of today could well be the foundation of tomorrow’s insurrection, especially if the military is further demystified.

To fend off this looming tragedy, the Nigerian authorities must first regain the military initiative and secure these farflung territories and their tormented denizen-citizens. Then, after decades of ruinous over-centralisation, it is high time Nigeria returned to productive federalism.

With that, government would be nearer to the people; would be better placed to maximise their talents because it is close enough to appreciate and utilise them; and the country, by the activities of its component parts, would reinvent itself as a caring and efficient state — far from the bumbling nuisance that balks from its basic duty as security, yet demands fanciful loyalty, because it feels it has the means to bully people into submission.

‘Now, to the dire tales. Local hunters coming to the rescue show the terrible state the country has sunk — and the terrible condition of the Nigerian military. Trite: a state unable to secure its own territory is no state. Nigeria, sadly, is nearing that meltdown, with the parlous state of things in the North East, and the creeping anomie, plaguing the whole of the North, what with suicide bombing all over the place’

Commendable example •Other clerics should learn from Catholic bishops’ intervention on nation’s security

I

N a marked departure from the widespread and disturbing tendency of religious groups across the country to associate without discrimination and hobnob uncritically with political office holders, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, last Thursday, visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to speak some home truths to power on the state of the nation. The group’s president, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, told the press after their closed-door meeting with Dr Jonathan that their message was simply that all was not well with the country.

According to Bishop Kaigama, “We feel that things are not right. Territorially, our land is being taken away; the people we look after are displaced, their homes, their villages and towns are captured and they are internally displaced, being refugees

‘Like the biblical John the Baptist, the voice of the church must be heard loud and clear in the wilderness of impunity, corruption, inequality and recklessness that Nigeria has become. The Catholic bishops have taken the right step in sensitising the Jonathan presidency to the seriousness of the security challenges confronting the country’

in their own land. We thought this is not right. We have families that are just stranded. We thought that the president should know. As Catholics we have laid a good structure for relief and taking care of such situation, we want the government to collaborate with us”.

This kind of constructive engagement between the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the Federal Government to find solutions to critical national problems is most commendable.

It is the way to go. If the church and the state at all levels are to be genuine partners in progress, they must cultivate a healthy relationship predicated on truth and not sycophancy or hypocrisy. We are not surprised that the Catholic bishops are showing a positive example to others in this respect. The Catholic Church had acquired a reputation for speaking in defence of justice, human dignity, the rule of law and good governance even during the dark and dangerous years of military rule. It has retained its integrity in this dispensation, thus largely fulfilling its scriptural mandate of being the salt of the earth.

Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said particularly of the relationship between many Christian groups and the Jonathan presidency, which has not hesitated to exploit religious sentiments in a divisive manner for partisan ends.

Under the leadership of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, for instance, it has become difficult to distinguish between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

CAN therefore, suffers from a pathetic

paralysis of being unable to offer any constructive criticism of the Jonathan presidency. Only recently the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, conferred a curious Primatial Award of Excellence in Christian Stewardship on President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa. The award, said to be in acknowledgment of Jonathan’s fair distribution of the nation’s resources, clearly has no logical, empirical, scriptural and moral bases.

All too often, various denominations have made their altars available for unscrupulous politicians to make partisan pronouncements. This kind of behaviour devalues the integrity and credibility of the church. It has become imperative for the Nigerian church to regain its voice. Like the biblical John the Baptist, the voice of the church must be heard loud and clear in the wilderness of impunity, corruption, inequality and recklessness that Nigeria has become.

The Catholic bishops have taken the right step in sensitising the Jonathan presidency to the seriousness of the security challenges confronting the country.

However, the church has a responsibility to do more. She must speak up boldly and uncompromisingly against the incompetent, irresponsible and immoral governance on which insecurity thrives. It is important for our clerics to know that what is at stake is the corporate existence of Nigeria. A church that compromises with a venal state in condoning iniquity will be destroyed along with the country.

PDP: Why is Rivers different from A/Ibom and Bauchi?

S

IR: I begin by recalling that Sections 7.1(g) and 7.3(c) of the constitution of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, respectively, talk about “promoting of egalitarian society founded on freedom, equality and justice” and “adherence to the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness”. They are emphatic on the need to rotate key political offices among the diverse peoples and zones at the national, state and local government levels.

In Bauchi State, where the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu comes from, the party zoned out aspirants from the southern senatorial district of the state from contesting the governorship position in 2015. The same phenomenon was witnessed in Akwa Ibom, home state of the current chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Obot Akpabio. In its wisdom, the party entrenched this important principle of zoning to ensure that justice, equity and fairness prevail.

But in Rivers State, this important principle is suffering in impact, threatening to tear the party in the state apart. Former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, is being empowered and encouraged

by Nigeria’s First family to perpetrate inequity. It is now becoming clearer to Rivers people that Dame Jonathan is the engine room from where Wike draws his power and arrogance. She is also rumoured to be providing most of the funds that Wike is throwing about.

The attempt by the First Lady and PDP to impose Wike as PDP flag bearer for the 2015 governorship position in the state will not fly and will not secure victory for the PDP. I know that many decent Ikwerre people are not in support of another Ikwerre taking over from the incumbent Ikwerre governor in May 2015.

Let the other section of our state be supported to go for the position. After all, they have such solid technocrats/politicians as Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, Prince Tonye Princewill, Dumo Lulu Briggs, Senator Maeba and Samson Ngaribara, among others, who are worthy sons of our state. How the permutation and political calculations

by Dame Jonathan and Wike would work out can easily be imagined: total disaster.

• Onyeike Agomuo 26 Lancelot Avenue, off Sani Abacha Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: There is hope for Nigeria.

Nigerians do not have any choice but to make Nigeria rise again. Many Nigerians are tired of the status quo and are determined to push for socialeconomic and political changes.

Change is possible in Nigeria.

Pessimism is unpatriotic! But more Nigerians need to get involved with the political process in Nigeria. With active participation of all Nigerians, political change will be possible.Changes do not happen unless we work for it. I do not see our politicians re-building Nigeria. They have nothing to offer us except poverty and exploitation.They are all there for their own selfish-interest and not in the interest of the populace.They are a set of people who know the right thing to do but won’t do it because they are visionless, unpatriotic, myopic, selfish and full of deceit.

We have to re-take our steps in order to build a safe Nigeria for

S

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

Still on the trouble with Nigeria posterity so they will have something good to write about us.

We have to rise up to the occasion of the day because change is inevitable. As Martin Luther King once said ‘’change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability,it comes through continous struggle.’’

We have to free ourselves from domination and exploitation by some minority few, we need a just and egalitarian Nigeria that will be free from oppression. In fact, it is a duty that we owe this generation and generations unborn to bequeath to them better days so

they won’t see the present abnormalities as the norm. We have to join our hands together to safeguard the future of this great nation.

Indeed,the journey to democracy and nationhood has been so tortous. The country is in dire straits. At the time of the departure of the British colonial masters, Nigeria was considered to be one of the emerging great nations of the world, like the proverbial child of great promise.

It is unfortunate that a country that offered so much in hope and possibilities for its citizens at

Boosting SMEs in Akwa Ibom

S

IR: Recently, Akwa Ibom state came out in flying colours at the Abuja International Trade Fair as the Best Government Exhibitor. Not only was the state able to showcase its rich potentials and heritage, it stood out exceedingly in its organization and exhibition of small and medium scale enterprises.

The State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Elder Ufot Nkangude, who led the state delegation was all smiles as he narrated that Akwa Ibom was celebrated because of her excellent display of a wide range of products realized through Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

Such products rank high in terms of packaging and quality and they range from the best palm produce, raffia, shoemaking, fabrication, garri processing machines, palm oil processing machines, the best sea foods, among others.

Since the arrival of Governor Godswill Akpabio on the scene in

2007, youths and women of the state have been empowered through micro credit facilities.

First in 2007, Chief Akpabio introduced a N100m scheme to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to be accessed by Christians in the state for their small businesses.

Since then, several thousands of youths from the 31 local government areas of the state have been trained, equipped and empowered with N500,000 each under the integrated farmers scheme. The women were also encouraged in their various trades through the Women in Agriculture Entrepreneurial Development Programme, WAEDEP which empowers each participant with N250,000 each.

The result, as expected, has been stimulation in the economy of the rural communities, as many subsistent businesses have flourished thereby providing employment opportunities for the people. The numerous small and medium scale

enterprises have now become readily raw materials for anticipatory large scale industries.

Under the present administration, the Central Bank of Nigeria has reached a memorandum of understanding with Akwa Ibom State as one of the pioneer states to access a N260m facility under the CBN-sponsored Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Fund. The state’s emergence as the initial beneficiary of this fund comes as a result of the excellent framework and implementation of small and medium scale initiatives in the state.

Governor Akpabio has constantly given opportunity to the growing entrepreneurs in the state to boost their capacity by sponsoring them to trade fairs and other exhibition fora, where they have been able to showcase their ingenuity and compete with their peers from other parts of the world.

• Essien Ndueso Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

independence has today become a land of suffering, insecurity and near hopelessness, signposted by youth unemployment, poor electricity supply, incessant ethnoreligious crisis, no thanks to rudderless and bumbling leaders who have failed to lead a wellendowed nation to harness the talents of its vibrant, energetic and resilient people. We can spend the next few hours cataloguing the

problems of the country and we would still not scratch the surface.

Echoing Chinua Achebe, the problem of Nigeria is the ruling elite and the failure of leadership.

There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything therein but the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the challenge of nation-building. We need to rethink otherwise, Nigeria is like a volcano that may erupt anytime and many will be engulfed.This is because we still have a government that swore to defend the rights of the people, secure lives and property, but under the same administration our best and brightest people are dying.

• Kazeem Olalekan Israel Ibadan,Oyo State

SOS to FG on Oyo-Ogbomoso road

S

IR: This piece seeks to direct the attention of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to the plight of motorists plying the above mentioned section of Ibadan-Ilorin Highway. As the major road that links northern Nigeria with the South-west, the volume of traffic is too heavy for the old road and since the works has been suspended on the newly constructed expressway, the agony of both travellers on the old road is better experienced than imagined.

Due to the number of the articulated vehicles plying the road, with the heavy loads, the road has caved in many sections. For instance, bridges at Ile Abu, Elega/ Asani have become death traps where many precious souls particularly, students, traders and drivers perish daily.

Not only that, due to the bad portions on this road, which causes traffic hold up, the journey of two hours have become six to seven hours. It is undeniable that the federal government is doing its best in maintaining our infrastructural facilities. On-going work on Lagos-

Ibadan expressway is highly commendable. However whatever gain made by motorists at LagosIbadan expressway is lost on OyoOgbomoso section of the road.

Federal government equally deserves commendation for on-going asphalt overlaying of old Ogbomoso-Ilorin road within Ogbomoso Township.

One expects our highly revered traditional rulers in the area, our political office holders and other eminent people to cry to the president, on this menace of a road.

However, it appears our leaders have abdicated their obligations to their people.

Nevertheless, I am using this medium to call on President Jonathan to come to the aid of the people in this axis and save them from agony and untimely death by paying the construction company handling the new road project and order immediate repair of the old road as a temporary measure to avoid further carnage on this road.

• Adewuyi Adegbite, Apake, Ogbomoso.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

19

COMMENTS

Lagos School of History: An exploratory discourse – 4

T

The Lagos School has taken off where the Ibadan School stopped. The Lagos School assumes that there is no point discussing whether Africa has a history or not but rather of the usefulness of historical scholarship. In straining to be relevant, the Lagos School exposes itself to critics who feel that many of the published articles from the Lagos School’s exponents read like political science and economics rather than history. There is a suggestion that topics being researched into are too current and that the dust of history should be allowed to settle before any meaningful research can be conducted. It is the old question of whether historians should give a hundred years or 50 years between them and their subjects of enquiry. This antiquarian approach to historical writing has been brushed aside by the Lagos School that feels that unless historians adapt to change, the academic discipline of history may die a natural death because young people will not be interested in studying the past for the past’s sake without relevance to the present. The utility value of history will therefore be called into question. The shift from the traditional concern of historians to question of functionality has even led to the nomenclatural change of the Department of History to the Department of History and Strategic Studies. The debate of what to call the department was a lively debate in the 1990s and there were different formulations such as History and Diplomatic Studies, History and Cultural Studies, History and International Relations and History and Strategic Studies.

The choice of History and Strategic Studies was arrived at so as to avoid conflict and involve history in territorial dispute with political science over international relations. In spite of this, the subject of international relations has become a lively area of research of the Lagos School. International Relations broadly defined to mean interstate economic relations, defence studies, boundaries, cultural and diplomatic history. This nomenclatural and academic orientation of the Lagos School has led to a revival of interest in the study of history as a foundation for understanding the problems of modern times. This shift of emphasis has not gone unnoticed in many parts of the country even though this shift of emphasis began in Lagos State University but in terms of development and application University of Lagos takes the Victor Ludorum in the game of intellectual competition among Nigerian’s departments of history. The Ibadan University’s Department of History and its sister departments in Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello have refused to rebrand their departments and have continued their resistance to this new paradigm shift in the academic study of history.

In recent times, and in order to remain alive, and be in tandem with current developments in the Lagos School, the University of Ibadan’s Department of History now seem to have embraced the historical modernity and currency of the Lagos School. The Department of History in Ibadan seems now to have left the Ibadan School of History whose task seems to be over after blazing the trail of the Nigerian na-

I

F there is any currency that is in short supply in the governance of our country at the moment, it is truth and invariably, trust. Trust that is founded on truth is what ordinary citizens can repose in their government and leaders. The questions therefore are: Why did our government deliberately mislead the entire country and the whole world with that cheery but phantom news of ceasefire and the release of our Chibok Girls? And since then, have their parents who once again were let down, been contacted and offered emotional counselling as a number of them had been hospitalized for hypertension? Does the government realize the extent of the embarrassment that Nigerians now feel before the whole world and what damage they have done to their already eroded social capital?

What point was the presidential campaign aide, lavishly reported in the media, making by audaciously telling Nigerians to “move on” because “the President would not wait endlessly for the return of more than 200 school girls abducted mid-April in Chibok?”

Move on?

Hopefully, this campaign team will get to learn that many around the world are not moving on from the travails of the Chibok girls whose only “crime” was that they turned up in school to acquire education. While I do not believe that the president, as a father himself, would ever want to “move on” until he discharges his obligation to our #ChibokGirls, one considers the current jarring silence about their rescue not one bit golden.

Citizens’ right to know should compel a speedy and truthful update on the status of efforts to rescue our girls.

tionalist historiography for which the Ibadan School can justly be proud of. Either because there is a dearth of topics on the distant past of Nigeria and Africa, students in Ibadan are now almost at a convergence with their counterparts in Lagos in their research offerings. Recent theses completed in Ibadan illustrate this point. These include; Adesina O.A. Gender Relations in Ikaleland of South Western Nigeria in Historical Perspective (2010), Afolabi A. Taxation and Revolts among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria 1900-1970 (2010), Ugboajah P.K.N. Juvenile Delinquency and Its Control in Colonial Lagos 1861-1995 (2010), Attah N.E. The Dynamics of Peasant Oil Palm Production in Igalaland 1900-1995 (2010), Ehimore M.O. A Socio-Economic History of the Ilaje of Southwestern Nigeria 1500-1900 (2010), Erinosho T.O. Nigeria and ECOMOG Peace-Keeping Operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone 1984-2004 (2010), Nwaka J.C. The Catholic Church and Conflict Management During the Nigerian Civil War 1967-1970 (2011), Ugbogu M. Management of Public Enterprises in the Western Region of Nigeria 1946-1966 (2013), Muojama O.G. Nigerian Cocoa Exports and Global Capitalism 1914-1960 (2013), Nwaokoro T.T. Women Education and Social Changes in Ondo Southwestern Nigeria 1875-2008 (2013), Oparah O.M. The Nigerian Civil War and the Adaptive Diversity of Biafra’s Research and Production Group 1967-1970 (2014), Alo L.K. Legal Regulations of Chieftaincy Disputes in Yorubaland 1939-1960 (2014). Theses in view include; Achoba F. A History of the Igala People 11001900, Oluyitan J.A. History of Colonial Medical and Health Services in Ibadan 1900-1960, Muritala M.O. Urban Livelihood in Lagos 1861-1990, Ajayi A. Change and Adaptation in the Commercial Sector of Osun Division Western Nigeria 1900-1960, Oladejo M. Ibadan Market Women and Politics 1900-1995, Ajayi D.O. A History of the Nigerian Bar Association 1960-2010, Adeyeri J.O. British Imperialism and Socio-Political Transformation of Akokoland 19871960, Sanni H.A. Origin and Development of Eastern District of Lagos 1850-1972, Animashaun B.O. A History of the Idejo Political Institution in Lagos up to 2000.

It is now obvious that the Ibadan University’s history department has definitely borrowed a leaf from their sister department of history of the University of Lagos in embracing relevance and applied history.

The Lagos School must of course take care in not radically departing from its roots in historical scholarship and fall victim to what is new and fashionable. This warning is particularly apt in the area of biographies which is an area in which the University of Lagos department of history has blazed the trail and has continued to attract invitation by the worthy and unworthy Nigerians who want themselves celebrated in books. There is of course nothing wrong in scholarly biographies. Great historians like A.J.P. Taylor and Allan Bullock wrote great biographies during their time of pre-eminence in the historical firmament in England.

Some may argue that what the Lagos School has done is not new and that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka when it was established offered combined honours courses in history and archaeology and that the twining of history with a related discipline at least in Nigeria is not new and certainly is not new

in the Anglo-Saxon world and that it is even coming back in different versions in universities in America where history and conflict/peace studies, history and development studies, history and political science, history and philosophy are becoming quite fashionable. The criticism that young historians in those days levied against the Ibadan School of His-

Jide Osuntokun

tory about not being concerned with social and economic interpretations and about not being ideologically driven may not be relevant in the case of the Lagos School. In any case socialism which became fashionable in the 1960s and 1970s are on the wane following the collapse of the Soviet Union and communism generally. Nevertheless, the Lagos School must like Ibadan School embrace multi-disciplinary approach, and must ensure analytical rigour, without sacrificing what is central to the school which is relevance and intellectual adaptation. The breadth and scope of historical research in the department of history at the University of Lagos, takes on board issues of social, political and economic importance in the country. The crop of younger professors such as Ayo Olukoju, Bayo Lawal, Yomi Akinyeye, Taiwo Akinyele and Funke Adeboye are breaking into fields such as medical history, history of commerce and industry, sub ethnic nationalism, defence studies, international relations, women and gender studies with direct importance to the problems of development. Younger lecturers such as Omon Osiki has just returned with a doctorate from China and should put the department on the global map of Afro-Chinese studies which will become more and more relevant in the future predicted to see China emerge the greatest force in global economy.

‘The Lagos School must of course take care in not radically departing from its roots in historical scholarship and fall victim to what is new and fashionable. This warning is particularly apt in the area of biographies which is an area in which the University of Lagos department of history has blazed the trail and has continued to attract invitation by the worthy and unworthy Nigerians who want themselves celebrated in books’

The truth, nothing but the truth

By Obiageli Ezekwesili However, there are other pertinent questions: What is really going on in Mubi, Gombe, Potiskum, Yola and all our territories in the North-east? What went wrong with the intelligence arm of our security architecture? Since truth begets truth, our federal government needs to know that more citizens are today traumatized by the daily killings and maiming as well as the abductions of our people and the annexation by the insurgents of some of our national territorial space.

We are puzzled by the many things which do not add up in our country today and we demand for the TRUTH regarding our counter insurgency strategy. On the loss of territories, a recent analysis puts the land area under Boko Haram control as equivalent to the size of three of our 36 states. How can that be? What exactly is being done to reclaim those territories beyond assurances? On the bombing that killed over 40 school children on the spot and rendered several others injured, what exactly are the authorities doing beyond empty lamentations that go on in parri passu with political jamboree?

It is indeed noteworthy that Nigerians now lament the elite and governance failures that have robbed our nation of the glory days of our relatively strong military and superb intelligence capabilities. Yet it is only systemic corruption that could render an institution prostrate and unwittingly empower a band of renegades to become some sort of “Goliath

army” that now daily terrorizes us in our own land. That also explains the perennial failure of government to deliver basic services to the larger number.

There is no sobering symbol of this failure than the governance crisis that has reduced Nigeria to a country which cannot at this time safeguard the future of her children who risk being killed whenever they turn up in school within the North-east zone. I recall that between 2006 and 2007, available data revealed how far behind the rest of Nigeria the North-east was on school enrolment, transition and completion; and so we designed and implemented a number of common sense policies and funding interventions to help improve their performance.

Even at that time, the situation was more terrible for girls. Using our inclusion, gender and equity pillar, we pointed out to parents and their school age children the evidence they could easily relate to around them which reveal the tremendous social and economic mobility that access to education has offered people all over the world. Throughout history, education has been, and remains even now, the best form of equality of opportunity that every society can offer its citizens. Therefore, removing obstacles in the way of those thirsty for knowledge is easily the most important role of government in equalizing opportunity.

If a country really wishes to close all gaps that manifest in inequalities among different groups and segments, it places education at the centre of development. Unfortu-

nately, when our children show up in schools in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and now Gombe states to obtain knowledge, they face the risk of being killed, injured or abducted. Have members of our political elite of all hues and colour given sufficient thoughts to the fact that our failure to secure our children amounts to asking them to either forget about education or surrender themselves to be killed or abducted? We need an answer for this question and the Truth, nothing but the Truth.

In February, insurgents struck at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi and killed 59 school boys; nothing happened. Two months later, perhaps seeing how unconcerned our power elite were about their fellow citizens; the insurgents scaled up their operation by abducting 276 girls from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. That number is almost five times the number of boys they had earlier killed without consequence in Buni Yadi and although 57 of the girls managed to courageously escape, there are still 219 Chibok girls yet to be accounted for.

However, the Chibok Girls abduction became a major turning point. This time around, some of our citizens decided that “enough is enough” and that they would act together to compel those with the constitutional responsibility to act on behalf of the girls in distress to do so. Nearly 200 days after, we continue to hold our daily solidarity gatherings at the Unity Fountain. That the assemblage is made up of people from all walks of life, ethnicity, religion; political, eco-

nomic and social divide is very telling of citizens’ resolve. Today, these Nigerians are eager to unravel the truth behind the failures that have cost us several thousands of lives only in 2014 alone and that keep our ChibokGirls still captive.

In February this year, I put the issues clearly before the members of our political class and what I said back then still resonates today: “Terrorists became emboldened by the absence of our political class across the entire spectrum of political leadership who decided to “play their normal politics” with the blood of the poor. The blood soaked land is convulsing…Is it therefore not unconscionable that in the over nearly three years of rising trend of terrorist attacks against whole communities in the central and north eastern states of Nigeria where our kith and kin have regularly been slaughtered in cold blood; the milk of empathy has not yet flowed from our Elders in the Land in the entire political spectrum to suspend ‘transactional politicking’ and build a united front against this newest common enemy?”

Like James Garfield once said, “the truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable”. For those who ask about what we demand as we stand daily for our 219 daughters, the answer is simple: The Truth, nothing but the Truth! #BringBackOurGirlsNowAndAlive!

The Offices of the Citizens are now activated.

• Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education belongs to the BBOG, standing for the Chibok girls

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

20

COMMENTS

A

TREND has long been established.

We now know that anytime President Jonathan plans to undertake some of his unproductive foreign trips or embarks on political jamboree similar to his last week coronation as the adopted PDP candidate, at the Abuja Eagle Square, it has often been preceded by a pattern of brutal killing of innocent men, women and children by the sick minds that fraudulently claim to be fighting in the name of God in the besieged northeastern Nigeria. The President and PDP’s reckless celebration in Abuja last week was no exception. On the eve of the event, in the words of the President, “Government Science Secondary School in Yobe State was bombed by insurgents, killing our promising young children who were seeking education to build the country and support their parents”. Casualties were put at over 50. Of course, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of PDP and its rented crowd just as our inability to rescue over 200 girls abducted from their secondary school in Chibok six months back did not stop the President’s storm-troopers from organizing misguided carnivals across the country to collect over 17 million signatories of those who want Jonathan to continue his good work come 2015.

The response of government handlers to criticism however has always been to portray the President as a man of steel who must not be seen to succumb to Boko Haram blackmail by abandoning his planned foreign trip, and mobilization of his party faithful across the country. The tragedy however is that because such trips or planned jamborees add little value to the well-being of Nigerians, buffeted by various problems ranging from insecurity of lives and property and poverty arising from corruption by those in government and their fronts, the message people take away is that of an insensitive government interested only in power ignoring the admonition of St Thomas Acquinas (1225-1274) ‘that government is about the people’.

Consequently, if the objective of committing heinous crime against the people by Boko Haram was to portray PDP and the President as inept leaders pursuing anti-people policies, they seem to be succeeding. The insurgents have shown that they are not only effective on the battle-field, but that they are more strategic in their battle over the minds of their supporters as well as those of their victims. As against the government subliminal messages based on lies aimed at portraying Jonathan as the messiah we have been waiting for in spite of worsening insecurity, poverty in the midst of plenty and pervasive corruption and government impunity, Boko Haram’s brutal attack on innocent Nigerians which are often followed with the images of

T

HE fate of the nation hangs on what they do. Yet, they do nothing except what they do for themselves. I speak of the PDP leadership who organized the sad spectacle of President Jonathan’s declaration to seek re-nomination as his party’s standard bearer. I speak of the President himself. Usually I do not bother myself with internal PDP matters. How they cook their pot in their own kitchen is not my concern if only they would conduct government in the right way. However, sometimes what they do runs so contrary to the mood and reality of the nation that to remain mum to such an open insult to the national conscience would be tacit assent to the collective lunacy that has descended on these people.

They have drunken and feasted to their own benefit so much so that they have become afflicted with an intemperate indifference to the nation. Narcissism has turned them mad.

Their “great party” has turned into a greater flop. What may be a party to them is no party for the rest of us. It is hopeless pain.

Shame on the leaders of this brazen cavalcade for seeking to bury what should be consecrated; double shame on them for doing this in broad daylight with the wry smile of arrogant corruption on their faces; triple shame on them for lifting up a man whose performance in office merits refusal not reward.

The real trouble with these people is that they seem numb to the danger they have let fester. They have become so imperial that they are also imperious to the precarious state of things. They sit in the safe confines of Aso Villa comforted by the fluffy luxury of high office. That is their reality and their Nigeria.

However, the rest of Nigeria must live in the world reality has bequeathed. For many of us, this means a world of war terror, vexing poverty or both. Day by day, mile by mile, Boko Haram claims more land and chews at our social fabric. Most recently, they invaded Mubi in Adamawa State. The army battalion deployed in Mubi laid down their weapons and fled even faster than the frightened civilian population. Thousands and thousands of our brothers and sisters escaped the town with

PDP’s Ill-advised Abuja Carnival the President dancing in carnivals in Ilorin, Kano or as in Abuja Eagle Square last week, a day after brutal murder of over 50 innocent school boys left a more lasting unfavourable image of government. And in an age of social media, the footage of a dancing president in a PDP carnival, a day after such national tragedy that ought to have been declared a day of national mourning could not have been anything but a display of recklessness.

It is not any more comforting that what went on at the Eagle Square last week was a celebration of injustice. There was no level playing ground. Jonathan candidacy was like everything else in PDP, a product of bargaining and trade-off by PDP governors who wanted automatic ticket for another term or those who wanted to go to the senate after eight years as governors. There was also stories of intimidation and blackmail of the President’s rivals some of whom were alleged to have been threatened with EFCC. It was also all about political subterfuge. While the President was telling Obasanjo who had reminded him of his pact with the northern governors whose turn it was to produce the presidency in 2011, he had not told anybody he was interested in the 2015 contest, his promoters armed with billions of naira were let loose on the land. In this misguided celebration, Christ message of ‘equality, humility and service’ to rulers who must also be judged with the same moral compass with the ruled ‘ seemed to have been lost on the President and PDP that fraudulent calls itself Christian party while denigrating the opposition as a party for Muslims.

The question also arises as to why a nation at war needs such a jamboree and laying of red carpet to celebrate a Commander-in-Chief whose soldiers are in disarray with some finding their way to Cameroon. This was only a week after the fall of Mubi to Boko Haram

and the attendant killing of over 200 innocent Nigerians. It was bad enough that this was six months after government’s failure to rescue over 200 girls abducted from their dormitories, but more tragic that it was the week parents who were told to expect the release of their loved ones following a cease-fire promoted by the chief of defence staff were rudely told by insurgents who outwitted government that the girls had been married out to insurgents or sold into slavery. And this was the very week the UN reported that Nigeria scored a world record as a country with the highest number of people (estimated at 4,000) killed in one year by insurgents. The President’s declaration of interest last week ought to have been a period of deep reflection and not an occasion for pomp and pageantry. Sometimes it is difficult not to doubt the sincerity and loyalty of those paid by the taxpayers to protect the President against himself.

At the end, the celebration was all noise and fury, signifying nothing beyond self-glorification. The president reeled out list of his achievements ranging from new power plants, an ‘African Great Green Wall’, rail lines, ‘gas infrastructure’, the National School Agriculture Programme, ‘ Nagropreneurs Programme’ and the ‘YouWin’, the establishment of 14 new universities and the Almajiri schools, the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme, all of which The Guardian in an insightful editorial described as ‘work in progress’. Also listed as part of Jonathan success was “the rebasing of the Nigerian economy to now read a GDP of N80 trillion and the 26th largest in the world”, forgetting to add we have equally been classified as one of the poorest nations of the world. He also took credit for the containment of the Ebola Virus Disease

credit that rightly belongs to Lagos State. The President also claimed “Some of our hospitals now perform open heart surgeries, kidney transplants and other challenging operations...” without identifying those hospitals which definitely do not include any of the government teaching hospitals where patients buy water including UCH, once rated as one of the best in the whole of Commonwealth.

On power generation, one would have expected the President to allow Nigerian electricity consumers who depend on cheap Chinese generators to power their houses and small business to pass the vote of confidence on his handling of the energy sector. The reality on ground is that government and its appointed agents generate only about 4500 MW, a marginal improvement on 4200MW, the late Governor Olusegun Agagu claimed was generated under Obasanjo in 2002 in spite of injection of between US$24 and 50 billion.

Just as the President was awarding himself marks, his estranged godfather, ex-President Obasanjo was accusing his administration of scuttling the plan that would have taken Nigeria to aprojected 20,000MW by 2015.

The president had hardly finished scoring himself high in the management of the economy when Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, often obsessed with economic growth rather than economic development, spoke of austerity measures as panic reaction to an unfavourable variation in the crude oil market finally admitting what informed Nigerians have said for years- a rentier nation importing the labour of other societies will end in economic ruin.

What also got lost amidst last week carnival was the President’s undertaking while accepting his nomination as a candidate in 2011. He said, “It is with great humility that I accept the monumental mandate … This mandate is unique as it makes a decisive statement in the history of our great nation. This statement is that our people have chosen the unity of our country above all other considerations. It is a quantum leap into the great ideals to hold our great nation together”.

Those ideals and its promoters like Obasanjo have been sacrificed in the pursuit of 2015 ambition. The President captured by ethnic irredentist has opted to put his fate in the hands of his South-south and South-east compatriots and praise singers as represented by ‘Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria’ (TAN), a clone of 1993 Arthur Nzeribe’s ‘Association for Better Nigeria’ (ABN) that wanted Babangida to continue after eight years of ‘transition without end’; Daniel Kanu’s 1997 ‘Two million march of Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha’ (YEAA) and the self-serving sycophants that lured Obasanjo to his third term fiasco.

The Presidential declaration

By Sunday Akinlabi Dare nothing more than what their hands, wheelbarrows and vehicles could carry.

I am baffled that this president and his government can be so callous and nonchalant in the face of glowering danger. Perhaps they know something about Boko Haram that we don’t, something that renders harmless to them what seems so lethal to the rest of us.

President Jonathan recently visited Chad. He was joined there by a known sponsor of Boko Haram whom he refuses to arrest or even interrogate. The reason given for the visit was to plow the ground for bilateral coordination with Chad concerning Boko Haram. Peace talks commenced soon after. Government announced a cease-fire. We were later to find that the talks were a fraud. Boko Haram intensified their attacks. The false ceasefire turned into a more terrible open fire. Boko Haram announced the Chibok girls have been permanently enslaved never to return home. More land fell under the terrorist banner. Boko Haram engineered the deadly bombings of schools and other public places.

In the face of this onslaught what has the president done? Nothing, from what we can tell. Before a fleeting mention was given in his declaration address, he had not directly and personally addressed the nation to reassure us about the Chibok girls or to explain his next steps in the face of the collapse of the fake negotiations. All he could muster in response to the Potiskum school bomb that killed over 40 children was a moment of silence before he gave his awkward declaration. In some ways, this is appropriate because this has been his policy.

In the face of Boko Haram advances, the President has now taken to hiding behind the dumb rhetoric of his aides as they mouth the flimsiest of imaginable excuses for their boss.

Their defences of the president are telling.

They are not defending him by saying he has devoted himself to a better strategy. Their defences are intended to deflect us from what he refuses to do – he refuses to act as a fully engaged commander-in-chief. Thus, they say silly things that no nation should give a failing leader the boot during wartime. However, they neglect to tell us that both the US and UK, the nations after which we model our system, have rejected leaders who failed to do the necessary during times of war. They also say other nations have battled terrorism for years such as the American’s fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq. What they neglect to tell us is that Iraq is 10,000 kilometres from America. If Al Qaeda tried to establish a foothold on American soil, it would be crushed before it started. But here, our government allows the evil gang to gain ground yet government changes neither military strategy or the hapless people tasked to implement it.

We all should ask how this man spends his hours. A person devotes his time, mind and energy to what is important to him. From all I can see, the President spends the majority of his time in political caucuses determining how to share offices and allocate the spoils of government so that enough of his party’s governors and senators don’t rebel against his reelection bid. These party members care nothing about the quality of his performance and he cares nothing about the quality of theirs.

They dance the dance of thieves and embrace each other as liars do. The dirty bargains they make to hold office demonstrate their vision of government. It is an employment agency for the elite and a tax on the rest of the people.

If the president took his function as commander in chief seriously, he would have nixed the festive announcement of his bid to return to office. At most, he would have made a sober and brief announcement then quickly go make to work. No crowds, no music, no

banners. Just work and more of it. That is what leaders do. No President splashes about in public gaiety while an invading force captures land and afflicts the people who are on it. If truly a commander-in-chief instead of reveller in chief, he would dedicate himself to making sure the armed forces have the fighting spirit and the right strategy to get the job done.

He would visit the ministry of defence to inject the lazy building with energy and purpose. He would assure that he got daily briefings. He would have asked for books and hired experts to verse him in counterinsurgency theory and practice.

Instead, President Jonathan behaves as an absentee commander-in-chief. Worse, he behaves as if the insurgent challenge is in another nation. For instance, when was the last time he visited the front line to talk to the troops or to succour the displaced? To continue as we are is to invite failure and all that comes with it in an armed conflict. Why any president would want his name attached to such a dubious feat is beyond my powers of reasoning.

Our president has been lacklustre and devoid of vision and purpose. What he lacks in lustre, vision and purpose, he compensates for in ambition and cunning. Jonathan has become adept at manipulating the levels of power to his partisan advantage. Yet, after six years in office, he has not learned how to be president of a nation. He has not learned how to face the awesome duties of his awesome seat. A leader can’t seek to enjoy the seat but ignore the burden that comes with it. Despite the fake applause that came with his announcement, even his supporters are troubled by one indisputable fact. If he could not master the elements of office after six years, there is little that another four years will provide. If he remains our man, then we remain in the deepest trouble.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

21

COMMENTS

A

S a peasant farmer’s son, I knew that there were certain climbing parasitic weeds that we boys had to prevent at all costs from showing up in our father’s cocoa farm. Make the mistake of allowing them to grow there and they will climb and kill the cocoa trees.

To the processes and health of democratic politics and society, election rigging is a killer parasite. It is the most vicious among the demons that have been gradually killing Nigeria since independence. Those of our influential politicians and top civil servants who strategized in the dark to rig our newly independent country’s first elections – the 1964 federal elections – may not have known the ultimate outcome of what they were starting. But we Nigerians of subsequent times now know that they planted the parasite that will, as things are now going, almost certainly kill Nigeria.

Once election rigging establishes a presence in an avowedly democratic society, it is virtually impossible to remove – and the reason for that is that it titivates and romances one of the darkest and most powerful instincts of the human psyche – the urge to power, influence and glory. If others before you in positions of power in your country have rigged elections for themselves and their friends and gotten away with it, why would you not do it for yourself and your friends too? The outcome can only be that the persons in power will become more and more skilful in doing it. And the ultimate end will only be some kind of collapse of the society.

Realistically, therefore, it seems very unlikely at this point that we can sustain Nigeria for much longer than now. It is not a question of whether or not we love Nigeria.

Of course, very many of us love Nigeria and would wish that it would live on and become a great and powerful country in the world. I can never tire of saying this – that, as a young Nigerian in the 1950s and early 1960s, I grew up and matured in a time when being a Nigerian was a huge pride in the world, and I cannot forget that or let it go away easily. But that is a totally different matter from the realities that I perceive all around me today. I love my friends and wish they would never die, but I know that, being the naturally fickle humans that we all are, we will all die – each in his or her own time.

I love Nigeria, but I fear that a country that

What election rigging may soon do to Nigeria has become as sick as Nigeria has now become, and without any measurable effort at remedy too, will die and fizzle out, probably soon. It is very painful to me to write this last sentence, but at least some of us must boldly and clearly leave record of our fears and warnings about what is being done to our country today. No human country can possibly survive the periodic assault by the power of election rigging and its accompanying disruptions, especially when these are also allied to other deadly monsters like massive public corruption, massive poverty and hopelessness, massive inter-people animosities, massive religious intolerance and aggressiveness, and massive leadership and managerial incompetence.

Among most Nigerians at home and abroad, and among most informed observers in most parts of the world, Nigeria’s coming elections of 2015 are arousing serious fears and questions. The vibrations emanating from Nigeria about the elections speak mostly of competing determinations to settle issues by crookedness and violence; they also very pointedly portend conflict and ruin.

All over the country, people are no longer speaking of the well-known election rigging methods of the past, but of mind-bogglingly high technology rigging devices and methods of today. Fears that the federal government and its agencies (INEC, the Nigeria Police, the SSS, and even parts of the military) are bracing to carry out the most horrendous election rigging in Nigeria’s history are frightening masses of people and making others shake their heads in wonder. In Nigeria’s north-eastern region, one of the world’s most violent Islamic fundamentalist terror groups is expanding its massacres, kidnappings and destruction, as well as its area of control, and preparing to extend its devastations to the rest of Nigeria. Significant groups of leading citizens in the Northwest and the South-south are escalating their already troubling sabre rattling. Openly and loudly, secretly and quietly, Nigerians in their millions are saying that 2015 is likely

I

N our bedevilled times it seems like it is a crime to be born a Nigerian. Some may say a child has no choice as to where he/she eventually emerges, but our times have no patience for the logic of choices; our times swallow our children even before they think geography. Poor Nigerian child.

As nations sit back this day, November 20 to think of strides or otherwise made in the actualization of the Rights of the Child set forth by the United Nations (International Children’s Rights Day), it is common knowledge that the child fated to be born these times in Nigeria ranks one of the most endangered species on earth.

Or, what do you make of this heart-breaking scenario: all that those kids had in mind were futures decked in gold, and some were probably already bagging laurels on their way to reclaiming those futures. A big bang and that was all. What did we see? Fifty eight body bags containing dreams sliced to unrecognizable bits in a shattered school in Potiskum.

And, as it was in Potiskum, so it was in Buni Yadi: 69 innocent school children consumed in one fell-swoop—bombed, slaughtered, burnt; parents’ high dreams up in the smoke of an insane insurgency.

Then think of the Chibok girls. What exactly was their crime?

In the era where their peers settled squeamishly in the discomfort of forced child marriages, of forced violations, fragile bodies primed by a shameless norm for unripe tasks, unspeakable maternal suffering, these girls dared to dream. They dared to step up their lives, to be enlightened, to be elevated and to shine as harbingers of light to their families – future and present, to be pride to Nigeria. Those adventurous dreams ended in the thick of the night, borne to the bushes on the craggy backs of Boko Haram’s lorries, carefully guarded by the Kalashnikov.

Seven months later, no word about their welfare. And except for international pressures, their matters would have long been buried in the face of 2015 electoral exigencies. Delicate dreams buried deep in the thick of Sambisa forest, bygone girlhoods, children sold off as slaves, so the mad men bragged. Those who escaped owed their freedom to self-help, nothing more. And yet these are people’s daughters, people’s investment, and

‘What manner of children are we breeding? If we do not show them love, show them that our well-oiled government has the resources and capacity to protect them, fight for them and fend for them when necessary using all sorts of tastelessly insensitive alibis, what manner of adults, leaders do we assume they would grow up to be?’

going to be the year of Nigeria’s implosion that many in the world – including well-informed agencies of the United States government – have been predicting or warning about for years.

In fact, no serious-minded person now expects that the 2015 Nigerian presidential elections are sure to end peacefully in victory for any side. The talk of rigging is so totally universal and so trenchant among Nigerians. And the reasons for that are obvious and understandable. In over 50 years of the existence of Nigeria as an independent country, Nigeria has not succeeded – or even sincerely tried – to nurture federal agencies and public servants that can be relied upon to do their duties as impartial umpires in the political process. Politicians controlling the federal government at any time want the top police, secret service, electoral officials, and electoral tribunal judges, to see themselves, and to operate, as partisans of the ruling political party, and the officials, for the most part, do just that. They are therefore widely and profoundly distrusted by all other parties and groups. Naturally, to have a chance to compete reasonably at all, these other parties dig in and strive to influence and buy the officials of the federal agencies – which they sometimes succeed in doing.

Therefore, whichever side is declared winner by the widely suspected electoral officials, or adjudged winner by the electoral tribunals, the other sides will very loudly and insistently claim that rigging has been done. And then, there is likely to follow the violence that some significant groups have been preparing for, and the rolling out of the sophisticated weapons that various groups have built up. And what may follow after that is impossible to tell – other than that countless Nigerians may lose their lives, that more may be displaced from their homes, and that the widening chaos may overflow and drown much of Africa.

And yet – and yet – no notable Nigerian group is urging that the persons who rule and lead Nigeria should stop and look into

Gbogun gboro this whole situation. No notable group is seriously suggesting that concerted efforts be made to halt the looming disaster. All that the rulers and influential politicians are talking about, all they are bent on securing, is “victory” – that is, victory for their own particular groups and desires. Simultaneously with the scenes of President Goodluck Jonathan’s victorious and jubilant declaration of his candidacy for the 2015 presidential election in Abuja last week, there appeared on television worldwide the horrifying sight of tens of Nigerian students who were blown to pieces at about the same time by a suicide bomber in a college in the Nigerian Northeast. To the sane world, Nigeria has become something unknown, unknowable, and baffling.

‘In over 50 years of the existence of Nigeria as an independent country, Nigeria has not succeeded – or even sincerely tried – to nurture federal agencies and public servants that can be relied upon to do their duties as impartial umpires in the political process’

Curse of the Nigerian child

By Betty Abah communities’ hopes. But then, who cares? Those who have cried themselves hoarse asking for the innocent girls to be brought back have been labelled enemies of progress, opposition party members.

Naturally, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs should care, as sensitive women would, if only they haven’t now become superb event managers for powerful women married to powerful men in the days of the cobra. They are experts in organizing rallies to #BringBackJonathan’, incredibly, at a time the world remains united in their plea to #BringBackOurGirls’.

Some may say they are supposed to be mothers, but then so what? These are children of faceless peasants, Nigerians of no consequence, children who choose to their peril to be born Nigerians!

And lest we forget, there was something called the Safer School Initiative in which school children were to repose their trust as to the protectiveness of the learning four-walls amidst terrorist threats. Propounded by former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, its launch came like ice cold water to a desert traveller.

But today, if you have a clue as to how the programme is being implemented and how many lives are truly safe from the bombers of childhood dreams, let’s know. If you do not know and you ask me, who I go ask?

And, better believe this, the endangerment of our children are not only restricted to the Boko Haram-harassed North. Within well-fenced, well-adorned homes in elitist Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and Port Harcourt brimming with over-dotted and sometimes overweight children, other underage children with ‘’irrelevant parents’ live in domestic slavery. Unschooled. Underfed.

Unkempt. Overworked. But again, who cares?

Haven’t you heard that Nigeria now tops the world in the number of out-of-school children? According to UNESCO, it stood at 10 million as at last year. This year, with more violence, more fears, more forced migration, it is certainly more. And, please, do not ask me if the government has yet asked after the welfare of Nigerian children, families now refugees in Cameroon, Niger and Chad, but I do know we are now a top ‘refugee nation’.

And here we are, consistently ranking high on the global negative index when it touches on children. One of the highest in under-five deaths, according to Save Our Children. Very soon, perhaps, cases of battery, child rape, kidnaps and other crimes splashing our local media pages daily may no longer be news after all.

Or, can we ever speak exhaustively about Nigerian newborns being virtually hawked on the streets of Aba, Owerri, Enugu,

Port Harcourt and exchanged for naira and kobo to buyers from Lagos, Abuja, London, Paris? We are talking about children of vulnerable teenagers, fellow children, babies who will grow up, never knowing their biological parents neither history.

Some, we even hear, end up in ritualists’ altars.

Who is really there for these unlucky children? Remember it took the plea of Pakistani teenager Malala to get our darling president to see distraught parents of the Chibok girls?

Remember the jamborees that usually follow the news of the slaughter of citizens? Buni Yadi. Chibok. Nyanya. Potiskum.

Remember? Who really gives a damn?

And if the president does not give a damn, is it any surprise that majority of the citizenry, especially the well-off, act completely aloof? Isn’t it why, whenever children are bombed out of existence, innocent lives hacked down for no single fault of their, the rest of Nigeria instantly go on tweeting deliriously about Arsenal’s trophy or cooing on Facebook about Angelina Jolie’s killer dress sense?

It is this indifference by the majority of the populace and lack of action especially by policy makers on so many child-related fronts that makes this particularly tragic.

But the aloofness may not even be restricted to government and the tired citizens. In the recent past, we have had UNICEF offices in Palestine, South Sudan and many other places ravaged by conflict building international coalitions to attract help for hapless children of those countries. If you ask me if Nigeria has a UNICEF branch and what they do, na who I go ask? Go to its website and social media pages and see them gathering cobwebs and you will know, like government, like people, even our UNICEF and most international child’s rights groups in Nigeria don’t give a damn. After all, these children embarked on the suicidal trips to be born Nigerians. It’s their fault, isn’t? But God is watching us all on a 5-D camera, His quill in His hands.

History too is not sleeping.

Alas, lest we forget in a detached hurry, it may be pertinent to ask the right questions about what awaits us: What manner of children are we breeding? If we do not show them love, show them that our well-oiled government has the resources and capacity to protect them, fight for them and fend for them when necessary using all sorts of tastelessly insensitive alibis, what manner of adults, leaders do we assume they would grow up to be? Will we adults be safe, supposing we reach that future, together with the children of today?

It is the more reason, compatriots, we must halt the parties, halt the ineptitude, the corruption and aloofness and ensure that the lives, rights and future of the Nigerian child is protected, starting now.

• Abah is founder of CEE-HOPE Nigeria, a child’s right and welfare NGO.

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

23

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Multiple uniforms and levies outside tuition fees have become a fad among private schools. The trend, which makes parents spend more, is seen as extortion by some schools’ proprietors. However, the schools which allow levies and multiple uniforms justify the need for it. They premise their argument on the fact that parents willingly pay. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, MEDINAT KANABE, TAYO JOHNSON (Ibadan), SAMPSON UNAMKA and JANE CHIJIOKE report.

•Pupils of a private school in Lagos during an excursion .

When parents care less on multiple uniforms, extra fees

E

VER wondered how you have been unconsciously swindled while parting with 'emergency levies' in your children school?. As parents, do you ever realise that that little fee you part with at one time or another, as demanded by your children school for your children's 'special event' could form a mighty ocean if you imagine what such amount would have achieved?

It is a fad at many private schools to have more than one uniform which, of course, parents pay for, whether they like it or not. It is also common for them to demand for unexpected fees outside tuition. The fees are usually for ‘special events’ such as Children’s Day party, excursions, Christmas party, Valentine party and a host of others.

These days, most private schools recommend three to four uniforms for their pupils, sometimes at outrageous prices. The uniforms, sometimes, exclude sportswear and those for voluntary organisations such as Boys Scout, Girls Guide, Boys Brigade, Red Cross and others. Sadly enough, parents have to bear all the costs.

Be that as it may, the bottom-line is that schools compel parents to create extra budgets from their incomes to meet some of the

aforementioned costs, not minding the prevailing economic hardship.

The Nation’s checks on schools in Lagos and Oyo states revealed that while some schools frown at the trend, others that practise them justify their actions. According to them, their

‘Uniforms, as far as I am concerned, is to identify or differentiate one school from another. If two, three to four schools wear the same colour of uniform per day, so how do we differentiate them from one another? So, with different uniforms, there will be clashes’

-Page 27

such events, which come up abruptly, necessitate parents making extra cash available for their wards outside the normal school fees.

Some other schools deny billing parents extra fees, adding that all unforeseen expenses are built into their pupils’ tuition fees at the beginning of each term.

Mix feelings from educationists The Principal of Baptist Academy, Mrs Abosede Ladoba, frowns at the practice: “We don’t take extra charges or levies from our pupils.” “We are different from a one-man private school; our operation is controlled centrally. We don’t have the power to charge extra fees or levies above their school fees; if • Continued on page 26

INSIDE

TASCE workers allege impersonation of college IGR

pupils must be seen as being ‘exceptional’ among their contemporaries; hence, the variety of uniforms.

On miscellaneous levies, while some say their schools always get parents involved with regards to such fees, others argue that

Lagos to screen SS3 pupils before WASSCE -Page 47

CAMPUS LIFE

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

Students invent automobile -Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

26

EDUCATION

When parents care less on multiple uniforms, extra fees • Continued from page 25

we do that it will be illegal charges.”

“It’s not sensible to me,” Mrs Ladoba continued reacting on variety of uniforms. “Why should pupils wear different uniforms everyday? It will not make them to be focused. Already, we have problems with fashion in the world, what they call ‘something in vogue’, because people are almost going nude. So, if we allow them wear different things it’s uncalled for. Uniforms, as far as I am concerned, is to identify or differentiate one school from another. If two, three to four schools wear the same colour of uniform per day, so how do we differentiate them from one another? So, with different uniforms, there will be clashes.”

National Secretary of Baptist Academy Old Student Association (BAOSA), Mr Adeniyi Thompson blames the government for failing to meet the needs of public schools, giving room for private schools to take the shine off them.

“If we had free education we won’t be talking about these things,” Thompson noted adding, “Nigeria is rich enough to run some sort of subsidised education even if it’s not completely free. So, the issue of extra levies is a function of school administration generally because if those things were not too much, nobody will complain. But when the school fees (of private schools) are exorbitant and you now add levies people will complain. It is simply because things are not run properly.”

Mr John Olumide, a teacher at De’ Star Nursery and Primary School, Gbagada Lagos, said the school does not believe in multiplicity of uniforms.

He said: “The idea of different uniforms is a personal thing by schools, in as much as its preserve the durability of school uniforms and also add colour to the school, it also has its negative implication which is that the public won’t be able to identify which particular school wears what uniform especially, those who are already conversant with the school. Some parents might also picture the school too expensive.”

However, Principal, Ivory Land Private School, Surulere Mrs Bridget Okoh, would have none of that. According to her, the school authority communicates with parents when special occasions such as excursions come up.

“I think the idea of wearing more than one type of uniform in schools now is mostly all about aesthetics, and beautifying the school. I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. Just that some parents might want to have an issue with that but in all it’s welcomed,” she said.

Mr Ajayi Olatunbosun, acting principal, Maverick College, Ibadan, added a fresh angle to the trend. Olatunbosun said though the school sticks to two uniforms-normal uniform and sports wear; nevertheless parents are forbidden to sew uniforms for their wards as the school uniform is a bit on the high side because it is customised.

“We hear of it, (variety of uniforms), but we do not engage in such here because of our pedigree.

We even go against any teacher recommending any textbook that is not contained in the school list.”

“Our uniform is customised, you cannot buy it just anywhere, we have companies in Lagos that help produce it and we also sew it for them. The price is not so expensive compared to what it could have been and our parents are appreciative of them.”

To make it easier for parents to pay, Director, Lead City High School, Jericho, Mrs Taiwo Owoeye, said the school classifies extra levies which are documented and given to parents.

•Pupils attending a sport event in one of the schools in Lagos.

“In my school, we list all the things we charge, we have a sheet for this outside tuition. We have other fees like development levy, PTA fees, sports charges, and Android fee because we give android device to the students and so on.

These are things we charge outside tuition and it is always contained in the sheet given to their parents,” Owoeye said.

Like Owoeye, Principal, The Vale College, Ibadan, Mr Akanbi Obaloja, said every charges for the term is contained in the bill given to every parent before the beginning of the new term. He added that if extra cost comes up, it is made voluntary for interested parents who want their wards to be a part of such event for which the levy was introduced.

Aside this, Obaloja also believes that secondary schools should have just one uniform and not different wears like in some primary schools except for sports wears which pupils in his school wear every Friday.

Pupils of Da’wah Nursery and Primary School, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, have four wears comprising two varieties of uniforms, one sports wear and Boys Scout attire which is optional. The school’s Head Teacher, AbdulFatai Akinosho, told our reporter that the measure was to ensure pupils appear neat everyday, while parents do less of daily washing.

“The essence of all the uniforms is to assist parents reduce the burden of everyday washing because some parents cannot wash their children’s uniform every day. If a school has only one school uniform, some parents will buy only one pair and misuse it because it is a daily wear. It is to ensure they are neat when coming to school,” he said.

Akinosho continued: “A child should also not put on his or her school uniform on a sports day because the sporting activities might damage the wear. The sports wear suits the sporting activities they do.

Boys Scout is part of the children’s extra-curricula activities. The uniform makes it more real for them so we advise that they buy though it is

not compulsory.

Mr Adekoya Aseshola, Vice-Principal, New Covenant Secondary School, whose school is Akinosho’s next door neighbour, said it has become a fad for schools within the estate to recommend more than one uniform for pupils.

In my school, we have three uniforms - white, yellow and the sports wear,” he said.

Hear him: “I can say categorically that most schools in the estate have two uniforms and one sports wear.

Our uniform is not cheap. They buy two shirts and one pair of trousers for N8,500 and the sports wear is N4,500; but the uniform is of very high quality. We were importing them before but we now have someone here in Nigeria that can give us the same quality.

“Some parents complain that the uniform is expensive though but if you want your child in the school you must buy our uniform which is of very high quality. We always include our charges that are not school fees in the list that we give to parents at the end of the term as miscellaneous and it is not all parents that pay,” he added.

At another school in Volkswagen area, Ojo, Pupils also wear two school uniforms and a sportswear like the previous school. A teacher in the school, told The Nation that most times parents hardly complain about the variety of uniforms as each parent coughs out N2.500 a piece.

“They are okay with the (three) uniforms;” said a teachers in the school who pleaded not to be mentioned, “yet they complain of the price. Each time, parents always use the PTA forum to reignite their displeasure on the cost of the uniform.

The source continued: “I remember there was a time the management wanted to raise the cost (of uniform) to N2.800, but parents kicked against it. Some even insisted that they would be buying materials and sowing the uniforms themselves. But, earnestly speaking, they hardly complain about variety of uniforms.”

Parents support, oppose trend A parent, Mrs Ose Odion, described the trend as pure extortion: “The management of these schools just extort parents unnecessarily, not bearing in mind that money is not easy to come by, it’s really bad.

They forget that the economy of this country isn’t that favourable. I think this issue should be addressed by parents and management.

“The cost of uniforms are really ridiculous,” Odion continued, “you pay a whooping sum for just two pairs of uniforms and in some cases probably a sportswear. It’s really not nice.”

Mr Emmanuel Asekhame, craved government’s intervention through proper quality control.

“Most schools charge extra fees to cover unforeseen expenditure, but for parents, most of them can’t even pay the normal school fees let alone hidden charges. So, I think the government should tackle hidden charges through proper monitoring.

He described multiple uniforms as outrageous. “To me, wearing different uniforms is outrageous. Are the uniforms reducing the school standard? They (schools) should be thinking of how to improve the dilapidated facilities and not how to wear different uniforms.”

For Odior Uwazie, its up to parents to challenge their wards’ schools if they find such extra charges unacceptable.

“I believe the school management will disclose to those parents the reason for such fees. It’s all about arriving at a consensus among all parents of the said school. I would say the reason why schools impose such payment on parents is for their selfish gain and self aggrandisement. But it is now left for them to convince and persuade the parents of those pupils that need to pay.”

On uniforms, he said: “We all know that the cost of uniforms per head is not worth it. But it is also the schools’ source of generating revenue. I’m a living witness to that.

And again, wearing different uniforms to school is a waste of money and resources.”

Mrs Dupe Jagun is totally in sup-

‘Also for security purpose, when these children close from school and pass the regular places they take home, it will be difficult to spot that particular child. And again, if someone planned to pick your child without your consent, by the time the child puts on another colour of uniform, the person will be confused’

port of extra fees. “To me the extra fees is a normal thing, if they collect it directly or even add it to the school fees. One way or the other we parents will still get to pay it,” Jagun said curtly.

Similarly, she loves the variety of five uniforms her wards wear each from Mondays through Friday.

This, she explains, helps the uniforms last longer as she does not need to ‘wash’ them everyday.

“Well, my children already have three different uniforms which they wear on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, while they wear their sportswear on Wednesday and jeans and shirts on Fridays. I’m satisfied with the change. It makes the uniform last longer, and reduces the stress of everyday washing.

“Also for security purpose, when these children close from school and pass the regular places they take home, it will be difficult to spot that particular child. And again, if someone planned to pick your child without your consent, by the time the child puts on another colour of uniform, the person will be confused.”

Mr Goke Daniels, does not find the idea exciting at all: He said: “My daughter wears two sets of uniforms and I know how much the school bills me for that, let alone wearing so many on various days. I don’t buy that idea at all, it’s a waste of money. Another charges I do incur from my daughter is on notebooks. The school does not receive any other notebook apart from the one that has the school’s name on it. A notebook of N50.00 might be sold for N80.00. Excursion fee is just too much when you evaluate it.”

As far as she is concerned, Mrs Tola Oladejo does not like the idea of private schools charging extra fees. She believes this is not the best way to handle parents.

“When you pay your child’s school fees, you have rest of mind that you have settled the bill for that term, but they (schools) suddenly ask children to bring money for something again. As civil servants we often would have planned our salary, but because we do not know about these fees, they put us in trouble.” Oladejo said.

Do extra levies rub off on academic improvement?

At King of Kings in Cassidy Okoko, Lagos, pupils are subjected to wearing two uniforms including sportswear. While the cream uniform is worn on Monday and Tuesday, the yellowish variant is for Thursday and Friday while pupils only don their sportswear on Wednesdays.

Despite this, The Nation discovered that many a parent are happy to part with the money.

One of the parents Mrs Ajike (not real name) told our reporter that with the variety of uniforms, her daughter is now poles apart from her contemporaries in her neighbourhood.

“Do you ever take your time to observe how other people watch my daughter whenever she’s ready for school? She asked pontificating.

“The different uniforms she wears makes other parents and children look at her with awe. You know they don’t wear a variety of uniforms in her former school before we withdrew on , but now it’s like her school is from Victoria Island (an upscale Lagos neighbourhood) and people now respect me for that,” she added.

Despite the cost of the uniforms and the stress of having to wash them often, Ajike believes they amount to little or nothing since, according to her, she sees results.

“My daughter now speaks better (English); she even tries to correct her mates whenever they speak pidgin English while playing together. It’s not about uniforms alone but we are also paying for everything the school is imparting on our children.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

EDUCATION

TASCE workers allege impersonation of college IGR

T

HE College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Non Academic Staff Union, and the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SUCCOEN), Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Chapter, Omu Ijebu, Ogun State, have urged the government to return its investments to the Institution.

The unions, through their chairmen, alleged that the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) dubiously took over their sources of income from them and influenced the former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to relocate them to a new place, which they described as the ‘dungeon of Omu’.

The chairmen spoke at a joint briefing held on the premises of the institution in Ijebu-Ode. The union also demanded the composition of a new Governing Council for the institution so that the government will not always feel the heat of workers unrest.

Until March 2005 when it metamorphosed into the first university of education in Nigeria, TASCE was a Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) awarding institution affiliated to the University of Ibadan. Consequently, it started running degree pro-

By Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

grammes between 1998 and 2005.

The college was once ranked by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as the fourth best amongst the 63 colleges of education nationwide, necessitating the need for its upgrade to a university. A pane constituted to oversee the change recommended that TASCE be moved from Ijagun to OmuIjebu, which are still within the same local council, and where TASUED now sits.

The Chairman of SSUCOEN, Comrade Segun Odunola, alleged that TASUED is issuing certificate to some old students of the institution in the name of TASCE with huge amount of money without remitting same to TASCE’s purse.

He said: “Pending the time government will release the white paper on the existence of the Tai Solarin Institutions (TASCE and TASUED), as submitted by the visitation panel, all the certificates of affiliated programmes of TASCE, being issued out by TASUED together with huge funds realised from the issuance of primary and secondary schools at the TASUED’s Igbeba, should be controlled by TASCE to boost its IGR. “Alternatively, all the pro-

ceeds from the IGRs being appropriated by TASUED should be shared between TASCE and TASEUED pending the time the government will implement its white paper on the two Tai Solarin Institutions.”

NASU’s Chairman, Comrade Olatunji Osoba, urged the government to pay the outstanding 48 months salaries owed workers by its predecessor, premising his argument on the fact that governance is continuum.

“I am pleading that the state government should pay up our arrears from July 2009 to June 2013. We also urged them to regularise our salaries because we all have families to cater for.”

COEASU Chairman, Dr. Dan Oludipe, admonished government to return TASCE to its permanent site, saying students are not comfortable with the new location.

“We want government to return TASCE to its permanent site at Ijagun. If this is done, TASCE will have access to her IGRs and will be able to assist government in meeting some of its financial obligations to the college. In fact, prospective students visiting TASCE, Omu, for the first time, always feel discouraged because they see the new location as a glorious secondary school at the moment,” he said.

•CEO Kids got Talent, Abiola Akinyeye (centre), Music Educator Loveworld School , Mr. Femi Ogunyemi (right) and the past winner of kids, Akorede Odukole, during the 10th anniversary of the PHOTO:MUYIWA HASSAN company in Lagos.

Academy rebuilds school canteen

O

UR Lady of Apostle Public Nursery and Primary School, Yaba, Lagos, has inaugurated a newly built canteen, courtesy of Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, Ilupeju.

The students, who are members of ‘Stream 26’ of the academy, replaced the school’s ageing and awful looking facility with a befitting one in fulfillment of their course requirement.

As a prerequisite to graduating from Poise School, stu-

By Medinat Kanabe

dents are required to create a non-government organisation, (NGO) and match same with a welfare project, which must be executed. Stream 26, identified the need for a better cafeteria for the school and decided to build a new one.

Head of Training at the academy, Mr Niyi Omole, congratulated the young executive as they are called, and appreciated their efforts on successfully completing the

project against all odds. He advised the pupils to work hard and strive to be good citizens of their country.

The highlight of the event was the entertainment provided by pupils of Our Lady School for guest and donors to show appreciation.

Students, who partook in the project are: Grace Olohigbe Abode, Adebiyi Adebowale, Aderemi Olutayo, Bankole Oluwakemi, Ayodele Abimbola, Duru Anderson and Alewi Oluwaseyi.

LASU alumni summit to end violence

T

HE Lagos State University Alumni Association has said it would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the 30-year-old institution is free from incessant violence and protests that have drawn it back since its inception.

The association, as a result of this, is holding a summit next week, where all unions and past vice chancellors of the institution and other stakeholders are expected to present a position paper on

By Adegunle Olugbamila how to end crisis in LASU for good.

“The Lagos State University Alumni Association had lived up to its expectation in crisis management through the mediation. Meetings have been held with the various staff unions and the university management and, by extension, the State House of Assembly as well as the executive arm of the state , with a view to finding a lasting solution to the prob-

lems,” said the alumni national secretary Mr ‘Wale Anthony.

In a statement titled: ‘LASU alumni Association Summit on Lagos State University Project’, Anthony sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in the forthcoming event, which holds next Thursday at De Hall, Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja, Lagos. Anthony expressed the hope that issues that have stunted the growth of the institution will be dissected for lasting solution.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE TETFund seeks impact research A member of the Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), representing the Southwest, Lady Anna Kolawole, has charged scholars to carry out research that would bring about positive economic growth and development to Nigeria.

Lady Kolawole gave this charge while addressing scholars embarking on TETFund-sponsored academic projects at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

She said in carrying out such researches, they should also work in conjunction with industries and factories, to come up with real findings and solutions that would add value to the system.

The BoT member added that TETFund has a new Department for Research and Centre of Excellence, as she called on all federal institutions to establish same for all hands to be on deck to move the country forward. She also encouraged the university to access the research grants of about N3 billion available for use from TETFund.

She commended the university for the impressive reports received from the Fund’s Desk Officer for the university, Dr. Pius Akintokun.

“In short, you are doing well academically. Thank God, you are a very settled university; you don’t always go on strike. We are going with good records from here,” she said.

The Director, Centre for Internationalisation and Partnerships (CENIP), FUNAAB, and the Desk Officer of TETFund, Dr. Akintokun, appreciated TETFund for making funds available to the university, while he assured that FUNAAB would continue to embark on impactful research that would touch the lives of the people and improve the economy of the country. According to him, at least 17 scholars that had so far benefited from TETFund, were already back to the University, while many more were still undergoing training.

Education vital, says pioneer VC THE Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof Nurudeen Adedipe, has described education as crucial in the realisation of national aspirations and development. According to the erudite scholar, governments that are conscious of the importance of education should be commended and encouraged to do more in the interest of the society.

He made this observation during the sixth Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series, titled: “Education as a panacea to national insecurity and developmental challenges,” held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife recently.

Adedipe, who chaired the occasion, lauded the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for according much recognition to education in his state in terms of investment.

In his presentation, Ogbeni Aregbesola, who was the guest speaker at the Lecture Series, described education as “a very critical tool to the realisation of sustainable national development and the achievement of national security”.

He lamented that the Nigerian state was faced by insecurity and other developmental challenges because of the continued erosion in the quality and standard of our educational system. He added that lack of adequate investment in education by successive administrations in Nigeria had crippled the system to an extent that what seemed to matter to students was just the acquisition of certificates.

The governor also stressed that there was no reason children and youths in parts of the North and the Niger Delta areas of Nigeria should not have the same quality education as their counterparts in other parts of the nation.

FUTA don leads UN’s Zero Gravity Project T

HE Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has been selected to participate in the United Nations ZeroGravity Instrument Project, ZGIP. A statement by Takao Doi, the United Nations expert on Space Applications in its Outer Space Affairs Office noted that Dr. Daniel Juwon Arotupin, one of FUTA’s leading Microbiologists and an Associate Professor would be the lead participants in the ZGIP of the UN to be domiciled in Akure.

Takao routed the letter announcing the selection of FUTA through the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Nations in Vienna, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja which notified the Federal

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Ministry of Education which conveyed the good news to the FUTA Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola.

Takao said FUTA would get a grant of a non-commercial donation of a micro-gravity simulation instrument called Clinostat alongside other supplementary items to enable Arotupin perform proposed scientific educational and related activities under the aegis of the UN office of Outer Space Affairs.

Daramola congratulated the recipient on his solo representation of Nigeria on the project. He said from

Dr Arotupin’s antecedents, the UN has found a tested academic to drive the important research project.

The ZGIP was initiated in 2012 as part of the Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI) capacity-building activities, in which a fixed number of microgravity-simulating instruments, called Clinostats, were distributed to selected schools and institutions worldwide.

The major objectives as stated by the coordinators include to: “provide opportunities for students and researchers to observe natural phenomena of samples under simulated microgravity conditions on the ground, and to inspire them to undertake further study in the field of space science and technology. The project is also aimed at creating

• Prof Daramola

datasets of plant species with their gravity response, which would contribute to design future space experiments, and to the advancement of microgravity research.”

Ekiti College marks 60th anniversary

O

• From left: Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria Ltd., Mrs. Alero Ladipo; Senior Manager, Legal and Regulatory, Mr Gbolahan Thomas; Commissioner for Education, Oyo State, Prof. Solomon Olaniyonu and Principal, Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan, Mrs Adenike Okunade when Smile donated Internet Access Connectivity Facilities to the school as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Festival to test pupils’ writing, art skills

R

EGISTRATION has opened for the ‘Vision of the Child’ competition which will feature as part of the 2015 Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF).

Pupils aged eight to 12 attending in public and private schools in Lagos State have until December 19 to enter for the competition, which will feature reading, writing, and painting contests.

Interested participants will submit a poem, essay or short story of 300500 words based on the theme: ‘The Road to Sambisa’ for the competition The event sponsored by Diamond Bank Plc with support from the Lagos State government, will hold under the aegis of the LBHF between March 30 and April 6.

Screening of entrants begins on January 12, 2015 for those who beat the registration deadline and pay the

By Joe Agbro Jr

fee of N500. Shortlisted entrants will then be invited to Freedom Park, Lagos Island, and provided with canvas, brush and easels to interpret their writing in painting.

Declaring the competition open at the Freedom Park, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Disun Holloway, hoped this year’s edition would be as interesting as the 2014 edition, which featured 620 schools.

“I was here last year and enjoyed all the events put up by the Black Heritage Festival. The events and all the drama that were held here were fantastic,” he said.

However, unlike previous years the festival consultant, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has decided to recognise ‘few individuals’ endowed

with duality of creative skills this year.

“Unlike 2014 where the prize was awarded on the aggregate of the two creative media, there will be three prizes in all – one in Painting, another in its sister art, the literary, while the prime prize will go to the combined product of the pupil’s dexterity – Painting and Literature.

“What we are doing is to let them speak, not just in their words but in their creative ability,” said Festival Secretary, Foluke Michael.

She added that the LBHF has 96 paintings from children that will enter its hall of fame very soon.

The Lagos Black Heritage Festivals is a series of cultural celebrations held within the Lagos metropolis and Badagry. It composes of events such as the Lagos carnival, beauty pageant, and a boat regatta which takes place on the Lagos lagoon.

LD students of Ekiti Parapo College, Ido Ekiti (EPCOSA) have inaugurated a four-point developmental road map for their alma mater, which will focus on the need to promote, sustain and preserve the socio-cultural legacies of the 60year historic institution.

President of the college’s Old Students association, Ogbeni Lanre Adesuyi, made the intentions of the Association known at a briefing in Lagos to announce the 60th anniversary of the college.

He said the celebration of EKPACO’s Diamond Jubilee will hold from November 24 to 30, 2014 on the College premises in Ido Ekiti.

Adesuyi said the theme of the anniversary is “Celebrating the past, consolidating the present, building the future” and hoped it would, among other things, help to foster existing good relationships among members of the old students association in accordance with the school’s motto ‘Agbajopo Owo’.

He further explained that the four-point objectives of the developmental plan are “to reflect on the evolution of EKPACO over 60 years; to refresh old school ties/ friendships; to support the school by investing in its development and to mentor students of the institution who are tomorrow’s leaders.”

Adesuye named old students of the school to include former Military Governors of the old Western Region, late Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi and Major Gen. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo; former Commissioner for Education of Western State, Prof F.O. Dosekun and, particularly, the Premier of the Western Region, Nigeria, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who described the college as “a very courageous and impressive effort; a monument to the foresight and self-sacrifice of the highly progressive Ekiti people.”

Lagos SUBEB fetes retired teachers

R

ATHER than stay idle and inactive, retired teachers and other workers who served under the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have been counselled to play active roles in their communities.

The retirees were told this by various officials at the SUBEB yearly welfare event for retired septuagenarians held at the SUBEB Hall, Maryland.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Titilayo Solarin, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS) Education Distrct II, said playing a role in their communities would help the retirees remain active and relevant.

“Play a role in the community you live. Be relevant and active. If you

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

sit at home and do not get involved, you are not preparing ground enough for those coming behind.

Play an advisory role; talk to the youth; let them know you as someone they can rely on and trust. Pray for them and as you do so, God will bless you,” she said.

Speaking further, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on Primary Education, Mrs Abosede Ottun, said the retirees should not feel uncomfortable minding the business of their communities as it is the common practice abroad.

“It is your business to know what is happening in your communities.

That is what senior citizens do abroad. If they see anything that is

out of place, they call the police,” she said.

The retirees were also counselled to exercise, move closer to God, and keep their appointments with their doctors.

Each retiree gift was presented with a bag of food items, which the SUBEB Chairman, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, said was just a symbolic gift that was not commensurate to their worth to the board.

“This is the third time we are having this celebration. The essence is to appreciate our dear mamas and papas who have spent their youth serving Lagos State. These gifts we are giving you are symbolic – to tell you that for every single day, we appreciate you,” she said.

Reacting to the gesture, Mrs Vir-

ginia Adelaja, who retired as the Head Teacher of St Agnes Primary School, Somolu, in 1996, said she was happy they were being remembered.

“It is welcoming because nobody thinks of teachers. The fact that they gave us this ceremony shows that they appreciate us,” she said.

Mrs Adelaja advised the government to restore discipline in schools.

“In our days there was discipline.

But today there are lots of interventions these days that affects the level of discipline in schools and education is on the decline. The home, school, government should work together to correct this,” she said.

Chairman of the Teachers’ Pensioners Association, Pa J.O. Sanya, thanked the SUBEB chairman for introducing the event.

Enter the UNIBEN Idol

*CAMPUSES

A remarkable send-off

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 42

Page 31

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The Mechanical Engineering Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has become a centre of attraction after five of its graduating students fabricated an automobile, using locally-sourced materials and gadgets. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400Level Mass Communication) reports.

Students invent automobile

C

AN Nigerian engineers manufacture an automobile, using local resources? It is possible! Five engineering students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, have shown how the feat can be achieved.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering of the university was the centre of attraction last week when the students unveiled an automobile they designed and built.

They drove it round the campus.

The manufacturers, Augustus Okoyenta, Chukwuebuka Okeke, Chikeluba Ezeani, Kenechukwu Ofoegbu and Ebenezer Igbokwe are graduating students of the department. They fabricated the vehicle as their final year project, using locally- sourced materials.

They named their vehicle “AutoZik Formula 1 Car”. The design of the racing car, which operates at the speed of 180km/h, was carried out under the supervision of a lecturer in the department, Dr Solomon Nwiegbe.

There was excitement on the campus when the vehicle was testdriven by Chikeluba around the Administrative Block before it was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku.

The VC was joined by senior management members to shower encomiums on the students and their supervisor, describing the project as a brilliant feat. Members of the management were astonished when the students explained how they came up with the automobile. They analysed the mechanics, principles and calculations that made the project a reality.

Prof Ahaneku hailed the students, saying they had started home-made automobile transformation in the country. He praised Prof Sam Omenyi, the pioneer lecturer in the department, for shooting the school into technological spotlight. Science and technology,

the VC said, are the engines that power economic transformation.

He said: “This university has always been known for excellence and these students have demonstrated the excellence. This is a novel project; you don’t need any further evaluation to know that these students belong to the class of excellence. They will be going Abuja in December to exhibit the project and other works. We train students to leave as job creators and not employment seekers.”

Dr Nwigbo described the students as wonderful and resourceful, saying it took the team two years to design the automobile.

He said: “The spirit of engineering in them was brought to bear.

The boys passed through stress and training; now they have achieved their goal. Showcasing undergraduate research project before the management is no mean feat. I am not happy because they made a car but the quality of students we are churning out. They are disciplined, ready to learn and obedient.”

The leader of the team, Augustus, said the task was to design a racing car with less air drag when in motion, using cost-effective materials. This took them almost two years.

He said: “The achievement was not easy to come by; it took us days, weeks and months of hard work, sleepless nights, brainstorming and determination to succeed in the assignment. We used division of labour model, with each of us specialising in certain aspect of the design. I designed the chassis, the suspension as well as the hub. Chikeluba designed the brake system. The transmission and steering systems were designed by Chukwuebuka. While Ebenezer focused on the ergonomics (comfort of the driver), Kenechukwu designed the body.

“We spent about N400,000 on the

•The students posing with the racing automobile

project. Although the department and Students’ Union supported us, but we bore most of the financial burden.”

The students were grateful to their parents, who they said believed in their vision and supported them financially and morally. They also described their supervisor as a “wonderful man,” who encouraged them to work.

They listed the challenges encountered in the process to include unstable electricity that prevented them from testing some of the gadgets in the vehicle, and working overnight, funding and lack of requisite machines.

The Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr Chinonso Achebe, said the feat was an indication that the department was not

only proficient in theory but teach its students in practice. According to him, theoretical laws were juxtaposed with practical principles to carry out the project.

“We are grateful to God for giving these students wisdom to achieve this feat. This shows that engineers are good managers of •Continued on page 30

•Guard dupes students P30 •Fire razes poly’s engineering building P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Lessons from America Pushing

I

WAS discussing the November 8 edition of The Economist magazine tiled “Welcome back to Washington” with some students’ last Monday on the uniqueness of the United States of America democracy, how it operates and its emphasis on issues.

One of the students blurted “sir, you cannot compare the quality of leadership over there (USA) with our brand of kalo kalo leadership.” We all laughed about his assessment.

In local parlance, kalo kalo stands for gambling.

The students asked me a very simple, yet poignant question: “Why don’t we ever focus our attention on issues in Nigeria?” We spent quality time trying to answer this basic question. At the end, it was gratifying to me that we cannot simply write off this generation of youths as there are indeed some who think deep and really want to know whether Nigeria - at any time in its history – was ever different from what it is now. I made them understand that I completed my university without paying a dime as tuition fees; in fact, I paid less than N10, 000 in departmental and library charges!

So why were we discussing that edition of the Economist magazine? We are all familiar with the Obama phenomenon. It took the world by storm six years ago when a relatively unknown African-American became the US President. His oratorical skills were unmatched, even his political foes attest to that. Our discussion veered toward their wanting to know what factors inform voters’ action during elections.

That edition titled “Welcome back to Washington,” opened with this statement: “Opinion polls before the mid-term elections on November 4th suggested Barack Obama’s party would be beaten, but this was a thrashing. Republicans captured the Senate easily and their majority in the House of Representatives is now the biggest it has been in most Americans’ lifetimes. A Republican candidate in New York was indicted for 20 counts of fraud, but won anyway.”

So what do we make of a situation where someone indicted of 20 counts of fraud got elected? That threw some of us into a quandary. One of the students jokingly asked: “Do they also have ‘stomach infrastructure’

Out

in the US? That drew laughter as we tried to unravel why an enlightened electorate would make such a choice. with The magazine provided the answer saying Obama cannot escape the humiliating verdict on his 08116759750 presidency. He campaigned in his (SMS only) home state of Illinois, for a Demo•aagboa@gmail.com cratic governor running against a Republican who belongs to a wine club that costs over $100,000 to join. “The off than they are. And when they look at oenophile won by five points.”

Washington, DC, to see what their political Again, why would an enlightened elector- leaders are doing about it, they see a circus ate vote for a right wing conservative who of name-calling and irresponsibility. Last belong to an exclusive club that cost year a stand-off between House Republi$100,000 (about N17million) to join? What cans and Mr. Obama temporarily shut the policies would he push? Most certainly not government down and nearly caused a catapeople oriented policies. I agree with the strophic sovereign default.” paper that the election was a verdict on Does “although the economic headlines Obama’s presidency. From reports I’ve read, look good, voters do not feel that way” reAmericans are not happy that some of the mind you of the beautiful figures our officritical things Obama promised did not ma- cial reel out daily in Nigeria? I bet it does. terialise before the elections hence the need The people – the magazine also said - view to vote in the Republicans to see if they can the outgoing Congress as the least producaffect the needed change the people are tive since 1947. The proportion of Ameriyearning for. cans who trust it is a wretched 7%. It may This notwithstanding, the paper warned be harsh, but when voters think the counthat as Republicans toast their triumph, they try is on the wrong track, the president and should be careful not to over-interpret it. his party get the blame.

Their campaign - it noted - did not offer Coming back home; how many Nigerivoters much of a positive agenda; rather, it ans know the function of the legislative arm consisted largely of urging them to blame of government? We read recent reports on Obama for all the trouble in the world. This how senators shut down the upper house is what Time magazine years ago defined because their political futures were at stake as “lizard brain politics.” Lizard brain or from ‘governors’ encroachment’! As the stunot, it worked surprisingly! dents’ pointed out they did not see all hell Some of us who monitored the election breaking loose and Nigerians rising to conresults were baffled just like the last Ekiti demn this perfidy.

State governorship election baffled many.

We also tried to dissect followership and Read the Economist: “Compared with other the need to focus on issues, different from rich nations, America is in good shape, with religion, ethnicity or emotions. One of a growing economy, booming stock mar- them who attended the 2014 BrandiQ symket, falling unemployment and robust pub- posium recounted his experience. The lic finances, at least by European standards. Guardian editor, Mr. Martin Oloja spoke Why, they wonder, is Mr. Obama so dis- on the “Role of Media in Nigerian Politics. liked that Democrats in swing states asked He advised journalists to use analytics – him not to campaign for them? the use of data in telling stories – which he “The answer is that although the economic said is fundamental to modern journalism. headlines look good, voters do not feel that He also proposed the use of research and way. Median incomes are in the doldrums infographics which makes reportage measand many households feel terribly insecure urable. about the future. A staggering two-thirds of Oloja also noted that every journalist must Americans expect their children to be worse

Agbo Agbo

understand the complexity of the diversity of Nigeria’s geo-political and cultural makeup and avoid the “danger of reporting Nigeria from the position of ignorance.”

In summary, what I deduced from our discussion was that our youths are angry with the country our leaders left for us. To them, the situation is like a time bomb waiting to explode – if nothing is done to address it. They believe they are a generation that has not witnessed a “good Nigeria.” They are also of the opinion that with a vibrant youth population, it is sad that the present political structure in the country is built in such a way that the youth have been cut off from governance. However, they believe they have the intellectual and human capacity to understand the time we are in.

Despite the limitations of poor education, limited job opportunities, the average Nigerian youth is brimming with energy and optimism. This energy and optimism is bubbling over into creative enterprise which can be channeled for good into fighting for political change and good governance.

It requires young men and women of unimpeachable character and vision to rise above the strangleholds of bad leadership, poverty and deprivation and tap into the ingenuity of youth unimpaired by the procrastination and hand-wringing that has largely characterised the older Nigerian generation.

Effective change in 2015 can only come about as the efforts of civil society are supplemented by larger numbers of progressive Nigerians, especially young Nigerians seeking political office driven by a passion to serve and push Nigeria towards her true destiny as the beacon of hope for the African continent.

But this cannot come about if during political campaigns and deliberations, the role of the Nigerian youth is relegated to emotional appeals for votes without active participation. As a result, they become more often than not, instruments of violence.

Given the important role of the youth as the future leaders of the country, the need to empower and inculcate in them the act of good governance to ensure active non-violent participation is more urgent today than ever. Admittedly, youth understanding of electoral issues, awareness of planned programme of activities, and the importance of non-violent participation and subsequent implications of a peaceful and democratic political governance process is limited. These are some of the areas they will be needing assistance.

Guard dupes students

A

•Prof Ahaneku (fourth left) with the students when the automobile was presented before the management

Students invent automobile •Continued from page 29

resources. A project of this magnitude was carried out at a very conservative cost,” he said.

The HOD said the department had keyed into the programmes of the Vice Chancellor, who, he said, wrote a proposal to departments to look into research and set funds aside to facilitate it.

On how to overcome challenges faced by

students carrying out research, Dr Achebe said: “The department and Institute of Mechanical Engineering partly supported the Auto-Zik project. There was epileptic power supply which affected the pace of work but things improved later on. Plans are underway to improve facilities in our engineering workshop and make it better. The Dean of Faculty of Engineering is working towards achieving that.”

SECURITY guard at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos, has defrauded four students of the school, promising to help them secure accommodation in the area. Basil Chukwuma Okosa disappeared after he collected the cash from the victims.

The students, Eniola Balogun, Vivian Orekyeh, Chidinma Ubani and Precious Opara paid N20,000, N30,000, N40,000 and N28,000 to the security guard.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Chidinma said after Okosa collected the money from her, he started telling her stories. She said: “After I paid him the N40,000, he told me that my roommates were not in school, because of Industrial Training. It was then I noticed that he was up to something. He told different lies but by the time I noticed, he had run away.”

Eniola said anytime she asked about the accommodation, Okosa would give flimsy excuses.

It was gathered that Okosa is not the owner of the house he showed to the victims; the house is owned by a lecturer, who gave the security guard the key to show students, who wanted to rent an apartment.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the lecturer told Okosa not to collect money from anyone interested in the property.

Vivian, who said she came from the same village as Okosa, spoke of her desperation for an accommodation, because she lives in Okokomaiko, which is far from the school.

“It is for this reason I paid N30,000 to the security man. When he told me to bring additional N10,000, this was when I noticed

•Okosa

From Samson Uwala NIJ

‘When he told me to bring additional N10,000, this was when I noticed that I had been duped’ that I had been duped. I later discovered that some students had paid money to the man for the same apartment,” she said.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Okosa also ran away with the salary of two of his colleagues.

He has been declared wanted by his employer, Alpha Forte Security and Guards Services.

31

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE There was excitement at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last weekend when the Students’ Union Government (SUG) held the maiden edition of a talent hunt show, which was graced by the highlife music legend, Sir Victor Uwaifo. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

•Precious performing

•Sir Uwaifo entertaining the students

T

HE second semester examination could not stop the show. By 10am last Saturday, the Akin Deko Auditorium at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) had been filled to capacity by students for the grand finale of the maiden edition of UNIBEN Talent Quest organised by Koko News Publication in collaboration with the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

In a carnival-like manner, the contestants walked into the venue with their fans, who displayed their names on placards. At the entrance of the auditorium, a group of students displayed: “Amanda is the one”, “Support Annabel”, “Vote Emily to become the next UNIBEN Ambassador”.

It was gathered that over 90 students bought forms to participate in the reality show, which involved singing, dancing, acting, poetry, painting and acrobatic display, among others.

The audition was held for two days at the Banquet Hall Basement in the university. There were various emotions when the judges screened the contestants. Some broke down in tears; others in

•Caroline dancing

Enter the UNIBEN Idol laughter. Of the 80 students who participated in the audition the first day, only 42 were asked to proceed to the second stage. On the second day, they were shortlisted to 21 for the final round.

In his speech, Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former Minister for Works, said the event would go down in history as the biggest social event aimed at harnessing the talents of the youth for a productive venture. He urged the organisers to sustain the event, while encouraging students not to be carried away in the excitement.

Editor-in-Chief of Koko News and a 400-Level Medical Physiology student, Daniel Uwadia, said the objective of the event was to promote, publicise and encourage students who are exceptionally gifted in various arts to develop their talents.

He said: “We discovered that there are many students endowed with different talents, but there was no platform to support their talents.

This event will project them into the world and, in a way, will help to solve unemployment and youth restiveness.”

After the address, the stage was set for the performances. The session was anchored by Mc Papi, a campus artiste. The panel of judges was led by highlife music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo.

Other members were Dr Chris Ugolo, Dr Okosodo Okomama, Mr MacDonald Anyangbe of Silverbird Television in Benin, Lawrence Osarenkhoe and Mc Casino.

The contestants filed out in succession to perform. Some of the performances were greeted with laughter and condemnation. The contestants in comedy dished out hilarious jokes, which thrilled the audience.

The audience was held spellbound when a contestant, Joseph Obinna, sketched and painted the portrait of Sir Uwaifo in less than two minutes. When he was done,

the auditorium was literally brought down as students shouted: “Na you go win o.”

When Garrick Graham, another contestant, was called out for his performance, there was pin-drop silence in the hall. He read a poem on a fictional creature Abike. He demonstrated in an emotion-laden voice and translated the speech in body language.

The participants also engaged in daring stunts and dance.

However, some of the contestants whose performances got the audience excited were not among the top four. The decision of the judges generated an uproar in the hall because it did not go down well with members of the audience, who had expected a contrary verdict.

When order was restored, members of the audience were asked to choose the winner among the top four contestants through voting.

At the end of the voting, Precious Okukusie, 300-Level Adult Education and English Literature student

with stage name Mr Play-P, emerged winner.

He was rewarded with N100,000 and a recording deal with Lockdown Entertainment.

Caroline Igben, a dancer and a student of Theatre Arts, was the first runner-up. Emily Omili, a Fine Arts student and Amanda Onoabhagbe, were the second and third runners= up. Other contestants got consolatory prizes.

Afterwards, Sir Victor Uwiafo entertained the students. He was presented with an award of excellence with Linda Iheme, Chief Executive Officer of International Initiative for Youth Inspiration and Development (IIFYIGD).

Precious said he never expected to win but only participated in the event to showcase his talent. He said his determination and zeal to be better stood him out.

Dr Okosodo said originality and professionalism were part of the criteria the judges used to measure the abilities of the contestants.

The SUG president, Ifidon Ikhide, said the event was a platform to hone the talents and creativities of students and show them to the world.

The joy of eight indigent Law graduates knew no bound when they were presented with N350,000 each to further their studies at the Nigerian Law School. The graduates, of Kwara State origin, are beneficiaries of a scholarship scheme instituted by Senator Gbemisola Ruqqayah Saraki, a former lawmaker. SIKIRU AKINOLA reports.

Ex-lawmaker’s succour for the indigent

O

LUSOLA Ayeni graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Lagos State University in 2010 but he could not proceed to the Nigerian Law School for his Bar programme because his parents could not afford the fee. Five years after his mate had completed their advanced legal studies, Olusola will be going to the Law School.

His dream to enrol for the Bar programme came to pass when he was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme of Senator Gbemisola Saraki for 2014.

Olusola was among eight indigent Law students given N350,000 each, last weekend, to further their studies at the Law School.

In her letter to the beneficiaries,

Senator Saraki, daughter of the late godfather of Kwara State politics, who instituted the scheme in 1995, said she was deeply touched by the plight of brilliant students whose parents could not afford to pay their fees. She said the cash would cover N295,000 tuition fee and N55,000 for their upkeep.

The letter reads in part: “This scholarship is a reflection of my passion for education because I have a firm belief that people with education are unstoppable in their quest for success.”

At the presentation of the cash to the beneficiaries, Senator Saraki, represented by her Special Assistant, Mrs Tawa Yusuf, described education as the greatest gift that any generation could bequeath to the

•Beneficiaries displaying their scholarship letters

younger ones, adding: “It is in recognition of this fact that I have been persistently giving out scholarships to worthy students since 1995. My passion for education can be seen through the various educational development programmes I have initiated as a private citizen.”

Mrs Yusuf said the former lawmaker was prodded by passion to lift the poor and empower the youth through education and skill acquisition.

Mrs Yusuf said: “Apart from the tertiary institutions’ scholarship, Senator Gbemisola Saraki has placed over 20 indigent students on scholarships at various international private secondary schools. These students are mostly orphans, a category of people that the society think will never amount to anything and neglects.

“Her interest is predicated on the fact that we can only have a better

society if we have the right people who possess the good education. she believes youths are the future of the country and the future of Kwara State. This is why she lends a helping hand to the poor.”

A beneficiary, Abubakar Issa, who graduated from Public Law Department of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), said: “I heard about the scholarship from a friend living in Abuja.

•Continued on page 44

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

32

CAMPUS LIFE

Fire razes engineering building

V

ALUABLE documents and property worth millions have been destroyed in an inferno that ravaged a building in the School of Engineering of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti (ADO POLY), last Friday.

The bungalow, which was completely razed, housed the offices of the Dean, heads of Department of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronics and Agricultural Engineering, as well as a classroom. The fire, it was gathered, started at 11pm and its source has remained unknown.

The inferno was noticed by residents of Abuja Hostel, which is close to the building. The students immediately alerted the authorities and rushed to the scene to remove documents and other valuables from the building.

It took the combined efforts of Ekiti State Fire Service, the polytechnic’s fire fighters, school security officials and students to prevent the inferno from spreading to other facilities in the engineering school.

Members of the polytechnic’s Governing Councils and top management staff were in a meeting when the incident happened.

The Rector, Dr Theresa Akande, in a statement by the Deputy Registrar (Protocol and Information Unit), Mr Adeyemi Adejolu, said the institution’s loss could not be quantified, describing the incident as a monumental disaster.

She said sensitive and irreplaceable documents and materials, including computers, furniture and structure were lost to the inferno.

She noted that an emergency meeting of the Council was going on around 11:05 pm when some students raised alarm about the fire.

She said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained because there was no electricity at the time of the

•A section of the building after the inferno

From Temitope Yakubu ADO POLY incident, assuring that there would be investigation to unravel the cause.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) described the incident as unfortunate. In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Temitope Yakubu, the union said: “We commiserate with the management and students over the fire disaster at the School of Engineering. Although, it was a sad incident but we are grateful to God that no life was lost. Our prayer is that, the incident should not affect the smooth running of the academic calendar. We commend the action of to residents of Abuja Hostel, who alerted the authorities.”

Olusegun Adeolu, a student of Civil Engineering, said the incident was a great loss to the polytechnic.

•A student at the scene after the incident

Varsity graduates 6,347

T

HE Ondo State government has offered automatic employment to 26 graduates of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who made a First Class in their various courses. Governor Olusegun Mimiko announced this at the fifth convocation of the university, saying the gesture was in compliance with institution’s policy of retaining its best students.

No fewer than 6,347 students graduated in various disciplines.

The Faculty of Science led with 1,519 students, followed by the faculties of Social and Management Sciences, Arts, Education and Law in the order.

Of the total number, 26 made First Class, while 1,414 had Second Class (Upper Division), 3,505 Second Class (Lower Division), 993, Third Class and 54 graduated with pass. In addition, 412 bag Post-graduate degrees while 10 got Ph.D. Addressing the gathering, Mimiko said his administration was determined to ensure that products of the university are globally competitive.

He praised the management for turning around the fortune of the institution, while urging the graduating students to be good ambassadors.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Ambas-

From Richard Adura-Ilesanmi AAUA sador Oladele Akadiri, said the council would sustain the tempo of development in the university.

Prof Femi Mimiko, the Vice-Chancellor whose tenure expires next January, in his speech titled: Transition still, and the imperative of sustaining change, said the university had witnessed an uninterrupted academic calendar in the last five years.

He said his administration carried out 60 physical projects, which positioned the university for excellence.

He said: “I am particularly proud that, in spite of determined efforts from some internal constituencies, and in the context of the gale of instability wrecking the higher educational system in our country, we have managed to run this five-year term without a single strike action on any internal issue by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).”

The occasion featured the conferment of Doctorate degrees (honoris causa) on the former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

Also, prizes were given to best graduating students. One of them, Hakeem Longe, stole the show, col-

•Graduands at the event

lecting all the prizes in the Faculty of Law. Hakeem became the first law stu-

dent to bag first class in the faculty. He also made a First Class at the Nigerian

Law School and became the overall best candidate in the country.

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

‘We are deaf, not hearingimpaired’ •PAGE 34

APC rallies members in Enyimba City •PAGE 36

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

PAGE 33

Abia petrochemical firm to create 7000 jobs •PAGE 40

•Senator Ngige hands over a cheque to one of the students

T

HEY had heard of scholarship before, but now are beneficiaries. Their best clothes and their singing and dancing to the rhythm of their unrestrained drums expressed their joy.

One other thing they did was chant the name of their benefactor: Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige. It was a gesture appreciated from the heart.

The lawmaker provided scholarship for all secondary and tertiary students in the seven local government areas of Anambra Central Senatorial zone which he represents. And it is for life, as the Senator put it.

Some in the Senatorial zone and beyond had accused Ngige of doing such a thing for political reasons knowing full well that elections are around the corner. The medical doctor turned politician disagreed, saying that as Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, he has made enormous investments in electricity infrastructure including installation of transformers in various communities within his constituency and the time has come to invest in human beings.

No fewer than 6,000 students

A lawmaker’s relief for ‘seven councils

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

benefitted from the scholarship scheme. The needy and less privileged have been praises God for the Senator’s gesture.

There are over 78 communities in the zone spread across Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Idemili North, Idemili South, Awka North and Awka South councils, where he won the election on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The party now called the All Progressive Congress (APC) also won six House of Assembly seats in the state legislature and one at the House of Representatives in the State in 2011.

Each secondary student N20,000

The youths are leaders of tomorrow but many generations of our youths are going about without jobs because of bad governments everywhere. We are going to turn you into good leaders. After training you, you will not come out and follow others who do not have jobs and that is what APC stands for in this country while their tertiary counterpart received between N60,000 and N80,000.

Ngige said, “The youths are lead-

‘

ers of tomorrow but many generations of our youths are going about without jobs because of bad governments everywhere. We are go-

ing to turn you into good leaders. After training you, you will not come out and follow others who do not have jobs and that is what APC stands for in this country” Ngige, noted that he was not offering the scholarships because he has money, but to show appreciation to those at the grassroots who elected him to represent them in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly.

According to a former Commissioner for Information and Culture in Anambra State, Chief Charles Amilo, the Scholarships would help in alleviating the suf•Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

A lawmaker’s relief for seven councils •Continued from page 33 ferings of the less privileged students in our State.

Chief Dennis Ngene, Chibuzor Obiakor, one of the aspirants for House of Representatives in the state, Igwe Ben Nweke of Urum, Muomaife Augustine, APC youth leader in the state, all paid glowing tribute to the Senator.

All of them said none of the persons who represented the zone before Ngige , were able to do what the Senator had done to his constituents.

They said such a thing was seen in Yoruba land when it was done by Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo which they said had been on till date.

Amilo further said that Ngige had raised the bar for other representatives in the State and others to come from the State, adding that it was what people see as good representation when you are elected by the people.

The Nation gathered that it was the first time such a multimillion naira scholarship was offered to the students across the state.

One of the beneficiaries from Dunukofia Local government Area, Odilora Lawrence told The Nation that nobody had done such any where before now.

A law student of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Odilora said they were grateful to Ngige for such gesture, adding that none of them would forget this “we will continue to support you”.

•Some of the students and their parents at the event The mother of another beneficiary, Mrs. Eucharia Oliora said God will continue to lift Ngige higher in his political career.

Ngige said, “This kind of thing we are doing, you can only see something similar in APC states where they have free education.

They do not do it in PDP states; the crime I committed in PDP was that

I did not share money. They are begging me to return but I said no, you have not changed your bad character, after sharing money, what will I tell my people?

“When I said APGA was playing trading politics, what I said has it not happened? With Peter Obi’s defection”, you give traditional rulers N10m car and collect

10 per cent commission” “Who is fooling who? The roads they built did not last for four years and they have scattered but we hope Willie Obiano will change that Orientation. The roads we did during my administration from Otuocha-Nteje, Awkuzu, Oye-Agu, Abagana, Mbaukwu, Ukpor in Nnewi and so many of them have

lasted 10 years; they are also like the one we did at Nibo, among others.”

All the local government areas in his constituency will “witness bigger things” if they vote for “APC government in the centre,” Ngige said, adding that education will be free under the APC-led Federal Government.

‘We are deaf, not hearingimpaired’ P

EOPLE with hearing difficulties are angry in Enugu State. They said they do not want to be called hearing-impaired or dumb, preferring simply to be known as deaf.

The community in the state on the platform of Enugu Deaf Citizen Rights Movement is unhappy with what it called “careless and protracted discrimination,” by the society and state government, a situation which such apparently nice appellations have done nothing to rectify.

Last week, they mobilised scores of their members whose number is put at around 5,000 to press home their grievances against the society and the state government.

The protest march, though peaceful, featured placards with various inscriptions, and took Enugu residents and Government House staff unawares. After registering their presence at the Government House entrance, the protesters assembled at the Okpara Square.

On their arrival at the Government House, they requested to see the governor and no other person for him to address what they called discrimination against deaf citizens’ rights by the Enugu State government. The governor was out of town, but they remained there till 7pm until the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Anthony

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Ani came to plead with them to return at a later date to see the governor.

It was an uphill task for the Government House security to control the crowd. The President of the group, Comrade Solomon Chukwu addressed the Attorney-General through an interpreter, Nwankwo Edith. He told Mr. Ani that they were at the Government House to protest their illtreatment by the Enugu State government on the account of their disability.

H e requested Governor Sullivan Chime to put an end to what he called many years of discrimination in areas of education, employment, social life, judicial system, health, sports and other areas. Comrade Chukwu argued that a deaf person can do anything except hear, wondering why normal people can have access to tertiary education, government posts and state-organised sport tournaments, among others, while the deaf cannot.

He also bemoaned the lack of interpreters in schools, hospitals, TV sign languages through which they can understand daily news, interpreters in the courts and other things.

Chukwu also cited Section 42 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which states: “no citizen of Ni-

‘

•The deaf with their placards

Comrade Chukwu argued that a deaf person can do anything except hear, wondering why normal people can have access to tertiary education, government posts and state-organised sport tournaments, among others, while the deaf cannot geria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of

‘

birth”.

He called on the media, human rights associations, civil society

groups to come to their rescue.

He further disclosed that seven years ago they brought to the attention of the governor their plight as deaf citizens but up till now the answer they got is “we are working on it”.

In area of education he said the deaf citizens must have their educational rights spelt out in the constitution. “The government should install supportive service centres and special educational [services] for the need of deaf students in all tertiary institutions in the state”. This centre, he said, should have interpreters, deaf studies anchor, special education counselors, special assessment planners and sign language •Continued on page 37

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

35

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•From right: SA Info, ICT & Strategy Aba South LGA, Abia State, Max Ordor; Executive Secretary FPPPN, Sani Baba Nasidi; Mr. Wilson Emenari, Engr. Wilson Agu, member Board of Director NITDA, South east zone and the chairman of the occasion; Engr. Salisu Kaka, DD, ICT - NITDA Abuja, sitting at high table during the training and sensitisation workshop, held at Golden Villa Hotel, Enugu.

PHOTO: RAPHAEL EDE

A

Workshop on rural IT Centres in Enugu ‘

ONE-DAY workshop on rural information Technology centres for the Southeast states was held in Enugu with participants from all the five states of the zone endorsing the Rural Information Technology centres (RITC) sensitisation and sustainability training.

The workshop was put together

by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Foundation for Public Private Partnerships Nigeria (FPPPN) as a major instrument to drive the IT Centres and achieve the purpose of empowering underserved communities and bridging the digital divide would be realised.

Participants also praised the focus of the papers presented at the workshop which captured the reason behind the RITC project: value addition to Communities; sustaining RITC infrastructure and focus; advocating the use of the PPP option to sustain the RITCs, and how

A

S 2015 approaches and the dust of the just concluded PDP congresses yet to settle in Abia State, an organisation, Movement for Justice and Equity, has called on the leadership of the PDP across board to ensure that the governorship and senatorial slots of the party zoned to Abia South senatorial zone rotatesý between the people of Ukwa and Ngwa to avoid chaos and protests that may cost the party victory in next year’s general Elections.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

to leverage FPPPN expertise to create partnership for RITC sustainability between NITDA and the private sector.

The presentation of the chairman of the programme, Engr. Wilson Agu who is also a member of the board of NITDA, representing the South-East, added value to the training by expounding on personal testimonials and that of others on the importance of ICT in growing businesses in all sectors of the economy.

Agu encouraged participants to make use of the RITCs situated around them to access benefits derivable from ICT. At the end, a communique was issued which recommenmded that there be provision of adequate security for the RITCs infrastructure (computers/accessories, alternative power supply facilities, tables and chairs, etc).

That a manpower development

A multi-stakeholders partnership be formed for the effective management of RITCs a deliberate courting of decision makers to ensure the needed political backing for government funding and patronage

‘

programme for efficient functionality, management of the RITCs be put in place as well as development of a business plan for the financial sustainability of the RITCs. It was also recommended that a multi-stakeholders partnership be formed for the effective manage-

ment of RITCs a deliberate courting of decision makers to ensure the needed political backing for government funding and patronage.

Also, demographics that favour youth population should serve as a criteria for selecting locations for

siting RITCs and viability assessment and needs assessments should be carried out to determine sustainability of RITC and whether the community of choice understands the need for it.

It was further recommended that a token sum should be imposed on users of RITCs for maintenance purposes and to ensure community people value them, just as libraries, RITCs should issue registration cards for paid membership.

The participants unanimously agreed with the leacture paper that the public-private partnership (PPP) option is the best and most viable option for sustaining and maintaining the functionality and performance of the RITCs. Through the PPP arrangement there will be: an infusion of additional capital into the RITCs; improved customer service orientation as a result of performance-driven management; and significant cost savings in the delivery of RITC and its objectives.

2015: Abia group calls for equity in power sharing From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

In a statement made available to journalists, in Umuahia, signed by Barrister Alozie Nwakamma and comrade Sylvester Nwamuo, state coordinator and secretary general of the organization respectively, the group commended the Abia State Governor Chief T.A. orji and the state PDP for zoning the Governor-

ship slot to Abia south senatorial zone.

They said “since Abia South senatorial zone of the state comprises of the people of Ukwa and Ngwa, it is morally and political wrong and defeats all forms of Equity, justice and fairness for either the Ukwaý or Ngwa people to assume both the governorship and senatorialý positions of the zone in next year’s gen-

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Pensions and Related Matters, Anambra State, Mr Harold Odu; Chairman, Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Anambra chapter, Comrade Ignatius Okafor and Medical Director, Madonna Specialist Hospital and the traditioner ruler of Ifitedunu community, Chief Chukwuemeka Ilouno at a sensitisation seminar in Awka.

eral election”.

“We shall vehemently reject and oppose it and we urge the PDP not to allude to a ploy in whatsoever guise to take a selfish decision that would affect negatively the electoral fortunes of the PDP in the 2015 elections “they said.

The group explained that between 1999 – 2007, the senatorial seat of Abia South senatorial zone was occupied by an Ukwa son, and former senate president, Chief Adolphus Wabara after which an Ngwa man, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe assumed the position from 2007 and will exit in 2015 after two tenures served by both of them.

“It will be practically, politically and morally unacceptable for the senatorial slot to remain in Ngwa land while the Governor also emerges from there and vise-versa.

“We hereby warn leaders of Abia South senatorial zone to eschew selfish political motives, personal contraptions, absurdity and ensure that the right thing is done in order not to cost the PDP victory next year “they said.

“The people of Abia south senatorial zone should know that if it was by struggle that it would have been difficult for them to produce the governor of state in the next 22 years but only for Equity and justice that the PDP did that “they said.

The group called on the leaders of the zone to know that “he that goes for equity should go with clean hands and should act right in order not to sabotage the golden opportunity the present government have provided the zone”.

The group maintained that any contrary arrangement of any party on this position will be counter-pro-

ductive.

Leaders of the PDP in Abia South Senatorial zone last Saturday adopted former Senate President Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from Obingwa Local Government Area of the state as their sole candidate for the governorship election next year.

The outgoing senator of the zone, Chief Enyinnaya Abaribe is also from Obingwa Local Government Area while the member representing Ugwunnagbo, Obingwa and Osisioma in the House of Representatives, Hon. Eziuche Ubani also hails from the same council.

There has been rumours that the outgoing senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe has been given automatic ticket back to the senate but political watchers of the state say this will cause doom for the PDP should the party allow such political blunders.

‘

The group called on the leaders of the zone to know that “he that goes for equity should go with clean hands and should act right in order not to sabotage the golden opportunity the present government have provided the zone

‘

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

36

37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

APC rallies members in Enyimba City

‘We are deaf, not hearing-impaired’ ‘

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast held an impressive unity rally in Aba, the economic hub of Abia State, reports SUNNY NWANKWO

U

NLIKE the cloudy and rainy weather which characterised other days of the week, the Enyimba City was very dry and pleasant on the rally day. There was free vehicular and human traffic on the major roads.

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped into the city from the 17 local government areas of the state and other neighbouring states. Traders locked up their shops and headed for the rally ground eager to hear the message of change that the party was bringing to them.

There was a delay in the programme as a police patrol team restricted early callers from the venue. This was later resolved by the party officials at about 2:00pm and the gate of the Aba Recreation Club was flung open. Over 10,000 APC supporters from the state and beyond were at the venue.

Among the early chieftains of the party to the venue were Sam Nkire, Chief Okey Nwagbara (APC Vice Chairman, Abia Central), Rt. Hon. Stanley Ugochukwu Ohajuruka (Ikwuano/Umuahia House of Reps aspirant), Hon. Obioma Iheanacho (Abia Central Senatorial District aspirant), Chief Nyerere Anyim and Nath Ikeocha (Abia governorship aspirants) and other state and national officials of the party.

They were later joined by Chief Osita Izunaso, APC National Organising Secretary, Chief George Moghalu, Emma Enukwu, Hon. John Egbuta, Enyi. C. Enyi, Hon. Onyemaobi, Senator Chris Ngige and Imo State Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha whose entrance triggered wild jubilation among party members and supporters who were happy to have the chairman of APC Governors’ Forum in their midst.

The organisers of the rally who spoke exclusively to The Nation said that the event was to assure the members across the 17 local government areas of the state that peace has returned to the party after many months of internal bickering, adding that the turnout was a tip of the iceberg compared to what will happen when the party hosts a state rally soon.

The chairman of the state APC Hon. Donatus Nwankpa expressing his happiness over the large turnout of people said “We didn’t expect to witness this kind of crowd.

Some people chartered buses on their own and from the turnout, you will agree with me that the of people the state are tired of the PDP led administration in Abia State and that they are desirous of a change in the way things were done in the state.

“I can assure you that whatever the PDP administration has failed to provide for Abians will be provided by an APC-led government in 2015.

“This rally marks the starting point for our movements and actions towards the 2015 election. That is why we called it unity rally, because the rally is designed to bring all groups together to embrace the spirit of peace, love, unity and for the purpose of working as a united front ahead of the 2015 election in the state and the country at large.

“There was a period of disagree-

ment and within that period of disagreement a lot things happened.

The aggrieved members have agreed to sheathe their swords and come together to work for the party’s common goal.

“The major aim of the party is to give Abians and indeed Nigerians a purposeful leadership, and how do you show leadership? It is when we show some discipline and that discipline is what has come to reign in the party now.

“The national has come here and conducted election to conclude the inconclusive congress that took place in the state sometime ago which resulted in a lot of grievances and from what is happening now the people at the other side of the divide (factional group) are part of the people that formed the harmonised state structure of

‘

which I am the chairman.

“Chief Okey Nwagbara, the zonal Chairman of the party in Abia Central, my deputy, the Publicity Secretary of the party among other state officers at present were formerly at the other divides, but now we have all come together as a block for the interest of Abians and the party because the party is supreme.

“So, the interest of the party which represents the interest of the collective wish of the people is what has taken place and the overriding factor today is on our desire to change the bad and maladministration that has bedridden Abia for many, many years now,” APC state chairman stated.

A chieftain of the party in the state and former Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Stanley

This rally marks the starting point for our movement and actions towards the 2015 election. That is why we called it unity rally, because the rally is designed to bring all groups together to embrace the spirit of peace, love, unity and for the purpose of working as a united front ahead of the 2015 election in the state and the country at large

‘

•Participants at the rally

•Continued from page 35

•Governor Okorocha addressing the crowd Ohajuruka said he was happy that the stormy weather in the party has been calmed and thanked Abians for their support and the faith they have on the party.

Ohajuruka said that the APC was coming to bring the needed change in the state which he said would in turn place the state on the same pace with other APC governed states where the state governors have exceptionally transformed their states.

Chief Okey Nwagbara, APC Vice Chairman Abia Central, thanked the national leaders of the party for mediating in the crisis that bedeviled the party in the state in the past and expressed optimism that today’s (Friday) rally would set the springboard through which the party would capture the seat of power in the state in 2015.

Nwagbara however called on Abians and APC supporters to turn out in their numbers in today’s event to embrace the change the APC was bringing to the state.

Earlier in his speech, the gover-

nor of Imo State and one of the presidential hopefuls of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha lamented the ugly and deplorable state PDP led government has left the state and the country and assured Abians that the party would correct such anomalies come 2015 when they produced the next governor of the state.

According Owelle, “APC is not only going to be the solution to the problems of Abia State alone in 2015, but to the country at large”, stressing that the worst candidate in APC is better than the best PDP candidate.

On his presidential aspirations, the presidential hopeful said that he was in the race to represent the interest of the ibos who according to him have been relegated behind in the scheme of things in the country by the President Jonathan’s led administration.

To prove his point, Okorocha listed the absence of an Igbo representative(s) in some of the key

‘ APC is a party for a new Nigeria.

It is for the good of the Igbos. PDP has made enough mockery of the Igbo man. All of us are witnesses of how PDP messed up with our brothers; Vincent Ogbulafor, Chuba Okadigbo, Evan Enwerem among others. There is no Igbo man as heads of Customs, Civil Defence, Immigrations, Army and among others in the present PDP government and sensitive positions in the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration said it was an intentional act by the PDP leadership to sideline the ibos and make them irrelevant.

On the insinuations that the party is anti-igbo, the governor of Imo State said “You should ignore the insinuations that APC is a non-Igbo party. If that is the case why do personalities like me, Ogbonaya Onu, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Senator Osita Izunaso among others in the party? I was the person that gave the party its name. APC is a party for a new Nigeria. It is for the good of the Igbos. PDP has made enough mockery of the Igbo man.

All of us are witnesses of how PDP messed up with our brothers; Vincent Ogbulafor, Chuba Okadigbo, Evan Enwerem among others. There is no Igbo man as heads of Customs, Civil Defence, Immigrations, Army and among others in the present PDP government.

“They will tell us that the President is our brother and I want to tell you that that is not true. Look at the state of Aba-Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Look at the state of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Expressway. What about the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway. A government that claims to have the interest of the Igbos at heart has tactically shut down the economy of the southeast.

Cameroonians and other neighbouring African countries are no longer coming to Aba to patronise traders because they can no longer have access to our markets. Is there anything more antiIgbo than this?

‘

“There is no hope for the Igbo man in PDP and that is why we must vote them out come 2015. Any Igbo man in PDP is there for his personal aggrandizement and not for the interest of our people. PDP government has nothing to show for in the last 8 years. I am, going there as a presidential aspirant to represent the interest of the Igbo community,” he assured.

Senator Chris Ngige who could not hide his dissatisfactions over the deplorable nature of infrastructure in the Enyimba city opined that only an APC government in the state would right the wrongs of the PDP government.

“On my way from Port Harcourt to Aba, it is only in Aba that I saw heap of refuse. It is only in Aba that I encountered bad road. The state of infrastructure in the city that generates money for a state like Abia is so bad and that is what a PDP government can give to Abians. We are going to sweep them (PDP) out of office come 2015 and how are we going to do that, it is by paying them back in their own coins and punishing them through our votes in 2015.

“We are going to replicate such infrastructural development witnessed in other APC controlled states of Lagos, Edo, Imo and among others in Abia State when an APC government come on board.

It is in your (Abians) hands to bring this change and you must do it by voting into power an APC government with your votes. Your votes should reflect your unhappiness about the state of development in your state,” Ngige advised.

teachers, among others.

He further demanded that interpreter services be placed at the courts to help deaf citizens access justice as well as a strong policy to be made to ensure that deaf citizens get employed in Universal Basic Education, State Management Education Board, Local Government Councils, SURE-P, etc so as to ensure equality of all citizens.

In the area of sports he said the Enugu government has not sponsored any deaf sports programmes since the PDP-led government look over the state in 1999 till date unlike other states like Imo and Abia, citing the “Anambra State Deaf Sports Festival 2013” as an example.

He, however, thanked the governor for everything he has done in Enugu but stated in strong terms that the deaf people demand deaf representatives in the government, recognized sign language policy in the state as deaf citizens’ primary and culture methods of communication and accepted as one of the official languages, T.V. sign language interpretation in Enugu Broadcasting Service and likewise NTA, recognized employment scheme for the deaf citizens.

Some of the placards they displayed read: “We demand for equal employment, education, scholarship, army etc.”, “Why treat deaf citizens like animals in our dear state?” “Deaf representative in Enugu State government now”.

One of the deaf people with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Mr. Ezeagu Sylvester stated that deaf persons can be Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers etc, and urged the gov-

•Some of the deaf protesters

Some of the deaf people in Enugu State were already employed in their various local council because there was a deliberate policy to employ some of them who can work and dismissed as untrue that deaf citizens were totally neglected ernment of Enugu State to appoint deaf person to represent them in government.

The chairman, Enugu State Association of the deaf Mr. Chibueze Eya who also spoke through an interpreter said that deaf people are brilliant and law abiding and should be provided with the needed facilities to excel in their chosen fields of endeavour.

The chairperson, Enugu State Deaf Women Association, Doris Agudeogu, lamented the neglect which deaf citizens suffer in Enugu. She stated that they needed employment and skill acquisition centers to be able to do something in order to cater for their children.

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Enugu State Anthony Ani who pacified the deaf citizens as they insisted they would not leave until the governor comes out to address them told them that the governor was not around but he has taken note of their demands and when

‘

the governor returns it would be reviewed.

Ani who is also the patron of the deaf citizens argued that some of the issues raised by the deaf citizens have already been solved and most other issues were still being solved.

He said that the deaf citizens’ school in Coal Camp was already under renovation, even as he said that some of the deaf citizens would be undergoing assessment to see if hearing aids can be provided for them.

He further disclosed that some of the deaf people in Enugu State were already employed in their various local council because there was a deliberate policy to employ some of them who can work and dismissed as untrue that deaf citizens were totally neglected in the state.

He therefore advised them to go home promising that those issues which were not yet addressed would be addressed in a no distant time.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

38

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Commissioning of an Ultra-Modern 600 Capacity Auditorium built, equipped and donated to Abia State University, Uturu by Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah OON President

T

HE new auditorium has lifted the spirits of the university community. With a 600 seating capacity and not bad to look at, staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu know that something good has happened to them and have been celebrating since its inauguration.

The building was put up, equipped and donated by Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, the president, Masters Energy and governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The ceremony attracted dignitar-

•The front view of the 600-capacity auditorium

Varsity gets 600-seat capacity new auditorium

By Innocent Duru

ies from different parts of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Ogah said he built the structure to improve the environment in which the students and the management carry out their activities.

He went further to debunk allegations that his gesture was politically motivated.

“The institution is very dear to us in this state and as a result, it is important that we do everything within our power to make it one of the best in the country.

“When you check the list of the states in the country, you will find that Abia State comes first. We therefore must keep the flag of the state flying by contributing our best to its development in every area of

life.

“The gesture is not politically motivated. It is one of my little ways of giving back to the society.

I am proud to be a citizen of this great state and would not hesitate in contributing to the well being of the people and the society at large.”

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Chibuzor Ogbuagu expressed appreciation to

Dr Ogah for his magnanimity, assured that ‘the institution will reciprocate your kind gesture by making good use of the building’.

The Anglican Bishop of Isiala Ngwa, Dr. Nwaobia, also lauded the donor for his generosity to the people of the state.

He prayed that God will bless him and wished him success in his endeavours.

Elechi’s wife provides jobs tools for women

W

IFE of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi has stepped up her passion for women with the provision of jobs tools for them. Her skill acquisition programmes often organised in conjunction with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have helped several women in the state.

The youth and physically challenged drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state also benefit from the schemes.

Mrs. Elechi’s pet project, Mother and Childcare Initiative (MCCI) set up the National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Abakaliki, which has been taken over by the federal government and run by the Federal Ministry of Health.

The centre under the administration of the Medical Director, Prof.

Sunday Oduoye and supervised by Mrs. Elechi has provided free surgical intervention for about 1,785 VVF clients from over 20 states of

•Mrs Elechi

the federation and 473 women with uterine disorders.

On cancer eradication, over 764 clients have been screened for prostate cancer while about 12,718 have been checked for breast and cervical cancer free of charge at the screening centre established by Mrs. Elechi at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki.

Speaking at the Abakaliki Township Stadium during the 2014 Ebonyi Women’s Day Celebration with the theme: “Women as vanguard for adequate Security in Ebonyi State, the wife of the governor stressed the need for the discouragement of obnoxious practices against women such as forbidding women/girls to inherit, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape, violence at workplace, forced prostitution and widowhood practices, among others.

At the event, she provided work items such as sewing machines and hair-dressing kits to women.

She lamented, however, that despite the increasing participation of women in governance, the rate of violence against them and their persistent deaths due to pregnancy complications and childbirth remain a major problem.

“On my part, I have through my pet project, MCCI remained steadfast in my commitment to the promotion of healthcare delivery services, welfare programmes for the physically challenged, widows, educational support for orphans and vulnerable children and provision of relief packages for people living with HIV/AIDS among other welfare programmes.

“It is with great pleasure that I use this opportunity to inform you that this event, like previous years will feature the empowerment of youths/women and indigent widows with equipment in various

•The items donated vocational skills to enable them to be self-reliant and employers of labour, thereby harnessing their socio-economic conditions”.

In their separate goodwill messages to Ebonyi women, the Head of Service, Mrs. Ugo Nnachi and the State focal person of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, extolled the laudable contributions, tenacity and achievements of the Ebonyi woman in different strata of society.

They added that no amount of challenge and opposition would deter the Ebonyi woman from climbing the ladder of success for the betterment of the state at large.

In his remarks, the former Minister of Health, Prof. Chukwu

‘ I have through my pet project, MCCI remained steadfast in my commitment to the promotion of healthcare delivery services, welfare programmes for the physically challenged, widows, educational support for orphans and vulnerable children and provision of relief packages for people living with HIV/AIDS among other welfare programmes praised Mrs. Elechi for her contributions towards the establishment of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre which has benefited women from different parts of the country.

‘

The occasion witnessed a march past from different women groups and organisations, cultural display and presentation of Award to the Wife of Ebonyi State Governor.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

39

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

T

HE Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), has threatened to take senators Andy Uba and Margery Okadigbo to court for refusing to pay for their billboards.

Also, the agency has warned other senatorial, House of Representatives and state Assembly aspirants to pay for the use of billboards or risk having the structures dismantled.

Briefing reporters in Awka, the managing Director of (ANSAA), Sir Jude Emecheta said that Uba and Okadigbo had not paid the state government since inception, de-

Agency warns politicians over billboards From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

scribing them as worst offenders.

Before now, the state commissioner for information, culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima had put up an announcement citing the Anambra State physical planning law 2013 that forbids the erection or display of bill boards without ap-

proval.

According the Onyima, “ANSAA will bring down all illegal billboards, banners and posters and prosecute all those pasting posters on electric poles, public buildings, road dividers, roundabouts and all unauthorized surfaces”.

However, Emecheta said that5 the amount to be paid by6 the contestants rages between three hundred and fifty thousand (N350, 000) to five

million naira (N5m) dependi9ng on the size.

The aspirants are not paying anything to (ANSAA) which is against the law, we will dismantle all the bill boards mounted by such aspirants and drag them the court”.

He said that only few persons like the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grande Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh, Kidilinye Okelekwe of the People’s

Democratic Party (PDP) had started paying their bills.

Aspirants are advised to go through Advertising Agency of Nigeria (AAN) or force the consequences of their billboards being removed” Emecheta further said that (ANSAA) had not given any permission to any aspirants to any aspirant or any outdoor company to erect new bill boards in the state.

Imo senior citizens relish eight years arrears pay

T

HEIR sad story has changed. After eight years, pensioners of the Imo State civil service have been paid their arrears, thanks to Governor Rochas Okorocha.

It looked more like a dream than reality for hundreds of the retirees as they sat in the expansive hall of the state International Conference Centre (IICC) waiting to be paid their arrears of pensions and gratuities for eight years. The beneficiaries retired from the state civil service between 1993 and 2001.

As they waited, their wrinkled faces appeared to have assumed the freshness of youth and their otherwise sunken eyeballs sparkled with expectation. Although some of them who were led into the hall by their wards or other relatives as a result of failing health, dozed off immediately they sat down, other senior citizens chatted away happily as they relived their years of service to their state.

While most of them looked radiant and happy, others wore a look of despair and indifference, apparently because they had been abandoned for a long time by previous administrations in the state and had suffered untold hardship, so much that the deci-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

sion to offset all the entitlements owed them by the Rochas Okorocha’s administration, meant little to them. Many of their close friends and colleagues have died in penury while waiting for their cash.

That notwithstanding, it was a memorable day for the pensioners as they relished the joy of been remembered and rewarded for their contributions to the growth and development of their father’s land. Even some of their family members who came with them also shared in the moment as they lauded the state government for not allowing the labour of the senior citizens be in vain.

One of the pensioners, Mrs. Gladys Njoku, who leaned heavily on her walking stick as she spoke with The Nation, rejoiced that at last God has answered her prayers, adding that she had been prayerfully waiting to receive her gratuity after her retirement from the state civil service 13 years ago.

According to the octogenarian who broke into dancing midway into the interview, despite her obvious health challenges, “I am a widow, because my husband died three years before I retired

•Okorocha gives one of the pensioners her cheque

and two of my children child in a car accident the same year I retired so I am left with my youngest daughter who has tried very hard with her husband to take care of me, especially my medical bills but with what the Governor has done, my life is restored. I can now live out my years joyfully and cater for my needs, instead of dying painfully out of want”.

It was also a song of joy for 78year-old John Ubanze, who thanked God for sparing his life to see the day, “I had given up hope that I will ever receive my gratuity, so I am indeed very grateful to God for sparing my life to this see this day. Most of my

colleagues that retired with me and even those that retired several years after, are no more today, so I have every reason to thank God and my Governor for remembering us and wiping away our tears”.

Nze Christopher Njoku, was among those that had taken ill while waiting for the gratuity.

Looking pale and weak, Njoku, who was brought into the hall by his grandson, cut the figure of a man who had long given up hope of any form of reward from government.

Partially paralyzed from stroke, the retired Director in the state Ministry of Health, who spoke through his son, commended the state Governor for his kind gesture, adding that it will motivate the current generation of civil servants to be more dedicated in the service to their state, knowing that they will be rewarded at the end.

‘

•The pensioners at the event

Justifying the decision of the state government to pay the eight years arrears of pensions and gratuities to the retired workers, the state Governor, said that it was a fulfillment of his election promises and not politically motivated as insinuated by the opposition.

He said it was the continuation of his administration’s resolve to pay the last kobo owed all the retirees in the state.

The Governor argued that “it is a crime against humanity and sin against God to owe citizens who spent the most vibrant parts of their lives to serve the state”.

He stated that the problem would have been less cumbersome “if previous administrations had seen the payment of pensions and gratuities as a special case”.

The governor maintained fur•Continued on page 40

It was a memorable day for the pensioners as they relished the joy of been remembered and rewarded for their contributions to the growth and development of their father’s land. Even some of their family members who came with them also shared in the moment as they lauded the state government for not allowing the labour of the senior citizens be in vain

‘

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

40

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

T

HE people cheered as Abia State Governor Theodore Orji flagged off the Etugo Integrated oil and Petro-Chemical Industries Ltd in Umuahia. But the joy was not just that a new firm has taken off; it was that the petrochemical outfit is reckoned to provide no fewer than 7,000 jobs for the state’s teeming youths.

Flagging-off the building of the industry located at Mgbarakuma Ubakala, Umuahia South council, Governor Orji encouraged indigenous entrepreneurs to come home and invest, assuring them of the protection of their investment.

Orji said that the security network put in place by his administration has made those who had earlier left the state to come back and urged Abia indigenes who want to invest to come home and invest as they are assured of their safety and those of their investments.

The Governor commended Etugo oil for remembering home and assured him that the investment will be fruitful, adding that the state government will provide all the enabling environment needed to ensure that the project is a success to the benefit of the state and its people.

He also urged the investor to carry the land owners along while applauding Mgbarakuma people for making their land available to the government for projects, adding that they should feel free to extend the same gesture to any meaningful investors coming to invest.

The governor promised that his government will pay compensation to the community for releasing their land and urged them to allow those who have purchased land from them to invest and also help to provide security as they (land owners) will surely benefit through employments opportunities.

Earlier in his speech, the commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Duke Ihekwereme Okorie appreciated the Governor for creating the right environment for the rapid development of the state and appreciated Etugo oil for citing the project in the state.

The Chairman of the firm, Chief Etugo- Ndubuisi Ogah, said that about 3000 direct and 4000 indirect jobs would be created when the $6 million plant finally comes on board and assured all those who will be employed of equal opportunity to grow in any area of their choice.

Speaking with The Nation after the ceremony Ogah said that part of the fund for the gigantic project had

•From left: Governor Theodore Orji laying the foundation stone of the Etugo Integrated Oil & Petro-Chemical Industries Ltd in Umuahia. With him are his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba (second left); Chief Dike Okorie, Commissioner for Lands and Survey (second right) and Chief Etugo Ndubuisi Ogah, Chairman of the petro-chemical firm.

Abia petro-chemical firm to ‘create 7000 jobs

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

been acquired through the Bank of Industry under the Automobile fund scheme, stressing that the industry apart from petro-chemical that other automobile accessories will equally be produced.

Ogah said that already, an Indian technical partner, the Onella Group, had already arrived, the country to help in realizing the project expected to be delivered in 36 months time, adding that it is part of his contribution to the development of the state and its people.

According to him, other products apart from petro- chemicals to be

The governor promised that his government will pay compensation to the community for releasing their land and urged them to allow those who have purchased land from them to invest and also help to provide security as they (land owners) will surely benefit through employments opportunities produced in the plant include: motorcycle and tricycle tyres, tubes, motor batteries, and detergents

‘

among others, “These products are expected to be marketed both locally and internationally, as there

are ready market for the products”.

He said the state government had already provided land as part of its contribution to the actualization of the project, assuring that the project would be delivered on schedule and thanked the state governor, Chief Orji for the land and assured him that it will be utilised for the purposed it was meant for.

Ogah hinted that arrangements had also been concluded to locate a 5000 KVA power plant on the premises of the firm for constant power supply, adding that when the entire project is finally realized, Abia State will consolidate its position as the industrial cum commercial hub of the South East geopolitical zone.

Imo senior citizens relish eight years arrears pay •Continued from page 39

•From left: Former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; PDP Ebonyi State Chairman, Mazi Ben Akpa; Governor Martin Elechi; Speaker, Ebonyi State Assembly, Blaise Orji and the Deputy Speaker, Oliver Nwachukwu on a solidariy visit to the governor in Abakaliki

ther that, “all my life I hate seeing people suffering or going through pains. That is why I established the Rochas Foundation. That is why I introduced free education. That is why I am doing all these in Imo. I won’t rest until I see all these pensioners go home with their pensions and gratuities. I regret those who must have died without collecting what they worked for before my administration.

“I decided to run for governorship in 2011 for issues like those of pensioners, children who suppose to be in school but do not because nobody to train them and others. Governance is all about services to God and mankind. It is not all about acquiring wealth”.

According to him, “the payment of the bulk pension arrears and gratuities to the retired workers is for both local government and state establishments. The Rescue Mission Government is determined to wipe away their tears by also paying those involved from 1993 to 2001.

“Again, the absence of strike action by Imo workforce in the past three years was due to the regular payment of salaries. The administration won’t relent”.

He further stated that, “the very sick and old retirees will be paid cash to save them from the inconveniences of going to the banks.

Those talking about politics with a sensitive issue like the payment of pensions and gratuities only want to justify their failure to pay the pensioners.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

41

CAMPUS LIFE Nigerian student among the best in the Philippines

F

•The Radiography students in traditional attires during the cultural day

Radiography students mark Week

T

HE University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Radiography Students (NARS) has held its 7th Health Week amid excitement.

The event, which was held at the UNILAG College of Medicine in Idi-Araba, started with awareness and a novelty match between the 300-Level and 200-Level students.

The 200-Level team won the match by a lone goal.

On the second day, the students visited Beth Torey Orphanage Home in Apapa area of Lagos. Ac-

From Israel Babatunde LUTH cording to the students, the gesture was to reach out and support the less-privileged. They donated materials, including food stuff and toiletries.

In the evening, the students held traditional night to showcase Nigerian cultures. The students were clad in traditional attires. A live band entertained the students as they danced round the campus.

Fruits and palm wine were served at the event.

On the third day, the students held a symposium with the theme: “Radiography, the future of medicine,” which focused on how to survive cancer and balance work pressure and personal life. The event was sponsored by CWAY Waters and The Future Project. The symposium ended with presentation of certificates and awards to the speakers and members of executive led by Olamilekan Ashaye.

The Week ended with Barbecue Nite, where the students celebrated with roasted meat.

ROM the Republic of the Philippines came an honour for Nigeria. Cynthia Oluchi Nworgu, a Nigerian studying nursing in the Southeast Asian country, was named one of the three outstanding international students by the Philippine International Friendship and Understanding Association (PIFUA).

Cynthia’s good academic mark at the Institute of Nursing of the Far Eastern University (FEU) won “Student Achiever” award in her sophomore year and qualified her to participate in Outstanding International Students’ Contest organised by PIFUA. Despite the language barrier which many international students faced in the country, Cynthia won laurel for her feat. Although she said she had hard time expressing herself in the Philippines language but added that she hated being given “special treatment” because she wanted to learn the way regular students did.

Cynthia said: “I feel at home in FEU because the university has a nurturing environment. The Filipinos are accommodating and good listeners. I took up nursing because I know I can be a better doctor since I will understand the dynamics of both professions.”

Cynthia’s class adviser, Leonardo de Guzman, said she displayed resilience and independence to earn recommendations from her professors in the institute. Guzman said:

Nasarawa varsity gets DVCs, directors

T

HE Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof Muhammad Mainoma, has appointed two Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) and five directors.

At a Senate meeting, the VC announced the appointment of Prof Yakubu Ngwai, who was the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, as DVC on Administration and Dr Sa’adatu Liman, who was the Head of the Department of Islamic Religious Studies,

By Wale Ajetunmobi “Cynthia is hardworking and a fastlearner, who is very active in the class discussions. In fact, when the class was exposed to clinical activities, Cynthia was compassionate and empathised with her patients.”

Cynthia’s exceptional traits, Joeven Castro, FEU Student Development Director said, are what endeared her to many. “I saw the potential in her and thought she could win the competition. You can sense her sincerity and the depth of her thoughts,” Castro said.

“I prayed first,” said Cynthia when asked how she prepared for the competition. She said she studied everything about the Philippines by reading books and articles on history and current events. She received help from Castro in speech presentation and interview strategies.

Cynthia beat 12 other international students to be part of the three winners. At the contest, she performed a traditional dance for five minutes. The Nursing student said her impromptu speech on “happiness” helped her won.

Dr Belinda Buenafe, the Institute Dean, hailed Cynthia for the feat, saying she displayed the FEU’s core values of excellence and uprightness.

PIFUA is an organisation that introduces international students to Filipino cultural life and, in turn, exposes Filipinos to the culture of foreign students.

From Ahmad Muhammad Auwal NSUK DVC Academics.

Prof Mainoma also approved the establishment of two new institutes and three directorates for the university. They are Institute of Governance and Development Studies, to be headed by Prof Sani Abdullahi, Institute of Education to be headed by Prof James Otuka, who is a past DVC on Academics.

Prof Olayemi Akinwumi of the Department of History was appointed as the Director of Directorate of Research and Publications, while Dr Suleiman Nchi of the Faculty of Law is the Director of Quality Assurances and Advancement.

Prof Fati Shuaibu of the Department of Educational Foundations was appointed as the head of the Directorate of Guidance and Counseling.

Body hails UNN on agriculture •A student being tested by a doctor during the event

P

Fellowship offers free medical test

ILGRIM Fellowship, the youth wing of All Saints’ Chapel at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), has held a threeday health seminar for members of the university community. The event, held the church auditorium, featured interactive sessions and free medical test.

On the first day, there was a health seminar with the theme: Diet and health: What relationship? Dr Noruwa Ekhator of the UNIBEN Teaching Hospital (UBTH) stressed the need for proper dieting. She said not only the rich could afford balanced diet, noting that proper knowledge of food composition was key to ensure a balanced diet.

She urged the audience, who were mainly staff and students of the university, to ensure vitamin intake, which she said could be gotten from fruits and vegetables.

She said: “It is necessary that we regularly incorporate fruits and vegetables in our daily diet, espe-

From David Ajayi UNIBEN cially the young and the elderly.

This is because these items contain vitamins and minerals that aids proper body metabolism.”

During the seminar held on the second day, Dr Afeaje Olokor advised the audience to always go for medical checkup. “Always visit a hospital to ascertain your health status, at least, once in a month, because physical appearance is not healthy living,” she said.

The event was rounded off with a free medical test for students and staff. The fellowship invited medical practitioners from the Teaching Hospital to carry out wide range of tests on the beneficiaries. The medical personnel, led by Prof Roseline Unuigbe, were made up of physicians, laboratory scientists and optometrists.

Blood pressure, blood sugar level, Body Mass Index (BMI) and eye

tests were carried out on the beneficiaries, some of whom were given referral for full treatments.

A 79-year-old Mrs. Veronica Punuka praised the fellowship for its gesture, saying: “I am happy about the free medical test, which gave me confidence on my health status. I learnt tips to manage arthritis and rheumatism.”

Another beneficiary, a 31-yearold Oluwasegun Obi, said: “I did not know I had some health issues.

But the test gave me some information about my health I didn’t know before. Thank God I was part of the event.”

Co-ordinator of the Pilgrims Fellowship, Epunah Chinwe, a postgraduate student of Health Education, said: “The aim of the free medical test was to help students and lecturers to know their health status, especially for those who may not have time to go for regular check because to their tight schedule.”

T

HE monitoring and evaluation office of the West African Agriculture Productivity Programme (WAAP) has scored the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) high in Agriculture. Hassan Isah, an official from WAAPP head office in Abuja, rated the institution high shortly after he inspected WAAP-sponsored fish ponds and cassava stems multiplication centres in Obimo, Imelike-ulo, Okpuje, and THE UNN. Isah said the institution had increased its output and performance compared to what was recorded last August when the WAAP officials inspected the facilities last. He said 60 per cent of the investment in the UNN’s Faculty of Agriculture had been put into use.

He said: “There is an improvement in the agricultural project, going by what I saw in Imilike-Ulo fish pond and the ones in Obimo, Okupuje and UNN fingerling and cassava stem multiplication centers. At least 60 per cent of N20 million given to UNN

by WAAPP has been put to use.

Though there still room for improvement so as to achieve overall aim of the project.”

From Oladele Oge UNN The monitoring officer said that the objective of WAAP was to develop technologies and best aquaculture practice to be adopted in West African countries to increase productivity and ensure food security.

In his remark, Prof Simon Ugwu, the coordinator of the project in UNN and former Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, said fingerlings in UNN multiplication centre would hit 250,000 by the end of the month, expressing appreciation to the body collaborating with the institution.

He said: “We have 15 hectares of cassava stems in cassava multiplication farm and by the end of November, the fingerlings in our multiplication ponds will hit 250,000. It is from this multiplication centre we distribute improved fingerlings and cassava stems to the communities that need them.

In an interview, Mr Clement Attah, Chairman, of Okpuje Fish Pond Cooperative Society expressed appreciation to the body for providing the farmers with funds and empowering them.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBR 20, 2014

42

CAMPUS LIFE Members of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science Students’ Association (ARCISSTA) at the University of Ibadan (UI) have held a dinner and award to mark the end of academic year and send-off their graduating colleagues.

STANLEY IBEKU reports

A remarkable send-off

F

OR more than four hours that the event lasted, there was no dull moment. Students of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, a Master’s programme at the University of Ibadan (UI) held a dinner and award night as part of the events marking their graduation from the centre.

From the red carpet at the foyer of the SUB Event Centre, the venue, the guests were welcomed into the hall by elegantly decorated walls to show the significance of the event, which is usually held after the last semester examinations of the final year Master’s degree programme.

Staff and students, who distinguished themselves in academics, were recognised and rewarded

•The awardees displaying their plaques

with the award of excellence. It was a night of razzmatazz and glamour as attendees appeared in different shades of attires.

The Director of the centre, Dr Wole Olatokun, said the event was necessary to enable students relieve themselves of the stress of the past months. According to him, there was a need for the students to relax and socialise for productive relationships after school.

The out-going president of the ARCISSTA, Adeyemi Towo, urged his colleagues to use the opportunity to make peace with one another and exchange idea of on mutual progress. He described Olatokun a father of all students, saying the Director usually took time out to assist students.

He also hailed the immediate past Director of the centre, Prof.

Muta Tiamiyu, for his contributions to the development of disci-

pline.

The event was compered by Fabby-Dee, a comedian, who doled out hilarious jokes to thrill the guests. Also, Infinity Theatre group from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church in the university performed a stage drama to make the event memorable.

During the award session, freshers and outgoing Master’s students were honoured for being the best in social and academic life.

Believe Gbaruko, a year 1 Master’s student, won the Best Dressed Male, while Tosin Ademosu, won the female category.

Also, Evong Wobot won Best Dressed Male (Year 2), while Temitope Babalola, won the female category. Stanley Ibeku won Most Sociable Male Student, while Chioma Godwin-Okafor won the female category. Jude Okafor got two awards - Most Popular Student

and Mr. Indispensable. Jude was honoured by his course mates for supplying them with information relating to their studies.

The face of ARCISSTA award in male category went to Mayowa Adelusi, while Oreoluwa Oluwaniran won the female category.

Dr Tunde Adegbola, a lecturer specialised in natural language processing and artificial intelligence, was honoured for his immense contributions to the development of the centre.

A meritorious award of service was given to Prof Tiamiyu. Responding, he appreciated the students for the recognition and pledged his continued support for the development of centre. He charged the fresh students to prioritise their time and make their studies take prominent in their endeavour.

Olatokun won the Lecturer of the Year award for the second time. He was honoured for his knowledge of courses and style of teaching.

The event also featured the valedictory session and cutting of cake by the outgoing executive members of the association. A new set of officers took the oath administered by Olatokun.

The executive is led by Ben Adegbaju. Other members are Chiamaka Egwuatu, Vice President, Michael Chigbundu, Secretary, Doreen Madezia, Assistant Secretary, Olamide Afolabi, Financial Secretary and Chimeebere Nwoko, Director of Socials.

The centre was established in 1990 as the first tertiary-level educational institution in West Africa with a mandate to undertake research and consultancy services, and offer higher degree and continuing education training in information science.

Students and youths gathered at the main auditorium of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, to learn how they could become self-employed in the face of growing unemployment. AFIS ODEYEMI (300-Level History Education) reports.

Tips for self-employment •Omojuwa speaking at the event

•Olajiga addressing the participants

I

T was an inspiring and motivating moment for students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) last Wednesday when Junior Chambers International (JCI), a youth organsation, held a seminar tagged: Campus Speak 2014.

The event, held in the auditorium, was attended by students and youths from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, who stormed the institution to learn the basics of entrepreneurship from their favorite speakers.

According to the organisers, the event was aimed at motivating a new generation of entrepreneurs and equipping them with necessary leadership skills to break

the cycle of youth unemployment and contribute to economic growth.

The resource persons included the popular social media entrepreneur, Japheth Omojuwa; Nokia Brand Ambassador Olushola Adewumi; Poet and film maker Hassan Sage; Ester and Deborah Fashion Brand Folakemi Olajiga; West Atlantic Resource and Equity House Adegboyega Adebajo; Microsoft programmer Kola Osinowo and Tony Tetuila, who was the guest artiste.

The audience was dumbfounded when Adewumi asked: “How greedy are you?” To the speaker, the youths have to be greedy for knowledge and investment. He

said: “To be greedy of a good future is to be hungry for success.”

Adewumi charged the youth to live for a difference, advising: “Go the extra mile to make a difference in your individual lives; be confident, set high goals, fuel your dream, fly the smartest, be enthusiastic, learn from mistakes and make good adequate research.”

Olajiga shared her experience with the audience on how her company, Ester and Deborah Fashion became a successful brand, despite challenges. She said creativity was key to success and satisfaction.

“Take a job, be creative with it and impact lives,” she said.

Omojuwa, who is also a blogger,

wowed the audience with his usual jovial but motivational language.

Urging the youth to take the bold step by investing their time in productive ventures, Omojuwa said success should not be seen in material wellbeing but impacts made on the lives of others.

He said: “Success absolutely has nothing to do with having a lot of money, but it is about impacting lives even in death.”

Omojuwa added that problems are natural phenomenon in life, saying: “You can’t stop problems, but you can work your way out of your problems by creating values.

The world is not what it used to be, what we see is not what we used to

Week of fun at UNIBEN

see. Whatever your hand finds doing, put your best in it.”

The JCI president in UNILORIN, Paul Akingbola, thanked the management and the speakers for making the event a success, saying: “We appreciate you all and we thank you for your love and support. We look forward to having you again.”

At the programme were the ViceChancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor on Research, Technology and Innovation, Prof Gabriel Olatunji, former Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, represented

by Mr Nasir Abdulqadir, and JCI patron, Prof Olugbenga Mokolu, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

43

CAMPUS LIFE

By Sarat Alabidun

T

FIND it hard to keep mute on the state of my nation.

This I believe is due to the fact that I have no other country than Nigeria. Even if I relocate to the United States and apply for a citizenship card, my origin will still be Nigeria. It is this understanding that makes me take Nigeria’s issue as serious as my own problems.

The fact that some people refer to me as a critic of the government will not certainly make me quiet if I see that things are not going in the right direction. I do have a strong belief in the saying of Plato that: “the punishment we suffer if we refuse to take an interest in matters of government is to live under the government of worse

I

N the immortal words of Bill Newman, “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” This assertion aptly captures the visionary leadership of Godswill Akpabio, governor of Akwa Ibom state. His name has come to be synonymous with performance and service delivery.

The reasons, of course, are not farfetched.

On the 7th day of November, 2014, all roads led to Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, for the official commissioning of the newly constructed ultra-modern international stadia built by Akpabio. The presence of the Ghanian president, John Darami Mahama and president Goodluck Jonathan, who used the event as a subtle campaign ground, affirmed the value proposition of the project. And following the jibes thrown at the governor by critics who pooh-poohed his leadership style, Akpabio will go down in history as a rejected stone which eventually became the chief cornerstone.

A friend, Inibehe Effiong, had personally took it upon himself to criticise Akpapio’s “deceptive strategy.”

Such criticisms have shaped my perception of the governor over the years. I recalled arguing with a

I

T was Aristotle, who said: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Then, the revered Nelson Mandela added: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” To George Washington, education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.

But the potent key to opportunities in Nigeria has witnessed many crises, leading to the drop in in quality and standard. The reason for this could be located in the way policies are formulated and behaviour of people towards education.

Every year, we are faced with grim performances of candidates in major examinations, such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examination Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). There is always outcry whenever results are released and the government does not usually care about it. Over time, we have had cases of malpractices and

men.” One cannot be far from truth if it is concluded that the saying of Plato is what is currently playing out in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have shelved their responsibilities of getting acquainted with governance. It is as a result of this that the government is losing its track by focusing more on the irrelevant things and paying less attention to the important ones.

Now, the defection of Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the opposition party, All Progressives Change (APC), has generated political uproar across the country and the subsequent violations of the 1999 constitution as amended. As the debate raged on, Femi Gbajabiamila said “the legislature is a separate, but an equal arm of government. It is not inferior or subservient to the executive.

Their powers are separated under the constitution and it can never be an extension or department of the Presidency or the PDP”. This gives the question of why should the President order the immediate removal of the Speaker’s security details. This I believe is a violation of his fundamental human right as prescribed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which gives him the right to freedom of association. This action in itself implies that there is no respect for the office he occupies.

When politicians defect from other parties to the PDP, it is regarded as a normal political move but it becomes a problem when they defect from PDP to other parties. Both Governors Mimiko and

As the giant gropes in the dark Ali Modu Sheriff of Ondo and Borno states respectively did not have their security details withdrawn when the duo defected to the PDP. The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly who defected from the Labour Party to the PDP also did not have her security details withdrawn. What makes Tambuwal’s case different?

The security agents that are supposed to uphold the nation’s laws have turned to political machineries. It is not in the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to interpret the constitution, but that’s solely for the judiciary. The reason given by the Inspector General of Police is not reasonable enough because it is outside his jurisdiction.

There is no part of our nation’s constitution that says that the Speaker of the House of Reps should come from the majority party. Section 50 (1) (b) only says “there shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who shall be elected by the members of the House from among themselves…” With both the IGP and the Attorney General of the Federation saying that Hon. Tambuwal has lost his position as a result of his defection is unfounded and a big blow on the nation’s democracy when those who are supposed to protect the laws turn out to be the opposite. After all, the duo are acting on instructions from above. It is absolutely not surprising when a learned fellow like her

make such statements in Nigeria because Aondoakaa made similar interpretations of the constitution during the late Yar’Adua’s administration.

Nevertheless, I urge the APC not to put their whole trust on Hon Tambuwal because his defection could be a political plot to recover Sokoto State to the PDP as there is a tendency for him to go back to his previous party if he eventually secure the governorship seat. I enjoin the APC to be very careful and make their calculations accurate.

In a country like Nigeria facing security challenges, one could have expected the President who is the Chief Security Officer to focus more on how to put an end to insurgency or rather, bring the situation under control. But alas, what we have is false report on ceasefire. The insurgents continue to gain weight and strength daily. Our Nigerian Army are being sent on impossible missions by not providing them sufficient fire-power to engage the extremists. In such scenario, we expect nothing from them other than to retreat and save their own lives first.

When Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh was appointed the Chief of Defence Staff, residents of his community heaved a sigh of relief believing that their lives and property are secured. But little did they know that he was not the type they thought. It had been reported in the media that few hours before the in-

Lesson from Akwa Ibom friend and concludd by labelling Akpabio as nothing other than a political stooge, doing the biddings of GEJ. Aristotle once cautioned that both the good and the right should be known but the good should be done.

I believe the right thing for an average activist who envisages a transformed Nigeria is to agitate for the total extermination of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the power equation.

For those who will try to judge me as being biased, I urge you to sheathe your sword and ponder the following observations. What is there to be desired in a political dispensation led by the self-acclaimed largest political party in sub-Saharan African, with the Otueke shoeless gaffer at the helms of affairs? But it would be fallacious to assume that all governors under the auspices of the PDP are clueless. We are just unfortunate to have a staggering ratio of non-performers, loathers and looters.

Even before Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State

and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State defected to the All Progressive Congress last year, they have been able to present impressive scorecards in the form of infrastructural development, eduction, job creation and so on. Akpabio also belongs to that class of functional leaders who take cover in a party that lacks a clear ideology.

And when you weigh Akpabio on the same moral scale with the likes of Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, Gabriel Suswam of Benue state, the difference stares right in your face.

Chief Godswill Akpabio has distinguished himself from the mammoth crowd of dubious and egocentric people consumed by the hunger for power. Akpabio’s detractors should be humble enough to accept their folly and support the development efforts of the Akwa Ibom man.

He is a man who has the interest of his people at heart at all times and makes efforts to proffer solutions to them. This is clearly not in consonance with the PDP philosophy defined by extreme egoism and a cer-

tain fiefdom.

We are reminded in the Holy Writ that “a good man out of the good in his heart produces good and an evil man out of the evil in his heart produces evil, for out of the abundance of the mind the mouth speaks.”

Akpabio has shown us a better way to understand that biblical declaration.

History is replete with leaders who were derided by their followers despite steering the ship of change. Recall the case of the famous member of the Albanian contingent, Mohammad Ali, who ruled Egypt between 1805 and1848? Despites Ali’s domestic and foreign policies and transformational leadership which earned him the name founder of modern Egypt, many still criticise him till date.

It becomes obvious that criticism is not only channelled to non-performing leaders but also to performing but misunderstood ones like Governor Akpabio. All empiricists will attest to Akpabio’s performance in Akwa-Ibom State.

Redeeming our education system

By Habib Oladapo several anomalies that have marred the conduct of these examinations but with the recent upgrade in the system, our flaws are exposed for everyone to see.

Our education system is in turmoil and the older generation would castigate us, bragging about the quality of knowledge in their time. But who is at fault?

The older generation is always quick to rubbish the new status of our education. The generation enjoyed free and quality education and a conducive environment for learning.

They were served three square meals and they made their choice on what they wanted for food. They had stewards to do their laundries for them every week. They were taught by committed lecturers and had access

to good libraries and useful journals.

Some of them had jobs waiting for them before they completed their studies. They had oversea opportunities to further their studies on scholarship. They never witnessed unreasonable strike actions by lecturers.

This was the system that produced the likes of the late Prof Chinua Achebe, Prof Wole Soyinka, Mrs Grace AleleWilliams, Prof John Clark, late Prof Dora Akunyili, Prof Gamaliel Onosode, Prof Babatunde Osotimehin and Ambassador Dapo Fafowora, among others.

These people have made their marks in academic, literature and civil service. They are those, who also enjoyed the same opportunities and are occupying strategic positions in government today but cannot offer the present generation a free and qualitative education. They increase tuition fees and underpay lecturers, leading

to strike.

I wonder how they expect our parents to afford such exorbitant fees.

Worst of all, they send their children abroad to get the quality they cannot provide for us here. Hence, they develop another man country’s economy and education.

They say always that Nigerian graduates are unemployable; they would bring in expatriates and pay them millions. They are quick to blame our higher institutions for churning out half-baked graduates.

But, have they made efforts to fund these institutions adequately? What scholarship and resesarch opportunities for students and lecturers? Yet, the government invests huge sum in entertainment industry as if that is the essence of our nation.

Whatever happens to Cowbell Mathematics Competition and Zain Africa University Challenge, where

surgents took over the community, helicopters trooped in to transport his immediate family members out of the town; an act indicating that we are now in the era regarded as security of self, where you cater for yourself only and leave others to their own devices. This was the same officer who promised to solve the insurgency problem within six months.

Nigeria being referred to as Giant of Africa is an explanation of the saying “a single eyed man is a king in the land of the blinds”. Our educational sector has grown worse, the health sector has become dilapidated and there is no security anywhere in the country. The power sector is in comatose. Can someone define the word ‘giant’ as it appears in the Nigerian context?

All said and done, despite the Council of State in their last meeting passing a vote of confidence on the present administration on how the battle against insurgency is being handled, I found it hard to accept their resolution. This is not to say the President is doing nothing but his best is not enough as we are yet to see fruitful results from the way insurgency is being handled. I implore our leaders to focus more on national security and not tackling the defection of politicians. Its better the sleeping dog is allowed to lie.

Mubarak recently finished from General Agriculture, UDUS We should always take cognisance of the fact that politics has gone beyond judging from the angle of political parties to personal good and managerial competence of an individual. 2015 is here again. It is left to us to vote wisely or suffer foolishly for a blunder we would struggle forever to reverse. Then it will be too late. I stand to say politics is no longer about the party but the personality in question. It is not so much a question of APC and PDP but that of Jonathan and Buhari.

Their competence and leadership antecedents should form the compass for assessing their suitability.

We should be able to ask th4e right questions before being lured with bags of rice and dirty money as bait.

What shall it profit an average Nigeria to be bought with a bag of rice and sell the entire future of his unborn generation?

We must accept the fact that politics should never be about religious and ethnic affiliations but the quality and character of the personalities involved. Akpabio has set himself apart from the maddening PDP crowd. I just hope others follow his example.

Sunny, 200-Level History, UNIBEN

students exchange ideas and challenge themselves in academic contest? Project Fame, Nigerian Idols, Big Brother, X-Factor and so on are in vogue today.

The managements of higher institutions have shares in the blame too.

What have they done with project thesis submitted by undergraduate and post-graduate students? These are supposed to be the yardstick to gauge our progress in innovations, education and development. Why would a university give contract to outsiders to build solar-powered panels and inverters when such school has a functional Faculty of Engineering?

The youth deserve some credit for embracing technology and innovation to drive positive changes in the country. With technological advancement, we now have young people achieving more these days because the situation has taught us to fight for our own survival, which has made us to be creative, innovative and think •Continued on page 44

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

44

CAMPUS LIFE

A Fashion Week at LASU

C

OMMUNICATION Students’ Association (CSA) of the Lagos State University (LASU) has organised the second edition of their faculty’s Fashion Week. The event was aimed at enabling fashion designers among students exhibit their wares to the people. The event took place at the faculty ground in Ojuelegba campus of the school.

At the show, the fashion designers displayed how simplicity could be explored to achieve sophistication in fashion designing. The event started with a drama presentation by Broadcast students, after which models took to the runway to showcase different styles.

NANS condemns Potiskum bombing

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commiserated with the government and people of Yobe State on the death of 47 students killed by a suicide bomber in Potiskum penultimate week.

From Everistus Onwuzurike and Moses Adeyemi LASU The event was also as a re-union for Steve Onu Yaw, an on-air presenter at Wazobia Fm and his classmate, Oladotun Kayode of Cool FM. The students were thrilled with music performances. A student known as Nash on the campus wowed the audience with his performance of Baby Mo, which won him a live interview on Super Screen Television.

The president of the association, Olamilekan Hassan, said the event was to create a platform for students, who are into fashion designing, modelling and bead making to display their articles, thereby creating jobs for them and fostering their spirit of entrepreneurship.

Hassan praised the sponsors and students, who contributed to the success of the event.

The Financial Secretary, Abayomi Ariba, said he was happy that the event went as planned, saying: “At first, I was

•Some of the students during the Fashion Week

having a negative feeling that it was not going to be successful.” He expressed gratitude to the sponsors that provided the finance.

Adetoke Oluwo, a TV producer, hailed the association for the “impressive show”, advising girls to work

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

tion. He advised students, who look up to him as a role model, to work hard and be focused.

Yaw urged the students to always be thirsty for greatness. He admonished them not to relent in anything they do.

Redeeming our education system

From Emeka Chukwuemeka UNIZIK NANS frowned at the killing of defencceless pupils, calling on students across the country to reject violence being visited on their colleagues in the Northeast by criminal elements. The apex students’ body urged the Federal Government to fish out sponsors of terrorism.

The NANS president, Tijani Usman Shehu, said the body believed the country would overcome the current security challenges if its armed forces and security agencies were supported and motivated.

harder to be successful in men’s world.

“To be a celebrity is hard. It is not a mirage when you are talented. I used to be a banker but now, I am a TV presenter,” she advised.

Kayode said he was elated to return to his alma mater after years of gradua-

•Continued from page 43

beyond the classroom.

The 21st Century is an era of pressure and distraction. The unnecessary pressure to perform like our peers in developed countries, pressure to pass exams while in school, communal pressure, economic pressure, pressure to meet up with certain societal standards, competition for the limited spaces available have woken the

M

EMBERS of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State has held a ceremony to remember the late leader of the union, Prof Festus Iyayi, who died last year.

The late Iyayi died in an auto crash involving the union’s vehicle and a vehicle in Kogi State governor’s convoy on Abuja-Lokoja highway. The deceased was in company of other members of the union on their way to Kano State for ASUU meeting when the accident occurred.

One year after, the UNIZIK chapter of the ASUU said it was yet to see the fruition of the agreement the Federal Government reached

youth up from slumber.

I think the government deliberately leaves our education sector to rot away because in all these, the people in public office seem not to be bothered. The only redemption, however, is to bring back the fortunes of the system as it were in the past. If the government, tertiary institutions and corporate organizations could pool resources together, things will change for the better. With the large number of students

struggling to gain admission into the university, we need to expand the facilities available and build new ones to cater for this ever increasing population.

Education is vital and key to our growth as a nation. As John Dewey said, education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.

Habib, 400-Level Communication and Language Arts, UI

UNIZIK remembers Iyayi From Emeka Chukwuemeka UNIZIK with lecturers.

Briefing reporters about the memorial in honour of the late Iyayi, Comrade Dennis Aribodor, ASUU leader in UNIZIK, said the poor condition of the academic system, which Iyayi fought against was still prevalent in universities.

Aribodor said education was still being inadequately funded by the government, adding that problems of infrastructural decay, poor learning condition and service were yet to be solved.

He said ASUU rejected the ongoing “privatisation of education”

and the selling of public educational institutions, calling on Nigerians to urge the government to honour the agreement that led to the suspension of the last industrial action by lecturers.

He hailed the national leadership of ASUU, which immortalised the late Iyayi by naming its national secretariat complex after him, and also compiled his works.

The ASUU Zonal Co-ordinator, Comrade Ike Odumegwu, stressed that justice was yet to be done over the circumstances surrounding the death of Prof Iyayi.

Odumegwu said the union still expected a thorough investigation into the matter.

Freshers elect representatives

F

RESH students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday elected new representatives for their classes.

The set, which was divided into two streams, National Diploma 1A and 1B, had the election coordinated by the Students’ Representative Council, SRC. Obatobi Bada emerged the governor, while Peace Morrison became the deputy governor.

Ekanem Idara was elected as Social Director and Daniel Chikwendu, Sport Director for ND 1A.

From Samson Uwala and Obatobi Bada NIJ For ND 1B, Chidinma Ubani emerged governor, Christian Oparanugo, deputy governor, while Samuel Taliba, Kafayat Aliyu and Taiwo Owoyemi were elected Social Director, Welfare Director and Sports Director respectively.

Obatobi, appreciated his colleague for giving him the chance to serve them, vowing to ensure their welfare was attended to all time.

He said: “I appreciate my col-

league for having trust and electing me as their governor. I promise to do my best and contribute my quota to the glory of this class.”

Chidinma promised to do her best to serve her colleagues and ensure their academic objectives are achieved.

Advising the students’ leaders, the Chairman, Students’ Representative Council, Dayo Oladiti, urged them to act in accordance with the regulation of the school and use their position to inform students about the management’s activities to ensure peace in the school.

Ex-lawmaker’s succour for the indigent •Continued from page 31

I applied reluctantly but I was surprised when I was called as one the beneficiaries. Although I am not surprised that Mrs Gbemisola Saraki is giving out scholarships because she has done many things to help students in need. I recall how she reached out to Kwara State students in Borno State at the peak of the crisis in Maiduguri. She was exceptional in ensuring we were safe and comfortable.”

Another beneficiary, Issa Imam, from Ilorin East Local Government Area, said: “I almost lost hope of

going to the Nigerian Law School this year. My dream of being called to the Bar would have been dashed if it is not for the shot text I sent to Mrs Gbemisola Saraki’s Facebook page. As Allah would have it, she responded to the message and later asked her staff to call me for the scholarship. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope given to me

by Mrs Saraki.”

Beaming with smile, Qasim Idowu, another beneficiary, praised the former senator for her generosity. He said: “I was only hearing it but I did not know it was real until I

came here today. May God continue to bless Senator Gbemi.”

Other beneficiaries include Saliu Baruten, Taiwo Aderibigbe, Saad Lukman, Yusuf Ishiaq Kehinde, and Taofiq Abdulrazaq.

At the ceremony were students’ leaders in Kwara State, including the acting National President of the National Association of the Nigerian Law Students, National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), National Congress of Nigerian Students and the president of the Law Students Society at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

45

EDUCATION IBRUL LIFE

NISLT trains Lab inspectors

Student wins debate

By Sampson Unamka

T

O help science laboratories scale the accreditation hurdle, the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) has mounted a two-day training for science laboratory inspectors.

Director-General of the institute, Dr Ighodalo Ijagbone, said the training would ease the accreditation process for all parties and thanked the Chairman of the NISLT Governing council, Dr Adamu Babayo Samaila, for approving the workshop.

“When I thought of the challenges of accreditation, I decided to use one stone to kill two birds and the Chairman of Council approved it.

For once we should do it right as a very important part of our mandate,” said Ijagbone of the training which featured as part of the institute’s yearly conference in Akure, Ondo State.

Ijagbone said the workshop was in line with the institute’s mandate: which has to do with accreditation of science laboratories in Nigeria and registration of members.

After the training, the DG said he expects that much more would be achieved during accreditation, unlike in the past.

Dr Samaila eulogised the DG for the initiative. He said the council members have been attended the workshop and found it rewarding.

Dr Willie Siyanbola, Chairman, SWOOT Technology Solutions Limited, which facilitated the workshop, said the training was organised to expose Science Laboratory Inspectors to the inspection/evaluation instrument to enable adequate comprehension; provide a platform for Science Laboratory Inspectors to make inputs to the draft inspection/evaluation instrument and to acquaint Science Laboratory Inspectors with the expected reporting format for ease of cross-laboratory comparative analysis.

He also noted that NISLT was fortunate to have an enabling law that recognised the appointment of professionally-competent people as members of Council. No doubt, he said that their participation in the workshop demonstrated that they were ready to galvanize the Institute’s activities with their wealth of experience.

•Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (middle) congratulating Miss Martha Adegbe, a 400-Level student of English, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, and other members of the contingent that made the university proud at the All African Universities Debate Championship, held at the University of Ghana, Legon. The university came third, while Martha was the overall best speaker.

Fire: Rector seeks help to recover losses T HE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Dr Taiwo Akande, has appealed to the Ekiti State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and other arms of the Federal Government to help the polytechnic overcome the monumental loss it suffered as a result of last Friday’s fire that razed the institution’s School of Engineering complex.

In a statement signed by Mr Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, Deputy Registrar, Information, the Rector lamented the damage caused by the fire and expressed concern about how the institution would recover

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

from the loss.

She said an emergency meeting of the Governing Council was still in session around 11:05 pm on the fateful day when some students raised alarm about the fire. However, despite the combined efforts of the men of the Ekiti State Fire Service, the Polytechnic fire fighting officers and the students, the fire destroyed the building.

She said the fire completely destroyed the complex housing the office of the Dean of the School of

Engineering and other adjourning offices including those of the Departmental Heads of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical/ Electronics and Agricultural Engineering and a large classroom along with many sensitive and un-replaceable documents and materials ranging from computer systems, furniture items, office cabinets and the building complex.

Investigation has begun to unravel the source of the fire as there was neither electricity supply nor any bush burning at the time of the incident.

Book for VC

Govs, others for int’l awards GOVERNORS of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, and Jigawa State, Sule Lamido are among those to be honoured with honorary doctoral degrees at the international convocation of the Victoria Global University, BWI, UK overseas territory.

Eleven other Nigerians would be honoured at the event scheduled to hold at the University of Ghana, Legon Campus, in Accra Ghana on December 17 A statement by the institution, named some of the recipients to include: Mr John Momoh, Chairman, Channels Television; Mrs Aminat Oyagbola, General Manager, Personnel Department, MTN Nigeria Limited; Dr Chjioke Nwaozuzu of the University of Port-Harcourt; and Mr Ernest Nwapa, Executive Secretary, National Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Others are: Augustine Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City; Otunba F.M Emeya, Chairman Duraclean Limited; Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Group Managing Director, EditorIn-Chief, Champion Newspapers Limited; Mr Frank Nneji, Chairman, ABC Transport Nigeria Limited; Mallam Abba Debo, Senior Special Adviser to the Vice-President; Mr Andrew Yakubu, Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation; and Lady C.M Ojomo, Chairman, Independent Television, Benin-City.

A 400-Level student of English, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Miss Martha Adegbe, has been named the overall best speaker at the 2nd edition of All African Universities Debate Championship, at the University of Ghana, Legon.

The University, was the second runner up in the competition that was won by another Nigerian university, University of Calabar. The Universite d’ Abomey, Benin Republic was the first runner up.

Dr. Egya expressed appreciation to the Management for the enormous encouragement and support to the team which greatly assisted in registering the name of the University on the world map of high ranking universities.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Muhammad Kuta Yahaya, praised the high level of intellectual spirit demonstrated by the IBBUL contingent at the championship, stressing that the government’s investment in the university has been justified by the excellent feat.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, said the victory by the students at the competition was a manifestation of their determination and the university’s commitment to producing graduates that compete favourably with their peers on the world stage.

He pledged the management’s support to encourage any student that demonstrates unmatched academic performance for further studies so that it could provide the University with the desired human capital resources.

The team leader and the two students, who represented the University at the championship were later led to the Niger State Governor, Dr.Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at the Government House by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Samuel Kolo Tswanya.

Aliyu announced a gift of N500,000 to each member of the contingent, adding that the government would redouble its effort towards making the university stand out.

•From left: Keynote Speaker, Prof William Bertrand, Atiku, President Ensign, Dr Akin Kekere-Ekun and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah at the event.

Atiku makes case for public education

F

ORMER Vice President and Founder, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned the Federal Government against regarding private education as a substitute for public education.

He spoke at the ninth founder’s day celebration of the university which held last Saturday at the Lamido Aliyu Musdafa Commencement Hall of AUN in Yola.

Atiku, who is seeking to run for the presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to adequately fund public education so Nigerians can access qualitative education.

He said private education should supplement public education such that Nigerians patronise private schools because they want to and can afford it, and not because the public institutions are lacking.

“Private education is not, should

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

not and cannot be a substitute for proper government-financed public education. Rather, private education should be supplementary and by choice for those who wish to and can afford to use its services. Very good government must and should invest appropriately in public education for development to take root in our country.”

At the event, Atiku was presented with the prestigious Harris Watford Global Citizen Award by the American Peace Corps Association.

“No private businessman in Africa has worked harder for democracy or contributed more to the progress of higher education than Atiku Abubakar,” the group said.

President of AUN, Prof Margee Ensign, said the purpose of the yearly Founder’s Day was to celebrate the founding, development, and remarkable progress of the development university.

“AUN is a reflection of our Founder’s vision, and it has only been made possible by his extraordinary generosity. The AUN Community is particularly pleased to use this occasion to publicly thank its Founder, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, for making American University of Nigeria possible,” Ensign said.

This year’s grand ceremony was marked with colourful procession, reflective speeches on the consequences of insurgency in the Northeast and the threat of Ebola, and achievement awards to deserving students, staff and outstanding friends of the university.

Among the special guests in attendance were Prof. William Ellis Bertrand (keynote speaker), former Minister of Education and DG Atiku Campaign, Prof. Babalola Aborishade, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, an agelong friend of the founder.

A book titled: “Aspects of Niger State History: Essays in Honour of Professor Ibrahim Adamu Kolo”, has been presented to the public.

The book was co-edited by Dr Terhemba Wuam and Dr Mohammed Lawal Salahu of the History and International Studies Department of the university recently in recognition of Prof Kolo’s developmental strides at the university.

Speaking at the presentation at the Banquet Hall of the University Guest House, the Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, extolled Kolo’s steadfastness and unwavering commitment to transforming the institution into a centre of excellence.

He applauded the VC’s ingenuity in initiating research projects at the university that have been of immense benefit to the development of the state and country. He described him as one of the exceptional intellectual resource pride of the State.

Aliyu, who spoke through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Prof Muhammad Yahaya said the government made the right choice in appointing him as the vice-chancellor.

The governor, who was the Chief Book presenter, gave N500,000 for the book and encouraged the public to get the book for their personal use and keep few copies in the shelves of their libraries; urging them to do more other aspects of Niger State histroy.

Kolo, whose birthday coincided with the presentation, thanked the Niger State Government for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the state.

The nineteen-chapter book was reviewed by Dr. Victor Egwemi of the Political Science Department. The book explored the history, economic and life style of the two major tribes in Niger State-Nupe and Gbagyi.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

46

CAMPUS LIFE BRIEF ‘Celebrating heroes while alive’ THE Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Prof Olukoya Ogen, has stressed the importance of celebrating individuals during their lifetime, rather than after their deaths.

Ogen said this while presenting a lecture titled: “History, politics, ethnicity: A critique of the existing canons of Yoruba historiography, held last week in honour of late Prof Stephen Oladapo Arifalo at the Adekunle Ajasin University,(AAUA) Akungba Akoko, Ondo State.

According to Ogen, honouring heroes when they are alive would enable them to appreciate their worth while on earth.

He praised the AAUA Department of History and International Studies for celebrating Arifalo before he passed on seven years ago. Such gesture, he said, would keep his memories alive, ensuring that his noble deeds remain fresh through the memorial lecture.

Ogen appreciated Arifalo’s contributions to the development of History in Nigeria, particularly in the area of Yoruba Political studies and Historical Philosophy.

Achievers varsity gets Ag. Registrar THE Governing Council of Achievers University, Owo Ondo State, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Bosede Funmilola Sofowora as Acting Registrar.

Mrs. Sofowora, who is on a oneyear sabbatical in the university, from the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she was the Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Law, was appointed Deputy Registrar on November 3, this year.

She holds Bachelor of Science (Education) Mathematics and Masters in Public Administration, both from OAU, in 1992 and 1999 . She is also an alumnus of the prestigious Maastricht School of Management, The Netherlands, where she obtained the Certificate in Leadership and Management of Higher Education in 2010.

She started as a clerical officer at OAU, where she rose through the ranks to become Principal Assistant Registrar and Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Law. She has also worked in other critical segments of the university, including Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, and the Directorate of Personnel Affairs, ViceChancellor’s Office. She is bringing into Achievers University her professional experiences and competence in administration.

Born in Ife, Osun State, Mrs Sofowora is a member of professional organisations, such as The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, American Association of University Administrators, and America Society of Administrative Professionals, among others.

According to Achiever’s Public Relation Officer, Sulaimon Olagunju, Sofowora, a devout Christian, replaces Dr. Tinuade Ojo, the pioneer Registrar who stepped aside after being in the saddle of Achievers University’s Registry since 2008, when the institution commenced academic activities.

• Mrs Sofowora

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE

Undergraduate & Masters MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program at University of California, Berkeley USA sues upon return. While important Brief description

A

T University of California Berkeley, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program will provide holistic support to 113 students from Sub-Saharan Africa from 2012 to 2020.

About Scholarship Over the next eight years, the Scholars Program will bring 113 students from Africa to UC Berkeley for undergraduate and master’s degrees. The program’s peak year at UC Berkeley will be 2016-17, when 81 Scholars will be enrolled. 4 undergraduate (college freshman) and 3 graduate (total of 7) students from sub-Saharan Africa are already attending at no cost.

Administered out of the Center for African Studies, the program is supported by a broad cross-section of functional and disciplinary units on campus including the Division of Stu-

dent Affairs, Undergraduate Admissions, the Graduate Division, the Berkeley International Office, and the International House.

The Program is designed to provide holistic support, including: • Comprehensive scholarships (school fees, living expenses, books, stipends, transportation).

• Mentoring and counselling including emotional and academic support.

• Service and experiential learning (volunteerism, internships, entrepreneurship, ICT).

• Transition support into higher education or the workforce in Africa.

Selection Criteria and Eligibility • Being a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country - If you have refugee status, are stateless, or have other questions regarding your citizenship, you may still be eligible. Please contact us directly to clarify. This schol-

arship is not intended for citizens of North African countries.

• Excelling academically - All prospective Scholars must first be admitted to UC Berkeley to be considered for the Scholarship. An important criteria for admission to the University is demonstrated academic excellence.

• Coming from an economically disadvantaged background • Having demonstrated the will to give back to your community, country, or continent • Having expressed the desire and intention to return to your home country after completing your studies – We are looking for students who are engaged with and passionate about issues affecting their communities, and who will take advantage of their education at UC Berkeley to better equip themselves with the knowledge and training to address these is-

work can be done from abroad, the intention of this Program is to enable Scholars to return home, after forming valuable professional connections.

Eligible Countries: SubSaharanAfrican Application Deadline For undergraduate: 30th November For masters: Graduate application deadlines vary by program (falls between December and January).

How to Apply Both undergraduate and graduate degree seekers must first be admitted to the university through the regular admissions process before they will be considered for the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Graduate Division provide detailed information on the admissions process for international students.

How we achieved success through transparency, by UNIBEN VC T HE tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Osayuki Oshodin will end on November 30.

At a brief interactive session to herald the 39th/40th convocation, Oshodin shared his administration’s success story. Excerpts: How were you able to manage funding in the university?

The success we have achieved was made possible through the support of all our stakeholders, especially the Federal Government which owns the institution. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has been generous to us with funds. What we generated as Internally Generated Revenue also helped. If you have been to this institution before, you will know how Ekenwan campus was. Every renovation that has taken place at Ekenwan campus was done through funds from IGR. If the money was not properly put together and you did not put the right people in the right places, there would be nothing.

We have zero tolerance for corruption. We sacked those we caught collecting money from students. They will not tell you why they were sacked. Many professors were sacked. Everything we did was transparent. There was mechanism in the university system that was doing it and not Oshodin. One secret of a suc-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

cessful administration is to involve everybody, especially the unions. I grew up in this university. I have spent close to 34 years and I know how there used to be war between the unions and management. In my time, there was no war. We involved them. When money comes, I showed it to them. When money did not come on time, we try to pay on our own.

What about challenges?

There is always need for funding for the university system. We need money to develop academic and nonacademic staff. A lot of organisations also bail us out. An abandoned bridge has been completed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. We constructed an outlet for the villagers to go to town.

We have employed the service of a company so that we can have an independent power plant for ourselves.

We don’t want to depend on power companies again. By the time we are independent, we will supply our neighbours. The ground breaking has been done and they are going to complete it very soon. We need more money for conferences, research and to develop our people. When I took over in 2009, I observed that for the institution to be globally competitive, it must forge alliance with other institutions of international standard.

From November 2009, the Univer-

sity of Benin has established linkage with 21 reputable institutions of world-class.

What of academic programmes?

Under my tenure, the university expended huge amount of money in the renewal and upgrading of existing academic programmes. The number of operational full-time degree programmes in the university was 82 during the 2007/2009 academic session. The figure has increased to 100 in 2013/2014 academic session. In addition, eight other full time degree programmes approved by the Senate of the institution are

awaiting resource verification exercise by the National Universities Commission. Two new faculties- Environmental Sciences and Veterinary Medicine were established during this period. The Distance Learning Centre was also established to provide additional access to candidates.

How were you able to seek additional funding to recruit manpower to consolidate expansion of facilities and programmes your tenure achieved?

Before I answer that question, let me digress a little. This year’s convocation will be my valedictory. As part of our efforts at addressing unemployment in the country, my administration employed not less than 4000 persons into different cadres. The beauty of the employment exercise was that this administration never requested additional budgetary allocation to finance the recruitment. It was a wonder to many people. We have been able to sustain payment of staff salaries on the 21st of every month. A total of 167 workers were promoted to full professor while 208 were also elevated as readers. A total of 91 projects have been executed outside the massive renovation and purchase of equipment. Contracts for 21 new projects have already been awarded. Some of the projects were executed through IGR.

OGITECH floats new programmes

B

ARELY one week after the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) okayed the standard of accounting of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) Igbesa , Ogun State, the school again presented four programmes for accreditation to its regulatory body- National Board for Technical education, (NBTE).

The new courses are: National Diploma in Mass Communications, Banking and Finance; Higher National Diploma in Chemistry/ BioChemistry and Environmental Biology NBTE’s team also visited for accreditation. The purpose of the board’s visit was to inspect OGITECH’s facilities, infrastructure and the personnel and its preparedness to begin the new programmes.

Rector of the institute, Dr Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere, said the four new programmes, if accredited, would increased the totality of programmes run by the school to 23.

Akinkurolere, an engineer, praised NBTE for unalloyed support to the school, saying that OGITECH would reciprocate the gesture by aspiring

• NBTE inspects resources

By Adegunle Olugbamila

to becoming a reference point in driving technology among polytechnics.

Akinkurolere said two OGITECH undergraduates enjoyed a full sponsorship by the school to participate in the Children- in- Science and Technology contest held in University of Iringa, Tanzania.

She assured that the Institute will continue to use the advantage of the Guangdong Free Trade zone to add

T

HE alumni association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Lautech) Ogbomoso, has elected new set of executive that will steer the affairs of the association for another three years.

The election, which was held at the new lecture theatre with all the 11 local chapters in attendance saw Mr Babajide Bewaji, emerge as the new helmsman.

A renowned banker and seasoned entrepreneur, Bewaji polled 49 votes to defeat his opponent, Lukman Olajide Atobatele who had 40 votes.

practical knowledge to her students by way of working relationship.

She promised to rectify all grey areas, appreciating the efforts of the team in ensuring that standard is maintained for all academic in polytechnics.

Mrs. Sarah Salamatu Gami, a Deputy Director NBTE, who spoke on behalf of the team, praised cooperation of workers for their conduct and hospitality. She said though the team is satisfied with the with respect

to staffing, lecture rooms and books, nevertheless it would still submit its report with recommendation to the council whose report would be communicated to the institution soonest.

The NBTE team was led by Thomas Adekunle, NBTE Director of Programess, Kaduna. Other members include: Mrs Serah Salamatu Gami , Mr. Amin Ado, Prof Mudi Sulaiman, Mr. Charles Agbuke. Others were: Messrs. Y.D. Yakubu, Alex Onukogu, Chidi Ezenwa, and Philps Inuola, Mrs Stella Adetola, Mrs. Fatima Kabiru, and Mrs. Aslem okay.

New executive for LAUTECH From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Other officers elected were: Femi Akindele (Vice-President), Oloso Kamal (General Secretary), Owolawi Olusegun (Assistant General Secretary), Samson Owoyokun, (National Public Relation Officer), Dr Ishola Olubowale (Treasurer), Adeniji Idowu (Social Director), Babalola James (Financial Secretary) and Farayola Charles ( Vice President, North).

The chairman of the electoral

body, Dr Adewale Olumuyiwa who announced the results, charged the newly elected officers to bring their wealth of experience to develop the institution that has produced distinguished personalities across all fields.

Mr Bewaji while making his maiden address shortly after being declared winner, promised his tenure would be all inclusive and he would deliver on all promises as contained in his manifesto.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

47

EDUCATION

Lagos to screen SS3 pupils before WASSCE

S

ENIOR Secondary School Three (SSS3) pupils attending public schools in Lagos State must henceforth pass a new screening test before they can sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said at the Stakeholder Forum of Education District I for principals, SS3 pupils, their teachers and parents held at the Government College, Agege, last Wednesday, said the test would precede the MOCK examination usually written in the second term.

She said the screening test is part of measures to improve performance in the examination. Lagos State recorded 45 per cent pass in the 2014 WASSCE, while the national average was 31.28 per cent.

In addition to scoring at least 50 per cent in the screening, Mrs Oladunjoye said pupils must attain 90 per cent attendance, while their

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

parents must attend Parents’ Forum meetings 50 per cent of the time.

She said the implication of not meeting these criteria is that defaulting pupils would not be registered for the 2015 WASSCE. She counselled the pupils to be focused on their studies and shun examination malpractice.

“We want to ensure that you are prepared. Don’t let anyone influence you negatively. Some people are brilliant and read once and pass; some others are strugglers and have to read hard before they pass. Read hard; do not cheat. If you cheat and pass, it will catch up with you at the university. If you have anything bothering you, let me know – even if it is that your parents are sending you on too many errands that do not allow you to study,” she said.

Addressing parents, Oladunjoye urged them to complement govern-

ment’s efforts by taking responsibility for their wards’ performance as well.

“Let me stress that the education of our pupils is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. All the measures government has put in place becomes imperative in order to allow those who are ready and fully prepared to write the final examination and by this, we will have improved performance in our students’ WASE results,” she said.

The presence of Mr Oluranti Awobola, a member of staff of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the venue was a plus for the pupils. Though he was at the school to coordinate marking of WASSCE script, he honoured the commissioner’s invitation to address the pupils.

Awobola told the pupils that that WAEC’s new rule is to cancel a candidate’s entire result once he/she is

caught cheating with mobile phones in one subject.

“If any candidate is caught with handset in the hall, the whole result will be cancelled. This means all subjects he has written and those he is yet to write will be cancelled,” he said.

Awobola also counselled the pupils to take care to write their examination and centre numbers properly during the examination to avoid impersonation.

The forum provided a platform for parents, teachers and the pupils to ask questions and bring issues affecting their schools before the commissioner.

Issues raised included insecurity in schools, poor infrastructure, inadequate classrooms, indiscipline, etc, which Oladunjoye promised would be attended to.

In an interview, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS), Education District I, Mrs Florence

• Mrs Oladunjoye

Ogunfidodo, expressed satisfaction with the attendance of parents at the meeting, saying partnership with them is crucial to improved performance in the examination.

“So many parents are here to represent the schools and their children. It is just a way to collaborate with them so we can record a better result in 2015 WASSCE,” she said.

Winners emerge in Lagos festival for girl child

T

• Pupils learning in the MRC at Eti-Osa Community Senior Secondary School, Sangotedo, Lagos.

MultiChoice goes to Lagos schools

W

ITH the inauguration of 10 additional MultiChoice Resource Centre (MRC) project in Lagos, leading cable television network MultiChoice Nigeria, has added more feathers to its cap.

The event, which took at Eti-Osa Community Senior Secondary School, Sangotedo, Lagos, on Tuesday last week, is one of the state public/private partnership initiative.

This MRC project returned to Lagos State for the third time since inception in 2004, to inaugurate 10 additional centres, bringing to 18 the total number of MRC in the state.

Each beneficiary school receives a TV set, high definition personal video recorder (HDPVR) decoder, generating set, complimentary subscription to DStv education bouquet, which contains BBC World, BBC Knowledge, National Geography, Animal Planet, National Geography Wild, History Channel, Learn and ED channel, as well as facilities such as chairs and tables, among others.

“The resource centre project is MultiChoice’s way of promoting the use of integrated and communication technologies to raise the standard of education by deploying the imagery of sight and sound to make learning more vivid and creative,” said Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe, at the commemoration ceremony.

“At MultiChoice, we have a

•

By Sampson Unamka

strong conviction that the technological, economic, social and political advancement of any country has a direct correlation with its level of educational development and that the future of a country is intrinsically tied to the quality of education that the youths are exposed to,” he added.

He however enjoined the 10 beneficiary schools to maximise the use of the resource centres.

Mrs Aderonke Bello, Managing Director, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited (ITLS), the implementing partner for the MRC project, said the facilities being provided will also equip both teachers and learners for them to be competitive in the 24th century market place, adding that the effective use of this service would add significance to pupils and teachers at large.

She said: “Technology investment in schools is on the increase, and the deployment of satellite television to enhance learning is one key initiative that has helped to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. While technology will not replace teachers and textbooks, research has shown that technology-mediated learning environments provide immense opportunities for learners and lead inevitably to better teaching and learning outcomes.”

Director, Co-Curriculum, Science & Technology, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Mary

Oyetunde, thanked MultiChoice for the initiative, describing it as complementary to the state’s effort to providing improved facilities for enhanced teaching and learning.

“MultiChoice Resource Centre project facilitates e-learning, as our pupils can now utilise the satellite TV technology to obtain relevant facts and latest development in subject areas that have hitherto proved difficult to understand,” she said.

HE plight of out-of-school adolescent girls in Nigeria was the focus of this year’s Teenage Festival of Life organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI), a Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to promoting young people’s health and development.

The festival, held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos featured various artistic performances weaved around the theme: ‘Assuring the well-being and development of out-of-school adolescent girls.’

Public and private secondary schools in Lagos State competed for laurels at the festival - thrilling the audience as they attempt to illustrate the hardship and hopes of the out-ofschool girl child through drama, poetry and song.

The 222 participating schools where judged using parameters including legibility, correctness in grammar, use of Queen’s English and ability to translate essays into certain dramatic standard.

Fifty schools qualified for the finals, which saw Meiran Community Senior High School dwarfed them all in the drama category, with Tomia Community Senior Secondary School which led in the poetry category, with Arch Deacon Adelaja Senior High School, and Lagos State Senior Model emereged first and second runners up respectively.

AHI Chief Executive Officer Mr Esiet Uwem, said the event was organised to let victims of the aforementioned circumstances know that despite challenges, there is hope. He advised them to hold on to their dreams, and never compromise even

By Jane Chijioke

at the toughest moment in their lives.

Uwen frowned that governments have failed the Nigerian youth.

“There is systemic violence where the state deprives the citizens of their right- right to education, health and every good things of life. Therefore, people want to get what they presume should be theirs in a situation where it is not available or not enough; this informs the motive of the survival of the fittest. So when the system fails, it is the young people that suffer the most”. He said.

Making reference to the UNESCO record of about 11 million out-ofschool Nigerian children, Uwem condemned governments for lacking the will to incorporate them into the school system, noting that most leaders are less interested in politics of development.

According to him, slum communities in Lagos are the worst hit when it borders on poverty, as according to her, most girls in the area depend solely on illegal activities for sustenance.

He urged governments to invest appropriately in young people, create learning centers that are in close proximity to mostly pupils in remote areas .He equally admonished the society to cultivate the spirit of togetherness, noting that injury to one is injury to all.

A Senior Secondary II, of Community Senior Grammar School Odumor Sonia, noted that it is a general responsibility to respond to the needs of victims of such circumstances, enlighten and give them new orientation to have better future.

UNILAG Staff School wins science contest

P

UPILS of the University of Lagos Staff school emerged winner of the HEN Nigeria Science Festival oganised by the Science Ambassadors of Nigeria, held at the Indoor Sport Hall, UNILAG Yaba, Lagos.

With its research on Petroleum Vaccine Jelly, the school slammed Dethos Model School (where) and Liham School, Lagos which emerged first and second runners up with their research works on revitalised water and automatic change over switch respectively.

Students who have interest in studying science in higher institutions were given full scholarships.

The programme witness parents, teachers, school proprietors, scientists, corporate bodies among others.

Speaking at the event, the representative of UNILAG Staff School, Adeoluwa Ore, said the project which was initiated by the science

By Adeola Ogunlade

teachers was a new discovery in the world of science, noting that he was very grateful to be part of the team that came up with it.

A lecturer at the Department of Language and Literary Studies, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi State, Prof Lucy Ekwueme said the need to stimulate young people’s interest in science and technology is germane for national development.

She said: “Science and Technology is the bedrock of development in any society. It is life, and is about the society. We can only solve our problems through scientific discovery.”

She frowned at the increasing number of foreign experts into the economy which according to her, requires urgent attention in the interest of today youths.

“We don’t have to depend on foreign experts to take over our

economy, we have to galvanise a new generation of young scientists that can help provide some solutions to our problems,” she added.

Ekwueme appealed to school owners to put more effort in empowering young ones on various scientific pedagogy and system of inquiry instead of theory-oriented approach.

In her speech, the coordinator of the festival, Mrs Nnabugwu Peace, said that the event was aimed at creating a platform for learning of practical application of science and technology among young people.

Peace said the festival held in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), forms a part of both organisations strategies to cultivate a general young student populace in Nigeria that are ‘informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implication for the future.’

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

48

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

Rescue our teachers from EVD countries

W

E need Dr Joel OkeiOdumakin and other civil rights activists to mobilise people to take to the streets and Kofoworola carry placards to protest the alleged abandonment of 150 teachers sent to Ebola-ravaged countries under the Technical Aid Corps Kofosagie@yahoo.com programme.

08054503077 (SMS only) These teachers were sent to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire and other countries to teach Mathematics, English Languages and Sciences between 2012 and 2014. They ought to have returned to Nigeria since last month (October 15-17). However, the epidemic caused by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in some of the countries they were posted to has complicated issues. Commercial flights to the worst-hit countries have been suspended, so it has not been easy for them to return home.

According to reports, they have been appealing to, and waiting for the Federal Government to transport them back home. Some of them who got tired of waiting endlessly embraced the alternative of traveling by road. But embarking on the trip by road is a long-tortuous journey home – and a risky one at that. Those that have done it have had to travel en-route Ghana, Tunisia, and Morocco to get to Nigeria – during which process they were more likely to make close body contacts with many people. And, of course having to travel that way means they are totally anonymous. On arrival in Nigeria, there were no medical personnel to check them for symptoms of Ebola. This only shows how much we are putting ourselves at risk of a reintroduction of the disease into Nigeria.

Teachers, who are still stranded in those countries, are not finding it easy. They are afraid to mingle freely for fear of the virus. One teacher even said he has to beg people to help him purchase food from the market. Others are located so far from the capitals of these countries. It must indeed, be a lonely time to be away from home. They feel neglected and afraid, and some have started regretting ever signing up to serve Nigeria. I doubt this would have happened if it were American teachers that were involved. Their government would have ensured they were evacuated right on time.

The teachers’ suggestion that the Federal Government should charter a flight that would move round the concerned countries to pick them up for the return journey home makes a lot of sense. That way, they said the government would account for those returning home and be able to test and monitor them right from the airport. There should be no more delays in getting these teachers home. They went in service to their fatherland. They should be treated with dignity and not feel as if they have been abandoned by Nigeria. Moreover, we need them here to teach in our schools. They are specialists in the subjects they were sent to teach in those countries – subjects that our children perform sub optimally in. We should value them so much and get them back home as soon as possible to re-unite with their families. All it takes is for the President to give the order, and it would be fulfilled. President Goodluck Jonathan, we are waiting.

Belo-Osagie

•Shekarau (second right), with YABATECH Rector, Dr Kudirat Ladipo and the Chairman of Governing Council, Chief Ebenizer Babatope.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

No strike, Shekarau promises - To focus on teacher-education E DUCATION Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has assured tertiary institutions that there will be no more industrial actions by the various workers’ unions.

The Minister said this at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), when he made an impact assessment tour of federal tertiary institutions in Lagos.

Shekarau said reports by visitation panels which were earlier ignored were being reviewed, promising that the issues they raised would be addressed.

He said insinuations that the workers unions in polytechnics and colleges of education (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics [ASUP]

E

By Sampson Unamka

and the College of Education Academic Staff Union [COEASU]), would resume their suspended strikes were untrue.

“The NEEDS assessment reports bothering on staffing, facilities and other issues will be addressed, and once these are addressed, there will be no need for strike,” he said.

Shekarau said a major focus of his administration is teacher-education.

“My priority is the restoration of dignity in the teaching profession.

I was in the classroom till my retirement. And I hope to be in the classroom till my last day. The quality of education in any coun-

try is linked to the quality of the teaching staff. Under my leadership, therefore, teacher-education will be accorded full priority, in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

Addressing the unions at YABATECH, after inaugurating some projects completed by the college, Mallam Shekarau thanked members of the union for believing in him right from his emergence as education minister.

“I thank the unions for giving us the chance to address the issues of the strike. I wish to assure you that we have gone quite far. In not too distant time, all of these issues will be things of the past,” he said.

School manager appeals to Rivers politicians

XCITED by light of the outstanding performance recorded by the pioneer set of graduands of the Ambassador Nne Furo Kurubo Model Secondary School, Eleme, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Administrator of the school, Mr Shantaram Hegdekatte, has urged that politics should not be brought into education.

The school was established by Governor Rotimi Amaechi in 2011 to serve as a model for secondary education.

Hegdekatte said the 148 graduands were among the 700 pupils admitted into the school solely on merit out of the 7,000 that wrote the entrance examina-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

tion. They were admitted into SS1 for their senior secondary education.

He said they recorded almost 100 per cent pass in the 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“No money, no political influence played a role in the intake of students and employment of teachers. It was all done on merit,” he said.

Given the impending change in government that would happen in

the state next year, he advised politicians in the state vying for various political offices not to politicize the educational system.

Hegdekatte, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Educomp Global, manager of the school, said: “I humbly request that education should not be politicized. Politics should not be brought into schools and colleges.”

He added that the pupils’ performance was a proof that the teachers and management worked hard to impact knowledge in them.

The Indian manager said that teachers of the school are made up of expatriates and Nigerians with a minimum of Bachelors Degree certificate.

Entries open for Chemistry Challenge

I

NTERESTED SS2 and SS3 pupils have until November 24 to register for the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge 2014 online or at the Ministry of Education and the six education districts.

The first stage of the competition, which is a written examination, would take place on November 29 in 10 centres across the state. The top 100 in the examination will move on to the second stage. The top four in the second stage will win a place in the final, which will feature practical chemistry problems.

Winner of the competition will receive N700,000, a laptop, trophy and gold medal. The first runnerup will receive N500,000, a laptop and silver medal; the second runner-up will get N400,000, a laptop and bronze medal; and the third runner-up will be rewarded with

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

N300,000, a laptop and a consolation medal.

Prizes will also be presented to the respective Chemistry teachers and schools of the four finalists. The Chemistry teachers of the winners will win between N60,000 and N100,000 while Chemistry books of the same value will be presented to the schools.

Explaining why the competition enjoys the support of the PZ Cusson Foundation, Mr Tunde Oyebola, a member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, said at a stakeholder’s engagement forum last week that the aim is to get pupils interested in the sciences.

“This is one of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of PZ

Cussons Foundation and its general objective is to stimulate interest in chemistry,” he said.

Mrs Yomi Ifaturoti, PZ Cusson’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Administration added that it is an effort to encourage more students to study Chemistry.

“A lot of students are running away from the sciences. We need to encourage them to study sciences,” she said.

In the inaugural edition, Emmanuel Ejiogu Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun, Lagos State won the competition. The runners up were: Obi Uchenna David of Barachel College, IfakoAgege; Mgbemena Thankgod of Leeland International College, Oregun-Ikeja; and Victor Ike-Okoro of Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere.

No to UI’s PG discrimination

W

HEN will we see an end to discrimination in our education system in this country? When will we allow merit to deter mine who is qualified and who is not? The HND/BSc dichotomy has been on for decades now with many of those affected crying for a change to no end. Before private universities came into being, I used to hear that some employers discriminated against graduates of state universities. Now, private university graduates have joined the train.

I was shocked to learn that the University of Ibadan, which prides itself in maturity, could be involved in this kind of discrimination business. In its recently-concluded postgraduate admission exercise, it organised a test for all applicants irrespective of the schools they graduated from. Applicants were told that anyone that made above 40 had a good chance. However, after results were published, the university announced that only those with First Class from private universities would be considered, while for other universities, it was 2.1. This was irrespective of whether the private university applicant scored higher than his counterpart from the public university in the screening they did. An applicant from a private university who scored 64 was dropped because she did not have a First Class, while an applicant from a public university that scored 50 plus was taken.

The university should have stuck with its screening test as criterion for admission. What else do they need as proof that a private university candidate is competent after doing better than a public university graduate? Please let us allow merit to guide us. Nigeria will be better for it.

From my Inbox From my Inbox Re: Yero's good advice (published October 23, 2014) How can Governor Yero's advice be a good thing if it is ONLY applicable to PUBLIC SERVANTS? Are our legislators, ministers, governors, vice-presidents/president public servants too? Why such 'discrimination' among fellow citizens? Finally, isn't Yero's advice AGAINST the Fundamental Human Right to Education and Freedom of Choice? Your last paragraph simply 'trivialised' an important issue and I am keeping to your advice to "forget you wrote it".

50

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

51

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

53

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

54

NATURAL HEALTH

Some natural answers to sickle cell problems W

HEN I can these days, I keep away from local news broadcast on radio and television. For the news train hardly brings the good cheer. Most of the time, the news is about the celebration of economic waste or of dirty men gaining the upper hand in the struggle for power to either make Nigeria a dirtier country or a more beautiful one. So, sometimes, I miss some important personal news which, these days, are like needles in the hay sacks of distressing public news. But thanks to friends such as Eno Asam, and Hycith Uzor, I am kept in touch with goings-on. Before I address the subject I am heading towards, which is the death, overseas, through Sickle cell anaemia complications, cause of the death of a child of a prominent national politician from Ogun State, I have in mind the commissioning of a multibillion naira stadium in Akwa Ibom state. This is good news for people from that state. They are keeping up with the Joneses nationwide. But the Press reports would appear, as usual, to be one-sided eulogy. We are not told if the cost compares favorably with those of kindred stadia world-wide, and if it would not end up as an Events Centre, which is the fate of many stadia nationwide. In Europe, as elsewhere where governments and citizens mind cost and public spending, stadia are built specifically for specific economic projects, such as an Olympics meeting or football World Cup, which recoup the lost one-time or one-off. This way, gigantic stadia do not become dependent on the next payer for their upkeep.

Rather, they pay their ways and put something tidy back into the public till from whence they derived their existence. We pray the Akwa Ibom International Stadium become one of such stadia.

Ordinarily, the commissioning of this stadium needs to be no more than a state government event to which the governor was free to invite the President. But these are not ordinary times. A general election is around the corner and the state government would like to make political campaign out of it. And that’s why, in my view, it ended up being a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) event, with the national chairman of the party in attendance. This is understandable and excusable. What I consider odd and worrisome is the presence of Service Chiefs. These gentlemen are professional soldiers and not politicians, and should be insulated from politics. They are not Service Chiefs of the PDP but of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The armed forces are struggling to re-professionalise, and this effort should not be denied them. In a hard-worm democracy, the armed forces should be seen to be truly in their barracks. Their pretence at public civil for is a dangerous signal of the over-reliance on force, not persuasion and positive government impact, to govern. The sad list of governance by force is mounting. Nothing has been heard of or been done to the trauma of a judge in Ekiti State, where a High Court judge who fled his chambers through a window after he was, beaten and derobed by supporters of a PDP governor – elect, whose poll victory was challenged in court by his opponents. Under one month ago, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a PDP member, decamped to the All People’s Congress (APC) and, promptly, the Federal Government supported him of security cover attached to his office. This is shocking, to say the least, and important signal of the dictatorship. Did the President forget, I asked myself, that he swore with the Bible at his inauguration to defend the constitution of Nigeria with all the might of his high office?

Did he not remember as well that the Constitution he swore to defend created the office of the Speaker? Has he not heard of the theory of the Separation of Powers, in which the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive are co-ordinate arms of government, none of which should bully the other(s)?

Haven’t governors recently decamped from other parties to the PDP? Were they punished for doing so? In this regard, First Republic politicians were more politically educated and civilised than the present corps. In that Republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was constitutionally recognised as the leader of opposition, and he earned a salary from the Federal Government to opposed the government so that, in doing so, the government can be kept on it toes, awake all the time, to the benefit of Nigerian people. Opposition to Balewa’s Federal Government was robust. But, soon, the government became intolerant of the opposition and tried to crack it. That effort was to lead to the military take-over of government and to the civil war, from which Nigeria is still struggling to recover. That is why I recoil and tune off from news.

Sickle Cell life

F

OR a family beset with a sickle cell child or children, there can hardly be a time as traumatic as a crisis time or when, finally, death comes. I know of a couple who lost their four children to this blood disease. I have an uncle who has lost three of five children. I have a high school mate who has three children, all sickle celled. His wife wanted them to have another child in the hope that one would be sickle- cell free. But he would not hear of it, let alone give it a try. That, of course, means tension in the family when a husband adamantly refuses to let a wife have her way. Add this to hospital bills and the anxiety from stories flying all around that sickle cell children hardly survive into their thirties. For the family, this could be traumatic. Money is pumped into a child to keep him or her alive, when, behind the mind of the spending parent, there is lurking fear that death may come at anytime.

This thought is dangerous for the child. For it may grow into powerful thought forms which attached to him or her and lower an ethereal bridge to the content of the fear of the parent…death of the child.

We live in a world in which all questions are not resolvable in many earth-lives. Thus, medically, the cause of the sickling of the red blood cell is still largely unknown. Even medical probability that the parent of the AS genotype are likely to

supply electricity to households but does not have enough electricity or energy to do the job. In this weakened condition, the sickle cell is too weak to protect itself against the ravages of free radicals, toxins, microforms (bacteria, viruses, yeast etc) which constantly assail it. Accordingly, its lifespan may be reduced by half. Thus, if normal cells live for between three and four months, a sickle cell lives for no more than about six weeks. This has some implications, such as: •Reduced oxygen supply to the body •Extra demand on the bone marrow to make more red blood cells •Extra workload on the liver and spleen to clear the debris of a large population of red blood cells dying prematurely. A decreasing blood volume which may cause the heart to stop working.

In Alternative Medicine, efforts are made to address these and other challenges posed by the sickle cell, as we shall soon read.

Oxygen depletion

O

produce at least one SS genotype child in four children has been defeated by some couples. When I was a pig farmer at Oke Aro, near Iju, Ogun State, one of the more than 3,000 pig farmers was an AS woman who bore her husband, also an AS, genotype, five children, none of them as SS. They must be a rare and lucky couple. And the stories of such couples encourage many people to believe these would be a transcendental answer to the sickle cell question. By transcendental, is meant beyond the earthly. A more current word for that would be spiritual.

In exploring the spiritual dimension of this question, we cannot gloss over the loss of Nature which selects souls which form a family. We ask: What is the nature of the souls who form SS type blood. Spiritually, we know the spirit forms the body it incarnates into inside the womb. Prior to this incarnation which occurs mid-way through pregnancy, the astral prototype of the soul hangs around a woman in whose body a sperm cell has fertilised one of her eggs. It is after the likeness or image of this astral prototype of the soul that the growing body forms. Through the Grace of God, we are permitted through revealed knowledge to now recognise that couples actually attract the souls who come to them as children. These souls are of the same nature as the nature of the mother or the father, or of whoever is physically or psychically closest to them, or to the woman in particular. To women, it is more given to will in this regard. But, unfortunately, during the crucial first half of pregnancy women do anything but will. In this very crucial segment of the pregnancy, they gratify base instructs. And that suggests that only souls at this base level of life can approach them for incarnation. When we appreciate this, we may come to a better appreciation of the annunciation. For Christians, the annunciations is the Revelation to Mary, the would-be mother of the Lord Jesus by the Angels that she would conceive and bear a child to be so named, for a Divine Mission on earth. The Angel’s Message, therefore was to focus her mind on the coming One, lest she de-focus and the attraction of this Being is missed or become difficult. It seems to me that AS genotype people like me are cousins of SS genotype, people are safely related to them somehow.

Since the spirit is known to exercise considerable influence in the making of the blood, through which it controls the body, some people believe it must itself be of such nature which expresses itself in the sickled red blood cell. But since no reversal to normality has been reported in the condition of this cell, it has been possible to argue otherwise. By this, it is assumed that since the human spirit evolves or devolves, and accordingly isn’t static, so, the nature of the blood shouldn’t be, if it is an expression or testimonial of spiritual nature.

When it comes to all these, I always remind myself that we humans know little or nothing about creation and should be content with the promise that, when the time is ripe, we would be guided into more mysteries of the blood through people who would be given this special assignment and sent to this earth for that purpose.

While we await the breaking of this dawn we should be content with the bridges that are being built to link the present void with that future. These bridges are those efforts being made to heal sickle cell problem from outside of their root cause, of the nature of the human spirit.

Thus, the following suggestions, which may support the physician or health service provider’s efforts, are derived from the review of healing arts in many cultures and have been clinically proven to help the patient’s health and well-being.

Nature of the sickle cell

N

ORMAL red blood cell, like a coin, is flat in nature. It is filled with hemoglobin which helps it to absorb oxygen from inhaled air circulating in the blood, and from oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere by green plants.

The plants store the oxygen and release it for use in the body after the digestive system would have broken them down into their component parts. A sickle cell, on the other hand, is a folded cell. One picture of them which comes to my mind is a comparison of a green leaf on the stack, fully spread out and living, and a fallen leaf which has lost some vibrance and has begun to curl up or rumple. In this condition, the sickle cell is weak. It is like a power house which is meant to generate and

XYGEN is an elixir of earth-life for us humans. It is a component of the air we breathe. In high school of the 1960s, we were taught it accounted for 21 percent of air volume. But, recently, scientists investigating air bubbles trapped in Antarctic ice millennia ago have found as much as about 30 percent or more of oxygen in these air bubbles. This suggests that gasses configuration of the air hasn’t always been what we were taught in high school. Now, a correlation is being drawn between oxygen air content then and now and longevity then and now. It has been shown, from example, in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in which the patient is kept in an oxygen chamber or tank, that invading germs and cancer cells die when the body is suffused with oxygen. And, now, researchers are wondering if deoxygenation of the atmosphere and of the human body are not related to shorter lifespan on earth today as infections and degenerative diseases gain ascendancy.

In sickle cell people, oxygen is a scarce commodity. Yet it is crucial for combustion in the cells for the production of energy. An immune system without sufficient energy stocks cannot fight well. Yet the enemy it is to fight enjoys an anaerobic environment, that is an environment which does not have oxygen. If there is no sufficient oxygen to make energy, for growth, repair and defence, the body becomes weak, thin and disease – ravaged. This is why many sickle cell people hop from one crisis after another, weak and lifeless, and many die young. Happily, they need not die young any more, and they need not express those testimonial symptoms of sickle cell which readily give them away as challenged people. In the 1990s, when the research on Jobelyn was at its infancy as a herbal remedy for sickle cell anaemia, I was priviledged to observe sickle cell children play football on a small pitch.

Recently, Lagos state University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), at Ikeja, Lagos ran months-long research on Jobelyn in sickle cell therapy and concluded that it helped to stabilise or improve the wellbeing of its participant patients. None was found to suffer a crisis during the duration of this investigation. Jobelyn must have helped them in a dual capacity as antioxidant and blood builder.

Before the advent of liquid, capsule or spray oxygen formulas in Nigeria, there was heavy reliance on Vitamin E in sickle cell anaemia therapy. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. That means it helps to eliminate free radical molecules which torment the cells. Free radicals are unbalanced molecules which are trying to steal electrons from the cells to balance themselves.

They may strike a cell as many as 150,000 times in one day, boring holes in them. Through the holes, cell contents leak.

The cell struggles to seal these leaks while, simultaneously, carrying out its life processes, without which we would not have enough energy and may die. Only a healthy and energetic cell can triumph over this ordeal. The sickle cell, weak and devitalised, cannot successfully cope. But when Vitamin E surrounds it as an antioxidant, like security-men protecting a Governor or President, the molecules of this vitamin donate themselves to the free radicals, thereby neutralising them and protecting the weak sickle cell. As an oxygen enhancer, it has been proven that mountain climbers who take Vitamin E supplements, are able to survive better and for longer periods than those climbers who did not. This is because, in high altitudes, oxygen content is low and Vitamin E helps the body to utilise the little oxygen efficiently as if a shortage did not occur. It is like the thrifty understanding good wife, who runs her home beautifully on a shoe-string budget to the delight of her husband.

Why Vitamin E, the wheat must be separated from the chaff, d-alpha tocopherol, from dl-apha tocopherol. It should be appreciated, too, that tocopherols are different from tocotrienols.

A sickle cell therapy for crisis prevention or crisis management which involves Jobelyn and Vitamin E may also include oxygen supplements. There is a liquid form of it from Oxylife in the form of food grade Hydrogen Peroxide.

Please note that this is not the mouth wash sold at the drug store but the food grade quality. In the oxygen capsule category, there is Vitalaire. It helped many people out of fainting spells. Such people may not have enough oxygen in their brains. In serious emergencies where capsule oxygen or the liquid may take an uncomfortably longer time to work, the oxygen spray is the master Hercules or the king of the road. To this regimen may be added Grape seed extract, and antibiotic and anti-viral substance which, as an antioxidant, is reported to be about 50 times stronger than Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

55

56 PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE FOR PUBLIC

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FASHINA DORCAS OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SOMOYE DORCAS OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Embassy Sweden and general public should please take note.

This is to inform all concerned and public that the property/Land at No 1, Onitolo Road Surulere (Surulere L.G.A) that used to belong to Mr Martins Olatunde Marcel has been sold to Alhaja Adebola Taibat Muibi.

L.S.D.P.C., and general Public to take note for record purposes.

FASHINA

PUBLIC NOTICE

OKEKE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE RITA OZIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IWUCHUKWU RITA OZIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

SPACE FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ENIOLA I, formerly known and addressed as DALLAS OYINDAMOLA ENIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OYINDAMOLA DELLARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

57

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

TUC condems new N100 notes •‘It’s wasteful, ill-timed’

T

HE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned the introduction of new N100 bank notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing it as wasteful and ill-timed.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, the congress said unveiling of the notes by President Goodluck Jonathan, assisted by Vice President Namadi Sambo and CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, was a wasteful exercise He said the TUC is not impressed by the introduction of new bank notes. He described the project as a capital-intensive venture, wondering how the CBN hopes to grapple with the economic implications of redesigning and printing the new bank notes.

“Even the timing of the project is inappropriate, coming so late in the year when the economic hustle and bustle associated with Christmas and New Year are nigh. These, together with the insurgency and heightened state of insecurity in parts of the country, the frenzy of political activities and electioneering campaigns towards the forthcoming 2015 elections, and the current slump in global oil prices, make this the worst possible time for such dras-

Stories by Toba Agboola

tic fiscal policy,” Kaigama argued.

He said TUC is also uncomfortable with the clandestine approach adopted by the Federal Government and the CBN on the matter.

“We are compelled to ask how and why the government chose to take such a critical financial and socio-economic decision without prior broad consultation with Nigerians, especially labour and other key stakeholders. It is evident that the government and the CBN opted to spring this unpleasant surprise package, because they already knew that Nigerians will reject the idea ab initio, as was the fate of the botched attempt to introduce N5000 notes a few years ago,” Kaigama said.

The TUC President also raised some critical questions, namely “What then shall we say to these things? Government by secrecy and surprise? Government of conspiracy against the masses?

Government by alienation of the people? If we may ask, who is afraid of the people, and why?

Who stands to gain from this surprise, ambush policy? What is the guarantee that this is not an avenue for certain financial abracadabra ahead of the 2015 elections?

“And why was the project not

‘Hold leaders accountable for good governance’

T

HE Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has urged journalists to hold the leaders accountable for good governance in line with the constitutional backing of the profession.

NASU’s General Secretary, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, made the declaration at a capacity building workshop organised by NASU in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

His words: “We call on journalists in the country to hold the nation’s leaders accountable to good governance because the management of information in the public space in Nigeria is central to the measure of effectiveness and degree of progress that can be generated in a socioeconomic and political setting.”

According to Adeyemi, investigative journalists often work in conflict and post-conflict environment or circumstances that are particularly hazardous to their operations and well-being. “And so, as journalists we cannot continue to amplify the risks associated with the profession to the detriment of our historical and traditional role of serving as society’s compass, directing and guiding it towards noble causes that guar-

antee maximum public good,” he said.

On the struggle for the actualisation of press freedom, Adeyemi noted that the rights and safety of journalists are issues that affect all races of people. He said working for the media has ever been dangerous in Nigeria as politics, insurgency, militancy, tribal conflicts and other factors hinder press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nigeria.

“Unarguably, for practitioners of both professions to attain peak performance and optimal effectiveness to hold our leaders to good governance in Nigeria, they most often will need insane courage, steely convictions, unbridled sense of patriotism and a robust instinct to consider self-last always,” he said.

Adeyemi noted that investigative journalism can only be enjoyed when journalists are free from intimidation, pressure and coercion, whether from political, social, or economic forces. According to him, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental right, and confirms that freedom of expression is essential to the realization of other rights set forth in international human rights instruments.

•Specimen of N100 note

appropriated to be part of the centenary programme, which has already been successfully completed a few months ago? Why this sudden belated afterthought by the Federal Government? Was the new bank note project captured in the 2014 budget of the CBN? The answer, of course, is “No,” which renders the project totally illegal. Or is the CBN above the law of the land?”

He said antecedents of many of the nation’s financial policies and plans, coupled with frequent policy somersaults, have tended to leave Nigerians vulnerable to the harsh undercurrents of the interplay of forces in the world economy, especially in the highly volatile oil market.

He therefore, said the need for great circumspection in such matters is indisputable, noting that unfortunately each successive governor of CBN, especially from the era of Charles Soludo and

Lamido Sanusi, have shown penchant for ego-tripping but needless printing and redesigning of the naira, even in spite of the existence of competing priorities.

The congress said enormous funds earmarked for these ill-advised CBN adventures should be applied to other pressing economic issues, including tackling youth employment, provision of power, quality education, basic infrastructure, funding of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), and so on.

The Congress said it strongly opposes the issuance of the new bank notes and calls for the project to be shelved. It said that although, the CBN avers that the new bank notes come with enhanced security features like the Quick Response (QR) code that is incorporated into it and which digitally stores information about the 100 years journey of the country, this is all well and good

– provided the new currencies are introduced, not now, but at a more auspicious and appropriate time, and only after resolution of all contentious issues.

“In the interim, we expect the CBN to work assiduously with other stakeholders to ensure that the masses benefit from any appreciable economic gains at all times. We also seize this opportunity to advise the CBN to find a lasting solution to the lingering problem of the illegal hoarding and sale of new currency notes.

“The new CBN helmsman and his management team should focus on burning monetary issues and de-emphasise untoward ceremonies as exemplified by the socalled commemorative notes issue. What Nigerians really need at this time is an economy that works to the benefit of all, not expensive window-dressing schemes,” Kaigama said.

Three million jobs ‘coming’

T

HE Federal Government has inaugurated a National Job Board under the chairmanship of the Vice President to create three million jobs for unemployed Nigerians in 12 months, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, has said.

Speaking at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair, Turaki, assured Nigerians that in spite of the daunting insecurity and harsh business terrain, the country will continue to rank as the number one investment destination in Africa.

“This nation is highly blessed

with limitless opportunities for investments with a high rate of turn over, which is attractive to any interested investor. The Federal Government will continue to harness all the economic potential of this country to ensure that Nigerians derive maximum benefits from them” he said.

The Minister said other measures put in place towards achieving economic goals in the transformation agenda include: rebasing of the National GDP, which has no doubt secured the country’s rightful place as the largest economy in Africa and

the 26th largest economy in the world, initiating the community works programme, leading to the creation of 370,000 jobs in three years in the 36 states.

There is also the hosting of the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja for the first time, which helped to showcase Nigeria’s impressive economic growth to the global audience and attracting foreign investments, making Nigeria the preferred destination for foreign direct investment in Africa. He said this would no doubt lead to unprecedented economic growth and job creation.

PENGASSAN urges end to insurgency

P

ETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the Federal Government and the military to rise up to the task to end insurgency and wanton destruction of lives and property in the country.

The oil workers’ union also called on the military to live up to expectations by duly performing their obligations of defending the country against any attack either internal or external.

In a statement by PENGASSAN on Wednesday, copy of which was made available to The Nation, it decried the

By Chikodi Okereocha

level of general insecurity, especially the killings by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to step up the political will to deal with the crisis.

Condemning the bomb blast that killed 47 school children and injured 79 others in Potiskum, Yobe State on Tuesday, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Johnson, said that the Federal Government should use all the powers within its limit to deal with the situation and ensure that Nigeria is a safe place to live.

He noted that attacks on the Northern part of the country and killings of innocent Nigerians had been on the increase and has taken a new dimension since the government announced the ceasefire pact with the Boko Haram, adding that the government should bring full force to bear in containing the activities of the sect.

Johnson, who described the killings of the school children as barbaric, said since the insurgency started in 2009, many Nigerians have been killed while many more were rendered homeless and turned to refugees in their own country.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

58

THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: lukajanaku02@gmail.com

e-Commerce: Beyond selling shoes, bags, phones online The liberalisation of the telecoms sector has boosted the economy. Access to telephony has become more democartised because of affordability. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) figures showed there are over 130 million active subscribers in the country while mobile operators have provided mobile internet for e-commerce to thrive. LUCAS AJANAKU writes on innovations and challenges of e-commerce.

•Some e-Commerce tools

N

IGERIA and, indeed, Africa provides significant growth opportunities for players looking to have a sizeable bite of the emerging electronic or e-commerce cake.

Analysts say the growth percentages are expected to reach hundreds and even thousands in no distant time, but argue that the growth trajectory does not match the value it represents.

With consistent growth of e-commerce in the country and the African region with no sign of a slump, industry watchers say there is the prospect of a solid e-commerce expansion in the country.

It is too common to associate e-Commerce with popular sites such as Jumia, Konga, Amazon and other online retail shops. In Nigeria, it is a belief being held by a large number of people that when one wants to buy consumer items such as shoes or electronics or books, one could go online. It is also possible to book local and international flights and hotel accommodation online.

Of course, other sites allow people to search for jobs or properties or cars, but cannot really buy those items online.

Analysts ask if it then meant that e-Commerce is only for shoes and phones. The answer is no. e-Commerce properly done allows an organisation of any size to greatly increase its turnover and sales irrespective of the business or the goods being sold.

Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. James Agada, said latest statistics showed that 66 million Nigerians are on Facebook, the popular internet social website. About 24 million Nigerians have smartphones that have internet capability, and internet penetration is at 50 per cent.

Mobile internet provided chiefly by service providers using the global system for mobile communication (GSM) licence, has played significant role in his respect as it is used in the country by men, women, children, teachers, students, businessmen and enterprises. The addressable market for any business that goes online literally explodes. The importer of shoes can sell to more dealers, the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) seller could sell to the distributors, and the tailor could sell

both tailoring service and ready-made clothes, while the event organiser or transporter can sell tickets, everything riding on the internet.

Initiative to boost e-commerce According to Agada, the CWG Openshopen platform enables any one to sell anything online. Sales are not only about accepting orders. Information technology (IT) is also about collecting payments and making deliveries. With CWG Openshopen, these services are built in so that once you sign up, you can, if you want, begin to receive payments online and have your goods delivered to customers nationwide without having to invest in any other logistics for payments or delivery. Take for instance an FMCG that currently battles with a bank to help do collections and hires an army of order takers to input order details into its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The FMCG can replace the entire collection and ordering system by opening an online shop on Openshopen for her factors and distributors. They will order online, pay online and delivery can be arranged. Or consider a transporter who wants to run a cashless ticketing system. Simply put the tickets online and people can buy and pay and get their ticket numbers which can be verified from a phone.

He said: “The CWG Openshopen platform takes eCommerce way beyond the pedestrian selling of shoes and phones, and extends it into the best tool for increased market access. This is a deliberate design borne out of the determination of CWG Plc through her new CWG 2.0 initiative to democratize access to the technology of business.

“With 17.6 million small enterprises in Nigeria, extending eCommerce to the sale of locally made goods and services greatly expands market access for local content. This same role has been played by Alibaba in China. Today, Alibaba’s stock sells for $98-$100 per share. It will be interesting to see whether CWG shares will also trade at those levels in the nearest future.”

Challenges A key stumbling block to the growth of ecommerce is power supply. Though there are

•Minister, Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson

•Prof Angaye

•Dr Ekuwem

•Agada

innovative ways such as solar-powered chargers for mobile phones, inverters that could power PCs, power supply from the national grid continues to be a major issue.

Analysts say though the government has done all the right things in terms of reforming the power sector, they argue that as with the telecoms liberalisation, it will take at least another five years for the new owners of the successor firms of the unbundled defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to get a control of people owing money and to start renewing the mass of obsolete infrastructure inherited from the power octopus.

Aside stable power supply, a new survey has highlighted other potential threats to the future of the internet within the next 20 years, to 2025, including surveillance and government interference.

The Pew Research Centre, a nonpartisan American think tank based in Washington, D.C., and providing information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States (U.S) and the world, canvassed 1,400 experts to get their view on the future of the internet.

Majority said they hope that by 2025 there will not be significant changes for the worse and hindrances to the ways in which people get and share content online today.

According to Pew, four net threats these experts fear: are: actions by nation-states to maintain security and political control will lead to more blocking, filtering, segmentation, and balkanisation of the internet; trust will evaporate in the wake of revelations about government and corporate surveillance and likely greater surveillance in the future; commercial pressures affecting everything from Internet architecture to the flow of information will endanger the open structure of online life; and efforts to fix the too much information (TMI) problem might over-compensate and actually thwart content sharing.

Former Director-General, National Information Dvelopment Agency (NITDA), Prof Officer Cleopas-Angaye said the global trend now is for governments to look for ways of controlling the internet for national security.

Chief Executive Officer, Teledon Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem said in view of the po-

tential cyber attack on banks, telcos, payment cards, air traffic controller (ATC), there is need for government intervention in controlling the cyberspace.

He said Nigeria’s territorial integrity includes her cyber space and should be treated the way air, land sea borders are generously protected. He therefore urged the appointment of a cyber security chief just as there are army, police, navy and air force chiefs.

Britain has just determined that internet service providers (ISPs) block sites the government considers ‘terrorist’ or otherwise dangerous.

This will grow. There will usually be ways to circumvent the obstruction but most people won’t bother.

According to Pew, a professor of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, U.S and architect of the Web, Jim Hendler, said: “If anything, it is privacy that will have to give way to openness, not the other way around…

Repressive governments will be working hard to stop the spread of information. As today, there will be both good and bad news continually in that area, but over time more integration, access, and sharing will be a driving force.”

Pew added that Peter S. Vogel, Internet law expert at Gardere Wynne Sewell,U.S said: “Privacy issues are the most serious threat to accessing and sharing Internet content in 2014, and there is little reason to expect that to change by 2025, particularly given the cyber terror threats confronting the Internet users and worldwide businesses.”

Another issue is connectivity. But this is gradually paling into insignificance as there is a rising trend in retailers growing due to advances in this area. According to figures by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 16 per cent of the African population has Internet access – up from 10 per cent it was in 2010.

According to the 2014 Mobile Media Consumption report released in February by InMobi, 83 per cent of consumers planned to conduct mobile commerce this year – up 15 per cent from last year’s figures. The study includes data from 14 000 users across 14 countries, including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

59

e-Business

S

•Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group, Mr. Austin Okerere (right) receiving

the award of ICT Personality of the Year from the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack, during the National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) organised by the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) in Lagos.

NCC urges subscribers to report recalcitrant operators T HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged subscribers, who are displeased with unsolicited text messages and voice calls from their service providers to first complain to them, then ‘escalate’ the complain to the regulator.

The commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Eugene Juwah, said customers have the fundamental right to be served well, adding that the customers deserve to get the full value for their money.

Juwah, who spoke in Lagos, said there are set rules guiding the lodgment of complaints. According to him, the first point of call is the service provider, whose door steps the complaint is supposed to be lodged.

He emphasised that as soon as the customer lodges complaint, he or she must strive to get a complaint ticket authenticating that he or she lodged the complaint.

According to him, if the customer fails to get his problem solved, the complaint could then be escalated

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

to the Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), where it will be taken up and sorted out with the service provider concerned.

He said: “Well the NCC has avenues of complaints. We have a call centre where you can call us and complain. The call centre number is 622. It is toll free. If you call, somebody will be on ground to attend to your complaints. It is not good enough that consumers grumble in silence. It is your right as a consumer to be served well. It is also part of our responsibility in the NCC to protect the consumers.”

When told that the operators not only go beyond sending unsolicited messages at unholy hours but also use codes, conventional 11 digit GSM numbers to call their customers and ‘flash’ to force them to dissipate their air time, Dr Juwah said it was music to his ears.

He said: “I am just hearing this for the first time that they call. You see, without your complaining, there is nothing we can do. But if

you complain, we will take it up with them. So, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Complain first to the service provider, ensure that you get a complaint ticket, wait for them to fix the problem and if they fail to do that, escalate it to the NCC.” Speaking on the issue, its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said though some of the unsolicited messages were ‘rogue’ messages generated through the internet from far flung continents, the NCC is not folding its arms or looking at the other side while the subscribers groan.

He said the NCC has been working hard with mobile network operators (MNOs), directing them to upgrade their filters to block as many unsolicited messages as possible from their network.

Ojobo said the internet remains largely unregulated, arguing that until the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) comes out with modalities to regulate the internet, a lot of unwholesome activities would continue to thrive.

Our data is intact, says NIMC’s chief

T

HE Director-General (DG), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Chris Onyemenam, has restated the inviolability of the data base of the National e-Identity Card, insisting that Nigerian citizens data are not warehoused outside the country, but within.

The DG also faulted the biometric verification number (BVN) exercise of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandating all the deposit money banks (DMBs) in the country to compile biometric data and assign number to all their customers. He argued that the exercise falls within the ambit of the NIMC. He said the national e-ID card information is secured in the National Identity Management System (NIMS) warehoused in the country, adding that it was wrong for people to start insinuating that the data on the electronic identity card is in a data centre somewhere in the United States (U.S).

He said: “Our primary identity is to establish identity; no other organisation has that statutory responsibility. There is a risk in leaving our database in the hands of foreign institutions. At our data centre, we have firewalls and

•CBN’s BVN faulted

multi-layers that ensure that our systems are safe. Please believe, foreigners have no access to our database. The technology is full proof. We have built checks that prevent loopholes and ensure that it is within our control.”

Onyemenam, a lawyer, dismissed the exercise as a charade as what the DMBs only do was to rely on the old data provided by the customers.

He said: “It is only one institution, the NIMC that was established by law to be the custodian of national identity system. What we need is one centralised reliable national identity and that is what the NIMC has done. This will promote financial inclusion.

The National Identity Number (NIN) is the universal identification for every Nigerian.”

MasterCard sub-Saharan Africa which was alleged to be warehousing the data for onward shipment to the U.S also said it was not true.

Its Divisional President, sub-Saharan Africa, Daniel Monehin, said the the firm is not in possession of the data of Nigerians that have registered for the national identity card project, adding that

the MasterCard logo on the e-ID card is for global acceptance.

He said: “We don’t hold your information, your banks does.

We don’t keep your data, your bank does. We are not a credit card company, we don’t give credit, your bank does. We are just a technology company.”

According to him, MasterCard is not an American firm as being speculated insisting that it is a global technology firm that operates in 210 countries including Nigeria.

“We believe that the functionalities provided in the national e-ID card makes for financial inclusion which is an antidote to poverty,” he said, adding that there are about 2.5billion adult population with $5 trillion purchasing power but are unbanked.

He said 70 per cent of Nigerians are financially excluded from the formal sector, adding that epayments to government will help government reduce cost and promote transparency, spur economic growth, increase civic engagement, create savings and institutionalise efficiency.

He said the local economy relies heavily on cash, driving up management costs for banks.

Mark urges internet use for economic devt

ENATE President, David Mark, has urged Nigerians to use the internet services available in the country to grow the country’s economy.

Mark spoke at the inauguration of a new internet provider, Spectranet Limited at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Senator Anthony Manzo, he commended the new internet providers for bringing to the country internet services that could be comparable to the one provided anywhere in the world.

Mark insisted that internet services should be used wisely especially for the development and growth of the country’s economy.

He said: “Let us use the internet wisely. The internet can also be tools for destruction. So use we should use the internet for knowledge, education and growth of our country.

Don’t use it to search for some equipment used in making bombs.”

Mark who said that there is no doubt that the fasted way of moving data is through wireless added that the internet has made the world a small village and information

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

available to the poor and rich.

He said one of the successes of the country’s democratic experiment is liberalisation of the economy, especially internet connection, adding that one advantage the new provider has is that their services are not time bound.

“It is a major plus and I hope they will reduce their price with time. In the West, internet is very cheap because their subscriber base is very cheap,” he said.

Mark who said government alone cannot employ everybody noted that the country would reap from job creation from the new providers.

He said: “The support government gives to companies like yours is what keeps the economy going because it creates jobs while the country benefits from the tax you pay. I am happy to associate with your company and I hope it will grow from strength to strength.”

The Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet Mr. Atul Ojha said the technology of his company is equivalent to the best of the technology anywhere in the world.

Glo thrills customers with new ring back tunes

N

ATIONAL telecommunications carrier, Globacom, has moved to deepen customerexperience on its network with the latest and exclusive songs of the country’s top rated artistes. Glo Mobile subscribers, by simply subscribing to the Caller Ringback Tune platform, will exclusively have access to a rich repertoire of songs which include Nigeria’s most anticipated new music releases from these popular artistes.

At a press conference at the company’s corporate head office in Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, Globacom’s top executives, led by Viswanath Nagasai, officially unveiled some of the artistes whose songs will be available on the Glo Mobile’s CRBT platform. The artistes unveiled included cross-over highlife rave-of-the-moment, Flavour, and talented female artistes Omawumi and Chee. Also presented to the media are Hip Hop stars, Burna Boy, MI, Naeto C and one of the best known artistes from the North, Sanni Danja.

“Nigerians would readily recall that we blazed the CRBT trail in Nigeria over seven years ago when for the first time in Nigeria, we made it possible for our subscribers to download their favourite tunes and make them their ringback tunes.

Others were to follow the trail, and

I

today, Nigerian artistes net millions of naira in revenue from their music distributed by mobile operators in the country through the CRBT platform,” said Nagasai.

He said consistent with its pedigree of leadership in innovation, Globacom is yet again raising the bar by expanding the collection of songs available to customers on its CRBT platform.”We are not just adding songs for its sake, but we are adding the latest from the best in the business all for the benefit of our esteemed customers. We are talking about new releases that music lovers have been waiting with bated breath for an opportunity to download onto their phones for quite some time now. You can now access them exclusively on our platform and serenade your callers with them,” he said.The songs that Glo customers can readily access include Flavour’s dancehall blaster, “Wake Up’, featuring Wande Coal, in addition to all his earlier hits.

Also available for immediate download are Omawumi’s latest release currently ruling the airwaves, “Megbele” in addition to her existing songs; Naeto C’s collaborative effort featuring Phyno, “China”; Burna Boy’s “Checks and Balance”, Sanni Danja’s “Alhaji” and Chee’s collaborative work with Olamide, “No More”.

Windows game developer unveils competition

NDIGENOUS mobile games company, Gamsole, has launched a new competition offering $4,000 in prizes and career opportunities for five talented illustrators.

Founded by Abiola Olaniran, Nigeria’s highest paid Windows game developer the firm creates games for the Windows phone platform, taking advantage of its fast growth and unsaturated gaming market.

The competition will run till the 23rd of this month and entrants must submit a graphical concept for a game, including character design in different moods and positions.

Gamsole will be offering a $3 000 prize for the best illustrator, with the runner-up receiving $1,000.

He said: “The top five will be offered permanent positions at Gamsole’s offices in Lagos, giving them the chance to own equity and be part of a high-growth, fast-paced startup.” With a passion for mobile application and design, the compu-

ter science and mathematics graduate started his business two years ago. In just six months of launching games on the Windows Phone Store Abiola had over three million players worldwide who fell in love with the addictive gameplay experience, from China to Brazil. “About 38 per cent of mobile phone users all over the world consume games, second to the use of social networks. People never get tired of gaming. On an everyday basis, millions of people are experiencing little boring moments: the long queue at the supermarket, the traffic, a 13-hour flight.

Apart from providing the entertainment factor for scenarios like this, mobile gaming also serves as a great tool for education.” After being one of the first African startups to be awarded an innovation grant from Microsoft 4Afrika, Abiola’s games now top over nine million downloads. Popular games include Juicy Links and Cookie Jam.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

60

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

Locally manufactured products lack global quality certification. They are denied access to markets in developed economies, thus constituting a major hurdle for Nigeria in building a robust export-based economy. Experts, however, argue that the situation is reversible, if an integrated quality management approach is adopted, writes Assist.

Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

How national quality infrastructure can boost export

D

ESPITE the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing, which made Nigeria’s economy the 26 th largest globally and the biggest in Africa, Nigeria, curiously, is not among the five African countries accredited by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the regulatory arm of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya and Mauritius have been accredited by the IAF – in line with global emphasis on quality. Nigeria, acknowledged globally as one of the largest consumer markets, is yet to be accredited.

What this means is that products and services from Nigeria lack acceptable global quality. This, according to experts, is due to lack of an integrated approach to quality management in Nigeria, resulting in failure to establish a national quality infrastructure, a system of institutions, which jointly ensure that products and services produced in the country meet predefined specifications as well as provide technical support to companies so they can improve their production processes and ensure compliance with regulations or international requirements.

Because most locally manufactured products lack acceptable global quality, they do not have access to markets in more developed economies, a situation that constitutes a major hurdle for Nigeria in building a robust export-based economy. The argument is that Nigeria, after 54 years of independence, ought to have a national quality infrastructure, which is an important tool for implementing a National Quality Policy (NQP) designed to improve quality, safety, integrity and marketability of goods and services made in Nigeria.

A national quality infrastructure, requires the establishment of Nigerian Accreditation Body (NAB), Nigerian Metrology Institute (NMI), Consumers Protection Council (CPC), Standards Regulatory Agency/s, Conformity Assessment Bodies, Quality Education and Competency Training and Certification Institutions. For instance, all metrological and calibration activities are performed by the NMI of a country, which Nigeria, unfortunately, is yet to establish and operate.

A Quality Management Practitioner and National President of Association of Systems Management Consultants, Mazi Colman Obasi, noted that the need for NMI for Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized.

Hear him: “NMI obtains, conserve, develop and disseminate the basic measurement units and the highest level of calibration

‘

For years, Nigeria got away without proper standardisation that is why Nigeria is what it is today. We still have not been able to export our goods into other countries, our biggest obstacles is meeting with international standards

‘

•Agaga

•Obasi

standards. It provides traceability to the national system and it ensures that international technical guidelines are followed for the metrological performance and testing procedures of measuring instruments subject to legal controls.”

He added that from the point of view of manufacturers, it ensures that their products meet international specifications for metrological performance and testing. Mazi Obasi told The Nation that once a functional NMI is established, it is easier for companies, research institutes, testing labs, and institutions of higher learning to interact and collaborate, and find more efficient production processes and new products for the markets. The quality of the goods produced will also be more consistent to international standards, hence facilitating commercial transactions.

Apart from the NMI, Mazi Obasi noted that a national quality infrastructure would also create a conformity assessment agency that will now begin to certify private companies. “Until we have many companies that are accredited with ISO 9001management systems certification, we are not going anywhere, we cannot export anything,” he argued, adding: “There will be training institutions, and universities will begin to teach quality in the schools, while organisations will spring up specialising in quality training. Research institutions will now begin to come up.”

Obasi explained: “The conformity assessment has the role of differentiating those goods and services that conform to standard and those that do not. The importance of the conformity assessment is directly related with the impacts that metrology and standardisation are supposed to bring by increasing their magnitude. The conformity assessment ensures that product conform to specified characteristics, increases the confidence that consumers have regarding the products, creates incentives for producers to upgrade their production processes. It establishes a visible link between standards and the market.”

The expert, who spoke against the backdrop of the ‘World Quality Day,’ that, Nigeria has no national quality infrastructure, and that until the country does so, she cannot be accredited by IAF to allow her enjoy the enormous and invaluable benefits of having her own accreditation body. He argues that in line with global emphasis on

quality, Nigeria must work on establishing a national quality infrastructure if it must be globally competitive.

November 13 every year is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate quality. The purpose of the World Quality Day is to promote awareness of quality around the world and encourage development and prosperity of persons, organisations and nations. The theme of this year’s World Quality Day is ‘Building a Quality World Together.’

As Mazi Obasi noted, neglecting quality has damaged Nigeria’s economy and brand reputation. “Quality management impacts everyone in the society, education and workplaces, the family and the entire economy.

Quality profession is the most important and critical occupation than any other professional callings in the world. The success and failure of any other occupation is depended how you apply quality knowledge and skills into it, and not your educational qualifications,” he said.

While pointing out that there is really nowhere for businesses to hide these days, he said quality failure is no longer acceptable.

He said the process of getting Nigeria accredited is what the NQP, which is still in the works, is all about. “Accreditation is an independent service undertaken in the public interest to establish trust (value), quality and safety of goods and services by businesses and consumers, governments and its agencies and other stakeholders from production to the distribution chain in the local and the global markets,” he pointed out.

According to him, over 90 companies are already certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Standards in Nigeria. He said there is ongoing nationwide consultations on formulating NQP. The NQP, he disclosed, is organised through the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). and the European Union (EU) - funded National Quality Infrastructure Project executed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation UNIDO. Obasi disclosed that the consultations captioned, ‘The Springboard to Global Competitiveness’ is packaged to prepare a NQP to support the creation of key systems and institutions to improve the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy and also ensure the global acceptance of products and ser-

‘

Accreditation is an independent service undertaken in the public interest to establish trust (value), quality and safety of goods and services by businesses and consumers, governments and its agencies and other stakeholders from production to the distribution chain in the local and the global markets,”

‘

vices from Nigeria. When launched, it may become mandatory for organisations and Nigerians to accept quality as a way of life to enable Nigeria join the world supply chain, by World Trade Organisation (WTO) removing technical trade barriers against Nigeria.

Interestingly, the benefits of imbibing the quality culture through the establishment of a national quality infrastructure is not lost on government. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, recently said NQP will usher in economic growth. Aganga, who spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for a NQP in Abuja, said access to a supportive but internationally recognised quality infrastructure would ensure access to independent attestation of product or service, which is considered as a prerequisite to gain access to international markets. The minister, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, said the policy would strengthen the national metrology system.

While admitting that “We do not have a national policy for quality standard infrastructure,” he said Nigeria was adopting this after 54 years of independence, and that the policy would produce a broad-based system to provide quality specification for all manufactured products in the country. “The inability of the country to firmly have an export-based economy stems from the fact that most of our products lack acceptable global quality,” he said, noting that as globalisation of markets continue their relentless pace, shaped by technological developments, more and more governments are carefully reconsidering the overall arrangement of their national quality infrastructure.

According to Aganga, this is coming about because enterprises in the developing economies in particular face daunting challenges in accessing markets in the more developed economies. “For years, Nigeria got away without proper standardisation that is why Nigeria is what it is today. We still have not been able to export our goods into other countries, our biggest obstacles is meeting with international standards,” he said, disclosing that the EU had released 12 million euro to support the enhancement of the national quality infrastructure, with a view to improving quality, safety, integrity and marketability of Nigerian goods and services.

For Mazi Obasi, this is a task that must be accomplished. While blaming what he described as the ‘Nigerian factor’ as being responsible for the delay of the NQP, he said Nigeria believes or thinks that the world will wait for her. “The world can’t wait for Nigeria to be accredited, you work to be accredited because the benefits are enormous, its invaluable,” he said, adding that lack of quality infrastructure is not only partly responsible for Nigeria’s rising unemployment, but also why Nigeria is not globally competitive.

Can Nigeria ride on the ‘World Quality Day and work towards having a quality management plan via the establishment of a national quality infrastructure? Experts say that although the agencies that are supposed to push this are SON and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, it remain a stakeholder thing, which must include the manufacturing firms, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and indeed, everybody.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

61

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

MONEYLINK

CBN cautions banks against KYC policy breach

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to adhere to its guidelines on the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy and stop violating it.

Its Governor, Godwin Emefiele who spoke yesterday at the second National Credit Reporting conference held in Lagos, said KYC is to enable more Nigerians have access to banking services.

According to him, the CBN has lowered KYC rules to ensure that more people are included in the financial system.

Represented by CBN Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Kelvin Ibedu, the apex bank governor spoke on Towards An Integrated Credit Reporting Regime For Effective Economic Development at the

Stories by Collins Nweze

event.

He explained that some banks do not follow the guidelines of the three tiered KYC by allowing their customers keep to accounts beyond the allowed limit. This he said promotes corruption which the CBN is fighting “The banks must understand that the limit set for three tiered KYC must be observed. Those who opened those accounts, you do not know their addresses because the banks did not visit them. We have instances where those who opened those accounts used them to perpetuate fraud,” he said.

Emefiele, who delivered the keynote aaddress said with the advent of the private credit bureaux,

Nigeria’s Getting Credit Profile as reported by the World Bank’s Doing Business Ranking has been improving from year to year.

He said the credit bureaux have grappled with various challenges notable among which are the absence of a unique identifier, poor quality of data and low compliance levels by financial institutions.

He noted that the credit bureaux continue to record steady increase in the number of records of registered borrowers.

He said: “From a mere 78,189 in December 2010, the total number grew to 18,640,000 in June 2012. The number as at May 2014 stood at 26,623,156.I want to commend the bureau operators for this feat and charge them not to rest on their oars as we still have more grounds

to cover if we must have a robust credit reporting system.”

He said the CBN is committed to providing the required regulatory support. “We have already made it mandatory for all financial institutions to have data exchange agreements with at least two credit bureaux.

Chairperson, Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Mobolanle Adesanya said the private credit bureaux were created to assist the CBN in the effective management of credit risk within the financial services system. She said effective credit reporting system remains a national asset that should be protected to promote sound financial system. She said

of tomorrow. And it’s something we are proud to champion,” he said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, noted that Airtel was strategic in partnering the bank to create an enabling avenue for millions of Nigerians to gain financial inclusion.

“With Access Money powered by Airtel, millions of Nigerians will be able to make purchases, pay for services and receive payments by the touch of a simple button on their phones. “We are indeed proud of our partnership with Access Bank and hope that many Nigerians will take advantage of this product,” he said. The service is also aimed at promoting financial inclusion for those with no access to formal financial services.

account offered by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, will now enjoy more perks as the bank has expanded its list of exclusive partners offering special services to its female account holders.

Ruby is a current account offered

by UBA exclusively to its female bank customers to satisfy some of their business and personal and needs comes with several specially attached privileges for account holders. The current account is specifically designed for the discerning woman of substance providing unique services to fit the banking needs of UBA’s exquisite female customers.

“Priority Pass” is the new value added services offered by UBA to Ruby Acct Customers. The “Priority Pass” grants customers access to over 600 VIP lounges in more than 100 countries and 300 cities

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele the deposit money banks constitute about 90 per cent of the data supplied to credit bureaux and subsequently, over 90 per cent of credit bureaux patronage.

UBA Ruby Account introduces Airtel-powered Access Money makes debut OMEN who chose Ruby, priority pass a female focused current

A

CCESS Money powered by Airtel, a mobile money service was yesterday inaugurated in Lagos. The product, launched by Access Bank Plc in collaboration with Airtel, allows customers to perform simple, secure and instant financial transactions using their mobile phones.

Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe explained that with the service, customers on the mobile network can send and receive money, make deposits and withdrawals, pay their utility bills and buy airtime for their lines. Added to the convenience this service provides is the ability of customers to receive money through agents nationwide or through card-less withdrawals from any Access Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

By Lucas Ajanaku, Collins Nweze and Jane Chijioke

“Through Access Money, we will be providing financial access to more and more people and small businesses; creating an easier channel for the distribution of financial aid; and also making it easier for government to receive taxes and deliver welfare payments,” Wigwe said.

According to the bank chief, Access Bank and Airtel agreed to introduce the product to support the financial inclusion initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) even as it serves as a platform to bring more and more of the under-banked and unbanked into the formal banking sector.

“It is something that reaches new groups of people and helps them to build and grow the success stories

Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2147 1.2858 0.7802 1.0972

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

O/PRICE 0.78 9.25 0.61 0.62 1.47 0.80 431.30 3.60 27.00 3.04 17.01

C/PRICE 0.85 9.71 0.64 0.65 1.54 0.82 442.00 3.67 27.50 3.09 17.20

CHANGE 0.07 0.46 0.03 0.03 0.07 0.02 10.70 0.07 0.50 0.05 0.19

LOSERS AS AT 18-11-14

SYMBOL TRANSCORP

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

4.21

3.99

-0.22

OANDO

23.00

21.81

-1.19

UBCAP

1.80

1.71

-0.09

194.94

185.20

-9.74

DANGCEM

worldwide regardless of the class of travel or airline a Ruby account holder flies.

“Priority Pass Membership offers great value for money and allows members to use any of 600 airport lounges whenever they travel” explained Olumide Osunyomi, UBA’s Head of Retail Products.

She said some of the benefits Ruby Account holders will enjoy when they travel include; “access to over 600 VIP lounges in more than 100 countries and 300 cities worldwide, use lounges regardless of the class of travel or airline they are flying, privileged access to over 70 US Airport VIP Lounges, relaxation ambience for both customer and her guests, complimentary refreshments and snacks as well as access to e-mail, internet and conference space powered by WIFI technology”

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2072 1.2858 0.7666 1.0972

GAINERS AS AT 18-11-14

SYMBOL RTBRISCOE CHAMPION OMOSAVBNK WAPIC CUTIX AIICO SEPLAT IKEJAHOTEL PRESCO AFRIPRUD ETI

W

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 17/11/2014 10/11/2014 06/11/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: October

8.1%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2)

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$37.6b

US Dollar

154.78

155.78

$79.98

Pounds Sterling

247.6944

249.2947

Euro

193.4286

194.6783

Swiss Franc

160.4104

161.4468

Yen

1.3617

1.3705

CFA

0.2764

0.2964

228.0521

229.5255

Yuan/Renminbi

25.2949

25.4592

Riyal

41.2582

41.5247

SDR

228.8113

230.2896

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

11-11-14 Rate (%)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES November 17, 2014

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Rate (%) 12-11-14

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

1M

11.94

12.18

3M

13.08

13.33

6M

14.03

14.17

FOREX RATES

JBERGER

67.20

63.84

-3.36

UNILEVER

35.70

33.92

-1.78

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

LIVESTOCK

2.24

2.13

-0.11

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

UACN

47.00

44.70

-2.30

FBNH

9.50

9.04

-0.46

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

ETERNA

3.46

3.30

-0.16

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Nov. 12, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

9.85

T-bills - 182

9.98

T-bills - 364

10

Bond - 3yrs

12.61

Bond - 5yrs

12.77

Bond - 7yrs

12.73

63

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

NEWS

Jonathan doing nothing on Boko Haram, says APC Continued from page 4

matter of days. “ Of course, President Jonathan and his cohorts knew this to be false but he needed to deceive Nigerians so as to prepare their minds for his eventual declaration for re-election.”

He tabled the party’s four demands which Jonathan must address.

They are: •an end to the raging insurgency that is daily killing and maiming our compatriots, •an end to the impunity that permeates the Jonathan Administration; •an end to the massive corruption that has left our compatriots impoverished in the midst of plenty; and •an unambiguous effort to ensure that that 2015 elections will be free and fair.

The APC National Chairman wrote off the recent distribution of Permanent Voters Cards by INEC and declared the exercise as a deliberate plot to corrupt the system to disenfranchise voters in APC-controlled states.

He said: “As you must all be aware, the recent exercise by INEC of collection of Permanent Voters Cards and continuous registration in 12 states of the Federation was a fiasco. The official explanation from the Independent National Electoral Commission is to blame it all on computer error.But we know this is a lie.

“The truth of the matter is that the ICT unit of INEC, which is working hands in gloves with the Presidential villa, deliberately corrupted the system in order to disenfranchise voters in APC controlled states.

“How else do you explain the fact this same exercise, which

had gone fairly well in 24 other states - mostly PDP states - is now a fiasco in Lagos, Kano Rivers, Niger, Ogun, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara all APC strongholds and with the highest number of registered voters?

“In the aforementioned states, millions of voters have been disenfranchised because the system was deliberately corrupted to wipe out their names from the voters register. Even those who were able to vote in 2011 could no longer find their names on the register.

“Zero units are now to be found more in APC-controlled states or strongholds. The PDP, realising the overwhelming support and followership which APC enjoys in the above mentioned states, has deliberately decided to use the ICT department of INEC to rig the 2015 general elections at source by disenfranchising millions of the opposition party’s supporters.”

Odigie-Oyegun said APC was joining issues with Jonathan on the poor funding of the Federation Account, which was meant to starve APC states of funds.

He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan, embarrassed by the runaway success of APC controlled states, has in the last two years embarked on a wicked scheme to create disaffection among the electorate in APCcontrolled states by not funding the Federation Account adequately.

“While this may appear a general problem affecting all states, he has secretly and unconstitutionally being funding PDP controlled states. Not too long ago he dashed all PDP controlled states N2 billion each. Not only does this affect the letter and spirit of our constitution, it also portrays him as the President of

the PDP and not that of Nigeria.

“Although oil has been selling at well over USD108 against the benchmark of USD78, President Jonathan had been funding the Federation Account only between 60-70%. What is his official explanation for this? He claims it is as a result of massive crude oil theft that he has been unable to fund the Federation Account adequately!

“The truth of the matter is that since the countrywide protest on the subsidy oil scam of 2012 and the embarrassing revelations by the House of Representatives panel, this government has now resorted to stealing from source.

“How can we be losing steadily on daily basis over months the same quantity, 700,000 barrels of crude? It is this stealing of crude at source that has made it impossible for the govern to adequately fund the Federation Account, and which has led to poverty and unemployment.

“Is it not baffling that up till today no serious individual or significant organisation has been apprehended for stealing 700,000 barrels of crude everyday! It is nothing but authority stealing-apologies to Fela Anikulpo-Kuti.

“Only a few days ago, President Jonathan’s administration declared austerity measures.

Given the difference between the selling price of our crude in the international market of an average of 108 dollars and the bench mark price of 78 dollars in the last three years, the government should today have close to fifty billion dollars (US$50 billion) in Excess Crude Account.

“But as a result of corruption and arbitrary manipulation of the account, today the government has declared that there is just three billion dollars (US$3

billion) in this account.”

The APC National Chairman said political developments in Osun, Edo, Ekiti had pointed to the fact that Jonathan might not allow a free and fair poll in 2015.

He asked the international community to have keen interest in the process leading to the next General elections.

He said: “Another pointer that President Jonathan will not allow a free and fair election in 2015 is the reckless use of the police and the military in past elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The extensive use of firearms by PDP thugs in Edo State in collusion with the police to vandalise the Edo State House of Assembly residential quarters, and the police humiliating treatment of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi are few examples of acts of impunity of this government.

In Edo State, the police continue to disobey the orders of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. In Ekiti State the police looked the other way when judges were being beaten and only two days ago in the same Ekiti under the protection of the police, democratically-elected principal officers of the state House of Assembly were sacked by six out of the 26 elected members.

“The Nigeria Police Force has today become the armed wing of the PDP and they cannot be trusted under President Jonathan to be unbiased umpire in the February 2015 elections.

“To the international community, we say it is not just enough to rush to declare any election free and fair on election day. We say election is a process, hence they must show interest in all the pre-election events leading up to the election day.

“In the end, everyone must work together to ensure that the will of the people prevails, that no one who is eligible to vote is disenfranchised, and that every vote must not just be counted, it must count!”

Odigie-Oyegun said the salvation rally was the beginning of the occupation of Abuja by the party unless the situation in the country improves.

He said: “What you are seeing here today, which is the first stage of the occupation of Abuja, is just a warning shot.

“If we do not see any discernible change of attitude on the part of the government, then we will move to the next stage on the list of actions that our party intends to take to stop the rot being perpetuated by the PDPled Federal Government “We are, therefore, using this opportunity to alert Nigerians and the international community to what is undoubtedly a set of carefully-set booby traps on the path to free and fair elections next year.

“To Nigerians who are desirous of a positive change, we say eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, and we call on them to join us to say NO to impunity, NO to corruption, NO to scorched-earth politics and NO to do or die politics.”

The APC National Chairman later led some leaders and members of the party in a protest march around Abuja to press home their concerns and demands.

Some of those at the Salvation Rally are: Former Head of State and presidential aspirant Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Governor Rotimi Amaechi; ex-governors Ogbonnaya Onu, Segun Oni(Deputy National Chairman for South), Prince Olagunsoye

Oyinlola; ex-FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai; Deputy National Chairman(North) Sen. Lawal Shuaibu; National Secretary Mai Mala Buni; the National Organising Secretary Osita Izunaso; presidential aspirant Sam NdaIsaiah, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Umaru Dembo, National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed and Suleiman Hunkuyi, among others.

Policemen stop Odigie-Oyegun, others Continued from page 4 sons died in Bayelsa because they were sharing rice. That insult must stop. Nigerians must stop them.

“Today, the police must tell us whether they are the police for Nigerians or the police for Goodluck Jonathan.

Gen. Buhari pleaded with Nigerians to vote out the PDP next year to have a secured and efficient country.

He said: “We started here in Abuja because this is the Federal Capital Territory; it houses all Nigerians; it is the centre of the country. This activity( Salvation Rally) is being conducted firstly here and it goes to the zones until we get to the general elections.

“Our concern is the level of performance of the Federal Government. I will like those of you that have the time and the capacity to reflect on what the PDP has done in this country from 1999 till date. Try and find out what was the state of our infrastructure in 1999, what it is now and what we have earned since 1999 till now.

“It will then dawn on you how corrupt, inefficient and indiscipline the PDP government is.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

64

NEWS

EPZ: Ijaw youths urge Itsekiri to stop insulting Jonathan

I

JAW youths, under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, have warned the Itsekiri to stop blackmailing President Goodluck Jonathan because of the stalled inauguration of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Delta State.

They said they were dismayed by what they called the reckless and irresponsible attacks on the President by the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) and other Itsekiri groups in Delta State.

They described the tirade against Jonathan as irresponsible.

In a statement by their spokesperson, Eric Omare, the IYC urged the leaders to stop insulting the President and resolve the dispute.

‘Probe kids’ death’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

T

HE leadership of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Bayelsa State has urged the inspector-general of Police (IGP) to set up an independent panel to probe the bloody outing of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in the state.

CLO said the death of two kids and the firing of teargas canisters by the police at the event, organised by Mrs Jonathan in Yenagoa, the state capital, should not be swept under the carpet.

Vehicle owners warned

T

HE Lagos State Police Command and the Chairman/Operating Officer of Tow To Go and Automotive Services Limited, Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2, Ikeja Lagos, have warned owners of abandoned and accident vehicles parked at Ifako, Gbagada, Ketu, Sabo Police stations and Ikeja Airport Terminal 2, to come and remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction three weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are: Mercedez Benz BH 326FKJ, Toyota Starlet AZ 756 AP, Mitsubishi AG 207KAF, Freelandar Jeep LND526AW and Toyota Corolla GR 603FK. Others are: Volkswagen Golf AG 750KTP, Mazda 626 BF851KSF, Land Rover FC 102 LND, Nissan Quest UA54AAA, Nissan Primera LC496EKY, Dacia Logan CU577KTU, Ford Rangar HL735KJA, Nissan Primera BP306AAA, Ford F350 BL 829KSF, Mazda 626 FU966LSR, Mazda 626 KSF 895BX, Volkswagen Golf FH156AAA, KIA Cerato LSR 826 BS, Mercedez ML RQ133KJA, Suzuki Legacy unregistered, Mazda 626 AT92AAB, Mitsubishi Montero DN 644JJJ, Mazda323AH192YRE, Mazda626 BD76FKJ and Toyota Camry CG646KSF. It also include: Toyota Starlet FS664LSR, Audi 2.6E KX96KJA, Volkswagen Golf AG 750KTP, Volkswagen Vantro KSF437BJ, Volkswagen Passat EPE 606CE, Volkswagen Passat MK 139CC, Volkswagen Golf KSF651BQ and Volkswagen Passat XV832AKD

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

The statement said: “The protesting Ijaw people of Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms are Nigerians and President Jonathan, as the President of Nigeria, has a duty to listen to their complaints, just like any other Nigerians.

“The fact that President Jonathan is Ijaw does not mean that he should ignore the complaints of Ijaw people in Nigeria.”

The youth said they were

unhappy that the Itsekiri leaders attacked the President whenever a government decision did not favour them.

They said: “We seriously frowned at the attitude of Itsekiri leaders and groups attacking President Jonathan and other Ijaw leaders at the slightest opportunity once a government decision is not in their favour. This will no longer be tolerated.

“It would be recall that the Itsekiri carried out a similar campaign of calumny against the Presidential Adviser on

the Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, over the amnesty programme, even when it was obvious that they were not eligible to benefit from the programme.

“We call on President Jonathan and other Nigerians to ignore the careless and irresponsible attacks by the Itsekiri leaders and groups as it is the stock in trade of the Itsekiri to blackmail the government once its decision is against them.

“The IYC insists that for sustainable peace and successful execution of the EPZ project, the Ijaw of Gbaramatu and Ogulagha must be given their rightful recognition as co-host communities to the EPZ project.”

Delta APC endorses Emerhor

T

From Polycarp Orosevwotu,

HE Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) executives yesterday at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, called for the adoption of one of the party’s governorship aspirants, Chief O’tega Emerhor for next year’s election.

The motions for the adoption were moved by the ward, local government and three senatorial districts’ executives from Delta North, South and Central.

The party chiefs said they arrived at the decision after examining Emerhor’s achievements.

The motion was earlier

moved by the Bomadi Local Government Area’s APC Chairman Amabiri Paul Azorbo and seconded by Uzezi Akugha, the legal adviser for Isoko South Local Government Area, in Delta South.

Others from Delta North and Central, who also moved the motion were: Mr. Felix Nwakoh, APC Chairman in Ika Northeast Local Government Area and seconded by Emma Chukwurah, from Oshimili South Local Government Area and Grant Okpako, APC chairman in Okpe Local Government Area.

including the Trans-Ode Itsekiri Road, Koko-Ugbenu, Ogheye Market, Ubeji Road and Ekurede-Itsekiri Road.

The letter faulted the substitution of the Itsekiri winner of the Warri South West Local Government’s primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Oritseweyinmi Omadeli, with an Ijaw candidate, George Ekpemupolo, who is said to be the younger brother of former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), as a declaration of the

governor’s horse trading at the expense of Itsekiri.

“A scenario, which witnessed the substitution of Oritseweyinmi Omadeli (an Itsekiri) as PDP chairmanship candidate for Warri Southwest Local Government Area by George Ekpemupolo, (an Ijaw) in violation of your own rotational arrangement, less than 48 hours to the election and contrary to the Electoral Law, speaks eloquently of the impunity and the disdain which the Itsekiri have been subjected to in your administration.”

Ughelli

Itsekiri to Uduaghan: don’t sacrifice our future for your ambition

T

HE umbrella body of the Itsekiri in the Niger Delta region, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), has cautioned Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan against sacrificing their future for his senatorial ambition.

The ILOT, led by J. O. S. Ayomike, reminded the governor, through a letter, that the Itsekiri were dissatisfied with him for allegedly not contributing to their progress and development in the last 16 years.

The letter, signed by Ayomike, Edward Ekpoko (secretary), Madam F. E.

From Shola O’Neil,

S’South Regional Editor, Warri

Rewane (treasurer) and A. O. Agboghoroma (member), reads: “Generally, the state, and particularly the Itsekiri, have not fared well under you, despite your nearly 16 years in government. In almost every decision, policy, action or inaction, you have consistently compromised Itsekiri for your personal, political, family or group interests and survival.

“Over the years, you have overplayed the game of numbers to the detriment of the

Itsekiri. Your administration has not only been detrimental to the development of Itsekiri but has set us back by at least 40 years.

“What can we today point to as your greatest contribution to the Itsekiri nation, after 16 years in government?

Yet, you have a desire to further represent Itsekiri interest in the Senate.”

The ILOT noted that projects that were dear to the Itsekiri had either been abandoned or not started by the Uduaghan administration,

APC primaries: Atiku woos Edo delegates

DSS arrests ‘killers’ of Bayelsa INEC’s secretary

T

HE Bayelsa State Directorate of the Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested six suspects for the alleged killing of the Administrative Secretary of the State Independent National Electoral Commission (BYSIEC), Chief Simeon Akpane.

The INEC officer was reportedly killed by gunmen on October 10 at 9pm in front of his home at Bethel Church, off Otitio Road, Yenezuegene, Yenagoa, the state capital.

Akpane was initially thought to have been shot at close range by hired assassins, but DSS said its preliminary investigation showed that he was killed by robbers.

Parading the suspects yesterday in Yenagoa, DSS State Director Lassan Baba named them as: Freedom Allen, 26; Clarkson Okilo, 27 (aka Oyoyo) and Abubakar Ibrahim, 24.

Others are: Salisu Haladu, 24; Maharaza Sallau, 20 and Simeon Macaulay Imiete, 20.

Baba said Allen, Okilo and another suspect on the run, simply identified as Ebi (aka Omega), conspired to rob for money for their needs on the day of the killing.

The DSS director said the suspects perfected their plan at Biogbolo Community School between 6 and 7pm.

He said at 8pm, they boarded

T

From Mike Odiegwu,

From Osagie Otabor,

a commercial tricycle (Keke) from their location to Otiotio Road.

Baba said the suspects confessed that they chose Otiotio because the area was perceived to be the home of the rich.

He said: “As they walked into Bethel Church Close, they saw a flashy car being driven into the close and they followed the vehicle, believing that the occupant must have money on him.

“As their victim parked in front of his house, they blocked him, searched and collected his mobile phone.

At that juncture, their victim grabbed Omega, a member of the gang who was holding a pistol, and began to struggle with him.

“This prompted Allen to collect the locally-made revolver, popularly known as Awka made, from Omega and shot their victim on the head. As their victim fell on the ground, they took to their heels with the victim’s phone.”

Baba said Clarkson, who collected the victim’s phone, sold it for N5,000 that night at 9.30pm to Ibrahim at Yenezue-gene. The buyer in turn sold it N6,000 to Halladu.

Halladu, the DSS director said, sold the phone to Sallau, who the command recovered it from.

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not dump the All Progressives Congress (APC), if he does not win the presidential ticket of the party.

Atiku spoke yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, at a meeting with some party leaders.

The former vice president said he was vying for the Presidency because of his experience in government.

Atiku, who solicited the support of Edo delegates to the party’s primaries, said his wealth of democratic experience and entrepreneurial capability set him apart from other candidates.

He said he was not a regional leader, as most of those competing against him.

Atiku said: “My reason for seeking the presidential ticket, most importantly, is to serve. I have a passion for service and I do not intend to give up on Nigeria. There is nothing going on in the country, whether it is security or economy.”

Yenagoa

F

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (right) discussing with former Vice President and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant during his visit to the governor in Benin... yesterday.

Benin

Three policewomen stripped naked in Edo

HREE policewomen were beaten up and stripped naked yesterday at Oregbeni Quarters in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

They were said to have been invited to arrest a tenant following a fracas in the house.

The landlady, who simply gave her name as Mrs

From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

Okebuse, confirmed that she invited the policewomen to arrest a tenant.

The policewomen are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

It was learnt that the tenant insisted on taking her bath be-

fore going to the police station but the policewomen reportedly said she should follow them.

An argument was said to have ensued and other residents allegedly joined the tenant to beat up and strip the policewomen.

Mrs. Okebuse said: “When the policewomen came to arrest the tenant, the people

started fighting the police. I ran for my live and hid at the other compound.”

An eyewitness, who spoke in confidence, said the landlady always harassed her tenants with the police.

The eyewitness said the tenant wanted to take her bath when the policewomen arrived, adding that they disal-

lowed her from taking the bath.

Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo expressed disappointment over the attack.

He said the police would not take the attack lightly.

The police chief said the attackers would be made to face the wrath of the law, adding that they had been arrested and charged to court.

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

65

NEWS Boko Haram: Senate moves to amend Electoral Act

•Chairman, Troyka Holdings Mr Biodun Shobanjo, displaying the Most Influential Personality in Advertising in Africa Award , at the Third African Development Magazine Awards of Excellence, at Novotel Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

With him is Chairman, Fateco Limited, Ghana, Robert Woode

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

A

bill to amend the Electoral Act to accommodate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), following Boko Haram’s onslaught in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, scaled first reading in the Senate yesterday.

The bill seeks to make provisions for the displaced persons by establishing polling units where they will exercise their franchise in the 2015 elections apart from where they initially registered.

It seeks amendment of Section 42 of the Principal Act by inserting new Sub-clause 42 (2), which states that “the commission shall establish polling units for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) in their respective camps nationwide.”

The new amendment will be cited as the Electoral Act, 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2014.

The bill is sponsored by Senate Mohammed Ali Ndume, (Borno South).

Eagles fail to qualify for AFCON

H

OLDERS Nigeria were bundled out of the African Nations Cup qualifiers yesterday as the final six places for the 2015 finals were decided.

Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, the Ivory Coast and Mali all made certain of their spots and join the 10 countries who had already booked their places at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria had to beat Group A winners South Africa in their last qualifier at their new stadium in Uyo to stand a chance of defending their title at the Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 continental champi-

onship in Equatorial Guinea.

They were 2-0 down shortly after halftime, however, after quick goals either side of the interval from striker Tokelo Rantie. Nigeria pulled one back from Sone Aluko with 22 minutes remaining and the Hull City striker then equalised deep into stoppage time against opponents, who had been reduced to 10 men for the last 19 minutes.

Congo finished second behind South Africa after a 1-0 win in Sudan, where Francis Ndanga’s second-half free kick ensured that veteran coach Claude Le Roy will go to a record-extending eighth tournament.

Jega assures IDPs: you’ll vote

T

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has reassured people in the Northeast of their participation in the general elections.

The assurance is coming on the heels of the continued clamour for the respect of the civic rights of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Jega, who gave the assurance during a meeting with stakeholders on Internally Displaced Persons and the 2015 elections at Sandralia Hotel, Abuja, organised by INEC and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), with support from USAID and the UK’s DFID, said it was learning from the experience of other countries and other Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to ensure that every eligible voter was given an opportunity to vote.

Community leader Ejeh dies at 75

A

T

•Late Pa Ejeh

at Holiness Evangelical Mission, Amatta at 11am.

Interment follows immediately.

There will be an outing service at the same church on Sunday November 23 by 9 am.

He is survived by wife Racheal Ejeh, children and grand children among them is Nwabueze Ejeh.

Burial for community leader

HE burial arrangements for the late Pa Anthony Johnson Eruli Egbokodo of Ifiekporo in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have been announced.

On Wednesday, November 26, there will be a service of songs at his residence, 49,Kagoro Street (Ireto), off New Road, Sapele.

On November 28, the body will arrive Warri Stadium at 8 am for a novelty match.

Interment will follow at 10 am at Ifiekporo. Entertainment of

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Enugu yesterday remanded Leader of Biafra Zionist Movement Benjamin Onwuka and 11 members of the separatist group in prison after they were arraigned before it for treason.

The secessionists invaded the Enugu State Broadcasting Serrvice studios on June 5 to declare the Republic of Biafra.

A policeman and a member of the group died during the invasion when policemen came in to stop them.

Those arraigned besides Onwuka are: are Kelvin Eke, Samson Ijaga, Uduma Uduma, Bethrain Obiekwe, Abraham Ugwu, Paulinus Uzoegbu, Fidelis Nwaano, Nnamchi Ndubuisi, Michael Olennya, Jeophet Nwaodo and Aloysius Chukwuma.

The prosecution told Justice D.V Agishi that the secessionists forced the radio station to air Biafran jingles and speeches of the late leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu and attempted to make a live broadcast for the secession of

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Biafra.

They pleaded not guilty.

The charges were read to them in English and Igbo.

They were accused of converging on Nike Grammar School, Enugu, on June 4, to capture the Enugu State Broadcasting Service Radio House and broadcast the secession of Biafra, contrary to section 37(2) of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of Nigeria 2004.

In count two, the prosecution said on or about March 8, 2014 in Enugu, they committed an illegal act with intent to intimidate and overawe President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Sullivan Chime, by hoisting the flags of Biafra and Israel at the main gate of the Enugu State Government House, , contrary to Section (37)(1)(2) of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2004.

On Count 3, it said on or about June 5, they armed

themselves with weapons, with intent to secede and broadcast the secession of Biafra, attacking ESBS radio house and forced the staff to play a compact disc containing Biafra jingles and speeches of the late Ojukwu “with a view to secure or procure unintentionally the restoration of Biafran and to overawe the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” contrary to section 37(1) of the Criminal Code Act, LFN, 2004.

On Count 4, the prosecution said the leader of the BZF, Onwuka, created a website and posted inciting publications with intent to incite and solicit support from the public to intimidate and overawe President Goodluck Jonathan, contrary to Section 37(1)(2) of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2004.

Following the ‘not guilty’ plea entered by the accused persons, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. D. E. Kaswe, asked the court to set a date for the commencement of trial.

I remain chairman, says Tukur

T

HE death of a community leader Pa Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejeh has been announced by his family.

He died October on 1, aged 75.

A statement by the family said the wake will hold tody at his residence in Umuohia, Amatta in Imo State by 4 pm.

On Friday, November 21, body leaves Aladinma Hospital, Owerri to his home town Umunwanmadu,Umuohia, Amatta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State by 7am. There will be lying in state at his residence, Ejeh’s compound, Umuohia Amatta.

Funeral service will be held

Biafra Zionist leader, 11 others arraigned for treason A

•The late Johnson

guests will follow at Ifiekporo Primary School.

He was 96.

NOTHER front has been opened in the internecine conflict within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who succumbed to pressure to resign in January, is insisting that he remains the party’s chairman, urging a Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain Adamu Mu’azu from parading himself as the chairman.

Tukur, who resigned from office on January 15 , argued that his purported resignation was a nullity as he did not comply with the procedure for vacating office as stipulated in Section 47(5) of the constitution of the PDP, requiring that he gives a 30day pre-resignation notice to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

He also argued that since he did not properly resign, and his purported successor, Mu’azu, not also properly appointed, the best decision for the court was to void both his supposed resignation and the Mu’azu’s appointment.

He contended that since Mu’azu’s appointment was not in accordance with the party’s constitution, which provides for election as against appointment, he (Mu’azu) cannot preside over the PDP’s National

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Convention being planned for next month because all proceedings at the convention will amount to nullity.

Tukur’s position is contained in a counter-claim he filed in a suit instituted by a House of Representatives aspirant in Adamawa State (Tukur’s home state) – Aliyu Gurin.

Gurin is by the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/ 2014 seeking Mu’azu’s sack and the voiding of Tukur’s resignation on the grounds that both actions contravened the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Tukur argued, in a supporting affidavit, that he was asked to step aside when pressure was mounted on President Goodluck Jonathan shortly after the defection of seven governors from the party to opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that over 10 months after the governors’ defection and his forced resignation, five of the governors have refused to return, thereby defeating the reason why he was asked to vacate office. He argued that the term “step aside” is not known to the party’s constitution and the law, adding that it was in the interest of

all parties in the suit that the court order the maintenance of status quo.

Tukur contended that even if he submitted a letter of resignation on Janury 15 during the party’s National Executive Committee’s meeting, the letter did not comply with Section 47(5) of the party’s constitution, which requires that a 30-day prior notice of such resignation should be given to the NEC by him.

The politician, who raised four questions for determination, urged the court to, among others, declare his resignation null and void; declare that Mu’azu’s appointment is null and viod for not being consistent with the provision of Section 45(1) and (2) of the party’s constitution.

Tukur also seeks orders setting aside his resignation, Mu’azu’s appointment and an order allowing him to preside over the party’s national convention. Tukur pleads for an order restraining the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or permitting Mu’azu to preside over the party’s affairs.

Hearing in the case will open today before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

8.

The judge fixed December

The suspects were represented by Mr. Olu Omotayo, the South East zonal director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).

Oyo aspirant denies report From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan and Jeremiah Oke

A

House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr. Abiodun AdigunHammed, has debunked the allegation that his supporters and the supporters of his rival, Temitope Olatoye, clashed on Tuesday.

Adigun and Olatoye are eyeing the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency seat in the 2015 general elections.

Adigun-Hammed described the allegation as the outburst of uninformed and desperate politicians, who were out to make cheap political gains.

Adigun, the chief whip of the House of Assembly, spoke yesterday at his Ibadan office while reacting to a report in one of the national newspapers (not The Nation) that his supporters clashed with his rivals supporters.

The lawmaker said he and his supporters were busy at the venue of Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s visit to his local government on the day.

He said he had instructed his lawyer to take necessary steps to ensure that the people who were trying to pull him down were brought to book.

“It is an unimaginable to read such blatant lies in a well respected newspaper. They did not confirm the story before writing it.

It is outburst of uninformed and desperate politicians, who are out to make cheap political gains.

If you see that report, the writer said he was unable to get fact from the police Probably he did not make effort at all.

“I was at the venue of the governor’s visit to our local government that day with the supporters of our great party in Akinyele Local Government on the said Tuesday. I wonder where the writer got such cooked story. I have instructed my lawyer to take a legal action and ensure justice is done.

“Temitope Olatoye mentioned in the story is a brother and my friend at the House of assembly. We had issues sometime ago and we had settled it. People are just looking for a cheap way of causing quarrel between the two of us.

66

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2014

NEWS

Caretaker panels for Ebonyi, Adamawa PDP From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said yesterday it has set up a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the party in Adamawa and Ebonyi states.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), on Tuesday, dissolved the State Executive Committees (Excos), following what it described as their engagement in unlawful conduct.

The party explained that their actions were capable of disorganising the party in the two states.

It warned that it would not hesitate to discipline any unlawful member.

This was contained in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh.

The statement reads: “Following the dissolution of the State Executive Committees of Adamawa and Ebonyi states, the NWC of the PDP has constituted caretaker committees to pilot the affairs of the party in the two states.

“The caretaker committee for Adamawa State has Amb. Umar El Gash, as Chairman, and Senator Zik Sunday, as Secretary, while that of Ebonyi State has Dr. Ifeanyi Onodugo, as Chairman and Mrs. Chinwe Mba, as Secretary.

“The NWC restates that the party will not hesitate to discipline any individual or any organ that might decide to constitute unlawful disorder in the process of our primaries and party administration.”

“Also, the party will not tolerate any publication of any list or result of any primary election, comments or publication

Manipulation of Benue ward congresses unacceptable, says Gemade

T

HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning, Barnabas Gemade, has said the November 1 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses in Benue State were manipulated.

The senator insisted that the alleged manipulation was unacceptable to his people, who he said desired transparent and uncontaminated congresses.

He said the alleged manipulation led to the move by the national headquarters of the party to take examine what happened at the congresses.

A statement by Gemade’s Legislative Assistant, Bob Jija,

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

said the senator’s comments became necessary following allegation that PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, supported the senator’s return to the National Assembly in 2015.

Gemade, who represents Benue Northeast, said his performance stood him out and deserved a return.

He said: “We state that Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, PDP National Chairman, is a personality that believes in justice, equity and

fair play. He does not condone illegality.

“Aspersions are being cast on his person by some misguided people because he is poised to looking into the various petitions from different states regarding the ward congresses that were marred by malpractices on the merit, as the final arbiter of the party.”

The statement added: “Senator Gemade is also a man of impeccable integrity; he is a mature and complete bridge builder who has all it takes to carry his constituents along.

“Suffice it to say that Senator

Gemade’s performance at the Seventh Senate has stood him out and can never be at loggerheads with Governor Gabriel Suswam, who allegedly pencilled down delegates in his house, as he was not sure of winning the primaries...

“The manipulations of the delegates were done and the simple truth is that manipulations cannot be done on a delegates’ list at the national secretariat of the PDP. “The authenticity of the state ward congresses can only be looked at, and if found wanting, thrown out.”

S

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

M

EMBERS of the two major parties in the Kaduna State House of Assembly disagreed yesterday on the supplementary budget the Executive presented to them for approval.

The Assembly referred the estimate of over N4.65 billion to its Committee on Appropriation and Implementation for in-depth study.

Speaker Shehu Tahir referred the supplementary estimate to the committee at plenary.

Reading the Bill for the second, Majority Leader Umar Yunusa Mohammed, representing Lere West, said the request was in line with the provision of Rule 3, Paragraph 1 of Order 2 of the Assembly’s standing order.

Mohammed said the Assembly approved the supplementary budget to secure a $30 million loan, an equivalent of N4.6 billion, for the establishment of state power plant.

The lawmaker said the negotiation for the loan was concluded in April between the Federal Government and Exim Bank of India.

But Minority Leader Mohammed Ali, representing Kawo, said the supplementary estimate was not proper because the year had nearly ended.

Bello Shaibu, representing Basawa and Bala Yunusa, representing Tudun Wada, expressed worry that the bill was coming at the end of the year.

Fulani association suspends chair

By Raymond Mordi

Just Worship 2014 holds tomorrow HEPHERDHILL Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, will be agog tomorrow as Rev. and Mrs. Israel Kristilere and their friends minister to people’s lives through melodious and spiritfilled gospel music at this year’s Just Worship.

The President of the Lagos East Baptist Conference, Dr. E.A. Awotunde, said the programme, tagged: Majesty, would start at 10pm and end at 5am.

Performing are Pastor Philip Adika and his wife, Lola, Frank Edward, Indian Christian Congregation, Pastor Moji Alawiye, Omotola Sax, Funmi Sax Ojo, Nathaniel Bassey, Benita, Shepherd’s Voice International and worship leaders.

Kaduna lawmakers disagree on supplementary budget

A •Security personel screening pupils at the entrance of a primary school in Maiduguri, Borno State...yesterday

T

PHOTO:NAN

Borno pupils troop out for resumption

HE Chairman of the Borno State Primary Schools Resuscitation Committee (BPSRC), Dr. Mohammed El-Nur Dongel, was happy yesterday that pupils’ attendance in schools reached 70 per cent, just three days after resumption.

Primary and secondary schools were closed for nine months and re-opened on November 17.

Dongel, who inspected primary schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Gov-

From Duku JOEL, Maiduguri

ernment Area, hoped the attendance would hit 100 per cent next week.

He said: “The current turnout of pupils is 70 per cent.

By next week, I am sure it will be 100 per cent. I would like all parents to know that the Borno State Government is doing everything possible to ensure a conducive teaching and learning environment.

“In two weeks from now, the governor will inaugurate

the distribution of free schools uniform, text and exercise books and meals.

Hopefully, by next week, the inauguration of school feeding will lead to a fullfledged resumption of primary schools in Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Biu in Southern Borno. “I assure you that our schools are in full session after the ninemonth closure over insecurity and insurgency activities in this state.”

The BPSRC chairman advised parents who had not

sent their children and wards back to schools to do so without any delay.

Dongel said: “I have given assurance that the schools have been secured by the state government and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). We can do everything humanly possible to secure the lives of our pupils and teachers.”

He added that over 200 patrol vehicles had been deployed in the schools by members of CJTF for tight security.

FULANI socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has suspended its National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo.

The association said the suspension followed Badejo’s alleged partisan politics against the provisions of its constitution.

A communiqué issued at the end of the association’s emergency meeting in Kano said the alleged utterances of the suspended chairman embarrassed its members and the Fulani race.

The communiqué, signed by Alhaji Wakili Babanngida, accused Bodejo of holding on to power by deliberately refusing to organise elections for four years, against the provision of the association’s constitution, which stipulates that its leadership should be changed every three years.

Protest in Kwara over ‘non-payment’ of SURE-P beneficiaries

S

CORES of beneficiaries of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in Kwara State protested yesterday the alleged non-payment of their three-month stipends by the authorities.

The placard-carrying protesters marched on some streets of Ilorin, the state capital, to challenge the refusal of the SURE-P management to pay them.

Among the inscriptions on their placards was “Save our soul, President Jonathan”.

The protesters marched to the Emir’s palace and the Federal secretariat in Ilorin before heading to the Government House, also in Ilorin.

The protesters said they were owed August, September and October salaries.

The state government promised to investigate the allegations against the SURE-P

•State coordinator: it’s sponsored protest From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

management to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The protesters accused the scheme’s State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Ibiyemi, of politicising it.

They alleged that he only favoured some party members to benefit from the scheme.

A coordinator from Isin Local Government Area, Bakare Adekunle, alleged that the coordinator planned to disengage beneficiaries, who were not in his party.

The protesters, who ended their demonstration at the Government House in Ilorin, met Deputy Governor Peter Kishira.

The deputy governor begged them to be

calm.

He said their message would be passed to the appropriate quarters.

Contacted last night, Ibiyemi said: “Though l am yet to see what is happening, but reports reaching me confirmed that a number of people, who certainly are not beneficiaries of SURE-P in the state, are going around protesting nonpayment of their stipends. In the first instance, they are not our beneficiaries.

“Secondly, if you are not a beneficiary, you have nothing to look up to. When we started about one and a half years ago, about 3,500 people were engaged.

At the end of July this year, all of them were still working. The system we operate in SURE-P is community-based. In fact, our real name is community services scheme...”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

67

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

68

CITYBEATS Two sisters held for ‘smuggling’ drug to detained sibling F OR allegedly smuggling 11 wraps of Marijuana to their detained brother at the cell within Ikeja High Court in Lagos, two sisters ýhave been arrested by the police.

The suspects, Shade Oyetobi (24) and Atinuke Adebanwo (32), allegedly committed the crime while visiting their brother, Babatunde Oyetobi at the inmates’ cell inside the court’s premises.

The suspects were apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Prison Services (NPS).

Babatunde is facing charges of assault and armed robbery before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

The prison official who foiled the suspects’ plan, Mr A.R. Muhammad, said they had approached him that they wanted to see their brother.

Muhammad said Shade was holding a cellophane bag and when he queried her about its content, they told him it contained leather slippers.

He said upon his insistence that the bag should be searched, 11 wraps of marijuana and a jar of Vaseline were found there.

According to him, inmates usually insert wraps of marijuana in their anus with the aid of the Vaseline and excrete them inside the

prison yard.

Shade, a hair-dresser, said one of her brother’s friends, simply identified as Jamiu, gave her the drug to deliver to him.

On her part, Adebayo, said she had three children and was the elder sister to Shade and Babatunde, adding that she used to come to court to meet her brother whenever his matter was being heard.

She, however, denied knowledge of her younger sister’s plan to smuggle the drugs to Babatunde inside the cell.

The suspects were later handed over to operatives from the Area ‘F’ Police Command for further investigations and prosecution.

My husband isn’t normal, wife tells court

A

TRADER, Folake Adewale, yesterday urged the Alakuko Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her seven-year-old marriage, alleging frequent beating and forceful sexual intercourse by her husband.

Folake (42), who resides at 26, Ogundipe Street, Alakuko, told the court: “I don’t think my husband is normal because after beating me, he comes back to his senses and tell me that he did not know he beat me. Many times, he forcefully makes love to me.

“There was a time that he returned from his village and insisted on making love to me that night and I turned down

By Basirat Braimah

his request. I did not sleep for three days for him not to have his way and because he is fond of charms and he is dangerous. I don’t trust him.”

Folake told the court that her husband burgled her wardrobe and stole all her money, adding that her he stole her money at will. She also said she had always been paying for their rent and feeding her child.

“My husband has threatened to kill me uncountable times; so, I want the court to dissolve the union for me to have peace,” she pleaded.

Her 45-year-old husband, Kehinde Adewale, a butcher,

admitted that he used to forcefully make love to his wife because she was denying him his right.

He said: “My wife used to starve me of sex for a month and since I don’t have any girlfriend, I force her whenever I am at the peak.”

Saying that he was always paying the rent and providing for the family, Adewale said he never stole her wife’s money and had never beaten her.

He insisted that he still loved his wife. The court president, Chief Awos Awosola, adjourned the case till November 25 for further hearing.

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

T

HE police yesterday identified the “strange aircraft” that allegedly hovered over the collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building was a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) CH 130 Hercules.

A police witness, Olusola Agboyi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), while testifying before Coroner Oyetade Komolafe, said the aircraft, which was on a circuit training mission, flew at very low altitude.

“I recorded statements from 34 witnesses who claimed the aircraft was flying very low and had caused panic among residents of the Ikotun area,” said Agboyi.

He stated that preliminary reports suggested the foreign guest house might have caved in as a result of internal saboteurs - visitors or lodgers at the premises.

He said the saboteur, undetected, could have used explosives or chemical substances to bring down the building.

Agboyi said he inter-

Synagogue: ‘Strange aircraft’ belongs to Air Force, say police •Building collapse was sabotage, church insists

By Precious Igbonwelundu

viewed one of the survivors, Taiwo Temitayo Taiwo, who claimed he heard a thunderous noise and saw lightening moments before the building came crashing.

The witness said he led the team that investigated the collapse and was also a member of the federal government’s panel.

He, however, noted that the police did not rule out the possibility of structural defect, but were yet to get a reply to the letter the agency wrote to the Lagos State Ministry of Works, requesting a test on materials used at the site.

Asked about the outcome

of the federal government’s inter-agency panel, he told the court that findings were yet to be concluded.

Agboyi told the court that the Bomb Disposal Unit of the police visited the scene of the incident, but was yet to present its report.

He said after watching the CCTV footages of the incident, he was of the view that it was consistent with controlled demolitions.

“The building came down in seconds. From the analysis of experts, the collapse looked like controlled demolition. It should be subjected to the testing of experts outside the country,” Agboyi said.

Civil Defence arrests nine suspected vandals

N

INE suspected vandals and adulterators of petroleum products have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command.

The state commandant of the corps, Ikemefuna Donatus Izuka, said they were arrested at Amuwo Odofin in the Festac Area of Lagos with the products suspected to be stolen and adulterated.

Izuka, who spoke while the suspected were being paraded with the products at the NSCDC Command Headquarters, Alausa in Ikeja, said the products were intercepted in three trucks.

By Basirat Braimah

He said the development was the manifestation of part of its responsibilities the monitoring and protection of oil installations and other critical infrastructure of the government.

The NSCDC chief decried what he termed the unwholesome practice of some economic saboteurs who are determined to cripple the nation’s economy.

He wondered why somebody would deliberately risk 21years in jail for illegal dealing on petroleum products. He, however, said the case was still under in-

vestigation, adding that immediately after concluding the investigation, the suspects would be charged to court.

Izuka admonished Lagos residents to desist from engaging in any illegal practice, adding that they should channel their energy into useful and lawful vocations that will be beneficial to them and other law-abiding Nigerians.

He enjoined the public to cooperate with the corps by giving useful information on any illegal activity being carried out in their areas for quick intervention.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

69

FOREIGN NEWS

Putin wants ties with U.S. based on equality, respect

P

RESIDENT Vladimir Putin said Thursday Russia was ready for cooperation with the United States, provided it was based on respect for each others’ interests and non-interference in internal affairs.

Putin, who has fiercely criticized Washington over the crisis in Ukraine that has strained U.S.-Russian relations, spelled out his basic terms for better ties after receiving the credentials of the new U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Tefft.

Putin and Tefft briefly stood side by side, posing for photographers, but said little to each other at a Kremlin

ceremony where several other envoys also handed the president their credentials.

“We are ready for practical cooperation with our American partners in different fields, based on the principles of respect for each others’ interests, equal rights and non-interference in internal matters,” Putin later told the ceremony.

“We are working on the assumption that Russia and the United States bear special responsibility for upholding international security and stability, and counteracting global challenges and threats.”

Putin’s remarks echoed

•New U.S. ambassador to Russia John Tefft (L) shakes hands and presents his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow ...Yesterday PHOTO: Reuters

earlier comments he has made on relations with Washington, which he has accused of trying to dominate world affairs and prevent Russia increasing its global influence.

The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia over its policies in Ukraine,

Ivory Coast government yields to soldiers’ demands I

VORY Coast’s government agreed on Tuesday to pay back wages and overdue benefits to thousands of former rebels now serving in the army after they paralyzed several towns across the country with protests, the ministers of defence and the interior said.

The world’s top cocoa producer is still recovering from a decade of political turmoil and a 2011 civil war that saw the French- and U.N.-backed rebels topple President

Laurent Gbagbo after his refusal to accept defeat in elections.

Protesting soldiers erected barricades and blocked streets in the commercial capital Abidjan and the country’s second city Bouake as well as in Korhogo, Odienne, Bondoukou and Daloa, a hub of the country’s cocoa industry.

While initially peaceful,

the protests, which involved several thousand soldiers, intensified after Defence Minister Paul Koffi Koffi said the government would cede to some demands and urged soldiers to return to barracks.

In Bouake, the former stronghold of the New Forces rebellion, soldiers entered state television and radio to try to broadcast a message rejecting the offer but were unable to do so as staff fled.

where separatists have risen up against government forces in the east.

U.S. President Barack Obama warned on Sunday that Russia would remain isolated by the international community if Putin continued to violate international law in Ukraine. Putin has dismissed such criticism and blames the crisis on the West.

Moscow approved the appointment of Tefft even though Russian officials said privately he was not en-

tirely to their liking.

Tefft was the United States’ ambassador to Georgia during its short with Russia in 2008 and was the U.S. envoy to Ukraine for nearly four years until July last year. He was deputy chief of mission in Moscow in the second half of the 1990s.

The previous ambassador, Michael McFaul, left Russia in February after two years marked by controversy and tension.

Another journalist killed in Somalia

G

UNMEN shot dead a journalist in the semiautonomous region of Puntland, the third killed in Somalia this year, a colleague and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said.

Radio journalist Abdirisak Ali Abdi, nicknamed Silver, was killed in the Puntland town of Galkacyo late on Tuesday, said Faduma Yusuf, who worked with him at Radio Daljir. “Gunmen hit him with several bullets,” she told Reuters.

Abdi, who was 25 and married with two sons, also worked for a London-based television station, NUSOJ said.

It was not clear what motivated the attack, but journalists have often been targeted since Somalia’s descent into conflict in the early 1990s.

Sometimes attacks have been prompted by reports on corruption or clan fighting, while coverage of the strict implementation of Islamic law has angered some Islamists.

France says jets strike IS targets near Kirkuk

F

RANCE’S defence ministry said yestersday that two Rafale jets had struck Islamic State targets alongside coalition planes near the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk in an effort to breach the group’s frontlines.

Two Dassault-built (AVMD.PA) Rafale fighters, both armed with four mis-

siles, targeted trenches used

by Islamic State to besiege the city at around 0330 GMT/ 2030 ET, the ministry said in a statement.

“This action was carried out simultaneously with our allies to create a breach in the defensive positions held by the terrorists on the frontline between Iraqi forces and Islamic State,” the ministry said.

French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll earlier on Wednesday told BFM TV that France would soon increase its deployment in the region to tackle Islamic State.

Officials have told Reuters that Paris is set to send Mirage fighter jets to Jordan to increase the number of missions against Islamic State.

SHOWBIZ

Multiple rape allegations trail Bill Cosby

H

IS purported crime did not just happen yesterday; in fact, one of the notable allegations leveled against popular American entertainer, Bill Cosby, was committed in 1985, and it only goes to confirm a popular Yoruba adage that says, ‘the pounded yam of 20 years remains hot’.

What started like a joke by a male comedian, Hannibal Buress, who called Cosby a rapist, as snowballed into series of ‘actual’ rape allegations against the 77-year-old entertainer.

Barbara Bowman, an artist in Scottsdale, Arizona, it was who first spoke out in a Washington Post op-ed published last Thursday. She claimed the entertainer had raped her in 1985 – she was just 17-year-old then.

She wrote: “Cosby won my trust as a 17-year-old aspiring actress in 1985, brainwashed me into viewing him as a father •Members of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), led by their National President, Ibinabo Fiberisima, visited Gombe State, Wednesday, to donate relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Reports say the victims who converged at a shelter in Gombe also include persons from neighbouring Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Yobe and Borno States.

Ibinabo was supported by; National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu and former president Segun Arinze.

By Victor Akande

figure, and then assaulted me multiple times.

“In one case, I blacked out after having dinner and one glass of wine at his New York City brownstone, where he had offered to mentor me and discuss the entertainment industry. When I came to, I was in my panties and a man’s T-shirt, and Cosby was looming over me. I’m certain now that he drugged and raped me. But as a teenager, I tried to convince myself I had imagined it. I even tried to rationalise it: Bill Cosby was going to make me a star and this was part of the deal.”

Bowman said she didn’t alert authorities at the time because “dismissive responses” from those to whom she appealed for help convinced her no one would listen to her. “That feeling of futility is what ultimately kept me from going to the police,” she said.

But if you think that Bowman’s case took so long to come, then, the allegation by Joan Tarshis, a journalist and publicist may be more shocking- she told CNN on Monday that Cosby sexually assaulted her 45 years ago- she was 19year-old.

From Tarshis claim, the strategy used by the actor, whom she accused of being a serial rapist, wasn’t too different from the ones told by the other women.

According to Tarshis who said she met Cosby in 1969 in Los Angeles when she was invited to have lunch by some friends of his, the actor invited her later to his bungalow to work on some comedy routines.”I thought, ‘That’s cool, getting to work with Bill Cosby on jokes,’” she told CNN’s Don Lemon.

She said Cosby made her a drink that he knew she liked, a Bloody Mary topped with beer

known as a Red Eye. She claimed that shortly after drinking the Red Eye, she passed out.”I woke up or came to very groggily with him removing my underwear,” she said.

Tarshis said that she tried to deter Cosby by saying she had an infection that his wife might catch, but that he then made her have oral sex with him.

However, Cosby has been denying the allegations of sexual assault since the decades-old accusations began weeks back, saying he has never been prosecuted.

Cosby’s lawyer, John P. Schmitt, said in a statement that, “The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment.”

The entertainer was said to have settle a case in 2006, filed

by Andrea Constand, a staffer for Temple University’s

women’s basketball team, who accused him of drugging and molesting her at his suburban Philadelphia home.

Constand’s lawyers said they found 13 Jane Doe witnesses with similar stories, but no witnesses were •Cosby ever called.

Like Bowman, Tarshis said she had kept quiet because she felt “the guilt and the shame of the victim” and because she didn’t think anyone would believe her.

“Who’s going to believe me?” she said on CNN. “Bill Cosby, the all-American dad, the all-American husband, ‘Mr. Jell-O’ that everybody loves.

Who would believe me?

They’d probably think I was out to get something.”

But she said she decided to speak up now in order to support the other women and give them “some more credibility.”

Bowman recently became an ambassador for a victim advocacy group, and she proposed changes to legislation that imposes time limits on assault victims’ claims.

Cosby, is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician, activist and stand-up performer got his start at the hungry i in San Francisco and various other clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action

show I Spy. He later starred in his own sitcom, The Bill Cosby Show. He was one of the major performers on the children’s television series The Electric Company during its first two seasons, and created the educational cartoon comedy series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, about a group of young friends growing up in the city. Cosby also acted in a number of films.

During the 1980s, Cosby produced and starred in one of the decade’s defining sitcoms, The Cosby Show, which aired eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. It was the number one show in America for five straight years (1985– 89). The sitcom highlighted the experiences and growth of an affluent African-American family. He also produced the spin-off sitcom A Different World, which became second to The Cosby Show in ratings.

He starred in the sitcom Cosby from 1996 to 2000 and hosted Kids Say the Darndest Things for two seasons.

70

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

71

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N recent years, Nigeria’s financial and economic conditions have been generally favourable. Although it has not translated into any significant alleviation of mass poverty in the country, the annual economic growth rate of over six per cent is quite impressive.

But, right now, economic prospects for next year do not appear to be good. Falling global oil prices this year have forced the Federal Government to review downwards both its revenue and budget estimates for the 2015 fiscal year. Referring to the grim situation and the report of the WB/IMF on the global impact of the slump in oil prices, the Finance Minister, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has warned that the fall in oil prices ‘presents (Nigeria) with a serious challenge’, and that everyone in the nation should be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices called for by the slump in the price of oil. In spite of the determined efforts over the year s to diversify the structure of the domestic economy, revenue from oil still accounts for over 85 per cent of the total national revenue.

Already, because of the fall in oil revenue, the excess crude oil account (ECA) from which both the federal and state governments draw has declined from $11.5 billion at the end of 2013 to only $4.11 billion now. Evidently, the drastic draw down is due to financial pressures that were not envisaged and for which there was no provision in the current budget. The states are currently demanding the further release to them of US$ 2 billion from the excess crude oil account. Anticipated revenue for the current year is N7.23 trillion. The Federal Government’s projected revenue for 2015 is N6.83 trillion, a staggering estimated loss in revenue of almost N500 billion.

In response to the looming financial crisis, the Minister for Finance has announced several austerity measures to deal with the situation. First, instead of the current budget oil benchmark of $77 per barrel, the budget for next year will be based on a bench mark of $73 per barrel. A fall of only $4 per barrel in projected oil benchmark should not be unduly alarming, as the loss of oil revenue involved can be easily recovered from the slack in public taxation and a more stringent adherence to budget proposals. As is well known, one of the main problems with Nigeria’s public finance is its poor budget implementation and the lack of budget discipline. Extra budgetary public expenditures on non-critical sectors of the economy tend to aggravate the financial situation.

Privatisation was intended to reduce public expenditure. But this has not happened, as the cost of government has continued to increase inexorably with the replication of several government agencies. The fight against public corruption has to be intensified.

The cautiously expansionary budgets of

RIPPLES

KWARA COMMUNITY WITHOUT LIGHT FOR 4 YEARS–News

Don’t lose HOPE. God can come down once again and declare ‘LET THERE BE LIGHT.

VOL. 9, NO. 3,038

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘The Lagos School must of course take care in not radically departing from its roots in historical scholarship and fall victim to what is new and fashionable.

This warning is particularly apt in the area of biographies which is an area...’

JIDE OSUNTOKUN

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s financial and economic prospects for FY 2015

•Okonjo-Iweala

recent years have certainly stimulated economic growth in the country. Most of this impressive economic growth is due to vastly increased foreign direct investment (FDI), including remittances from Nigerians abroad. But it is doubtful that these favourable economic and financial conditions can be sustained for much longer in view of the expected downturn in the global economy in the immediate future.

Economic recovery in the European Union is sputtering. Even growth in China and India, the two fastest growing economies in the world, is beginning to slow down. China and India are now Nigeria’s largest oil importers.

But next year and beyond, these two nations will import less oil from Nigeria due to the slump in global demand for manufactures. The United States has not only stopped importing oil from Nigeria completely, but has itself, thanks to its shale oil, become quite a big player in oil exports. So the lucrative American oil market has been lost to Nigeria- perhaps for good. But Nigeria has not yet made the necessary adjustments called for by the loss of the lucrative American oil market.

The logic of these negative trends in the global economy has not been lost on Nigerian economic planners, and Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s dire economic prognosis and warnings should

be well taken. Highlights of the austerity measures proposed by the Minister of Finance include a tight fiscal policy, a reduction in the allocation to the states and local governments from the federation accounts, a reduction in the general cost of administration, including a ban on non-essential foreign travels by public servants, better administration of the tax regime still, being largely evaded, and a cut in both recurrent and capital expenditures next year. Although she did not specifically say so, the Federal Government will be thinking of reviewing and eliminating some of the subsidies being enjoyed by the public. Of these, the so-called oil subsidy is the most obvious, but also the most contentious. Removal of the subsidy will increase the burden on the poor and increase the cost of doing business in the country as well. And there is no guarantee that the savings from the removal of the oil and other subsidies will be used prudently to mitigate its effect on the poor. Okonjo-Iweala has said agriculture and housing will be the core areas of investment next year. To these must be added the upgrading of the poor infrastructure, particularly power and public transportation, as well as the social sector of education and health.

Obviously, the proposed austerity measures are intended to return the economy to a fiscal balance. They are no doubt necessary, but care should be taken to ensure that the cost -saving measures do not lead to an economic recession in the country. The Minister of Finance underlined the risks involved in a deflationary financial strategy when she said that there was no need to panic over the anticipated decline in oil revenue for next year, and that the economic fundamentals in the country were still quite strong.

But there is going to be increased pressure on the naira exchange rate, which the government has been trying desperately to shore up by drawing increasingly on the foreign reserves. Given the expected decline in foreign exchange earnings from oil, which

HARDBALL

A

CONFOUNDING numerical issue involving the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with claims and counterclaims about numbers flying all over the place, has understandably attracted public attention.

The 26-member legislature, made up of 19 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and seven members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lawfully needed nine members to form a quorum. But as some of the lawmakers have shown, perhaps without compunction, the law is one thing, while observance of the law is another.

Interestingly, those who sat in the state’s legislative chamber on November 17 to endorse three commissioner-nominees presented by Governor Ayo Fayose of the PDP, and empower him to appoint 12 special advisers and to constitute caretaker committees for 16 local governments, were identifiable, and indeed nameable, except three of them who remain strangely shadowy.

It is obvious that without the mysterious trio, the business of the day could only be seen as an arrangement of doubtful legality, not to call it illegal. So, it is unsurprising that in order to give the dubious sitting a face of legality, the PDP caucus leader, Mr. Samuel Ajibola, reportedly insisted that it was in order, contrary

Power and a shadowy trio to the evidence. He said: “The quorum is nine and we had 10 members who attended the sitting. That shows that we formed a quorum.”

Were the officially known seven PDP members joined by three members of the other party? This question is inevitable and critical, especially because the 19 APC members were said to be nowhere near the place of meeting on the day. It is instructive that a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said: “We make bold to say that at the time the seven APC lawmakers were holding their illegal sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the 19 APC lawmakers, including the Speaker and his deputy, were on a live programme on Adaba FM in Akure.” Olatunbosun also argued: “There are 26 members in the House of Assembly; if 19 were on a radio programme in Akure, only seven should be sitting in the Assembly, and if they are more than seven, it means they are rented.”

constitute about 75 per cent of all foreign exchange earnings from exports, the government may be forced to abandon its defence of the naira exchange rate, and allow some devaluation of the national currency. The naira exchange rate, currently at N160 to the US dollar, may go up as high as N180, or more next year. Of course, this will have negative consequences for the economy in terms of inflationary spiral and the creation of jobs, the Achilles heel of the domestic economy. This will be accompanied by a rise in the cost of living, and this expected development could lead to widespread demand for wage increases in all sectors of the economy. We can expect some Labour strikes next year in response to an increase in the cost of living. Fearing the possible devaluation of the naira, foreign investors have begun moving their capital from the domestic economy to other economies where there are better and more stable fiscal and monetary policies, particularly the exchange rates.

It has been suggested in some powerful quarters that, to mitigate the negative effect of the decline in revenue on the domestic economy, the Federal Government should resort to deficit financing which will allow the public sector to borrow massively from the banking sector. Whatever might be the attractions of this alternative strategy, care should be taken to control and effectively manage the level of deficit financing so as not to completely crowd out the private sector from borrowing from the banks. There is some palpable fear in the private sector that any increase in the public sector borrowing requirements will damage the much desired expansion in the industrial sector, and consequently the prospects for job creation. Already, the domestic debt stock is much too high, and the foreign debt is beginning to mount again. Yet, the Federal Government is seeking to borrow some US$ 1 billion to better equip the Armed Forces to enable it tackle the growing Boko Haram terrorism. But a political resolution of the insurgency is more likely to succeed than a military solution.

Elections are due in the first quarter of next year. This will lead to a slow down in public sector economic activities, as all energies will be diverted to the elections, particularly the presidential. The second quarter too will not generate more economic activities, as the new governments at both the federal and state levels will need some time to settle down. In the circumstances, some decline in the growth rate in 2015 should be anticipated. It is unlikely that the current growth rate of 6.5 per cent will be achieved next year. Altogether, 2015 is going to be a more difficult economic and financial year for the country.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above If not for the gravity of the picture and the serious implications for democracy, it would have been easy just to laugh at the suggestion of hired impostors in the legislative chamber, which is expected to be a place for honourable persons. In this case, it should be emphasised that the fakes were dishonourable and those who brought them in were less than honourable. This is no laughing matter. That such a scandalous operation was conceived and carried out is disturbing, particularly because it bespeaks an unbelievable depth of contempt for an important democratic institution.

Beyond the revealing reality that the ridiculously defensive PDP has failed to release the identities of the controversial trio, which would have helped its case by showing that they were lawful members of the legislature, if indeed they were, it is noteworthy that the contrived sitting happened in an atmosphere of crude display of power. “Fayose provided seven members of PDP with 300 armed mobile policemen, complete with armoured vehicles, to conduct a plenary,” the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, said. Regrettably, this mix of unconscionable dishonesty and possible megalomania can only harm the state.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516.

Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO